Wikipedia:Reference desk/Miscellaneous

Welcome to the miscellaneous section
of the Wikipedia reference desk.

skip to bottom

Select a section:

• Computing
• Entertainment
• Humanities
• Language
• Mathematics
• Science
• Miscellaneous
• Archives

Want a faster answer?

Main page: Help searching Wikipedia

   

How can I get my question answered?

• Select the section of the desk that best fits the general topic of your question (see the navigation column to the right).
• Post your question to only one section, providing a short header that gives the topic of your question.
• Type '~~~~' (that is, four tilde characters) at the end – this signs and dates your contribution so we know who wrote what and when.
• Don't post personal contact information – it will be removed. Any answers will be provided here.
• Please be as specific as possible, and include all relevant context – the usefulness of answers may depend on the context.
• Note:
  • We don't answer (and may remove) questions that require medical diagnosis or legal advice.
  • We don't answer requests for opinions, predictions or debate.
  • We don't do your homework for you, though we'll help you past the stuck point.
  • We don't conduct original research or provide a free source of ideas, but we'll help you find information you need.

Ready? Ask a new question!

How do I answer a question?

Main page: Wikipedia:Reference desk/Guidelines

• The best answers address the question directly, and back up facts with wikilinks and links to sources. Do not edit others' comments and do not give any medical or legal advice.

See also:

• Teahouse
• Help desk
• Village pump
• Help manual

May 18

1902 edwardvs quarter

I recently found an edwardvs vii dei gratta rex imperator 1902 quarter... does anyone know how much it is worth? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rileymygolden (talk • contribs) 00:16, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Have a look here. Marco polo (talk) 01:22, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

It's very hard to judge the value of coins without inspecting them up-close. The problem is that the condition of the coin is critical to the value - it can sometimes make a difference of a factor of 100 in the price! Coin collectors grade coins very carefully - and it's virtually impossible to do that accurately with a photo. SteveBaker (talk) 01:36, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

As long as the photo is of good quality, you can at least get in the ballpark for coins that are not in mint condition. You could try a google search for a coin collectors forum, since they would be more likely to have more specific knowledge. Googlemeister (talk) 13:37, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

(Tip : As with all antique coins be sure not to try to clean it. That will usually reduce their value. ) APL (talk) 03:14, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Author of the legendary (for its stupidity) Pro-Tip?

Has an author ever been identified for, or confessed to, authoring that legendary Pro-Tip which says (paraphrasing) to shoot the monster until it's dead? 218.25.32.210 (talk) 05:30, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Can someone, possibly the OP, explain what this is referring to? A Google search didn't turn up much at all for me except maybe this blog. I think I'm on the right track considering Protip redirects to GamePro. Dismas|^(talk) 05:39, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Company firewalls prevent me from linking directly, but Googling "protip to defeat the cyberdemon" will take you right to it... 218.25.32.210 (talk) 08:57, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

`Perhaps you could explain what it is about instead? --Saddhiyama (talk) 09:00, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Are you referring to this? Googling those words doesn't take me "right to" anything. The first result is to UrbanDictionary.com. Dismas|^(talk) 09:05, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

It's obviously a famous Protip, as indicated by the Encyclopedia Dramatica entry http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Protip (can't link: spam filter gets it). It appears that it did originate with Gamepro, which gives "Protips" on how to beat video games. This particular "helpful" tip appears to reference Doom (video game). The full text appears to be "To defeat the Cyberdemon, shoot at it until it dies". I am only relating what I'm finding on the internet; I was too young to remember Doom. Buddy431 (talk) 14:12, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Notre dam des apotre --------> correct to Notre Dame Des Apotres and its abbreviation is (NDA)

Copy/paste of the full text of Rod El Farag

Rod El Farag From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to:navigation, search Rod El Farag (Arabic: روض الفرج‎, also spelled Road El Farag, Road Elfarag or Road Alfarag) is currently an administrative region forming about one third of Shobra in Cairo, Egypt. Rod Elfarag neighbours the River Nile to the west, Boulaq to the south, Shobra (administrative region) to the east and Elsahel to the north.

Historically Road Elfarag has been a residential area for centuries and was known in the early twentieth century for its Night clubs.

For many years Road El Farag was home to Cairo's biggest fruit and vegetable market,and the world famous El-nozah candy shop, started in 1940. This candy shop is home of the world famous homemade icecream. If you live in Egypt, stop by today and try some of the icecream or candy. [1] until it was relocated to and area on outskirts of Greater Cairo, like its neighbours it is generally overcrowded (170,000 residents per square kilometre).[2]

The Road el Farag market used to be the largest in all of Egypt and was the reason why many regional farmers and traders settled in Road El Farag area[3] The area were the market used to stand now hosts Road El-Farag Cultural Palace, which stands where the old market used to be.[4]

This district also contains good infrastructure such as the French school Notre dam des apotre and on its cornich there is Arkadia mall that contains famous stores such as Mobcco and Trianon confectionary and cafe.

[edit] References ^ Rough guide ^ Bulaq, Shobra and Road El Farag at Rough guide ^ Aljazeera ^ Ahram weekley

[hide]v • d • eDistricts of Greater Cairo

Cairo Abbassia · Ain Shams · Azbakeya · Boulaq · Daher · El-Manial · El-Marg · Muqatam · Nasr City · El-Quba · Rhoda · El-Sakakini · Shobra area (Shobra · Elsahel · Road El Farag) · Shubra El-Kheima · Zeitoun

Historical Coptic Cairo · Downtown Cairo · Faggala · Fustat · Heliopolis · Islamic Cairo · Kerdasa · Maadi · Mataria · Old Cairo ·

Affluent Garden City · Zamalek

Giza Agouza · Giza · Haram · Imbaba

Affluent Mohandessin · Dokki

Helwan El-Tagamu El Khames · Obour City

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_El_Farag" Categories: Districts of Cairo | Cairo Hidden categories: Articles containing Arabic language text | Egypt articles missing geocoordinate data | All articles needing coordinates Personal tools New features Log in / create account Namespaces Article Discussion VariantsViews Read Edit ActionsView history Search

 Navigation

Main page Contents Featured content Current events Random article Interaction About Wikipedia Community portal Recent changes Contact Wikipedia Donate to Wikipedia Help Toolbox What links here Related changes Upload file Special pages Permanent link Cite this page Print/export Create a bookDownload as PDFPrintable versionLanguages العربية This page was last modified on 17 February 2010 at 12:11.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Contact us Privacy policy About Wikipedia Disclaimers

—Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.235.189.99 (talk) 06:13, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

The original poster copied the entire article, requesting a typo-fix. I have fixed the original article and hidden the post above. Anyone else who wants to take a pass at copy-editing Rod El Farag is more than welcome, the article could use some help. Nimur (talk) 09:43, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Imperial Beach CA. quality of ocean water

How clean or dirty is the water off imperial beach? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ttuna (talk • contribs) 13:15, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

That seems to depend on how recently it's rained. See this article. According to this article, beaches in Imperial Beach were closed as recently as last month. According to recent climate records, San Diego has not had any rainfall since late April. Rainfall is unusual there from May through September. So, the ocean water there is probably okay now. However, I would check with the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health if you have any concerns. Marco polo (talk) 16:37, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Lawn

I have had a lawn in my backyard for over two years. Last spring it was green and healthy but in the summer it wilted. We thought that it was just too hot but in the fall it remained brown but we thought that maybe in the spring it would come back to normal. It hasnt. We have watered and weeded and taken care of it. What can we do to help it be healthy? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mr toocoolman (talk • contribs) 16:43, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

I apologise if this may sound stupidly obvious, and you may have already tried this, but there is lawn feed that you can buy. They are normally in tablet/capsule or liquid form. Here in the UK there are brands like Evergreen but if you're not from here then I doubt you'll have heard of it :) Chevymontecarlo. 18:23, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

It might be completely dead from drought, even the roots. If it is still brown nearly a year later, then that is what I would conclude. To introduce living material you could either try seeds or fresh new turf. The best way would be to remove the old dead turf so that you had bare earth to put the seeds or new turf on. Rake the bare earth to loosen it. But there is a chance that scarifying the old turf and sowing seeds onto it might work. Keep it moist while the seeds are establishing. Good luck.

If it is green but not as lush as it was, then try using some fertilizer or "lawn feed" as Chevymontecarlo suggested, and you could scatter some seed as well. If the soil is hard or too wet then it may need aerating, where you repeatedly stick a fork into it or go over it with a spiked roller. Update: you may have knocked it back by cutting it too low, especially during the drought period. If it is still green then adjust your lawnmower for a longer cut. Only after it is fully established and healthy can you gradually lower the blade. In other drought periods, raise the blade again. 92.26.59.108 (talk) 20:17, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

( Well, once again my horizon has been broadened by frequent use of Wikipedia. Otherwise, it would never have occurred to me that "It's dead, stick a fork in it" also applies to lawns! DaHorsesMouth (talk) 00:38, 19 May 2010 (UTC) )

Lawns suffer badly when sown on heavy clays that bake dry in the sun. I am relatively lucky in the UK that we get more than our fair share of rain so this baking effect rarely applies. But nevertheless I would agree with 92 above about aeration. Every Spring, for about £20, I get a lawncare contractor to visit my lawn for about 30 minutes with his great big petrol driven rolling machine that punches and lifts thousands of plugs about 4 inches long by 1 inch diameter. After he leaves, I lift all the plugs and either use them for compost, or discard them. And then, I scatter a mixture of lawn sand and lawn seed across the lawn and water them in. The holes give the lawn relief from over-compaction after a typical wet winter, and allow the fertiliser and seed to wash into the plugholes, and so far, I can boast one of the best and greenest lawns in town. Best of luck. By the way, I have neighbours who save their £20 by "forking" holes into their lawns using a standard garden fork, but I think they are kidding themselves as they are not removing any material, merely further compacting the soil around the tines. 92.30.74.114 (talk) 18:19, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I've been in lawn care for some years now and it sounds to me as if something else is going on here. Is there any animal activity on the lawn (birds digging, etc.). Have a dig around in the soil and look for grubs. Specifically Chafer Grubs or Leatherjackets. You say you have been watering and taking care of it, does this mean you have put down a lot of fertiliser? If so you may have burnt it. Grass doesn't need feeding too much to just grow normally, it gets fed to make it green up nicely and thicken. If you haven't got grass left then putting down fertliser won't make any grow, and if you seed while there is a problem underground, then the seeds/new grass will soon die. Also you might like to think about whether it could have been a fungal infection such as Red Thread or more likely Fusarium. Good Luck. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 91.109.194.40 (talk) 07:49, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Well we live in New Mexico so thats why we wernt scared at first but it dosent seem to be the heat and I cant find any signs of animals except for our dog and our kids. Should we just burn it and replant? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mr toocoolman (talk • contribs) 18:05, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

What colour is the lawn? Has it turned green after being brown last summer, or is it still brown? If its still brown, then it's dead and you need to start again. 92.28.253.142 (talk) 14:52, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Yeah, by all means try reseeding. Break the ground up a bit and rake out any crap. Put the seed down with a bit of compost/soil mixed into it and try to keep it wet while it germinates. I'm in the south of England so my knowledge of New Mexico weather/soil is limited I'm afraid.91.109.194.40 (talk) 23:19, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Podcast paid-for features

Ok, so I'm requesting some advice from other users regarding a podcast I'm subscribed to. Recently it's spawned a paid-for version which has more episodes per week, plus some bonus content. Before this, the podcast was free and the free part of the podcast is still being updated.

My question to you is - should I subscribe to this podcast? It's American, and since I'm in England and the prices are in Dollars I'm not sure how it would work if I was going to pay. Would it be worth getting the paid podcast?

I have been a subscriber to the free podcast for many years and it's great, but I'm not so sure about paying a monthly subscription for a new part of the podcast and then getting bored of it or running out of money. What can I do and how would the currency that I pay change from GB Pounds to US Dollars? Chevymontecarlo. 18:29, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

I can't advise on whether or not you ought to subscribe (other than to say that if you get bored, be sure to unsubscribe), but credit cards are a good simple way to manage the currency conversion. Your statement will show up in pounds and you'll all-but-certainly get an exchange rate with minimal overhead. — Lomn 21:22, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

I'd imagine that it would work like the times that I've traveled to other countries. I pay with my credit card company works out the exchange rate. Although, it may appear strange in your online statement at first. When I went to Canada a few years ago, the dollar amount that was taken out of my account was in Canadian dollars. Then later in the day it was converted to American dollars and I suddenly had more money than when the sums were in Can. dollars. Dismas|^(talk) 08:14, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

property

is a living animal, such as a dog or cat, considered to be property? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.27.140.198 (talk) 19:45, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

In the UK I suggest that all animals are property. This is implicit in the legal need for all people who own animals to treat them without cruelty and to be responsible for the misdeeds of the animal. Some animals are very valuable and will have some form of medical and/or loss insurance attached to them which again implies they are someone's property. You could try stealing someone's dog or horse or even hamster and see if the "owner" or the police have an opinion. Whatever you do don't tell the cats because they are convinced the ownership is the other way round. Caesar's Daddy (talk) 20:12, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Note that it is a very particular form of "property"—in most other property, you can do what you want with it (if I want to destroy my television, that's within my rights, if it's mine). With dogs, cats, etc., there are other regulations involved—you cannot treat them as "just" property, you have certain other obligations regarding their care, treatment, control, etc. --Mr.98 (talk) 20:24, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

(Edit Conflict) This has varied by era, culture, jurisdiction, individual philosophy, whether the animal is domesticated or wild, in the latter case who owns the land it's on, and who is doing the considering, so the general question is too vague to generate anything more than the general answer of "it depends," and debate which is not what the Reference Desks are for. If you have a more specific context in mind (e.g. 21st-century downtown New York), we may be able to give specific answers for it. 87.81.230.195 (talk) 20:13, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

The OP specifically mentioned dog and cat, which are typically household pets, and of course they are owned. The owner has certain responsibilites and legal obligations with them, just as with kids. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:37, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm guessing you knew this, but I don't know whether the 'kids' example is a good one, since many people are not going to consider kids the property of their parents. However in many countries there are plenty of laws which restrict what you can and cannot do with what most people would agree is property (i.e. I'm not talking about children or pets). Nil Einne (talk) 00:14, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Kids are not quite "property", but they are not "free" in the way adults are either; they are under care and responsibility of their parents. They are like "property" in some sense, just not the way a dog or cat would be. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 06:51, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Kids certainly aren't "free" - they're extremely expensive, in my experience. Ghmyrtle (talk) 17:03, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Regardless of laws, yes, the de facto situation is generally "this is my pet, I own him, I control him, I do what I want with him. If I want to feed my dog pig brains, you are going to stand here and watch it and not say a damn word. My dog, do you understand?!" Any ideas to the contrary would be met with hard cynicism. Vranak (talk) 13:03, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

See the article Animal rights. In many jurisdictions legal authorities have power to search and seize where cruelty to animals is suspected. This is often enforced for farm animals. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 13:38, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Abuse of both animals and children is typically illegal. The specifics of what constitutes abuse may differ. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 16:52, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Another hopelessly incorrect answer from Vranak. I'm not sure what country you are in, Vranak, but in much of the world, if you abuse a dog that you own, you can go to jail. Dog fighting can land you in prison for years and with hundreds of thousands of dollars in prison fines, in the United States. --Mr.98 (talk) 22:29, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Try civility 98. Anyway, I'm talking about attitudes, not laws. Vranak (talk) 02:43, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Well, you're still hopelessly wrong, as usual. Abuse of pets is not tolerated by most people in the Western world. The laws don't get there by magic and they are enforced. When big stories come out about, say, football players who abuse dogs, it leads to huge amounts of outcry against the players, their teams, etc. I see zero evidence of toleration of animal cruelty. People identify pets with family members and are readily supportive of them in general (by contrast, they are more tolerant about treatment of livestock and food animals). --Mr.98 (talk) 14:45, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Supplementary questions
If someone's male dog/cat runs loose and impregnates my bitch/catess are they bound to take ownership of the resulting puppies/kittens? Can I sell them if they are valuable pedigree puppies/kittens? If a champion stallion similarly impregnates my filly can I keep the foal and maybe race him? Cuddlyable3 (talk) 13:38, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I think, absent of a contract saying otherwise (and any planned impregnations involving valuable animals would have contracts associated with them), the owner of the female owns the offspring. Nothing else really makes sense, due to the difficulty of proving paternity - it can be done now, at a cost, but I'm not aware of any changes in the law to make use of that new ability. If you behaved dishonestly in order to get your female pregnant, there may be laws regarding fraud, etc. that are relevant. --Tango (talk) 16:46, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Anyone who allows a pedigreed animal to run around freely outside is pretty much asking for trouble. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 16:53, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Can you sue for puppy support? That seems to be the norm for human interactions of this type. 65.121.141.34 (talk) 21:33, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Lol - and I doubt it. The owner of the bitch is responsible for the puppies. But, if you can afford paternity testing for the puppies (and can get permission to test the other dog) it'd be interesting to try! --203.202.43.53 (talk) 08:39, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

collecting cost data from a hospital

hi,

How do I collect the cost data for calculating fixed cost and variable cost per day, for a ct scan machine for a given hospital? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Avinash madhukar (talk • contribs) 20:02, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Do you mean a CAT Scan machine? Chevymontecarlo. 05:38, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Presumably Avinash means CT scan —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.202.43.53 (talk) 07:41, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I am no expert but in the absence of one I would suggest you think about everything you will need to operate a CT scan machine and for each item decide whether it is a fixed cost or a variable cost. You will accumulate a list that might include the cost of a machine (bought or leased?), the cost of a building to house it in (rented or purchased?), the service and maintenance of the machine. The procurement of suitable staff to operate the machine. (full time, part time?) A power source for the machine, and so the list proceeds. When you have completed your list you will then need to individually source the cost of each item. I know this sounds as though it is commissioning a new machine and service but essentially that is how you will need to approach the problem. I am concerned that if you have to ask on this desk you may have some serious problems. The only other suggestion I have is to date someone from the finance department of your local hospital! 86.4.186.107 (talk) 08:43, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Cartoon

Does anyone know where I can buy the entire collection of Thorgal cartoons? Joneleth (talk) 20:28, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

Amazon.co.uk seems to offer a good selection [1]. Karenjc 20:47, 18 May 2010 (UTC)

May 19

How to build an outline of a talk at a political level?

¿cómo construyo un esquema de un conversatorio a nivel político? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.232.119.83 (talk) 02:55, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

¿Qué? Lo siento, no entiendo amigo español. [What? Sorry, I do not understand Spanish friend.]
"How do I build an outline of a talk at a political level?" [Google translation of OPs' question] --220.101.28.25 (talk) 04:20, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Maybe they should've asked at the Spanish WP... Chevymontecarlo. 05:39, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre. Le sugiero que envíe su pregunta allí en vez. And strangely enough, the IP is from Peru, so you would think that unless they deliberately sought out the English wiki, the default one would be in Spanish, right? 24.189.90.68 (talk) 08:15, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Perhaps they accidentally typed in eN.Wiki rather than eS.Wiki. At least I now know how to use Google Translate! ;-) --220.101.28.25 (talk) 08:35, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Don't rely on it too much for anything beyond simple sentences, more often than not it gives incorrect translations. 24.189.90.68 (talk) 10:31, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Yes, never use it for homework! I found out the hard way! :D Chevymontecarlo. 12:09, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Anyway, have they asked at the Spanish WP? If not, please ask at the Spanish WP, if you can understand me... If someone else could translate that and then add it to here, that'd be great. Translation is blocked on the computer I'm currently using. Chevymontecarlo. 12:13, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

24.189... has already suggested in Spanish that they ask at the Spanish WP. Marco polo (talk) 15:26, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Si quiere una respuesta en español, debe hacer su pregunta aquí. Marco polo (talk) 15:31, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I doubt that the Spanish wikipedia has a reference desk. Not many non-English languages do - and those that do tend to be kinda pathetic. Sadly, we're not set up to answer questions in other languages here - so there isn't much we can do to help. SteveBaker (talk) 16:23, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Marco's link actually does led you the the Spanish Wiki Ref Desk. They have one desk for all topics, and they also take on some "Why was my article deleted" questions, and are careful to refuse to give medical/legal advice. They appear to do a fine job, with s smaller number of questioners and volunteers than here. Edison (talk) 19:18, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

If you want an answer in English, I am guessing that by conversatorio you mean something like a brainstorming session. Depending on the political topics your brainstorming session will address, you could create a structure or outline by listing the topics you want to address, and perhaps breaking each topic into smaller subtopics or questions. If this does not respond to your question, please restate your question more clearly in English. Marco polo (talk) 15:57, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

South Mountain High School Notable Alumni

https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3500&ATCLID=96352 The Link For Barry Wagner South Mountain High School graduate now works For Y.D.I. in Phoenix, AZ helping troubled youth. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.26.21.21 (talk) 17:30, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Have you got a question? --ColinFine (talk) 18:50, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Keynote Paper

what is a keynote paper? How is it different from a paper? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Karthik1809 (talk • contribs) 17:48, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

See keynote and come back if you still have questions. --Tango (talk) 17:58, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

'Keynote speaker' is one of those buzzwords that is used very frequently...it just means it is the most important part of something, for example, a paper or speech written by somebody considered to be one of the leading experts in their field. GaryReggae (talk) 14:53, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

It's more than that. The keynote speaker is someone (usually very prestigious and respected) that speaks first and sets the tone for the conference. --Tango (talk) 15:00, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

...apart from the entity organising the conference, who had previously informed them what the conference is about. --Ouro (blah blah) 18:49, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm presuming that's where the Apple presentation program gets its name from - I should really stop hijacking threads, my replies get nothing done.... Chevymontecarlo 06:04, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Youtube and copyright

A couple years ago, I uploaded a short (<30 seconds) clip to Youtube of the scene from Wayne's World where Dana (a la Garth) plays the drums. A few days ago, it was removed due to a claim of copyright infringement from Paramount. Now I know Wikipedia does not offer legal advice, and I am not asking for any -- but is it possible to argue that the video was only uploaded under the guise of fair use, and should not have been removed? Keep in mind that this is not because I'm planning on fighting Youtube or Paramount about it (I know that it's absolutely pointless, considering how tenacious Youtube is about this nonsense); I'm just curious as to whether or not Paramount actually had a legitimate right to remove it. I read the article (and paid close attention the the "common misconceptions" bit), but like all documentation of copyright laws, it's vague. From what I read there, I'd say that A.) the clip was not long or substantial enough to really infringe on any major part of the movie, B.) it certainly didn't net a profit for me (that wouldn't make the case, I know, but it's much different than directly stealing the scene and, say, using it in a new movie), and C.) it's twenty Goddamn years old. I don't believe Paramount is still producing new copies of Wayne's World for people to buy, so who really cares?

Anyway. Sorry for the wall-of-text, but I thought I'd give a bit of detail. Again, this is not a cry for legal advice, just morbid curiosity on my part. Copyright holders can be real assholes when it comes to Youtube, and Youtube is notorious for bending over the instant anyone claims copyright, but I don't know. Does anyone else think this was overkill, and just another instance of big media walking all over the consumer? --69.144.20.28 (talk) 18:55, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Just to be clear...you are asking for legal advice; saying you're not doesn't make it so. That said, in these circumstances, plenty of people won't care and will tell you what you're asking for. I shall look forward to which side wins the inevitable discussion, which I shall not be a part of since I know nothing about copyright law. Vimescarrot (talk) 19:27, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

It's not legal advice, it's a question related to law. There is a significant difference. There's absolutely zero chance of Youtube reversing their decision, so why would I bother? --69.144.20.28 (talk) 05:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

"Can I put forward this legal argument in my defence?" That's legal advice. Vimescarrot (talk) 06:04, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Hardly. Again, it's not a "defense" -- it's simply a question. Do you honestly think I'm going to try to fight both Youtube and Paramount for something so irrelevant? Asking questions about chicken pox isn't medical advice, nor are the ones I presented legal advice. You said yourself that you know nothing of copyright law, so I don't think it's very fair for you to label a perfectly legitimate request for comment as a plea for "advice". Just because something pertains to a particular subject does not mean that it is a part of that subject. Wikipedia cannot offer legal advice, but that's not to say that editors cannot comment on legal happenings. As I said: there is a difference. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 08:26, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

What I think you're going to do with the information isn't relevant. And if you'd asked "Could I use (technique here) to treat chickenpox?" (which would be the medical version of your question, "Could I use fair use as a legal defence against Paramount?") then yes...that would be medical advice. 212.219.39.146 (talk) 09:37, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Sigh... I suddenly distinctly remember why I stopped editing here. The bureaucracy and stickler attitude of some makes it such an uncomfortable, rigid place; it used to be something better. It's not about opening every interpretation of a supposed rule and using it against something that you think may have a slim possibility of being slightly related to that rule. It's about being helpful. I'd comment on your contribution history and attitude on the reference desk, but why bother? No one understands anymore. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 19:58, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm pretty sure commenting on someone's previous actions to judge present ones is a logical fallacy of some kind. Either way, it's irrelevant; that IP address is used by a college, shared by a few hundred people. Vimescarrot (talk) 05:45, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Would it be a logical fallacy to assume that if Willy on Wheels were to create another batch of accounts, they would most likely be for vandalism? I don't think you at all understand what a fallacy is, nor what I was saying. Learning from the past is the only thing that prepares us for the future. And no, I was not referring to the contributions of the IP address. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 07:51, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Try searching and asking at YouTube's community help forum, link: [2]. Not quite addressing your questions, but there I have seen advice to members considering challenging a copyright take down (there exists a procedure), and I have also seen a particular member get YouTube reinstate their videos (after a few false starts) which contained short clips of copyrighted films, but this member had used them as part of a film analysis, ie with detailed commentary. Good luck. -84user (talk) 19:36, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

From the Fair Use article : "To justify the use as fair, one must demonstrate how it either advances knowledge or the progress of the arts through the addition of something new. A key consideration is the extent to which the use is interpreted as transformative, as opposed to merely derivative."

It sounds like you were just putting up the clip for its originally intended entertainment value. If you weren't using it as part of a parody, or an art critique, or a movie review, or something that you, personally, were creating, you're going to have a hard time justifying your use as a "fair" one.

This isn't a minor nit-pick, it's the whole point of the "Fair Use" doctrine! The idea is to allow people to create new works without unreasonable restriction. APL (talk) 19:53, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I agree, if the clip with entirely from the movie then it is not fair use. You aren't actually using the clip at all, just distributing it without permission. --Tango (talk) 01:19, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

It's a semi-famous piece from a somewhat significant cult movie, and I would think it would serve as a good example of Wayne's World-type humor. I'll definitely concede that it's not "educational" in the traditional sense, but if someone wanted to understand the attitude of the film (or perhaps reference the scene for some reason: Dana Carvey's real-life ability to play the drums? I don't know), it'd be a decent starting point. You can listen to samples of songs on iTunes if you're curious, so I've never understood why you can't watch clips if you're curious about a movie as well. I'm not about to piece together the entire movie in seventeen different uploads, but it was short, and it was a nonsense scene. And of course Fair Use is irrelevant to the media lords anyway, because it's always been about profit. I don't think a half-minute of silliness is particularly damaging to whatever their monetary gain may be, so I didn't quite understand Paramount's problem. (Note that I do understand entirely what you all are saying, I'm just explaining in a bit more detail why I disagreed with the removal in the first place). --69.144.20.28 (talk) 05:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

It it was included as part of a description of the film in order to illustrate some point about its style of humour, that might qualify as fair use, but the clip on its own doesn't. You can view samples of films for free - they are called trailers. --Tango (talk) 18:48, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

As a minor factual quibble, it's worth noting that a trivial search on Amazon reveals that new copies of Wayne's World are indeed being manufactured and sold. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 20:28, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Ah, I was unaware. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 05:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The real question is, does YouTube care enough in order to defy the takedown order? Probably not—especially since actual fair use must be used as a defense (in court), and is not straightforward. As for why Paramount cares—they probably do still produce copies of Wayne's World to buy (you can get it on Blu-Ray, which is pretty recent!), and anyway, they don't really need to have a compelling reason to care. The movie isn't ancient, the property isn't dead, they probably do make royalties off of it regularly. --Mr.98 (talk) 22:26, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Of course Youtube wouldn't bother to put it back up; of this I was certain. I was just curious as to whether or not it seemed a bit picky on Paramount's part to anyone else. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 05:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The law that YouTube is operating under is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, where a copyright owner can send YouTube a "takedown notice". The alleged copyright violator can respond in various ways. If you don't respond in any way by a certain deadline, then you're not following the DMCA's procedures, so the takedown will be permanent. Comet Tuttle (talk) 23:05, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

Err, I'm not sure about the end. The takedown notice lets the host (in this case, YouTube), avoid being sued if they comply. If they don't comply, then they can be sued. YouTube doesn't have to take it down, if they really think it is fair use. But there's a chance in that case that they'd have to go to court over it. Which in the case of Wayne's World clips, is probably not really in their interest. --Mr.98 (talk) 01:20, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

As I understand it, it is possible to get nearly any video removed within a day just by submitting enough copyright claims -- I really can't blame Youtube for being paranoid, lest the courts order something drastic like reviewing every existing movie and manually checking new additions (you never know), but it's frustrating sometimes nonetheless. It's enormously difficult to get the videos put back up, as well. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 05:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The wikipedia article has a lot of links which are supposed to try and help you determine whether what you're doing is likely to be fair use. They're probably the next step having read the article. BTW, Youtube almost definitely doesn't consider fair use or anything of that sort. If they receive a complaint perhaps they check if it's in accordance with the way laid out under law (i.e. a simple did they cross the 't's and dot the 'i's) if that, and then they take it down. I suspect they probably don't even check the video to see if it's even what the alleged copyright holder said it was in the complaint. From Youtube's POV, particularly for the original complaint it isn't simply about being paranoid or avoiding the costs of a court case. It's about keeping all their costs to a minimum and while they don't want to alienate their userbase, they also don't want to spend much time (which would also require someone with more expertise i.e. would cost more) on each request which at a random guess I expect 99% are probably legitimate with no possible fair use justification. They leave that up to the original contributor.

And for that matter Paramount likely doesn't consider fair use (even though a judge said they should [3]), similarly to Youtube they probably don't consider much at all, it's likely a fairly automated system with some sort of 'monkey' (no offense intended to people who actually do such a job) who just takes a quick look and confirms anything tagged by their system looks like it may be a copyright violation (the person may very well know less about fair use then you).

Thank you for the link. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 20:01, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Nil Einne (talk) 10:52, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Note also that ParamountViacom is currently suing YouTube i;e; Google for over a billion dollars for copyright violations. YouTube would definitely be extra careful about Paramount copyvios. Rhinoracer (talk) 12:15, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

And not just active copyvios, but the perception of tolerating copyvios. If I recall part of the suits in question are that YouTube is rather passive about copyvios and tolerates them quite willingly. So looking like they truly care about copyvio is one way to appear better in court (e.g., saying "we complied with 99.9% of takedown requests [regardless of whether they were fair use or not]" will look good to a judge). --Mr.98 (talk) 14:34, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

That's exactly what makes it frustrating, yes. And the thing is, I can understand Youtube's problem with the whole thing, but it's still saddening. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 20:01, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Fair use is a legal doctrine but a guise is an artful or simulated semblance. We are deeply moved by your tragic account of the cruel treatment you have suffered at the hands of heartless corporate henchmen intent on denying you your holy right to make them use the server they paid for to distribute free for you a film clip for which you never paid what it cost to make. Your frustration is understandable and should now be sufficiently ventilated. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 23:02, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

It was a figure of speech, and everyone reading knew exactly what I meant, but thank you for the context-Nazism nonetheless. Way to be a dick, as well. It was just a question, and not once did I act like a victim or whine about the circumstances. I was curious, and requested some input. You also missed the point entirely, for the record. And as long as we're being Nazis here, I should probably let you know that commas are your friend, and will help people navigate your walls of text. Nothing gave you the right to make a comment so drippingly sarcastic and vile. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 07:51, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Also: guise is a simulated semblance, yes, and fair use is a doctrine -- since when is it not possible to simulate a doctrine, especially one so vague? Fair use doesn't have literal, specific rules, you know, it's just an idea. --69.144.20.28 (talk) 07:57, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I hereby invoke Godwin's law...the discussion is now over - you lose! SteveBaker (talk) 13:29, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Podcast question.

Maybe this should be asked on the Computing Desk - I'm not sure. I am a bit of a technosaurus and have just purchased an iPod nano version 5. I am pretty confident about copying and transferring music and creating playlists etc., but have just discovered Podcasts, hence my query. I discovered a 3 series free language course which I thought would really help my conversation when on the Continent, and after an initial struggle, managed to download the many episodes and transfer them to my iPod. But no matter how hard I try to re-order them on my PC, whether in the Podcast List or in the Playlists after I transfer them, I always end up with the most recent episode playing first and the initial episode playing last, which clearly, in a language course, is daft. What I don't get is how, when I upload a music CD to my iTunes library, it too arrives as last in first out - but when I re-order them in my Playlists, they stay that way. So if I can re-order music lists that stay that way, why can't I do it with Podcast episodes? Like I said, I was born before television! 92.30.74.114 (talk) 22:43, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I agree that the Computer Ref Desk is the right place to ask this. StuRat (talk) 01:04, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Yes, you should probably go and ask your question there. Chevymontecarlo 04:32, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Bench pressing

I just turned 15 last week and decided to see how much I could bench press, I got 175 and I weigh 135. Is that good or what?

(I can't take full credit, because if it wasn't for my God then I never would have gotten to that). Thanks Taynk (talk) 22:54, 19 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm guessing those are pounds ? Personally, I'd think that God could bench at least 180. :-) StuRat (talk) 01:07, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Umm...yes they are pounds, and uh ya He can, it's the fact that He did it through me that makes it difficult :D Taynk (talk) 01:34, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

It doesn't matter what we think. Self-esteem comes from within. Vranak (talk) 02:40, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Could God make a bench press so heavy that even he could not powerlift it? Adam Bishop (talk) 03:29, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

And maybe have it exceeding the speed of light just for fun> ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 03:35, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Also note he didn't say "God", he said "HIS God". I'm guessing his God is Atlas, the God of Heavy Lifting. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 03:39, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Would anyone care to actually answer the OP? I'm assuming he just wants to know how that compares to some kind of average. It's the kind of question that does actually have an answer. Vimescarrot (talk) 06:02, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

For starters, there's Progression of the bench press world record. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 06:39, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Nope! I'm a psychologist by nature, so I get straight underneath the question to deal with why it was asked. The question itself is far too pedestrian to be of much interest, wouldn't you agree? I mean, lifting weights... really. Who cares! If he lifts a great amount, should he feel like a hot shot? I don't think so. Vranak (talk) 14:46, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

EXRX has a bench press standards chart that are a general guide to how advanced you are (there are other charts for military press, squat, deadlift, and clean if you're interested). Yes, 175lb bench press for a 135lb person is a very solid effort.--droptone (talk) 14:01, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

...or credit her God for extraordinary effort. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 22:26, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

now umm you guys are kinda strange about how you are all talking about the God thing. I didnt say that I saw God bench pressing 175 lbs. I said "if it wasn't for my God I wouldn't have gotten that). and thank you vimescarret apparently your the first one to actually get the question. and vranak I don't want to feel like a "hot shot", I just wanted to know what you think. Thank you Droptone. and Cuddlyable3, I am not a girl. Oh one thing I forgot to mention that might be important to mention for my weight factor is that I am 5'8" Taynk (talk) 02:51, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

May 20

DVB-s2 Card reader

I've read your articles on this subject. I'd like to purchase a DVB-s2 PCI/USB card. The TSReader and other software's I have. Can you assist in where to purchase the Hardware?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.228.101.77 (talk) 00:56, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Assist how ? You might do better to ask this at the Computer Ref Desk. StuRat (talk) 01:01, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Try a search for the item on PriceWatch. I've found very few pieces of computer hardware that the site does not have, so it's worth a shot. --McDoobAU93 (talk) 04:22, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Jamglue.com

Does anyone know why jamglue.com is shut down? I would like it if Wikipedia could help with this answer. Thank You. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.241.19.155 (talk) 04:02, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Have you tried asking the maintainers of the site? After all, the home page clearly says "Thanks for all your support. If you have questions, contact holla@jamglue.com". This would seem to be the easiest and most direct way of finding out. Dismas|^(talk) 04:06, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Considering what the site was about (from searches, I haven't come across the site before) my first though was 'copyright violations'. A quick search comes up with many people suggesting the same thing although I wasn't able to find anything more definitive like a statement or court case. You can try e-mailing them (and there's no harm in it, it's the only way you're likely to get an any more useful answer) but considering they didn't say either now or when they were shutting down on their website, it's possible a lawyer has advised them not to explain why they are shutting down. Or perhaps they reached and agreement with someone not to say (probably unlikely, I would expect an agreement is far more likely to ask them to direct visitors to some anti copyright violation site like [4] or otherwise warn people about violating copyright) Nil Einne (talk) 10:23, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Light bulb that contacts the dead

This video shows a light bulb that comes on and off at the will of the "spirits" (the live human operator). I'm wondering if anyone can confirm how it works. The board looks thick enough to hold some other electrical units, such as a radio device??91.109.194.40 (talk) 07:28, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

A- its really dead people contacting him.

B- some electrical device. I seen something that can be done with an remote.

But I am just judging from a video. wiooiw ^(talk) 08:41, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm at work at the moment, and so can't watch the video, but historically lights that flash "because of spirits" are usually triggered:

• If the operator (con artist) is touching any part of the device, by the operator touching a concealed switch
• If the operator is holding strings or wires from which the device hangs, by the operator touching a concealed switch connected by the wires by which the device is hanging
• if the operator is not holding the device, and the device is on a table, by the operator closing a switch on the floor or table which operates an inductive power source under the light, turning on the light
• if there's no way for wires to get to the device, and no way for power to get to the device by induction, it's being operated by radio - yes a radio device to do that could be miniscule.
• If it really is the spirits, why hasn't the operator claimed his million dollars from James Randi yet?

--203.202.43.53 (talk) 08:53, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I just watched the video on my phone - the most likely answer is it turns on or not randomly based on sound detection. Given that they're advertising the device to sell, I doubt it's controlled by the operator. The electronics could easily, for example, after 10 seconds of noise (talking), followed by 5 seconds of silence, randomly either switch on the lamp or not. --203.202.43.53 (talk) 09:08, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

203.202.43.53 is probably right.It is a simple devise. Something like that could easily be done. And we are looking at a video off from youtube, so anything could be done. wiooiw ^(talk) 09:15, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The board is a 2-layer sandwich with wires concealed between the layers. The battery is held by a cutout in the upper layer. I bet it contains a magnetic switch that the operator affects by moving a magnet on his knee under the table. Around 2:48 in the video he may have bumped the table. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 22:20, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Cuddlyable3, these devices are being sold on e-bay as if they were really supernatural. Think of them more like a magic 8-ball than a card trick -- that is, it's intended to fool or entertain the purchaser, it requires no skill to operate. It's not intended to be cleverly operated by the purchaser to fool an observer. Also it is described in adverts as able to be used without touching it or with someone else holding it, so that leaves control only by light, radio or sound. With the presumption that it is intended to trick or entertain the purchaser/operator we have to assume that the operator does not deliberately switch the light. That leaves sound. --203.202.43.54 (talk) 04:45, 21 May 2010 (UTC) (aka 203.202.43.*)

I disagree. I think they are being sold as trick items. Only they don't want to give away the secret of how it works, so you have to buy it to find out.91.111.87.81 (talk) 14:22, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

17th & 18th century mail coaches

Where can i find a list of mail coach numbers, especially trying to establish the number(s) of the mail coach from Bath to London / London to Bath. Each mail coach had a number painted on the side.Oaktp (talk) 11:58, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The British Postal Museum & Archive state that they welcome research enquiries. Worth an email? Dalliance (talk) 12:39, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Some of the references or links at our article mail coach may also be of use. DuncanHill (talk) 12:59, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Song

Is there a specific name for when a song changes in tempo, tone and rhythm? Here is an example of what I mean, at time 2:12 link 82.44.55.254 (talk) 14:36, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Transition? What about trying at the Wikipedia Language Desk or the Wikipedia Entertainment Desk? Chevymontecarlo 18:24, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Thank you. I will try asking at the Language desk (the ent desk is dead except for the same people who browse misc) 82.44.55.254 (talk) 21:17, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

need money for collage

hew do i need to contact to git financial help for school from my tribe the northern cherokee nation of the old louisiana territory? thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by 97.87.120.80 (talk) 15:10, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I suggest you contact the college you want to go to and ask them for advice. Is English your first language, because the spelling in the question meant it took a while to understand the question being asked? -- SGBailey (talk) 16:08, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Well, here are some Native American Scholarships, but I don't think any of them are specifically for the Northern Cherokee Nation. You could go to a free scholarship search engine, like Fastweb, and search there. At Fastweb, you have to create a username and profile. The Reader who Writes (talk) 16:16, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The Northern Cherokee Nation of the Old Louisiana Territory are not a federally-recognized tribe so scholarships would probably be limited to only those (if any) offered by that non-profit organization. 75.41.110.200 (talk) 22:31, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Fridge dial

I have a second-hand fridge, with the usual dial tucked away inside to set temperature. Is it usually the low numbers on these dials which signify lower temperatures, or the high numbers (in which case a higher setting would mean "put more work into making things cold")? Trying to find out by experimenting is hampered by time-lag and by the possibility that the fridge is broken. (Currently the fridge is too cold for my liking and I'm getting ice in my tomatoes.) 81.131.0.25 (talk) 15:36, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

In my experience higher numbers mean more powerful cooling. (I guess they go from 0 to 5 or something - sometimes you can start at 0 and turn the dial up until you hear the thermostat on the fridge switch on - and the motor starts chugging..) It's quite possible that some manufacturers have done it the other way - but higher = colder has been my experience.77.86.115.45 (talk) 15:47, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Cool, thanks. 81.131.0.25 (talk) 15:49, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Yes, every fridge I have ever used has had high numbers = more cooling, so to stop your toms freezing, turn it down. DuncanHill (talk) 15:54, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Don't refrigerate tomatoes. See this [5] or this [6] or this [7] or this [8]. Zoonoses (talk) 00:49, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Elevator doors

How many kinds of elevator sliding doors exist in the world? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:11, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Have you tried looking here? It gives a little bit of information. Chevymontecarlo 18:22, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Six or seven87.113.245.170 (talk) 20:15, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Archive question

In the question answer section the results are shown for only last five days.how could i get my answers if by chance i miss to see it?

thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.197.254.21 (talk) 16:22, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I've split this apart from the previous question since it seems to be unrelated. To search for a question that is older than five days (and thus, has been archived), use the search bar at the top of any of the individual Ref Desks (NOT the Ref Desk portal, which will just search the whole of Wikipedia). It will search all the archives. If you have a username, a great way to find your old question is to type that in...but since you're not using one, I assume you don't have one. Vimescarrot (talk) 16:32, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Specifically this link Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Archives

You can also search the archives using google or similar eg http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=reference+desk+archives+wikipedia+&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= and add the title of your question or some key phrase. The archives are in googles search index.77.86.115.45 (talk) 17:34, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Or you can just go to the relevant reference desk archive and look for the question on the list there, if you know the date of it.148.197.114.158 (talk) 15:30, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Trousers

Do mens/womens trousers fly area open to one side or the other based on gender, like button-down shirts? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 155.178.4.10 (talk) 21:08, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Yes - and it all traces back to the old days of yore when men wore swords on their left hip (being mainly right-handed) so that in an emergency they could rip open their coat with their left hand, and gain rapid access to their sword hilt with their right hand. Naturally, the fairer sex didn't have that problem so probably chose to advertise their femininity by NOT copying the male fashion. And it followed that what happened to men's coats, eventually happened with their trousers - though to be historically accurate, men's trouser openings did not initially have flies at the front - instead they had a flap or fall, that buttoned or tied at each side. Fly front openings followed much later, first with ribbons, then buttons and finally zips. But the pattern of the coat was copied into the trousers (and again, women didn't originally wear trousers so when they did, they chose to differ from the male fashion) and hence, your assumption is correct. 92.30.141.198 (talk) 21:47, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Is there a source for this myth? Cuddlyable3 (talk) 21:56, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

See Suit (clothing)#Front buttons. -- Wavelength (talk) 22:22, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I've heard both of the stories listed in our article — drawing the sword is one; women were dressed by their maids and therefore had buttons on the opposite side would be the other. Unfortunately, our article provides no cite for the latter hypothesis, and an unreliable non-academic source (a website for a clothing designer) for the former. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 22:53, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Obligatory link to The Straight Dope. Dismas|^(talk) 01:08, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Could the design of womens' clothing be so as to make it easy for a right-handed man to remove it? Edison (talk) 15:15, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

No! I've checked my and my husband's trousers, bought in Sweden, Holland and Turkey, and all flies open to the right side (from the viewpoint of the one wearing the trousers), and we open them with our right hands.Lova Falk talk 15:55, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Swedish Universities: Academic Requirements for Postgraduate Admission

Hello! I am an American citizen who, in 2 years, wishes to attend the University of Gothenburg and study their Master's program in International Administration and Global Governance. I couldn't find precise academic prerequisites (GPA, etc.) that are required for admission. I am interested in applying to many Swedish universities for post-graduate studies; generally, what seems to be needed for admission into Master's programs there? Thank You! - Vikramkr (talk) 22:26, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

Assuming that the program you are interested in is taught in English and you are a native speaker of English, a bachelor's degree from an English-language university seems to satisfy the basic requirements for application to a master's program in Sweden according to this site. According to the web page for the program you mention, the förkunskapskrav (prerequisites) also include 60 hec (higher education credits)—in Swedish terms the equivalent of a full year of study—in a social science discipline. So, if you studied for four years, at least 25% of your credits would have to be in a social science discipline. The other prerequisites involve results on English-language exams. You'd need to contact the program to see if they'd waive these for a native speaker with a degree from an English-language university. Under Urwal (selection) they mention further criteria that affect their admission decision. Beyond that, presumably they will want to see good grades and strong letters of reference. Generally, it's impossible to know for certain in advance whether one will be accepted into an academic program. Here is the home page for the program. Marco polo (talk) 00:48, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Indeed, this program is taught in English. They waive the requirement to prove proficiency in English if the language of instruction at the undergraduate institution was English. Additionally, I am pursuing an undergraduate degree that is interdisciplinary and completely grounded in social sciences, so that is good to know. Thank you for your help. However, as it is of course impossible to predict admission with certainty, I was hoping for some insight from Swedes in regards to the general academic requirements for admission, for postgraduate studies in Sweden. In other words, whether it be in reference to the University of Gothenburg or another university, what are the general expectations grade-wise? - Vikramkr (talk) 02:38, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Since these programs are intended for students with undergraduate backgrounds in Sweden and worldwide they usually don't have any actual expectations "grade-wise". The grading system used in undergraduate studies will be different for almost every applying student. It is also worth noting that in Swedish Academia - at least outside the technology field - there is very little focus on grades. Many undergraduate courses and programmes in the social sciences use only pass/fail grades, and it is definitely different between universities. Thus, I assume other factors are used to determine suitability of applicants, but I am afraid I failed when trying to look it up right now. /Coffeeshivers (talk) 07:31, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Great, thank you so much for your help! - Vikramkr (talk) 19:32, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Graduation Dress

What is the significance of a wide yellow scarf in traditional commencement dress? As compared to a gold rope for example. 132.209.95.55 (talk) 22:31, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

I think you're referring to an academic stole, the meaning and significance of which can vary widely. Our article on academic dress generally may also be of assistance. — Lomn 22:45, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

There is nothing specific in either of those articles. I was looking for something more specific. 132.209.95.55 (talk) 23:23, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

The article on academic stoles tells you some of the reasons that a person might wear that garment. Unless we know where you saw someone wearing an academic stole, it will be difficult to be more specific. Marnanel (talk) 00:01, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Individual schools generally create their own system of significances for colored stoles and cords- they can represent honors, organizations, areas of study, or something else. The best way to find out what an individual one means is to ask the faculty member in charge of graduation at the specific school in question. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 01:26, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The colors are pretty standardized. Here's a good chart: [9] Shadowjams (talk) 07:22, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Really? Because science in that list is gold, whereas I'm pretty sure it's blue in the University of Auckland or perhaps the whole of New Zealand (according to the academic dress article), which follows the University of Cambridge system I believe (so Academic dress of the University of Cambridge may also be of interest). (This Australian university [10] appears to have a similar trend.) Perhaps you meant standardised within the US?

The IP didn't give any indication they're only interested in one geographical location, in any event looks up to Canada, specifically the Université du Québec so at a random guess, they're more likely to be interested in Canada then what goes on in the US. These two Canadian universities do use golden yellow for science [11] [12] which may be the same as in the US and this one uses gold [13] which I guess is, however this one uses mint green [14], whether this is just an abnormality of it's less standardised in Canada I don't know.

More to the point, the colours and dress in the Université du Québec could easily be quite different, perhaps being based on the French dress and system, which according to our article uses Amaranth for science. (The website may say, but I don't speak French, it's unsurprisingly largely in French and I was lazy to use Google or Bing translate to research).

Nil Einne (talk) 22:03, 24 May 2010 (UTC)

May 21

Tesla Motors

Where are Tesla Motors cars manufactured? Everard Proudfoot (talk) 01:15, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Model S sedan [15]

Roadster - final assemby [16] chassis [17]

electric Powertrain [18] 77.86.115.45 (talk) 01:41, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Crab Lice

Why can't animals get crab lice (also known as pubic lice)? - I need to know for a school project!
~QwerpQwertus |_Talk_| |_Contribs_| 04:30, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

We have an article on the buggers: Crab louse. It confirms that humans are the only known host, but does not say why (and that particular assertion is not supported by an inline citation). I've also left a message on the talk page to see if there are any experts on the critters over there. Buddy431 (talk) 04:49, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

As an ancillary point – and assuming that our article's note about species specificity is correct – one wonders if there are not other, related lice which occupy similar niches in other mammals. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 11:57, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Thanks! I know that there they have counterparts in some other mammals - like gorillas, maybe it's just because they are different enough to be another species.
~QwerpQwertus |_Talk_| |_Contribs_| 13:37, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Presumably it must have been quite difficult for those living on different animals to interbreed, so they may well over many generations have drifted apart.148.197.114.158 (talk) 15:27, 21 May 2010 (UTC) though that still doesn't answer the question of why the animals can't catch them from humans. Perhaps they can, but just rarely do?148.197.114.158 (talk) 15:28, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Given that crab lice are predominantly spread by sexual contact, and making the (hopefully reasonable) assumption that inter-species sexual contact is sufficiently rare there may have been allopatric speciation involved. This is just an informed guess on my part, I have no evidence one way or the other. 131.111.185.68 (talk) 17:28, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

• sufficiently rare--excludes large areas of Somerset on a lonely weekend... Lemon martini (talk) 11:01, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Historical Centuries and Decades

Hello:

I was unaware that decade boundaries overlap century boundaries. Example: Wikipedia defines the Tenth Century in the Julian Calendar in the Common Era as being from 901 to 1000. I agree. However, the same source discusses that century's first decade as being from 900 to 909. Shouldn't the first decade of ANY century begin at the first year of that century? E.g., first decade XX01-XX10, second decade XX11-XX20, third decade XX21-XX30 . . . LAST decade XX91-XX00.

In the Tenth Century, this logic would dictate first decade 901-910, second decade 911-920, third decade 921-930 . . . LAST decade 991-1000. At the present time in 2010, we would be ENDING the first decade of the 21st Century and beginning the second decade in 2011. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dick1945 (talk • contribs) 05:24, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Yes, your logic is sound, but, unfortunately, logic and common usage don't coincide. Most people assume (wrongly) that there was a year zero, so they take January 1st 2010 as the start of a new decade, just as they celebrated the millennium on January 1st 2000. Then we could start arguing over whether the Common Era really began in 4 BC, so I celebrated the millennium at the start of 1997. Dbfirs 07:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

(e/c)Yes. Because there was no year "zero" all decades and centuries should logically start with "1". (Of course there was no year 1 either, but that's beside the point.) However, most people are not as pedantic as us, and prefer the equally logical view that all the 'seventies, say, start with 197x and so on.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:30, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I would very much like to see a citation about most people assuming there was a year 0. In my view, most people would assume no such thing, because it makes no sense to start counting anything at all, whether it be years of a new era, pages of a book, fingers on your left hand, days of the month, or Mother Courage's children, with a zero. They're all assumed to start with 1, unless we're told otherwise in some particular case. People group decades in a certain way for common convenience. It's intuitively obvious that "the 1940s" are the years 1940-1949, for example, so this needs no explanation. But if they're talking about "the 5th decade" of the 20th Century, that's 1941-1950. These are equally valid ways of grouping years into decades, as long as you don't confuse them. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 08:34, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The same goes for centuries as well. If I said "the fifteen hundreds", I would be talking about the years 1500-1599, which is slightly different than "the sixteenth century", 1501-1600. But while both constructions for specifying centuries are used, nearly everyone refers to decades as "the twenties" rather than "the third decade" or "the one-hundred and ninety-third decade". Buddy431 (talk) 12:27, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The difficulty is that people tend to think of 'BC' dates as negative numbers and 'AD' dates as positive numbers. Which would lead you to believe that the years -3 to +3 went: 3BC, 2BC, 1BC, 0, 1AD, 2AD, 3AD. But that's not how historians do it. There was no year zero. Hence, 2000 years of AD-ness ended in 2001, not 2000. But people are obsessed with round numbers and base-10 arithmetic. Jan 1st 2000 would have been just another boring day if we had 12 fingers - or if the earth's orbit was just a little bit longer - or if people revered numbers ending in '7' instead of '0' or if the christian tradition had decided to pick a different poor schmuck to be "the son of God", or if some nation other than the British had found the best way to calculate latitude and chose where the zero meridian should be! But it would still have been cause for great excitement whether the historians had thought more carefully about 'year zero' or not. Since the system is already totally arbitrary and people-mindset-centered, we might as well label millennia, centuries and decades according to how most people think they should be labeled rather than trying to get all scientific/mathematical about it. Hence, it's worthless to wonder "why" - that's just how it is. SteveBaker (talk) 13:20, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

That decimal obsession is how we got stuck with the Metric System. :) However, the first millennium ended "in" 2000, not 2001; i.e. on December 31, 2000, not December 31, 2001. Years 1 through 2000 are two thousand years. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 21:52, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Maybe you just have to "come to terms" with it in your own way:

• Every decade goes from xxx0 to xxx9 -- EXCEPT the first one.
• Every century goes from xx00 to xx99 -- EXCEPT the first one.
• Every millenium goes from x000 to x000 -- EXCEPT the first one.

Solves the problem rather neatly, for me! DaHorsesMouth (talk) 01:26, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Speaking as a member of the group of most people, this is my feeling on the matter as well. Except the last instance should be x000 to x999, was that a typo? 81.131.7.15 (talk) 09:11, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Not only was there not a year 0, there was also no year 1, 100, or even 501, so really when people started counting the years such, they could start wherever they wanted, and 0-9 seemed to make sense. Just to confuse things a bit more, the date of the new year has been moved a few times as well, I have seen it recorded as being in December, January, March, June and possibly May, if I remember correctly. Then there is the question of leapyears, the date on January 1st 2000 was quite a few hours out, and that is before we get on to the problems of months, equinoxes, easter, lunar calendars and the start and end of each day. Finding the date is a very complicated business, I for one appreciate any attempt to make it a little easier. 148.197.114.158 (talk) 09:35, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Or, if you don't like the system, you can always create a new calendar or your own, and that can do anything you want. 148.197.114.158 (talk) 09:47, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Equivalent of B.A.M.S. Degree of Panjab University with B.A.

I want to know whether Degree of B.A.M.S. (Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) awarded by Panjab University is considered equivalent to B.A. or not.

Dr Jyoti Bala —Preceding unsigned comment added by 210.56.110.84 (talk) 08:52, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

In what country, and for what purpose? TenOfAllTrades(talk) 11:55, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I doubt it, but it depends what you mean by "equivalent". That subject would not normally be classed under "Arts". See Bachelor of Arts.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 13:35, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Bend test

Pls. Clarify 0t,1t 2t bend test. Need of this test in reference to galvanized/colour coated coils. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rakeshknit (talk • contribs) 11:36, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

What? ╟─TreasuryTag►consulate─╢ 11:39, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

This appears to be a follow-up to an archived question; see Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2010_May_10#BEND_TEST. I'm not sure how much more help we can provide, beyond the links given in response to that question. -- Coneslayer (talk) 12:32, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I'll repeat the link here for ease of finding:

Answer [19] 77.86.115.45 (talk) 12:57, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

That text is a bit confusing. this is a bit more clear.LeadSongDog come howl! 05:58, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm looking for a pseudonym that has the name "Butch"

I suppose when people here the word "butch" they might think lesbians, or tough guys like Bruce Willis's character "Butch Coolidge" in Pulp Fiction (here). I tend to think of Butch Vig (as in here). (I've also thought "Butch Diamond"). I'm not intending it for internet purposes, but rather for snailmail, so it should resemble a real name to an extent. Additional note, I'm a male het. Any suggestions? Thanks.205.189.194.208 (talk) 15:24, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm not sure what your question is, but Butch is a real name. It's short for butcher of course. Why not call yourself Butch if you want to? If you're looking for a word to go with it, only you can decide that. Butch the Bulldog has a nice ring to it.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 17:16, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I've known folks named "Butch", and I'm fairly certain there have been public figures with that name. Butch Wynegar and Butch Buchholz come to mind right off the bat. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 21:44, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

If you search under "Butch", there are a number of notable figures with that nickname. I do NOT recommend adopting any of their last names for your use. And probably not an obviously fake name like "Butch N. Femme", either. Maybe some white-bread name like "Robertson", or whatever. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 21:48, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

"Butch Cassidy" actually is a pseudonym! — Michael J 22:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Homer Simpson used the macho name Max Power, so I recommend Butch Power. Deor (talk) 02:26, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Infinity

If you sit at the top of a bottomless pit and lower an endless rope down into it, how much rope can you lower into the pit?

148.197.114.158 (talk) 15:34, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Any amount you want to. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 15:42, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Let D be the depth of your bottomless pit. Let L be the length of your endless rope. If D−L≥0 then all the rope will fit without lying on the pit's nonexistent bottom (assuming that's what you want). If D−L<0, then the answer is D. Karenjc 16:00, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Hold on thar, Baba Looey. Infinity is not a number it's a concept of expansion without bounds. Both "infinities" would be the same "size", i.e. boundless. You could lower 1 foot, or 1 mile, or 1 parsec of rope into the pit, and you would be no closer to finishing off the rope than you were before you started lowering the rope. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 16:04, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Infinity is so a number! Or, well, it's several numbers. Marnanel (talk) 02:42, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Infinity can be thought of as kind of the "inverse" of 0, in that some of the properties are complementary. That is, if you multiply 0 by anything, you get 0 back; and if you divide 0 by anything, you get 0 back (except 0 itself, as division by 0 is undefined). Similarly, if you multiply infinity by anything, you get infinity back, unless you try and multiply it by 0, which doesn't really work. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 03:04, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Well apparently you can have different sized infinities. Indigestible, isn't it. 81.131.7.15 (talk) 09:22, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Mathematically speaking, yes. Physically speaking, no. The only way I can think of for this to work would be if the rope going into the black hole were somehow then being spun out through a wormhole and closing back in on itself. But that's no longer an "infinite" rope, it's simply a very large loop. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 11:16, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

The core problem is that the universe, as far as we know, has a finite amount of mass/energy. As far as we know, it's a "closed system", albeit a really big one, but not infinite. So while a black hole could metaphorically be a "bottomless pit", it's not really bottomless, it just acts like one. And it's not possible to have an infinitely long rope, because it would require an infinite amount of substance, which the universe does not have. (Maybe a physics expert could jump in here and explain if there's some theoretical possibility that it could work.) The OP's premise is kind of a cousin to the old riddle about an irresistable force heading for an immovable object. The answer to that riddle is that it's self-contradictory, because both entities could not possibly exist in the same universe. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 11:23, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Depends on the tensile strength of the rope. At some point, it's going to break under its own weight. Warofdreams talk 16:07, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Since an infinite rope and an infinite pit are imaginary, let's also imagine that the rope is weightless. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 16:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Why? That would change the problem. Warofdreams talk 15:58, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Would there be any gravity under the rope if the pit is bottomless?148.197.115.54 (talk) 17:44, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Then you're pushing rope, so the answer is "not much". --Sean 17:50, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Uh, Bugs nailed this question, not quite sure why we need to add mathematical forumlae and the like... Vranak (talk) 18:08, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

If you are interested in what happens when you try to place an infinite amount of something into an infinite space, Hilbert's Hotel is worth reading about. -- 140.142.20.229 (talk) 20:07, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

It occurs to me that the so-called "bottomless pit" could equate to a black hole. And if you have an infinitely long rope, then at the very least you're going to end up feeding the entire universe into that black hole. You might get a big bang out of that, eh? ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:16, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

More like a big whoop.--WaltCip (talk) 05:19, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Elevators in skyscrapers

I want a skyscraper in which any path between two different floors involves only one elevator (i.e. any two floors have at least one elevator in common). --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:08, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

And where would you like it delivered? To clarify, are you looking for the name/location of the tallest building where there is an elevator that stops at every floor? Dismas|^(talk) 16:10, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The most staightforward approach would be to have one elevator which stops at every floor, although it would be slow and might get pretty crowded. Perhaps a paternoster lift? Warofdreams talk 16:11, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Why aren't there any paternosters in the United States? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:12, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Who says there aren't any?

I don't believe there are any. George R. Strakosch's gripping Vertical transportation: elevators and escalators, from 1967, states that the installation of paternosters is not allowed in the United States. But it doesn't explain why, other than saying "its use demands agility". Warofdreams talk 15:58, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

It also requires that the elevator shaft be open to the rest of the building at every floor, which could be a fire hazard. I think that's why. 67.170.215.166 (talk) 03:26, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Why have most skyscrapers pairs of floors which have no elevator bank in common? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:17, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

If true it's probably to distribute the traffic. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 16:23, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Because elevator design is not about linking floors by one single elevator/bank but about design a service that can facilitate the movement of the most amount of journeys most efficiently. A single elevator going from floor 1 - 100 can only service 1 request at a time, 2 elevators (1 from 1-50 , 1 from 50-100) can service 2 calls more rapidly but at the expense of those going from 1-50+ (or those going from inbetween floors) having to switch elevators on the way. The question would become a case of studying how elevators are used and designing a system that works best based on expected average usage. ny156uk (talk) 16:26, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

also... This Architecture Weekly article may be of interest to you (http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0612/building_1-2.html) ny156uk (talk) 16:26, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Why have some skyscrapers pairs of floors which have no directly reachable floor in common? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:36, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

If you re-read my comment above this can easily be explained as...design. The elevator designer in some buildings will have decided that some floors not being directly reachable is a reasonable trade-off in terms of improvements elsewhere (e.g. faster response times for the most common journeys etc.). ny156uk (talk) 16:47, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Are there any skyscrapers with a split-level configuration? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 16:37, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

A number of double-deck elevators stop at every floor, sort of.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 17:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Are there any skyscrapers with a split-level configuration, as in parking garages? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 17:25, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Do you mean where part of the building is like half a story "off" from the other part of the building? ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:18, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

How many elevators with at most 13 stops are needed to have a direct connection from any of the 42 floors to any other floor? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 20:17, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

I have a solution with 45 elevators. I have no math proof that this solution is optimal. Comet Tuttle (talk) 20:38, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The least amount of elevators needed is 4, but with the stop limitation, they wouldnt be direct, one would need to exit at a lobby or mezzazine (is that the right term? like a lobby but on a higher floor) to transfer elevators. Plus, if you stretched the elevators to go 13 floors at a time, you would have one bank that went up and down only six floors. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 20:50, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The article on Empire State Building says it has a total of 73 elevators. Presumably it was set up with some optimal efficiency in mind. The typical elevator rider doesn't want to go to every floor in the building, but probably only one. The exception would be maintenance crew, which is why they have something like 9 of those 73 allocated to themselves-only. But in their case, speed would not be important, as they would be going floor-by-floor methodically. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:55, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

This doesn't quite answer the OP's growing list of questions, but the approach to elevator design at Watterson Towers might be of some interest. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:22, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

Which building has the most wheelchair-inaccessible floors? --84.61.146.104 (talk) 07:34, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Alan King used to tell a joke about a shopper who would buy her groceries one item at a time and slip between customers in the queueu saying, "I only have this one item". Similarly, I'm wondering if you're just really curious and that one question leads to another? Or whether you're writing a book on the subject, asking one question at a time? :) More to the point, have you tried looking for any of this info on Google? Just google [skyscraper elevator] or something like this, and you're liable to get a gazillion references, some of which might tell you anything you're looking for. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 11:12, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

I don't know about now, but Kowloon Walled City must have been a good contender. Warofdreams talk 16:05, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Making a whistle from White Deadnettle

I came upon a reference to making whistles from the hollow stem of white deadnettle but can find no instructions as to how to go about this. Can you help? 95.149.39.70 (talk) 20:20, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

The .pdf document here (p.19) simply says "Children can make whistles from the square stems by hollowing out the middle." This says: "The corners of the hollow stems are strengthened by specially strong columns of fibres. In the country, boys often cut the stems and make whistles out of them." Any help? Ghmyrtle (talk) 21:03, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

From memory, the pith in the middle of a deadnettle stem is quite soft and could be easily poked out (with a stick or piece of wire perhaps?). A better-known alternative is elder; instructions here[20]. Alansplodge (talk) 22:06, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

After removing the pith, one could use one's penknife to cut a labium lip ("C" in this image) in the stem to make a one-note "flute", as shown in the link provided by Alansplodge above. Poking holes in the stem judiciously, I believe, would allow one to produce other tones. Deor (talk) 23:01, 21 May 2010 (UTC)

And for once I thought this would be an RD answer that didn't involve taking the pith out of thomething :) Lemon martini (talk) 11:03, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

May 22

website error!!

how do i create my website to ensure top listing in google search, it a travel site , how does seo help? anyone please.. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.122.36.6 (talk) 08:57, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Essentially it takes a great deal of effort and time to get and keep a listing at the top of google's search. You need to 'optimize' your site so that it helps push itself up their Pagerank. This site (http://www.webworkshop.net/pagerank.html) gives some suggestions on how to improve your pagerank and explains a bit about how it works (at least based on what google have released as they're pretty secretive of what is one of their more valuable assets). ny156uk (talk) 09:09, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Search engine optimisation can help a little, but the main thing you need to do is make your site useful. Google's algorithms are very clever and it is very hard to get a site high up their search results without it being a good site. --Tango (talk) 15:44, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

I think some companies pay Google loads of money to get on the first page of search results, either that or they pay someone else. It's a lot of hard work and you are better off using different methods to advertise your site, although if you get the search engine things right it can really drive loads of traffic to your site. Chevymontecarlo 06:00, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Unfortunately for you, but fortunately for the rest of us who actually want to use Google, Google's algorithms are very good these days. The only way to get a top listing on Google is to make your site one of the best, most popular and most useful for the searches that you want to be top listed for. /Coffeeshivers (talk) 09:09, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

To Tango's point, note that there are many online companies that will advertise that they will take your money and use SEO to boost your site high, high, high in the rankings. Personally I'd insist on a money back guarantee and specific performance benchmarks required for payment before sending any money to these companies. Comet Tuttle (talk) 16:45, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Debt.

We keep hearing about the global debt problems following the recent financial boom and bust in the international banking and money markets. But as a simple taxpayer, I feel bamboozled by media experts and politicos constantly referring to foreign debt, structural debt, sovereign debt etc., etc. Please, will someone here either enlighten me or else point me to a layman's wiki article covering the subject? Thanks. I am reminded of, "you can fool some of the people some of the time.......". 92.30.55.247 (talk) 11:56, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

[The first posting to a discussion should not be indented.] This topic reminds me of a discussion about ambiguous wording, now archived at Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2010 January 9#Which is the subject?.—Wavelength (talk) 14:03, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

There is a pretty good (and quite popular) recent book on this topic by John Lanchester with the title Whoops!: Why Everyone Owes Everyone and No One Can Pay (in the US the word "Whoops!" is replaced by "I.O.U."). I recommend picking it up at your local library. Gabbe (talk) 17:07, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

It may help if you ask a slightly more specific question. Like, what caused x. Or what do they mean when they say y. Ref-deskers love being verbose, but the scope of this question might be just a bit wide.--Jabberwalkee (talk) 11:42, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Sword to identify

A friend recently brought me a sword to look at in the hopes I could help him get more information about it - provenience, age, etc. I have a small collection and I've read a bit about swords, so I agreed to do what I could, but I'm stumped. None of my books have a sword that looks like this. I've uploaded some pictures here. It is a straight-edged iron/steel backsword, with a back-edge point (i.e. part of the back is also sharpened near the tip to make it a more effective thrust weapon), which is common enough, I guess, but the work at the hilt is what's throwing me off. The grip is quite small (about 8cm - just enough room for my somewhat smallish hand) and strangely curved, though it's not uncomfortable to wield. The hilt also includes these strange flaps that come up over part of the blade on both sides, but they are not flush with the it - almost as if they were designed to trap an opponent's blade, though I don't see how they'd be very effective. The entire thing is quite rusty, so any marks it may have had are obscured, though the convex face of the cup-shaped pommel was at some time (perhaps originally?) painted a dark green. The scabbard is simply a couple of slats of wood covered with a canvas-like fabric. As you can see, it's not exactly top-quality, but it fits the sword quite well. The blade itself is about 60cm. To be honest, my opinion is that the thing is probably homemade, but I'd be interested to know (as would my friend) if it's been made "in the style" of something else. Any help appreciated. Matt Deres (talk) 14:33, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

All I can say is that the hilt is a Mameluke-style, and could be in imitation of the US Marine sword. I can't be sure, though, without seeing the whole thing. 67.170.215.166 (talk) 03:21, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

The sword in question is straight; the Mameluke-style swords, including the ones used by the Marines are all (so far as I know) sabres (i.e. curved). Also, the "flap" shapes appear to be an added decoration; on the sword in question the cross-piece, grip and "flaps" are one piece. You're still closer than anything I've found, though; any other suggestions? Matt Deres (talk) 14:26, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Marine Manufacturing Company Question

Can you please find out what happened to Cimmarron Marine Manufacturing Co. out of Jackso, GA. I need some info on my boat and all you list is the models they made. Like to know the history of the company like who bought them out. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.95.133.87 (talk) 17:09, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Odd Restaurant Voucher T&C

I have just downloaded a delightful voucher from Cafe Rouge which entitles me until Tuesday to a free portion of snails with any main course to celebrate the week of the snail (apparently). I was reading the T&C just to check anything I should know, and noticed something which is on lots of vouchers. The deal isn't available at airport or Center Parks restaurants. Why not, and why them? Is it a licensing thing, that these locations run the place separately and they aren't actually part of Cafe Rouge?

Cheers, Prokhorovka (talk) 18:45, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

It could be something to do with the location - they might have to pay a ton of money to Center Parks and the airport(s) in order for them to have a restaurant there. There might also be something in their contract with the airport/Center Parks which stops them from letting customers use offer vouchers. Chevymontecarlo 05:54, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Possibly to do with some places being franchises who's owners don't want to participate for a variety of reasons..hotclaws 08:46, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

old magazines

How do i find out if an old magazine is worth anything. i have an isssue of 1930 popular mechanics shop notes and a issue of 1952 golden anniversary issue of popular mecnanics —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.219.39.201 (talk) 20:07, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

I always do this by searching eBay. You haven't mentioned the month of the 1930 issue, but an eBay search for popular mechanics 1930 shows several for sale for about US$10. (I didn't investigate important details like the condition of the magazine.) Comet Tuttle (talk) 20:16, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Popular Mechanics are not usually worth a whole lot. There are about a million people on eBay selling them. It was quite, err, popular, and seems to have been the sort of magazine that people saved rather than just threw away when they were done with it. --Mr.98 (talk) 20:27, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

That reminds me, I have loads of old TopGear issues that need attention... Chevymontecarlo 05:55, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Abebooks.com is another good site where you can search for mostly any kind of literature, and check its current pricing amongst the antiquarian book dealers. A good advice would be to always use the lowest avaialable price there for the value of your literature, because it seems there is always a couple of dealers that charge ridiculously large sums of money for just about anything. A single issue of Popular Mechanics from 1930 is about 10-20$ worth, and the 1952 anniversary can be bought for 4.95-8$. --Saddhiyama (talk) 09:49, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Legality of Lolicon

Is lolicon (depiction of nude children) legal? I've read on the WP page about it that it's legal but only when there isn't anything "obscene". What do they mean? --TylerDurdenn (talk) 23:01, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Beyond the dictionary definition, see the Obscenity article. What counts as "obscene" in different communities, and legal jurisdictions, varies wildly, and is notoriously difficult to define (cf I know it when I see it). -- Finlay McWalter • Talk 23:08, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Uh, so, for example a picture of a girl (drawn in japanese style) with her hands down in the pants can be acceptable? TylerDurdenn (talk) 23:11, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

You'd need to ask a lawyer for an opinion regarding a specific image in a specific jurisdiction and in light of specific jurisprudence. -- Finlay McWalter • Talk 23:15, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

Probably the best answer we can give you is "Maybe". Like Finlay says, it depends on so many things. If you had a specific image that was involved in a case already, we could probably help find information about that case but as far as a hypothetical image in some random jurisdiction, our best is not a solid answer. Dismas|^(talk) 23:43, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

The image shown at the top of the Lolicon is unlikely to be illegal in any of the 'liberal democracies'. In the case of depictions of things beyond "pyjama parties" there is an article Legal status of cartoon pornography depicting minors.87.102.18.191 (talk) 23:53, 22 May 2010 (UTC)

In the United States, a drawing cannot be considered child pornography if it doesn't include any real children, as per Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition (in some Countries, like the UK, it can be considered child pornography). They can, however, be illegal under the Miller test for obscenity. It's easy to prosecute someone for possessing child pornography: if it depicts children in sexual acts, it's child porn: throw the guy in jail. It's much harder (in the U.S. anyway) to prosecute someone for obscenity. Obscenity is notoriously hard to define, and thus also notoriously hard to prosecute for. In particular, under the Miller test, prosecutors must show that the work "lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value". Do cartoons of children engaging in sexual acts have any artistic value? It certainly could. So in the United States, people are rarely successfully prosecuted for lolicon or similar types of images. If it's nearly impossible to prosecute you for it, does that make it legal? I'll leave that up to the political philosophers here. Buddy431 (talk) 04:07, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

There is no way a drawing can include real children. It might depict children or be an incidental product of an act exploiting real children. I think only the latter would be prosecuted. WHY ARE WE GIVING LEGAL ADVICE ANYWAY? Cuddlyable3 (talk) 19:08, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I expect they are referring to realistic depictions of real children. The example in that article are not realistic looking children, they're cartoon characters. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:13, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Well, i was asking because there are drawings like this: http://rule34.paheal.net/post/list/rin_kokonoe/1 circulating online, and everyone seems to be fine with it... --TylerDurdenn (talk) 20:53, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Eek. I could see where those could be trouble. I doubt "everyone" is just fine with it. But they're still just cartoon characters. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 21:14, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

That character is from Kodomo no Jikan. Look around on YouTube for clips, you can notice that there's a lot of innuendo... implied bare chest, lowered panties, improper licking... it must be that peculiar Japanese culture striking again. --TylerDurdenn (talk) 21:21, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

May 23

Junichi Masuda

e-mail address? --70.129.186.243 (talk) 02:16, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I doubt the address is publicly available, but he may have an email address for media or for the press etc. but I doubt you would be able to find it - people like that would get so much mail from fans and haters that they usually don't bother announcing any contact information to the public. Chevymontecarlo 05:58, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Junichi Masuda is one of the applicants for this patent and could be contacted via the patent agents in the US shown at [21] the link. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 18:55, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Ace status

Is it possible to become a flying ace without actually piloting the aircraft? Say for example if a tail gunner on a Flying Fortress shot down five or more enemy fighters, would he be considered an ace? 67.170.215.166 (talk) 03:16, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

The U.S. Air Force says yes. Col. Charles DeBellevue was a non-pilot ace with six victories in the Vietnam War as a weapons systems officer. Not only that, he was the top American ace of the conflict. Clarityfiend (talk) 03:22, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the info. 67.170.215.166 (talk) 03:44, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

My pleasure. Plus I learned something new and interesting. Clarityfiend (talk) 04:26, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Who build the McDonald's franchise restaurants?

God, I hate fast food companies... Anyway, who exactly builds all the McDonald's franchises? Here in the UK the ones at junctions and roundabouts look exactly the same - low and rectangular with a roof that is a slight trapezium shape. Is it just the franchisee or multiple companies? Chevymontecarlo 06:03, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

In a delicious bit of irony, I've heard that the French McDonald's stores sell escargot. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 12:57, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

McDonalds is relevant. From that article, "A McDonald's restaurant is operated by either a franchisee, an affiliate, or the corporation itself." Shadowjams (talk) 06:11, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I think the question is whether they all use the same firm of architects (and I'm sure they do). (No doubt different local builders are employed.) One way you might find out is to look up the planning applications of these buildings at the websites of the relevant local councils. You will find the architect's details among the supporting documents.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 06:26, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Some years ago MacDonalds had their own team of in-house architects, but I doubt that they do now in the current culture by most large companies of out sourcing EVERYTHING!--Artjo (talk) 10:24, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Around 10 years ago the McDonalds building near me was owned by some private person and they designed the inside entirely themselves. I think the owner was married to someone from Japan so everything had an old style Japanese theme, with special chairs and plants near the windows, and a custom built ceiling decoration. Then at some point it changed and now it's just a generic McDonalds interior. 82.44.55.254 (talk) 13:04, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Hey, thanks for your replies everyone. Chevymontecarlo 13:59, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

If you changed your question to 'built' -- that'd be the late Ray Kroc. However, presently each franchise will be operated by a local franchisee, except in special cases, like the one in the Louvre (I imagine). Vranak (talk) 14:05, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I don't know the answer but they must not check local building ordinances very well. When one went in near where I live, the franchisee was fined some stupid amount of money because they had the standard tall lighted McD's sign. Signs are pretty regulated here in Vermont (we don't have a single billboard in the entire state), so they eventually had to take the sign down and put up a much more sedate version. Dismas|^(talk) 14:33, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

The people who actually build the restaurants are likely to be local construction companies, who spend most of their time building a wide range of local, commercial buildings. However, the look of a building is not decided by the construction company, but by the architect. I would imagine that McDonalds and other such franchise companies have commissioned standardized blueprints for their iconic buildings, which they then pull off the shelf and license to their franchisees, the same way they license the recipes, tableware, furniture, decor, etc. (A local architect may also be involved in siting the building and arranging things like the parking and landscaping on the available space.) As far as who funds the construction, it's probably a combination of the central company building some, and then trying to find a franchisee for the site later, and a franchisee obtaining a license, and then funding construction of a building to house their business. -- 174.24.200.38 (talk) 18:09, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Thank you. All of your replies have been great. Chevymontecarlo 19:14, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Uh, OK, were you in fact talking about the buildings themselves, as opposed to the corporation? ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 20:10, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Typically in North America there are usually several architects, distributed regionally, who do most work on chain restaurants (I used to know somebody who did a lot of Burger Kings), conforming to the franchise's design guidelines. There's actually a lot of individual variation, but the franchise must adhere to the overall requirements. I've worked on several automobile dealerships, which have similar requirements, but which are generally designed by local architects and reviewed by somebody in Detroit for compliance. Acroterion _(talk) 20:15, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Left Handed Knot Tying

I am researching the above subject matter - not having a left handed person to perform this task I thought there may be help here. The issue is: when a left handed person ties a knot, such as a reef knot; can it be determined that, that knot was tied by a left handed person as opposed to a right handed person? The difference may be very slight, but in a situation of utmost importance can it be done (detected forensically if necessary)? And if so, would there be any references of this having been done (I've tried querying a variety of worded descriptors without success)? Thanks. TouLeGit TouLeGit (talk) 12:15, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm knot sure that it would be possible. I teach knotting to my Cubs and Scouts, and have taught myself to tie the commoner knots both right-handedly (my natural preference) and left-handedly (to help left-handed children). Left-handers may tend to tie a mirror-image of an asymmetric knot, but it's not a hard-and-fast rule, and for a reef knot it just depends if you go left-over-right first or right-over-left - which anyone of either handedness may switch between without thinking about it. DuncanHill (talk) 12:21, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

My guess would be that many people don't know the difference and would tie a granny knot in a way that correlates strongly with whether they are left or right handed. If they tie a reef knot though my guess is the correlation with the order of the two ways would be slight but I might be wrong there too, perhaps people do the first bit in the more natural way for their handedness. It sounds possible someone has studied this so have you tried Google? Dmcq (talk) 13:07, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

A reef knot is probably one of the least likely knots to display handedness, as both hands work equally when tying it. A sheetbend may display handedness, as one hand does most of the work and the other basically just holds the loop. Sheepshanks wouldn't be handed, a clove hitch or a round-turn and two half-hitches might. A bowline also could. However, many left-handers will have learnt knotting either from diagrams or from right-handed teachers, so may not display any tendency to switch. The reason I have taught myself to tie either way is that I've noticed an increasing number of children with little awareness of left or right, and an inability to recognise the difference between holding something in their left hand or their right hand. I just go with how they pick up a rope and adapt my style accordingly. DuncanHill (talk) 13:37, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

(OR)When I tie shoelaces my left hand holds passively the laces crossed right lace over left lace while my right hand fingers pick up the end of left lace and push it down behind the crossing. It seems less natural to begin with laces crossed left over right because then the right hand fingers have to reach further to catch the end of the right lace and pull it to the gap behind the crossing. Assuming that shoelace tying is a uniform daily routine, my right-handed experience suggests that a left-handed person would begin with their right hand passively holding the laces crossed left over right. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 16:16, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Interesting - I tie my left shoe as the mirror image of the right. This makes the pressure on my feet from the laces symmetrical (I should probably also mention that I can tell which sock has been worn on which foot, and put them on the same foot each time. I suspect I may have slightly odd habits in things like this.) DuncanHill (talk) 16:56, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

As a left-handed person and an Eagle Scout, the bowline always presented problems for me and it occasionally looks a bit odd when I do tie it. The other scout knots - reef knot, tautline, two half hitches, even the lashing hitches clove hitch and timber hitch - I have never had a problem with these knots due to my left-handedness. The sheetbend...I only know how to tie that with a shortcut starting with the reef knot, so I don't know about that one. Hope I helped, The Reader who Writes (talk) 17:07, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Cuisinart food processor problem

So we have a two-decade old Cuisinart food processor, I think a DLC-5 DLC-10C. We've had to swap out parts over the years as they crack and etc., but it's generally been pretty rugged. But we've had one big problem the other day that I thought I'd ask about on here.

Basically these things work by rotating a little stick that then can be hooked up to a blade and that mashes up your food, right? So at the base of the rotating stick a bunch of gluey substance has come out the last time we used it. It looks to me like it's some kind of plastic seal that is meant to make sure that any food or liquid substance wouldn't be able to get inside the overall mechaism (which would not necessarily be a terribly common thing—the liquid would have to go in between a number of pieces of plastic to do so).

My question is: 1. how worried should I be that this has come out? Is my guess about its purpose probably correct? 2. does this sound like the sort of thing I could repair on my own? How would someone more used to repairing appliances go about fixing such a thing—is there a standard plastic gluey material that is used for this sort of thing? --Mr.98 (talk) 15:57, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

Cuisinartr is a Canadian manufacturer with customer support address, telephone and e-mail here for your question. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 16:25, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

I would think that the gluely stuff is an issue because it could contaminate whatever food you put in there (I apologise if this is massively obvious, I am still in the new/inexpereienced/dumb user help mode!) Sometimes with electricals it's cheaper to buy a completely new product that try and repair it, although that's not very environmentally friendly. As it's a fairly old model I would think the company that sold it would have plenty of spare parts available. Cuddlyable3's link is a good one to follow - the company itself would probably be the best people to contact. Chevymontecarlo 19:12, 23 May 2010 (UTC)