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February 1

Wittgensteinian online game

Sometime in the last year or so I came across a page online that had a simple game on it, possibly written in Java or Flash. The online game featured a philosopher walking across the screen blathering, and when you pressed a button the philosopher would be quiet. The game was modeled around Wittgenstein's motto "Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent." The entertainment value of it wasn't so much the playability of it, but rather its mocking tone. I have a vague recollection of the link to the page having some connection with either Eliezer Yudkowsky or LessWrong, but I'm unsure.

I haven't been able to relocate the game. Any ideas where I might find it? Gabbe (talk) 12:43, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The fate of retired trains

Whilst looking at a new Metro-North New Haven Line train a thought came to mind: what happens to the older cars (which work fine but don't have electrical outlets or bathrooms) when they replace them (with cars that do have those amenities)? Is there a market for used trains? I'd kind of like to know that for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor trains, but I'm not sure those have ever been replaced.... Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 12 Shevat 5775 21:11, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Depending on condition, some are sold to smaller railroads, tourist railroads, or railroads in other countries. (Many are in Mexico.) A lot are used for parts to keep other cars of the same model operating. Some are auctioned off and used as storage buildings, diners, even homes. Those that are in very bad condition are scrapped. Amtrak does a lot of rehabilitation of its cars, often taking parts from those that can't run to maintain others. Most of Amtrak's cars are relatively new — I doubt they have any original cars anymore. → Michael J Ⓣ Ⓒ Ⓜ 21:29, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

For some minor changes, like adding reclining seats, it might be economically best to upgrade the existing cars. StuRat (talk) 21:56, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That all makes sense, but sir, I think you and I differ greatly as to what counts as new. The Amtrak trains I've ridden (maybe 200) were in bad condition normally.

Nonsene, Stu, it's better to throw money at it to make it nicer for people that live in CT's Gold Coast. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 15 Shevat 5775 01:55, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Artificial Reefs Made With Sunken Subway Cars, Navy Ships Bus stop (talk) 22:01, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That is utterly fantastic. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 15 Shevat 5775 01:55, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I can't speak to the US, but in the UK there are "cascades". New rolling stock is bought, allowing the older stock to be sent to other areas of the country. For instance the Class 313s which were replaced by London Overground's Class 378 units were sent to work on the south coast, freeing up the stock which had worked those routes to lengthen other services. In other cases, the trains may be sold abroad, as with some older Docklands Light Railway rolling stock, which now work in Germany. Other old stock, for instance the old "slam door" trains which were replaced in the Southern region, are generally sent to the scrapyard, though a few examples may be saved for use on heritage railways. -mattbuck (Talk) 22:44, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I always thought the South was favoured over the North. I've never ridden the Overground or DLR and so know nothing about the trains. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 15 Shevat 5775 01:55, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It generally is. As Class 319s are replaced on Thameslink services by new Class 377s, Class 387s and eventually Class 700s, the 319s are being sent to the Northern franchise to work in the Manchester area on newly electrified routes. -mattbuck (Talk) 10:41, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

What on earth did I buy my girlfriend for a Christmas present?

I gave my girlfriend several Christmas presents, but one of them we don't know what to call. It's a scarf, but instead of being like a | it's a closed loop. Does anyone know what it's actually called? -mattbuck (Talk) 22:41, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Infinity scarf? ---Sluzzelin talk 22:43, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Noose? Collect (talk) 22:46, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

They're described as snoods in my local branch of Sainsbury's (and doubtless in other clothing emporia). Tevildo (talk) 22:52, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That's odd, since that article says it's something you wear on your head, not around your neck. I was thinking horse collar, but infinity scarf works too. ―Mandruss ☎ 22:56, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

A snood is shaped like a bag, not a torus, at least in US English. StuRat (talk) 22:56, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Everybody needs a thneed. SteveBaker (talk) 04:53, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'd call it dangerous. Catch the back in the elevator door and the front under her chin, and you may need to find a new G/F. StuRat (talk) 22:54, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

They are banned in (association) football for that very reason. Tevildo (talk) 23:36, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Of course, in association football countries they don't have elevators, only "lifts". StuRat (talk) 23:38, 1 February 2015 (UTC) [reply]

When I left her house after giving it to her, it was hung by the pricetag from the curtain rail, with a toy badger inside it. I assume she will be careful when out with it though - not sure how many lifts there are in her area. -mattbuck (Talk) 23:54, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

How disgraceful, leaving the price tag on a gift! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.211.138.77 (talk) 07:40, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, I should clarify that it had the plastic hanger on it, but I had removed the actual price from said hanger. -mattbuck (Talk) 10:37, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That's ridiculous - why would such a thing be more dangerous than any other hooded garment? Even a regular scarf could produce that consequence if you had it wrapped around your neck with the dangling ends where they could get stuck in something. The FIFA ban on them was from a concern that other players might deliberately grab them - not some bizarre accidental situation involving lifts/elevators. Show me a reference that says that such a thing is more dangerous than any of those other common items of clothing. SteveBaker (talk) 04:53, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, remember Isadora Duncan. AndrewWTaylor (talk) 13:57, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

[EC] See, for example, the demise of Isadora Duncan. Intuitively, snoods (if that's what we're calling them) might be more likely to get snagged than non-ouroborobian scarves, but the latter are not hazardless! {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 212.95.237.92 (talk) 13:59, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Ah! Thanks! I was scratching my head trying to remember her name.

Anyway...THIS means that we all have to go around without shirts on for fear of escalator-entanglement strangulation. THIS definitely rules out any possibility of wearing draw-string hoodies. THIS tweet speaks loudly of the dangers of pyjamas.

I was unable to find any incidents of people being strangled by their socks...so those are probably still OK.

SteveBaker (talk) 15:42, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

In the British Army and Royal Marines, a woollen tube is called a Cap Comforter and can be worn either on the head or round the neck: "they became synonymous with the apparel of the commando of the Second World War." Alansplodge (talk) 17:37, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

A friend of mine who knits such items sells them as "infinity scarves". --TammyMoet (talk) 20:46, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'd call it a Mobius scarf. Dalliance (talk) 22:36, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, that's an interesting twist on the idea. SteveBaker (talk) 23:29, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That's a one-sided view if I ever heard one. Clarityfiend (talk) 00:12, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Half a twist, at best. StuRat (talk) 02:43, 3 February 2015 (UTC) [reply]

So you think the competition definitely has an edge over it? SteveBaker (talk) 15:14, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It's a Mobius scarf if it was given a half twist before the ends were joined together, so that it is a true Mobius strip. Otherwise I would call it an infinity scarf.--Treesprout (talk) 02:38, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Confirming User:Treesprout's response per forum query in the Ravelry web community of knitters. Further to the above, the single or multiple-looped neckwear is a cowl type of scarf. Some are wide enough to cover the wearer's hair as well, but a snood is exclusively for the head/hair. -- Deborahjay (talk) 07:51, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The trademark Buff is more or less genericized in Norway (and Spain, don't know about other European countries). The images in our article are not very good, a web image search is more likely to be successful for checking whether this was what you bought. --NorwegianBlue^talk 21:13, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Middle Branch Newport Creek

Does anyone know whether the Middle Branch Newport Creek spoken of here is the same as the stream officially known as Newport Creek (GNIS page), or if they've switched around the names of some creeks since the book I linked to was written? I need to know for an article I'm working on. Thanks, --Jakob (talk) 23:01, 1 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure that I understand your question. Though not labeled "Middle Branch" on current topographic maps (click on "Topo" in the "ACME Mapper" row at the top of the left-hand table on the GeoHack page the following coordinates links take you to), the stream appears to be the one that rises at 41°10′19″N 76°03′48″W / 41.1719°N 76.0632°W and joins the main Newport Creek at 41°11′00″N 76°03′17″W / 41.1832°N 76.0546°W. It is labeled "Middle Branch Newport Creek" on Google Maps and the Open Street Map, and the locations I've linked to correspond to those specified on the GNIS page you've cited. That the book you've linked to specifies its source as being in Conyingham township perhaps indicates that the stream formerly arose farther to the west. It's possible that mining operations or other human activities have filled in the upper reaches of the creek since that time. Deor (talk) 00:03, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

@Deor: Thanks for your comment. I had figured that the creek's source had moved since there isn't any branch of Newport Creek in Conyngham Township. The source did state that Middle Branch Newport Creek is a tributary of North Branch Newport Creek, whereas the Middle Branch on modern maps is a tributary of Newport Creek (the main stem). Of course, "North Branch Newport Creek" could simply be Newport Creek upstream of South Branch Newport Creek, which confuses things further. --Jakob (talk) 00:23, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

February 2

Gesture (presumably American)

A bunch of American movies I've seen, as well as daily life, as I presume, feature a gesture when a satisfied person cheerfully stretches out his/her hand and points with an index finger towards a person he/she okayes. Is there any specific name for such approval gesture? Off the top of my head I can't link any specific video, but it could be seen when for example a politician appears on public. I got an impression that it's a typical American gesture. Brandmeister^talk 01:34, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I assume you mean this gesture? [1] I don't know its name other than pointing, but I hope this helps. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 13 Shevat 5775 01:52, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I call it the "Hey, you're alright!" or "This guy gets it!". Some people (like the guy in the picture above) choose to go full out "finger gun and wink", but that's not alright, unless you're trying to be cheesy. InedibleHulk (talk) 02:13, February 2, 2015 (UTC)

It could also get a student expelled from school in some places, but yes it's generally one of the marks of being a tool. Actually, Buddy Christ is closest to what he's asking for. Forgot how it looked. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 13 Shevat 5775 02:50, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'll agree with InedibleHulk here. I would call that the "you're the one" gesture, and it doesn't have to consist of the cheesy image WMFP provided, just a single loose hand with an index finger extended. Desmond Morris has a book Gestures: Their Origin and Distribution (1979) on gestures, it may include this one. μηδείς (talk) 03:05, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know if it goes as far as saying, 'You're the One,' but it definitely implies that the target is indeed both awesome and praiseworthy. Give me a break. That pic is the only one I could find without having a name for it. :( Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 13 Shevat 5775 03:13, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

No, no breaks for "Sirs". We did away with that when we drove George bonkers. Since then you've always been a favored aunt or uncle, but not one with a blank Czech. μηδείς (talk) 05:28, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Well, the real Petrie was known to lose his head from time to time.[2] Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 13 Shevat 5775 05:39, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Bill Clinton was big on pointing at people as he spoke. I think the "buddy Jesus" point is just an exaggeration of Clinton's trademark way of connecting with his audience. Guettarda (talk) 06:06, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Oh dear God, you're right.[3] Though it actually makes sense given that the movie came out in '99. By the way, do we have a name for this yet? It seems like a wink or some kind of head nod is required for it to be a sort "this guy right he-ah!" gesture as opposed to rudely pointing at someone. There must be a name for it. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 13 Shevat 5775 07:03, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I hadn't noticed that Buddy Christ is also doing the Clinton thumb. Guettarda (talk) 17:05, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Finger_gun(s) or finger pistol(s) - [4] [5] [6]. It doesn't always really invoke guns, but that's still a common name for the gesture. It can be a "cool guy" or "A OK" gesture, but very similar gestures could also be intended as a threat. Probably not a threat when this guy does it [7], but context is important. Here's a rage comic meme/image thing that pops up often - this site calls it "you're the man" [8] SemanticMantis (talk) 17:51, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This google image search for /you're the man/ is mostly on-point [9]. Medeis might be using "the one" in an effort toward gender neutrality, but "the one" usually has connotations of romance or a messiah figure - this /you're the one/ image search doesn't have any finger guns that I can see: [10]. /You're awesome/ has some fairly similar results to /you're the man/ or /finger gun/ [11]. SemanticMantis (talk) 18:15, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Damn it! I hate it when my attempts at gender neutrality have romantic or messianic connotations! Oh, wicked, bad, naughty, evil Zoot! μηδείς (talk) 20:49, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

[It reminds me of a foam hand.—Wavelength (talk) 20:04, 2 February 2015 (UTC)][reply]

Yep, this is how the gesture looks like. It differs from finger guns, from what I see. Brandmeister^talk 21:16, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, that's what I meant by the "just a single loose hand with an index finger extended", although I've never watched American Psycho. The upward pointing gesture is one of self congratulation, as if one has put a tick mark on a blackboard. People with the foam hands point up, not sideways. μηδείς (talk) 02:28, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's normally done with two hands though, like so.[12] Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 02:46, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That's the one I call "Hey, you're alright!" More direct, plenty of eye contact. "This guy gets it!" is more a vague nod and sweeping point in the general direction of anyone who might nod back. Which to use depends on whether your audience are stoners or voters, but it's pretty safe to assume anyone who points at you from a stage is a charming psychopath. Doesn't always mean they're going to kill you, thankfully. InedibleHulk (talk) 03:04, February 3, 2015 (UTC)

I think this whole discussion helps to illustrate the fact that the hand gesture article is woefully inadequate. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 03:33, 3 February 2015 (UTC) [reply]

Well it does omit the most popular hand gesture of them all. Somebody add this, please. Thank you. (It's not very well executed, but it's the best example we have.) ―Mandruss ☎ 05:37, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

You could have a whole separate article on Italian hand gestures (I would actually pay for that one), especially the >800 documented Sicilian ones. And yes that is a glaring omission. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 05:47, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Why are Superbowl games usually 4 hours, when almost all other NFL games are 2:45 to 3:00 hours?

The question is in the title. I know Superbowl halftime is longer than the standard NFL 13 minute halftime but it's certainly not an hour longer! Why are Superbowls almost always 4 hours long? Kickoff is usually around 6:18pm EST and usually ends around 10:15pm. Thanks. Zombiesturm (talk) 03:14, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Longer halftime. Longer/more commercials. --Onorem (talk) 03:19, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This one went from about 6:30 to a little after 10. A bit over 3 1/2 hours. Not bad. And regular season 1:00 starts often go until 4:15 or 4:30. Again, that's about 3 1/2 hours. Not that much difference. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 03:44, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Try watching an actual international game - this one lasts for six days, sometimes...because the Gods on the field need to rest on the seventh day.... :) KägeTorä - (^影_虎) (Chin Wag) 05:40, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Or if 3-4 hours is too long, try watching a sport where a match often lasts for just a few seconds. (Hmm. Doesn't give a lot of time for commercial interruptions...) --65.94.50.4 (talk) 06:01, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

My sport sells a half-hour to FOX for each of its shows' twelve or so bouts. If a fight ends in eight seconds, that means 26 minutes of commercials and desk banter. Same for the next one. When every match drags to a decision, it sort of makes the show less tiring. InedibleHulk (talk) 07:40, February 2, 2015 (UTC)

part time courses university toronto

Do York, U of Toronto and Ryerson universities offer part time courses for degree especially in history? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.29.32.124 (talk) 20:32, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Here's the page for U Toronto History programs [13]. Here is a page on part time student opportunities [14]. I'd recommend you contact them directly, as they will be the authority on their own programs. My experience based on universities in the USA is that part time status should not prevent a degree from being granted, but that there are certain privileges that status as a full-time student will grant. For example, some financial aid (U Toronto here: [15]) and work study programs are restricted to full time students. But you'll have to contact the institutions directly for guidance. SemanticMantis (talk) 21:17, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Is there ever a Spartacus_(TV_series) convention in North America especially in California?

Please let me know. Venustar84 (talk) 23:45, 2 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Given the show is cancelled and the original star died of cancer, it is unlikely they'll have stand alone conventions. You have asked similar questions about a dozen times before. Such conventions are highly advertised, since they want attendees. (In other words, we can't do better for you on this than google can.) Here are various Spartacus fan club sites. I'd use google and search those sites especially. μηδείς (talk) 02:24, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It looks like the remaining cast is reuniting in June.[16] Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 02:48, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Be aware, Sir William, that the user normally asks about locations near British Columbia, here California, not Florida. μηδείς (talk) 03:08, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

If they're a true and proper nerd, the OP can purchase a plane to Florida. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 03:25, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

They could do that. But it might be more economical to just book a flight on one going that way instead... --Jayron 32 15:09, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Or they could really get into the spirit of things, lead a revolt by oppressed passengers and steal a plane to freedom (or Florida). Clarityfiend (talk) 04:12, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I meant to say plane ticket, but my iPad's autocorrect is an exceptional troll and this resulted in a funnier chain of posts anyway. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 16 Shevat 5775 15:31, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

February 3

List of school disciplinary actions (US or otherwise) deemed excessive in the media

After reading the story of this young fellow[17] apparently attempting to misuse the powers of Mordor and Morgoth, I got to wondering whether there was a resource anywhere listing other school disciplinary actions that the media deemed excessive (I do as well. But I'm trying to keep my opinion out of my initial question). So, anything like this? Say a webpage or a recap article? Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 14 Shevat 5775 02:40, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Seconded this 139.0.5.203 (talk) 06:13, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

One of the caveats when dealing with stories like this is that the media often gets it fantastically wrong. I don't know the full story behind the LotR suspension story, but it is quite possible that the media has messed it up in some way just to make a sensational story. Consider a parallel (made up, but still realistic) example: A student brings a bong he made at home using Lego blocks into school, and slips off to the bathroom to smoke some weed. The school finds him out, and suspends him, and the papers write the story as "School suspends students for bringing Legos to school". That sort of thing happens with alarming frequency. Which is not to say that school administrations are not also capable of making some really bad decisions, but it is not uncommon that sensationalized news stories are written in such a way as to generate click-thrus, and not as a dispassionate and complete report on a particular event. The reporting of a type of event in the popular media is not an accurate representation of how things are really happening. What you want is actual statistics of school discipline, which is a matter of public record, usually. For example, here is the actual data from Texas, the location of the story you cite above. I would go to dispassionately reported data like that to extract some meaning behind school discipline, and whether or not it is truly "excessive" than isolated, and probably inaccurate, reports from media outlets whose motivation is questionable. --Jayron 32 14:55, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Wasn't there a story at some point where someone mistook the Elven lettering on the One Ring for Arabic and thought it was a terrorist weapon? JIP | Talk 15:24, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Here are The 6 Dumbest Things Schools Are Doing in the Name of Safety and The 3 Most Insane Overreactions by School Security. There are definitely many more. 5 Things Everyone Did Growing Up (That Now Get You Arrested) isn't all about school, but mostly. InedibleHulk (talk) 21:29, February 3, 2015 (UTC)

Also, The 5 Most Ridiculous Reasons Students Have Been Expelled. InedibleHulk (talk) 21:31, February 3, 2015 (UTC)

Teenage and young parenthood

Often during the week time I see an abundance of very young mums with pushchairs and kids in my town centre. To me it seems like these individuals are outside a certain section of society that I relate to.

So my question is, what is the consequence of so many young mums here in the U.K. what effect does it have on society, does young parenthood create a ghetto effect where subsequent generations also procreate young creating and are locked into a cycle of deprivation.

And correct me if I'm wroung, but it seems like women who procreate later in life after having pursued a career and or education seem to be much more capable and happier parents. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 188.166.53.214 (talk) 14:06, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

There's a lot written about this topic, but no simple easy answers. It is true that a woman's age at first motherhood (that's a key term) tends to increase with her education. No comment on whether that makes her a happier mother. Here's a few web links about advanced age at motherhood [18] [19].

On WP, we have articles on advanced maternal age and teenage pregnancy. There are many academic papers listed on google scholar when I search for /age at first motherhood/ - [20] There probably things written specifically to the UK, but the worldwide trend in western developed countries seem to be increasing age at motherhood, not decreasing. SemanticMantis (talk) 14:34, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It's worth mentioning that childbirth is generally easier and safer (for both mother and child) for younger mothers. We evolved for women to give birth soon after their first menses...which is younger than it's legal to have sex in most countries. Having a baby in your late 30's is less safe - and the risks pile up rapidly and steeply over that decade. Societal norms often clash with biology...and biology seldom wins. But in a modern world where education takes up so much of our youth, having a child earlier than about 20 to 22 can certainly impact your education, resulting in worse life-outcomes.

There are other, less tangiable differences. Parents who have children as teenagers have a much smaller age difference with their children through later life than people who have kids in their 30's. The generation gap is smaller, they understand each other better. Also, the later you have children, the younger they will be when you die. Children still need the life-skills and wisdom of their parents when they are in their 20's because their brains are still developing then. If their parents are still in their prime - they will do better in the world. Raising kids is tough - and being young when you do it means that you have more energy - and that's no small matter either. On the other hand, older people are generally more financially stable - which could mean that they are better off and have the money it takes to bring up a child with every need taken care of...or it could mean that they are stuck in a crappy job or are unemployed and never likely to recover...which would be bad.

It's a complex equation - which makes it dangerous to rush to conclusions in this regard.

SteveBaker (talk) 15:05, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Probably also worth pointing out our article menarche, and noting that age of first menses is decreasing over the past 50-100 years. The reasons aren't entirely clear, and we also don't know with much certainty at what age menarche usually occurred in our deep evolutionary past. More coverage and refs here [21].

When I was in high school it was common to become a "welfare mother." There were many newsreports at the time of "welfare queens" taking advantage of the new welfare system. Of course, teen moms wee uncommon when my mom was young and they ran off to get illegal, dangerous abortions. Raquel Baranow (talk) 15:21, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Heres the BBC [22] pointing out that the rate of teenage motherhood isn't very high and is falling. Of course it's higher in some places than in others. And in the middle of the day, when most young people are at work or studying, the young mothers gather together in public places, and take up room with their pushchairs, so they are noticeable. When is the best time to have a baby and pursue your career? Either early or late, is the best answer. Say a girl has good A Levels but has a baby at 18, either staying with her partner or not, then when the child is five, she is still only 23, can go to university then, and be only a few years behind in her career. She might even try to go to university while the baby is still young. But if she takes a more standard career path, it might not be until she reaches 30 that she has a career that she can take maternity leave from, a steady relationship/marriage, buying a property. Is there a pattern where the children of young mothers are also likely to become pregnant young? Probably, but it isn't set in stone.Itsmejudith (talk) 20:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

That's true in the United States,[23] and in much of the developed world as well; unwanted teenage pregnancy reached a peak in the early 1990s and has taken a steady decline since then. --Jayron 32 10:45, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

To the OP, are you certain these women are all the children's mothers? Could they not be au pairs, nannys, babysitters or some other such caregiver? → Michael J Ⓣ Ⓒ Ⓜ 11:12, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

What does this road sign mean?

I came across this road sign in South Africa, what does it mean? --Myefloewer (talk) 17:39, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It means if you turn left, there's a big tree and two kids standing underneath it. nm. A small joke. It looks like a tourism guide sign of some sort. I think it's "botanical gardens". See [24]. --Jayron 32 17:53, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It is a tree and picnic table indicating "rest area class 1". See [25] Rmhermen (talk) 18:06, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Beware of Ents (and two Hobbits) crossing. Clarityfiend (talk) 04:21, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Clarityfiend FTW... --Jayron 32 10:42, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I have never traveled to South Africa nor seen this particular sign, but my first impression would be to indicate "shade" or a place to get out of the hot sun. --Thomprod (talk) 13:09, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I see one of the aliens from South Park wearing a sunhat. Still adds up to the same thing. I guess that makes it a universal language. "Welcome! You must be tired." InedibleHulk (talk) 00:53, February 5, 2015 (UTC)

This page confirms that brown coloured signs (as in the UK) show tourist information, and this page says (scroll down to near the bottom of the page) that our sign means "Rest Area Class 1". BTW "Class 2" seems to have shelter provided by a permanent canopy rather than a tree and "Class 3" has fuel and eating facilities, judging by the symbols. Alansplodge (talk) 09:26, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

D'oh! Sorry Rmhermen, I didn't see that you had beaten me to the answer. Shooting from the hip again! Alansplodge (talk) 13:14, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Weather

How’s the weather in LA and Canada? Was the temperature -40 degrees few/couple of days ago? -- (Russell.mo (talk) 19:55, 3 February 2015 (UTC))[reply]

All the weathers 70.30.20.185 (talk) 20:21, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Your question seems to presume that the weather is the same throughout Canada. It's the second-largest country on Earth, and the weather will vary depending on which locality you're interested in. Your question also seems to presume that whatever the weather is like in Canada, it will be the same in Los Angeles. Since there is no one "Canadian weather", no comparison is possible unless you name a specific Canadian location. -- Jack of Oz ^{[pleasantries]} 21:22, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Well, not necessarily. "LA" could also mean Louisiana. However, I doubt if the temperature in either Los Angeles or Louisiana has been -40 in recorded history. --65.94.50.4 (talk) 22:32, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

And, bizarre as it sounds, LA has 5 different weather forecasts each day (something like high desert, low desert, downtown, coast, and mountains). Temps frequently range over 10 degrees F between them. StuRat (talk) 05:48, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Lol. I think Qubec/Montreal. My girlfriend lives in either LA or Canada, Montreal, Qubec. She goes back and forth as she works in both places. I just want to know if this occurred (-40) anywhere... -- (Russell.mo (talk) 09:03, 4 February 2015 (UTC))[reply]

Well you can certainly get -40 in Montreal. The band Malajube even wrote a song about it [26]. --Xuxl (talk) 09:27, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think that's true either. ~~I couldn't find an all-time low temperature for Montreal on line, but~~ on this page (for the weather station at McGill), which is primarily about the period 1971 to 2000, it gives all-time records and the coldest was -33.9 C (which is -29.0 F) on December 29, 1933. Now if you're thinking of wind chill rather than temperature, that might be another matter. --65.94.50.4 (talk) 23:58, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

When your face freezes, the distinction doesn't mean a thing. Here's a list of extreme temperatures in Canada, if anyone's into that. InedibleHulk (talk) 01:03, February 5, 2015 (UTC) InedibleHulk (talk) 00:58, February 5, 2015 (UTC)

Women don't lie. They exaggerate. "It was 40 below" is Womanspeak for "it was really, really cold." ―Mandruss ☎ 09:32, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks guys

-- (Russell.mo (talk) 09:42, 4 February 2015 (UTC))[reply]

@Russell.mo: Hey, don't remove parts of your comments after they have been replied to, since it can make it hard to understand the following comments. Use <s>...</s> instead. Thanks. ―Mandruss ☎ 09:48, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Okay. I didn't receive the notification btw; the pinging you done. I don't know why... -- (Russell.mo (talk) 14:21, 4 February 2015 (UTC))[reply]

Resolved

Tax form instructions

I have googled quite some little bit, but unsuccesfully so far. I am looking for instructions for IRS form 9209 - Bona Fide Residence/Physical Presence Questionnaire. Can anyone point me to a link or reference that explains that form and provides instructions regarding the questions there? Thanks if you can help. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.210.177.59 (talk) 21:47, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/IRS-Hotlines-and-Toll-Free-Numbers. If this page doesn't cover the specific form you want there is a search function and a directory. μηδείς (talk) 22:37, 3 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The form you cite appears to no longer exist. See http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/International-Taxpayers/Foreign-Earned-Income-Exclusion---Bona-Fide-Residence-Test for its possible successor. —Nelson Ricardo (talk) 05:24, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

February 4

Kennedy Center Honors

See how the ribbon of the Kennedy Center Honors is splayed out with the golden bands on each side? Are those bands pinned to the honoree's clothing? What makes the ribbons splay out like that? Dismas|^(talk) 12:48, 4 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I don't see them splaying out, the two vertical sides hang parallel to each other and are connected with a V-shaped piece of ribbon at the bottom. The ugly gold-coloured bars appear to be covering (and probably stabilizing) the joins in the material Richard Avery (talk) 08:14, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

What is the material anyway? Some sort of cloth? At first glance it looked like paper, making the whole awards look like cheap party decorations. No offense to Led Zeppelin or the Kennedy Center intended. JIP | Talk 12:43, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This does say joined/clipped together by three gold coloured bars [27] [28]. If you take a look at other examples, it's clear that the bands are probably not pinned [29] [30] [31], although it seems the ribbon does have a golden clasp behind it [32]. Anyway from those sources and more like [33] [34] or our article, the ribbons including gold coloured bars, whatever people may think of them seem to be an iconic part of the award. Note that whatever support the gold bars offer, if any, they also seem to have another purpose namely for info on the award. If you look at the above picture, the left bar says "Kennedy Center Honor", the right bar has the date, and the bottom bar has the name of the person or group being honoured. BTW, this hard a close up of the ribbon [35], it's clearly a cloth ribbon and not paper. Nil Einne (talk) 15:12, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It looks like either the gold bars are very heavy - which could maybe produce that shape - or possibly they have some kind of clip at the back to clip them to the lapels. It might also be that the cloth in the two arms of the 'V' has been stiffened in some manner. SteveBaker (talk) 15:30, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe "splay" is the wrong word. They certainly have a bend to them at the upper two bars. They don't just dangle like Olympic medals such as those pictured on the right. Dismas|^(talk) 15:20, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

February 5

time grid

Hi there,

I was wondering what time grid Wikipedia utilizes. I noticed that pages have been updated today, but at a much later time than it is even on the east coast. I tried finding out but couldn't find a link in regards to it. 68.15.29.164 (talk) 18:27, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

East coast of where? It's perfectly correct on our east coast. KägeTorä - (^影_虎) (Chin Wag) 11:25, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia times are listed as UTC. Dismas|^(talk) 18:31, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

How to release a character into the public domain?

acknowledged as a request for legal advice by the OP

The following discussion has been closed. Please do not modify it.

I'm a published author and I'd like to release one of my characters (originally created by me back in 2008) into the public domain. I can't seem to find anything online explaining how I would go about doing that. 107.10.22.138 (talk) 23:30, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, this qualifies as legal advice, and that's something we can't do. It's best to ask a lawyer or the copyright office. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 16 Shevat 5775 23:35, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't realize this was legal advice. Sorry :( 107.10.22.138 (talk) 23:52, 5 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Ah no worries, mate, it happens. Sorry we can't be of more help. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 17 Shevat 5775 00:36, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Assuming you're in the USA, see Nichols v. Universal Pictures Corp., National Comics Publications, Inc. v. Fawcett Publications, Inc. and this blog posting for some reasons why professional legal advice may be appropriate in this case. I'm afraid we can't give any more help than this. Tevildo (talk) 00:12, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This question is about releasing one's own original character into the public domain. Those cases are about unauthorized use of someone else's character. So I don't really see the relevance. -- BenRG (talk) 01:46, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

There are plenty of pages online about releasing copyrightable works into the public domain, such as Wikipedia:Granting work into the public domain. The idea that this is somehow dangerous, and would need to be done under a lawyer's advisement, is ludicrous. The worst thing that could possibly happen if you did it wrong is that your declaration would have no effect, you would retain copyright, and anyone else's use of the character would still infringe on the copyright. That's no problem for you, only for those other people. They might be well advised to consult a lawyer, but not you. -- BenRG (talk) 01:46, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Enough. BenRG, the page you quote is not even a reference in mainspace, it is about wikipedia policy regarding material released here. The OP can easily find someone suing him, and incurring legal costs. We can't advise him, he needs professional help more than mine or yours. μηδείς (talk) 02:23, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

February 6

Current Monarch with power over life and death?

Are there any current Monarchs who have the legal power of life and death over civilians? (I don't like the fact that you spilled your ale, Guards shoot him!), if not, who would be the most recent monarch to have that level of power? Pre-WWII Japanese Emperor?Naraht (talk) 14:34, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

In the Commonwealth of Nations, the Monarch (or more formally their representative, usually the Governor General) has the power to commute a death sentence, but not issue one. See Royal prerogative of mercy. So, they have a limited power over life and death, in the sense that they can issue orders to halt the planned execution of someone. --Jayron 32 14:51, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

See Absolute monarchy . The countries here give absolute power to their rulers, which means in theory they can do whatever they want (unless they make people angry enough that they get overthrown I guess) 81.138.15.171 (talk) 16:52, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]

MSG in cooking

Are there any good reasources on how to use MSG? When I search for it on the internet all I get is a bunch of alt med nonsense about how its bad for you or whatever. I know you can use it as part of a stir fry, and you can use it as a salt substitute. Does this mean it might be good to spread on food like you would salt on fish and chips (fries for Americans) or whatever, or does it need to be cooked? --81.138.15.171 (talk) 16:46, 6 February 2015 (UTC)[reply]