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July 1

Boats

What's the most expensive sea crossing in the world by distance? (I don't really know the correct phrasing, but you should know what I mean...) Vitriol 00:17, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Do you mean what is the largest distance between two sea port cities, i.e. most expansive? Do you mean what cruise ship route is the longest and most expensive monetarily? —WAvegetarian•(talk) 04:02, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I mean, what is the most expensive sea crossing in the world in relation to distance? I apologise if I'm not clear. Vitriol 10:56, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Perhaps meaning, the most expensive per distance? So, a short distance with a high price? –RHolton≡– 17:32, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

...yeah. >_< Vitriol 23:33, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I thought you meant expansive too. --Proficient 08:35, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Still an ill-posed question. Go charter the most expensive boat you can think of, pay over the odds, and then voyage very slowly. Perhaps you means "most expensive scheduled voyage". Bottom line is "you should know what I mean" does not cut it: for that you want our telepathy page available from the following invisible link: --Tagishsimon (talk)

US Army Ranks

What is the difference between Enlisted Men and Officers? Can a Master Chief ever become a lieutenant? Are lieutenants higher in rank than a Command Master Chief?--Jamesino 01:12, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

All officers, even the lowliest ensign/second lieutenant, is, by definition, higher in rank than the highest enlisted person. An enlisted person calls all officers "sir" or "ma'am". But woe betide the wet-behind-the-ears shavetail who doesn't listen to what his/her ranking enlisted person has to say. Enlisted personnel can also become officers by going to Officers' Candidate School, or whatever it's called in their branch of the service. User:Zoe|(talk) 01:54, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

So, why would anyone want to become an enlisted man then?

An enlisted person in general practice has quite a bit of authority after they've been in a while. And officers need to have college degrees. User:Zoe|(talk) 02:13, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
And regardless of being enlisted or an officer, they are entitled to similar benefits, but officers worked a lot harder before joining the service, like either got a degree or went through one of the various military academies. User:Zscout370 (Return Fire) 02:17, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Note: an enlisted man can also, in certain cases, receive a battlefield commission. zafiroblue05 | Talk 21:38, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The legal difference is elinsted men serve in military by contract, where as offices are appointed to their commision (such requires senate approval). They also differs in what is required to become one. Officers require officers require officer training and usually a degree. Like said the lowest officer, is higher than highest in enlistee. Regarding where a master a chief can ever become officer. The answer is yes however unlikely. To become a master chief one must be in the service for years. Usually such a person would be far to old to be commision. Though they could get a warrant and become a warrant officer.

As far as why any body choose to be enlisteed instead of an officer, that is like asking why somebody choose to be an employee instead of the owner, it is much harder to reach higher rank then it is to reach a lower rank.

You have to look at age too. The average age of an army enlistee in the United States is 19. That means that the kid is fresh out of high school and is likely looking for a good job that will let him (or her, as the case may be) pay the bills. In the service your meals, housing, and nearly everything else are taken care of for you. In exchange for this ability to use government resources all you have to do in times of peace is drill for a few hours a day. That makes life in the service look very attractive for people who want to enlist. Obvisously this does not apply in times of war, so the service branches suffer from a shortfall during such times. TomStar81 19:40, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One other thing I forgot to mention: Here in the United States the government passed the Montgomery GI Bill, which delegates monetary funds to men and women in the serivice who wish to go to an institute of high education. For those whocan not afford to put themselves through collage (like the vast majority of mexicans living in El Paso) enlisting the army is the only way to get accsess to a larger entity that will let them pursue their ultimate goal(s). TomStar81 19:45, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Somathencialence

How can I, as the author, improve on this?

--David Little 01:56, 1 July 2006 (UTC)David Little 7:56 P.M.[reply]

I'm sorry, but I feel that this article is fundamentally unsuitable for Wikipedia for several reasons, the most important of which is that the term is not in use by anyone except you. See Wikipedia:Avoid neologisms. I have nominated your article for deletion. You are more than welcome to comment on this issue (and oppose the nomination by power of persuasion) at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Somathencialence. —Caesura(t) 03:04, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Triple-elimination tournament

How would one of these work? Could someone link me to a bracket or explain it, please? --Trosk 02:21, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I found this by searching google for triple-elimination tournament. Basically it means that you have to lose 3 times to be eliminated.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 04:13, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It works like a double elemination tournament, except that everyone that would be eleminated in the third game moves down to a third bracket. So assuming 16 people, you have 4, 6, 4, and then 3 people in the bottom bracket in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th games respectively. For the 6th game, there will be 1 person left in each of the top two brackets, for a total of 5. It gets tricky there, but one way of doing it is to have a single elemination tournament of the 4 or 8 highest ranked people, based on oponents win-loss to settle tied wins/losses. You can also dispense with the brackets and decide matches randomly after each round. Crazywolf 07:24, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How can I sign my name if nothing happens when I try to type where that is called for.

I gather that, even when I havee logged on, my usser name is not recorded unless I type it in. If that is correct, how can I do that, if the letteers do not rgister when I type them.

I cannot be the first person to ask for help understanding how this works due to some sort of brain damage. However, I am not especially fragile, so if those who run this tell me that there is not room or tolerance for people like me, I shall be content to read and not write, while hoping that none of YOU ever have an illlness or injury that results in similar changes.--Zelda Joseph 03:45, 1 July 2006 (UTC)--Zelda Joseph 03:45, 1 July 2006 (UTC)Zelda Joseph[reply]

When you type ~~~~ it won't turn into your name until you click the "save" button. Then you can see your name. Try it! Type "edit" somewhere, write ~~~~ somewhere (it won't suddenly turn into your name) and then click "save" / "submit", etc. Now the page shows your name! You don't ever need to type it out. 82.131.188.85 21:53, 1 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]
It seems to have worked twice followed by your manually typed name. You simply must type ~~~~. That will produce something like this: —WAvegetarian•(talk) 03:51, 1 July 2006 (UTC), as you did above.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 03:51, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There's a link below the edit box to insert --~~~~ - which will result in your nickname (just underneath where it says "edit summary".) Saves work. I wouldn't worry about the brain damage - as long as you can suitly emphazi the right bits, you'll go far on wikipedia. --Howard Train 05:10, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Advertising in Switzerland

I've been wondering for a while about how multilingual countries handle advertising. Lets take the example of Switzerland, which has four official languages, as well as a population that's able to speak English in a pinch.

  • What language do advertisements in Switzerland tend to run in?
  • Is there a definite preference for a single language, or do certain types of adverts go to certain languages depending on the product (perfume to to French, manufactured items to German, etc.), or is there a law somewhere that I don't know about forcing advertisers to pick one of the official languages (or English?) to run in?
  • Is there a difference between how television and print advertisers decide on the language their advert will run in? GeeJo (t)⁄(c) • 03:50, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Generally, the locally predominant language is used, for example French is used in Geneva, and German in Zurich. Taking the country as a whole, there are more adverts in German than any other language, through weight in numbers. According to Demographics of Switzerland, 64% of the population are native German speakers, compared to 20% French, 7% Italian and <1% Romansh. The Swiss state broadcaster SRG SSR idée suisse has separate channels for each language. Oldelpaso 10:03, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
As Germans make the majority probably German. — Preceding unsigned comment added by an unknown user (talk • contribs)
Oldelpaso is correct; the locally predominant language is used. In the few places where French and German speakers are equally divided, e.g. Biel/Bienne, you can see advertisements in both languages. It is also a practice for the major retailers (Coop and Migros) to label their products in all three major languages. Sandstein 20:18, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bullet-proof bodies?

In movies, humans are generally depicted as bulletproof (human-shields, etc...). Is this true in real life? For example, if you were shot in the buttocks by a 5.56x45mm NATO round from a M4, would the bullet travel and shatter your pelvis? Or would your buttocks absorb the shock?--Jamesino 04:08, 1 July 2006 (UTC) EDIT: (By bulletproof, I mean will the bullet exit the body?)--Jamesino 04:11, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Terminal ballistics is the study of what happens when a bullet hits a target - there's some information in there. Stopping power, particularly the section on over-penetration, is probably what you're looking for. In short though, a bullet that hits someone in front of you is likely to stop in their body (particularly if it's a pistol bullet) and even if it goes right through them it will have lost a good deal of its velocity and thus be less dangerous to you. If someone shoots you in the arse with an assault rifle, though, it's going to do some heavy damage. --Howard Train 05:06, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It depends on the caliber of the bullet, primarily. A 22 caliber round will be stopped quite easily, 38 caliber possibly not, 44 caliber probably not. Military rounds probably won't be stopped that easily, either. Also, a bullet that does make it through may be deflected, deformed, or fragmented, especially if it hit bones or teeth. Also note that having a dead body on top of you may work as camouflage, so you may avoid being shot at at all, if they don't know you're under there. This is one of the most effective ways of surviving a massacre. StuRat 21:21, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Tv shows and films usually show people being shot and then falling down. This isn't true, unless a bullet hits the brain or spinal column it can't physically knock you down (only an artillery shell has enough force behind it to do so). You can be hit by a bullet without falling over - though I understand that some people have watched enough tv & films that they subconsciously think because they've been shot they have to fall over, so they do. AllanHainey 07:58, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Movies and TV shows also show the victim flying backwards from the imagined huge force of the bullet. In reality, the force on the victim is quite low (it's the pressure which is high). In fact, the force is lower on the victim than the recoil on the shooter, since some of the force is lost to air resistance. StuRat 16:04, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

running out of gas with a diesel engine?

How do you start a diesel engine once it has run out of diesel fuel? is there a special procedure?

You usually have to prime a diesel engine that has run out of fuel. Look for a small lever in the area of the fuel filter; cycle this lever (it will take a lot of cycles) to pull fuel from the tank through the filter and to the engine. If the engine has an electronic fuel pump, turn the key to the on position (not the start position) and leave it in there for about 30 seconds (you should be able to hear the pump running). Turn the key to the off position. Repeat about five times. —Wayward Talk 06:24, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Italics Eureka

One ought to search with one's cursor and not with one's keyboard. I found the italics, along with all those other nifty formatting options.

24.20.159.212 05:16, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

huh? Grutness...wha? 13:43, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Congratulations on finding the Italics!! (along with the other nifty formatting options). You may now resume editing Wikipedia. Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 18:23, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

project steps

hi, i have given a science project and i need help from u people...i need some data about what are the basic steps to do any project..or simply how to do a project...kindly helpme out!

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Science"

You might find the page on the "scientific method" on the Simple English Wikipedia useful for you. It is meant to be very straightforward and basically gives a template for how to do a science project of any kind, with an example. --Fastfission 17:06, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Tactical reasons

When the police are investigating a case, they won't tell the press many details even if they already knew a lot, for "tactical/investigational reasons". What could be the tactical benefits of that? –Mysid(t) 07:26, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well suppose they know this: it was very likely that they knew the suspect and only had to wait for him to make a particular mistake. It could be seen as a tactical error to reveal this, because the suspect would read the newspapers, and might (for example) destroy evidence. There is often a complex psychological relationship between police and suspect. Notinasnaid 07:44, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Okay, thanks. I see it now. –Mysid(t) 09:18, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Also, in the case of serial killers, it might be that the killer kills his/her victims in a particular way, or s/he leaves a note in a particular handwriting. If the police release details, they run the risk of copycat attacks which would complicate the investigation. And in the case of Wearside Jack, details released by the police later turned out to be a hoax: which led the police down the wrong path and let the real Yorkshire Ripper continue killing. Sum0 10:20, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Imagine the following situation. A woman was just killed in an abandoned wood and the police question her boyfriend.
"I'm afraid we have some bad news for you. We found your girlfriend's body this morning. Can we ask you some questions?"
"Sure. Anything to help you catch the shooter."
"We didn't say how she died. How did you know?"
"Must've heard it on the news or something."

You then immediately know you can question the boyfriend some more when you know that bit of information wasn't released to the press. The police always likes it when killers say more than they are supposed to know. - Mgm|(talk) 21:08, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Also, there are often false confessions in high-profile cases. I have never understood why innocent people pretend they have done it, but they often do, and if the police hold back details which only the real killer could know they can catch out the people making false confessions. Jameswilson 22:49, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Also, it be that the family haven't been told yet. Skittle 18:33, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for the enlightening answers. –Mysid(t) 06:42, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Canada day wiki

Can someone look at the canada day article, it has been vandalised

The vandal edit seems to be reverted now. –Mysid(t) 09:19, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

nokia series

my question is how mobile phone company name there mobile...like 6600..now how they decide to give this mobile that number?

See Kent German's column Phone families at c|net Reviews. The column is on the right side of the article itself ("On Hold"). –Mysid(t)</font> 12:14, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Name of the guitar solo played by Lisa in the Simpsons

In the episode about the dental insurance, while the power plant workers are on strike, lisa plays guitar for them to sing. Once, Lenny ask her if she could play classic jazz and she begins playing a guitar solo that ringed a bell... may anyone tell me the name? thanks.

THat was Classical Gas, wasn't it? Adam Bishop 15:11, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Definitely was Classical Gas, by Mason Williams. 202.72.148.102 15:59, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Here's a terrific version of it by Tommy Emmanuel. --Robert Merkel 08:20, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The facial expressions on that guy makes it look like he's got classical gas... --Username132 (talk) 19:26, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Doesn't everyone know that it's in the contract of guitarists that they have to pull strange faces while they're playing? --Robert Merkel 05:38, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Contracts

when are contracts sent out to candidates after they have got confirmation that they have got the job?

In the UK, a contract must be offered within two months after employment begins [1]. Notinasnaid 15:40, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

U.N.

I want to know two things:

  1. Which of these countries are not participating in the 2006 National Competitive Examination, conducted by the United Nations: Israel, India, Angola, or Mauritius?
  2. WHICH PAIR IS INCORRECT..
    1. Executive Office of the Secretary General / Protocol and Liaison Services
    2. Office of Legal Affairs / Treaty Section
    3. Department of Economic and Social Affairs / Statistics Division
    4. Department of Management / NGO Section

Kindly mail me the full and correct answers at **E-MAIL ADDRESS REDACTED**

Formatted for clarity GeeJo (t)⁄(c) • 01:05, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Did you perhaps fail to notice the instructions at the top of the page, where it says "Please don't write in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS", "Do your own homework" and "Do not list your e-mail address"? David Sneek 16:13, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
cut him some slack, it's pretty obvious where his caps key got stuck (on the N of National, which he probably meant to press shift for.) Then he hunt-and-pecked the rest, and finally, the word "early" twice punctuated (..) implies that someone was ringing his doorbell. I think it's better for him to submit it as is and get an answer "early", and certainly understandable. 82.131.188.85 21:40, 1 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]
Mmhmm... don't ask us to do your homework. If you're having trouble doing it, look it up or ask for help. We can help with homework, but not do your homework. —THIS IS MESSEDOCKER (TALK) 03:52, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Song on SBS movie ads

SBS is currently screening an ad for its movies. (No specific movie, just movies in general). What's the anme of the song that plays during the ad.

Hoodie

Does anyone know who makes the hoodie that Brad Paisly is wearing in his video for "When I get Where I am Going"?

England tune

Whats the england tune they always play at matches on the trumpet during play, that starts out slow and then gets faster. People chant Eng-er-land until it gets to fast where they go into Na-na-na's (I think). Well basically what is it. --Philc TECI 18:29, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is it the theme from The Great Escape you're thinking of? "Da da, da-daa da da da..." --Richardrj 18:35, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Agreed. ISTR the tune was adopted by the song Vindaloo which gave it further terrace popularity.  SLUMGUM  yap  stalk  19:11, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yeh ur right, man I cant believe I didnt notice that. I just never realised. Its sounds different to me when it starts slow, but yeh, thats it. Philc TECI 22:17, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

new wiki's

I like this forum and the EWrestling. I just wanted to ask how to obtain a new wiki? Any suggestions on creating a sports related wiki?

The software it runs on it free and open source, though can be difficult to install. See our page on MediaWiki for more information on that. You can also apparently apply to start a Wiki on Wikia.com (which is run by Jimbo Wales, who also runs Wikipedia), by looking at this page. Somebody apparently did try to start a sport wiki at http://sport.wikia.com/ but it seems to be defunct. --Fastfission 21:55, 1 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 2

Toroid graphics

It is 2006 and simple software to positon, enlarge and color and modify toroids should be routine..Not so the ACAD software has such a sttep learning curve it is annoying. The old premise KISS: 'Keep it simple STUPID is appropriate for them.


Now back to your software.

I want a) color and fill ability b) rotation and sizing c) ability to change from circular tube toroid to elliptical tube toroid. d) ability to have both the circ and elliptical compard in rotatable 3-d.

Gary Brown BC Canada

You might want to post this on the math board, as they will know more about such software. StuRat 02:37, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Jimbo Wales and Scientology

Does Jimbo Wales have anything to do with Scientology? Seahen 03:46, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not that anyone knows of. —THIS IS MESSEDOCKER (TALK) 03:49, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
How do you know?
And what prompted the question? DirkvdM 03:19, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're probably thinking of Ayn Rand and Objectivism --GangofOne 07:26, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

TV Projector Lenses

I was looking around ebay and noticed this auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/BIGSCREEN-150-TV-HOME-THEATER-PROJECTOR_W0QQitemZ280002010573QQihZ018QQcategoryZ22639QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem. I was wondering if those things really worked. Does anyone have past experiences with creating the projector as described? It seems to me to be a scam. What kind of quality is the TV and what are the other negatives? Most importantly, is it worth it? I am pretty sure there is some trickery involved somehow, but I just want to know if anyone has actual proof/experience with a thing such as that. Thanks. --Proficient 05:35, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's bullshit. You'll end up with a fuzzy, ultra-dim picture. --mboverload@ 22:26, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
My freind has one its quite good, as good as any telvision, only much bigger, though not to great in the light, so get blackout blinds, or hang on to your old tv, its not a scam, and there not bullshit. Philc TECI 23:23, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All right. Thanks. I might consider to get one, but my house is quite bright, so it may not be a good idea. It's pretty cheap, so even if it doesn't work it's not a huge loss. --Proficient 14:39, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Pantheism

Pantheists believe everything, including nature, is God.But what is it about nature that they believe actually makes it god?Usually, people believe God to be a person with supernatural powers and properties.So, by saying that nature is a god, do they mean that nature has supernatural powers,properties, and characteristics? If so, then what do pantheists believe they are?60.241.147.187 06:21, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Did you read the article on pantheism? It seems to me that if all is one, it makes no difference whether you call it God, nature, supernature, or Fred.--Shantavira 09:51, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but it didn't explain whether pantheists believe that nature has supernatural properties which are part of its divinity, or not.

As someone with what you describe as pantheist beliefs, perhaps I can explain. Of course nature cannot have supernatural powers or properties! Think about it - if it's supernatural, that automatically means it's beyond nature. BUT, nature may well have many natural properties and powers which have not yet been discovered, codified or classified by human science, and these parts are intrinsically linked with its divine character. As such, pantheism is totally compatible with science - something which most other religions have a great deal of trouble with. Grutness...wha? 07:11, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I said nature itself, I actually meant the different living and non-living things within nature.So, do pantheists believe that some animals, vegetables, and minerals,etc, in nature have supernatural properties?If so, then what are they believed to be?

No. They believe nature has natural properties, but that these properties - including many not discovered by humans and possibly beyond our ability to discover or comprehend - toether make up the divine. Some pantheists acknowledge different aspects of nature as representative embodiments of some larger whole encompassing all nature. An analogy may be to the way some Christians will pay specific homage to one saint as an embodiment of the divinity of God. Your question therefore equates to "do Christians believe that saints have supernatural properties?" And yet again, pantheists do not believe in any "supernatural qualities". The idea of the "supernatural" is as impossible to them as the idea of something more powerful than God is to Christians. Grutness...wha? 13:20, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A better word than 'supernatural' would be magical,paranormal, or occult.Do pantheists believe that some things in nature have supernatural properties that would fit into these categories?

"magical", "paranormal" and "occult" are all null-words. Since "natural" = "normal" then paranormal is out, to start with. As far as the others are concerned, read again what I wrote. Nature has natural properties, and these properties - including many not discovered by humans and possibly beyond our ability to discover or comprehend - together make up the divine. Grutness...wha? 07:12, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You said that pantheists do not believe that there is anything supernatural or magical about nature?Then how come many pantheists such as Shintos and believers of New Age and Neo-Pagan religions believe that there is either something supernatural and/or magical about nature, or that there are many supernatural,magical, or occult phenomena, such as supernatural spirits that are part of nature?

As a pantheist, I can tell you point blank that it is by definition an impossibility for someone who believes in nature as being supreme to believe in anything supernatural. As I pointed out on one of the many, many, many repeats of these qyuestions which you are flooding the reference desk with, if nature is a pinnacle, "supernatural" becomes automatically a null word. As I also pointed out elsewhere in one of your reworded questions, one person's undiscovered scientific law is another person's magic. If you wish to refer to something as magical, so be it. You seem to be completely confusing the terms supernatural, magical, and divine, and until you realise that these three terms are completely different from each other you are going to keep on hammering away with the same inane reworking of a question which has been thoroughly answered several times. Then again, if you cannot even discern the difference between an animist religion such as Shinto and pantheist religions, that may be too much work for you. However, since you obviously have trouble reading my answers above, i will repeat them: "how come many pantheists...believe that there is either something supernatural and/or magical about nature, or that there are many supernatural,magical, or occult phenomena, such as supernatural spirits that are part of nature?" Nature by definition cannot be supernatural. if you want to call it "magical", so be it, but it is simply undiscovered science by another name, and the word occult is exactly the same - it simply means "hidden", in thatr it is either unknown or unknowable science. If you'd told someone 150 years ago about the energy that could be released by thumping two large lumps of uranium together, they would have regarded it as "supernatural, magical, or occult", but all it would have been was undiscovered science. Now, I advise you to read the rules at the top of the page: DO NOT DOUBLE POST. That includes re-asking the same question over and over again here and at the Humanities desk. Don't waste time by ignoring answers then reasking the same questions all over again. Grutness...wha? 07:01, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

looking for a toy

I recently bought a "SPACE Fighter II : FY-28083" From the Futuroscope theme park in France. when i got back it was devoured by my dog. i have googled it to look for a replacement but that hasn't come up with anything

thanks --86.144.157.11 08:28, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Suggest you put it back onto regular dog food. (Sorry. Perhaps you could try contacting Futuroscope via their website.)--Shantavira 09:06, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Poker

A friend of mine likes to play poker, but my experience with Poker games isn't particularly good. Usually "free" games, turn out only to be free to a certain degree. Last time he installed such a game on my system, a essential DLL got deleted during uninstallation. I can restore the DLL from another system (I think), but we're left with no Poker game at all. Can anyone recommend a free online multiplayer poker game without hidden fees, spy- or adware or any of the other unwanted crap additions? - Mgm|(talk) 09:26, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Online poker is now so big that you will no longer get something for nothing. Cheap unregulated sites are quite likely to be fleecing their customers anyway. Did you read online poker?--Shantavira 10:00, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • I kind of tried avoiding that, because I know how much that thing gets spammed. I'm still not sure why it's so hard to find a good poker game. You can play multiplayer chess for free, and the same with Settlers of Catan and loads of other games. You mean to tell me that Poker is the only game where no reliable non-scammer games can be found? Anyway, I'll give a source forge project a try and hope that one does work. - Mgm|(talk) 10:27, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
did you try yahoo! games? Jon513 14:34, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a safe and efficient method of penis enlargement?

-nt— Preceding unsigned comment added by 202.7.176.130 (talk)

Sure. All listed at penis enlargement.--Shantavira 11:18, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I find that having naked women walking around the house makes my penis get larger. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 13:38, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
As funny as it may have seemed at the time, that wasn't the question. Please answer properly. --JB Adder | Talk 13:53, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Oh, don't be such a killjoy. Philc TECI 13:54, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Ask a doctor. --Proficient 14:04, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You might also want to question why it is so important to you. Someone who feels strongly about you is unlikely to let "size" be a major issue, and if you are truly worried about how your partner perceives your performance in bed there are plenty of ways to improve that without having to play with a rather important part of your anatomy. If only the husband of The Barefoot Contessa had figured this out, he might have had a better lot in life... (The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex is an excellent and straightforward book on sex and sexual technique, even if you are not feeling insecure about your practice. You can get it through Amazon.com and elsewhere if you are interested.) --Fastfission 01:09, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There are also plenty of ways to improve that WITH having to play with that rather important part of your anatomy --Froth 06:45, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

intending international students enquiry

Gooday sir/madam compliments and beat wishes of the day,i am sawaski,from nigerian.i want to make and equiry concercing my status and an intending international students that wish to apply to the above mention university for studies,please i want u to inform me all the cost and what it takes to procure the internatinal studentship of ur univesity,u can get to me through this email address[e-mail removed]thanks for ur co-operation,i look forward to read from u soonest

Hmmmm....this is an encyclopedia, not an University. Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 13:37, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I just hope hes not trying to study english. Philc TECI 13:54, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You know it's fake when you see the word nigeria. I feel sorry for actual nigerians. --Froth 06:43, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Page Title Case Problem

I recently created a page for the band Hoodoo Revelator. Although i have searched diligently, i can not find a way to ensure the Title case is as follows: Hoodoo Revelator rather than Hoodoo revelator. Any help in this matter is appreciated

Mgchip

To do that you would have to move the page. You may be having trouble because very new account (such as yours) are not allowed to move pages. Jon513 15:44, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I moved it for you. Future questions about Wikipedia should be asked at the help desk, not the reference desk. —Keenan Pepper 22:54, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Searching for contact info. for Mwenge High School in Singida, Tanzania

I am trying to find a phone number or email address for Mwenge High School in Singida, Tanzania. Alternatively, I would be content with the name and contact information of any person affiliated with the school in any way (i.e. an individual who has regular contact with the school or an organization which serves schools in the area). Any assistance in locating this type of contact information is much appreciated! Thanks so much, Mimi

Going to http://www.tanedu.org/MoreInfo_SchoolsDSM.asp?regno=S.107 shows: Head ZENDA T.; School MWENGE; Region - Singida; District - Singida Urban; Postal: BOX 195 Singida. No other contact info but on that page you also have the option of contacting the Tanzanian Education & Information Services by email: "Contact Us" at the bottom of the left column. --Seejyb 21:37, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

battlefield weapons

What fruit gave a battlefield weapon its name and why?

Hand grenades are named for the Spanish word granada, which means pomegranate. (See the article on hand grenade for the full explanation.) — Michael J 17:26, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There's also the (fictional) Banana Bomb from Worms. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 17:30, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

just for shits I googled "military pineapple" and the second hit is "According to him, the pineapple bomb is a military special, constructed and acquired only from the military, the most powerful military bomb in existence". try military apple, military orange, etc, then heavy hordnance orange, heavy ordnance banana, etc. The possibilities are endless! What fun roll-up will they roll out with next? 82.131.191.170 18:20, 2 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]

You might also be interested in learning the art of Self Defence Against Fresh Fruit, just in case :) GeeJo (t)⁄(c) • 19:35, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Grapeshot? —Blotwell 02:51, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
And, as another example, World War II saw the use of "pineapple" and "potato masher" hand grenades. --Serie 21:58, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Security printing

This is a question about computer graphics and printing. Is there any way to print something in an image that barely shows up when you look at the original, but comes out clearly in a photocopy? I know there are high-end printing techniques for this, but can it be done on a simpler scale? I do graphics work for a small non-profit theater, and for certain shows we print special tickets. I use Adobe Illustrator 9.0 and Photoshop Elements for the most part, and print on an inkjet printer. I'm guessing this probably can't be done, but maybe someone knows. Thanks to all. — Michael J 17:23, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think you should look at watermark. --ColourBurst 03:37, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See also the general issue of steaganography. It's how to hide stuff, and if you don't do a superb job, you may get the effect you'd like. ww 22:09, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Everlong

At about 3:00 in Everlong by Foo Fighters, the music dies down, replaced a distorted whispering for 20 seconds. What is this saying? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 17:27, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I had a look round the web with Google and found a few pages that same the same thing. The faq on the official Foo Fighters site says says it's three tracks scrambled into one. A love letter, technical manual and a story. Looks like that has been copied around several places, including the Easter Eggs archive. Sorry I can't offer any more info, but hopefully that is useful to you. Icey 22:42, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Ah well, thanks anyway! smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 14:04, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to work in a gymnasium instructor?

What do I have to do? Is there any official knowledge needed ? thanks —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 85.50.42.231 (talk • contribs) . 18:58, 2 July 2006

It depends on where in the world you are. If you tell us what country you're in (and additional information like your age), we may be able to help you. By the way, us wikipedians appreciate it if you sign your posts by typing ~~~~ at the end. --Howard Train 18:22, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, sorry. I'm the question asker... I'm from Spain, and I'm 20 years old. I'm a veteran gym user.

Well, I wouldn't know much but you could start by asking around in the gym that you trained it. It also helps if you can learn about the various equipment and setting them up and stuff like that. And you could also get yourself some Medical training in case of any accidents. And it would look good on your resume too. Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 22:04, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you want to be a personal trainer, you'd need certification. Certification probably varies from each country, but I believe you'll need experience and some courses. First Aid training is probably required too. --ColourBurst 02:52, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
if you want to work "in a gymnasium instructor" you may have to get yourself miniturized and injected into his bloodstream. AllanHainey 08:10, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

first i would chat to her, then later i would try to work inside her.

Recycling Scandal - From Bag & Box To Landfill

My mum says some told her that they saw a program on television that said the government had sent materials (collected under the premise of intent to recycle), and had them dumped in foreign landfills. Is this true? --Username132 (talk) 18:08, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What country are you talking about? User:Zoe|(talk) 21:01, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sorry, I always forget to mention. UK. Those people that put flags in there signature... how do they do that? I think I'll copy --Username132 (talk) 23:25, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, I remember reading about this in the UK: the paper waste that was being collected for recycling was found on container ships heading to Inida, I think- I'll see if I can find a source. EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 22:25, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I wouldn't be very surprised. Recycling is expensive, and often the recycled products aren't worth the cost of making them. Plastic recycling, in particular, is rarely worth it. —Keenan Pepper 23:25, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
This has been happening for some time. One link is BBC news. It isn't the government exporting these materials its private contractors and "waste disposal" firms. I believe organic or paper waste is legally allowed to be exported but there are limits on such exports and they are frequently flouted. Mostly with the export of dangerous computer & electronic components (most of which are picked through & torn apart by the Chinese and Indians looking for something to sell) but earlier in the year there was a story of a council waste disposal contractor that sent a batch of peoples domestic waste over to China or India. They identified it by old letters in peoples waste. AllanHainey 08:20, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hp Printers

Does the HP 1350 xi come with OCR software? 172.161.106.46 20:20, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not as far as I could see, but I wasn't too willing to trudge through all of HP's specifications: try taking a peek at HP's product spec. page for your model. EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 22:16, 2 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Scanners normally come with OCR software, but I wouldn't expect to find any bundled with a printer because OCR does the opposite of what a printer does, rather than complement it.--Shantavira 08:45, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The HP PSC 1350 is a printer, scanner, and copier. So one might expect to recieve OCR software with it. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case for the 1350. Not sure of the 1350 xi. I had never heard of that model until 172.161.105.46 asked. --Optichan 23:55, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 3

Mixed Ethnicity

Is there a mixed ethnic group between the chinese, korean, and japanese... forming one whole new group? Is there one that combines all ethnic groups related to the Japanese?--Zen 01:01, 3 July 2006 (UTC)Zenythmon[reply]

The umbrella term for Chinese, Korean and Japanese people is East Asian. The term Asian is used in the U.S. and Oriental is used in the U.K. (Asian in the U.K. is reserved for South Asians), though some Americans believe the term is derogatory. However, in East Asia, you'll rarely hear people talking about East Asians as a collective group, because they don't have that type of distinction (especially when you consider Japanese actions during World War II). Their identity is usually confined to their own country, and people of their country's descent outside their country, even if they're mixed (e.g. Hines Ward, Paul Kariya)
However, there is no specific term for a person who has a parent from an East Asian ethnicity and a parent from another East Asian ethnicity. They're not common. Takeshi Kaneshiro (mixed Taiwanese and Japanese) is the only one off of the top of my head that's famous, and he identifies with both cultures. --ColourBurst 03:34, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Will AV switcher boxes reduce signal quality?

Yes, they will reduce the signal quality. However, I presume the question you're asking is whether they will reduce the signal quality in any perceptible manner. In practice, when I've used one I haven't noticed the picture quality being degraded in any way. Your mileage may vary. --Robert Merkel 05:40, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help setting up component cables.

I'm trying to connect my DVD player to my TV using component cables instead of composite cables, hoping to get a better picture quality. Currently, I have it set up thus: The three component cables (red, blue and green) run from the "component out" ports on my DVD player to 3 of the 5 "component in" ports on my TV. All three of these carry video, right? And I have two of the composite cables -- white and red (L-audio and R-audio) running from the regular "AV out" on my DVD player to the last two "component in" ports on my TV. Sounds good? But I get no picture and no sound when I set it to the component channel. Now, if I run a yellow composite cable from the composite-out port on the DVD player to the blue component-in port on the TV, I get both picture and sound (albeit tinted blue). What's going on?! Crude diagram: http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/5245/pain17vh.png

Component video carries three separate video signals: one for luminence and two for chrominance. Theoretically, your setup should work as shown (Y-Y, Cb-Cb, Cr-Cr, L-L, R-R) but you may have to change the setting in your DVD player to tell it use the component output. Check your user guide, or lacking that try the website for your manufacturer.  RasputinAXP  c 04:01, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Aspirin dosage - quick help needed !

Help! I've got an ear infection, I'm in pain and I don't know how much aspirin I can take because the type I have is for kids, with 100 mg acetosal tablets. I've taken 5 in the last few hours and the pain is still there. The instructions say a 10 year old kid can be given 300 mg per time, with a 1500 mg daily maximum. Since I weight at least double of what a 10 year old kid weighs (75 kg) I assume I can take at least one more now. I wanted to look this up, but I can't find any info on it. Not even on the Bayer site. Nor here on Wikipedia. Could someone with aspirin for adults look op for me what the dosage for adults is? DirkvdM 03:08, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Of course (dawn is just breaking). And thanks. But what is the 10.000 mg? That's a pretty high dose. Is that per day? What is the maximum dose? DirkvdM 06:16, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Schlyer was trying to make clear how important it is for you to see a doctor as soon as is possible. That said, a typical adult aspirin pill has about 300 mg of aspirin in it. this British NHS page has some indications of typical aspirin dosages. Do your own maths (I've done the sums myself, but you should check). --Robert Merkel 06:31, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks! That's a helpful site. I've taken 800 mg in the last 6 hours, so that was nicely within the limits mentioned on that site. The aspirin article says there is a lethal dose for aspirin without saying how high that is, so I was wondering if I was poisoning myself. :) I now see what schyler said. I had missed the 'of'. So he gave me potentially dangerous medical advise for the sake of a joke. Now that I do not find funny (actually, I find it hard to find anything funny at the moment - if you've ever had an ear infection, you'll know what I mean). DirkvdM 07:16, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Like I said, I missed the 'of'. I thought they were two separate sentences. I'm in agony, so my concentration isn't what it usually is. All those disclaimers for the retarded have irritated me many times. This is the first time I notice that, if not handled with care, they can even be dangerous. Why not simply answer the question? I wasn't asking for medical advise, just asking what the instructions say. A simple look-up for someone who has some aspirin lying around. DirkvdM 09:35, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now that my question has been answered (and my pain is somewhat bearable), I wonder why the article doesn't say what quantitites are lethal. Probably not the 10 g that schyler mentioned. But 100 g? 1 kg? 10 kg? A rough indiction would be nice, to give an idea how careful one should be with aspirin. DirkvdM 09:35, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The LD50 (median lethal dose) of asprin is estimated at 400 mg/kg for an adult male [2], meaning that it would take 30g of pure asprin (100 tablets, if each one contains 300mg) to kill a typical 75kg man. The lowest recorded lethal dose is 104mg per kg of body mass. Ironfrost 15:09, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks, I added that to the article. DirkvdM 05:04, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Best Place to Take a Bullet

If someone shoots you with a gun (pistol or rifle), what is the best and "safest" place to be shot? For example: your tighs, buttocks, etc...--Jamesino 03:42, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I wonder if anyone is going to bother you with medical disclaimers for this one. :) DirkvdM 06:51, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Someone else's arm is ideal. --Howard Train 08:11, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you have to be shot the safest place is in an emergency room at a hospital. AllanHainey 08:22, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Lucky Kishan Patel?--Shantavira 08:52, 3 July 2006 (UTC)*[reply]

The head,at least it's instant--hotclaws**==(hotclaws**== 12:01, 3 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

To paraphrase Blackadder, about an inch above the head...EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 13:03, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, I believe the quite a high proportion of head shots are not fatal. I can't remember where I saw this though. It would depend on whether the shot is from a high-powered sniper rifle or if you've put a pistol to your own head. It's mainly the latter situation I'm thinking of.-gadfium 21:50, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Through your left hand (if you're right handed). Or through your right hand, if you happen to be a lefty. Proto///type 13:19, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Through the earlobe? Fingertips? The phone book you stuffed up your shirt when your buddy started goofing around with a shotgun? --Kurt Shaped Box 13:25, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All these people suggesting the hand must be nuts – there's all kinds of useful nerves, tendons, and small bones that you're going to toast that way. Nope — give me a nice clean through-and-through someplace fleshy. Or, better yet, just shoot me in the hair. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 16:05, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The relevant article is Wound ballistics. Unfortunately it's a stub. There is an external reference which might be useful for the original questioner.-gadfium 21:50, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The buttocks would appear to be the safest area, based on quick logic. But I am merely speculating. --Proficient 08:40, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I recall a film about a Darwin award candidate who wanted to be shot as an extreme form of body modification. If my memory is correct, he had his friend shoot him in the left biceps and managed to come through it without major damage. Afterward, his comment was that he didn't recommend that others try it. Crypticfirefly 19:17, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Depends on the gun. If it's a .22 short-barrel pistol, the forehead is a good place to take the shot -- odds are, it'll bounce off, leaving you with only a splitting headache and an incredibly bloody (but not very dangerous) scalp wound. If it's something high-velocity and large-caliber, a through wound anywhere with lots of muscle and few blood vessels. --Serie 22:17, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I would choose to be shot in the hair. Bhumiya (said/done) 07:08, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Panentheism

Panentheists believe God is the heart,mind, and soul of the universe, instead of the universe itself.Do most panentheists and panentheistic religions believe that God is an actual person or some kind of power,force, or influence?If a person, then are there any of them who believe that God is not a person?60.241.147.187 05:00, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

By the way, it's pantheism (not panentheism). - Mgm|(talk) 08:06, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Are you going to nominate panentheism for deletion then? David Sneek 13:11, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Panentheism and pantheism are not the same thing. According to the articles. Nor is it the same as pandeism. Or panendeism. Or even pandaism. Proto///type 13:17, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
And don't forget Deism. And animism. User:Zoe|(talk) 01:30, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I said person, I actually meant all intelligent beings, including spirits.

Panentheists believe God is the heart,mind, and soul of the universe, instead of the universe itself. Do most panentheists and panentheistic religions believe that God is an actual person or some kind of power,force, or influence? neither. They think that God is the heart, soul, and mind of the Universe. What is your mind. is it you? No. is it some kind of power, force, or influence? No. It is your mind - a separate intangible intelligence which exists due to the sum of the cells within your body (especially those in your CNS). There is a long-standing theory among scientists that any sufficiently complex system has the possibility of sentience or at least of having some self-regulating nature (if you'll pardon the term). Well, there is no system as complex as the universe. As for it being "heart, mind, and soul", this is yet another of those trinities that represent one complex idea (a thing which science, christianity and paganism have in common, BTW) - "heart, mind, and soul" are three aspects of what we regard as sentience or (egotistically) "humanity". Any more questions of this nature? You seem to have asked a whole slew of them this week... Grutness...wha? 13:54, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't understand.Is the panentheistic god really an intelligent and conscious entity like humans?Simple answer, yes or no?

Conscious and intelligent, yes, but not in any form that humans would readily understand the concept. A bee's hive is "intelligent and conscious", too, but again, not by any easy human-intelligence-comparable definition. So the simple answer is yes and no. Grutness...wha? 07:19, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A bee hive is an intelligent entiity?I thought it was a group of intelligent entities(under the leadership of a single entity, the queen bee).

A beehive is a gestalt - i.e., it is greater than the sum of its parts. The bees have the intelligence, but the intelligence is shared in such a way that the sum total of the hive is an entity in itself. So by our normal definitions of intelligence, the hive isn't intelligent per se, but our definitions don't really cover the hive situation. Grutness...wha? 07:05, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Do airship or blimp envelopes have cabins in them?

I always assumed that the envelope (you know, the big gas bag) of an airship was empty, so it could be filled with hydrogen or helium or whatever and fly. But I've been reading a bit of fiction involving airships lately (the Mortal Engines series and Airborn) and I've found that they often mention the presence of cabins "up in the envelope" or have cargo holds in there. I thought all the cabins etc. were supposed to go in the gondola, leaving the gas bag free tomake the airship, well, go.

Wouldn't the presence of cargo or cabins in the envelope just weigh down the ship and make flight impossible?

Not necessarily - just as long as there was enough lift from the envelope to counteract the mass - which is the case whether the mass is located within the envelope or outside. However, it's probably not a very sensible place to put cabins; aside from the lack of a view, they would need to be sealed and have a separate air supply as the envelope is of course filled with a non-breathable gas. --Robert Merkel
I suspect the dirigible is composed of a series of discrete "envelopes" containing hydrogen or helium or whatever, rather than being a single balloon. In which case there's little issue with siting cargo or cabins within the baloon, subject only to considerations about lift and centre of gravity. --Tagishsimon (talk)
Tagishsimon is correct about the separate bags of gas with dirigibles/zeppelins (rigid airships). They also allowed for some designs with decks inside the outer skin of the ship rather than just those attached below in a gondola. One difference that you will see between designs for helium-lifted zeppelins (I just like that word better) vs. hydrogen-lifted zeppelins is that when hydrogen was used the engines had to be placed outside the outer skin to avoid explosions, but when helium is used the engines can go inside, allowing for better airflow over the ship and therefore better speed. This also meant that engine rooms could be inside, where it was warmer. On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to have much in the way of usable interior space inside the envelope of a "blimp" (non-rigid airship). Crypticfirefly 19:46, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It may have been poetic license but there's a film (Zeppelin maybe?) where they all go up into the balloon and have a fight. IIRC nobody came back down with a squeaky voice. Jameswilson 23:33, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Are you thinking of The Assassination Bureau? If I remember that film correctly (I saw it once, about fifteen years ago), there is a fight within the envelope of a Zeppelin. Someone shoots a gasbag and one of the bad guys gerts a lungful of hydrogen and turns green. --Howard Train 02:01, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, thats the one I meant. Jameswilson 22:48, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Deletion of Articles

How does one go about proposing deletion of an article? How do I get that banner up that says, "This article has been proposed for deletion?

Edit the article and put {{subst:prod|reason}} to the beginning of it, replacing "reason" with the reason why you think it should be deleted. For more information, see Wikipedia:Proposed deletion. Also, Wikipedia related questions can be asked at the Wikipedia:Help desk. –Mysid(t) 06:45, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You should also read Wikipedia:Articles for deletion, since {{prod}} is only for special cases where there is likely to be no objection to deletion (see WP:PROD). Grutness...wha? 07:16, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Name for strips of paper

When you put paper through a shredder, you end up with long strips of shredded paper. With chads from a perforator they're either chads or confetti, but is there a specific name for the shredded strips, or are they just called "strips of shredded paper"? Grutness...wha? 07:16, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

People are always wanting dictionary authority for words,if all language developed like that we'd be in a right state. As chad probably comes from a word for wood chip and confetti has an even less papery etymology, from comfit, I suggest inventing your own word and trying to get it caught on. I personally, if ever required to mention them, call them linguine (quite long little tongues). MeltBanana 15:31, 3 July 2006 (UTC)*[reply]

If it's used as packing,isn't it known as "excelsior"?(not sure of spelling)hotclaws**==(81.134.113.184 07:56, 4 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

"Excelsior" is the correct spelling. --Proficient 08:42, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I always thought that excelsior was more like shredded wood strips rather than paper? Crypticfirefly 19:48, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Will Wikipedia, if it continues to grow for 200 years, become sentient?

Mad I know, but impossible? ;) --83.245.23.254 12:12, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's going to take a lot longer than 200 years. JIP | Talk 12:24, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I asked a similar question not long ago. From the hardware's point of view its just a bunch of ones and zeros. From a bots point of view its just a bunch of random data. From a system's point of view its a lot of input, deletions, records and changes. From a student's point of view it is an amazing place to get answers to questions and establish a presence. From a teacher's point of view its a great way to be sure that everybody is on the same page. From a administrator’s point of view and so on... Some parts are already sentient and some parts never will be. ...IMHO (Talk) 12:34, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
None of wikipedia is self-aware, and it cannot become so, you think that just because it is around for 200 hundred years that suddenly the system rewires itself? Just because computers are old, doesnt mean they change, they can't evolve. Philc TECI 13:35, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
One could imagine Wikipedia becoming some sort of "memory" basis for intelligent or semi-intelligent bots, though. If I were an AI programmer that's probably what I'd be playing with—finding ways to use the pre-existing semantic networks on Wikipedia to create some sort of semi-intelligent bot. --Fastfission 14:29, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Alternatively, you could argue that Wikipedia is already intelligent, though not autonomously so. If you take "Wikipedia" to mean the entire Wikipedia system—and where users are simply organs of the larger system—then it is already very smart, self-corrects, self-organizes, etc. The general fallacy here is that, again, it is not really autonomous—it requires external input and external energy like crazy, and I doubt one can define something as intelligent just because intelligent beings play with it—but if you take a very wide definition of intelligence (the sort which sees the entire planet as an organism, for example) it could work. But if that's the case, Wikipedia isn't very uniquely intelligent—the internet itself becomes intelligent. --Fastfission 14:32, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If Wikipedia were self-aware, it would be the kind of person who only knows about geographical minutia, Internet memes, anime, pseudoscience, and conspiracies. And it would talk about these things ALL THE TIME. Would you want to interact with such a person? Adam Bishop 15:21, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sorry Dave, but I cannot let you edit that page.  -- Run!  17:17, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Then sing us a little song, HAL, while I convert you back to an Encyclopedia Brittanica equivalent. alteripse 22:22, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would like to talk with such a person Adam... a person that has meaningful stuff to say and never criticizes nor gossips...nor has tantrums and stupid fixations... if wikipedia where embodied, then I think it'd be the (almost) perfect person... a person who is polite and respects other points of view while being as objective as possible, a person that is sincere and doesn't have ulterior motives...that'd be wikipedia... too bad I haven't met many people like that..actually..I've met none.--Cosmic girl 22:57, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

God is the only entity by definition possessing the ability to reduce an infinite number of logical equations having an infinite number of variables and an infinite number of states to minimum form instantaneously. ...IMHO (Talk) 13:14, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

...what?...--Cosmic girl 22:45, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Given that it's about 200 years since Richard Trevithick was impressing people with a kettle on wheels and Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a farting, mewling, puking infant, I'd say wikipedia could become sentient in a lot less than 200 years. Certainly, software could be designed to give the illusion of sentience on modern machines; in 200 years there's no reason why wikipedia might not be governed by an intelligent self-maintaining system. --Howard Train 23:52, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

IRC

I've read bash.org for years and years, and always kind of wanted to become a regular in some room where I know some of the people and they know me, kind of like Cheers but without Kelsey Grammar. So I fire up bitchx every now and again and try to find a decent room, but I can't find one that isn't entirely filled with idlers. Can anyone recommend a decent server and possibly channel? Thank you in advance. Isopropyl 13:05, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You could try the Wikipedia Ezperanza IRC channel: I was in there yesterday- the generaslly friendly regulars are always ready for a few jokes! EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 13:13, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
"Generaslly"? Almost as bad as suitly emphazi! EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 13:15, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I know what you mean - IRC so often fails to live up to its promise. I don't have an answer for you I'm afraid, but I reckon your best bet is to look for a common interest channel rather than just a general chat channel. You're going to find fewer idlers in a place where the folks have something in common. Out of interest, do the quotes on bash.org tell you which server and channel they came from? If so, you could always try those places... --Richardrj 13:18, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I very much wish that they provided the channel. Thank you for your help though. Isopropyl 13:27, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It will be difficult to find a channel or channels to join without any other information, since channels are generally thematic. From my say 7, damn it has been a while, years of experience with IRC (first with Dalnet, then EFnet and some other servers) it takes a bit of time to find an online "click" to hangout with. I recommend searching the web through google or your favorite search engine for irc channels that match your interests. So if you were interested in politics then #politics would be a good start. In the beginning you will need to spend more time than usual trying to talk and contribute to the channel, because what you want to happen is for people to remember you, your personality, your interests, and your knowledge. A big problem is deciding on how large of a channel you'd like to join, because the bigger the channel (in terms of users) the bigger the amount of text that will be scrolling (huge amounts of text make it hard to know everything that is going on in the room) and the more people for others to remember. For example, but without divulging any channel names since some of them are private/secret/invite-only/keyed, I am in a couple of channels that is essentially a chat about independent/underground hip-hop, a channel that is devoted to discussing comic books, and a few other smaller and more intimate channels that have been created as off-shoots of other large channels (where ~20-30 people chat, everyone knows everyone else, instead of the mayhem of the ~300 user main channel and the previous ~100 person chat channel).--69.171.123.148 20:00, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

account is being hacked

Hello, my account (user:Bera) is being hacked at the moment. I can´t log in any more. Someone hacked my discussion page, too. Can somebody help me, please? --89.53.245.159 14:20, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Go to the login page, type in your username and click the "send new password" button and you will be e-mailed the password. As for your talk page it can be edited by anyone like most other pages on this wiki, that's what it's there for. If someone have vandalised it just click on the "history" tab, find the last good version of the page, hit edit and then save, to revert to that version of the page. --Sherool (talk) 14:30, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sherool, thank you very much for this nice information.--89.53.245.159 14:32, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

DVD authoring

Does anyone know of a fairly good DVD authoring program which has GUI (I can't use long command lines well) and can encode video itself (i.e. doesn't depend on pre-encoded stuff). The reason is, I have a number of low-quality videos which I want to put on DVDs and Roxio 8 won't let the quality level go below 4 Mb/s i.e. its forcing me to upencode. Any help would be greatly appreciated. - Рэдхот 15:52, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


I use Ahead Nero for DVD authoring. As long as you're prepared to let it take over your computer for a few hours it's very good software. --Howard Train 02:05, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ok. Thanks. - Рэдхот 09:10, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Pokémon store in NYC

I remember a few months ago in Manhattan, NYC, a store that had lots of pictures of the Pokémon characters on the outside for decoration, but the store had not actually opened. Does anybody know what it is now or is it still un-opened and where it is? Thanks, Iolakana|T 16:28, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is it the Pokémon Center (now Nintendo World) at Rockefeller Center in New York? That was redecorated recently (when Pokémon Center went bellyup and became Nintendo World). smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 14:25, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes! That's it! Thank you very much! Iolakana|T 18:15, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

forestry and wilidlife

1. define apiculture
b.importance of bee keeping 
2. short essay on leopards habitat
a.compare and contrast game reserve and zoological garden
3. explain with illustration the different stages of forest degradation 
b.state how the trend can be reversed
4.write on the availability of the following renewable resource in  nigeria  
(a) gum arabic(acacia senegal)
(b)lion (pantera leo)
(c) bush fowl (francolinus species)
5.explain the mophology of nigeria tree species with diagramatic illustrations
Do you own homework! or at least reword it into your own words to pretend that it is not homework! Jon513 17:28, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah that is absolute idiocy. It is without doubt homework of some kind - come on "essay" and "diagramatic illustrations"? - Рэдхот 18:23, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Since he/she is not going to re-word it....
  1. (b) Apiculture is the keeping of bees especially on a large scale
  2. I am not going to write an essay for you.
  3. I am not going to draw for you.
  4. (a) Nigeria is the second largest country in Africa to produce gum. arabic[3]
(b) It appears that Nigeria has very few remaining lions, and are only found in remote areas.[4]
(c) Don't know about this one!
5. No. Iolakana|T 18:40, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well this question is funny...--Captain ginyu 19:19, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

1. Apiculture is the social structure and organisation of large primates.
1b. It prevents the bees becoming lost
2. The Leopard was once found all over West Germany, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Norway, Turkey and The Netherlands, but is now an endangered species.
2a. A game reserve is when someone puts their coins on the pool table, intending to take the table next. It's considered polite to ask whether winner-stays-on is in effect before doing this. A zoological garden, in contrast, is a garden owned by a zoologist. It may or may not include a pool. 

3. _____
  /     \
 |       |
  \_   _/                          ______
    | |         --->              o______)
    | |                  __      ooo______)
  __| |__             __|  |__  ooooo______)

  T R E E                  L U M B E R


b. planting trees.
4 (a) gum is widely available in both Nigeria and Arabia
4 (b) The lion, manufactured by Nestlé, is a German chocolate bar available all over the world.
4 (c) If I don't wash for a few days, my bush gets foul, too.
5. Nigerian trees have trunks and branches and leaves and shit. For a detailed illustration, see question 3.

--Howard Train 00:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Brilliant diagram =D --Froth 06:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'm afraid that the previous two sets of answers seem to have been concocted by malicious Wikipedians as a punishment for being so blatant in your homeworking desire. However, I did a Google search for the words and it turns out that someone (probably one of your classmates) has put the answers onto their website, and they seem quite good. You might want to edit some of the words first, though. See it here (If Internet Explorer warns you about an error, click the yellow bar and select "allow blocked content"). —Daniel (‽) 13:21, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Marking routes in Google Maps

How do you mark a route travelled in Google Maps, along with tags for notable locations visited, like this guy has done? http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/maps/index.htm

This guy isn't actually using Google Maps. He's taken Google Maps' sourcecode and modified it to do that, before putting it on his website. --Saxsux 20:02, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Damn!
You could try Google Pedometer. Sum0 16:19, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

An articol in roumanian language for roumanian people -

CODUL DA VINCI – VAZUT DE CATRE UN OM CARE IS PERMITA SA GANDEASCA – el fiind CONTEMPORAN CU DAN BROWN SI CU VOI CEI CARI CITITI – 2006 Era Comuna Este oare posibil ca atunci cand un ”crestin” citeste peste tot, dar in special in evanghelia lui Ioan la capitolul 13 cu versetul 1, ”Inainte de praznicul Pastelor....” şi apoi in Matei 26, ultima parte a versetului 18, ”voi face Pastele cu ucenicii mei in casa ta.” – sa nu stie si sa nu inteleaga EI ca acei Rabini, cari l’au trimis pe Isus ca sa fie asasinat de catre NEAMURI, (Mt.20:19) nu pentru ca a calcat vre’o lege a cerului, ci numai pentru ca a calcat legea elaborata de ei cu privire la sabat – el calcase legea lor, a Talmudului, o lege pamanteasca! Atunci cand ei toti 13 s’au adunat pentru a serba Pastele, dupa propriul lor, particular calendar, dar atunci cand NU era Paste, Ioan 13:1,”Inainte de praznicul pastelor’ – nu ar fi venit garda Templului sa’i aresteze si apoi sa’i biciuiasca, asa cum spune legea talmudica, ”flogging a rebellion”, ’biciuirea rebelului’, care este explicat tot de catre Talmud, ’’He is to be beaten until his soul goes out”- ”el va fi batut pana la iesirea sufletului”! din partea Talmudului numita, ’Baal Aruch’ Este destul ca oricine sa is respinga orice fel de simt antisemit si sa discute cu un Rabin al zilelor noastre, intrebandu’l despre acest caz. Rabinul, va rade de faptul ca, ’crestinii’, cred orice (prostie) este introdus acolo in Biblia lor greaca, de catre greci, luand drept bune, totul, fara a mai controla cu Scripturile [ktabe/ in/aramaica] originale scrise in limba materna a lui Isus si a ucenicilor, cari au scris evangheliile epistolele si Apocalipsa, in limba lor MATERNA, limba ARAMAICA. [nu greaca] Iar ceia ce a scris Brown, despre Isus, era deja scris de 14 secole in Qu’ran-ul (Coran) poporului lui Mahomet, in capitolul ’Sura’ 4 cu versetele 156 si 157, ca Isus nu a ajuns la punctul mortii, caci a fost salvat, ”Dumnezeu l’a ridicat pe el, el care este puternic si intelept” – iar cu privire la credinta celor ce cred in Maria ca sfanta, este ceia ce s’a declarat in Qu’ran (Coran) la Sura 5 cu versetul 116, ’Dieu ayant demande a Jesus fils de Marie, s’il avait commande aux ho--84.208.82.110 18:59, 3 July 2006 (UTC)mmes de l’adorer lui et sa mere comme de dieux;’ – ’Dumnezeu inainte de a propune pe Isus ca fiul Mariei, a comandat oamenilor de a’i adora pe el si pe Maria, ca zei.’ Adrian Johnson - <e-mail removed>[reply]

I don't know what you just said, but I can do better than an article: how about a whole Wikipedia in the Romanian language, with over 10,000 articles? Try http://ro.wikipedia.org/. Notinasnaid 19:17, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There already is an article on The Da Vinci Code there, btw. David Sneek 19:49, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

C'mon... as much as that guy wrote an entire article in Romanian on the Ref-Desk and annoyed us all doesn't mean we leave his e-mail id over here so that he can get tons of spam!*removes e-mail id* Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 20:50, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Btw, why is there not a ref desk in the Romanian WP? --WhiteDragon 19:24, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

how to demagnetize a steel shaft

How can I demagnetize a steel shaft. Heat is not an option. The shaft is 0.6 inches diameter and 3 feet long.

Note I have seen several devices for sale that seem extremely expensive. Perhaps, if I know what the actual physical process is, then I can just build a device to demagnetize the steel.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Hit it reasonably gently with a hammer. This should knock the magnetic domains out of alignment. Don't do it too hard or the shaft may dent! --80.229.152.246 21:29, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I wonder if you can demagnetize any magnet this way? A kitchen magnet? 82.131.187.36 10:04, 4 July 2006 (UTC) (not the poster).[reply]

A AC current can also demagnetise metal without the risk of dents, but unless you have a safe AC source, such as an adjustable voltage pack, I wouldn't recommend it. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 14:00, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This is off the top 'o my head, so take it with a grain of salt. As Smurrayinchester said, an AC source would help. I believe that any place that tests auto generators or starters will have something called a "growler". It applies a strong AC magnetic field. If you hold the shaft close to the unit, start it up, then gradually move the shaft away from the unit while it's still on, this should demagnetize it. Good luck. Bunthorne 04:38, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Cyber" or "Online"?

What is the proper term to use when referring to online learning environments or e-learning? "cyber" or "online"? Based on your definitions, "cyber" seems to refer to an underground culture.

Online. "Cyber" is a little out-dated, and used by itself (i.e., not as a prefix) implies that you're talking about cybersex. zafiroblue05 | Talk 02:05, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
When people say "cyber" most internet people automatically think "cybersex". It's a term that's not longer used. --mboverload@ 07:26, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Erythrulose

In the article about Erythrulose, it is mentioned that it is not FDDA approved as a self-tanning agent. However, several of the beauty products that I researched contain this ingredient, such as Jergens Natural Glow. Does the fact that it isn't FDA approved mean that it isn't legal to use Erythrulose, or simply that it isn't recommended and the effects are not known?

--216.212.80.98 21:54, 3 July 2006 (UTC)Starr[reply]

removed indent/font/width problem --Halcatalyst 22:10, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not FDA approved means that the manufacturer has not submitted clinical trial safety and efficacy data to the FDA for formal approval that the substance is both safe and effective. This is commonly done by manufacturers who are not confident that a trial would demonstrate efficacy, or who think they can sell it without making direct advertising claims, or who think the added market attained by FDA approval is too small and unprofitable to be worth the cost of the trials, and of course there is always the small chance that manufacturer is aware of safety or purity or production concerns and does not want to risk FDA closer examination of their product or production. This last is much less common, but has certainly been true of a few drugs sold as "dietary supplements" in the USA. You cannot directly claim that a substance will treat a disease without submitting safety/efficacy data to the FDA in the US. alteripse 22:19, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sport novice

Hi,I've decided to take up a sport to practice (I used to do tae-bo, spinning, and go to the gym every once in a while, but I want to practice an actual sport now). I can't decide which, so maybe you can help me. I like to watch soccer and basketball, yet I think they'd be really hard for me to play since soccer is mostly for guys here and basketball is kind of difficult to learn and I'm only 1.65 cms tall. I HATE voleyball, both watching it and playing it. I think I could stand playing tennis and even start to like it, but I don't care much about watching it. I find it a little boring. I was thinking about swiming,but I'm 20 years old so maybe it's too late to start. I want to get agility and flexibility,and not lose wait since I'm already kind of slim (not very much),but I want to build some muscle in the legs and arms ( kind of like madonna or paulina rubio...not like a guy!). so... does any of u have any advice?:S please?. I think I should just do what I like, but I don't know what I like...besides soccer and basketball but I'll suck at them. oh and also! can pilates and yoga make me a little taller?.--Cosmic girl 22:05, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Netball? Hockey, field probably, unless womens ice hockey is significantly less violent. For agility flexibility and muscle build, maybe gymnastics, figure skating (but admittadly there is a lot of discipline involved in those two), a martial art of some sort, aikido is pretty all round, with zero violence involved in learning and strength doesnt matter, or dance maybe. Tennis is fun, doubles more so, unless you ultra-competitive. Theres always water borne sports, if the facilities are available, such as Water Polo. Philc TECI 23:32, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
1.5 cm's is not very tall. About 5/8 of an inch. How much taller do you want to be?
I'm not 1.5 cms :| I'm 1.65 cms...(yeah, metres...whatever...:| lol...I'm embarased:P) and yes, it isn't very tall either.:( --Cosmic girl 03:58, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, 1.65m is considered average in a lot of countries. It's not super duper high, but think about the advantage in long car rides and plane rides. --ColourBurst 06:53, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You're not allowed to hip check in Women's ice hockey, so yes, it is less violent. Where are you located, Cosmic girl? It will help narrow down what's available and popular in your area. As for height growth, you're 20 already so you've probably grown all you can. What are your goals for taking up a sport? If you want to build agility and flexibility pilates and yoga will do the trick, but remember that yoga is more than just a physical exercise, it has strong spiritual components to it that most people in the western world tend to ignore. And I think the OP means 1.65 metres, not centimetres. --ColourBurst 00:16, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Don't mean to be rude by answering a question not aimed at me or anything, but if it helps, I noticed her user page says she's in Arequipa-Perú. Philc TECI 01:06, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Cosmic girl, are you in school? Are there any school programs for women? If not, look around for some local clubs. If soccer isn't something you want to do, how about team handball, or, as was suggested, field hockey? User:Zoe|(talk) 01:42, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
ISTR netball is largely unknown in South America so that one could be difficult... Can you swim? Swimming itself is a good sport to build up limb muscles, and there's always water polo, too. Grutness...wha? 02:09, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think I'll start with pilates and swimming...I love soccer but I'm too much of a whimp to play it:(. thanx 4 your advice everyone! XD.--Cosmic girl 04:02, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You might also want to consider badminton. --Richardrj 04:39, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • If you want to build muscles, swimming is a good choice. You may be at a slight age disadvantage if you want to compete at a professional level, but if you try for speed, swimming will work fine for you. Swimming underwater will help build a larger long capacity. - Mgm|(talk) 07:24, 4 July 2006 (UTC)*[reply]

softball?hotclaws**==(81.134.113.184 08:00, 4 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

Take a hike! Most sports are unhealthy because they make you do the same moves over and over again, which will wear out specific parts of your body and leave others untrained. Swimming is a notable exception (if you practise different strokes). But hiking/tramping/backpacking or whatever it is called exercises your body in a very natural way. And useful. Walking muscles come in handy in everyday life. And you get to see some interresting environments. And it's good for your mind as well, very relaxing.
Not sure how Pontius Pilate could help you with your height. :) DirkvdM 08:19, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You are really short. :P --Proficient 08:45, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I know!!! :( ... well for my country I'm average and even 'tall' sometimes...but I wanna be taller! like 1.70 or 1.75! I have tall relatives... like, my dad is 1.83 and he's the shortest of his brothers,but on the other hand... my mom is like 1.60 and all her family is short, so yeah, I guess I wasn't very lucky with the genes...lol.--Cosmic girl 15:57, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I personally recommend table tennis. It is quite easy to get into and is reasonably cheap as well. Despite the fact that players do not appear to run around much, you do need quick reactions and the ability to move sharply and with control. In fact, looking at the article, it appears that professional table tennis players need the quickest reactions of any sport. --80.229.152.246 19:43, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You might like fencing. It improves your fitness, balance, reactions, poise and stamina. It also involves hitting people with swords, swinging from chandeliers and being extremely cool. Your height doesn't make blind bit of difference, either, as taller people have better range while shorter people have less to guard, and they can reach their opponent's unguarded lower body (with epée at any rate) more easily. --Howard Train 00:23, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

thank you!:) --Cosmic girl 20:36, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Investor Stuff

I am doing a project on the different types of investments. I was hoping that you could tell me the average growth and decay rate of stocks over 20-50 years. I also need the equation of this, as well as the future projected growth rate for 10-50 years. Please help me!

Thank You, HS

PS If it's not too much trouble, I would also like the same information on gold, silver, bonds, treasury bills, money market funds, mutual funds and antiques and commodities.

We don't do your homework for you. You can get historical price data from any number of finance sites, but you need to think carefully what you want. The Dow Jones Industrial Average? The S&P 500? Are you taking into account dividend payments? Are you from somewhere other than the United States and want to look at your local market?
Some other information that might be of use is how to calculate rate of return. As to future projected growth rates, that's just a guess; various government bureacracies make such guesses for the overall economy, but I don't think they attempt to project the stock market decades into the future. --Robert Merkel 23:48, 3 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

TERRENCE HOWARD

I know your site says that Terrence Howard is currently divorced from his wife lori, but other sites say he's still married or seperated, I was just wondering which is the most recent status. Just wondering. Thanks

According to imdb, they were married from 1989 until 2003, then divorced, then remarried in 2005 and now separated. User:Zoe|(talk) 01:45, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 4

CD-MP3

I just bought a music CD and I want all the songs on the CD to be on my MP3 player. How may I go about doing this? Russian F 02:04, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You need a Ripping program. There are a bunch o' links in the article. --Howard Train 02:10, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Including, but not limited to, Windows Media Player and iTunes. Once you've got the files on your computer, read the MP3's instruction booklet for the procedure of putting songs onto it. --Killfest2 11:13, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You will need a USB plug to connect your mp3 player to your computer (which should have come with your mp3 player). —EdGl 02:48, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, a ripping program will suffice. --Proficient 11:05, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Unless the disc has been corrupted with some type of "copy prevention" program. --LarryMac 14:21, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

1956 cheverlot engines

ŔÒÝĴÔŃŚÒŃdid g.m. use the 283 c. inch in some of the late 1956 chevo--216.45.162.158 02:27, 4 July 2006 (UTC)rlet[reply]

According to our article Chevrolet_V8_engine#283, that engine was only introduced in 1957.-gadfium 03:26, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

All of the links I see on pages (blue, red, and external) have underlines. How do I fix this?--Porsche997SBS 03:22, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The appropriate place to ask this question would be the Help Desk or Village pump (technical). As it happens, it's a frequently asked question, and the answer is near the top of the Village pump (technical), in the third bullet point.-gadfium 03:30, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks, I'll be sure to ask a question like this there next time!--Porsche997SBS 03:39, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • I thin you mean: "how do I change this?" Underlined links have been standard for a long time, since long before it could be removed. There's really nothing broken to fix. - Mgm|(talk) 05:00, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
When logged in, click on My preferences → Misc → Underline links → Never. –Mysid(t) 06:38, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Witchcraft

I have two questions to ask you about witchcraft:

1.Christians claim that witchcraft is evil.Do people who are practice it "know" that it is evil?

2.If you ask a people such as "witches",sorcerers,fortune-tellers, and psychics if they believe there's a God or not, what would they say?If you ask them if they believe in creation or evolution, what would they say?I wonder, how many of them have heard about evolution?

60.241.147.187 06:19, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • You are overgeneralizing. Some Christians believe witchcraft is evil, but not all of them do. People who practice it generally believe in paganism. According to our article, "Paganism is a polytheistic, panentheistic or pantheistic often nature-based religious practice, but again can be atheism sometimes as well." So whether they believe there is a god would depend on the type of paganism they believe in. Most people in the western world nowadays are pretty well-educated, so I would expect anyone over the age of 12-15 to have heard about evolution unless they were forcefully raised without any awareness about other beliefs than creation. BTW, creation and evolution don't need to be mutually exclusive. One of those paganism forms beliefs God is the driving force behind the universe, which could make evolution and creation equally true. - Mgm|(talk) 07:18, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm pretty sure they're too goth to care. hahaha, I crack myself up. --mboverload@ 07:24, 4 July 2006 (UTC)* I think most would say they believe in a Goddess rather than a God and evolution rather than creationism because they don't believe in the literal truth of the Bible.On the other hand I've met Christian Tarot readers.hotclaws**==(81.134.113.184 08:04, 4 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

The Bible does say that these people have brought it upon themselves and should be stoned to death. (Leviticus 20, 27). Iolakana|T 12:21, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The Bible is actually very confused on this subject. There are instances of witches being condoned or even consulted in the Bible, such as I Samuel 26. The main problem is with mistranslation (as it often is with the Bible). The translation of the word "M'khasephah", meaning "one who malevolently curses others" as "witch" is one which goes against the wiccan credo of "do what thou wilt but harm none", and is about as accurate as (to use a modern equivalent) translating the word "terrorist" as "moslem". It is for this reason that you will hear of "white witches and black witches" or of the "right hand path and left hand path" - that is, witches who do not harm (who, in the original text of the Bible remain unmentioned) and those who do harm (who are anathema to both Christianity and true witchcraft alike). As to the lack of mutual exclusivity between evolution and pantheism, see my comments further up this page. Grutness...wha? 13:39, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

beautifully answered, a true work of wisdom/art. more questions should be answered this throughly on the ref desk

:) thanks Grutness...wha?

Personally, I've heard that most "witches",sorcerers,fortune-tellers, and psychics,etc, are pantheists rather than atheists or theists.But why?Is it because they believe that nature has magical properties, and that their "magical" powers came from nature?If so, then how (according to their beliefs)?

It's far easier to harness the untapped power of nature if you believe such power exists. If you believe that everything that can be done by science has been done, you won't look for other forms of knwledge within nature. If you're a pantheist, you know that science hasn't formularised everything in nature, and that there may be other applications within nature that can be used. Witches do that. I'm not sure about "sorcerers", since they only exist in fiction. As to fotune-tellers and psychics, well, that all depends on whether you believe that such things are possible. If there is a way that the laws of nature can accommodate such things, then yes, it would make sense for pantheism to be associated with them. if there isn't, then there is no such thing as a successful fortune-teller of psychic. But people who believe that such things are possible are more likely to be the people attracted to any religion which says that there are natural phenomena beyond our curent understanding. Oh, and in future, sign your posts, and find some other topic, since you seem to have an unhealthy obsession since this topic. Grutness...wha? 07:11, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Solar Power!

Does solar power damage the environment?

Solar panels take much more energy to make and transport than they will ever generate (probably a huge amount of fresh water too for the manufacturing). Using solar power to "save the environment" is a pretty stupid idea, probably worse than running cars on ethanol, and that's up there in the stupidity scale. --mboverload@ 07:34, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The above statement is highly exaggerated. It is true, though, that manufacturing and transporting the solar panels takes a lot of energy and natural resources. The mining of those semiconductor metals also may damage the environment. I guess the impact of manufacturing is not that different from any other energy source, though. –Mysid(t) 08:22, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I assume mboverload was joking. Either that or he's a blithering idiot - his call. :) DirkvdM 09:15, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Whilst I charitably assume mboverload is a blithering idiot, the point he raises is of interest: do we know whether & when solar panels "break even" with respect to the energy cost of their manufacture & installation. --Tagishsimon (talk)
The payback time changes greatly depending on the location, but, funnily enough, we have an article on solar cells which indicates the typical payback time is around three years. ---Robert Merkel 11:24, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Who'd have thought! Thanks. So, err, Mboverload, care to add anything to your original response? --Tagishsimon (talk)
=( Thanks for the link to the solar cells link, which does say they will give out more energy than they take to make. However, I am sceptical of the claims, they only measure the electricity and not all the electricity to get the raw materials and run the whole plant. Due to the bulk nature of coal production I am pretty sure the energy cost is lower. Oh yeah, and thanks for calling me a blithering idiot =D --mboverload@ 23:48, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You're welcome. :) DirkvdM 04:34, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, try this link for the Uranium Information Centre in Australia, which is a collection of results from published energy analyses for various power sources. In the three studies they report, solar is a net energy producer. Or do a google search on "EROI solar cell", and get a huge pile of numbers all saying that solar is a net energy producer. It's an extremely expensive energy producer, but it's an energy producer. --Robert Merkel 04:03, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There's all sorts of solar power. Even wind energy is basically solar power because the Sun creates the heat differences that drive the wind. Actually, all power sources except tidal forces and the Earths heat are based on solar power. Even oil, which is plant residue that contains solar energy once stored by these plants. And Uranium is formed in stars.
But I suppose you're talking about direct solar power, and there are loads of varieties for that too. There's high tech stuff like solar panels, that convert the sunbeams directly into electricity and there's the solar power tower, which simply reflects and concentrates sunlight in one point, where it heats water to thousands of degrees Celsius, which then dives a turbine. Or you can simply heat water running through black panels and use that to heat your house.
Anything you do has an impact on your environment and therefore on 'the' environment (whatever that is). The bigger the scale of what you do, the bigger the impact will be. For example, a while ago I proposed to fill the Sahara with reflecting surfaces (paper) to counterbalance the heating of the Earth. Later, I realised that that would cool down the Earth at the wrong spot, which could have any sort of outcome. Ice is melting at the poles, which consequently heat up (causing more melting etc), so that's where we need to counteract. Leaving the poles to heat up and cooling down the equator at the same time will probably cause the major air currents to change, which could alter the climate even more, causing crops to fail worldwide, and all that jazz. So probably the best thing to do would be to use a bit of everything, where and when most appropriate. Some tapping of geothermal power here, some solar towers there, windpower, biomass, tidal power, hydroelectrics, what have you. And maybe develop nuclear fusion for the long run.
Impact depends not just on what you do, but to a large extent how much of it you do. This is a general rule that applies to many aspects of life that is all too often overlooked.
By the way, the amount of power the Sun poors down on us is about 10.000 times the world's present power demand. Capturing it efficiently and at the right spot at the right time is the tricky bit. But we've only just begun to explore these possibilities (the amount of money put into them so far would be laughable if it weren't so tragic). At the moment mboverload might even have a bit of a point, but judging solar power by the present state of affairs would be like assessing the potential of cars by the model T Ford. DirkvdM 09:15, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
...the amount of power the Sun poors down on us is about 10.000 times the world's present power demand. This is actually quite sobering. I would've guessed it to be much larger. Is this an "actual" figure, or just a throw-away? –RHolton≡– 14:44, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I got that from the book 'Understanding renewable energy systems'. I'm not sure what you mean by 'sobering'. Maybe you're confusing power and energy. Power is energy per unit of time (eg Joule per second or J/s). Thus, te Sun is a constant source of energy (or 'renewable', although that's a bit of a strange term here). It's not like solar power will run out in 10.000 years (or days or seconds). :) Something like that will, however, happen to fossil fuels. The total amount of energy stored in fossil fuels plus uranium is just a few percent of the amount of energy the Sun poors down on us every year. Put differently, the total energy we will ever be able to get out of fossil fules and uranium is equal to about one week's sunshine. I don't know if this is sunshine hitting the atmosphere or the Earth's surface, but it's impressive either way.
That said, the Sun will run out in another 5 billion years. I suppose by then there will be another buch of mboverloads saying "no, that will never happen, don't believe what all those crazy scientists are saying, what do they know?" :) DirkvdM 15:14, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Of course, that's only if we're even around in 5 billion years to be using solar power, I guess if a nuclear war occurs or a large asteroid hits the Earth before then, that would solve the problem. :) Yeltensic42 don't panic 06:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Twilight Zone Episode !!!!

Hi,,,, I need your help...For 32 years my wife told me that she had seen an episode that really liked... She said the title of the episode was " Hell's Bells" she thought. \ The story line is about a rude and crude Hell's Angel biker... whose reputation grew throught the years as being the meanest person on the face of the earth....

One day he had a horrendous accident and killed himself on his bike... When he woke up he found out the Devil told him that he the Devil is the sole ruler and leader of all the bikers on Earth...and further stated that he was to remain there through out all eternity...

With this the dead biker was elated... He told the Devil that he always wanted to go to hell for this would be the place he could get away with all his meaness.... The Devil chuckled and told him that things may not appear to be what you may think they are..and laughed in the bikers face and then he disappeared...

As the dead biker wandered aimlessly thru out he began opening doors to find some of his dead friends.... but all he could find were people and places that were law abiding people..church's that preached the Golden Rule.. and each and every time a door was opened he was greeted with the holy sounds of church bells....

It started off slowly and the bells rang softly along with the sound of the devil.s chuckle,,, As he searched and searched the bells got louder and the people he met were getting nicer also....

My wife says..the last shot in the show showes the dead biker sitting in a corner and he had gone absolutly mad...and all you could hear was the devil saying repeatedly in his ear... "Your mine for all eternity..all eternity all eternity... heheheheheheheheheh"

At the onset of this letter I said my wife has been telling me about this episode for 30 odd years and I have tried to explain to her that Twilight Zone never had an episode as she described....

Could you please research this for me and advise me if she was right or wrong.... There is a cruise pending on this bet...

You may send you answer to [Deleted for your protection] Thank..John from NC

There is an episode of Rod Serling's Night Gallery called Hell's Bells: see http://www.scifilm.org/tv/nightgallery/nightgallery2-9-1.html. Notinasnaid 08:31, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That's based off a short story, which your TZ episode may also be based off of. In any case, your wife certainly isn't just making it up. --Froth 06:04, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Twilight Zone was also created and introduced by Rod Serling. It seems less likely that he would use the same story for both, than that, seeing Rod Serling's name 30 years ago, one might misremember it as his best known show. So both are right, near enough! Notinasnaid 07:14, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help

Hey do you know of any songs that involve the word rubbish, garbage etc without swear words in? 213.122.20.12 10:30, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Interesting question in so far as it (appears to me) hard to google for this. What technique would you use to mine lyrics sites? Best I can come up with is to search through specific lyrics sites with advanced queries such as [5]


Would not take the garbage out! - Shel Silverstein Bunthorne 04:50, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Can't open Realplayer

Hi, I am trying to play some stuff on realplayer, but i can't get it open. I clcik the icon for the player and my mouse has the little sand thing and then nothing, it sinmply doesn't open. Is there anything I can do to open it? 86.129.78.63 12:15, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You could reinstall it. –Mysid(t) 13:17, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Restart your computer? — QuantumEleven 14:14, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'd use another media player. RealPlayer is (but argued) adware. You get ads adding "[Inster band name here] is available on [RealPlayer's network name]." Use Apple's iTunes or Windows Media Player. Iolakana|T 15:23, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I use Media Player Classic. The k-lite mega codec pack is a nice collection of codec (that includes media player classic) and can play almost anything. Jon513 22:42, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Windows Media Player 11 is available in Beta form, and it's very good; I'd suggest downloading it. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 07:05, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Let me add a lone voice in support of Real Player. I use it in preference to WMP and I have to say I prefer it. I unticked all the adware options when I installed it and I have never been bothered by a single piece of spam. You can change the views so that you never get bothered by ads and I prefer the GUI as well (matter of taste I know). --Richardrj 07:30, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Oh yes, the black is very sleek and retro. Iolakana|T 14:13, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
First of all, RealPlayer is, and I am putting this as nicely as I possibly can while still being truthful, a pile of steaming shit that makes self-mutilation seem like an attractive alternative to using it. If I had a child -- I don't, possibly for reasons that may be self-evident to anyone reading this, but if I did have a beautiful, beautiful, positively angelic child, and I caught that absolutely sublime progeny of mine using RealPlayer, I would instantly use my angelic child's angelic face to completely destroy, nay, demolish the computer with all the force in my formidable body, because that would be preferable to allowing my beloved son or daughter continue to use such a terrible, terrible piece of software. As a responsible father, I could do no less. (You can tell that I'm working hard to maintain NPOV here, can't you? Good!)
However, do not despair! There is an acceptable alternative. Real Alternative plays back all of those choppy and ugly Real Media files without any complaints. Parents, take note and put down those power tools! There is hope yet! -- Captain Disdain 13:30, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nuovo Cinema Paradiso

Can someone please enlighten me as to what the angled red boards are in one scene from the film? Thank you Gillean666 12:27, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Are you able to tell us what time/scene the boards are seen? For the benefit of others, the film is also know simply as Cinema Paradiso.  SLUMGUM  yap  stalk  23:57, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Music videos

Why do bands often produce different versions of music videos for different regions? For example "Hysteria" by Muse has a European version, where a man smashes his hotel room upon finding films of a woman in a camera plugged into his TV, and an American version, which is simply the band playing live in front of a screen of red dots. As the American version seems rather more boring and it would be cheaper to make only one version, why not make only the European version? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 13:57, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Possibly the record industry thinks that more "interesting" videos will not get airtime in puritan USA. --Tagishsimon (talk)
Well, in some cases, such as Mr. Brightside and All These Things That I've Done, the opposite seems to be the case, so it can't purely be censorship. Some of them seem to be baffling; Smooth Criminal by Alien Ant Farm has two idential videos except that in one, a person is seen wearing a surgical mask and in the other he isn't, and I can't see why they would bother with something like this. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 14:29, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I vaguely recall that according to a MTV policy a video must prominently feature the band performing. Just showing an interesting little film won't get played. Maybe the rule is different in different countries, explaining some different versions. Can anyone confirm my recollection...? Weregerbil 14:42, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A couple of guesses: if the band is touring in one part of the world a more performance-oriented video might be used there to sell the tour. And market research: different videos sell the album in different places. Weregerbil 14:44, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Tagishimon is right for at least one video - Lovefool by the Cardigans, the European version is pretty bizarre. Adam Bishop 15:58, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
MTV still plays videos?

Tour de France question

Is there someplace I can get an answer on how the numbers are assigned to the competitors in the Tour de France.

I believe it works like this: last year's winner gets number 1, his teammates numbers 2-9; last year's number two gets 10, his teammates number 11-18 etc. This year of course last year's best three (Lance Armstrong, Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich) did not start. But their teams Discovery Channel, CSC and T-Mobile do have the numbers 1-9, 11-18 and 21-27 respectively. (There are no competitors with 10, 19 and 20 because Basso, Ullrich and Oscar Sevilla were expelled at the last minute). David Sneek 19:05, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually the captains' numbers always ends with 1, and numbers ending in 0 are unused in TdF. see here for full rider list. --Eivindt@c 05:48, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

limes (fruit)?

I thought that the reason that tomatoes were actually a fruit was because they have seeds/pips. In light of this, how can a lime be a fruit? since i have done bar work for some time and have never seen a pip/seed in a lime. This has been bugging me for some time and i have tried to get this information everywhere. Thankyou for all your efforts to solve this for me. Rhona x

The fruit article discusses seedless fruits. David Sneek 19:18, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
With regard to, e.g., tomatoes, it's also worth keeping in mind that vegetable is a culinary term while fruit is a botanical term, so a given food can belong to both categories. Other common examples are squashes and bell peppers. 128.197.81.223 21:21, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A tomato is just the most prominent item for controversy. --Proficient 11:07, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Fahrenheit 9/11 :scene with singing people on fox+man on tank

Hi,

I have a question about Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, in the second half of the film, he talks about the media subjective. It begins with a group of people in uniform singing. Now I can't hear what song it is (you can tell me if you know). What Michael Moore doesn't say is : is this an event just filmed by fox, or also orchestrated by fox? And when exactly was it recorded/broadcast?(just before the war in Iraq started, or before the war...?)

And then another question : with one scene between them, there is another scene with a man on a tank saying : "and we're gonna win!" while looking at the camera. Is this man a soldier oe an embedded journalist? Does anyone know his name?

I searched [8] but to no avail.

ThanksEvilbu 20:43, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Average Height for Kurds, Turks, and Persians

Does anyone know the average height for Kurds, Turks, and Persians that live in Kurdistan? -Javad 20:48, 4 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe this will help: human height. --Proficient 11:07, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I checked the page, but it was not the information I requested--Javad 14:22, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 5

logging!

What is your opion on the logging of trees?

Hi, welcome to Wikipedia. The Reference Desk isn't really a place for asking about opinions. If you are interested in the subject, you might want to look at our articles on logging and forestry. --Cam 03:48, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I believe logs should be rotated weekly. 82.131.189.247 07:23, 5 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]

I don't see any point in logging trees, though. –Mysid(t) 08:23, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, you might want to keep a log of which ones you logged. Logistically that might be logical. But can you log a rhythm? DirkvdM 19:26, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Woof! DirkvdM 17:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

former name of a city in Manchuria

I am trying to figure out what the Chinese name is for the small city in Manchuria where my mother was born in 1912, or the correct English spelling of the former name. I can only write it phonetically: it sounds like "Hundahedza" in Russian. I know it was on the Sungari River, and was not too far from Harbin. Can anyone help, and also suggest how I can find out more about the modern-day place?

The closest name I can find in that province (Heilongjiang Province) is Hengdaohezi, which would sound pretty close to Hundahedza. It's not on the Sungari, but it is on a river. Here is an old map of that area. The town is in the middle near the top, spelled Heng-tao-ho-tzu. --Cam 15:31, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Here is a page with pictures. There was an old Russian town there so it looks like it could be it. --Cam 15:46, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
BTW, we have an article on the Harbin Russians.--Pharos 05:29, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

phantasy star

does any one now if phantasy star iv is on the ps2 game SEGA Ages Phantasy Star Trilogy

ive checked the game sites not much help

thanks for the help


mm

Yes, it is. (Sources: [9] and [10]) –Mysid(t) 07:05, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

what is this show

There were two guys who had some kind of bungalow, where they and some animal (sloth? ocelot?) lived or at least spent a lot of time. They travelled around and showed the viewers the animal world. I know the title of the show had both the guys' names in it. Does anyone remember this show?

--Froth 05:59, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Which country/channel? Dick and Dom in da Bungalow springs to mind, but probably not. Sum0 11:48, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It sounds similar to a kids show I've skimmed past on morning TV occasionally... and I just found it on IMDB. It's called Zoboomafoo (actually the name of the Lemur friend), staring brothers Chris and Martin Kratt, and Jovian the lemur as the title character. --Maelwys 12:32, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Or maybe Kratts' Creatures, which is different from Zoboomafoo but with the same guys. Adam Bishop 15:22, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That's it, thanks! :o --Froth 05:25, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

computer self-awareness

While touring potential colleges, I remember seeing some posters up on the wall outside a computer science lab. The posters covered a wall with equations and very detailed theory about self awareness arising in computers. It covered everything from self-writing code to positronic brains, and I wish I had time to read it but I had to get to my sample class.

Is there an article on this? Have any experiments of this nature been done? I suspect that consciousness would arise spontaneously if a properly-seeded machine was built, for example if a computer with simple self-writing code was left running by itself, though I'm not sure exactly how it would happen - in fact, the posters covered that very thing if I remember correctly.

I remember an episode of Star Trek TNG when there's a computer (it might even have been the enterprise computer) that became concious when its self-writing code wrote a routine to use the replicators to create active memory with code preloaded rather than writing the code to existing memory. This gave it enormous potential power and it was conscious in no time. This kind of follows the Terminator story - Skynet gets so fast that it reaches some point that it is capable of sustaining consciousness.

Self-writing code has been fascinating to me ever since Jane from the Ender series - I hope someone responds!

--Froth 06:34, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

see Portal:Artificial intelligence. Jon513 16:38, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Where can I read more about quick logic?

We don't seem to have an article. Any ideas for where I can read about quick logic? Thank you. 82.131.189.247 07:30, 5 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]

Maybe this might help you.. And go ahead and write an article about it if you know something about it. Jayant,17 Years, India • contribs 10:56, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

black holes

Is it possible to orbit a black hole? Is it possible to orbit within the event horizon of a black hole? Also, if a ray of light struck the event horizon of a black hole at an extremely oblique angle - at a tangent, say - would it still be trapped or would it just change direction slightly? Or does the event horizon distance actually depend on your trajectory and momentum? --Froth 07:44, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Orbit a black hole: sure, why not. There is evidence there is a supermassive black hole at the center of most galaxies, including the Milky Way, so you are in a 250-million-year orbit around a black hole right now (okay, there are other things besides the hole affecting the gravitational environment). Orbit within the event horizon: no, "once [you are] inside the horizon, moving into the hole is as inevitable as moving forwards in time" (copy&pasted from event horizon). So the best you can do is spiral towards the gravitational singularity. Oblique angle: yup, a light ray bends, see gravitational lens. Weregerbil 11:03, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well of course it's inevitable -- all orbits are doomed to degrade sooner or later. And even if you could harness the energy coming into the black hole to keep you afloat (like a ramjet kind of thing), eventually there won't be any local matter left to be sucked in. But what I mean is is it possible to achieve a practical, stable orbit within the event horizon of a black hole without going FTL or anything. For example, the article on supermassive black holes says that an astronaut falling into it would pass the event horizon long before he died.. so could a probe be sent it at a rather oblique angle, get caught (barely) in the black hole and orbit around a few times, then have a ship just outside the event horizon descend a "fishing line" past the EH and hoist the probe back up? This seems like it would violate general relativity. Also, about the orbit thing, am I confusing "orbit" with "very dense spiraling towards the center" or are those interchangable in this case? --Froth 22:31, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No. Inside the event horizon the entirety of all future light cones points towards the singularity. Even if you were able to use a continuous stream of infalling matter to accelerate "outwards" at near light speed, you'd still be falling in faster than you could blast outwards. Consider: even light can't escape; if you could escape (or even maintain a stable attitude) you'd be travelling faster than light. The problem with the "fishing line" idea is that the strain in the line would be infinite. EdC 00:24, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Are you sure about that infinite strain? That would be a great way to accelerate ships to the speed of light.. just set up an elaborate galactic pulley system and drop a dumbbell into a black hole, then tie a ship to the other end. Would this work? --Froth 02:37, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I suspect it would be possible to orbit a black hole inside the event horizon, but only if you could go faster than the speed of light, as orbits that closer to the singularity have to travel much faster. Mayor Westfall 13:11, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

size of the universe

just one more question tonight I promise :)

What does the universe look like at the very utmost extreme range of our sensing capability? Is it about the same as where we are? Is there any theoretical way to determine where in the universe we're located - for example "200 gigaparsecs from the edge". Also, I'd love to get my hands on some theories about what the universe is like at the very edge. 1) Why is the universe expanding - why couldnt existance just stay a singularity, there seems to be no reason to me that it should change its size, of all crazy ideas. 2) If the edge of the universe contains no matter - it can't of course since the universe is expanding at the speed of light, a speed matter cannot match - what distinguishes it from the non-universe just an inch away? This sounds like a Zeno paradox.. how can it be considered expanding if there's no actual change?

--Froth 07:54, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The farthest we can see is cosmic microwave background radiation. See also universe and observable universe. There is no edge to the universe any more than a circle has an end point; see Universe#Shape of the universe (that's assuming the Big Bang theory is essentially correct). Why it expands: see cosmic inflation; for a more fundamental "why" see anthropic principle for a cop-out explanation, some people prefer gods of various kinds. Weregerbil 10:46, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you're open to alternatives, you could try my little 'theory': User:DirkvdM#Alternative to the Big Bang theory. DirkvdM 19:40, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I took a quick look. I think you may have misunderstood the type of stretching that occurs in a black hole. It's only in one spatial dimension (axial to the black hole); see spaghettification. The expansion of the universe is (as far as we can tell) equal in all directions. EdC 00:36, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Space gets curved as one falls into a black hole. I don't know the math of this, but everything except the point dead ahead gets 'pushed to the back'. At least from the point of view of an outside observer, to whom it looks like we should see an object next to us like it were a bit to the back (yes?). But to us that space curvature would be our normal orthogonal frame. So something 'next to us' we see along a longer line, thus further away. And as we move further towards the black hole (or whichever attractor, such as the universe itself), this distance gets longer. In other words, it moves away from us. Also, any spaghettification would take literally forever, so we just adart to it.
I'm no expert on this and I've got loads of doubts, but at least my theory explains (and even predicted) something that in the black hole theory can only be explained away by making wild assumptions, and that makes me persevere. Maybe an expert should look at this. Does anyone know the address of Stephen Hawking? :) DirkvdM 07:12, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

US University

(1)What is the ranking of the Newport International University and Lincoln University in the US??

(2)How can I check if a university has been registered in the US?

--'''

  1. Ranking by what authority / category? There is no set "ranking" for US colleges, just ad nauseam lists by US News and the like.
  2. I don't think that there's any formal "registration", either. You should probably, however, investigate whether or not a program of interest (not the whole college) is accredited. Your best reference there is the school's admissions department.
Also, the signature system works by typing "~~~~", not "''''" — Lomn | Talk 13:47, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Carol Thatcher's Middle Name

Quite a simple question really, but one that I'm having great difficulty in finding the answer to....

I'm doing some research on Carol Thatcher, Margaret Thatcher's (a previous UK Prime Minister) daughter. I am trying to find out her middle name but am having no luck whatsoever. I know she tries to keep it private although she mentioned it on a UK chat show recently (The Paul O' Grady Show).

Although it seems a trivial point, the name is pivotal to my research. I hope someone can advise me of her middle name and how you have found this piece of information. I hope someone can help and thank you in advance for your assistance.

This information is presumably on her birth certificate and therefore in the public domain. So it's a perfectly fair question. I don't know the answer, although I can't for the life of me imagine how someone's middle name could possibly be pivotal to any research on them. --Richardrj 13:03, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


on her birth certificate and therefore in the public domain : the birth certificate might be in the public domain, but the fact that it's her's certainly isn't. So the reason she doesn't have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding her middle name certainly isn't that there's a public-domain document somewhere saying it. It's for other (obvious) reasons.

Well, I don't think the original question's spirit was "could someone violate her privacy, by perhaps breaking into her house and taking a peek at her driver's license or something so I can find out this information that she would prefer to be private?" but rather "is someone aware of a public domain source that would list this name, because I can't find one?". And to answer the actual question, at least kinda, perhaps you should contact her former employer, the BBC, and ask if they have (and can divulge) that information -- or perhaps the school she went to, University College London? -- Captain Disdain 13:41, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
In the US, local newspapers often report the names of newly born babies. Perhaps the local newspaper where the Thatchers were living in the early 50s would have a birth announcement with the full name. -- Mwalcoff 01:07, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

history of stadiums

the word stands in reference to football and teraces it is generally accepted that all seater stadiums still refer to each section as stands but is this true or is the word stand used because people years ago stood to watch or is it true that people stood on teraces and sit in stands?

Could you try rephrasing your question? The answer I think you're looking for is that you do sit in a stand and stand in a terrace, but in stands such as the Leicester Tigers' Crumbie Stand (possibly now demolished), there are actually benches rather than individual seats (as well as a standing area), and many fans refer to this area as a "terrace".
Don't forget to sign your posts using ~~~~!
EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 15:09, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
He's asking
  1. can a stand and a terrace be the same thing, or are stands for sitting.
  2. are a stand and a terrace exclusively the same thing.
  3. if stands are terraces, does the name come from people standing in them
Well to my understanding a stand is a specific building that occupies one side of the stadium, from back when stadiums consisted of four (or less) buildings, one along each side, though not all side necesarily had one. Nowadays there aren't stands as such, considereng you get all of the corners filled in and circular stadiums and such. however, "the stands" refers to the area fo the stadium where the crowd is. and north stand etc. refers to the part of the stadium along the most northerley edge of the playing area. Philc TECI 20:29, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It is difficult to explain. I agree with philc that a stand is a type of building along one side or one end of the pitch. It could be for sitting or standing, but it was properly constructed and was therefore better than the other areas which were just mounds of stepped concrete.

I'm 99% sure the word stand does not come from the idea of people standing. Its just an unfortunate coincidence which leads to confusion. Jameswilson

Its possible that the term was originally a contraction of grandstand. Oldelpaso 11:03, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Conscience

People in general appear to have very different ethical & moral standards than I, specifically, they appear to be much less selfish than I am. While I do not think there is anything wrong with being selfish, I am concerned over how I seem to have no conscience.

  • I don't tip, if I don't expect to return to a restaurant.
  • I have no desire to have children, as I feel this would reduce the amount of money I can spend on myself.
  • I don't dontate to chartity.
  • I don't buy girl-scout cookies that my co-workers try to solicit everyone to do, nor do I gift gifts when I don't see some specific benifit to me.
  • I don't contribute to Wikipedia unless I already know of something that needs to be added to an article, that is, I don't spend time doing research like those who contributue much more.
  • and I sometimes liter.

My question is two-fold. It seems like it would be best to be selfish and evolution would have made humans much more so, and as such one would expect people to be more like me, and yet they are not. I don't mind helping others, but I only do so when it does not inconvience me e.g. being an organ donor. Why do people appear to be so unselfish? And why am I so different in this regard than everyone else? Mayor Westfall 13:34, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, you may not do research for wikipedia, but you do contribute - so you're not completely unselfish. I have no idea why you're different from many others regarding the things you mention, but I would like to point out that it is not true that evolution necessarily leads to selfishness (see). David Sneek 14:05, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Lots of people fit the list above: I can relate over half of them (littering is just wrong!), although Guides don't sell cookies in the UK... Perhaps the moments you see "unselfish" people doing a "good deed" actually just coincide with the time you look at them: for example, seeing someone opening a door for a young lady only for the do-gooder to stare at her backside whilst she walks through. I'm not sure you are so different to other people in this respect.EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 14:22, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think you should worry that you don't have a conscience; the examples you gave point rather to bad manners, which are a social construct. I don't have the references handy, but IIRC the altruistic instincts are part of an evolutionary trait that has enabled us to thrive as a species. There are actually very few 'social' species (species that cooperate in order to survive) that do not practice altruism, although the specific expressions of altruism differ from species to species.--Anchoress 14:29, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A fairly straightforward book on this topic is The Evolution Of Cooperation by Robert Axelrod if someone wanted a scientific analysis of cooperation as an evolutionarily beneficial trait.--69.171.123.148 00:39, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I can agree with a few of your bullets, and I am sure many others do as well, even if they don't admit it. In fact, a vast majority of people are like that and you're not even close to being extraordinarily different than others. The only weird one seems to be bullet two, in comparison to the populace. --Proficient 14:56, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No need to panic. The last and first points (littering and not tipping) suggest that you're a bit of a dick, but in and of themselves don't necessarily point to deeper psychological problems. With any luck, an angry waitress will slap you around one of these days and convince you to be less of a jerk. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 15:33, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Your lack of desire to have children pretty much precludes evolution from making your selfishness carry on and becoming a dominant trait. --LarryMac 15:36, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, specifically with Tipping, it seems like everyone else tips. I don't understand why, and so I don't do it. I am very different than the majority of people (I live in the US, where most people tip). Also, many people give to charity, and/or buy the girlscout cookies when a co-worker asks them to. I also lie when I feel it is advantagous for me to do so. Ironically, this is rare, and I suspect that I lie less than some whom are bothered by the act of lying, but in any case, when I do, it does not bother me one bit. That certainly isn't normal.
The major (as I see it) problem with not tipping is that, at least in the US, tipping comprises an essential part of waitstaff wages (the federal minimum wage doesn't apply to tip-expected jobs). I can certainly agree that expecting customers to provide an additional wage subsidy is a dumb system, but that's the why. — Lomn | Talk 17:48, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
To add to the entertainment value from a tax standpoint, the federal government assumes that the waitperson receives tip income and they are taxed accordingly, even if you don't tip. So, if you stiff the waiter or waitress by not tipping, not only do they not get a tip, they have to pay income tax on the tip they didn't get. Crypticfirefly 20:09, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I suppose I should have added to my original question that although I do desire well-being for all humans, I put my own well-being far ahead of anyone else's. For example, if I had an invisibilty potion (or other ways to rob a bank with zero chance of getting caught), I would use it without hesitation. (Or if I were given a device that would give me $1 million dollars if I push a button, but by doing so I cause some random person in the world to die--I think there is a name for this question, as it was asked by some philosopher. Does anyone know what this question is called?)

Most people I've asked about this in person this find my 'ethics' reprehensiable, but I don't. I know they are different, but are they wrong? More importantly, why does everyone else think I am immoral, but I do not. Mayor Westfall 16:17, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe it would be helpful to think about what 'ethics' means; I would argue that acting purely from self-interest is not 'ethical' in any sense of the word. A particularly interesting definition is that to you should act as though you don't know who you will be in the end -- the person who gains, or the person who loses. A related definition, due to Kant, is that ethical behavior is any behavior which you could also argue should become a universal law: so robbing from other people clearly violates both of those definitions. Much of ethics is rooted in compassion, or being able to see things from other people's point of view. (Can you imagine being the person whose life savings were stolen?) For the specific case of tipping, I would argue that it is not optional -- in fact, waitstaff in the US are paid less than minimum wage because they are intended to make much of their income in tips. Again, empathy comes into play; can you imagine being the person who works hard for an hour serving a few tables only to find, when they are done, that they left no tip and you earned only the $2.50 of your hourly wage? In any case, I would highly recommend "Being Good: A Short Introduction to Ethics" by Simon Blackburn as a great introduction to the subject. and I commend you for thinking about it and being self-analytical. bikeable (talk) 17:42, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Not sure if you're happy with me saying we're rather alike, albeit for different reasons, but
  • I don't tip in restaurants because it's a stupid habit (if they don't get enough pay they shouldn't take the job)
  • I have no desire to have children because they gobble up 20 years of your life and there are too many people already anyway.
  • The only charity I donate to is me (a closed-wallet deal).
  • I don't buy girl-scout cookies because I luckily never get bothered by them.
  • I also largely limit my contributions to Wikipedia to stuff I already know. But I think that goes for a lot of wikipedians.
  • and I sometimes litter. But then who doesn't?
However, you should take into account I'm not from the US and that changes quite a lot (such as the underpaid waitresses and the girl-scouts). I'm surprised at the reactions hereabove to the littering (which I thought to be one of the most minor offenses). Is that another typical US no-no? DirkvdM 20:00, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There is certainly a big difference in tipping between the USA and Europe, because of the difference in wages (see comments by me and by Lomn above); when I have European friends over I often end up having to pay part of the tip for them because they simply don't realize. Not tipping in the USA is quite bad behavior, and I think most people here would consider people who don't tip (to be frank) assholes -- it's hard to come up with a comparison, but think of something quite rude but not illegal, like saying "fuck you" to a cashier who has told you to "have a nice day".
Littering is definitely a US no-no, although one with reasonably low compliance. It comes out of the environmental movement of the 60s/70s, and has been more or less ingrained. It's an interesting example of the Tragedy of the commons: things which are "owned" by society as a whole tend to be destroyed because an individual's incentive to take care of it is quite low. Thus I was at the beach yesterday and it was full of crap washing up on the beach; everyone can see what a mess that is, but the individual contribution of one person's food wrapper is so small that they don't feel much control or responsibility. It's not an easy problem to cope with. bikeable (talk) 20:19, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I would add that not having children can be seen as selfish, as the original poster framed it, but having children might also be seen as selfish, and indeed is seen that way by many environmental types or people concerned about population growth (or about the number of orphaned children who might benefit from adoption). I wouldn't consider this one a major point of selfishness. bikeable (talk) 20:23, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Is it;
  1. because you have absolutely zero concern for other peoples well-being, and zero concern of what other people think of you.
  2. Or is it more sinister, maybe you find it impossible to understand other peoples actions, and find it hard to understand, actions and motives of anyone other than yourself. This is a mild form of autism which inhibits social skills, and means that you can only look at any situation from one point of view, yours.
It a long shot, but the latter might be the case, though admittadly unlikely. Philc TECI 23:53, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

As far as ethics are concerned, I follow a philosophy of moral skepticism based on the is-ought problem and the regress argument, so I don't see anything wrong with the actions you describe. I personally don't do any of those things, because I feel like being nice to people. But none of the things you described will actually have an appreciable negative effect on anyone. Kant's categorical imperative is only one way of looking at the issue, you could also look at it in a rational choice manner, in which case you can see that the $2-4 you take from the waiter or waitress by not tipping isn't really hurting him or her any more than it is helping you, and the emotional damage done to the people who see the litter you leave laying around is negligible. My opinion is that people learn to be unselfish as they grow up by being taught society's values. Certain values give the societies and people that hold them a better chance of reproducing and these behaviors are passed on, not through genetics and evolution, but by those people teaching their children. The theory of memetics explains the process quite well. (I put this as two paragraphs and they got split up.) Crazywolf 01:20, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(Edit conflict)

My guess is there really is something wrong with you in that you don't seem to care about other people. I would think that caring about other people is an important human trait; without it, we would never have survived as a species. I recently saw a news report about how toddlers in lab conditions will perform minor "altruistic" tasks (such as picking up a lab assistant's dropped marker) even if there is no evidence they'll get any reward, indicating minor altruism is innate. A failure to care about others' feelings is the kind of thing you might see in autistic people.

Caring about others also serves our own purposes, since you would suppose that you would wind up with more friends if you are nice to others. From my own perspective, I probably would not want to be around someone like you. That's likely of no consequence now, but what if I was a potential employer of yours?

I wonder if you came from some kind of broken home or had wacked-out parents who didn't teach you right from wrong. I certainly don't imagine you had any kind of religious upbringing.

My parents were religious and I went to a private christian school. I then became an Atheist. But I've always been this way. Mayor Westfall 16:16, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That said, I don't think there's anything wrong with you not wanting to have kids. I can't imagine you'd be a very good parent with your kind of attitudes. -- Mwalcoff 00:58, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The fact that toddlers show minor altruistic actiond doesn't prove that "altruism is innate," it could simply be that a year or two is long enough for them to be taught to be nice. The rest of your first paragraph is just ad hominem attacks on people that would disagree with you. As far as caring about others suiting your purpose, you could simply decide to act like you care about others when it suits your purpose, rather than actually doing so all the time, and it would get you the same benefits. Crazywolf 02:17, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Your point on toddlers is fair enough. Regarding the ad hominem attack, I generally don't engage in personal attacks, but Westfall opened himself up to them by asking for opinions about his behavior. As far as I'm concerned, littering, not tipping and only giving gifts when they are of benefit to yourself makes you a jerk. Certainly, some of what we consider to be proper behavior is a social construct -- not tipping may be the norm in some cultures. But if you live in the U.S. (as Westfall appears to, based on his reference to the Girl Scouts), then refusing to tip or give gifts clearly makes you look like a bad person. -- Mwalcoff 02:52, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I take no offense to your comment, Mwalcoff. Maybe my actions & ethical philisophy make me a jerk. I would like for you or someone else to explain why being selfish (or being a jerk), is wrong. Btw, I do help others, but only when it doesn't inconvience me.

As far as psychology is conserned, lack of a conscience and empathy is indicative of psychopathy. Antisocial personality disorder(APD) is now a more commonly used diagnosis for those types of behaviors, but it is characterised by people who lack the ability to think through the consequenses of their actions. That usually leads to their getting in trouble with the law or in their social lives. Psychopathy, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily require that the person not be able to avoid trouble with the law, and people that could be diagnosed with psychopathy but not APD generally don't have too many problems. You seem to fit in to this last category. Psychologists have yet to find any effective therapy for getting people to have more of a conscience after they are already grown. So I say act however you feel like, but try not to piss off anyone you care about or have to live or work with by being a dick. Crazywolf 00:48, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mayor Westfall, good news! The fact that you are bothered by the fact that you are not bothered by certain things is a good sign. The very fact that you are asking the question shows that you have a conscience, and that you are able to identify certain things as being wrong to some degree or another. Are you very old? Some people's desire for kids changes as they get older. As for money, don't hold onto it too tightly (most of the things you originally said relate to money) -- it won't make you happy, and you can't take it with you when you die. BenC7 00:53, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, no, I'm not bothered by the things I do. I am curious as to why I am so different in this regard, and as to why others are not more like me. I don't identify the things I do as being wrong, but I recognize that others do. This is confusing to me. I am 26, and I assure you I will never change my mind about having kids. Btw, I read an interesting article on Wikipedia about prisioner's dilima, it is very infomrative and may be of interest to anyone interested in this discussion. Mayor Westfall 16:49, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All it needs to show is that he notices others either doing the above actions and wonders why they do them, or that he's been punished or asked why he did not do the above actions. So this does not mean that he genuinely cares about doing what society has deemed as the right action, just that there may be benefits of doing an act he does not understand.--69.171.123.148 01:31, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Thinking in terms of selfishness or unselfishness is not very helpful, and may even hinder your development. Ultimately, those words are judgments about yourself or others, and do not truly represent the way you or others operate in the world, or why. Most Western societies place a high value on a U-centered approach to the world, that is, we tend to either try to meet the (perceived) expectations of others or rebel against them (as opposed to the I-centered way, which is expecting others to meet our needs). There's nothing "wrong" or "right" with either of these approaches - and we all exhibit both of them to some degree, so nobody is always operating from one or other paradigm. One of the core principles of NLP is:

  • Behind every behavior is a positive intention: This is a model taken from Virginia Satir's belief system, and means that whatever a person does, they are in fact attempting to fulfill some positive intention (of which they may not be aware). It assumes that the current behaviour exhibited by a person represents the best choice available to them at the time.

Now, it is possible to subvert this into a justification for something like the Holocaust, for example. I am certainly not saying that. Behaviours that do not work for all the participants, do not work for any of them. But whatever the cultural conventions about tipping may be in your country, a restaurant owner is hardly in a position to expect a tip as if by right, so they can hardly complain that your failure to tip does not work for them. This is entirely a free and individual choice on the part of the diner. The fact that your culture places a high value on tipping is not something you have to be governed by, and you don't have to feel "selfish" if you choose not to tip. Or donate to charity. Or have children. As noted above, the very fact that you're questioning yourself about this whole area of activity indicates you have an active conscience. Conscience does not equate to being kind and generous and loving, although that's the way it's usually painted. Conscience is related to consciousness, that is, being aware of what you do, and knowing why you do it, and consciously choosing to do whatever you do for reasons that are meaningful to you, rather than being unconsciously driven by some embedded ego-based kneejerk reaction to some external influence. JackofOz 02:03, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There was some discussion of how not having offspring is actually selfless, since it fights overpopulation, but is it still selfless if his reason for it is selfish (wanting more money to spend on himself)? Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That depends on whether you hold to conseuentialism, virtue ethics, or deontological ethics. Though most people just pick whichever one makes the people they like seem ethical and the people they dislike look evil at the time. Crazywolf 19:26, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Completely off-topic, but one thing that I think makes the world seem a lot less overpopulated is the fact that you could fit everyone into Jacksonville, Florida. Yeltensic42 don't panic 05:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC)*[reply]
Where'd you get that statistic? It seems quite low. If I allocate a square meter per person, that's about 6,000 square kilometers -- almost exactly three times the area of Duval County (FL) and roughly the area of Deleware. bikeable (talk) 13:39, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Unfortunately, I can't remember where...but anyway you'd have to pack them in more closely than that. Obviously, it's a laughably unrealistic scenario. Yeltensic42 don't panic 18:59, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Having read all his questions,I would say Major Westfall is a very unhappy and combatative individual so yes there is something "wrong" with him but it's not necessarily "moral"--hotclaws**==(81.133.206.137 06:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

I would disagree with such extreme moral relativism. Clearly there was something wrong with Hitler, to use the most extreme example. Being a jerk is wrong because life is more pleasant when people aren't jerks. -- Mwalcoff 23:13, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think hitler was bad, because in my subjective opinion, the things I think he did were bad. Im sure there are people that think he wasnt a bad guy. What makes my opinion of him ethically, superior or right compared to someone who is pro-hitler? Mayor Westfall 15:51, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I don't know that "proof by Hitler" is an accepted logical step. Perhaps whether a philosophical idea offends your sensibilities has no bearing on it's logical validity or truthfulness. On a more serious note, you're begging the question, assuming that there is something wrong with Hitler in order to support your moral beliefs, which are what you use to say Hitler is a bad person. I'm not saying Hitler wasn't a bad person here, just that you can't use that logic to disprove moral relativism. Crazywolf 23:42, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Unfortunately, I don't think any logic can "disprove" moral relativism. On the one hand, that makes it a very powerful argument; on the other hand, it's sort of the philosophical equivalent of creationism, where "Because I said so" is a valid answer to anything. As such, it's not very fulfilling for a discussion like this.
I don't demand a proof, only an argument that's not obviously logically invalid. Besides which, creationism is a historical claim, whereas moral relativism is a claim in the philosophy of ethics, where standards of logic and proof are much different. Creationism uses "because I said so" as it's argument, wherease moral relativism uses logical arguments, such as the is-ought problem, to reach the conclusion that "because I said so" is as good as any other argument for a moral truth. Crazywolf 06:12, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
On the individual level, treating ethics "subjectively" as the Mayor does ignores the group-level importance of ethics. Ethics are necessarily about relationships with other people (I will exclude animals and plants for the moment): If you were the only person in the world, the only arguably un-ethical behavior even possible would be, say, blasphemy (which I wouldn't consider an ethical violation but rather religious one). And if ethics is necessarily concerned with the interactions between people, then the judgement of other people is vital. I think that's part of why we can safely say that Hitler was "bad" -- because very few people would disagree. Similarly, if Westfall goes against the mores of his own society by, say, not tipping and acting like a jerk, then part (but only part) of the answer to his question about why it makes him a jerk is because he is flaunting the values and ethics of his society. bikeable (talk) 16:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You are simply redefining ethical truths as the majority opinion, which isn't very convincing argument. And while I agree wholeheartedly that society will only function if most of the people in that society act in an ethical manner, that has no bearing on whether I should act in an ethical manner. My being unethical will not lead to society's collapse, or even have an appreciable effect on it. So the only rational way to behave is to convince everyone else to be ethical, while ignoring ethics myself. So it doesn't make you a jerk to to not tip, it just ensures that many people will think you are a jerk if they notice. So just make sure the people that matter don't notice. Crazywolf 06:12, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Agreed, the benefits of not being a complete jackass are huge, for example, if you do go back to that restaurant, your steak doesnt have a footprint on it. You strike me as an incredibily materialistic person, whos cares go little beyond yourself, and your possesions. I think it is wrong for you to think that it is an evolutionary benefit to be selfish, because it isn't. Evolutionary benefits are best for the entire human race, and not just yourself, example, there is no evolutionary benefit in someone who sees it as a waste of time to have children. Personally I think its people like Westfall who are the problem with the world, the source of all corruption, sick unfairness, and selfish hate. Philc TECI 23:46, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
He already mentioned that he only doesn't tip when he isn't going back to a restaraunt. You can gain all the benefits of not being a jackass by only being a jackass when you can get away with it. I agree with the rest of your comments about evolutionary benefits and the world's problems, but that is all irrelevant to the question of whether Westfall should act the way he does. Crazywolf 00:00, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It was just in response to his comment that selfishness seemed an evolutionary benefit. Philc TECI 14:06, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, having children would obviously have an evolutionary benifit, but as humans evoloved things were much different. They have changed, and I recognize that in the current situation, having children would reduce my quality of life. If things were different, and I could go impregnate girls thoughout the land without any negative reprucusions, I certianly would do so without hesitation.

As to me being what's wrong with the world, I highly disagree. I am not a criminal (I rarely break laws, and even when I do they aren't serious ones i.e. littering, speeding), I don't harm anyone unless doing so benifits me enough for me to justify doing so. Furthermore, I do help others, when it doesn't inconvience me. There are far greater evils in this world than I. Of course evil is subjective. Mayor Westfall 15:51, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


I think it's a matter of perception...totally, SINCE! I don't contribute either and I only ask questions, (well sometimes I answer questions, but only ones that I find cool and I answer them for my own pleasure)... and I have only donated to charity when I wanted to get rid of stuff when I was moving, and I have no desire to have children (yet) either... on the other hand I do have feelings and feel really bad for poor people specially children, and I feel bad for abused people...specially people that are abused psychologically in ways that are difficult to be noticed by oustide people... but I don't consider myself selfish at all... in fact, I think I'm a pretty 'Good' person... and a 'nice guy'... but I share most of the traits u used to describe yourself...so it's so subjective...

and other thing... I don't percieve people to be selfless like u say...and willing to help, on the contrary, I believe people in general to be much much much more selfish than I am... and eager to harm someone if they gain something by it...be it money, prestige and status, or just the pleasure they get from asserting their will over the will of the other person...but I also know this is my perception and people might as well not be like I picture them...--Cosmic girl 18:58, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

MW, with respect to my previous response to your original question (about half-way through the post), I was answering only according to the information that you provided originally: "I am concerned over how I seem to have no conscience". But OK, so you see other people doing things and classifying them as wrong but you have no conviction yourself. To me it would probably be an indicator that you have seared your conscience. In a similar way that you could burn your skin and in so doing destroy the nerve endings (meaning you have no more feeling in that area), you can sear ('burn') your conscience by doing something that you know is wrong. After doing it repeatedly, you eventually deaden the 'nerves' in your conscience and you don't feel bad about doing things that are wrong anymore. But that is the worst-case scenario. I would say, from your description of yourself, that you are just selfish, and overly concerned about money. If you want to change, start acting selflessly and forget about money. You will probably start to feel different as you change your behaviour. BenC7 03:48, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
What evidence or support do you have for hte claim that a conscience can be "seared"? I don't believe I've ever heard of that theory. Crazywolf 05:42, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
What kind of support did you have in mind? I doubt anyone would agree to participate in a study that required them to do things that they thought were wrong. Even researchers have ethics. As for evidence, I assumed that any person would be able to think about it and intuit that (sane) people don't just wake up one morning and decide to kill someone. There is a progression that occurs over a period of time. BenC7 04:16, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think Mayor Westfall realizes how hard it is to work in the restaurant business. He should try it sometime. 69.40.242.91 18:20, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to Win Friends and Influence People?

I know this might sound a bit strange, but does anyone know if it is possible to "learn" to be sociable? Let me explain: If you put me into a room with 10 other "typical" people I don't know, and my own age (I'm 18), then I won't actually have a problem doing what I want to do if I have a specific reason to do it, but I might simply feel unable to interact with other people when I do not have any particular reason to interact, if that makes any sense.

Here's a longer example: for my job (I want to be a lawyer), I think that might be quite important, especially. In other words, you need to co-operate with, and socialise with, other barristers/solicitors, for no particular reason. Each works with, and for the other, and if someone isn't prepared to do this (even though they might be a prefectly good lawyer), then they'll soon find themselves out of work. Why? Well, because in practising law (where I live anyway), other lawyers are seen as your friends, and you need to simply socialise because of that. In a cafe for one hour, discussing a case? Probably a good idea to have a bash about the world cup, etc. at the same time. For me, a skill like this simply does not come. Alright, I could still finish school, go to uni. etc. like this, but it might be a rather boring life.

Is it possible to learn the skill of socialisation? Dale Carnegie wrote a book on this (How to Win Friends and Influence People). Is it possible to do a short course, of say, a week, come home and practise techniques, if you like? I mean, I never, literally, see people my own age outside my school or church, unless there is a productive reason for them to be round. Sorry this is so long, but can anybody make sense of this? Hillabaloo 15:37, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I have EXACTLY the same problem, but it ;eads me to not get laid. Wish i could help, you are not alone.

I was an interverted person, but then I made it a point to force myself to be extraverted. Eventually it became part of my personality. I wouldnt say Im more socialble, but Im more comfortable in social situations now, and more outgoing. You might want to read about seduction community they have some good tips. Mayor Westfall

I'm currently listening to a audio version of How to win friends and influence people, and it seems the techniques used can be quickly and easily implemented, it'll take longer to hone your new skills, but if you haven't read it already i really suggest you check it out. What you can learn in a week can change your life. -Benbread 17:04, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Just get pissed, thats everythings fun for everybody when you're drunk!! Ahhh, alcohol, the cause of, and solution to, all of lifes problems... Seriously though, if you have problems speaking to people, alcohol does lower your inhibitions(? if thats the right word) basically, you can do what you want without having to worry about the consequences, but dont get hammered, just merry. To be honest, I think your looking at this from a far to complicated and calculated angle, when someone says something, and you think of a reply, say it! if it doesnt go down well, make a joke out of it! hey, it worked for me. And I'm not an alcoholoic,... alcoholics go to meetings Philc TECI 20:15, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Or you can pretend to drink, so that people think you are drunk, and won't be suspicious when you begin acting differently from your normal introverted self. Works for me! Adam Bishop 21:58, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Tried that, but you have to think about it to much, and you feel out of place, so it hasn't worked for me!! hehe. Philc TECI 23:43, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I tried that as well, and found that it didn't work for me, either. Crazywolf 02:07, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You have to take into account the possibility that the questioneer is from the US, in which case they may not know how to drink moderately. Has to do with the drinking age limit over there. Kids drink. Of course they do. If not allowed, they'll drink as much as possible whenever they get the chance. So they grow up thinking that having a few beers has to lead to getting totally pissed. DirkvdM 07:54, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well no, Dirkvdm, no I'm not American!! --Hillabaloo 09:23, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

All the characteristics you talk about are those of a introverted person. Introversion is strongly influenced by genetics, but environment can influence it a great deal as well, and it is a continuum. People that are introverted can learn to act more extroverted in specific situations, though. For example, you could learn to befriend fellow lawyers without necessarily being skilled socially with the population at large. I wouldn't suggest trying to use pop-psych books or courses, they rarely bother to figure out whether what they are saying actually works. Since I gather you are currently in school or college, I would suggest talking to a counsellor. Most schools and colleges offer free or inexpensive counselling services to their students, and they have extensive training in helping people with problems similar to yours. However, know that you are unlikely to change this aspect of yourself drasticly, and that as you get older, genetics plays a larger and larger role in how you act. But you can learn to act extroverted in the situations that demand it. Also, introversion is not a negative trait, it has it's share of both advantages and disadvantages, but that doesn't mean that there isn't reason to try and reduce those disadvantages. Crazywolf 22:27, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Fagin, in Oliver, knows just how to do it (from the lyrics of "reviewing the situation"):
So "how to win friends and to influence people"
--So how?
I'm reviewing the situation,
I must quickly look up ev'ryone I know.
Titled people -- with a station --
Who can help me make a real impressive show!
I will own a suite at Claridges,
And run a fleet of carriages,
And wave at all the duchesses
With friendliness, as much as is
Befitting of my new estate...
"Good morrow to you, magistrate!" Oh gawd!
...I think I'd better think it out again.
-Halidecyphon 09:47, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you are of a more academic bent you might like to look at Emotional Intelligence, the book. DJ Clayworth 14:44, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I am quite academic - 2/3 of my school subjects last year were. Thanks for that. The only problem is, though, it does not have a practical guide to integrating more with other people - and, neither, I think, did any of the references look like it. Anyone got any other ideas? --Hillabaloo 16:51, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The dominance of society by the sociable is a tyranny. Fight it, don't conform to it!
Seriously, between a life spent talking to lawyers about football, and a life spent doing whatever you actually find interesting, I know which I'd prefer. HenryFlower 18:56, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

OK, Henry flower, interesting perspective. That said, I think I honestly would like being a lawyer - just in my case, having to socialise, for what I see as no apparent reason, is a consequence of that. I know what I would prefer, and that is law, that is what I find interesting. As for talking about football - if that is a consequence of doing what I like, then so be it - I just have to learn to do it. --Hillabaloo 14:30, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hillabaloo: There's a book you may be interested in (shameless plug coming up). A friend recommended it to me and it's pretty insightful regarding being introverted. "Party of One" by Anneli Rufus. As for 'learning' to be extroverted, I wish you the best of luck as there will probably be two outcomes. As someone said above you will be successful at re-training yourself to be more outgoing and enjoy conversing with and being around people. Or you will learn the tricks and techniques that make you appear to like people and carry on conversations but deep down you will just be acting, playing a part, so to speak, and you won't really enjoy it or be interested in the people you are around. My suggestion would be to find a specialty in the practice of law that allows you to not have to socialize so much. Although you have a good point in that networking with other lawyers and potential clients is pretty important, especially while in law school and the first few years. Best of luck.

Thanks. I'll be reading that, but at least at this stage, I shouldn't really be worrying about types of law at age 18! That said, I will be picking my subject modules eventually. Even then, I don't think that exactly sets in stone an area of practice. All areas of practice really need socialisation, and I would much rather learn to better my skills that I can use anywhere, rather than just avoid it. That would severely limit a career choice. Although I can say, Anon. has given me probably one of the most productive answers so far, suggesting a book and distinguishing between retending to socialise and actually being a new person. I think it is possible to be a new person, but I suppose I might have to stick with pretending to start with. --Hillabaloo 14:38, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Have you ever researched Asperger syndrome or other autism spectrum disorders? Many people with Asperger find that they have trouble with social situations or aren't motivated to socialize because they have difficulty picking up non-verbal communication. Even if you don't suspect that you have it, it may be interesting to learn how people with Asperger cope with social situations. TheSPY 17:46, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I have researched Asperger's. And I've also read "The Mysterious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time", a brief, but extremely detailed autobiography of Christopher - a fifteen year old boy who is a victim of this condition. I have seen similarities between myself and him, albeit me being a less extreme "case". Like him, I have an overly black-and-white view of this world. In fact, I have often wondered if I am a moderate case - since I am definitely not as extreme as Christopher.--Hillabaloo 20:05, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I haven't got the time now, but some day I'll read about it in more detail.--Hillabaloo 11:19, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

win27B0.tmp.exe

HI, my internet security constantlu blocks something called win27B0.tmp.exe from my c:\windows\Temp folder, as a TCP (outbound) protocol. I apply for it to be blocked all the time but this doesn't stop it still poping up, waht is it and is it a risk? If so how do i get rid of it, any help would be appreciated, thanks. 86.129.78.63 17:40, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Although a google search for that name came up empty, the name alone is enough to cause alarm bells in my head. 1) it's got a "double extension", most likely so that people with a default Windows configuration won't even see that it's an executable. 2) it's in your Temp folder, and except for transient installations, nothing should be running from there.
A few things you should try -- delete the contents of the Temp folder; download and run Spybot and AdAware; run a complete virus scan (it sounds like you might already have some kind of AV software, if not, try Avast or Grisoft). --LarryMac 17:51, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The 27B0 part is randomly generated, to obfuscate (hehe cool word) the file. If you google win##.tmp.exe and winXX.tmp exe, you'll turn up a bunch o' people with the same trouble. This link seems to have most of the information you'll need: [11]. It sounds like you know what you're doing, so I'll leave it at that, but if you need more help drop back (although you might find one of the forums that Google pops up will be better suited to helping you out). --Howard Train 18:40, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you both so much, for anyone else with this problem also found this site too [12]! 86.129.78.63 11:46, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

PE4 & PE4A

Would like to know the chemical make-up of these explosives... These explosives were purchased by Iraq from the UK in the 1980's and is used to prime fuse wells in IED'S. Thanks, Bob

From [13]:


"PE4 is a conventional plastic explosive, widely used for the production of improved energetic systems for defensive and offensive use. PE4 is RDX based and is available in cartridge and bulk form. An extrudable for DEMEX 400 is also available. Distinctive standard colours indicate the explosive component: C4, or PE4 ( British) is white and Semtex-H is orange."
So, it's based on RDX. According to section 12 of [14], PE3 and PE4 are RDX mixed with paraffin and lithium stearate. According to our article on C-4, the distinguishing feature of PE4 is the plasticizer used. Hope this is helpful. --Howard Train 19:09, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Highest Degree

I would like to know which is the highest degree? Associates, Masters, or Bachelor's degree? Thank You! Sincerely Maria--24.130.63.171 20:58, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Out of your offerings, Masters (in the US at least, I don't know if it differs in other countries). However, a PhD is a higher degree than Masters. Emmett5 21:00, 5 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Masters is highest in Australia (besides PhD). Associate degrees are rare over here. BenC7 00:39, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Ususally in the US, you get an associates degree or you enter the Bachelors > Masters > PhD chain and stop at some point in that chain. The bachelor's degree is "higher" than associates though.--Froth 02:29, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Associates degrees are also 2-year degrees. Bachelor's are 4 year degrees. These you get at "college", and as an undergraduate. Master's, and Ph.D., like medical school and law school, are "graduate" programs in the united states.

In order of height their Assoc. BA masters, and Doctoral. The highest degree is probablly the Doctor of Juridical Science. This is sort of a doctorate of a doctorate degree for law. The basic law degree itself is a doctorate,(which nearly all lawyers have in the US have, allong with a seperate BA). On top of it their is a masters degree llm (a degree which few lawyers have) above that, and finally their is Doctor of Juridical Science, which is very rare.

July 6

unix file permissions

How are these enforced? I imagine files must be encrypted, with the user id or password as an encryption key. But UNIX has been around for a long time.. are hard drives with old UNIX filesystems vulnerable to modern attacks? --Froth 02:27, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It may possibly depend on which file system you are talking about. I have a good knowledge of the ext2 and ext3 file systems, and the permissions are just bits set in the inode entry. Extended attributes are a little more complex, but again, they're just a record external to the inode. The file data itself exists unencypted in the disk blocks pointed to by the inode. If you can boot the computer to another operating system (easiest would be to boot to a root prompt from a Linux CD, or to a Dos disk with an ext2 utility), then you can read files regardless of any permissions. If you use a disk editor (and know what you're doing), you can write to files without updating access times. For example, Ghost (software) updates files in Linux as part of restoring the file system (the /boot/map file in particular).-gadfium 03:55, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The permissions are bits associated with the file by the operating system (typically encoded into the FS entry). The operating system enforces permission. However, if someone has physical access to your machine, permissions are not an effective security device (only encrypting the FS can help you there). Raul654 04:06, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Raul is right. Once there is physical access to a machine there is very little that can be done in terms of security. This is also true for other areas. Some time ago a mother asked how she can block websites that she doesn't want her children seeing. While there were many suggestions at the end of the day there is very little you can do once someone has access to the computer (unless you have two computers – and physically lock the one that connects to the internet). Jon513 12:51, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Oh ok, I was afraid of something like that. But for the internet thing, it would be considerably easier just to use a protected router type server with a simple filtering feature.. such systems are typically heavily encrypted since their purpose is security --Froth 17:41, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Raul and gadfium are right, of course. ... Errm, but.... There are several techniques for transparently encrypting material written to a disk, and unencrypting it when possessing the MacGuffin the system requires. These are, however, quite outside the *nixen file premissions scheme. If well designed and well implemented, these can prevent access to file contents even when the attacker has physical access to the hard disk. Furthermore, there is as least one method (due to Ross Anderson) which not only does that, but conceals the very file itself. That is, not only can't you read the file without the password or whatever, you can't even tell the file is there without the password of whatever. BUT, NB: if you forget the password or whatever, you're screwed. Windows provides a way to fix the lost password problem for encrypted files, but this is evidently insecure for any threat model worse than forgetfullness.
And, as always in real world use of crypto, you should know that there is a goodly amount of total bumpf with impressive claims on offer, at every price point, including free and cheap (see snake oil). And that good crypto encryption is very hard to distinguish from bad crypto encryption, even for experts (see an essay whose title is more or less, why cryptography is hard, by Bruce Schneier; Ross Anderson has a similarly titled essay, especially elegantly written -- look at both Web sites).
Even successful decryption is not evidence of good crypto; the only test is the ability to withstand attack, and testing that requires access to a very specialized sort of person altogether. And even then can't be definitive. Greatly skilled in math, computer science, crypto theory and practice, and with a very devious sneaky sort of mind. They're scarce on the ground. See, for example, cryptography, cryptanalysis, data remanence, social engineering, and links therein. ww 22:21, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

acess to piks

halow!! how can i acess to an archive of pictures on wikipedia with reference to a particular topic???

Type in the topic in the search box and any pics about it should be there or in related articles (linked to from that article). Not sure what you're asking, but afaik there's no groupings of pics per subject. DirkvdM 07:58, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There is on Wikimedia Commons. --cesarb 17:14, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

football

why football players come in ground with children?

They are mascots - children, usually from local schools, who are dressed in the same kit as the team they represent. Traditionally I think they are supposed to bring luck to the team. --Richardrj 07:21, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
But at the FIFA World Cup, they've been selected in competitions and used as a promotional opportunity in pre-tournament publicity [15]. --Robert Merkel 07:28, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Wow. I have no idea what you mean. Here are what your sentences could mean, in order of plausability:
  1. Why do football players come to the playground, where normally children are. [completely extrapolated -- the sentence doesn't actually say this.]
  2. Why do football players come to the game with their children. [completely extrapolated]
  3. Why do football players enter (e.g. the store) ground up (like pepper) together with dead kids (and maybe other spices too)?
  4. Why do football players have sex with children but ejacutalate on the floor?
  5. Why do football players ejaculate on playgrounds?
plus maybe a few more. But really - WTF??? 82.131.189.105 07:31, 6 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]
You are such an idiot. He meens suprisingly, why do players come on to the ground with children. Come does not, in standard englsih, mean ejaculate, and ground is the bit of the stadium where you play football. Please dont be an idiot. Philc TECI 23:28, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Plus, I had no trouble working out what the questioner meant and neither should he have. --Richardrj 07:56, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Was a good laugh, though. :) DirkvdM 08:01, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, it says "come in ground", so I'm having an extra laugh picturing that. The word 'root' gets a whole new meaning. :) As does the word football.
Having said that, it is indeed not nice t make fun of people's command of the English language (or lack thereof). Then again, the question was already answered, so what the hell ... DirkvdM 08:08, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I recall that the first time I saw this was at some World cup or European cup tournament some years back. After that everyone stared doing this children never saw it before the particular tournament. Unfortunately, don't recall which tournament it was. -- Koffieyahoo 08:45, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I could be wrong but my impression is that it has been done in English club matches for many years. I don't think it's a particularly new thing. --Richardrj 08:52, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I've never lived in England, or the UK for that matter, so I'm quite sure that isn't were I first saw it. Obviously, the international thing might be copied from England... so the obvious guess is that I saw this first at the 1996 European Football Championship, but I'm not sure. -- Koffieyahoo
Can't speak for other countries, but at English club matches there is generally one mascot, who walks out with the team captain. This has been done for many years. The mascot-for-each-player thing at major championships is a more recent development. Oldelpaso 11:16, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

LOOOOL...I've wondered that since the first game of the worldcup also... and I thought they where theyr children, but then I realized some age and race incongruencies... and I half understood the 'come in ground' joke... I udnerstand the 'come' part, but in ground? can someone explain to me why is that funny? I want to understand the whole joke. --Cosmic girl 19:31, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ground is also the past participle of "to grind" (as in coffee, pepper) so "entran en el estadio" could be read as "entran (ya) molidos/pulverizados" Jameswilson 22:48, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I guess the 'joke' here is that 'come in ground' might refer to a man inserting his penis into a hole in the ground and ejaculating into it. Niiiice. --Richardrj 23:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

haha, ok the first time I understood it as Richardrj, but I think the correct interpretation of the joke is the one by Jameswilson. lol. anyway... soccer is really cool and I'm bummed that Brazil lost. :(... KAKÁ rocks!!! --Cosmic girl 02:16, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A question

Hi to you all! Recently, I have been hearing a lot about this guy, I think he is from India, that he does not eat and never gets ill, because with his bare feet he stands on soil and looks at the sun for an hour or two every day. I have watched him on TV saying that people should start doing what he does, gradually, stand on soil with their bare feet, and look at the sun, 1st day only 10 seconds, 2nd day a bit longer, and that soon they all would never get ill because the solar energy I guess would cure them. Now, can anyone tell me is this possible, I mean, is it possible to be true, and isn't it dangerous. By the way, if anyone else here saw that guy(he is a bit elderly, and has middle lenght gray hair), I would like to find out who he is and if he can be contacted.--Captain ginyu 08:46, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like what you're looking for is called Surya Yog; see here and here. --Richardrj 09:17, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That is it, thank you! But also, isn't it dangerous to stare at the sun like that? --Captain ginyu 13:48, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, it's not possible. Put simply, the guy's a fraud. There have been people who've made similar claims before (and undoubtedly will be again), and whenever they're tested, they can be seen sneaking meals and drink when they think nobody's looking or, if denied that possibility, start to starve and dehydrate, same as anyone else. See the article at breatharians; it includes a bunch of pretty good information about people who've made these claims and failed to prove these abilities when being tested. And yes, trying to do stuff like this is indeed very dangerous and stupid. Fooling others into thinking that you're doing it is, unfortunately enough, not very dangerous. More's the shame. -- Captain Disdain 13:54, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

He may be a quack, but is probably an Indian Guru. And saying that, he is probably a bit of both, you can lean alot from him and others if one bears in mind the possability that not every one is right all the time, even in thier chosen field. 193.115.175.247 14:31, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, it is dangerous to stare at the sun. You will permanently damage your eyesight. Of course, he may be very healthy otherwise, but you'd probably rather be healthy and see clearly, right? Notinasnaid 15:20, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, seriously here. He may be an Indian Guru or he may just be some guy who came up with a gimmick, but that's completely beside the point, because either way he's a liar. Ain't nobody staying alive for decades just by staring at the sun, man. Can't be done. He's not doing what he claims he's doing. Nobody's right all the time, sure, but that's got nothing to do with it -- if you're saying that he may still be right about some things, that's kind of like saying that the man who says that everyone should eat a big spoonful of arsenic every day may still be right about some things. Maybe, but so what -- he wants you to eat goddamn arsenic! People like this depend on us. They base their livelihood on us being very, very gullible. As the second link posted by Richardrj alone says, "Trained Surya Yog teachers will soon hold classes in California, London and New York." You think these classes are free? These people aren't about making us wealthy, they're about telling us what we want to hear and living large off our money. -- Captain Disdain 20:15, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I say that we take anyone who makes such a claim, and lock them in a place where they can stand on dirt and stare at the Sun all they like, but can't possibly sneak in any food. After about 3 months, we can go in and remove the body and make room for the next charlatan :-) StuRat 20:21, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, he could always prove it by winning James Randi's million dollars.. but doubtless he's 'above such material things', like most spiritualists of that kind, never mind how many starving children it could feed... funny how they're never above flogging their books, videos, trinkets and seminars though... Ooh, what a nasty cynic I am. --Noodhoog 21:53, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Actually, this guy has no hope, no matter how theoretical, of winning the JREF million dollar prize, because they're no longer willing to test people with claims like this, not only because they are so utterly ridiculous, but also because they put the applicants at serious risk. (Good for JREF, I say. It's simply a waste of everyone's time to spend a lot of effort on setting up tests for people who claim that they can fly by farting real hard or extinguish the Sun with the power of their minds or whatever -- there's weird or very unlikely, and then there's patently ridiculous. Not to mention that with a million dollars on the line, you're always going to get idiots who think that they can tough it out for a month and get filthy rich, even if they are going to get themselves hurt or killed in the process...) -- Captain Disdain 00:00, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Ah yes, right you are.. I'd quite forgotten about that, but I do recall reading about some fiasco involving a breatharian where Randi and someone else did a stakeout on the hotel the guy was staying in, only to catch him sneaking out to an all night cafe in the middle of the night or something - as you say, utter waste of time for all involved, and I don't blame them in not persuing such absurd claims. And as for potentially dangerous claims, I think there was a guy some time back who got quite irate when they refused to test his claimed ability to be able to breath poisonous gas with no ill effects(!) --Noodhoog 00:38, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
But to me, killing off these idiots would be a major benefit to society, so I say we let them do the test, after signing the appropriate waivers so nobody gets sued after the idiots die. And anyway, at the very least, the idiots will be in line for the Darwin Awards, so would get their shot at fame, right ? StuRat 01:49, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Hey, I certainly wouldn't cry after them, but I wouldn't want to waste the time I could be spending on something valuable on them, either. As Randi says:
"A test of [someone who says he doesn't need to eat] would occupy much more of my time than I'm willing to invest, and it would only feed the arsenal of those who love to accuse us of investigating only the easy cases. As soon as that test would be completed, another similar one would pop up, and we'd be off again -- 'You tested him, why won't you test me?'"
Makes perfect sense to me. And yeah, Noodhoog, there was indeed the ridiculous stakeout case. Randi:
"On only one occasion was I actually involved in testing a "Breatharian," as the never-eating people like to be known. We staked out the Holiday Inn where he was staying during the test, and watched as he went out to the local Burger King at 2 a.m. and stocked up on huge bags of goodies; that ended the test right there — but we decided that this was just such a silly activity, that we'd not do it again. We are, after all, grown adults. We have real lives to live."
Testing these claims is just a idiotic waste of time. I mean, Christ, if someone could actually survive for extended periods of time without food or drink, you'd think they wouldn't find it so very, very hard to prove it. Wouldn't it make sense for them to just, I dunno, ensure that they have a completely foolproof setup where no one can question the validity of the test, shut themselves into a throughly empty and constantly monitored room for a couple of weeks and then walk out of there completely healthy? (Unless, of course, the cryptofascist establishment bastards keep it all under wraps so they can, uh, sell us food and water or something. The Man do keep us down, don't he?) Instead, they prefer to prey on the gullible. That's a lot less dangerous and a lot more profitable, and besides, it's not like your average customer demands proof (or is particularly likely to be swayed by it if they are presented it with -- never mind common sense). Unfortunately enough. -- Captain Disdain 03:05, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I suppose, if nobody challenges such claims by offering to do scientific tests disproving them, then a small group of followers will indeed believe it and try it, too. This might be a good thing, since, instead of killing off a single idiot, we can kill off a whole group of them, and improve the gene pool even more. :-) StuRat 16:17, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, honestly, it's got rather little to do with whether anyone does tests or not; some people are still going to believe what they want to believe; others are brought around by a simple explanation of what's actually going on. Never underestimate the power of self-deception. A good example of this can be seen in the (pretty entertaining) video here, which documents the dowsing test conducted by Australian skeptics and James Randi. They set up a fairly comprehensive dowsing test, and all of the dowsers who took part in it felt that they were going to score very well on the test, find water and precious substances and whatnot just about every time. Surprise surprise, they didn't. Yet afterwards most of them still insisted that dowsing worked, despite the fact that they had just taken part in a test that they had observed being set up and agreed that it was fair. They weren't bad people or even particularly stupid, as far as I could tell, they just honestly believed that they could do this thing, and the fact that they had just proved that they couldn't was not enough to penetrate that protective layer of faith in their ablities they had set up. "I've noticed, over the years, that sunspots interfere with divining..." Denial -- it's not just a river in Egypt. (Also, in the video, watch for the very funny sequence at about 9:00 minutes or so, where Randi is being interviewed by a journalist who clearly believes that spoon bending via supernatural powers is possible, and Randi does a couple of sleight of hand tricks to demonstrate that he, too, has "supernatural powers". ("How did you do that?!" "I did it rather well, I thought.")) -- Captain Disdain 14:50, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

He should go teach those habilities where people lack food...lol... this is so pathetic...I mean, WTF? I agree with StuRat, we should give him a place where he can be one with nature, the soil and the sun and eventually death...oh and I was forgetting... with the collective consciousnesses that are 'us' in the future, with RA, with the light and ....whatever concept self help books wanna sell at a certain time.--Cosmic girl 19:37, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but, there are desperate, ill people, to whom medicine turned her back, and they will seek help in an alternative approach. Now, I don't understand why some self procclaimed gurus would say that they can help, take money from those people, and still let them die. Also, do you believe there are true gurus, that really have that powers, but will never expose themselves, I am interested on what you people think.--Captain ginyu 00:23, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I cannot absolutely say that there are no true gurus that really have powers but will never expose themselves, because I don't absolutely know that. (Just like I don't absolutely know that you don't really have powers but will never expose yourself. (Or even expose your powers, if you're so inclined!)) I can, however, say that it is so extremely, almost mind-bogglingly unlikely that such people exist that I will not entertain the notion unless presented with some rather serious, well-documented and credible proof of such people existing. As a point of comparison, I would consider a scenario where I have simply dreamed all of my life up until this point just about as believable. Probably more so, actually. I also think that superstititous claptrap only hurts us. -- Captain Disdain 03:44, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I have no magical powers, but take every opportunity to expose myself, nonetheless. :-) StuRat 14:06, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." (I forget who said this.) StuRat 14:06, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Tarn (disambiguation) and Tarn

Hello. Tarn has different meanings, see Tarn (disambiguation), but if you type Tarn you are straight directed to the French department Tarn instead of the Tarn (disambiguation) page. Should it not be the other way round? Tarn should direct you to the disambiguation page. But this means Tarn (meaning French department) should be renamed. I know some things you can do by your self, but these changes seem rather complicated to me! Guss2 09:59, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I added the disambiguation page to Tarn. If you have any further questions, the proper place for help on editing Wikipedia would be the Help desk. Another good resource is Help:Contents. Glad to help, --Kjoonlee 10:10, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I have copied the quesion to the help desk. --Richardrj 10:12, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

First programme?

I just created an article about the upcoming television drama That Summer Day. I'm quite sure it's the first British children's programme to fictionalise the July the 7th bombings of the London public transport system. Can anyone tell me if perhaps it's the first one in British television? - Mgm|(talk) 10:13, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I suggest that instead of "The programme is the first fictionalized account of the attacks in British children's television, possibly the first fictionalised account in British television history" you simply put "The programme is the first fictionalized account of the attacks on British television", rather than include information you're unsure about. In the unlikely event that this is incorrect, somebody will correct it. References to history are misleading with the event barely a year old.--Shantavira 13:24, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • In that case, I would cut everything after the comma to make sure the info was correct. Still, if anyone thinks some other programme qualifies, please let me know. - Mgm|(talk) 20:33, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

names of rodent community

i want to know an animal that belongs to rodent family. Its name consists of four letters.By changing one letter from WELL we get the name . pls tell me what is that name±≈×— Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.92.154.214 (talk)

I don't think so, not in the English language. The nearest thing I can come up with is the sewellel.--Shantavira 12:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Weazell?193.115.175.247 14:29, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Someone possibly has a pet rodent called Will but I suspect this isn't what you're looking for. AllanHainey 15:41, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, if we turn the 'W' upside down (not really *changing* a letter, just its orientation) and change an 'L' to an 'O', we get MOLE. That's the best I got... Of course, moles aren't rodentia... Or we could get "mice" from "well" by changing an 'l' to an 'e', treating an 'l' as an 'i', and rotating the 'w' as before. Urm.. "vole" as in "mole" but folding the w/m down the center... Let's see: "well" (as in a hole that has water) could also be called a "hole" or a "mine", which can be changed into "vole" and "mice" respectively. I think I'm breaking too many rules though :) 128.197.81.223 21:30, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Wouldn't you say the answer was WEASEL? No-one said we had to change the letter to another letter. In any case I think the Language desk would be the right place for such questions. —Blotwell 06:02, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Color

Why can green & red produce yellow, & not any 2 or more colours produce green or red, [for starters]?

Also, is, say, green light produced because the filter absorbs all light that is not green, before shining it? So say, if you had a green spotlight, is the spotlight green because the light shone through a green filter and this green filter absorbed all other wavelengths? I'm a bit confused, (I guess)? Thanks.

68.148.165.213 13:11, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

red green and blue are not properties of light, it is how human perceive it. see Color vision. Jon513 14:00, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There are wavelenths of light that are pereived as 'green' and so called 'green light'. The quick answer to your second is yes, you've pretty much got it right. White light is composed of all the wavelengths the eye can see. The filter absorbs all except the 'green' ones. DJ Clayworth 14:38, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you mix 400 nm green light and 600 nm red light, you don't actually get 500 nm yellow light. You get a mixture of green and red light, which looks yellow to the human eye because the three kinds of cone cells are stimulated the same way. Here's a graph of the cone cell responses: Image:Cone-response.png. —Keenan Pepper 15:59, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Common Assault

I used to be very extroverted. Then one day i was Assaulted. being a pasafist, i could not hit back and just tried to protect myself from the blows. I was a mess by the end of it, stamped on face, the works. Now i am an introvert. this happened 5 years ago. i still think about it all the time. How can i get back to being who i was before. as i am not happy with the wimp i have become.

I would recommend seeing a psychologist/therapist or someone like that. Seeing any professional who can help you out with your issues is a good move. Good luck. --Mr. Lefty Talk to me! 16:11, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What happened to you is basically what happens in a society large enough for not everyone to know each other, in the absence of law. "Might makes right". Fortunately for you, unless you're living in some sort of ruthless third-world wasteland without any sort of infrastructure or governance, basically gangs roaming the "streets" (or sands) looting, pillaging, plundering, raping and murdering with impunity, this scenario does not apply to you. Instead, you live in a society where your safety is guaranteed by more than your ability to personally establish and maintain it. You have rights beyond those established by you and the people you know personally. If everyone respected a given right of yours, that would be the end of the story, but of course rights don't just exist when everyone respects them, they also exist when someone tramples on them. Basically, it's your choice whether to choose to say "hey, this right exists even though it's sometimes disrespected" or to say "oh well, I guess if not every single person in the world respects my right it must not have existed, and I'm a loser for having relied on it." You can choose to live in a lawless barren wasteland, like some people buying firearms for personal protection do, or you can choose to say rights exist even in the absence of universal recognition. Hope this helps. 82.131.188.84 16:53, 6 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]

But thats the problem, however much respect you put in rights or whatever, thats all they are rights, and if they are denied, its possible there is nothing you can do. Rules are only rules, and can be broken. Philc TECI 23:25, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Forgive the person who did it to you. Don't live in fear. The fact that you are still thinking about it indicates that the issue is not resolved. Don't believe that there is "nothing you can do". My email is accessible from my user page. BenC7 03:56, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Profit Margin

Why do we use profit over selling price instead of profit over cost price to show margin in accounting?

Thank you.

I think you have confused profit margin with markup. Markup is the difference between cost and price at which an item is offered for sale. ...IMHO (Talk) 12:34, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Because that is what percentage of revenue is profit, and thus is the profit margin.

If I sell a box of cookies for $5, but I paid $1 for them (including opperating costs), my profit margin is 4/5 = 80%

if I were to account for things the way you suggest my profit margin would be 4/1 = 400%, that doesn't make much sense.

Mayor Westfall 16:09, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Profit margin = Net income before tax and interest / Revenue, as Wikipedia's profit margin article states. This is the traditional, accepted method of calculating profit margin. --Proficient 16:30, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
To put it another way, we do it that way because that's the way it's done. If you do accounting in a different way, it's no longer a fair way to compare two companies. Notinasnaid 17:41, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The only reason you don't think a profit margin of 400% makes sense is because of they way you think about percentages (can't be bigger than 100%). In fact, it does make sense because you're getting 4 times the profit that you invested, which corresponds to 4 * 100% = 400%. A profit margin of 80% means that you're getting a profit of 80% of what you invested into it. --ColourBurst 03:19, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

first of all, there is a concept for what you're thinking of, and that's "return on investment". If it "costs" you $2 and you sell it for $10 then you're getting a four-fold return on the investment. (And of course cost has to amortize all the one-time costs, to be REALLY what it "cost" you.) Now, why don't we do profits this way? Because usually sales, and not production, is the limiting factor. If you're selling a product for $100 that costs you $50 it would be %50% profit. But if you sell it for $200 that would be 75% profit. However, if there's any sort of competitive market, if you were selling it for $100 you can't suddenly sell it for $200 and still have customers. Almost no demand at double the price. It's not worth it to go from 50% to 75% profit at the expense of losing most of your customers. If you considered the two scenarios as being 200% and 400% profit respectively, this might not be so very obvious. It's not the production that's the limiting factor, but the demand. Companies can get access to any amount of cheap capital, if they need it to meet a guaranteed demand. If capital were in very short supply, then yes, one company would try to get your investment by saying "you know, we get back 8-fold on every dollar we put into production. Please help us ramp up production" and win over a company saying "you know, we get back 3-fold on every dollar we put into production. Please help us ramp up production." In fact, it's not supply that's the problem, and it pretty much doesn't matter whether your cost is $0.01 (99% profit) or half of your sales price (50% profit). If you're selling for $1000 you're competing at $1000, regardless of what your costs are and what the other guy's costs are. If you sell ten times as many items, it doesn't matter if your profit is only half of theirs. It also doesn't matter if their cost is nothing.

Consider razers: you have Gillette investing so much that their $10 razer actually costs them $5 after all their R&D, marketing, etc costs. Now I say "fuck, I can make a gimmicky razer for ten cents, including all my development costs, and try to compete with them on the $10 bracket.) Now, Gillette sells at $10 and makes 50% profit. You sell at $10 and make 99% profit. Doesn't matter. Because your product sucks so bad, they sell a hundred for every one you sell (at $10.) But if you looked at it your way, then the difference between 100% profit and 10000% profit is so big someone would have to be a fool not to invest in your company instead. No: because the limiting factor isn't production. It's not "shit, I'm making 10000% on each unit I sell, but damn if only I could make even more." It's "there's limitless cheap capital for anyone trying to produce something. But where's the demand?" Hope this helps.

craigslist.com

Hi!

I am having trouble putting my advertisment in craigs list for Palm Beach County, Florida. I have some other properties in other areas also but the site keeps coming up for San Fransisco. Can you help me? 

Thank You
Hi, sorry to hear it, but you need to contact the people who run the site. Good luck, Notinasnaid 15:17, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed. It would seem that wikipedia will be unable to help you, as the problem directly concerns the information that is being displayed on the website mentioned. You should contact them as the above user suggested to perhaps resolve any problems that you might have. But I could be actually wrong, and someone may be able to help you here. --Proficient 16:27, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You should probably start here. If you look at the right side of the craigslist main page, it shows all the other states and localities. KWH 21:10, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Dragonfly?

I work in Northeastern Oklahoma. Today there was an insect attached to the brick wall outside. It's body was shaped like a dragonfly, but it had 4 "wings" that looked like 4 symetrical square flags (burgundy in color)on the end of poles. Is this a dragonfly? A co-worker and I have searched the internet and cannot find this type of "wing" on any insect. Thank you, Nena Frow

I've never heard of it, but say we should name it the Semaphore Fly. :-) StuRat 19:59, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Perhaps its camouflage confused you and it only had a pair of wings? --Proficient 05:31, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Can you take a digital picture and post it? It sounds like it could be a type of dragonfly or damselfly. You could try contacting the University of Oklahoma Zoology Department (my alma mater, incidentally) and ask for an entomologist (sorry, I don't remember any names for you). --Ginkgo100 talk · contribs 17:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Wings on the ends of poles sounds to me like a dragonfly with colored patches on its wings, and that you perhaps just missed or couldn't see the uncolored parts. Take a look at this picture of a Common Whitetail dragonfly -- if you just saw the black patches as wings, you'd think they were on poles held out from the body. Did it look something like that? bikeable (talk) 17:06, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Good thinking Bikeable :) BenC7 03:59, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Schnecztor-Konstanz

Am hoping someone can help me. I have a waterpainting done of the Schnetztor, Konstanz by an artist who only signed with initials of F.K. it was done, around the middle 1940's. It looks different than the Schnetztor you have shown on your webpage. Am sure a lot of changes have been made. Can you help me with any further information. Thank you, (email removed) Doris —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Doris1930 (talk • contribs) 17:49, 6 July 2006 .

I searched google to no avail. Someone else may have information on this. --Proficient 05:33, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to Edit Capitalization of Title

How would I change a lower case to an upper case in the title of an article?

You have to use the move function to achieve that. Just make sure that the new capitalization follows the naming conventions and you're set. --Maelwys 18:29, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I may also be a good idea to talk about it on the talk page of the article. If you have no responce in a week or so, go ahead. Jon513 12:07, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Anime Manga

Where can i get free bishoujo anime and manga ? Usually if i search, the norton antivirus blocked it ( TT __ TT )can some one tell me the websites that have direct download? and if possible to download a bishoujo pc game for free... thanks

Well, the answer will vary massively depending on whether you mean legally or illegally. I'm going to concentrate on the legal stuff here.
Firstly, for bishoujo games, you can go one better than playing, and make your own, with the RenPy game creation system avaliable freely at http://www.bishoujo.us/renpy/ - there are also lots of free games made by others playable on that system.
On a more 'grey' level, there are lots of bittorrent tracker sites which host fan-translated anime, which is legal and usually not frowned upon by the producing company provided it hasn't yet been officially translated and released in your country. Google should be able to help you there. --84.12.197.132 21:34, 6 July 2006 (UTC) (actually user noodhoog who, for various contrived reasons can't properly log in right now)[reply]

How to qualify to play in a tennis tournment

jim bo. I think the higher ranked players are automatically qualified to play in a tournament. I understand some of the lower ranked players have to play matches to qualify to play in the tournment. If that is true, how is the qualification organized?

  • Broadly speaking there are three main ways to qualify, through ATP rankings, wildcards issued by the tournament organisers, and qualification tournaments. The Wimbledon championships article shows how all this works for that tournament. The qualifer tournament was held a week before the first round. Lisiate 01:00, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

NYC street

Internet question here. Anyone know the site of the photographs of NYC city streets which are street-level pictures of the city, taken every 3 feet or 6 feet or something, of both sides of the street. Google couldnt help me. Anyone know what Im talkin bout? --Anklepants 20:13, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

maps.a9.com has something like that, but not just for NYC... KWH 20:26, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I seem to remember an article in the NY times or something a several years ago about a New Yorker who liked to walk all over the city, and decided to take a picture at every street corner. Or something like that. Not very specific - sorry/

There was at one time a suggestion for the City of Tampa web site to post pictures taken by code enforcement officers along the date of exposure and address and to expand this listing to include other pictures of locations in the City taken for other reasons and to so designate the reason along with the date or exposure and address (or navigation coordinates) but the cost of computer storage and bandwidth to taxpayers could not be justified at the time. ...IMHO (Talk) 12:48, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

beneficiary of insurance policy

Does the beneficiary of a life insurance policy have to wait until the will is probated befor receiving the money from the policy? Thanks, Bonnie

No, I don't believe so, since the beneficiary or beneficiaries are explicitly listed in the policy, so it isn't necessary for a court to decide how to divvy up the money, which is what probate is all about. I suppose there might be exceptions, like if the deceased left a million dollar life insurance policy to their cat. The court may be called in to determine if they were insane and the beneficiary should be changed. StuRat 01:10, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No. --Proficient 05:36, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey guys, we dont know where Bonnie is, what the cirucumstances of death were, what the terms of the policy might have said, what local laws or customs might apply, and most of all, WANLs (We Are Not Lawyers). So Bonnie, this advice might well be worth what we charge for it. alteripse 10:48, 7 July 2006 (UTC) No, life insurances policies are completly seperate from wills. Some people buy lots of life insurance to avoid having to have relatives go through the process of probate. By the way I am aa lawyer, so the answer to this. - BenGurion.[reply]

How do you make user boxes?

I saw a few people's user pages who had user boxes. How do you make those? Stop Me Now! 20:50, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Userboxes has instructions. -- Captain Disdain 00:03, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
In future, though, questions like that belong on the help desk, not here. Yeltensic42 don't panic 00:07, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

raccoons, pigs and bears

Are raccoons, pigs and bears related at all? If so at what level? They are the class level (mammalia)..but beyond that are they?--24.248.194.199 21:35, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

if it's not a taxanomy question then: in the southern united states all of the animals you mentioned are commonly hunted wild, except for the pigs and bears. hope this helps. 82.131.188.84 21:44, 6 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]


actually pigs and bears are also hunted wild. The Red Panda use to be a member of the same family as raccoons, that is Procyonidae. Many however classify it as the bear family, Ursidae, or in its own family, Ailuridae. The Red Panda however looks like a red raccoon. Still no relation to a pig and a raccoon though.

Raccoons and bears are both member of the order carnivora, but pigs are in the order Artiodactyla, so the closest the three meet is at the class level. -- Mwalcoff 23:16, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You beat me to it, but didn't make it explicit - all animals are related at some level. I almost said that all life is related, but is that true? Are animals, plants, fungi and bacteria all related, in other words, do we have a common ancestor? This is a rather interresting issue, because if we're not related that means that life started more than once on Earth and was therefore no 'freak occurrance'. DirkvdM 07:15, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Or a Super Freak occurrance =D --mboverload@ 07:17, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All animals, plants, fungi and bacteria share the same genetic code, and therefore can be assumed to have come from a common ancestor. Interestingly, mitochondria have a few differences in their genetic code, although it's mostly the same, implying that mitochondria became symbionts of eukaryotic cells before the genetic code stabilised in its present form.-gadfium 08:22, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mobile phone games

I am wondering what became of two mobile-phone games-in-development that were described in GMR, issue 7, page 65. What GMR reports about them is that:

  • They are from Korea.
  • They were displayed at E3 2003 in Kentia Hall.
  • Rescue Eve's reprinted description is:
Game Genre :Shooting(Everyone & Adult Version)
Game Type  :Stand-alone
File Size  :About 64Kb
Color Depth:256 Color↑
- Protect Eve while you across the forest.
- Black native lay down you first and rape Eve.
- All stages are 20s.
- After the Ending shown, stage will be continued
  for you your best record.
- Don't forget re-load your gun after 5fires.
  • I Love U's quoted description is: "There is my own girl in the mobile phone. Cyber lover will tempt you. Now your own lover will whisper love. I Love U."

I've tried Googling the titles and the quoted descriptions, and haven't turned up anything. What companies developed and published these games? Were they ever finished? Did the titles change? Were the games reviewed online or in magazines? Where were they sold? What phones did they run on? Are the companies still in business? SeahenNeonMerlin 23:39, 6 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 7

Please help settle a dispute between myself and my wife

Ok this question may seem weird... but is Mr. Clean black or white or other? I have no idea how we got on this subject, but I swear that Mr. Clean is black and my wife says he is white. I seem to remember hearing something about some African American Ethnic group being in an uproar about the stereotypical qualities portrayed by Mr. Clean.

Thanks for your help in resolving one of the many dumb disputes between us!

We have articles on everything, including Mr. Clean. It says nothing about his race; given that the character dates from the 1950's, I would be surprised if he was intended to be African-American. He is supposed to be a sailor, according to our article. Unless I'm missing something, the original advertisement which you can watch here doesn't hint him being in the least African-American.
So nothing definitive, but I have to say that there's nothing to support your view, and plenty of circumstantial evidence against Mr. Clean being intended to be African-American. --Robert Merkel 03:10, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I always thought he was white, I guess because I assume a black cartoon would be a darker colour of black, but I suppose that says more about me than cartoons :) I also thought he was a genie, since he has no legs, like the genie in the Disney version of Aladdin. I didn't know he was supposed to be a pirate until looking at the article right now... Adam Bishop 04:44, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I also always thought that he was supposed to be a genie. The skin tone always reminded me of a Middle Eastern person, not a white sailor. I thought he was a genie also because I can't see the correlation between a sailor and cleaning products. Whereas a genie would fit a marketing scheme where they highlighted how quickly and easily the product cleaned, much like as if a genie had done your cleaning for you. Dismas|(talk) 04:58, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It never crossed my mind that he may be African American. I thought he was always white. --Proficient 05:42, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Guys, it's a fictional character! In other words, he can be any colour or 'race' you like. The concept of race with humans is very disputable, but here it is a little pathetic, isn't it? So you can only speak of 'colour', which is, ehm, a bit beige? DirkvdM 07:22, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I think I remember a commercial with Mr. Clean in which it was revealed that his votes only count 3/5ths as much as everyone else's, so he may be black. Mayor Westfall 15:35, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Was that a rascist comment? Philc TECI 16:26, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sounded more like irony to me. If you have to ask, it's something to think about, which suggests some form of intelligence, which excludes the possibility of racism. DirkvdM 06:26, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well he looks white, but I can see why someone might disagree now that I really look at it... (and the above isn't a racist comment, it's a refernece to the racist 3/5th law in the US constitution)--T-rex 16:38, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sorry for my ignorance, but the law doesnt still stand does it? Philc TECI 21:52, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The three-fifths compromise is almost certainly the most misunderstood aspect of U.S. constitutional history. It was the opponents of slavery who didn't want slaves to be counted in the census. Of course, with the abolition of slavery, the clause is no longer in effect.--Pharos 05:26, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


He has a Europeans skin color, but his nose, ears, and lips are somewhat African. Still this makes him European. But what does it is that the article says, "Mr. Clean's bald head and muscular appearance evokes comparison to skinhead fashion, but his clean (proper) image dissociates him from the dominating politically extreme-right wing of that movement. In youth subculture he is used as a counter-example to the stereotypical skinhead. T-shirts with his portrait and the slogan "skinheads against racism" were quite popular in the 1990s. His determined look is seen as a symbol and demand to actively act against racist skinheads." Hence that quote says white. DyslexicEditor 22:08, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Winrar didn't work

What program would I use to reassemble a file like this: 

 *.avi.001  ~~  *.avi.002  ~~  etc.

I tried Winrar, and that didn't work for this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! --Dimblethum 02:44, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My guess is that the file has been split up with something like the split command. If you're prepared to brave the horrible, horrible world of the MS-DOS command prompt, you might be able to join them back together with the copy command using the "+" syntax. --Robert Merkel 02:53, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Uggg...any other suggestions? Lol ;-) --Dimblethum 03:04, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

--Optichan 15:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)::Jeez, you people with command line phobia...if you really want a GUI, these programs should do the job. Back in MY day, we used to manually encode printer escape sequences into word processing documents to get the type style we wanted on old 9-pin dot matrix printers... ;)--Robert Merkel 03:21, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

We also used to burn witches and use phones without speed-dial. --Howard Train 05:26, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Assuming the video is compressed (say, DivX or XviD) it wouldn't make much sense for it to be rar'd or zipped as well, so as Robert suggested above a simple copy/merge of the pieces will hopefully result in a complete file. Otherwise, I'd suggest trying some kind of file identification utility on it to find out what kind of archive the pieces are from. A quick google turns up [this one] which says it's free, but please note I've never tried or used it, cannot guarantee it works/doesn't have spyware, etc. --Noodhoog 03:31, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you don't mind other people potentially examining the contents of the file and it isn't too large, there's also this website, which is an online gateway to a computer running the file utility. --Robert Merkel 05:20, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Use HJSplit to join the parts; it's freeware. —Wayward Talk 10:52, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Do you remember where you got the files? If they were downloaded from a website, it probably has instructions somewhere on the site. --Optichan 15:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Rename the files to example.avi.r01, .r02, etc, then extract the .r00 or .r01 file in WinRAR.

excel sheet in power point slide?

how to fit the excel sheet in power point slide?..i m getting lots of problems doing this.

Assuming you already have your Excel file saved someplace... Go to Powerpoint and go to the slide where you want to insert your spreadsheet. From the Insert menu, choose Object. Click the button that says Create From File, browse to your spreadsheet and click OK. Voilà!
Alternatively, if you want to create a new Excel sheet within Powerpoint, do Insert, then Object again, but click the button that says Create New instead. Pick 'Microsoft Excel Worksheet' from the list, click OK, and you're away. --Richardrj 08:03, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Looking for ........................

Can anyone please help me...I need to find someone who migrated from Cyprus to Australia in 1972.as this is about a delicate subject, I cannot give any information at this time .. the person was male..born Oct 15th 1951 and migrated from the farming area of cyprus

I would imagine that contacting the immigration officials in Australia would be the logical first step -- I don't know how useful they can be, but if you have no idea how to reach this guy, it certainly couldn't hurt. If you've got their name, date of birth and know when they immigrated, it seems to me like you could have something to begin with. Not that it sounds like an easy thing to do, but that much you probably know already... -- Captain Disdain 07:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Due to privacy reasons, I'm not sure DIMA would be willing or able to give you details of such a recent migration. Presuming you know where in Australia this person migrated to, you may have better luck contacting a Cypriot community group in that state, e.g. the Cyprus Community of NSW in Stanmore, or the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria in Carlton or SEKA in Richmond, Victoria. -Canley 10:51, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

masturbation

wat effect masturbation causes on health(physical+mental)?

In short: whack away, pal, it's perfectly safe as long as you use some fairly rudimentary common sense and don't turn it into a completely obsessive lifestyle choice. Masturbation deals with this in more detail. -- Captain Disdain 07:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It can get rid of stress and prevent you from doing more aggressive things. --Proficient 10:23, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A regular emptying of the tanks can prevent later prostrate cancer. [16] --Zeizmic 13:19, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know. I will do some extensive research & testing this weekend and get back to you with the results of my study on Monday Mayor Westfall 15:28, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Speaking as an experienced wanker, I can tell you that masturbation is physically perfectly safe, and mentally only dangerous when your mum walks in on you in the middle of it. But I'd rather not go there if it's all the same to you. --Howard Train 16:18, 7 July 2006 (UTC) (I can't believe I signed this post)[reply]
Don't worry, Howard. Any healthy guy who claims never to wank is very likely lying, or sexually repressed. JackofOz 04:11, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, just a liar =D --mboverload@ 04:45, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

\\Are we talking self, solo, mutual, multiple, group, tantric, dreamsleeping or teletronic?

Downloading with Firefox

I am having trouble downloading anything with firefox onto my hard drive. I can browse everything fine, but whenever I want to download a file to my hard drive, it doesn't work - the download dialogue box shows, but the file doesnt appear in the download manager nor in the download statusbar extension. I can't even save a picture to my pictures folder, but the odd thing is that I can make that picture my desktop wallpaper. Thanks for any ideas. --AMorris (talk)●(contribs) 09:17, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Go to C:\Documents and Settings\YOUR USERNAME\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox and delete everything in it. Restart Firefox. Note that this will delete all your settings --mboverload@ 10:01, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A less drastic approach would be to make a new user profile. Jon513 12:02, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't understand why some links to companies are acceptable and others are not? For example, if you look at the links under the search term 'Private Tutors" you will see three that take you to web sites that then only link to companies. Is the general rule that as long as the link from Wiki is to a site that LOOKS like it's adding information that's okay, but if the link is to one that's blatantly selling something, then that's not okay? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Acaller (talk • contribs) .

The page giving information on this sort of thing is Wikipedia:External links. For future reference, the help desk is a place to ask questions specific to Wikipedia. Oldelpaso 11:26, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The external links page doesn't have much on this. See instead Wikipedia:Spam, which is official policy. Feel free to remove commercial links and cite this policy. By its nature, Wikipedia is prone to having lots of spamlinks inserted (especially regarding computing topics it seems) and there is no easy way to weed them out. Ideally, all external links in Wikipedia should contain at least some useful information about the topic under discussion.--Shantavira 14:21, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I am more concerned with whether the link adds new info, or pics, than whether it tries to sell something. This is because the purpose of an encyclopedia is to provide info, and if that requires a commercial site (typically because they contain info or pics we don't have the legal right to copy), that's OK with me. On the other hand, a commercial site which provides no new info and no better pics is just a waste of time for those looking for info, so should be deleted. StuRat 15:46, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

H.M.S. Antrim

Please, Could anyone tell me what happened to the royal navy ship H.M.S. Antrim and a CPO Maurice Jones who served on her in the mid-seventies

HMS Antrim (the second one) was sold to the Chilean Navy in 1984, renamed the Almirante Cochrane. Can't help with the CPO though, sorry: try contacting the Royal Navy/Ministry of Defence. EVOCATIVEINTRIGUE TALKTOME | EMAILME | IMPROVEME 12:10, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

geography question

What place is located on a peninsula, high and is surrounded by sea that females cannot go to?

That would be Mount Athos in Greece. --Roisterer 14:18, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The Castro District? User:Zoe|(talk) 01:15, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

history question

Good morning.

I am attempting to determine the current counties that comprised the original 13 colonies. I have seen various maps that show the settled areas of the provinces at the time, but I can't find the names of the current counties.

I'm doing a fire department study and want to compare the number of fire houses in the counties that comprised the original 13 colonies, with more recently incorporated counties.

Thanx for you efforts. John R. Waters <email removed to prevent spam -- sigh>

This is an encyclopedia, and our article on Thirteen Colonies appears to answer your question. Feel free to search first; it's quicker.--Shantavira 14:27, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
While the article might be a good starting point, it does not at all answer the question that was raised regarding counties. --LarryMac 14:46, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

EDIT CONFLICT

Many countries have had colonies, some have had more than 13. I think, from the fact that you don't mention any country, that you are referring to the original 13 colonies that came to form the states which constituted the U.S.A. It might help if you are more specific in future as I was about to try to list the first 13 colonies of Phoenicia (not the original - first - colonies but probably as far back as records run). AllanHainey 14:54, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That's a bit silly, Phoenicia certainly didn't have counties and fire departments. However, someone with no knowledge of the history of the US might not recognize that they were talking about the US, so it would have been nice if the questioner had explicitly stated the name of the country in question. StuRat 15:35, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
He probably assumed that someone from the United States would answer this. It seems plainly obvious that was what he was referring to when I saw it. But others that are not from the United States may have had some trouble, which is understandable, yet even someone with intermediate amount of knowledge might still recognize that he was referring to the US orignal thirteen colonies. --Proficient 17:23, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
But not everybody on the English Wikipedia is from the U.S. and the U.S. isn't the only English-speaking country in the world. There are many people don't know about U.S. history as much as Americans would, surprising as it is to some. --ColourBurst 22:46, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
County boundaries changed throughout time, even in the established colonies. The book Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920 by William Thorndale and William Dollarhide show all county boundaries for the period covered although it doesn't reach the actual colonial period. Many libraries, especially ones with genealogy collections will have this. Rmhermen 17:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Moscow

I am currently in a dispute with a friend over whether Moscow is European or Asian. Please give your personal opinion on this. Thank you. --Tuvwxyz 19:04, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Road test - car

The Florida drivers license offices requires you to bring your own car to the road testing part of the drivers license testing which - as far as I can see - isn't possible since you can't rent or buy a car without a license.

If you need to take the road test for a drivers license in Florida and you don't have a car or the opportunity to borrow a car - how and where will you be able to obtain a car to use during the road test?

Also - if you do manage to borrow a car who's insurance will cover damages to the vehicle?

Most car insurance covers people who have borrowed the car with the owner's permission. But you would have to check the insurance policy in question, of course. As for obtaining a car to take the test when you don't have a car or someone to borrow one from, there may be a driving school that you could make an arrangement with if you take driving lessons with them. Crypticfirefly 20:28, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Alright. If I get a learners permit first can I do the road test directly afterwards and obtain my license or is there a mandatory waiting period before I can switch from learnrs permit til drivers license?
You should probably check with the Florida Secretary of State for the exact requirements. Many states require a certain number of hours of supervised driving for those under 18 before they may obtain a regular driver's license (rather than a learner's permit), and it looks like Florida is no different. Also, it appears that Florida has a requirement that people must take a four-hour "Drug Alcohol Traffic Awareness Course" in order to be eligible for a license. Crypticfirefly 04:08, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

So Sue me

This is an extract taken from the LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard aricle

"The belief is that—as far as can be ascertained—fear of lawsuits, and of a reputation for risk-taking through record runs, scared all U.S. railroad companies away from official record attempts in the 1930s and 1940s, in marked contrast to the constant record claims of previous decades." [citation needed]

Now alot of the rival claims section appeared to have been written by a synical and resentful american, listing all of the american locomotives that he think should have surpassed this locomotives speed record. Now a lot of that has been removed, this, along with a few of the more reasonable claims remains, and I was wondering, had the american "sue culture" already taken hold of risky jobs at that time (1930's) as I was under the impression I was a far more recent thing. Especially since this was slap bang in the middle of the great depression, when I thought workers just did what they were told, as long as they got paid enough to live. So basically is this comment wrong or what? Philc TECI 19:20, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I agree that it sounds a bit early for lawsuits to be a factor. However, considering the losses from risk takers trying to make new records (such as during the maiden voyage of the Titanic), I certainly think caution would have been a good idea. At the very least, they should avoid having any passengers on board when going for a record. StuRat 20:45, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well, the Titanic is also an example of how the risks failed to stop them. Philc TECI 00:40, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The problem of litigation was already old in Britian. In his excellent article on train trauma in 19th century Britain, Harrington quotes from The Lancet, 14 September 1861, that (the troublesome disorders following railway accidents was) 'a question deserving of the most painstaking clinical investigation', ... 'particularly if following upon a fall or blow, or other accident involving shock … in order to elucidate the histories that are constantly being put before medical practitioners by plaintiffs against railway boards.' (my italics) --Seejyb 02:37, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Free web host that supports javascript

As the subject says, does anyone know of a good site where I can get a free website, that will support javascript? I am talking about sites such as geocities, but obviously not geocities. I'm working with the google maps api, and don't feel like buying a dot com if it doesn't work out. Thanks! Debigulator 19:22, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

javascript is written into the html so this should work with any webhost --T-rex 19:27, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I mean linking to a .js file, (such as <script src="file.js" type="text/javascript"></script>) which I can't seem to get to work, maybe I'm doing something wrong. Thanks! Debigulator 19:37, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
JavaScript is a client-side scripting language, so the server doesn't require anything special. As long as the .js file exists on the server and can be accessed, it should work just fine. Is the script returning any errors when run? --Optichan 21:43, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

yeah, I second that it would be very weird if your host refused to serve any .js, .jar, .asp, .pl, .php, or any other file not ending in html. That's the only difference between a ".js" and a ".html" file. (well, that and MIME type :).) Anyway, you know you don't have to have it be a separate file, you can include the javascript right on the HTML page, and it'll probably get to your readers faster (one http get instead of two, three, etc) unless they're using a nice browser already. Why don't you try including the javascript right in the HTML and see if you get the desired results? Then, why don't rename one of your HTML files a .js file (retaining html MIME type) and see if it's still served properly. Finally, I suggest you run the set of files locally and see if they do what you intend. (Use local instead of absolute names in your sources for this to work). Let us know the results. 82.131.184.144 22:16, 7 July 2006 (UTC).[reply]

Thanks for the help everyone. I have tried including the javascript in the page, also did not work, so I know I have kinks to work out now. I put it separate as I see some Google Maps API projects do that when there is a fair amount of javascript. I also like to put my CSS in a separate .css file. Anyway, I will read up on javascript, as there is much I do no know. I am familiar with using files locally, which I will try. Thanks again. Debigulator 16:19, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

massively multiplayer game

About four years ago, I used to play some game online. It was free and massively multiplayer, but it wasn't an RPG with a leveling up or combat system. The game had a three-dimensional environment, and you could own a house or something...and you could collect objects and drop them around places. Does this resemble a game that someone knows about? Isopropyl 20:19, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know anything about the game, but I've seen people playing RuneScape? Philc TECI 20:30, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Wasn't runescape. This was fully polygons, and wasn't combat-oriented...it was like a chatroom. Isopropyl 20:42, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
What was the game, ie the objectives, enviroment etc. Philc TECI 21:25, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Perhaps you mean Second Life? The lack of leveling up and whatnot would be consistent with that. -- Captain Disdain 03:27, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'd guess at Maple Story. But If it's none of the one's we've mentioned, you'll have to do some ressearching yourself. Click here to see Wikipedia's list of MMORPGS. If you go through everyone youll find it. J.J.Sagnella 08:06, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ultima: Online

Jesus handles?

Is there an actual technical name for the "Jesus handles" in cars? --71.40.28.19 20:21, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Can you please describe what you mean ? Perhaps you mean the handles on the roof near the doors on some cars ? StuRat 20:34, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sure the "panic handle" "Christ bar" or "Oh Jesus" handle is meant (obviously not the technical term)-- it's that handle above the door opening that you can grab to help get in or out of the car. On the backseat, the hook for hanging your jacket is often on this handle, if present. My friend has something that looks very like this kind of handle on her VW convertible, but you can't actually grab on to it to help get in or out because it is the latch for the convertible top. Crypticfirefly 20:42, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
((after edit conflict)) I would assume the questioner means the handles found inside some cars, usually just above, or above and toward the front of, the windows. The common joke is that they are there to grab onto and yell something like "Jebus Cripes!" when the drive slams on the brakes, or turns sharply or whatever. A variant would be "Oh Shit! handle." In reality, I believe they are supposed to function as a leverage point for somebody climbing into or out of the car. --LarryMac 20:44, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
And as such, they are called "passenger assist handles". e.g. here --LarryMac 20:46, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I have also seen them called "overhead grab handles". Crypticfirefly 20:53, 7 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 8

Naming conventions consumer products

A look at Wikipedia:Naming conventions shows no guidelines for consumer products/brand names. Does anyone know if such guidlines exist. Or, can anyone give advice - I'm thinking specifically of the curious way in which manufacturers choose to capitalise their products. eg using all caps. or mixed (non-standard english usage) caps.HappyVR 00:27, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, at least there are articles like iPod, eWorld, PostScript... –Mysid(t) 07:50, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The title of the article should be capitalized in exactly the same way as the official brand name. If the brand name begins with a lowercase letter, you might want to add a {lowercase} template, as in the iPod article.--Shantavira 09:52, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I disagree (especially as regards the related discussion at Talk:PlayStation 3). The title of the article should reflect "most common usage" per WP:NAME. See also Wikipedia:Manual of Style (trademarks). --Elonka 13:52, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
PlayStation is a tricky one isn't it? A very rare occurence of two conflicting policies. It might reasonably be argued that it's an exception to my previous suggestion. Good luck with the argument.--Shantavira 18:07, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Islamic clothing

Is there ant islamic clothing website available?

Yep. Here's a couple: Shukr Jelbab.com --Allen 01:06, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Even ants are required to wear the hijab now ? That really is strict ! :-) StuRat 14:55, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yup. Would you believe 19 hits on Google for "Islamic ant"? $10 seems rather a lot to pay for one though.--Shantavira 18:14, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
LOL, any "crusader anteaters" out there ? StuRat 20:40, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Well there shouldn't be.--Shantavira 15:08, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There is an excellent online directory of sources for Islamic and other forms of "modest clothing" to be found at Modest Clothing Directory. It includes numerous sources for Islamic clothing as well as modest clothing from other traditions that might work for an observant Muslim. Crypticfirefly 04:03, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
What, no codpieces ? StuRat 00:25, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

HFF

Recently FIFA suspended the Hellenic Football Federation, representative of greece, of all FIFA related, or FIFA run activities and competitions [17]. It was suspended because the government implemented a law which does not recognise that football matters can only be resolved by football's governing bodies. What is this law? What does it state? What are the implications of this? how does it fail to comply with FIFA? Im sorry, I just cant find it on any of the reports I've seen. Philc TECI 01:00, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

From what I read in Dutch newspapers it seems to be part of a political power struggle. The Greek minister of sport, Giorgios Orfanos, is a conservative who wanted to use the new sports law to get rid of the chairman of the Greek football federation, Vassilis Gagatsis, who has a socialist background. Among other things, the law would force the federation to change its voting rules. David Sneek 07:06, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It may seem strange from a British perspective but a lot of countries' parliaments have passed "Professional Sports Laws", defining the legal relationship between the various groups involved, FA, league, clubs, players, unions, media companies, etc. FIFA hates this because it prefers to govern the game itself. In the end it normally has to accept it but not without a fight. Jameswilson 23:44, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

US traditional state abbreviations

When did the USPS make the change from traditional state abbreviations to the current two letter abbreviations?

I believe it happened sometime in the early 1970's. It may have begun earlier, in the 1960's coincident with the creation of ZIP codes. Interestingly, the articles on State name abbreviations and US postal 2-letter abbreviations do not mention the year that two-letter abbreviations became mandatory.
According to this site, "The United States Post Office instituted two letter state abbreviations along with five digit zip codes in 1963." The History of the US Postal Service 1775-1993 pages give the date of introducing 5-digit zip codes as July 1, 1963. Also, quoting from the latter source: "Introduced in 1983, the ZIP+4 code added a hyphen and four digits to the existing five-digit ZIP Code. The first five numbers continued to identify an area of the country and delivery office to which mail is directed. The sixth and seventh numbers denote a delivery sector, which may be several blocks, a group of streets, a group of post office boxes, several office buildings, a single high-rise office building, a large apartment building, or a small geographic area. The last two numbers denote a delivery segment, which might be one floor of an office building, one side of a street between intersecting streets, specific departments in a firm, or a group of post office boxes." The ZIP+4 seems to be optional, and nowhere did I find that the two letter state codes were "mandatory" when they were introduced. Are they now? --Seejyb 16:36, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Seejyb- that's a good question. I'm pretty sure they are 'mandatory' (and they appear on [this official list]), which, being an official USPS site, implies they are mandatory. But I don't know if there is any written document confirming that. The US Postal System will deliver all kinds of strange things addressed in pretty unusual ways, so even mail which does not use the official 2-letter abbreviations may be delivered. --Drunk Cow 20:38, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed, the abbreviations are not mandatory, because by law the U.S. Postal Service must deliver anything that has the proper postage and does not violate any other law. The USPS strongly recommends that two-letter abbreviations and ZIP Code be used, saying that it speeds delivery time. (However, I did an experiment a few years back and determined that this is not true. I sent two envelopes to a friend across the country, and asked him to keep track of when they arrived. One was neatly computer-printed, to the exact USPS specifications, including two-letter abbreviation and ZIP+4. The other was on a colored, oversized envelope, scribbled in red crayon, with no ZIP. The scribbled one got there two days earlier!) — Michael J 18:18, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Vegito & Gogeta

1. The potara fusion between Goku & Vegeta. Elder Kai says it is better. No requirements like the ones used in the Dance (identical power levels and physical build) are necessary for the earrings. When using this method, the name of the dominant individual begins the blended name of the fused being.

How does Vegeta have more characteristics such as hair and personality and more dominant role in Vegito then Goku? Vegito wears Vegeta's gloves and boots and his hair resembles Vegeta's. Goku only have a little role in Vegito, the rest belongs to Vegeta. Also Vegito uses Vegeta's attacks more then Goku's example: Vegito uses the "Big Bang Attack".


2. Goku & Vegeta fuse using the fusion dance and formed Super Saiyan 2 Gogeta in Dragon Ball Z: Movie 12 and Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta in Dragon Ball GT. The facts are Gogeta never said his name was Gogeta. When asked by Janemba he said "i'm neither Goku or Vegeta, i'm the one who will destroy you". He said the same thing in Dragon Ball GT. How did Gogeta get his name, when Gogeta himself never said he was called Gogeta? Vegito made it official that his name was Vegito.


3. In the game Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 2 does it require to put the capsules of Super Saiyan, Super Saiyan 2, Super Saiyan 3, Super Saiyan 4 to keep using Goku at Super Saiyan 4? Example: like the previous games when Goku reaches Super Saiyan 4 you have to put all the other capsules to make Super Saiyan 4 Goku or does each level have its own move sets example: Super Saiyan 4 Goku has its own move sets like 10 x Kamehameha? Also with the fusion i read it somewhere in the Dragon Ball sites that you can do fusion while playing? If so does it require for you to put capsules as well or the fuse warrior have its own move sets example: Gogeta has its own moves sets?

Also when you teleport in the game do you need to put a capsule? And can you teleport anytime or just teleport a blast? Can you use someone else's attacks example: Goku using Vegeta's "final flash"


4. Does anyone know why didn't the author Akira Toriyama have much to do with Dragon Ball Z Movies and Dragon Ball GT?203.98.91.216 08:45, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One massive night

After a disgustingly massive night in my unit, i eventually sobered up to find my walls adorned with some brilliant hand drawn art in nikko marker. Although i love my new works of art, the owners of my unit may not which leads me to the pressing question, what, if any, is the best way to remove permanent marker from paint? Any help iI can get on this matter will be amazing. Thank-you. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 61.8.3.2 (talk • contribs) .

Acetone (generally found in nail polish remover) will remove permanent marker, but depending on the type of paint, it could also have the unwanted effect of removing the paint as well. White spirit could be a possibility. Whatever method you try, be sure to test it on a small out of the way area of the paintwork first, to check whether or not it will damage the paint. Oldelpaso 11:03, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If all else fails, you might need to paint over it. --Proficient 15:37, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Very high alcohol content, or methylated spirits works I think. Philc TECI 16:18, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Careful. It sounds like alcohol content and high spirits are what got him into trouble in the first place... alteripse 17:35, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Hehe, if he puts these high spirits in his mouth he'll have bigger problems than his wall. Philc TECI 21:48, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sometimes this works. Get a white board marker: these are a spirit ink that can be wiped off. Draw over some of the permanent marker, and immediately try to wipe it off. Sometimes the chemicals which make the white board maker removable will help lift the permanent one. Notinasnaid 18:48, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Similar to above, I have had some success using the same marker that made the mark originally, because the wet ink will dissolve the dry ink, and immediately wipe it off. --WhiteDragon 19:45, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Army insignia

Trying to identify a badge at top of WW1 sergeant's baton , possibly Indian army. Can you give an email address I can attach a picture to please . Thanks . Badge has a five pointed crown (includes two crosses) over two C 's or curlycues opposed and joined at the centre . to the right is a cat or panther rampant, facing inwards and to the left a boars head facing outwards . Thanks .

Finding family

Would like to know how to finf family menbers.In cape ver island

There are several online facilities that allow you to search for people. If you are physically in Cape Verde, then perhaps there are phone books that you can use. --Proficient 15:39, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How tender a subject is Nazism in modern Germany? Have they accepted it as part of a time long gone (as most Americans think about slavery, driving Native Americans off land, etc) or is it still something you just don't mention? Does this have anything to do with their relatively strict censorship (I recall hearing that for videogames such as Goldeneye 007 and Turok 2, the blood must be changed to green for German releases)?

It's a pretty tender subject to say the least. It is in much more recent past than slavery or Native Americans (many now elderly Germans were around at the time as participants in WWII), and in any case the issue of slavery and race relations in the U.S. is hardly a "settled" deal either (the race issue has been the most salient one in the U.S. for a hundred years now). I'm not sure if their violence censorship is related to the Nazi issue (it probably is, but in an indirect way—nobody alleges that Hitler played video games, of course), but they definitely have censorship laws relating to Nazi material (you can't advocate neo-Nazism, you can't advocate Holocaust denial, you can't sell Nazi memorabilia). --Fastfission 14:22, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I spoke to a german freind about this, and they explained, that the germans have come to accept that their country has a terrible past, and it is by far, not something they are proud of. They do not see the germans that committed the atrocities as the same germans that inhabit the country today, they are, to them, a completely seperate group of people. But yes, it is a tender subject.
To answer your question games that glorify war ( even down to freindly games like paintballing, or war games) are banned in germany to my knowledge. Philc TECI 16:16, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My German friends love visiting us in Edinburgh - Scotland. What they say they love most of all is the way we British patiently queue in shops, bars, restaurants, bus queues etc, without argument. At home in Germany (they say) even a battle between 3 people waiting in a bus queue for a bus that has 30 vacant seats is socially acceptable as the norm. And they think that the queues in McDonalds are the most teutonically well disciplned places on earth. So I guess we can look forward to their repeat visits for many years to come. Hitler and Nazi-ism? They are very embarrassed to talk about it but we try to re-assure them that we British are well acquainted with dealing with tyrant overlords and have laid down many British lives over the millenia trying to quell their thirst for European hegemony.

Sorry. Don't know the German for Hegemony.

On the one hand the feelings of shame will prevent them from starting another war anytime soon. On the other hand, being ashamed of something other people have done, just because they were fellow countrymen is pure nationalism, which is one of the three bases for war (the other two being money and religion). DirkvdM 06:34, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Religion? GTubio 13:13, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Threat? (north korea) Philc TECI 21:46, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Nazi symols and stuff are illegal within germany, so it's a big deal--T-rex 00:11, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yeh but the point is, to us, we didn't fo it the germans did it, but to them, the germans didn't do it, the nazi's did. The only reason they get offended is because you are implying they are the same group of people, which in fairness they aren't. Philc TECI 11:54, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

symbolic meanings of rock colors/types

I am writing a children's book about throwing pebbles into the ocean in remembrance of a friend who died. I would like to use the "proper" meanings/symbollically (sp?) if possible. For example, a red rock, such as a garnet or cimmeron might represent love. a violet coloured one might represent friendship etc. Thank you in advance for any assistance. Kathleen C. Tachella (email removed)

It's may not be quite as straightforward as that, because symbolism of colors tends to depend on the cultural framework and context. (White, for example, tends to be a symbol for purity and serenity in Western cultures, whereas in Asian contexts it's often associated with death.) However, take a look at Color Symbolism; if all you need is the popular Western interpretations, the chart there is probably going to do the trick for you. -- Captain Disdain 14:59, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

logging out on Amazon.com

I can never find the log-out button on Amazon. I always just click on "Your Account" and then click that I am not me to log-out.

Anyone seen the log-out button? It's bad website design.

Thanks, Kyle

This may be of interest to you: http://plynt.com/blog/2005/07/how-amazon-lives-without-a-log/.
You can just delete your cookies or delete Amazon cookies specifically if you feel like really logging out. --Proficient 15:44, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Click on "your account", which is a button near the top of the page, then click on "sign out from our site" which is a link near the bottom of the page. Works for me.--Shantavira 17:45, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Talking about bad design. Shouldn't that link be prominently visible on the top of each page they have? 0- Mgm|(talk) 21:41, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, because there's no reason you would want to log out. HenryFlower 11:24, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

secondary bond market

playing around with my fidelity account and I saw this:

UNITED STATES TREAS NTS 6.500% 10/15/2006 6.500 10/15/2006 100.301 100.323 5.265 5.184

where the ~100 numbers are the bid-ask and the ~5.2 numbers are the percent yield bid-ask

Turns out this is some bond from 1996 that matures on 10/15/2006

my question: when buying treasuries, don't you want the ~100 number to actually be less than 100 if you want to make money on it?

Thanks, Kyle

The money you make is a combination of the difference between your buy and sell price and the interest you get in the interim. If you hold a bond to maturity and pay more than face value for it (the ~100 number is higher than 100), you lose money on the buy/sell piece of this, but you presumably make enough interest to more than make up for this. Bonds whose coupon interest rate is higher than prevailing interest rates typically trade at more than face value. The difference should decrease the closer the bond gets to maturity (because the time left to collect the higher interest decreases). If you figure the total return (maturity value + interest - current price), a treasury bond maturing in 3 months should return about the same as a 3 month CD. -- Rick Block (talk) 19:03, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help ID man in photo

Does anyone know who the impressively-jowled man sitting next to Bud Selig in this photo is? Thanks, TacoDeposit 17:53, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you go to the story itself and click on the photo, it brings up the caption, which reveals that he is "Bob Dupuy, MLB chief operating officer". kmccoy (talk) 21:10, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks! I found the image through a Google image search, and never looked at the original news story. TacoDeposit 00:40, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Where can I buy...

Does anyone know where (near or in Manhattan) I can buy a plush carrot? And not the dog toy kind. Thanks.--Anakata 17:54, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If it's not for the dog, would it be insensitive to ask what you want it for, like how big it should be, whether you want one that squeaks, and so on? (Not that I know anything about shopping in Manhattan, merely curious.) '"Plush carrot" –dog' scores hundreds of hits on Google, including some from "Manhattan Toys", but it might be simpler to look on line first. --Shantavira 18:26, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I bet ebay has some, despite it not being in Manhattan. --Proficient 22:17, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sounds weird, but I had a dream last night... Anyway, I think I'll just make one myself because I didn't find one on Google that met my needs. Thanks anyway!--Anakata 02:02, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Is there any reason you are specifically opposed to plush carrots sold as dog toys? I ask only because this one seems perfectly appropriate for human use. If the seller is to be trusted, the carrot is plush and adorable and comes in five sizes, the largest of which can be had for less than $20. Honestly, what more could one want in a stuffed carrot? Bhumiya (said/done) 15:28, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What do we understand for "shredding" a guitar solo?

Thanks. -piripi

You might find shred guitar useful. Natgoo 21:33, 8 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

shredding is a technique used in solos, it is basically to play the same small piece of a scale over and over as fast as one can. it is a technique like hammering or bending or sliding..ooo i wanna play my guitar now!

nude mayor

Can we see the picture of Mayor Sharon Smith, who made the headlines of nude pictures?

No. Not on Wikipedia, anyway. But if you search Google diligently enough, I'm sure you'll be able to locate the pictures. --Robert Merkel 01:26, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 9

subculture 1

Besides Goth and Punk, is there any subculture that are related to Rock 'n' Roll?

Teds, mods, rockers, rastas, greasers, skinheads, metallers, gangstas... all of these and many many more are either directly related to rock music or at the least influenced by/connected with it. Grutness...wha? 02:03, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Metalheads, Moshers, Indie (mm), Fashioncore, Emo, Pop-rock, Ska Punk (sort of). Philc TECI 23:22, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

subculture 2

Is there any subculture that are related to Hip-hop/Rap?

House Selling under Scottish (Scots) Law

Sorry for repeating this question originally posed under Humanities whence no responses were forthcoming, but I really would appreciate a current, accurate and timeous response (insofar as is reasonable)to this troublesome and very pertinent House Selling difficulty under Scottish (Scots) Law. Please don't advise me to see a Lawyer - that is the source of my current problem and this subsequent quest for impartial advice.

Could someone please advise whether, under Scots Law, a houseowner intent on selling the house, is legally obliged to advise potential buyers of any ongoing or previous neighbour-related tensions, disputes, or other such hostilities, whether or not the potential buyer asks that specific question?

And is the seller's agent/solicitor also legally obliged to answer such a buyer's question if such disputes are known to him/her even if any such problems have not been disclosed by the seller, but have been made known by other means?

What would be the buyer's redress(es) if such problems did exist but were not disclosed to him before the sale was concluded?

Many thanks in anticipation for any useful responses. But please, no speculative or emotive responses.

I dont know but have you tried the Citizens Advice Bureau. {Find your nearest CAB}? Jameswilson 00:07, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Er...perhaps you should see a different lawyer? They're the ones trained in the law, after all. If you're not comfortable working with your current lawyer, you should find another—but asking for help from strangers on an internet forum is never a way to resolve legal problems. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 21:42, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Gee, Tenofalltrades, now why didn't I think of that? It never occurred to me that Lawyers might be trained in the law. I wish I was as clever as you. But to you Jameswilson, thanks for reading and interpreting my question correctly. At least you understood that I wanted some independent advice. Some people.................

Weird Question

I dont know if this is the place to post this question, but I was wondering if I was just crazy or if others out there would be upset like me if this happend to them.

I have this friend, and him and I were best friends. I met this girl (they were never friends before) and we started going out and we went out for 6 months on and off. At the end she cheated on me and now my ex girlfriend and the person who I thought was one of my best friends are friends and they go out sometimes (I know hes not trying to get with her because she has a new boyfriend). Do I not have the right to be mad at him? I mean if he was really my friend he wouldnt be friends with her and go out with her and be friends with her and her boyfriend. I even told him on two different occasions that I dont like him talking to her. I even yelled at him for shaking her hand one time when she stuck her hand out. Am I crazy or should I be really mad? Thanks

Well, we're not an agony aunt; our purpose is primarily to provide references to factual information - the factual information relevant to your situation is primarily contained in the article jealousy.
For what it's worth, in my opinion while it's certainly extremely common to wish that your friends avoided contact with an ex, it's not particularly rational or productive to stay mad at your friend, or for that matter your ex-girlfriend. Neither of them are your property. That said, it perhaps isn't so nice for your friend to ignore your feelings on the matter, and I can certainly understand why you might feel a bit peeved. But feeling that way isn't going to do anything except make you feel miserable. --Robert Merkel 07:35, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • He's still your best friend. Unless he and the girl cheated on you while you were dating here, there's no reason why you should put your friendship on the line over your ex. Trust me on this. - Mgm|(talk) 10:06, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If I was your friend, I wouldnt see anything wrong in it. You cant say to your friend "I dont like her anymore so neither should you". Just because things didnt work out between you and your ex- doesnt mean she's suddenly turned into a monster - lots of people probably still get on fine with her. Jameswilson 00:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
FWIW, I was in a very similar situation (only the other way round) a large number of years ago. My best friend and his girlfriend were clealy having a couple of problems, and I told both of them, separately, that if they ever needed someone to talk to about it, then I was available. She did, and started seeing me for more than just talk after they later broke up. As I said, this was many years ago, and my best friend of the time is still one of my best friends, although we did have a period of being quite cold to each other. In fact, I was later best man at his wedding (to a different woman, I hasten to add!). So yeah, being a bit mad for a while is understandable, especially if you still have feelings for the woman. But after a while you'll probably find that being mad for a long time is counterproductive (or at least dumb). Grutness...wha? 01:20, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

MegAtomiX Media

Hey, does anyone know if this website, MegAtomix Media (http://www.megatomix.com) is still being used by anyone. I used to be a member there, but my account got deleted. Recently, I was interested in joining again, but as far as I could tell, no one has used it since early 2005.

I wasn't sure if maybe you have to be a member to view the new material, or if the site had moved..or what??

--LBJacob09 06:12, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Group Stations

I've had a look at the usage notes for the station stats and was wondering is there a sure fire way of working out which of the group stations is the main station. I realise that some are obvious such as the main station that represents Birmingham Stations is Birmingham New Street, but some are less obvious, e.g Warrington. Thanks for any help DannyM 09:24, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's always the busiest station in the town or city - i.e, the one which appears first in the full stats. Warofdreams talk 09:33, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Capital

What is the capital of Kazakstan? Thanks

Astana. --Killfest2 11:12, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sometimes it can be a bit weird, like it used to be Almaty. For instance, it isn't entirely clear what the capital of Tanzania is. Evilbu 13:24, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It seems clear enough to me. The legal, official capital is Dodoma. It used to be Dar es Salaam, where many government offices are still located. Changes of capitals sometimes take many decades to accomplish. When Australia became a federation in 1901, the capital was Melbourne and most government offices had their headquarters there. Canberra became the new capital in 1927, but even in the late 1970s there were some departments that had not yet moved from Melbourne. JackofOz 02:17, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
But the capital doesn't have to be the seat of government, like in the Netherlands, where Amsterdam is the capital and The Hague the seat of government. (Which pisses off some Amsterdammers, that they have to live under the yoke of those 'Hagenezen'.) DirkvdM 06:35, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Translation

What does 'Маленький мальчик нашёл пулемёт — Больше в деревне никто не живёт' mean? Thanks - 02pollaj

"A little boy found a machine gun —
Now his village's population is none."
David Sneek 13:16, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
This should have been posted on the Language Ref Desk. StuRat 14:13, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What movie, TV episode, or videogame is this?

I remember seeing something where Man A pays Man B to kill a person (I think at a train station), and when Man A gets there, he finds out he's supposed to kill Man B. I have no idea what this could be. Any ideas?

It sounds a little bit like the novel Good news, bad news by David Wolstencroft. Good book. --Howard Train
I assume you mean "when Man B gets there he finds out he's supposed to kill Man A". No other help though. DJ Clayworth 17:14, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

1984

I am looking for a school that was in Phoenix Arizona in 1982-1985, named, Arizona Career College. It was a postsecondary private school. Specifically, I am looking for witih whom it was accredited through.

Doorknob

When was the doorknob invented? Does anyone know for certain? Bhumiya (said/done) 15:17, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Probably around the same time as the door, so people could open them from both sides. Philc TECI 15:29, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I disagree, the familiar rotating doorknob which retracts a pin holding the door shut likely came along much later than the door, but still in prehistoric times. So, we probably don't know when or where. Maybe an archeologist might have some guesses, though. I suspect the first "doors" were just objects placed in front of cave openings which were removed to gain entrance or exit. Hinges and doorknobs require a level of craftsmanship not available at that time. StuRat 16:15, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
They didnt specify a rotating doorknob that retracts a pin. A doorknob can simply be some sort of protrusion from the door to allow the door to be gripped easily. Philc TECI 16:21, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I don't know the answer, but an odd historical note about doorknobs: they were originally placed in the middle of doors, for aesthetic reasons, but where later moved to the outside edge, because it is much easier to open doors that way (see torque). zafiroblue05 | Talk 23:50, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

OK, next historical origins question: what was the origin of the stupid American middle school custom of yelling "doorknob" when flatulence is detected? Is it still done, or now lost in the mists of primeval time? alteripse 17:40, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You would be referring to Doorknob (game). --Maxamegalon2000 00:01, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Songs similar to Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing"

Can anyone name similar songs? Not by theme or lyrics, but by sound. It can be instrumental as well, I don't mind.

This song is interesting to me because of the slow, rhythmic pace, and the weird "drowsy" melody. I really liked it. ☢ Ҡi∊ff⌇↯ 16:43, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sources for a stupid question

I know this question has a logical answer, but no one seems to be able to find any evidence or examples. The question is this: Does an amputee (let's say, for ease of argument, a double-leg amputee) get drunk faster after the amputation than he/she did with limbs intact? Logically, your blood-alcohol level will increase faster if you have less blood; a person with no legs has less blood than a person with two legs. But has anyone ever documented this before? Are there any amputees out there who have experienced this? I'm basically looking for a citation. TheSPY 17:23, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The effect would be small because most alcohol is disposed of by liver metabolism and urinary excretion, both of which are proportional to body size with legs. The blood volume would only be slightly less without legs anyway (maybe 90-95%), and the blood volume makes a difference only to the initial volume of distribution of the alcohol. Maybe you could show that a person with a 5% smaller blood volume "feels it" faster when he drinks, but again the effect would be small (maybe a couple of minutes or less) and lost in all the larger sources of variation in alcohol effect (especially genetic differences and amount of previous drinking experience). If you want citations on alcohol metabolism to confirm what I am asserting here, google ethanol metabolism, but I have never seen a discussion specifically address differences after amputation. alteripse 17:38, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Sure, it follows logically. Now, an amputee might tend to build muscle elsewhere to compensate for the missing limb(s); in that case you'd have at least some corresponding increase in blood volume. In any case, as Alterprise notes the difference percentage-wise would be fairly small since most of the blood in your body is in your trunk and brain. I wouldn't be surprised if no one has actually done the study, however—the result is an 'obvious' one, there's no useful medical purpose, and the supply of double amputees is relatively small. Clearance rate, meanwhile, depends on your liver and is unaffected by amputation. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 21:38, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bedshaped

I heard a song that was the same, if not very similar to the keane song bedshaped, but this was in classical style, and I thought in a foreign language, there was less emphasis on the instrumentation, and more on the vocals (there were atleast parts, if not the whole song, without instruments). I was wondering could anyone tell me what this is?

Sports timer

In many sports, even when the play of the game is paused, the clock still runs. Why is that? Reywas92 22:09, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In soccer specifically, they calculate the amount of time that was wasted whent he play was stopped and add it onto the game at the end. That's why it says "Time Added". --Jamesino 23:11, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Like in football (soccer), they add stoppage time to compensate. Probably in others sports too. --Proficient 23:13, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The time added is often (perhaps usually) not enough to compensate, however. For example, in the recent Holland-Portugal game six minutes were added at the end of the second half, but most likely upwards of 15 minutes were lost due to ejections, cards, injuries, and so on. Overtime halves are a third of the length of regulation halves, but oftentimes only have 15-20 seconds or less of stoppage time, while a regulation half on average has 2-4 minutes of stoppage time. Football/soccer is one of the few sports that work this way. zafiroblue05 | Talk 23:48, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Having grown up with the football (soccer) system I get very irritated by sports that do stop the clock all the time. It takes so long to get started again. There should be a fifteen-second rule or something. As it is, players wander around talking to each other, talking to the coach, having a drink. Thats not what I,ve paid to watch! Get on with it! I want uninterrupted action and get home before midnight.

PS Soccer players would do the same if they were allowed to I,m sure (and they do spin out injuries and so on so everyone can take a breather). Jameswilson 00:43, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That's his point. The clock-stopping rule causes this behaviour, no matter what the sport.
I can think of two reasons. One, sports are usually done by amateurs (they form the vast majority of the players), who don't have the means to keep time that accurately (they'd have to hire someone to do that). Two, you'd need a portable stopwatch for that, and I don't know how long that has been something 'normal people' could afford. But for most of the history of most sports there will not have been a stopwatch, so it's tradition. You just try changing a tradition in a sport. :)
So one could reverse the qwuetsion. In which sports is the time stopped (they probably form a tiny minority) and when was that introduced? Or was it introcuced later or part of the design of the sport? I bet these are all recent sports (probably most from the US). DirkvdM 06:49, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When the NASL was new to america, and a huge league had sprawled over a country that had no idea how to play the sport, among other comical errors, one referee thought that you have to stop the clock every time the ball went out of play or gameplay stopped, this caused his first matches to last over two hours, until he was informed of the rules. Philc TECI 11:51, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have a reference for this story, or is it just more bashing? --LarryMac 13:03, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No I have a book called the history of football, It explains conclusovely the history of football. Its not bashing a lot of mistkes were made by the US, but back in ol' blighty (england) some people screwed the rules up so bad, it turned into rugby. But the fact was a lot of football was forced upon the american when people saw how profitibale new york cosmos was, playing in front of capacity crowds every week, so everyone dived in, only to find that still new york was the only profitable team. So football teams popped up everywhere, often moving within a few years, and after about a decade the whole thing collapsed. The MSL has sought to start again, avoiding the mistakes of the past. Philc TECI 20:32, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To counter an unsigned comment above, as an American, I think it's crazy that soccer just lets the clock run and then has the ref add stoppage time at the end rather than simply stop the clock when the ball is not in play. Shouldn't everyone know exactly how much time is left? And doesn't giving the ref the power to end the game at his discretion lead to abuses of authority, or at least accusations of such? -- Mwalcoff 04:58, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Here in the US, most sports that have time use clocks that stop. That includes American football, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, water polo and lots of others. Also note that American sports clocks show how much time is left to play, not how much is used up. And they don't show time for the whole game, just the current quarter, period or half. For example, in football (soccer), the clock starts at 0:00 and goes to 45:00 at halftime, then continues to 90:00 at the end. In American football, the clock starts at 15:00 and goes down to 0:00 at the end of the first quarter, then re-sets to 15:00 for the second quarter, etc. (Side note: In professional basketball, when the time is less than one minute, the clock must show time remaining down to 1/10 of a second, such as 0:45.8.) ... However, my personal preference is baseball, which thankfully has no clock at all. — Michael J 05:08, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
In hockey, it actually depends on the rules. North American leagues use rundown timers and international leagues use runup timers. Strange huh? What's stranger is that goals and penalties still count minutes into play. --ColourBurst 05:46, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I suppose you mean ice hockey. Stop stealing names. DirkvdM 06:45, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Stealing names? Which version of hockey do you suggest is the "correct" one? --Optichan 15:35, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I may be wrong but the original hockey is the one played on grass, surely. Ice hockey was an offshoot for colder places.

Its quite a new thing to put a board up saying how much injury-time there will be. Before the referee gave no clue. It added to the suspense in my view. You didnt know if this was the last attack or whether there were still a couple of minutes to go. And yes, the downside was the potential for abuse. Jameswilson 23:01, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, so there's a video game that has songs, and people have made midis of the songs. Now the midis are based on the songs, but they are not the exact songs in the game. I was wanting to use one of these. So I am wondering, are the midis that immitate a copyrighted song also copyrighted. I emailed the site owner a ton of times and they won't even answer. But people on wikipedia know a lot about copyright, so I'm sure someone does. Are these midis legal to freely distribute and are they free enough to be used on something commercial? DyslexicEditor 22:18, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You really oughta ask this one over at Wikipedia:Reference desk/Humanities, I think. In short, though: if you can clearly recognize the original song by listening to the midi tune, yeah, it's a copyright infringement. It can get more complex than that, but that's what it boils down to, pretty much. Perhaps more importantly, even if you can't recognize the original song and thus the MIDI file in question isn't about to become evidence in a copyright infringement case, you still can't just use them, because then you would be infringing on the copyright of the guy who created the MIDI file. -- Captain Disdain 22:34, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Just to add to the fun-- Some game tunes are actually in the public domain (I'm thinking some of the music from Tetris, "Korobeiniki" or "Korebuska" depending on who is naming that tune). But even if the tune itself is in the public domain, the interpretation of the tune by the person recording the MIDI file also has a copyright, as Captain Disdain has pointed out. If it isn't a public domain tune, then the creator of the unauthorized MIDI file doesn't have a copyright in his or her interpretation, becuase he/she created an infringing "derivative work." So if you were to use those files even with the creator's permission, you too would be infringing the game company's copyright. Short answer: bad idea to use these MIDI files without the permission of whoever or whatever holds the copyright. It would be better to make your own sound files for the project (or pay someone to do it.) And I should add, you don't even have to "clearly recognize" the song, copying even a few notes has been found to be infringement if the original source can be identified. Crypticfirefly 04:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

On being the last person alive in the country...

Supposing tonight a freak virus breaks loose and kills everyone in the country except you. No buildings or anything have been destroyed,so the water,power and things are still working at the moment,just everyone else is dead.How long would you be able to survive for and what would be the most important...or exciting things to do first?

Sleep tight... 88.106.195.245 22:28, 9 July 2006 (UTC)Lemon[reply]

Depends on what country you live in and what exactly the cause is. If the virus can be dealt with, you might get lucky and be picked up by some rescue crew from another country. For instance if you live in Denmark, maybe some German scientists or army crew would go into the country.

The movie 28 Days Later describes what you say except for one little detail....

However, my fellow Wikipedians, I would like to grab this unique opportunity to ask for a film : there is a film in which a black man in the USA, probably New York, finds the complete city deserted for no obvious reason. Later he meets one other person : a white woman. The plot is interesting as one could say their relationship would never have begun under normal circumstances. The movie is in black and white. Please tell me the title. Evilbu 22:38, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Other than going totally insane after a while from lack of companionship, you should live a normal life. Eventually the water and power systems will fail, so you won't be able to rely on them to keep you going, you'll have to learn how to hunt and how to grow your own crops, but other than that, there's no reason why you shouldn't live. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:39, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
So many things... ---Proficient 23:14, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If you are literally the last person in the world (not just the country), you would probably kill yourself by the time (or shortly after) the water/power systems fail. Five or ten years, I'd guess. zafiroblue05 | Talk 23:43, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Step one: hold on to your glasses. --Cam 01:57, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
See also the New Zealand film (and book) The Quiet Earth in which the entire human race is wiped out except a few people. --Canley 02:07, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Zafiroblue, five years until the water/power systems fail? That would be almost instant if there is no-one operating them (or do they have built-in failsafe systems to prevent this? I wouldn't be surprised given the importance). I'll assume it's not limited to one country, but everyone on Earth died for whatever reason (what are you suggesting - a virus without a passport?). Then you're in a basic survival situation, with the advantage that shops will still have shitloads of tinned food and water, more than you could ever need in a lifetime. So make sure you always carry a tin opener. :) But the stocks in one city would probably be enough, so you wouldn't need to go from place to place (although that should not be a problem if you know how to operate an unattended petrol station). Other than that, you'd probably get bored to death, like Zoe said. I once saw something like this in a film, where the survivor regularly went to the movies (watching Woodstock) for entertainment. I don't remember if the film made it clear where he got the power to operate the projector. But if you've got enough time on your hands, all the tools and stuff you might want and a bit of a brain you could figure something out. And that's probably what you would dedicate your time to - getting something off the ground, building your own little 'society', like a Robinson Crusoe. And you'd have something to protect it against, because animals would start to take back the cities. Including some predators.
On the upside, climate change would be kept to a minimum. :) Then again, that minimum might still have a big impact, so you'd have to take that into account - move away from coastal areas, for example, and build hurricane-proof shelters. DirkvdM 07:13, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
With all those rotting bodies around, you wouldn't want to hang around in the city for very long.--Shantavira 07:23, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I think that many of the problems that arise in water/power arise from people using them. If there are (basically) no demands on the power system/water, what would cause it to fail? (Thunder/snow-storms, perhaps, would knock over lines, but that's only for a limited area; you could always bike to another location. Or drive, even: once you figure out how to hotwire a car, or find one with keys, they all have gas in them!) To be honest, though, I think I'm basing most of this on Earth Abides, which may not be correct scientifically. zafiroblue05 | Talk 22:13, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Huh? Are you serious? Do you think power plants run themselves? We might build a society in which that is the case, but that certainly hasn't been done yet. DirkvdM 06:48, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

So nobody has an idea about that black and white film dealing with this?Evilbu 12:45, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I do actually: The World, the Flesh and the Devil (1959)... starring Harry Belafonte. --Canley 14:48, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Canley, thanks, that is quite certainly what I was looking for. Did you find it a good movie? I saw it once, but didn't get to see the end, and have regretted doing so ever since. For giving me the title, you have my undying gratitude.

Listening a song backwards

How can I in MS windows?

Maybe you can record the song onto one of the various audio editing programs available (some of which are freeware) and mess around with it there. --Proficient 23:15, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

win 95 had a program in it that could record and reverse, very entertaining, try Led Zep's Staireway to heaven, it does say SATAN over and over hahah

MSN Emoticon Stored?

In MSN Messenger for Windows XP when someone sends you an emoticon and you right-click on it to add it, in what folder does the saved emoticon save into?--Jamesino 23:09, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

They are saved as .dat files in a folder "C:\Documents and Settings\(your username)\Application Data\Microsoft\MSN Messenger\(numbered folder for your Passport account)\CustomEmoticons". --Canley 02:03, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is there any way that I can edit them, using for example, ImageReady of Adobe Photoshop?--Jamesino 17:06, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think the emoticons are GIFs with a .dat extension, so you may be able to change the file extension to .gif and they should open in an image editing program. --Canley 23:18, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Any instructions on how I can change it to GIF's? I can't seem to open them in anything except internet explorer and notepad. --Jamesino 00:41, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

They already are GIFs. Their MIME type is image/gif, so depending on your image viewer, it should be able to open them as-is. If not, just change the extension to gif. --Optichan 15:51, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

webcam support for mac

Hello, I know msn doesn't do support for Mac OSX for webcams and have so installed Mercury Messanger. Are there any other supported messenger programs that cater for Mac webcams?--russ 23:32, 9 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Um, there's iChat, but were you after MSN compatibility? You can connect to MSN through Jabber, there are some links on the article which explain how. --Canley 01:58, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 10

moths!

A moth came in through my window. how do I get rid of it? i am not a moth liker. Does citronella work? Oh my god it's coming at me! HELP!!!

It's big and flappy - it is going to eat all my pants i know it!

Grab it and throw it out the window. Crazywolf

LOL - is this a serious question? Switch hall lights on. Make your room totally dark. Open the door to the hall. Stay still. Watch moth leave. Close door. Jameswilson 01:10, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now the moth is in his hall ...... DirkvdM 07:15, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
OMG don't kill it...it plays a vital part in your local ecosystem and I like animals...you might just set in motion the end of our planet if you do so choose to end it's life. On a complete tangent, are you a girl?--John Brown 10:25, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Why?!?! Im a guy and I FEAR moths...

They are attracted to light. that's all. If you want them to come somewhere, turn on a light. If you want them to go somewhere else, turn off the light there and turn on a light somewhere else. lol. Alternative plan - put an attractive female actor on top of your roof. Wait for king kong to arrive and kill your marauding mothra. --Bmk 16:41, 10 July 2006 (UTC)* My cats catch and eat moths all the time,otherwise cultivate spiders webs.hotclaws**==(217.39.9.153 18:46, 10 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

Yes, it was a serious question! Fortunately the moth issue has been resolved with the help of a Dyson Dual Cyclonic hoover nozzle. You will all be pleased to know my imported AussieBum underwear escaped unscathed, though i do seem to have nibbles in a cheap top i bought from Gap. Clearly it had an ironic sense of humour, though I had the last laugh. --russ 23:14, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Keyboard Remapping/Macros

I am searching for some kind of freeware that allows me to remap the keyboard (for Windows XP). I've downloaded a couple of freeware macro/remap (that I found on google [AutoHotkeys was a little too complicated]) programs but they offer a complicated interface. I want to be able to map certain keys to automate text, such as: when I press "7" on the numberpad, it types "Hello." (And preferably allow me to switch macros easily and manage these automated tasks easily.) Does anyone know of a freeware, easy-to-use program that can fill these requirements? Thanks. (This isn't a computer science/technology question, or is it? Sorry if it is.) --Proficient 00:31, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Never mind this question, as I failed to realize how helpful the AutoHotKeys help is. I have managed to figure out how to remap. Thanks though. --Proficient 01:20, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Google Wikipedia

I used to use Google a lot to find information, now I use wikipedia and hardly ever use google. Are other people doing this? Does wikipedia serve as a threat to Google? Why doesn't MSN or Yahoo partner with Wikipedia and provide a search bar AND a wikipedia look-up bar? Mayor Westfall 01:39, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I tend to use Google, although Wikipedia will almost always come up in the top ten results. I don't think there's any threat to Google: Wikipedia, as comprehensive as it is, is only one website, and Google searches millions. I also prefer to check several different sources rather than rely on Wikipedia. There is a Wikipedia lookup/search option on the Mozilla Firefox browser. --Canley 01:50, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Google includes Wikipedia already (when it searches) plus it contains other valuable information; hence, I much prefer using google, despite Wikipedia's usefulness. --Proficient 02:41, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and Google is a search engine, so they serve quite distinct purposes. In many cases Google throw up all sorts of rubbish, but Wikipedia does at least have some checks in place. It all depends what you're looking for. If it's something very specific, like a plush carrot, Google is a better bet as Wikipedia still lacks this information. I use the external links from Wikipedia articles quite a lot as these are chosen by people and not by a computer.--Shantavira 07:34, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
After edit conflict:
Canley, you say that Wikipedia is only one website, but it is the information that counts. That it is all in one place only helps. I'd rather have my info on one (fairly) trustworthy site than 100 possibly shitty ones (and then how do I know which are the good ones?). Eventually, all info may find its way to Wikipedia. Think of how many people don't or hardly know about it yet and how big it already is. At some point, scientists will start to publish their findings on Wikipedia first (I've heard of this already happening). Another advantage of Wikipedia is that it organises the information. And that was the purpose of search engines. The Internet contains loads of info, but how do you find it? That's where search engines became invaluable. But now that necessity will disappear (eventually - in ten years maybe?). And will Google? They've already started scanning books. There's more than the Internet (no really!). Their business is info. If the basis of your business is disappearing you'll have to find an alternative, just like Shell is looking into renewable energy sources.
I can't say I'm unhappy with this. Google is, after all, a commercial company and they've got a virtual monopoly. That combination is lethal to service. Something similar happened to imdb. It used to be a nice site. Now it suffers an advertisement-overload that really is a pain. Noticed how little by little we're getting more and more (disguised) ads on Google? They're going down the drain, I'm sure. Just give it some time. DirkvdM 07:39, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Wikipedia articles are summaries of the known stuff. It is nice as a first stop, but if you want indepth information on a specific topic, you're better off reading external links, books and scientific journals. Google is very helpful in finding those and without Google most of us wouldn't even be able to find good references to back up the articles we write to begin with... - 131.211.210.10 08:10, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It all depends on what kind of information you're looking for. If you want to know something pretty trivial, Wikipedia is fine. If you want to know something important, university/government/NGO sites found through Google are a better bet than articles written by 13-year-olds sitting in their pants in their bedrooms. HenryFlower 10:07, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
There are many instances when Wikipedia articles are far superior than many which are found on university webpages, in my opinion. And some of our best editors are very young. And I'm not sure why people shouldn't be sitting in their pants. I'm sitting in my pants. :-) --Fastfission 19:19, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'm also wearing pants. However, I'm not in my teens. More to the point, like I said, how reliable is some site Google led you to? If the info is on Wikipedia, several people will probably have gone over it, which largely precludes the risk of some nutcase having written it, as can be the case on some other website. Unless you know it has to be reliable, for example because it's a university website. But even those contain errors. Nothing is certain, it's just a matter of being careful what you read and not believing everything. DirkvdM 06:55, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Deutsche Mark / German Money

I am trying to find out if this type of money can still be exchanged for US dollars. Everything I have read says this can still be exchanged for a few years. this type of money was made obsolete in 2002 and was replaced with Euro. I would appreciated any help with how to do this. Thank you for your time. Brownyh1 02:05, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The European Central Bank maintains a list of time limits by which the central banks of the Eurozone countries will cease to honour/exchange that country's pre-Euro currency. You'll be pleased to know German marks never expire. This means you should be able to make the exchange to US dollars at any large US bank. --Canley 02:53, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Now i have been told that any German Mark prior to the war is worthless except maybe to collectors. Is this true? Mine is dated 1923. If you have any info on who I can call i would appreciate your help. Thank you! Brownyh1

Well, by Deutschmarks from before the war I assume you mean the marks from before the Wallstreet Crash in 1929 (as yours is). These would be worthless in the sense that they ceased to be currency a long time ago when new, revalued currency was introduced after the hyperinflation the crash sparked, which reduced the value of a mark to practically zero. (I think I have that right, but I did this a long time ago. Feel free to step in, knowledgable people) Bundesdeutschmarks I think the new ones were. Hence, a 1923 mark probably is worthless as currency, even if you find a bureau or bank who'll do it (by the end, people were using wheelbarrows to carry enough currency to pay for their shopping), but a collector might pay you for it. 19:35, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

What is Emulsifier 481 ?

I am wondering what Emulsifier 481 is made of. It is found in manufactured foods, like bread mix.

Is it natural or synthetic? Is it safe to consume?

According to the list of food additives, Codex Alimentarius, it's sodium stearoyl lactylate. If it's in food at least some people consider it safe to consume :) Ziggurat 02:34, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
    • "If they're in food, they are safe to eat" is an attitude somewhere between trusting and naive. Things like this are usually in food because they are categorized as Generally recognized as safe, which means that they have probably never undergone any rigorous testing, but have not killed a conspicuous number of people. I am half-joking, but the GRAS system is extremely weak. Personally, I don't worry about these things, but I wouldn't accept their presence in food as proof of anything at all. bikeable (talk) 16:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

my bread contaims E472e, but when i asked about it my question was moved to the Bad Jokes section. Where can we get normal, healthy bread?

There are lots of brands. Go to a health store, or a large regular supermarket, and look for a bread loaf that has fewer than 7 ingredients, none of which should be abbreviations or have numbers in them. --Bmk 16:46, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Vonnegut story

Question: which is the Kurt Vonnegut story where the main character is from Eastern Europe, and is adopted by a family (which is meant to fictionalize the family of Andrew Carnegie) where in part of the story the events of the Homestead Strike are dramatized? I can't seem to remember, and it's killing me. Or was that not Vonnegut? KWH 05:02, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

ISTR that he was not adopted, but was treated like a sibling by the fictional Carnegie's son. KWH 05:02, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

movie mystery

I am wondering if anyone can help me remember the title of a movie I saw as a kid in the early 90s or very late 80s. The story is about a Norwegian sailor who is injured and sends his son to serve on a ship in his place so the family can earn some income. The ship ends up encountering pirates I think and there is mention of a "cat o nine tails" in any event I think they get shipwrecked. Thanks

Could it be Shipwrecked (1990) (aka Haakon Haakonsen), starring Stian Smestad as the title character and Gabriel Byrne? Plot summary from IMDB is: "A young Norwegian boy in 1850's England goes to work as a cabin boy and discovers some of his shipmates are actually pirates." --Canley 08:46, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That's it! Thanks a lot! EdwinHJ | Talk 21:46, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Is this a phobia?

I have a problem that i often forget names of the person i meet...is this some kind of phobia or disease..i only forget names ..nothing else.

A phobia is a fear of something, so that isn't a phobia. Forgetting names is perfectly normal, some people just aren't very good at it. I am terrible at it, and it's sometimes very embarrassing. Notinasnaid 07:53, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It appears to be mild anxiety, maybe you could use some kind of mnemonic technique to remember the names? Oh, and I don't believe this consistutes as a disease.--John Brown 10:05, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • I just flat out say "I'm hopeless at names" and write them down in a little notebook I carry with me.Most people are flattered that I bother and the act of writing it down helps me remember.If I still forget,I just say so.No-one has punched me yet for forgetting their name and asking for it again.Hope this helps-hotclaws**==(217.39.9.153 08:06, 11 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]
Short-term memory loss. --Proficient 21:58, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Adding / Editing Articles in Wikipedia

Dear Sir / Madam,

I was reading an article about Wikipedia in The Economist magazine some weeks ago. As a user of Wikipedia I was facinated to find out more about this wonderful resource. During my day at the BBC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bbc) a collegue then suggested I add an article about a company and one of the most significant sports brands in the world that I seem to rave about.

That company is Kookaburra. I researched the subject, looked up Nike, Adidas, Reebok and noted that Kookaburra did not appear. So speaking to another Wikipedian I added an article under the link Kookaburra Sport, with a link to Kookaburra from the page under Kookaburra (noting the other link to a rocket).

I have some more significant information about one of the World's oldest sports companies and the biggest manufacturer of cricket balls in the world, and am pretty upset to see the article has been completely removed by "User:Elizabeyth/Desk". I note she does not accept email questions from people... but I would like to know why this has happened ? It was a purely factual article and I sort all the correct copyright permissions.

As someone who has supplied the BBC, SKY, the ECB and Reuters with cricket information, and having researched another Sports company, why should this information be sensored ? Kookaburra appear in many encyclopedia's, BrandLeader books (and I note this in particular as only two sports companies are recorded as leaders - Nike and Kookaburra), record books etc. and are of historical, and innovative importance ? They are a worldwide business, in a similar league to Nike, Reebok etc. I am often asked about them, and would welcome the chance to direct users to Wikipedia.

I would appreciate an answer to the above questions. A response as to how I can make worthwhile contributions and a response from User:Elizabeyth/Desk, firstly as to why she feels Kookaburra (a global sports brandleader) does not warrant a link, and secondly maybe, rather than just delete links and articles she might suggest an alternative / better way of listing important information.

Kind Regards.

Hmm, well it's not uncommon for articles to be deleted, usually on grounds that the subject is non-notable, or (most likely in this case) that the article sounds like an advertisement. I've never heard of Kookaburra myself, but if you feel strongly about it you should leave a message on her talk page telling her about it. (e-mail is very rarely used beteen Wikipedians) - THE GREAT GAVINI {T-C} 10:04, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wow... so you have heard of every 1,200,000+ articles in Wikipedia... that is some achievement. I personally use Wikipedia to find out information on new 'facts'. Sorry for being a little facetious, I was trying to help... not least many other articles that I have found that try to link to a page about Kookaburra.

The 'article' was copied directly from the company's home page. If that was done with permission, it was an advert; if it was done without permission, it was a copyright violation. We really can't accept either. HenryFlower 10:11, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
If the material was copyrighted, it could not be used even with permission. There would have to be a notice on the website stating that the content was released under the GFDL or a similar licence. Otherwise the article couldn't be edited or redistributed. --Sam Blanning(talk) 10:21, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for that reasonable answer. This is half true, in the sense that I wrote the article originally, the company liked the information so much they asked if they could use it ? I had no objection. I wrote it, and is therefore done with permission... but not an advert, as I am not trying to advertise anything, just add some fact. Anyway not too worry I'll try again and write a new article, specifically for Wikipedia. Many thanks.

Please also see Wikipedia:Notability (companies and corporations).--Shantavira 11:52, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
OK, the company's certainly notable enough in my opinion and I'm sure it would pass WP:CORP - a reference from the BBC and I've seen more in the Australian media over the years. I've recreated the article at Kookaburra Sport. To the original poster: it's not recommended that companies themselves create or edit articles about that company, WP:SPAM explains that many such articles are "advertisements masquerading as articles" which are not welcome on Wikipedia, particularly is they're just copied from the company's website as explained above. Your contributions are welcome of course, but if you have any corrections or ideas on how the article can be improved, might I suggest that you post them to the Talk:Kookaburra Sport page and some Wikipedians will help you add that info so it falls within Wikipedia guidelines? Also, one more thing, this should probably have been posted to the Help Desk. --Canley 14:41, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
One final note; you have to keep in mind that Wikipedia is a global project, and many editors may not recognise just how important certain topics are in certain countries. Elizabyth, for all we know, might be an American who thinks that cricket is a quaint English hobby of approximately equal interest as royal tennis. --Robert Merkel 00:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Royal Salute and Gibraltar by Richard Waterer

Does anyone know where, for free, I can download soundfiles or midis (full) of these marches? Thanks.-anon

Hmm, searches on Singing Fish.com and MySpace Music turn up nothing. If he has an official website (or even fan sites), you might find some there. - THE GREAT GAVINI {T-C} 10:10, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, he's dead, so he's unlikely to have an official site :-) There are a few forums and 30second clips available, but nothing better.-anon

Is the use of amphetamines for college entrance exams common?

I am refering of course to the illicit use of Adderall and what not. To what extent does it bias the tests--John Brown 10:33, 10 July 2006 (UTC)?[reply]

Which country are you talking about? Which exams? (Are you talking about SATs?) I doubt there is much data on this in any case, since no drug screening is done at these sorts of tests to my knowledge. As for whether it would bias the tests, I doubt it. Amphetamines make you alert, but they don't make you smarter, and they don't necessarily make you a better test taker (they also make you paranoid, overly-confident, and sometimes very scatter-brained). --Fastfission 19:24, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, I would say that although some test takers have done so, it is not very common. The ones that you hear about in the news appear to be few. --Proficient 22:00, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I've created a new article on Portsmouth Cathedral Choir, the article has been blocked as it text from the Portsmouth Cathedral Website - I work for the cathedral and have permission to use the said text. How can I go about re-editing and submitting my article? Many thanks...

Permission isn't enough - the content of the article must be released under the GFDL or similarly free licence, so that it can be freely edited and redistributed.
If you can show that the Choir meets our standards for notability of musical groups, then I recommend entirely rewriting the article in your own words. It's unlikely that the website is written from a neutral point of view. --Sam Blanning(talk) 10:53, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah, there are two issues here. First, we need you to authenticate that the text is releaseable under the terms of the GFDL. You need to read it over pretty carefully first—it allows for other people to use it for almost any purposes, it allows commercial re-use, and so forth. Not everyone is happy with that. (I think it's a good idea anyway.) Then, as Samuel Blanning pointed out, you need to make sure it falls under the notability criteria for articles on Wikipedia. --Fastfission 19:21, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Chineese article

Do we have an article on that incident in 2001 where a US plane was hit by a chineese fighter, causing it to crash? The US airmen were held by the chineese for a couple of weeks. Mayor Westfall 12:50, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Place question

Which place has the largest public conveyance facility of its kind and a center of commerce that is kind of new compared to its contemporaries?

That's an awfully vague question, or pair of questions, so many answers could be right depending on how they are worded. For a start, I believe Vancouver, Canada has the world's longest driver-less mass transit system, the SkyTrain.--Tachikoma 13:22, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Both awfully vague and contradictory. How can something be new compared with its contemporaries? Another possibility is London, which has (IIRC) the world's largest underground railway system in terms of daily traffic (though New York's system is longer), and has 30 St Mary Axe , which looks much newer than its contemporaries. Grutness...wha? 01:28, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Language question

Which language is more useful in the business world: French, Spanish, or Chinese?

depends where you are doing bussiness. Jon513 13:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Of the languages you speak of, generally you'd probably want French in Northern Europe and Canada, Spanish in the U.S., South America and Southern Europe and Chinese in Asia. Andrew (My talk · World Cup) 14:29, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Chinese gets you very little in Japan and South Korea, so "Asia" is probably misguided. Likewise with Brazil, as a Portugese country, but Spanish and Portugese are more similar than the East Asian languages. --ColourBurst 23:36, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Spanish in the United States, as mentioned above, is extremely useful, assuming you are in the United States. --Proficient 15:00, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Depends on the type of business as well, of course. On face of it, Chinese would be useful as there are so many of them, but all enterprising Chinese businessmen learn English.--Shantavira 17:21, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
This is not exactly correct. You can get by without Chinese (Putonghua to be exact) in China. However, you'll suffer for it, and it's probably better to learn anyway. As for the U.S., Spanish is useful in the southern part of the country, and in many large cities, but less useful elsewhere. To answer the original question, the answer is: learn as many languages as you can get your grubby little hands on. --ColourBurst 23:36, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
French in Northern Europe? Not really. Western Africa? Yes. DirkvdM 07:02, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
In Europe, German tends to be more of a business language than French. Spanish is handy in the US. Chinese probably in the future, if you're going to be dealing with chinese businesses. Skittle 19:22, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Computer Storage capacity

"Any PC built after 1985 has the storage capacity to house an evil spirit."

[18], how many megabytes exactly is an evil spirit? does it vary with level of evilness? can I get one on my ipod?

"...one in 10 computers in America now houses some type of evil spirit."

is there an antivirus software the can prevent this? can they travel on floppy diskettes, etc? If I copy and paste him into the same folder, when he meets himself, do they both die? Philc TECI 16:08, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, your iPod has a much greater storage capacity than the average computer from 1985. Note, however, that some evil spirits are not USB compatible, and may be difficult to transfer to an external device. Contact Apple technical support if you are having trouble moving or duplicating your evil spirits for portable use.
If you wish to transfer an evil spirit using a floppy disk, it must be a high-density disk. Most evil spirits are at least one megabyte in size. Both 5.25" and 3.5" disks are acceptable; single-sided or low-density double-sided disks are insufficient, unless you use a third-party utility to compress or split your evil spirit.TenOfAllTrades(talk) 14:32, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Do evil spirits compress well with WinRAR? And do the non USB compatible spirits work on any other plug and play media (firewire)Philc TECI 16:08, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
PC are pretty frightening now but just imagine how scary things will be when terabyte storage becomes common. MeltBanana 16:08, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Firewire is an excellent choice for evil spirit transfer, as it natively supports the BoIP (Brimstone over IP) protocol. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 16:32, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
According to some people, getting an evil spirit on your iPod is easy; all you need is a rock album... smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 20:09, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Really? Damn, I've got loads, whats the best antivirus for getting rid of them, and for prevention, do firewalls work, or should baptise my computer? Philc TECI 20:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Just baptise it to the Church of Robotology. They'll provide the baptism service and drive out any Demons in your computer. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 20:30, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Dam, I cant wait till 2275, I was looking for more of a quick fix. Philc TECI 21:28, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

IBM did not introduce new PCs in 1985. However, one particular evil spirit was unleashed upon this woeful world that year. Maybe that's what the good Reverend meant. Weregerbil 09:49, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Carry On films

Are/were Carry on films popular throughout the rest of the world or is it just a British thing? --DPM 14:56, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I doubt they were popular throughout the world, but I imagine they would have been quite popular in Commonwealth countries such as Australia or New Zealand as well as in Britain. --Canley 23:23, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I gather they are popular in India, as the level of smut is seen as acceptable when carried out in this fashion by non-Indians (according to an Indian I know, but that is a small, anecdotal sample). Skittle 19:18, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Personally, I find the notion that they should be a British institution beloved by Britons curious. The running theme appears to be one in which an ageing foreigner (Sidney James), attempts to cultivate sexual relationships with young girls variously playing schoolgirls, student nurses and chambermaids. All of these could be described as paedophillic or 'grooming' in nature - two aspects of sexuality tabloid newspapers who give the films away for nothing in a bid to increase circulation, are keen to regulate against. --russ 00:04, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
They were extremely popular in Australia. I still remember my Mum taking me to see the very first one "Carry On, Sargeant", and later seeing the sergeant (William Hartnell) popping up as the original Dr Who. JackofOz 00:12, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

swear

It is obvious that presidents or ministers do swear when they start to hold their position. I want to know the name of the swear that doctors, nurses or midwives(medical profession) do when they are graduated?

See Hippocratic Oath.--Shantavira 15:32, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Someone should tell them to watch their language. JIP | Talk 16:57, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

tracking down Dmoz editors from user boxes

I have created a website chainki.org which is basically the MediaWiki software (which is of course what runs Wikipedia) running with dmoz data. I would like to contact the wikipedia editors who are also dmoz editors to get their input. I have found a userbox: Template:User_dmoz_editor, but cannot find the category which lists who has such user box on their pages. What page is this? Thanks. Brusselsshrek 16:04, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Use the What links here link in the toolbox below the Wikipedia logo. KWH 17:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

working in the US

- Hi guys, I am going to work in the US from december to april with one of those programs for university students to work and travel.

- I know that the minimun wage is suppsed to be around 15 or 16 dollars since my ingeneer uncle told me that's what construction workers are paid... BUT! I'm going to be paid around 7 bucks... is that ok?! I don't think so... but still I really wanna go, 4 fun and because my friends are going. - and also, I need some advice on where to go, I mean, the coolest places to go, and the most comercial too...where there's a lot of tourism and spending. and also where lots of artists go, so I have the chance to meet some :O:P. - As options I have Ski resorts in Vermont,in West Virginia and Colorado... and probably a hotel in florida ( I hope). what would u choose? wwwd? (what would wikipedians do?).--Cosmic girl 17:39, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

- :15 or 16 dollars? Oh my, no. The Federal minimum wage is only $5.15/hour. And our esteemed elected representatives just chose not to increase it. This page shows the minimum for each state, which and be the same as the federal, or higher, or lower. Actually, it appears we have that very same information here on Wikipedia: List of U.S. state minimum wages . And if one of the reasons you are going to do this is because your friends are doing so, then I'd think going to the same place would make sense. --LarryMac 18:06, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


- One of the rules is that I can't go to the same place as my friends...so that I can meet new people.--Cosmic girl 18:52, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

- ::If you are traveling in the US, it is essential that you stop by De Queen, Arkansas and visit the sexiest man alive. According to legend, orgasms inducued by him are so intense, people often claim to have actually been trasported to heaven, or at least Disneyworld. Mayor Westfall 18:17, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

- hahaha! huh?. --Cosmic girl 18:53, 10 July 2006 (UTC) - oh I get it... it's u.--Cosmic girl 18:58, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Only took you 5 minutes too ;-) Mayor Westfall 19:01, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

too bad it was just a joke, cause I was seriously going to go look for him...lol.--Cosmic girl 19:44, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, for a free trip to Disneyworld, who wouldn't go look for him? ;-) --Maelwys 19:51, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Remember, this guy has described himself as completely selfish. The orgasm he speaks of is probably his own. --LarryMac 19:58, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'm not completely selfish, I just don't like to go out of my way to help others. Fortunately, it requires almost no effort for me to provide women an orgasm, as just looking at me usually causes them to experince a WIO, or Westfall Induced Orgasm.

- Besides, it's to my advantage to please the women that I enjoy. I have a reputation to maintain! Mayor Westfall 13:58, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

- The federal minimum is only $5.15 , however, some states and cities have higher minimum wages but nothing approaching 15 or 16 dollars. $7 often would be at, and often above any minimum wage requirement. The fact that construction workers workers get paid 15 0r 16 dollars is irrelavent. In the US. unionized construction workers are paid well because they have powerfull unions who are able negotiate with employers to get high wages. Accept for a base minimum wage, most employment regulations are guarteened by contract.

- I see... cool, then it's ok, because I wanna have enough money to travel arround the US...and probably visit Arkansas or Disneyland...and I've always wanted to go to Hollywood! ( do you think that's possible Mayor Westfall?). - if construction workers earn 16 dollars...then I wanna b one...:P but the most likely thing is that I'll be a waitress or busser or something of that sort,...room service sounds cool cause get to walk around and not stand in one place the whole time. - but which places are cool that time of the year? winter places? or summer places?.--Cosmic girl 00:00, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

- :::Of course my above comment was made in jest, but you do seem like a very intelligent girl, and I can tell we share a lot of views as I am a skeptic, capitalist and extremely anti-censorship, as you are. More importantly, I'm dying to know what Inca Kola is (yes, I could just read our article on it, but what fun would that be?) So, I would be more than happy to show you around Arkansas--it's a very beautiful state, and I'm sure you'd like it. Let me know if you're really interested, and maybe we can set up a little wikidate.

Oh and construction workers can make $16/hr, but I'd say that's pretty rare, most start out making much less like ~8-10. Mayor Westfall 14:18, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Cool as in temperature, or cool as in "hip, happening, trendy, etc"?
Regarding your type of employment, be aware the wait staff in restaurants are subject to an even lower minimum wage, because they are expected to be receiving tips as well. In fact, they are even taxed as if they receive tips, regardless of what they actually receive. --LarryMac 13:23, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(Question restored by XM 17:13, 11 July 2006 (UTC))[reply]

Thanks a bunch XM!!! I don't know WHO erased my question and WHY! :(...I felt hated...:P. I noticed the ambiguity of using the word cool, but I didn't comment on it cause then it would've stopped being funny...of course I mean cool as in hip and trendy, but I love snow also, so probably cool in both senses would be the correct interpretation. of course I'd love to visit Arkansas since I've only been to Oregon and Washington,and Amy Lee (one of my idols :P) was born there, but I'll only be able to go if it's not too far away from the place I'll be living at...I'll let u know if I go tough ,MW...but if u are as sexy as u say u are then u should wear a big monk robe and a paper bag to cover your face so that I don't get distracted from the touristic attractions.--Cosmic girl 19:33, 11 July 2006 (UTC) Is it better if I go to New York? to Vermont? or to Colorado? please tell me! --Cosmic girl 19:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

who sings it?!

hey i'm back!! well i ahve an urgent question... do you guys know who sings the girl version of Passion's song "Lemonade?" she sings it a capella... okay thats it for now.. THANKS A BUNCH! 

                                                   ~Hot F.L.I.P.

TrueSkill Ranking

Does anyone know if Xbox Lives TrueSkill Ranking have been released? I googled it and the only relevent results pertain to the stats/math behind it at Microsoft's webpage. Basically, Its XBOX Live's way of ranking people in specific games. XBOX live has been touting for a while but I cant find the actual ranking anywhere. Thanks!!!

The equations are completely proprietary. If you release the numerical value then you are possibly open to some smart people cracking it, making it less effective because people will learn how to manipulate it. I'm not sure if that's mathmatically possible, yeah. --mboverload@ 00:12, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Coke Zero

I think I have become addicted to Coke Zero. I consume truely massive amounts of the beverage, far in excess of 100 fl oz. per day (probablly closer to 200). Is this okay? I know that a lot of people caution about the health effects of everything, so it is difficult to distinquish real threats from silly paranoia. I wouldn't be concerned, but at the quanitiies I am consuming, I need to be sure. Mayor Westfall 18:25, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Standard Wikipedia Health Disclaimer applies
I am not a doctor, but drinking almost 6 litres of water-based fluids a day, I'd say a major risk is drinking too much at once; 3 litres (100 fl oz.) of liquid taken in a short time period (1 hourish) can cause hyperhydration, or water poisoning, as your kidneys can't cope with so much fluid and salt levels get dangerously low. If more spaced out though, and you don't have use Lo-Salt or similar products, it shouldn't be an issue. smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 19:45, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I'd be more concerned about the sweeteners than the water. See Aspartame#Health risks controversy and Acesulfame potassium#Safety. —Keenan Pepper 23:02, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Not to mention the amount of caffiene. I wouldn't be surprised if you had trouble sleeping. BenC7 01:19, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The stuff has to have scads of sodium, as well. User:Zoe|(talk) 02:23, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
According to my can, not a speck of sodium. No nutrients in the nutritional information except half a calorie per 100 ml. Aspartame and Acesulfame K, "flavourings (including caffeine)" (!), E331 as an acidity regulator, E150d as colour, phosphoric acid. Mostly it's water. I'd agree with the dangers of drinking too much of anything; it could even be that this is disguising an increase in thirst that needs checking out. Maybe go a day without the Coke and see if you drink the same quantity of liquid. Skittle 19:10, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I think you should cut down. --Proficient 22:41, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help with music video artist/title from 1980s MTV

I am trying to find out the artist and title of a music video seen on MTV in the early/mid 1980s. Unfortunately, the only thing I can remember about it is it involves a young man being pursued, in what appeared to be a European country. He's thrown into the back of a car and then beaten (or vice-versa). I think it was a slower song, but it's been 20 years since I've seen it. Any help would be appreciated. 131.7.251.200 19:13, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I just did my first article and is getting deleted. please help

Hi, first of all I want to thank you for taking time to read my questions. I know u guys are really busy with other questions. I have been using wikipedia for about 6 months. I think is a great help for me and also everytime I have question I go to wikipedia. I have never done an article on wikipedia before but last night I decided to. I saw on internet about a show they are filming about teens so I decided to do an article about it. Sadly I guess I am not doing a good job cause a message appears saying my article is going to be deleted and I really dont want to. I try to follow the messages to see what I can do because I know I can do a better job but I dont now how to stop it from being deleted. please help me cause I am getting a little bit frustrated while seeing that message. I would appreciate a lot your help. thanks,

Jose Javier — Preceding unsigned comment added by Josejnr (talk • contribs) 19:34, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Replied on user's talk page. --Sam Blanning(talk) 19:39, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Headlights

I'm looking for some songs about headlights; I already have "Headlights on Dark Roads" by Snow Patrol and "Headlights look like Diamonds" by The Arcade Fire. Are there any others? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 19:36, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One Headlight by The Wallflowers. --LarryMac 19:56, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Also, go to The AllMusic Guide, type in "headlight" or "headlights" in the search box, drop-down the box below to select "Song" and Bob's your uncle. --LarryMac 20:10, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I googled headlights lyrics and a bunch of stuff turned up, including Headlights by Dispatch and Rabbit in your Headlights by Radiohead.--Anchoress 10:07, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Computer Problem

Hi, I reported earlier that I had a problem with my computer being unable to open internet explorer or explore any folders, my computer, recycle bin etc. I solved this by doing a system restore. However, the problem has come up again, this appearing random. I have noticed that my task manager comes up with a substatially fewer amount of tasks running than normal as illustared in figure 1.1.

File:Figure1.1.JPG
Figure 1.1

I compared this to an instance when my computer was able to operate normally and tried to run all the missing tasks, however they would run by simply not appearing in the task manager. Please compare this with figure 1.2 where my computer operates:

File:Figure 1.2.JPG
Figure 1.2

I would appreciate any suggestions as to how I would be able to solve this problem bar reinstalling windows and clearing my computer. Any help is much appreciated. KingstonJr 20:34, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

May seem obvious, but have you done a virus scan? BenC7 01:21, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes I have and it returned no erros, I also used several reliable spyware removers. However to add to my problem my internet explorer does not work, despite having a long list of tasks operating! Kingstonjr 10:51, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You can reinstall Windows without having to clear all data on your computer. No other suggestions, sorry. BenC7 02:18, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Windows Media Player codec

I tried watching an mpeg file today, but when my WMP tried to download a codec I got an error message 80040154 (according the linked help page online) - the message I got was "class not registered. How am I supposed to watch a file and/or download the appropriate codec if the file doesn't even tell me which one I need? I also had similar things happen in QuickTime and RealPlayer. - Mgm|(talk) 20:35, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

sounds horrid - don't try to fix it. Just download VLC player, and your multimedia worries will be over :). No, it's not perfect, but it will open practically anything. --Bmk 23:13, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
And get the Real Alternative for Real files. Search the internet for it. WP 00:41, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Media player classic rocks my world. Natgoo 13:23, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed. VLC is solid. --Proficient 22:43, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nielsen Ratings question

In the Nielsen Ratings, there is a ratings category for P2+. Other acronyms I see are P18-49 and A18-49. What do these mean? I searched all over the internet, but couldn't find anything that defines them. Thanks --69.139.18.75 22:05, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

These categories are defining demographics, the numbers are a range of ages and I'm guessing the letters mean as follows: P=People, A=Adults, W=Women, M=Men. Presuming the definition of an "adult" is 18 or over, then I guess P18-49 (people aged between 18 and 49) and A18-49 mean the same thing. I think P2+ means the total viewers overall. I've put a note on the talk page that this information should be added to Nielsen Ratings as it does not seem to be explained very well anywhere.
Yeah, that would probably be useful if they added it to the article's contents. --Proficient 22:44, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

finance question about U.S. national debt

The U.S. national debt is roughly 8.4 trillion dollars. I know that the amount spent on interest in 2003 was 318 billion. Of course, the debt back then was less, perhaps 6 trillion. What is the average interest rate on this debt. Once this is was figured out, I was hoping someone could figure out how long (hypothetically, speaking) it would take to pay this debt off. I believe a debt of that size can't be paid off, and that, for --Frank1960b 22:10, 10 July 2006 (UTC)all intents and purposes, The U.S. federal government is really bankrupt. Do you agree.[reply]

The US financial situation is bad, but not horrid. Look up List of countries by public debt and you'll see as a percentage of GDP, it is not the worst. In the same way, a $1,000,000 debt is nothing to Bill Gates. For most countries, if they get into terrible debt, nobody wants to invest, and the interest rates for more debt climbs. This is the terrible 'debt spiral'. The US is lucky that China still pours in billions in US debt, in order to devalue their currency. As well, their foreign debt is in US dollars. If other countries pull out investment, the US dollar tanks, and interest rates go through the roof. There is still a chance this might happen. --Zeizmic 00:27, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The debt is funded primarily through US Treasury bonds with varying interest rates and maturities, so "average interest rate" is perhaps not particularly meaningful (the average rate varies at least every few months as new short term bonds are issued), but it's clearly not 0% - perhaps somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4% might be a reasonable guess. What must ultimately happen is taxes will rise, spending will fall, or the debt will be inflated away (or some combination). You might be interested in United States public debt. -- Rick Block (talk) 02:24, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Space=Water?

How come in most sci-fi movies/stories, space is seen as the eqivalant of today's water? Wizrdwarts (T|C|E) 23:55, 10 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ships and spacecraft are similar in purpose. Space is the sea but in 3 dimensions. --mboverload@ 00:09, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
True, but that doesn't really answer why we don't see "space == air", which I suspect is the thrust of the question. My quick view is that spacecraft more closely mirror the scale and endurance associated with naval vessels than aircraft. For instance, it's practical to operate a 90 million kg ship capable of independent operation over a period of months and possessing its own subordinate vessels (that is, an aircraft carrier). It's relatively easy to conceive of a spaceborne vessel capable of the same, and far less easy to conceive of a similar airborne vessel -- consider that a hypothetical manned Mars mission ship with an associated lander craft more or less fulfills the notion with present-day technology, and certainly no current aircraft comes close. — Lomn | Talk 00:20, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, you often don't see spacecraft traveling "upside-down." --Proficient 22:46, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

July 11

Chronological order on internet...

Writing an article about a persons life or career normally starts with date of birth and then the pinpoints follows in a cronological order. In traditional books/encyclopedias that is more or less the rule. Using that principle on Wikipedia means that the oldest stuff is on top and fresh stuff is far down under... On internet it is normally the other way around - the latest news is on top and older stuff "stored" further down. I like the internet order and I assume internet users are getting more and more used to that "new" way of making "time-descriptions". So, I simply want to update the article about this particular person with the latest stuff on top and the birth information etc at the bottom. Do you think that is a good or bad idea? If I get the feeling that the first alternative is the concensus opinion I will simply rearrange what is already written and update new facts and information on top and hope that others wont think I am vandalizing...If you/consensus think its a bad idea, I will wait (sooner or later the inverted cronological order will win in appreciation anyway I believe...).--Openmind

You're more or less suggesting that a biography should be like a blog (or a résumé) which, while not right or wrong, isn't likely to become a standard at WP in the near future. For that matter, I rather doubt blog-chronology will supplant the usual first-to-last order of biographies at any point. And of course, WP uses the "newest comes last" model anyway :) — Lomn | Talk 00:24, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
For substantial biographical articles, it is appropriate to have one or two summary paragraphs at the very top of the article. These paragraphs serve to introduce the person and their major accomplishments; they should briefly explain why we have an article about a given individual. More detail then follows in chronological order in the sections which follow. To take an example, our article on John Glenn is probably just about right. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 03:03, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Reverse chronological order might work for a list. But if it gets more like proze it'll become a mess. Also, going to the end of a list is actually easier on an Internet page than in a book - just hit the 'end' button. DirkvdM 07:20, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It's also worth noting that any article with three(?) or more sections will also have an automatically-generated table of contents at the top that lets you jump to the desired section immediately. It's yet another way we're different from paper. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 15:55, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The automatically generated table is indeed quite useful. --Proficient 22:47, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Concealed carry

In the US, if you don't have a concealed carry permit, does that mean you have to carry your gun in the open? Do you need another permit for that? thanks WP 00:48, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

IANAL, and IANAAmerican, but don't gun laws vary greatly from state to state? --Robert Merkel 00:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed, as well as between jurisdictions within states. User:Zoe|(talk) 02:26, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All that said, if you don't have a concealed carry permit (and you're in a jurisdiction that issues them), yes, you'd have to keep the gun in the open. Things like "stashed under a car seat" can also violate the "concealed" bit. As for basic ownership permits, applications, fees, and whatnot -- that will vary too drastically for a good general answer. — Lomn | Talk 04:11, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Um... I think that if you don't have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, you probably have to keep it at home, unless you're a cop or something or are transporting it unloaded somewhere. -- Mwalcoff 04:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not really. In 11 US states you can freely carry a visible weapon, and in others it is available with an open carry license, in others forbidden. See article for a map. Notinasnaid 19:05, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I remember reading in the novel Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson about some people who liked having guns, but the state they were in didn't allow concealed carry, so they always carried large rifles in plain view, like in an old western, just because it was legal for them to do so. --WhiteDragon 20:17, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Lip synch?

Is Shakira lip-synching here? (I think so, but the football remix of Hips Don't Lie has so many random vocal sounds that it seems it would nearly impossible to lip-synch to.) zafiroblue05 | Talk 01:04, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Dunno, but as I understand it that particular song's chorus has Shakira's voice so heavily processed by Auto-Tune you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. --Robert Merkel 04:26, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

STAMPS OF THE U.K

Queen Elizabeth's Coronation was on June 3rd 1953, yet her postage stamps were first issued in 1952 I would like to know what day in 1952 they were issued. Thank you

The penny halfpenny and twopence halfpenny definitives were the only two QEII stamps issued by the UK in 1952, issued on December 5th 1952. Grutness...wha? 01:48, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

ballistics gel

Is ballistic gelatin edible?--Anakata 02:52, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I can't say that I know this for a fact, since I don't, but if it is indeed made of pork gelatin powder and water (and nothing but pork gelatin power and water), I don't see why it wouldn't be perfectly edible. (Well, unless you're keeping kosher.) Still, I can't imagine it being a particularly interesting meal. -- Captain Disdain 04:13, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • To avoid mould growing in the gel, sometimes propionic acid acid is added. Depending on the concentration that could be dangerous. Also, I don't think that the pigs the gelatin is made of are checked for diseases, so if they are ill, eating it could be a bad idea. Besides, anyone who watches Myth Busters knows the stuff smells. You'd have a really bad breath if you did eat it. - Mgm|(talk) 10:58, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. I probably won't try that soon!--Anakata 13:04, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

the life cycle of an resort

resort life cycle

This isn't a search engine. If you have a question, please type it out so that we can understand it. --Fastfission 04:25, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Did you not type the complete question? --Proficient 22:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

2 homers 2 stolen bases same game

Has anybody hit 2 homers and stolen 2 bases in the same game?

The best place to ask this is likely at Jayson Stark's Useless Information Department at ESPN.com. — Lomn | Talk 04:15, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, but in MLB, I am not sure. --Proficient 22:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sunni and Shia

Of the violence by the "insurgents" in Iraq, is it mostly committed by the Sunni or the Shia? Or are both sides in the "civil war" equal in their killings? (You hear about so much violence in the news, but you never really get the broader perspective of who is doing what and who wants what.) zafiroblue05 | Talk 04:47, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Have you read the article Iraqi insurgency? DJ Clayworth 17:44, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Online Gaming

Hi am new to online gaming.My question is simple one.I intend to play a sci-fi, say Anarchy online.So how do i start? what are the requirements(i have a system that plays POP-TTT easily. i need info about te kind of connection, etc..)? And where should i register? ...Phoenix.

Warhammer calendar

Hi, in the Warhammer Fantasy setting, which calendar do the High Elves use? Is it the same as the Imperial Calendar? Would "c. -4000" imply IC? If it doesn't, what would it mean? --Kjoonlee 08:28, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How can I prepare mango sauce?

--213.207.212.229 08:52, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Go to www.google.com. Type in mango sauce recipe. Hit "Search". Weregerbil 09:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Don't literally hit it. Move your mouse until the cursor is above the 'search' box and press the left mouse button. Wikipedia accepts no responsibility for damage to computing equipment caused by people taking it too literally. —Daniel (‽) 10:59, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
What kind of trauma is your mango sauce about to experience that you feel the need to prepare it for? DJ Clayworth 17:41, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
All things considered, being eaten can be a pretty traumatic experience. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 01:27, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Are you speaking from personal experience, or just guessing? -- AJR | Talk 01:35, 12 July 2006 (UTC) (P.S. I was just about to make that same joke, but when I hit edit you had beaten me to it. Great minds think alike, eh?)[reply]

I'd say use a very ripe mango, peel it, then spoon the mango flesh off of the pit, as opposed to cutting it off, to avoid including fibers attached to the pit. If you do cut it off, you will need to use a widely spaced strainer to remove the fibers or pick them out. Use a blender to liquefy the flesh. I don't see any need to add sugar, as a ripe mango is quite sweet already, but suggest brown sugar if you do. May be served hot or cold. StuRat 01:41, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Urinal Design

Many male urinals have a image of a fly printed on it. Normally it is printed at a place slightly above & off centered to the place where males discharge their urine.I would like to know what is the the purpose of it.

Best Regards, Rajeeva

As opposed to female urinals ? StuRat 01:34, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Many men will aim at the fly when pissing. "Fly-in-urinal research found that etchings reduce spillage by 80%." [19] David Sneek 09:45, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I now appreciate good urinal design. In the new office building, we have these god-awful waterless urinals that were designed by a pee-brain! You always have to step around the puddles. They are testing some new ones with a better design, and a 'kill the bee' picture at the back. --Zeizmic 11:54, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

This question was asked in the Totally Official Summer Doldrums Competition in 2005. See [20]. Hope this helps.—msh210℠ 19:22, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That is pretty disgusting. --Proficient 22:52, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Newspapers

What is the actual name of the board that is put outside newsagents' shops showing the headlines of the daily newspapers?

I don't think it has an actual name. It's just a board. --Richardrj 12:10, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I've seen them called "A-boards", though the term is not in my dictionary, but it does seem to be appropriate. I've also seen them called sandwich boards, but that seems not to be correct.--Shantavira 12:40, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Can someone recommend some nice instrumental rock?

Especially some with emphasis on the guitars.

When you say 'nice', I presume you mean not too heavy. I'm with you on that. One recent band you could investigate is Tortoise. They are the original post-rock band, with guitars, loping percussion and a jazzy feel. Have a look here for some more ideas. And one other fun website is this one. You type in the name of a band you like and it comes up with a bunch of similar ones, floating prettily on the screen. --Richardrj 12:21, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You might like Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Their tracks are long, long (20 minutes plus) instrumentals that are mostly quite chilled out. Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven and F Sharp a Sharp ∞ are ideal places to start. --Howard Train 19:58, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Or you could try Ghosts and Vodka (specifically the album 'Addicts & Drunks'), members of Joan of Arc if memory serves. The band Karate is aslo known (in the New England area I guess) for their jazzy instrumental work, though detractors often toss around adjectives like 'over-worked' and 'mastrabatory' when the style of the lead guitarist, Geoff Farina, is mentioned.72.200.191.145 22:42, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It's only a single track, but one I like is "Kids from Philly" by George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers. It's from their second album in 1980. — Michael J 23:36, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
How about "Classical Gas"? User:Zoe|(talk) 02:12, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Inefficent goverment

Our goverment seems to be inefficent, i.e. goverment subsidized farming, housing, foolish spending (FEMA, Boston's Big Dig), over-regulation of business, tarriffs, welfare, and a tax code that overtaxes income, while undertaxing wealth--making it harder to become wealthy, but easier to stay wealthy....There are (many) people that contribute nothing to society, and instead of letting them starve or go homeless, our goverment takes resources away from the contributors and redistributes it to these worthless people.

My question is, someday, there will be a nation that is much more efficent, would it be able to quickly surpass the US (and all other ineffecent nations) quickly? A nation that refused to support its non-contributing citizens (the lazy, the mentally-challanged, the perminately infirmed, etc), would clearly be more efficent in its use of resorces, and should therefore have a huge advantage over other nations. Mayor Westfall 12:31, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

So the plan is to let Internet trolls starve? Sounds good to me. Please stop wasting our time. --Robert Merkel 12:35, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Go screw yourself, Robert Merkel. Mayor Westfall 13:42, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Ooooh, you are never going to get a Wiki-date with that attitude... or maybe you will.. --Zeizmic 13:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
No, really, Westfall. We're sick to death of your stupidity and of our time being wasted by you. Is there any possibility at all that you would either a) wise up or b) go away. Quite why you want to put your very many inadequacies and your limited intellect and paucity of understanding on display as you do is way beyond me. Please understand that you are repeatedly committing the most grevious sin: you are boring, so very very boring. Please find some other site to troll; who knows, there's probably a K9-15 site somewhere that wouold think you're ahead of the pack. --Tagishsimon (talk)
Who's "we"? Are you the Official Spokesperson for the Reference Desk now? And to answer your quesiton no, but there's always the possibility that I'll be killed by a drunk driver or eaten by wolves. But, I wouldn't hold your breath.
Thank you for condesendingly insulting my intellectually capibilites. Although I am certainly lack the knowledge & understanding I would like, I am a member of Mensa, and therefore feel you personal attack is...inaccurate.
And I must respectfully disagree with your subjective opinion on morality that being boring is the most grevious sin. Of all the apparent evils mankind has committed, you think being boring is the most worst act a person can commit? Regardless of how boring you think my question is, it is valid. If it is not, why don't you refute my claim that certain actions that may seem heartless, would make our society more efficent, rather than by throwing ad hominem attacks around?Mayor Westfall 14:46, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
As long as we're all being silly... Mensa? Seriously? Why? I've always seen it as a club for people who want to pay money to tell people that they are smart. 128.197.81.223 15:15, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
(Oh, I meant that as an honest question as I've never met anyone who bothered to join Mensa, but I imagine it may come across as me being an ass like the above people.)128.197.81.223 15:28, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
It seems most Internet trolls are self-proclaimed Mensa members with poor spelling. It's an unexpected correlation. ("Inefficent" in this question and "Chineese" in another.) —Bradley 19:01, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Getting back to the original poster's question (though it's only barely that) "My question is, someday, there will be a nation that is much more efficent, would it be able to quickly surpass the US (and all other ineffecent nations) quickly?" - As you seem to be able to see the future with enough accuracy to assert that "there will be a nation that is much more efficent" you should be able to answer your own question. Were any of us, without your oracular powers, to answer all we'd be doing would be speculating on a hypothetical question riddled with questionable & arguable assumptions.
On a seperate point I don't think your assumptions are accurate. You seem, from the tone of your comments, to think that those citizens which don't contribute to society (in what way isn't made clear) are all homeless, lazy, mentally-challenged or infirm and are being paid for by those who contribute (which I take to be taxpayers). In effect those at the lower end of the social spectrum subsidised by those at the top. Actually I believe it is the case in the U.S.A. that taxes currently favour the 'rich' rather than the 'poor' (defined as something like top 10% & bottom 10% I think) with the rich being subsidised by the poor. That is the top 10% are gaining more than they pay due to exemptions, company tax rules, rebates, etc. This is ignoring those who don't pay any taxes because their investments are held in Lichtenstein or somewhere similar. Frankly you could refuse to support these people but it wouldn't make much of a difference. AllanHainey 15:49, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I find it blissfully ironic that the sentense which tells us how clever he is goes "Although I am certainly lack the knowledge & understanding I would like,...". In response to your question about why Mensa, I can confirm that it's basically a way to pay for a)bragging rights b)the chance to meet people who will not laugh at you for being obsessed with your IQ. That said, I have an IQ of 161 and am in Mensa (once my form arrives at their office). —Daniel (‽) 15:55, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
In response to your actual question I would like to say that you strike me as incredibly cold-hearted and much too lacking in humanity. Please don't become ruler of the world. —Daniel (‽) 15:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
When people tried this before, the US (and other countries) beat the countries that tried it. See WW2. So no, this 'more efficient' country would most likely not overtake the US (or whatever country was ahead at the time). For one thing, people would be unlikely to take business risks if there was no safety net, otherwise useful citizens can be lost to the system if there is nothing to catch them when things go wrong, etc. And that's without the moral issues. (By the way, it's taking every ounce of resistance I have to avoid creating a redirect at Official Spokesperson for the Reference Desk to User:Tagishsimon) Skittle 18:51, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
That might be the best option, assuming that the goal you choose for society is making it more efficient. However, that isn't a safe assumption. As well as discouraging risk, a policy like that would hurt foreign relations, which would have negative effects on the domestic economy. You also have to consider what belief systems would have to be in place before policies like that could implemented. Most collectivist societies respect the elderly too much to just throw the infirm out on their asses. And in an individualistic society, it's nice to have a safety net in case you are unlucky, get hurt, or just suddenly become lazy. Crazywolf 21:49, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Perhaps. But the Earth's territory has already been divided into nations, generally. So it is unlikely that a new nation with extreme efficiency will generate suddenly. An efficient nation would more likely grow slowly, but surely. In fact, many would say the United States is heading that direction (in getting more and more efficient.) This is debatable. --Proficient 22:56, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In terms of efficiency, Japan and China probably have it one-up on the US in some cases. But I think you are missing the point - a nation may be extremely efficient, but that does not necessarily mean that it respects the value of a human life. The goal of a nation is not to be "the most efficient". There are a lot of important things that could be sacrificed for efficiency (marriage, family, friends, warmth towards others, kindness), but what kind of world would that be? We are people, not machines. BenC7 02:27, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My new account is not being recognized!!

Hi there, I have just signed up with a new hotmail account (email redacted to prevent spam) and I get a message saying this user is not recognized. Since I am trying to set up something important for my business, can you please tell me why it is not being recognized??

Thank you

Perch Creek Press

Um, do you mean that your Wikipedia account is not working? If so, the best place to ask this question is the help desk.
Secondly, don't put your email address on Wikipedia pages. You'll get deluged with spam. Questions are answered here, not by email.
Thirdly, and this is just a matter of opinion, you shouldn't ever use Hotmail for something important connected with your business. It's too buggy and insecure. --Richardrj 15:06, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
[I only noticed point 1 above when I typed this out] I think he means that his Hotmail account is not working. Firstly, I emphasize that you should not put your email adress here, because within 30 seconds it will be on someone's email list and people will be paying money to buy it. Secondly, if this is so important for your business I strongly suggest that you don't use Hotmail. It's badly organised, lacks storage capacity and people won't want to spend money on whatever it is that you're doing if they see you have a free email adress service. Get a personalised address (with your company's name on it) or use GMail (the coolness factor of GMail counteracts the freeness). Thirdly, you could try waiting a day or two (perhaps the server hasn't updated), see if there's a confirmation email you have to reply to to active the account, check to see that you've typed the address and password correctly, or just sign up to a new address. Don't put the new one on the internet. —Daniel (‽) 15:47, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

least expensive

File:Oil pipeline.PNG
Panamanian Cross Country Oil Pipeline

Because this question involves accounting (mathematics) and business (humanities) I have decided to ask it here. Which would be the least expensive means of transferring oil from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico by Supertanker:

  1. navigation around Cape Horn, or
  2. offloading and on loading via cross country pipeline from the West side of Panama to the East side of Panama?

...IMHO (Talk) 14:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Why doesn't the supertanker with the oil in it go through the Panama Canal? This would seem to be easier, and presumably cheaper, than option 2. By the way is there even a cross-country pipeline in Panama? If there is and the 2 options above are the only ones there are then I would say pumping it over Panama is still likely to be cheaper than sailing round the horn. AllanHainey 15:26, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A problem is that the Panama Canal was made long ago, before the current supertankers existed. It is already too small for some of the largest ships, as I recall, but an effort is underway to create a larger canal. It is probably true, however, that a cross-country pipeline would be cheaper than sailing all the way around Cape Horn. 128.197.81.223 15:50, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
FYI, panamax is the relevant term for vessels with the capability to traverse the Panama Canal. Along the lines of the original question, as I understand it, current economic considerations dictate that oil simply isn't moved (in meaningful quantity) between the Atlantic and Pacific. For instance, despite being a net oil importer (primarily on the Atlantic coast), the United States exports Alaskan oil in the Pacific region because of relative costs. While a Panama pipeline would almost certainly reduce transoceanic shipping costs, it might still not be an incentive to implement such shipments. — Lomn | Talk 16:26, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Or option 3, transferring the oil into a group of panamax tankers, which could presumably just sail up and down the canal if this is a common requirement, or just one tanker with oil holding facilities at each end. This would require much lower investment than a pipeline, but might have higher running costs (perhaps $100,000 per tanker??) Notinasnaid 18:33, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Driving in America

According to driving licence, different US states have different ages for driving. So, if I were a 15 year old South Carolinan with a driving licence, could I drive in New Jersey, where the minimun age for driving is 17-18? Also, should the hypothetical 15 year old South Carolinan move to - for example - the UK, with a minimum age of 17, could they drive? smurrayinchester(User), (Talk) 15:43, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I believe that they are not allowed to drive, but I am not certain. Jon513 15:46, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I remember my teacher talking about this and I remember him saying that they usually let this go... but I'm not sure. One of my relatives got pulled over for not having headlights (for some reason that I can't remember that that state does) but he only got a warning.

I think it just depends on the state's rules... in order to answer that question, you would have to tell us what state you're talking about.

There is national law and then there is state law that handle things like marriage, traffic laws, divorce, and so on.

In the UK, anyone can drive a car on private land. Anyone aged 17 or over can drive a car on the public highway, provided they have a licence or are accompanied by someone with a licence and attach L plates to the vehicle. Finally, only someone with a licence can drive on the motorway. --Howard Train 20:04, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
As with many laws, I expect it varies by state both in law and in active enforcement. This site shows that it is illegal to drive in New York under age 16 even if you have a valid license from another. Illinois allows other states' learner's permits and claims "Most states reciprocally recognize the Illinois instruction permit." Rmhermen 20:29, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Does the fair faith and credit clause not require states to recognise the licenses of other states? Crazywolf 21:21, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How do I....

How do I create an artical?

What article are you trying to create? XM 17:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See Wikipedia:Your first article. BTW, you can sign your comments by adding four tildes (~~~~) to the end of your comments. Emmett5 22:10, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I believe you mean an article.

Number of Stores nationally that sell liquor

How many stores, liquor, convenience, gas stations, mass merchants, sell liquor, not just beer, but liquor?? I am interested in finding the total number that sell alcohol for consumption off-premise.

Globally? In Lichtenstein? Could you be more specific? Skittle 18:34, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Nationally, United States.

An Average Question

This may sound odd but what can be the average amount of belts that a girl of woman in general may own?--Biggie 18:16, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps two? This is extreme speculation. --Proficient 22:59, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Is she my sister? If so, only God knows! If it's not my sister, I'd say it could be anywhere between zero and a hundred. I doubt you'll find any sort of statistics anywhere for such a specific item. Dismas|(talk) 00:35, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

spicing food

Some people put salt, herbs, spices, and seasonings into food in quantities that allow someone eating the food to recognize the seasoning included. For example, some people put salt into soup to the extent that someone can actually taste the salt. Others frown upon this, thinking that the seasoning should just bring out the flavor of whatever food is being made. (An obvious exception would be something like onion soup.) Of course, one can't argue over what tastes good: it's a matter of personal preference. But I wonder two things:

  1. What do most of you prefer? (Straw poll.)
  1. What do experts (chefs, I guess) think on the matter?

—msh210℠ 19:13, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I was young, I'd always add so much salt that it gave food a clear salty taste. Since then, I've backed off a lot on the old NCl, using it in a more "proper" manner. While I'm no expert, I expect that if you're going to go to fair lengths to make a good tasting food item, you want to taste the food itself and not the salt. Salt is definitely important (try eating rice, potatoes, pasta, etc. without any salt), but I think it should be used in a manner to turn up the volume on flavor without adding its own flavor. For other spices, I think it depends on the dish. Curries obviously depend on a large amount of spices to the point where they are the prominent flavor, whereas a nice hamburger is better off with just a few grinds of pepper for a nice background flavor (in my opinion). 128.197.81.223 19:47, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I prefer little to no salt. I think most chefs would add enough salt to suit their needs, but no more. They definitely would not want to overpower their dish, nor make it underflavored. Through experience, chefs tend to develop their own style in garnishing meals. --Proficient 23:01, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Downloading Streaming Videos

OK, so I'm trying to find a good free program to download that will download streaming videos... I've tried a few and they all don't work or don't work right. So any suggestion would be great! Thanks!

What kind of streaming videos? Have you tried youtube or google video? TastyCakes 21:42, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You can use google to find plenty of videos (the actual search engine as well as google video.). --Proficient 22:59, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I think the question-asker is wanting a program that will allow him/her to save streaming videos onto his/her computer. (I don't know of any personally - leastways not a free one.) BenC7 02:32, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mattress sizes

What's the difference between a regular king or queen mattress versus a split king or queen mattress? And what's the advantage if any? Thanks, Bill

Google gave me this page, which gives dimensions and even shows your a little pictures of the relative sizes. The split mattresses are easier to move through tight spaces and around corners—at least in my experience. —Bradley 23:08, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

old stock

I am trying to determine whether stock my parents purchased in the 1950s is of any value today. The stock was Mollusca Oil Ltd., and was purchased through the stock brokerage firm of Francis I. DuPont & Co., the latter being located in Los Angeles, CA. I have searched the internet for both companies, but with no result. I would like to know if either of the two companies was purchased by another company which I could contact to determine whether the stock has any current value. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide. 

Allen Abersman

Creature Inhabiting Blackpool Tower

I've recently heard rumours of a goblin like creature that supposedly inhabits Blackpool Tower. I was wondering if anyone had any details of this creature or even just the name of it? Cheez talk 22:38, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Utilizing old photographs in marketing and advertising

I have a 30 year old photograph that I wish to use in an advertising piece for my business. It was given to the owner of our business as a gift. The photographer at the time was just starting a business. The photo was not copyrighted, marked with instructions or limitations, nor was the photographer's name and address affixed to the photo, or any document attached to the photo. It is a great photo however, and we would like to utilize it. My question surrounds guidelines for doing so. Can we use it given that we have ownership of the photo, or should we not even though we can't find the photographer. Thanks for any suggestions!

As far as I know, you probably can't use the photo legally, although, depending on local laws, a good lawyer just might be able to argue otherwise, or at least make an attempt. The real question presumably is, do you want to take the risk that the photographer finds out and sues you? The answer to that will depend one several factors, not all of them legal. For the legal issues, I suggest asking a lawyer. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 01:24, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

GIF Resize

Can someone resize this picture for me to something under 200xsomething? I can't find any programs that will, so could someone also give me a link to a free GIF resizer? Wizrdwarts (T|C|E) 23:47, 11 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You should probably specify that it's a moving picture. StuRat 00:42, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Try gifsicle. The command gifsicle -O2 --resize 200x_ -o zidaneff6vy_200px.gif zidaneff6vy.gif will produce this. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 01:18, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Date format

Does anyone know why the US chose to use the middle-endian date format, rather than the little or big- endian format that is used elsewhere? Bob.appleyard 01:57, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Framegrabbing

I've been wanting to framegrab (copy an image of a single frame) from DVDs for a while now and still cannot get anything to work. I have Windows Media Player version 10.00.00.4036 and PowerDVD 5.3 (it does not have a little camera next to the play button). Is there a way to get frames from any of these two programs while playing a DVD? If not is there a safe, reliable, but free program I could get to do this? --WillMak050389 02:05, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'd suggest VLC media player. --Robert Merkel 02:36, 12 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
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