I was wondering if anyone knew how to burn videos downloaded on Kazaa to DVD, or what program I should use, ect... I want to burn this awesome Neil Young concert recording...
I presume that you don't just want to burn the file to a dvd, but want to make a disc playable on all DVD players? I also presume that you have a DVD burner. If this is the case then you need DVD mastering software. What OS are you using? The Recycling Troll 03:01, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Windows XP, have a burner... I'm thinking of downloading a trial of Ulead DVD Movie Factory
Sounds like that would do, there might be some open source or free software to do this though, I don't know. The Recycling Troll 03:24, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Be aware that you are possibly committing an act of piracy... Garrett Albright 03:46, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
It's a Canadian IP address so there should be no problems as long as the DVD is for personal use. - SimonP 05:44, Nov 19, 2004 (UTC)
KaZaA is going downhill. You may want to defect to eMule. Chameleon 21:04, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
In reference to the comment above, does Canada have peculiarly lax copyright laws? Just saw the link. --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 23:43, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
I was buffled by the scene in the movie Pitch Black, where Riddick tries to scare Fry by telling something strange about his experience in a slam. Here is a quote from the script (the actual dialog in the movie is a bit different, part of it was reused in The Chronicles of Riddick)
FRY
Tell me about the sounds. You told them you heard something right before....
(no response)
If you don't talk to me, Johns'll take another crack at it -- at your skull.
RIDDICK
'Mean the whispers?
FRY
What whispers?
RIDDICK
The ones tellin' me to go for the sweet spot -- just to the left of the spine, fourth lumbar down. The abdominal aorta. What a gusher. Had a cup on his belt, so I used it to catch a little run-off. Metallic taste to it, human blood. Coppery. But if you cut it with peppermint schnapps, that goes away. Course, that's more for winter. Summertime, I take mine straight.
Fry stares. Riddick gets a black satisfaction from his role as Boogeyman: If fear is the only kind of respect he can get, Riddick is going to grab some with both hands.
I don't understand what the "sweet spot" is in the context of a human being. Urbandictionary (not the most reputable source) says it's "The patch of skin between the asshole and the balls", but it doesn't correspond to the description and the movie scene (there is a scar on the back). It also doesn't look like that would be a particularly attractive place to drink blood from (if that's what Riddick did).
Any help would be appreciated. Paranoid 13:11, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Help? What kind of help? The name of a good tennis pro? This is fantasy anatomy. Everyone knows the sweet spot is the part of the tennis racket you try to hit the ball with. This seems to suggest that a stab several inches through the skin would result in produse bleeding from the abdominal aorta, which it would. The scar seems to suggest the person recovered from it, which he probably wouldn't. Although it's a little hard to take seriously anyone who thinks a vampire movie is a good place to learn anything factual about anything. Note to questioner: if you are not a trained professional, do not try this at home. Note to Eequor: if you censor this, you assume responsibility if this poor deluded fool hurts someone. alteripse 13:25, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
In general terms the sweet spot is a place on anything that, when hit, has some desirable effect, for example: There's a sweet spot on the hood of my car - if you hit it, the hood opens. In this context, I think that Riddick is just fucking with Fry, suggesting that there is some 'sweet spot' on his body that R would love to drain of blood. There is nothing in human anatomy to suggest any truth to this. Trollminator 13:28, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
What is it with Eequor and censorship? I've never seen her censor anything ... GeluIgnisque
Northrop Frye?
Photon holes
Is the paper at [1] supported by current knowledge of physics? What might the consequences be if this theory was accepted? --[[User:Eequor|ηυωρ]] 18:29, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
black caps on green? doesn't that scream crank? while there is a lot of standard physics in it, the "two kinds of photons" is totally alien to traditional quantum electrodynamics (from a photon's pov, there is no time). not that I read the whole thing, though ;) dab 20:00, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The author does, at least, seem to have spent a good deal of time on this; it's well-written and cross-referenced to even more garish colors. It would be very worrying if it was obviously wrong.
While a photon may not experience time itself, isn't our experience of a photon's position in time the main concern? --[[User:Eequor|ηυωρ]] 22:31, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Just in case this wacky idea catches on, I hereby coin the name skoton for these quanta of darkness. --Heron 12:27, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)
yes but you (meaning QED) cannot "mirror" a photon, as you can mirror an electron into a positron, for example, because the photon is the mirror, so to speak. I haven't dug into this fellows explanations to decide if he really comes up with a consistent alternative theory. but I doubt it. dab 14:15, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)
yes. But a "reversed photon" is just a photon, going in the opposite direction. not a "skoton" or anything like that. "perception of darkness" is beside the point anyway, since that's a question of neurology, not particle physics. dab 16:31, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The caps on bright green keep me indeed from reading on, so I can only offer some thoughts: The paper seems to offer only an interpretation, no new prediction. There is a lot of different ways to look at quantum phenomena and get an intuitive understanding, why not bright green photon holes? But it is at least right that spontaneous emission of photons can (and should) be imagined as emission stimulated by a virtual photon from the quantum vacuum. That nicely explains the Purcell effect.
And for the direction in time, there is this nice story of John A. Wheeler excitely telling Richard Feynman that he now knows why "all the electrons are the same": There is only one electron in the Universe, but it runs back and forth in time incredible often. [2]Simon A. 21:05, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)
What charges would these people get?
Dr. Armstrong- Operated under the influence of alcohol, and patient died. He did not inform anybody of his being drunk.
Emily Brent- Fired a girl who got pregnant out of wedlock. Girl committed suicide.
What charge could be brought against those two seperate people, and if anything, how much of a penalty/prison sentence would they get?
(NOTE: Neither of those people are real. They are from a book.)
Armstrong could be charged with medical malpractice. Brent could probably be charged with manslaughter, though it's unclear whether the girl committed suicide as a result of being fired or having an illegitimate child. [[User:Rdsmith4|User:Rdsmith4/sig]] 01:34, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I think you'll indeed find that most malpractice is not a crime (a criminal wrong, which is what people usually mean when they talk about being charged), but a tort, or civil wrong, the damaging act that is the basis for suing the person committing the tort, seeking damages (i.e., property, usually money, from the perpetrator of the tort, intended to make the victim of the tort "whole", i.e. to compensate them for the damage done by the tort).
(But there may be at least in some jurisdictions such a thing as "criminal malpractice"; this would be quite different from the (civil) malpractice that you always hear mentioned.)
Still, at least in US and probably at least in all common-law jurisdictions, the acts that a surgeon normally performs constitute assault, and i think are only free of criminal significance when and because the elements that constitute battery are absent, as is usual. A surgeon who operates drunk, at least if any reasonable alternative for saving the patient's life or health is available, has committed a criminal assault, and a resulting death would be not simply the basis of a suit for malpractice, but also a homicide. (In New York, that homicide would probably fit at least the standard for depraved indifference that is so beloved by the writers for Law and Order.) Despite the obvious fact that cutting people with knives is not treated as assault when done by a surgeon (or because its not being a crime requires substitute protections), the standards that doctors must conform to, to avoid torts and crimes, are much higher than for lay people. Factors that play in, in the general decisions of legislators and the specific instructions that judges will give to jurors even in the absence of statute law, probably include the need for public confidence in doctors' responsibility, the more extensive knowledge doctors have of things like the hazards of iatrogenic injury and the effects of alcohol on the drinker's performance, and the extra help that doctors get in making responsible decisions (Hippocratic Oath, general medical ethics, and courses in legal medicine).
It's indeed far-fetched to suggest manslaughter would ever be charged, if only because it's unreasonable to anticipate such an over-reaction as suicide in response to losing a job, and because employers don't have such broad responsibility to protect their employees away from the workplace that they control. Depending on the mores of the time, Brent might be an unlucky bystander, guilty at most of poor taste in how openly she acted in protection of public morals, or of insensitvity and sticking her nose into others' private affairs.
But there was a brief gesture at prosectuting someone, in northern New England probably in the 1990s, for an accidental death in a dispute about overdue rent and the landlord's claim to be able to seize, IIRC, something like a house trailer (mobile home) in lieu of the rent. The tenants defiantly hauled the unit away, the landlord became agitated and died of a heart-attack, and the sheriff arrested the tenants for homicide. But it seemed clear to me that it was an unfounded case and an abuse of authority committed for the sake of standing up for a family of long-term residents against perceived outsiders, and no more was heard of it after a few days, IMO supporting that view. (My guess is that the sheriff was immediately sued for false arrest and made a quick out-of-court monetary settlement, possibly on the advice of the state's Attorney General, with a condition that the tenants wouldn't talk to the press....the sheriff may have indirectly paid the back rent!)
Okay,thank you..Only problem is, the story takes place somewhere in Europe...Dunno exactly where,though..
If in Europe, firing the girl is most likely illegal (It's possible for there to be a contract requiring termination of employment on pregnancy - if you were a medical testee, say - but one that preferentially worked on marital status would be illegal on discrimination grounds); it's not a criminal act, though, so as I understand these things it's unlikely charges would be brought (and the person most able to sue is, well, dead). It's worth noting that the suicide isn't something Brent is culpable for; the only illegal act was to fire the girl. (Most of Europe has better labour-protection laws than the US does).
The doctor, hrm. When a complaint made suspended; if it's likely the patient died due to his drunkenness, possibly charged with some form of manslaughter? Shimgray 03:19, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
You can't fire someone for being pregnant in the US, under the FMLA. A survivor might choose to file a civil suit for wrongful termination and another for wrongful death, but I doubt the latter would get very far. The doctor, on the other hand, is in a lot deeper trouble than malpractice. In some jurisdictions, he's committed second degree murder -- the phrases "extreme indifference to human life" and "reckless conduct" are relevant. This article from findlaw.com touches on this sort of thing. --jpgordon{gab} 03:50, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
You may not be able to fire someone on grounds of pregnancy per se, but
many employees may contractually be fired for "moral turpitude" and there is so long a history of that unquestionably including "illegitimate" pregnancies that, even in these relatively tolerant times, the language of the contract may not need to say so explicitly.
FMLA is unlikely to override entirely the fact that most employment without a written contract is at the pleasure of the employer; most likely what FMLA bars is discrimination based on pregnancy per se, and mostly likely an employer claiming the firing was on moral grounds, of the implicit fornication and/or the presumption of contraceptional irresponsibility, would in effect be taken at their word.
Every job application I can ever remember signing stated that "this is 'at-will' employment; you can be terminated at any time for any reason whatsoever, or for no reason at all." Maybe I have just been getting the crap jobs :-) -- Wapcaplet 23:39, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
No legal opinions here, but the story is Ten Little Niggers (apologies, but that's what it is (or was) called) by Dame Agatha Christie. It is set on an island off the coast of Devon in England in early August 1939, but Armstrong committed his crime in 1925 and Brent hers in 1931. 82.210.114.165 08:14, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
In that case; doctor guilty of manslaughter (and possibly subsidiary crimes, like malpractice, but they're effectively negligible in comparison to the big one), woman guilty of... well, nothing. It's not the sort of thing she'd be happy to tell people about, but as I understand it she wouldn't have committed any crime (worker protection being trivial in the 30s, and the suicide not being her fault.) Shimgray 19:07, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
My understanding is that in the story, whether or not they are actually (legally) guilty of anything is probably irrelevant. The point is that someone thinks that they are, without going into too much detail in case you haven't gotten that far. (It ought to be a crime to spoil an Agatha Christie ending.) Actually, the harder it would be to see them punished under the legal system, the more their selection makes sense. -[[User:Aranel|Aranel ("Sarah")]] 23:17, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
According to a 1932 almanac (this book is useful today) - "An unmarried domestic servant found to be [pregnant] may be peremptorily dismissed without notice; but any attempt to examine without her consent a servant supposed to be [pregnant] renders the employer liable to an action" (and, yes, that last bit scares me too - that's almost certainly from case-law). Just a note... Shimgray 01:05, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
HTML
I WANT TO CREATE A HTML PAGE SO I NEED SOURCECODES OF SIMPLE HTML PAGES ~anon
Your best bet is to search the web for a free HTML tutorial -- the web has thousands of them. We even have our own, HTML tutorial at Wikibooks, although it looks like the later chapters are not yet finished. Still enough to get you started. If that doesn't suit, try looking at the results of this Google search for "beginning HTML tutorial", and pick one that looks promising to you. Good luck! [[User:CatherineMunro|Catherine\talk]] 04:21, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Talbot County, Maryland
The Talbot County, Maryland page lists many place names and where the name originated. I am especially interested in 2 that are not listed.
Tar Island (also called Tar Point) just north of Tilghman Island and Amy's Marsh Point ( possibly Amil's Marsh at one time) which is also just north of Tilghman. Information about these 2 seems to be non-existent. Any help would be appreciated.
Tar Island is locally sometimes called Tar Point since it isn't an island any more. It has become a northern point of land on Tilghman Island. Sediment, tides, and the ocasional hurricanee tend to rearrange the shore line. The point is sort of on the Chesapeake side of Tilghman. The only refernce I've ever found (besides the Geodetic Survey maps) was a wildlife survey, noting the presence of Pelicans. Amy Marsh Point (from the CGS map) is a southwest extension (not on the island) just north of there. If you look for the CGS map, it is the Tilghman, MD quadrangle. You're right about non-existent but many small terrain features (creeks, hills, etc.) are like that. Lou I
To become a forensic scientist
How long would you have to go to college (not including the first four years with all the boring non-career crap), and what college would you have to go to to become a forensic scientist? (For any field within forensics, too.)
--Tina
Well, it depends in large part on what you want to do. According to "Advice about a Career in Forensic Science", written by Dale Nute of FSU's School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, the amount of time varies from 4 years for a crime scene examiner up to 7+ years getting a medical degree for medical examiners.
As to advice on what schools to go to, that's a bit outside of my knowledge area. Keep in mind that real forensics isn't much like what you see on CSI. -- Cyrius|✎ 03:39, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Oh, lol..I know. Thank you.
EPO the drug
Please could you tell me what the above drug is, what category makes it illegal and how it alledgedly helps athletes' performance. Please reply on my talk page.--[[User:Gabriel Webber|Gabriel Webber(babble were rig)]] 09:26, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
It produces the same effect as a transfusion of red blood cells, but repeated transfusions carry a variety of risks. It is most often used for people with anemia due to diseases that interfere with RBC production, especially chronic renal failure and anemia due to cancerchemotherapy. Off the top of my head I think Epogen and Procrit are 2 US brands; at least one has been advertised on television as a treatment for tiredness in cancer patients.
If your RBC mass is not excessive, and you are otherwise healthy, increasing it with EPO will marginally increase the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood, which will marginally increase your exercise endurance. EPO is yet one more forbidden ergogenic agent ("doping agent") taken taken by athletes to cheat.
PS, Eequor, don't remove this or Gabe might lose his next bicycle race. alteripse 13:19, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I was watching a London TV program a while ago, and one question was "How many moons does Earth have?". The panel said "two, that question was asked last series." And the answer was (apparently) 3. However, I only know one: the one we see @ night. And the article on it says it's the only one. Can someone please enlighten me on my talk page?--[[User:Gabriel Webber|Gabriel Webber(babble were rig)]] 09:32, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
You're looking for 3753 Cruithne and J002E3. The first orbits the earth, sort of, and the second looks like it's actually the booster from Apollo 12. It orbited the earth for a while in 2002-2003, but it's gone now. Diderot 10:07, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Of course, it is odd in the extreme to refer to either object as a "moon". Generally, one expects there to be a certain size requirement for "moon status", otherwise, every stray particle of cosmic dust in orbit could also be so described. Referring to a man made object as a moon is also strange and inappropriate. There is thought to be quite a bit of discarded trash in orbit from the US and Russian space programs. One wouldn't want to call a lost hammer from the Mercury mission a "moon". Sigh... what is London television coming to these days? ;-) func(talk) 12:53, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Are you talking about the almost impossibly smug QI? They regularly stretch the truth in an attempt to seem superior. adamsan 13:17, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Oh, lighten up: it's entertainment. And, personally, I do find the trivia they raise "quite interesting"; and I don't think this is "stretching the truth" - they didn't say "nobody in their right mind thinks Earth only has one moon", they were just drawing attention to speculation that such-and-such an object might also be a moon, by some definitions. [Also, how funny, I'd never have thought of it as being "London TV", any more than I'd think of "New York TV" or something else. Just goes to show...erm, something.] - IMSoP 19:36, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
You're entitled to your opinion, though I note you don't deny the unbearable smugness. adamsan 20:05, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Well, I'd deny the "unbearable" bit, but yes, Stephen Fry does have a distinctly smug persona - part of the fun is watching the rest of them laugh at him because of it. - IMSoP 20:55, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
It's possible for earth to have more than one (natural) moon - although for a period in the 1950s artifical satellites were referred to as "moons" - we're fairly sure there isn't by now, simply because if it was close enough to orbit us on any reasonable timescale we'd probably have seen it. At various points, as Diderot points out, there have been annoucements of new moons; neither panned out to be correct. Cruithne doesn't orbit earth unless you stretch the definition of "orbit" (although it's a neat path it follows), and J002E3 did orbit us briefly, but was identified as artificial - so it wouldn't count, unless you want to claim we have around a quarter of a million moons. Shimgray 16:27, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Islamic culture
What were the effects of early arabic culture on the development of Islam?
well you see the main roots of islam were derived from Arabicculture. but be a little more specific.....are you interested more in the religion, or the customs, or the culture of islam and arab?
I was told that Pinyin is used for Mandarin Chinese in Guangdong. I need to know "HOW" & "WHAT" dialect I should be practicing for speech & written word in Guangdong?
On the streets, people speak either Cantonese or Kejia (Hakka). The written language, and the language of most TV and radio, is going to be Mandarin. A lot of people, certainly the well educated ones, are going to be biglossic. In print, you'll see mostly modern standard Mandarin written in Simplified Chinese characters - but people don't relate written language to spoken language in China the way they do in the west, so they may not think of Cantonese or Kejia as languages that have written forms of their own. Pinyin is used mostly for transcription and pedagogic purposes - it's not something people use to write Chinese very often. Diderot 21:32, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Also see romanization. An example is Hànyǔ pīnyīn, which is the romanized Chinese name for pinyin. For an extensive online dictionary which uses pinyin along with a number of other representations, see Zhongwen. --[[User:Eequor|ηυωρ]] 21:48, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)
If you were going to be visiting or living in Guangdong ONLY, especially the smaller towns, then you would probably want to learn Cantonese to communicate with the local people. However, as pointed out above, most people with any education can at least understand some spoken Mandarin and can probably speak it, albeit with an accent (Mandarin is taught in all schools in mainland China). If you were going to travel at all, then Mandarin would be much more useful to you. So all in all it's probably better to learn Mandarin with some Cantonese thrown in. (There is considerable overlap between the two. I've heard Cantonese referred to as Mandarin that's been "damaged on delivery.") Mjklin 05:10, 2004 Nov 22 (UTC)
I am doing reseach about this topic and I chech some information about French West Africa on the Wikipedia website but I didn't understand what year French West Africa was started, and named. Please inform me the information? Thanks!
MAOI Inhibitors and their interactions with other psychoactives
I would like to know more about what an MAOI Inhibitor is.
Why do I always hear that I shouldn't take such and such if I take MAOI inhibitors?
And how do MAOI inhibitors effect psychoactives especially hallucinogenics?
thanks
-Graham
See monoamine oxidase inhibitor (you need to look up MAO inhibitor or MAOI, not MAOI inhibitor: the I already stands for inhibitor). MAOIs interact with a lot of drugs and foods, which is why you always hear the warnings...the most classic being that foods which contain a lot of tyramine (including port wine cheese and other tasty items) can cause, when eaten by a person on MAOIs, a severe increase in blood pressure that may result in death. There's some information about the interaction with hallucinogens in the article. - Nunh-huh 08:39, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I'm trying to find a complete list to add into Bishop of Salisbury which for some reason only goes up to 1524. Despite numerous Google searches etc I can't find any such list except for stuff similar to what the article already has. There must have been bishops between the mid 1550s and the late 20th century, but who were they? Thanks. Muntfish 13:27, 2004 Nov 22 (UTC)
In 1931 the bishop was the Rt. Rev St. Clair George Alfred Donaldson, DD, who took office in 1921. He's listed as the 95th in my 1932 Whitaker's Almanac (the source for the above), but my 2002 lists the current incumbent as the 77th. I don't know why the discrepancy. Shimgray 20:07, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Update - I've fired off an email to the Diocese of Salisbury, and asked pleadingly for them to explain it... all very strange. Seems to be there for some dioceses (Lincoln has the 90th in '32 and the 70th today) but not others (Lichfield has gone from the 93rd to the 97th). Shimgray 21:58, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
[3] gives a full list for Lincoln, up to the current at #71; it doesn't explain why my almanac gives their #63 as #90. All very strange. Shimgray 22:32, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Hmm, that's all very odd - but thanks for checking. The Salisbury Diocese website says that the current bishop (David Stancliffe) is the 77th. I can only assume that it depends on where you start counting from. Dioceses (sp?) sometimes change/split/merge (and the reformation seems to complicate things substantially) so maybe that has something to do with it? Muntfish 09:15, 2004 Nov 23 (UTC)
The nice lady at Salisbury says she's checked the reference (which she gives as Cockroft's Theological Directory, and he's the 76th there (and my "95th" is their 69th) - but they're not numbered, so she may have miscounted. Doesn't have any idea why the miscounting, but if I can compare to an old list it'd be interesting. Aberdeen University library, up the road from me, have copies from 1962 onwards - and an old 1935 copy - in their catalogue [4]; I think I've found a research topic for my next free afternoon. And, yes, I will type up a list of the Bishops anyway. ;-) Useless trivia - here's a 1932 diocese map My guess is that it's not the reformation or merging, but I have to run - will write more later. Shimgray 10:57, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Update - There's about 30 on the page at the moment, which ends pre-Reformation; this might be enough to explain it, but it doesn't explain why places like York and Durham - just as old, and surviving through the Anglican/Catholic, ah, national indecisiveness - haven't had the numbers change.
A quick look last night (IIRC at Ripon, which became Ripon & Leeds in 1999) suggested that renaming or expanding the diocese doesn't restart the numbering - and I don't think Salisbury's likely to have changed that much. There's an interesting answer in here somewhere, and I suspect it's not just a list of silly misprints in the almanac :-) Shimgray 12:41, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
For lists of CofE Bishops from ancient times until the 1890s, try Haydn's Book of Dignities (1894, ed. by Horace Ockerby). Bishops of Salisbury from 1046 to 1885 are on page 466-7; Deans of Salisbury on 468. Will add the info to the page. Dbiv 00:48, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thanks! I've started to convert the list into a table like the other bishop pages. Muntfish 09:55, 2004 Dec 8 (UTC)
Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 - Sound Effects
In MSPpt 2003, is there any way of having a sound on one slide of PowerPoint, then set it to play for several slides and then stop it AT A SPECIFIC POINT on another slide? If so, please tell me how?--03williss 13:44, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
One way to do it is to launch an external application that accepts command line parameters (old Windows media player and sound recorder should work). Then the first slide should have an object that would start the playback of a certain audio file via its associated action and one of the latter slides would have an action that would stop it.
Another way may be to record Narration using PowerPoint built-in tool. Paranoid 22:53, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)
about utilitarianism?? plz
utilitarianism is a very interesting theory that i began to study it in depth , and there is this question which I would like to to apply the utilitarianism theory to it, the question is
" is about applying utilitarianism theory to the moral value of Joseph Rowntree's contribution to society"
there is also another interesting theory which called Universalism, can u please apply and compare these 2 theories to the above question
id really appreciate it if u could contact me as soon as u read this email
thanks alot for the information provided in ur site and looking forward to hearing from you soon
yours
G.d
Ps.
can u email me your answer please to "Seenyouin@hotmail.com" !
Geez. I'm no fan of Bush, but that was a bit vitriolic, even for me. Anyway, here's a CNN reference to a single artillery shell found with sarin. Not exactly a secret weapons cache, but still technically a chemical weapon. --Cvaneg 20:48, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
you mean you are nofan of Bush, but that was a bitvitriolic. I readily believe there are intelligent conservatives. But obviously, there are also 59M that are rather less so. dab 10:34, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
A small quantity of sarin bombs have indeed been discovered. However, I take offense at your suggestion that my countrymen who maintain the president's good intentions are all ignorant - I know some very intelligent conservatives. Personal attacks are contrary to Wikipedia policy, and surely you must be aware that a large number of Wikipedians are American.
The concern over the Iraq war, in America at least, is no longer whether there are WMDs in Iraq - Saddam appears to have never had them, effectively hidden them, or destroyed them - but whether the president was (a) doing what he thought was best based on the (incorrect) intelligence given him, or (b) deliberately deceiving the country. Your friend is correct, though there is no apparent need to refute him, since the quantity of WMDs found has been negligible. [[User:Rdsmith4|User:Rdsmith4/sig]] 21:39, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
If memory serves, some traces were found following the explosion of an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and the conclusion reached that this was some old chemical shell left over from the Iran-Iraq war. I think The Coalition's investigators concluded that it was either recovered from a battlefield (either a dud or a shell discarded or misplaced in the heat of battle) or from some badly maintained store. Either way, it's highly unlikely that the iraqi military actually knew they had the thing. Most militaries paint chemical shells a different colour, but left to the elements it's likely that the paint wore off, leaving Mr Insurgent to incorporate it unawares into one of his shell-based IEDs. If Mr Insurgent did know a given shell was chemical (I believe the great majority of the Iraqi army's reserves were mustard gas) he'd be very unlikely to use it, as a) ancient, rusty old chemical shells are as likely to leak nasty stuff on him while he's doing the rather delicate job of changing its fuse, and b) chemical weapons are crap, and he's much more likely to kill Coalition soldiers with a normal shell. The matter of misplacing NBC materials is one from which all militaries suffer - just before the last Iraqi war, the US Army fessed up that it had "lost" several tons of chemical shells (I think they were sure they still had them, but the paperwork was lost, so they had no idea where in the huge inventory they might be). Similarly, here's a scary ass photo of rusty old US mustard gas shells. I dare anyone who things the Iraqis should have known what was in all the crappy old shells lying around in holes in their countryside to take a trip out to the Solomon Islands and play at "guess what's in this shell" :) - John Fader
I remember seeing a headline in the news-crawl on CNN a while back that "weapons of mass destruction" had indeed been found in Iraq, and that they consisted of small quantities of chemical agents most likely intended for assassination attempts. (These may be the same sarin bombs you've mentioned). Broadly defining WMD to include all chemical weapons, regardless of quantity or intended purpose, seems a fairly liberal (no pun intended) interpretation. Assassination is just about the exact opposite of mass destruction. -- Wapcaplet 23:33, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I agree. The answer to the question depends on whether you accept the authority of the US Government to define "Weapons of Mass Destruction" in any way they see fit. I'm sure most people would assume that a Weapon of Mass Destruction is capable of causing mass destruction, and as far as I'm aware no weapons capable of such mass destruction have been located in Iraq. Proteus(Talk) 12:49, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Need URGENT help with research project (copied from Village Pump)
Please anyone help me with this if possible, i'm stuck in this research that i'm doing on stone.
If anyone can give me links to info on ( stone construction, masonry, types and advantages of stone) I would be very grateful.
Best Regards,
Seif
Are you interested in sone as geological point of view or as building point of you? And in the latter case are you interest at the material (the raw stone) or at the final prudoct (the building)? AnyFile 13:21, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Piedmont
Where did the word piedmont originate France or Italy?
According to http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=p&p=16 in Italy, but the words are so similar in French and Italian that the distinction is difficult. Compare the french pied a terre and Mont Blanc, for instance, to see examples of both words spelled identically in both languages. alteripse 00:06, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
At the time the word came out (surely before 19 century, pherephs much earlier) there not exist Italy neither Italian. In this region the common language was a local language that is now the slang of that region. Intellectual, I think, spoke Italian (in the sense I will explain), French and Latin. In any langauge the word has been formed it is sure that the word came from Latin words. Italian language was not already well settle. Italian languege came out later when intellectual wanted that the language used in Tuscany (the language of Dante Alighieri and many other important letterates) should be used in the whole just borned state of Italy. In the 18th century and the first half of 19th century the region Piemonte was part of a State that lied between the two present State of France and Italy. This State was named Kindom of Savoie first and then State of Sardinia. The reason of these names are that at the beginning the capitol was in Savoie (Savoie is the French version of the name in Italian is Savoia), in the latter time the (now) Italian part became more important (and the capital became Turin) and as the Sardinia island was added to the kindom and it was the most extended part of the kindom the name changed. At this epoch there is not much sense to discriminate between Italian and French. The languge was a mixture of Italian (northen Italian with some central Italian) French of type Oil (the one of Paris) and French of type Oc (the one of Provence). Nowdays there are some town in Italy where the old Lingua d'oca is still spoken (actual it is dsappearing). There are many place where French in Italy is an offical language (as in the autonomus Region of Valle d'Aosta AnyFile 14:38, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Finding slope and x-intercerpts in linear equations
In the equation "2x + 8y = 16," how can I find the slope, x-intercept, and y-intercept? --Anon
intercept, and y-intercept? --Anon
See slope. You want to put the equation in the form y=mx+b. m is the slope, b is the y-intercept.
2x + 8y = 16
(subtract 2x from both sides) 8y = 16 - 2x
(divide equation by 8) y = 2 - .25x
(shuffle) y = - .25x + 2
so m = -0.25 = slope
b = 2 = y intercept
The x-intercept is the place the line crosses the y axis...that is, the point where y=0. (Think about this: every point on the x axis has a y coordinate of 0.)
y = -.25x + 2
(substitute 0 for y) 0 = -.25x + 2
(add .25x to both sides) .25x = 2
(divide both sides by .25) x = 4
At least I think that's right <g>. If this doesn't make sense to you I'm sure there are other methods, like graphing, that someone else can explain. - Nunh-huh 03:32, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Actually you should have x = 8. Dividing both sides by .25 is the same as multiplying by 4, and 2×4 = 8. AlexG 20:45, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Also, if given a slope of –3 and a point of (2,–1), how can I write the equation in standard form? --Anon
you have the slope and a point.
1 = 3*2 - b
1 = 6 - b
b = 5
So let's do a similar one:
2x - 9y - 45 = 0
+ 9y +9y (add 9y to both sides)
2x - 45 = 9y
/9 /9 (divide all sides by 9 to get "y" by itself)
0.22x - 45 = y (in slope-intercept)
Dear Sir/Madam
I`d like to ask you about the author of subject eating disorders.I`m student BCUC college- health study. I`m writting essay about eating disorders as a woman`s illness,I`m using some of your material from wikipedia,but I need to know who wrote that article.
Thank you very much for your help.
Sincerely
Michaela Petekova
E-mail adress:Lev-M@seznam.cz
The people who contributed to the article can be found at the page's history. If you need to cite your sources, go to Wikipedia:Citing Wikipedia. Hope that helps. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 08:38, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
self-destructing dvd's
I've recently heard about the new temporary dvds, that one can acquire(I'm not sure if that would be owning or renting). Is their actual encoding different from standard DVDs? To put it bluntly, could they be copied onto one's computer in the same way? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 09:47, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The self-destructing DVD is based on a chemical process that makes the DVD unreadable after a certain amount of time.[5] Basically, there is a translucent film over the DVD that reacts with air and slowly turns opaque over the course of time. So there's really nothing preventing you from ripping it to your computer while it is still readable. There actually hasn't been much interest in this type of media, but there are some exceptions.--Cvaneg 14:57, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Also, as i recall, their used to be Divx disks (I believe it is not related to the codec) which would not play on a Divx DVD player after a certain amount of time (48 hours). I think the way it worked was that the DVD player went online and registered the Divx disk and checked the registry every time you tried to play it. Also the system allowed you to buy the DVD (which basically removed all restrictions on the DVD). [[User:BrokenSegue|BrokenSegue]] 00:24, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Cards games involving only two players
I need some suggestions for good card games that involve only 2 players. Most that I am familiar with need more players (hearts, poker, bridge). ike9898 15:32, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
I like Piquet myself (though our article on it is a bit odd as it stands). --Camembert
Casino is basically for two, although four can play. We don't have an article on it. I carry a deck of cards and the rules to Casino in my backpack for stranding situations. Likewise there's no article on Russian Bank a sort of solitaire for two, and there's also double solitaire. The web site alphabetical list of card games, with rules, has dozens of games for 2 players. Ortolan88 03:03, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
In Italy we have many card game to be played by two player. Some of them may play by haw many player you want (at least 2) some other exists in 2 player or 4 player version. There are not article on English wikipedia nor in Italian wikipedia. I have found some interesting url in English Briscola (I can not find a traslation it has no meaning in Italian too) ,other fomous Italian card game playable by two player are Scopa (broom) and Scala 40 (ledder 40 or stair 40 or better 40 scale) AnyFile 18:57, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Here's a game for two - snap. Or try shithead. Another great one is one that u make up yourself. Like snap, apart from everytime a certain number comes up you have to do something silly, like fall on the floor or scream like a dog.
Pokercan be played by 2 people (not unusually, but compare to bridge which absolutely requires 4 players. An example of this which is not just theoretical would be a heads-up (2 player) freeze-out (play until all chips are gone) tournament, which incidentally although involving betting of play chips, could be played solely for pride and not money, as other non-betting card games are.
Personally I like spit, a fast passed solitare like game. [[User:BrokenSegue|BrokenSegue]] 00:26, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
the movie Cast Away
Was Cast Away (2000) based on a true story? Was the man involved really an employee of FedEx? ike9898 15:39, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
No, it's not based on a true story. You might be thinking of the movie "Castaway" (1986), about a UK businessman who goes to a deserted island with a woman he just met to recreate "adam and eve", or at least write a novel about it. That IS based on a true story. Terrapin 16:37, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The true-story Castaway is a wikipedia article now. Jay 15:28, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
number of mammary glands or nipples
I want to know the number of mammary glands or nipples that different mammals have. The only two I know for sure are humans (2) and cows (4). ike9898 15:42, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
According to [6], "the number of teats varies from 2 in Primates and the Marsupial mole, to 19 in the Pale-bellied oppossum." The number in pigs is apparently variable within single breeding lines based on ancestry and number of males in the litter [7]. According to the BBC, "most female mammals have twice as many teats as their average litter to make sure that none starve. A few (such as the Virginia opossum) give birth to more young than they can suckle, and so the 'slowest' young die from starvation." [8]. And the The Illustrated Book of Sexual Records says "The horse and elephant, for instance, have only two nipples; and though the cow has only one udder the single massive gland empties into four teats. The dog has five paired glands. The hog can have as many as eighteen mammae. Supernumerary nipples are common in many species, e.g. primates, rodents, ruminants. The largest number of nipples is present in Centetes, a primitive insectivore with twenty-two to twenty-four nipples and as many as thirty six young at birth." Does that help? [[User:CatherineMunro|Catherine\talk]] 02:28, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I would like to clarify a point here. The Opossum is not a mammal, it is a marsupial. Marsupials go about birth and child-rearing a little differently than mammals. Phyzome is Tim McCormack 01:47, 2004 Dec 4 (UTC)
No. "Marsupials are mammals in which the female typically has a pouch" is the first line from the marsupial article you just linked to. Rmhermen 03:02, Dec 4, 2004 (UTC)
What happens if you put gasoline in a diesel engine
On a recent 'reality' TV show, the characters accidentally put gasoline in a diesel car. They realized their mistake and didn't start the car. But I was wondering what would have happened if they had started it up. ike9898 16:13, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
The engine should run, but might not be real smooth. I seem to recall that Diesel engines can run on a lot of different fuels if needed (one of the reasons why Militaries use them). Putting diesel in a gasoline engine, however, would make the engine nearly inoperable, and may destroy it. Terrapin 16:44, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Also the military uses it because it can function if it gets wet. [[User:BrokenSegue|BrokenSegue]] 00:28, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Short answer: Don't do it. 207.189.98.44 18:54, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Not quite so short answer, to the inverse question. In a fit of inattention, I once did this. The engine (a VW aircooled 4 cyl) ran for about 30 seconds and expired in a puff of white smoke out the exhaust. After draining the tank and a refill of real gasoline, a little cranking cleared the carburettor float tank and it started up, more than usually popping and wheezing. Ran OK after about 5 minutes of further clearing. I concur in the previous comment. ww 01:08, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Statistics
I have three questions:
1. I have a group of people whose behavior I am measuring. I measure it before the treatment, and find that x% of them do this behavior. I measure after the treatment and find y% do it. What statistical test do I need? I believe that the groups are normal, and I have randomly sampled.
2. Again, but I am looking at frequency of the behavior. What test do I need?
3. Is there a general decision tree anywhere that will help me to choose the right test?
Thank you, Tada 18:28, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
1-2.I think what you need is a not particularly well known test call McNemar's test. It is appropriate for two-sample, matched pair data. The Chi-square test would not be appropriate in this case because the two data points, before and after, are not independent. I'm not a statistical expert, so get a 2nd opinion on this!
3. I have a decision tree in one of my books (Fundamental of Biostatistics 4th ed. by B. Rosner). Good luck! ike9898 19:28, Nov 23, 2004 (UTC)
1) If what you measured was whether a certain behavior is present of absent, then McNemar's test may be appropriate. For 2), a paired t-test or Wilcoxon test might work. However, you should probably consult with a local expert who can look at your data. If you're affiliated with a university, your local statistics department might offer a free consultation service or "clinic". --MarkSweep 21:18, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
feed-to-meat ratio
Where can I find info about the general ratio of the feed necessary to grow a farmed animal to maturity versus the meat obtained? I know that for fish it's about 2 to 1, and for cows about 10 to 1. How about others? Mjklin 21:01, 2004 Nov 23 (UTC)
I'm far from an expert on this subject, but I think the numbers are going to vary depending on the kind of feed you give to the animal. (e.g. a pure grain feed will have different results than a mixture of grain an animal protein) -Cvaneg 21:36, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)
what are the main animals in Norway?
Well, lemmings, of course, called lemen, and moose, called elg, reindeer ("good eating!"), several deer (hjort, rådyr), as well as squirrels (ekorn) and mice (mus), foxes (rev), and, on the northern islands, polar bears (isbjørn). They have fish and insects too, but I assume you were interested in mammals.Ortolan88 02:51, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC) (Member of the Isbjørnklubbe (Polar Bear Society) of Stavanger)
A couple of additions: bears and wolverines (jerv) used to be common throughout Norway but are pretty much extinct (the last remaining bears in the wild can be found in Pasvikdalen in the extreme northeast). Polar bears, to the best of my knowledge, do not live in mainland Norway; the northern isles (Svalbard etc), where lots of polar bears can be found, are so far north from the continent that saying polar bears are common in Norway is a tad bit misleading. One insect species that has to be mentioned is the mosquito - literally millions of them live in the swampy areas north of the polar circle, nasty little buggers, about the only good thing to be said about them is that they don't carry malaria -- Ferkelparadeπ 15:06, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC) (not a member of isbjørnklubbe, but I've been to northern Norway often enough to know what I'm talking about re: mosquitoes :p)
We'd be glad to have you in Isbjørnklubbe but I must point out that I did say "and, on the northern islands, polar bears". Ortolan88 17:46, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Most Norwegian species, like everywhere else, are beetles. Most of the rest are Lepidoptera. We tend to only write about big fluffy things in an encyclopedia though. Dunc|☺ 15:19, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Very good point. But by biomass and or number, I think certain types of worms are greater. There are more species of beetle, but by numbers of them, I saw some documentary where worms win. Possibly it was nematodes. The climate in Norway could conceivably limit this though.
On the claim of nastiness for Norwegian mosquitoes, well.... In Montana (US northern state) the mosquitoes are so big... There's a story about two Montana mosquitoes who flew over the crest of a hill and saw a herd of cattle. One said to the other, "Should we eat here or take them home?" Not too far from the truth actually. ww 01:15, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Norway's mean soil depth of 7 cm could limit the worm population. :-) ✏ Sverdrup 21:37, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Could someone familiar with jungian psychology please factcheck Enantiodroma? The term gives worryingly few google hits and was created by a user with no past editing history. Thanks. --fvw* 05:19, 2004 Nov 24 (UTC)
It's misspelled: I've moved it to enantiodromia. It is indeed an actual term in analytical psychology. - Nunh-huh 07:29, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Ah, google much more helpful given that. Thanks! --fvw* 08:10, 2004 Nov 24 (UTC)
Magnetic forces
What determines the strength of the attractive force between fixed magnets (bar magnets, for example)?
On point (2): no, it isn't. I just added a note to the magnetomotive force article to explain this. MMF is just the amount of current, multiplied by the number of loops, that generates a given magnetic field. The use of the word "force" in this phrase dates from a time before anybody knew better. --Heron 09:46, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
On points (1) and (3): the flux density is a measure of the strength of the magnet's field at a given point, not a measure of the total field. I'm not sure how the size of the whole field is expressed - perhaps it's the magnetic dipole moment, or the total flux in webers. Anyway, the force of attraction between two magnets depends on the shapes, relative orientation and separation distance of the magnets, as well as their strength. Mathematically, you would use the principle of virtual work to calculate the force between them. I see we don't have an article on that yet, although I remember seeing it in Wikipedia:requested articles. (Hint) --Heron 11:56, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Here is an excellent web page on the subject. The formula looks useful. F is force in newtons, m is pole strength in webers, μ is the permeability of the intervening medium in tesla metres per ampere, and r is the separation in metres. This works for two magnetic poles separated by a large distance. --Heron 12:28, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Editorial note: I have add this new information to the magnetomotive force and magnet articles. --Heron 14:12, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Name of movie
I'm not able to recollect the name of a movie which has the futuristic plot of people having to live in skyscrapers because there is no longer oxygen left at ground level. The hero and his dad are fire-fighter kind of guys who climb the vents of the buildings during emergencies. The dad gets killed and the son is framed or something like that. I remember a tag line like 'Air tight' but searching on Google didn't help me out. Jay 14:44, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I don't know the movie, but it's a pretty unlikely scenario, air at altitude is thinner (lower pressure) than at ground level, so one would expect the greatest concentration of gasses to be at gl. I guess the only way this might be is if the was heavier than air polution, but its tenuous! Mark Richards 16:28, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I dunno either. But www.imdb.com has a special section for these kinds of queries (and the sorts of visitors that are likely to know). --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 20:15, Nov 24, 2004 (UTC)
How much fructose do I use equivilant to sugar
Hmmm, a little bit more info would be helpful. What kind of sugar do you want fructose to be equivalent to? It's a sugar compound itself. Also, in what context do we have to see this, is it an experiment, are you brewing beer? [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 17:23, Nov 24, 2004 (UTC)
Are you looking for a relative sweetness scale? According to this one,
[9] fructose is 40% sweeter than table sugar (sucrose). About 0.7 tsp fructose would be as sweet in a drink as 1 tsp sucrose. alteripse 17:50, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I've seen estimates of relative sweetness that suggest fructose to be considerably sweeter than this. I guess I would suggest consulting a cookbook of diabetic recipes as fructose is often used as a sugar substitute as it reduces the total easily absorbed carbohydrate ingested and can even reduce to zero the glucose (or glucose equivalent) ingested. Fructose (or to be exact, high fructose corn syrup) is used in the beverage industry (ie, soft drinks) as it weighs less (and must cost less) than sucrose (regular sugar) for a given sweetening effect. ww 01:21, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Gestures used in Rapping
Is there a term which refers to the characteristic hand gestures frequently employed by rappers during their performances? — Matt 15:58, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Do you ahve any information on the biography of the 19th century Spanish poet Ramon de Campoamor?
I would like to know his genealogy as completely as possible. I know he had no children, but who are his siblings, parents, & grandparents? ~anon
I'm afraid neither the English nor Spanish Wikipediae have an article on him yet; give this Google search a look. Do you think you could write up a decent three- to five-paragraph summary of why he is important for us? Just click on the red link above to create the article and enter your summary, and we'll take it from there. Thanks! [[User:CatherineMunro|Catherine\talk]] 01:27, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)
GB-1001 $28,000 for 150,000 documents, $50,000 for 300,000 documents, secure system crawling additional $10,000
GB-5005 $230,000, includes one or two collections of up to 1.5 million documents each, secure system crawling
GB-8008 $450,000 for an an 8u server rack with secure system crawling, additional load balancing features, and capacity for up to 5 collections of 4 million documents each.
It's a machine that does searches. It's a yellow rack-mount device that for some reason resembles The Cheat.
It crawls the servers you specify, then uses fancy google algorithms to perform searches on what was crawled.
A question you didn't ask, but about which folks might be curious, is "why would I buy one of these, when I could rely, as wikipedia does, on the normal google website?". The appliance is sold to large businesses or government organisations, and they use it to crawl and then provide search on confidential intranets. I used to work for a Fortune-100 company, the employees of which were pretty good about making webpages for their internal projects ("who we are, what we're doing, why, when, and for whom") but not at all good about getting this information into the central directory. I'd have killed for a google-appliance search, as the existing intranet search (based, I think, on htdig) was poor. A problem for the appliance (as for all intranet searches) is that many internal sites are protected - sometimes for commercial in-confidence reasons, sometimes because of privacy and data protection laws, frequently for financial or legal privity, and rather too often for plain old internecine parochialism. - John Fader
Acidity scale?
Someone mentioned Terner degrees in relation to the acidity of milk, yoghurt and other related products. What does this measure and how does it relate to the more common pH scale? [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 11:46, Nov 25, 2004 (UTC)
Just a little side remark. pH, by itself, is not a very good description of the acidic or basic effects of a solution, because pH does not tell you what happens to the solution if it is diluted or put in contact with an acid or a base. On the other hand, that's something that matters a lot when estimating effects of the solution in, say, biological contexts. See buffer solution. David.Monniaux 07:35, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
airport Kuvait
Airport in Kuwait? In any case, too vague. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk)]] 19:10, Nov 25, 2004 (UTC)
Moved out of the Village pump. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk)]] 19:08, Nov 25, 2004 (UTC)
Tekasa family November 24, 2004
I'm trying to research my father-in-law's name and family. John Milton Tekasa was born in Serbia around 1920, his mother's name was Kathy (Katherine - Katharine) or Cathy (Catherine - Catharine), I'm not sure about the father's name but it could also have been John. The three of them moved to the United States of America in the 1930's. Not long after arriving in the U.S. the senior Mr. Tekasa passed away and a few years later the wife remarried a man with the last name of Hansen.
Any information or assistance would be appreciated, thank you.
Matt Hart Mhart2@comcast.net
I'm sorry, but Wikipedia is not a genealogy site, so unless he was in some way famous it's kind of beyond our scope. A general suggestion; none of these names sounds typically Serbian, I'd guess they were Anglicised. --Robert Merkel 03:05, 26 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Hello
I'm looking for an English equivalent of the meaning of this Chinese proverb:
點石成金 which means, you can turn a stone into gold if you add some value to it. It implies to change something not valuable into something very valuable. Is there a proverb in English that carries a similar meaning?
I've been looking at the web but can't find any websites. Any pointers/ or even answers would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Rebecca Fong
The Scots have one (and please correct my spelling on this someone, Scots English is far more alien to me than most Spanish), "Many a mickle maks a muckle," meaning that lots of little things add up to something big. -- Jmabel | Talk 22:08, Nov 25, 2004 (UTC)
The proverb is properly "many a little makes a mickle" ("mickle" and "muckle" both mean "much") but the nonsensical version you quote is popular among non-Scots speakers. Gdr 02:07, 2004 Nov 26 (UTC)
Possibly, 'Many hands make light work'.
Also, though not a proverb, it reminds me of the East European fable of the Stone soup. This story was often used as a prefix for explaining the benefits of early open source software collaborations.
Less appropriately there is the phrase 'you have the Midas touch', which refers to the mythical King Midas who was able to turn items into gold by touching them. However 'the Midas touch' usually only relates to an individual's skill at making something succeed, not collaboration. -- Solipsist 12:07, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
If the sense of the original actually is along the lines of "things of great value may begin with things of small value" then the "mickle" one fits, or perhaps "the greatest voyage begins with but a single step" or "take care of your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves". Even more exact is the common metaphor (not in aphorism form that I know of) of the grain of sand in the pearl. However, it strikes me that the sense might be rather the opposite, a cautionary (even cynical) tale not to overvalue the worth of raw materials and underestimate the cost of labour needed to process it; after all, only a fool would imagine that he could profitably turn a stone into gold. The English equivalent that comes to mind is "that and a buck will get you a cup of coffee"—you need to adjust the money figure so it's recognized as the full price of coffee. It's trivial to find matching pairs of aphorisms that mean the opposite of each other, and with translated ones it's never really clear whether they're meant to be taken straight or ironically. Sharkford 15:08, 2004 Nov 29 (UTC)
Take care of your pennies and yor pounds will take care of themselves. Dunc|☺ 15:24, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "Genius is one percent inpiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." -Rholton 15:51, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
which also means that the majority of people who have ever died from AIDS [at least 23.1 million] have died in the last five years. Rmhermen 21:29, Nov 26, 2004 (UTC)
Also see Avert's summary. --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 21:48, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Style of traditional Chinese music
I've been searching everywhere for the name of this kind of Chinese music but I've come up empty. It can be heard during many traditional Chinese songs; the singers stop "singing" and instead start rhythmically talking, almost like "rap." In one instance I saw a performer using hand clackers to set the beat.
--anon
Can you provide a specific example of what you're referring to (e.g. a downloadable music file)? It's not clear to me what you mean by "traditional Chinese songs" -- does that include the many regional musical theater forms? Why do you put "singing" in scare quotes? --MarkSweep 21:44, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
"mopery" definition
I'm looking for a legal definition of the word "mopery." I'm disinclined to put full faith in the current contents of the article Mopery without a little more proof, as I think that information originated in the movie "Revenge of the Nerds." Joyous 05:15, Nov 27, 2004 (UTC)
Well, if it makes you feel any better, you are not alone. I, too, was threatened with arrest for "mopery" back in 1970 by a gendarme in the employ of the Columbus, Ohio police department. As I knew I was guilty of no crime beyond a bad attitude and a subversive haircut, I presumed he was joking and simply walked away. But several days later I heard that a friend had actually been arrested, booked and jailed for "mopery," so I guess the relevant law really existed on the books (and, knowing Columbus, I'd guess that it probably still does).
You're also not alone in being unable to pin down an exact legal definition of "mopery." I seem to have misplaced my copy of Black's Law Dictionary (how one misplaces a book that heavy is another question), and none of the online legal dictionaries I have found contain the term. Nonetheless, all the references that I have been able to find in other materials indicate that the definition of "mopery" furnished to me by a friendly lawyer back in 1970 was accurate. "Mopery," at least in Columbus, Ohio, consists of "walking down the street with no clear destination or purpose." "Mopery" is thus essentially "loitering while walking," and, like laws against loitering and vagrancy, functions as a sort of legal wildcard, a one-size-fits-all charge that can easily be applied to annoying people by irritable authorities. "Mopery" is clearly based on verb "to mope," which, in its original sense, meant "to wander about aimlessly, moving without the guidance of thought." (Our modern "mope" meaning "to lay about bored and depressed" is a later development of the word.) The verb "to mope" first appeared in English in the 16th century and is of unknown origin, but was a big favorite of Shakespeare, who used it in at least three of his plays. "Mopery" is also frequently invoked for comic effect by modern writers, especially Thomas Pynchon, who seems to love the word. The film "Revenge of the Nerds" also contains a reference to "mopery," but erroneously defines it as "exposing oneself to a blind person."
Black's Law Dictionary (7th ed.) contains no entry for the word and it does not appear in the index of the Ohio Revised Code. There are two definitions in the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, 5th ed. (2002): "1. Mopish behavior; a fit of moping" and "2. Loitering or other petty lawbreaking, esp. when used as an excuse to arrest or harass someone. US." PedanticallySpeaking 16:56, Nov 27, 2004 (UTC)
When I was covering the criminal courts in Chicago back in the 1960s, mopery with intent was the term applied to the general case of rounding people up to clear the streets for one reason or other, but there was no such law on the books in Chicage. That is, it was a joke. We also used the term Mickey the Mope as a general name for routine, low-grade criminal defendants. I am betting that mopery is not on the books anywhere, despite testimony to the contrary above. It is possible that some policeman didn't know it was a joke either.
Mopery does not appear in the OED. It is given as a synonym for vagrancy in Websters 3, as meaning "mopish behavior", or a slang expression for "violation of a minor law or imaginary rule" in the Random House Unabridged. Nor does it appear in my original 19th century edition of American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster, LL.D. Noah defines a mope as "a stupid or low-spirited person, a drone", which goes along with my Mickey the Mope above. Ortolan88 00:57, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
PS - Going to fix the article soon. Ortolan88 17:46, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The Battle of Gaugamela (331 BC) involved 300,000 men if you believe Alexander propaganda. Also, the naval battle of Battle of Cape Ecnomus (256 BC) had at least 200,000 in crews. muriel@pt 12:46, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Herodotus says the Persian army at Thermopylae was 3.4 million, and even more levelheaded modern historians say 250,000 to 300,000. It's not really that grand a battle, as the fighting took place in a narrow pass, and so most of those thousands of Persians didn't really get to fight. - John Fader
so the greatest battle of Antiquity consisted mainly of soldiers queueing and streching their necks to see what was happening in front :) dab 13:09, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The Battle of Bouvines was bigger than Hattin (well, according to our articles on them). And most of the First Crusade was bigger than Hattin, Battle of Dorylaeum for example. And although the numbers for Roman battles are probably just as exaggerated as for the Greek ones, they certainly a larger army altogether than anyone in the middle ages, didn't they? The Battle of Cannae was fairly large, it seems. Adam Bishop 20:02, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Unless my maths has gone awry, you would have to be accelerating pretty quickly to get a temperature of 4K from the Unruh effect - around 1021 m/s2. -- ALoan(Talk) 16:38, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Details referring to MBE(Member of the Britsh Empire)
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND THE LIST OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN HONORED THE "MBE". I TRIED IN VAIN TO FIND A LIST THAT WOULD CONTAIN THIS LIST(IF IT EXIXTS)OF EVERYONE WHO HAS RECEIVED THIS HONOR IN THE LAST CENTURY 1900-2000.
PLEASE EMAIL THE LINK TO THE 'LIST' (IF IT EXISTS, once again) at: <<<akhilrpatel@yahoo.com>>>
Thankyou.
There is very unlikely to be one online; I can't find a list of numbers, but the order has been extant since 1917, with no limits on the number able to hold the MBE (it's the lowest of five classes of the Order of the British Empire); however, "no more than" about 1500 may be created each year. As you can guess, that's a hell of a lot of names.
HM Government will have names, but I doubt there's a single compiled list that's been published (and therefore wound up in a library you could check). Shimgray 14:42, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
The honours lists are available at the London Gazette website, but you'd have to go through every list individually to make a list of all MBEs, as there's no "master list" available online. Proteus(Talk) 15:33, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
UK Buildings with `CD`
--80.3.160.5 19:30, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)What do the initials `CD` mean when carved on a building, normally followed by a date, in England. (UK)
Bob
Hrm. Knowing the dates generally associated would make it easier, or the buildings; do you have an example? CR would probably have been Carolus Rex, signifying King Charles, but I'm not sure about CD. Shimgray 21:01, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I've had Cromwell Defender suggested, but not sure about that. If you know where the inscription is, it may also help to work out what it means. Shimgray 21:10, 28 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Hmm - it would help to know the sort of building, where it is, and the date. Rather more prosaically, could the "C" stand for "construction/constructed" (or something similar in Latin) and/or the "D" for "date" or "datum" or "during"? Or could it be the initials of the architect, builder or owner? -- ALoan(Talk) 12:48, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
It might be something in Latin, but usually the word "Fecit" is used to identify the creator or the person who comissioned an artwork or structure. The Trevi Fountain in Rome says "Fecit" the name of the pope that had it built, and a date. I checked the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary and the only "CD" abbreviation that might appear on a building was "Civil Defence". PedanticallySpeaking 17:57, Nov 29, 2004 (UTC)
I would suggest a more prosaic origin -- "Cd" as a very abbreviated form of "Constructed". While I have never seen that particular abbreviation, I think it may be likelier than the alternatives. Jwrosenzweig 22:41, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I agree some more context, such as the region of England or time frame would be helpful (or even a photo). It might be a mason's mark which were frequently a combination of initials (but usually in a discrete position on the building) [12]. CD would then be a mason working in your area. Alternatively it could be a fire mark to indicate that the building had fire insurance in the 18th/19th century. But these were usually metal plaques and more elaborate. For examples [13]. I also recall seeing chiseled marks which may be related to datum points for the Ordnance Survey, these tend to be near ground level, but I can't find any references for them. (In any case, there's two obvious missing articles for someone). -- Solipsist 19:08, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Royal Horse Artillery
History during first World War
One of these days, I will get round to writing summaries for the various regiments; a bit more interesting than the divisional entries. But anyway... [14] or [15] may be what you're looking for, and [16] details deployments as of 04/08/14. It may help if you detail better what you're looking for; a book could be written (and probably has) on the topic, and it's easier to answer a specific question. Shimgray 14:38, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
band - Uberschall
I would like to see something written about the group/band Uberschall that works with the Blue Man Group in the Music/heavy metal section plese. Information on the band members, bios, etc. thank you. wanda bradford <email address removed>
Yasus Mountain
My daughter has a science project which involves researching Yasus. We have discovered it is a mountain in Ethiopia but cannot find further information or an image as is required. Could you please suggest websites or even books, world book and geography books appear to have nothing. Please send results to LMSJJS3222 [a t] aol.com
Mount Yasus is 3,500 metres high, according to [17], but no further information seems to be on the web. Neither our List of mountains nor Geography of Ethiopia make any mention of it at all, even though the latter is very detailed (based as it is on the 1911 Britannica). Given the mountain's height, it is most likely on the central high plateau, near lake Tsana, but where exactly is anybody's guess. The mountain's height doesn't make it particularly exceptional among its peers. As for getting pictures... I wouldn't know where to begin if your local library has nothing. Mailing Ethiopians (say, the embassy of Ethiopia) is a long shot, but might sadly also be your best shot.
Then there was an emperor Yasus the Great (1662?–1706), according to [18], but the only additional note is that Yasus was the last strong ruler before a prolonged period of confusion and decline, during which Ethiopia broke up into separate regions. Our History of Ethiopia doesn't mention him, but according to our List of Emperors of Ethiopia there ruled a Iyasu Yohannes from 1682 to 1706, and that'll be our old pal Yasus right there. Since it's a science project, I doubt it's about the emperor (or Yasus Afari, a Jamaicandub poet), but just in case; in general, Yasus seems to be a variant form of Jesus in some languages.
Hope any of this helps. JRM 19:55, 2004 Dec 7 (UTC)
iec 331
We have been instructed to refer to specification iec 331 for flameproof cables. However we are unable to find any reference or information on iec 331. Does anybody know if such a standard exists or if it has been superseded by a later standard?
Google gives lots of IEC 331 compatible cables; this paper [19] might be interesting, as it notes:
The long standing IEC 331:1970 was replaced in 1999 by IEC60331 Parts 11,21,23 and 25. This revision introduced specific procedures for data and optical cables, together with a well-defined and controlled burner system similar to that used in EN50200.
Otherwise, googling on "iec 331" seems to indicate that the standard wants it to withstand 750°C for three hours, but you'd have to find a copy of the actual standard - try a technical library, or your national standards bureau? - for confirmation and for the details. Shimgray 16:40, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
This has been bugging me for a while...Does anyone know whether the term hanyō is a term that actually exists in Japanese mythology, or is it only used in manga and anime? Also, if it is in mythology, does anyone have any good sources of information about it? Josh 16:30, Nov 29, 2004 (UTC)
I want to say that hanyō is indeed a Japanese mythological term, but I'm not sure if, for instance, the negative connotations to it apply beyond Inuyasha. Those might be a part of it, as a matter of record, or perhaps could simply be adopted as a part of the storyline. On the other hand the connotations could simply be an extension or displacement of the gaijin concept as it relates to half-blooded individuals. [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 11:39, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Dressing code
Where can I found information about deressing code (casual, formal, casul formal and so on)? AnyFile 18:19, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
That's a confusing question. Are you asking about how these terms are/were used in some particular time and place, or what? -- Jmabel | Talk 20:19, Nov 29, 2004 (UTC)
I think the questioner means dress code. In previous times, everyone dressed alike and there was no need for a dress code. In the 1940s, my father never went out in public without a tie and hat, for instance. No dress code was needed. By the 1950s, when I was in high school, dress codes started appearing, permitting or not permitting blue jeans, for instance. No "sunback" dresses for girls is one I remember. Nowadays, since people either dress as they please, or do not know what is proper attire anymore (or both), it is necessary for offices, churches, and schools to state what kinds of clothing are acceptable. These codes are further divided into formal, informal, etc.
One of the benefits of the 21st century is that it is almost impossible to be the worst-dressed person nowadays; no matter where you go, someone will be dressed worse.Ortolan88 01:12, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I'm guessing the poster has been invited to a function and told it's "casual" or "semi-formal" or whatever and is wondering what that means. The answer depends so much on context: work? school? someone's home? morning, afternoon or evening? summer or winter? East Coast U.S. or West Coast U.S.? With a bit of such info we could maybe offer some advice (free, and worth every penny). Otherwise you'll need to find someone locally in-the-know and ask for help. Sharkford 15:09, 2004 Nov 30 (UTC)
What I was looking for was a standard explanation of what the various term (fomal, casual, dressy casual, smart casual. and so on). I have to say you that I am not English speaking native. I have found many time speaking of dressing code (in resturant list web site, and in many other site). I found this many more than I am usaul in Italy (not that there is no dressing code in Italy. It is not as formalised as I can see in US. I am not used that somebody in a resturant website told you how you have to dress. You are aspect to know how you have to dress (usually according to the price of the resturant). So what I am looking for maybe something like a traslation of the term casual, formal and so on. We have in Italian very similar words but I want to know what does thei really means to an English-speaker. Rather than a translation I prefear an explanation. I tought that it should be easy to find plenty of web page speaking on this argument but my search on google and similar give me a lots of page saying that in this place this dressing cose was in use but no a description of the variuos dressing code. So I asked here. It it not importont so do not waste your time in helping me in this couriosity. By the way there is not an article about Dressing code on wikipedia AnyFile 12:14, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The trouble is, there is no standard interpretation. What these terms mean can very from place to place, even from organisation to organisation. In past times there were better defined standards - "Black tie" meant a specific combination of clothes, not just a tie colour. The terms you talk about are much less defined. Definitely ask someone local. If you are asking about restaurants in the US, then the dress code is probably not as strict as you think it is. DJ Clayworth 18:14, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
We could probably assemble a table of sorts on the different interpretations. Intrigue 22:58, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Here's a quick go for the US at least
Casual - anything clean and neat. Can vary a bit though. Usually is used to distinguish the fact that jeans, shorts and t-shirts are allowed. Could include tennis shoes (Such as Nike, Inc. makes) or sandals. If this dress level is specified it usually is used to distinguish from more formal, but may still mean that ripped or overly dirty or outlandish clothing is not allowed.
Business casual - a bit more formal. It usually means Khaki (not jeans) pants and a collared shirt for men. The other requirement for men's pants here and greater in formality is that they don't have extra pockets below the normal ones, such as cargo pants do. It is more difficult to define for women, because women have more acceptable options in business casual. For women here are things that would qualify: skirt (not too fancy) and blouse or sweater, any neat pants that are not jeans. Usually tennis shoes are not allowed, and instead brown or black leather shoes are required for men. Any shoe that is not too fancy and is not a tennis s
Formal - usually a suit and tie would qualify for men, though a few events require a tuxedo. Some events for men require just a shirt and tie and decent pants. This is about as fancy as any restaraunt in the US would require, with a few exceptions I'm sure. Formal for women usually requires a dress or skirt and fancy top, both usually with shoes with heels, such as high heels. I suppose formal would allow women to wear dress pants and a blouse, but I've never seen that outside of business formal that I can remember.
Business formal - almost always includes a suit and tie for men and for women either a skirt or pantsuit, or a dress.
As mentioned by others it is very rare that a restaraunt's dress code is truly strict. For almost every restaraunt in the US the equivalent of business casual is fine, with only those specifically mentioning formal that require any more. By the way, don't put too much stock in many of the articles I linked to. That in fact highlighted a lot of articles that need some significant work. Hope I helped some. - Taxman 00:20, Dec 2, 2004 (UTC)
Thank you very much! More than I desired. I thouth it were more seasy to find a page on the web about this
Do you think it will worth to put the above text in a new article Dressing code?
AnyFile 19:44, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well in the US it would be called dress code, or more generally and better I think, standards of dress. You can do that if you like, but the bigger problem is that what I wrote is all my general opinion and it varies so much from place to place. I have travelled in many parts of the US, but I don't know local customs everywhere. - Taxman 20:17, Dec 2, 2004 (UTC)
Nicaraguan girl in England
If a 19 year-old woman from Nicaragua who has just finished school (A levels or whatever the equivalent is called) wants to spend a year in England, what are her options? Would she be able to work there? Would this automatically mean working as an au pair? Where would she have to apply? <KF> 18:22, Nov 29, 2004 (UTC)
Thanks a lot, AnyFile. Any personal experiences? It would be great to hear from someone else, too. <KF> 00:50, Nov 30, 2004 (UTC)
You'll probably be in with a better bet if you make it clear you're not looking for permanent employment or residence, at a guess; UK immigration law is embarrassingly harsh these days (it's a pity, but there you go; it's politically easy to blame everything on Those Foreigners Messing The Place Up, and the tabloids like it). I'd suggest speaking to the Embassy as your first bet; if nothing else they might have some names for you to talk to... but, unfortunately, the Foreign Office is cheap, so the Ambassador is resident in Costa Rica and there isn't a consular office. On looking, you'll definitely need a visa; try playing around with Do I Need A Visa and Visa4UK. From vague memory, I think it may be easier to get a work permit if you are only intending to work for six months or less of the year (this is what most "working tourists" of your age I meet are on, but then they're mostly Commonwealth). No personal experience of this, for reasons of nationality ;-) Shimgray 01:39, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
And if you become the au pair for a government minister's mistress, the minister will arrange the fast-tracking of your visa. Dunc|☺ 15:29, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
And then be forced to resign a few weeks later. Here's to the end of imprisonment without trial and the planned identity cards. Fascist pig. Such a shame he had to go. Dunc|☺ 22:34, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
playing DVDs with scratches
I rent DVDs and often they have scratches that make them unplayable. My question is, are some DVD players better than others with regard to playing sratched disks?
I take it you have tried polishing them with a soft cloth? Yes though, some players are more tollerant than others. Mark Richards 22:31, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
I agree with Mark, both on his suggestion and the note that some players are better than others. I would suggest, though, that there will still be great variation between individual players -- that is, even if the scratched DVD plays fine on your friend's Sony 5000 DVD player, it might not play on your brother's Sony 5000. In my experience, each player has its own individual issues: the only reason I mention it is to encourage you not to necessarily trust any general brand or model as being "safe" until you've checked out the exact player you will be buying. Good luck. Jwrosenzweig 22:45, 29 Nov 2004 (UTC)
Follow-up Q: Would the 'progressive scan' feature help at all with reading scratched disks? ike9898 14:18, Nov 30, 2004 (UTC)
No. "Progressive scan" refers to how the video signal is sent to the television, it has nothing to do with how the player reads the disk. ("Scan" is the action of the electron beam moving over the phosphors in the TV.) Sharkford 15:17, 2004 Nov 30 (UTC)
Why not get a CD/DVD cleaner/polisher machine? I've seen positive results from one of the motor driven ones. It polishes the surface and takes out some of the minor scratches. Presumably if repeated it could get out more. I'm sure some of them out there are crap, and have no idea which specific brands are the best. - Taxman 23:43, Dec 1, 2004 (UTC)
Household tip: use some dishwashing detergent to polish the CD/DVD. The detergent will polish off minor scratches and soften the edges of major ones, I've been able to get some badly scratched CDs playable for almost no cost. Additional tip: this might not be applicable for DVDs, but with audio CDs, I've noticed that even CDs that are scratched so badly that any audio CD player will barf can often be ripped to MP3 (or whatever format you prefer) without too much trouble. I frankly don't know what differences there are in the reading procedure between audio playback and reading them as data CDs, so I have no idea what causes this, but it works pretty reliably. -- Ferkelparadeπ 23:55, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I've had good results with this with scratched DVDs too. I think that most ripping programs will retry several times on an error, while a player will skip. If it's possible to read it, the ripper will get it after a few tries, while the player will stop trying. Intrigue 18:15, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Remember to wipe out from the center, not in a circular direction. This way, if you should cause a new scratch or smear, it will go perpendicular to the track lines (and cause less damage). Circular damage can wipe out a contiguous section of the DVD or CD. -- Phyzome is Tim McCormack 00:35, 2004 Dec 5 (UTC)
Install
I have RedHat 9.1 on an x86 machine, a fresh install, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to install anything, I want to install GRASS GIS. Any help? Linuxnoob 00:03, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
If you're not compiling from source code, then you'll probably want to install using the RPM Package Manager. I've no experience with GRASS GIS, but this page might provide some more info on obtaining the source and/or relevant RPMs. For RPMs in general see http://www.rpm.org. Best wishes, David Iberri | Talk 00:43, Nov 30, 2004 (UTC)
I hate to be a distribution bigot, and there's nothing wrong (other, perhaps, than its age) with RH9.1, but I've found it's particularly easy to manage software updates and additions in Ubuntu Linux (more than my mixed experiences with Redhat, Fedora, and Mandrake). I just checked its synaptic package manager program (which really is ideal for the linux newbie, and frankly is just plain less hassle for a non-noob like me) and it offers an install of Grass GIS and the associated documentation (with just a couple of button pushes). So if you get stuck, and redhat makes you pull out as much hair as it made me, Ubuntu is worth a look at. I'm told SuSE Linux is similarly easy to manage too, but I've no experience of it. - Lakeman (who can't sign in today, it seems)
I suggest you try apt-get by downloading it here: [20] then install it by using the command rpm -Uvh (file.rpm). apt-get is very easy to use.
* apt-get install <package-name> (install a named package)
* apt-get update (recommended to do this first, this updates all the information for packages)
* apt-get upgrade (upgrades all packages and software on your system)
* apt-cache search <name of program or partial name of program> (searchs for a specific package)
Can anybody help me figure out whether Mort Meyerson, former CEO of Perot Systems, is the namesake of the Dallas-area Morton H Meyerson Symphony Center? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 07:43, 30 Nov 2004 (UTC)
For those disinclined to read past the diplospeak, here's an interesting excerpt:
"...In 1964 Kenya signed a cooperation agreement with Italy on the peaceful exploration of outer space. This led to the establishment of a satellite rocket launching and tracking site known as San Marco, on the Kenyan Coast. The first satellite was successfully launched into orbit in 1967. In 1970 'Uhuru' was successfully launched from San Marco aboard an American built scout rocket. Over the next two decades eight satellites went up successfully. ... The 'Uhuru' Satellite experimentally verified the existence of Black holes which at that time was a significant discovery. "
Mick Mallon's Introductory Inuktitut (I don't have the ISBN at my office ISBN 1-896204-22-8) is the ONLY English language Inuktitut text that exists as far as I know. I have a copy from my salad days in Montreal. It is very eccentric, using a different writing scheme than either official Roman or syllabics, and has highly idiosyncratic terminology for different aspects of the language.
No. Trust me, I've tried. Even procuring a good text dictionary for Inuktitut is not easy. Inuktitut: A multi-dialectal outline dictionary by (the unfortunately late) Alex Spalding (ISBN 1896204295) is reputedly the best in print. I am currently trying to obtain a copy, but it's a pain. ᑏᑎᕉ
I see; thank you! Do you know an easy way to write syllabics in Unicode? --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 17:53, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The keyboard layouts at AiPaiNunavik ought to work, but I haven't tested them. ᑏᑎᕉ 20:01, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
What have you been using to enter syllabic characters? --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 22:13, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
...Dah. Hahaha, I accidentally found a lexicon! X) [21] --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 21:20, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Hypotonic/Hypertonic
What does salt do to a cell? (please include hypotonic/hypertonic)
Gee, this wouldn't be for homework or anything, would it? <g>.
You should read osmosis first. You can think of a cell as a semi-permeable membrane separating the "inside" of the cell from the "outside" world. In the "inside", there is a high concentration of sodium and a low concentration of potassium, which is the exact opposite of what's generally on the "outside". It is the concentration of sodium that you are concerned with when you calk about "salt".
"Tonicity" is basically defined in biology using the cell's "inside" as the standard. If the electrolyte concentration is the same as the cell's "inside", it's considered "isotonic". If it's higher, it's "hypertonic". If it's lower, it's "hypotonic".
If you put a cell in an electrolyte solution, an equilibrium is established: things go through the cell's membrane in a direction that tries to equalize the concentration of the "inside" and the "outside".
But because the membrane is semipermeable, what flows is mostly water.
If you put a cell in a hypertonic solution, the concentration is bigger on the outside, so water will move from the "inside" to the outside. The cell will shrink if the difference is big enough.
If you put a cell in a hypotonic solution, the concentration is bigger on the inside, so water will move from the "outside" to the inside. The cell will expand: if the concentration difference is big enough, th cell may burst. This is called osmotic lysis. - Nunh-huh 09:08, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
A pretty cool demonstration of osmosis can be done with an egg- you deshell the egg by dissoving it in vinegar overnight - then you place it in hyper and hypotonic solutions overnight again. It's better to use sugar than salt ( I don't know why) you can use syrup for hyper and plain old water for hypo. The egg in syrup will shrivel up. The egg in water will expand to about one and a half times it's volume. The membrane it too tough to burst but if you prick it with a pin you can get a pretty good squirt comeing out of the egg. Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 20:22, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The phenomenon is not as cool when it involves brain cells. One of the major dangers of hypernatremic and hyponatremic states is that one can change the osmolality of blood and extracellular fluids fairly quickly, but the cells themselves cannot as quickly protect themselves from water flowing in (increasing the cell volume) or out (shrinking the cell volume). Consequences can be neurologic catastrophe, in some cases damage to myelin in large regions of the brain and in others brain swelling within the skull so severe that it prevents blood flow and the bottom of the brain itself swells ("herniates") downward out of the only exit, the foramen magnum around the spinal cord. Doctors try to fix such hypotonic and hypertonic states slowly and with trepidation. alteripse 02:44, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
SO DOES THE CELL, IN THE PRESENCE OF SALT, LOSE WATER OR GAIN WATER?
I think if you read what the posters wrote you will find that they actually provided a full answer to your question. If there is a particular aspect of the given answers that you don't understand perhaps you should ask a more detailed question. Also, please do not type in all caps combined with bold, in all likelyhood it will not make anyone answer your question any quicker and some people consider it the online equivalent of shouting. --Cvaneg 06:23, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
In brief: cells are always in the presence of salt, so this becomes a meaningful question only if you tell us how much salt. If the concentration of salt outside the cell is higher than the concentration of salt inside the cell, the cell will lose water, and shrink. If the concentration of salt outside the cell is lower than the concentration of salt inside the cell, the cell will gain water, and expand, possibly to the point of bursting. The water goes towards the higher concentration. Put another way, if the cell is in a hypertonic solution, the cell will lose water, and shrink. If the cell is in a hypotonic solution, the cell will gain water, and expand. - 141.150.143.135 05:34, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
saying 'check' in spanish playing poker
anyone one know what one would say for the spanish equivalent of 'check' in a poker game? Thepedestrian 04:45, Dec 1, 2004 (UTC)
If this is "check" in the sense of "letter to a bank saying please pay this person some money", then, yes, "cheque" is likely correct IIRC. Shimgray 20:43, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Actually, check in this sense means to decline to bet into the pot. I don't know the etymology of the term, so I can't say how it relates to the concept of a bank check. I certainly cannot guarantee the validity of my translation, as it may be based upon an already incorrect translation. --Cvaneg 21:37, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ah. In that case, I have no idea - but it's quite possible the translation program made the same assumption I did (syntactic relationships are tricky for computers)... certainly despite being an English-speaker I'd have used a completely different word for it (ISTR we always used "pass"). Shimgray 00:21, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I should clarify and say that having read the english translation, the usage is correct in regards to poker. What I cannot guarantee, though, is that the source Spanish document which uses the term 'cheque' was correctly generated. For all I know the document was originally in English and then poorly translated to Spanish. So that is where the problem would be. --Cvaneg 01:20, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Native Spanish speaker here (Mexico, not Spain); in the sense of "I decline to bet for now", we say "paso" o "me espero", meaning "I pass" and "I wait" respectively. No references, beyond many a sleepless night playing it. I don't know how widespread that idiom is. Hope that helps. 216.13.136.178
The poker article implies that the developement of modern poker happened in the English language. It's therefore possible that Spanish borrowed the term "check" and translated it literally into "cheque". I don't really know, though. Isomorphic 20:06, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I would not trust the resorce cited above. The Spanish version may be an automated traslation from English. I do not know Spanish so I can not judge, but Italian version (I am Italian) is terrible. In Italian there is an expression used by poker player that is pronunce chiip (like the english word cheap). I do not know as it is written. I can confirm that in Italian (an so maybe in Spain) a lot of word in poker (and similar situation) came from English. Unfunately sometimes the word used is not the one that an English will use (for example the pit lane in car race is called in Italian box). I do not remember what chip means to an Italian poker player. The two possible is I am finishing this deal (I will not pay anymore and I am out) or that I accepet to pay what I have to pay. By the way I do not know what check means in English in this sense. AnyFile 13:45, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Can anyone id this particular hummingbird? (It's genus, species, etc.) -- AllyUnion(talk) 08:26, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Looks like a male Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) native to the West Coast. It is noted as the only North American hummingbird that can sing. Rmhermen 15:06, Dec 1, 2004 (UTC)
Dibasic acid dissociation
Am I correct in assuming that Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) dissociates, according to Bronsted-Lowry theory, into 2H+ and SO42-? Or am I wrong and it goes, instead, into H+ and HSO4-? --[[User:OldakQuill|OldakQuill]] 18:28, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
It does both The first hydrogen dissasociates completely. The second one only partly so. Therefore a solution of sulphuric acid will contain both HSO4- and SO42- ( but no H2SO4). I suppose it could be thought of as a strong acid and a weak acid mixed? Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 20:13, 1 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I agree with Theresa. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 21:23, Dec 1, 2004 (UTC)
I suppose you could treat it as a strong and a weak acid mixed. This really only comes into play when you're looking for a very accurate measure of the pH. Standard procedure is to assume the first hydrogen dissociates completely, look up the acidity constant for HSO4- and calculate the concentration of H+, add them together and voila. EagleFalconn 19:56, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Name of zoologist
Can anyone help me find the first name of "Butler," a zoologist who studied butterflies in the mid-1800s? [[User:Neutrality|Neutrality/talk]] 03:08, Dec 2, 2004 (UTC)
Arthur Gordon Butler (the middle name is a freebie) found in 2 seconds by googling Butler lepidopterist You're welcome. alteripse 03:36, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Wow, nothing like a little gratuitous smugness eh? - Taxman 04:29, Dec 2, 2004 (UTC) Yeah, no extra charge for the zing. alteripse 12:56, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
DVD
Yeah, I was wondering what Motion picture was the first movie to be released on DVD in the United states. I hear it was the Wizard of Oz, but I don't think so. Does anyone know? Or at least tell me what some of the first DVD movies were?
According to the IMDB trivia section for Twister it was the first movie to be released to DVD and it gives the release date as the 25th of March 1997. Of course, the Wizard of Oz has the same release date so I'm not sure how Twister got that particular designation. From a business standpoint it makes sense to release multiple DVDs simultaneously to encourage the purchase of DVD players, so I wouldn't be surprised if there were other titles with the same release date, but that is pure speculation. --Cvaneg 07:09, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The Plague: Need help!
I moved this question from Talk:Main Page.JRM 09:39, 2004 Dec 2 (UTC)
I'm interested in finding references to why the Bubonic plague does not seem to have made it to the Americas in the second half of the seventeenth-century. Does anyone in cyber-land have knowledge of this topic and, perhaps, a few good references to share?
I recently returned from Amsterdam where I searched the archives for leads on the Monte Cristi "Pipe Wreck," a submerged archaeological site on which I've been working for close to two decades and which is located on the north coast of Hispaniola.
It seems that my main clay tobacco pipe maker, Mr. Edward Bird, died in 1665 and was buried in the yard of the Westerkerk (for those of you who have traveled to Amsterdam, its the church right next to Anne Frank's house). This is puzzling because he died a very wealthy man, and most folks that had amassed his degree of wealth were accorded church burials (inside the church). It appears (no concrete evidence) that he may have succumbed to the Plague, which devastated Amsterdam in 1664. As most of you know, it hit England in 1665. If he, indeed, died of the Plague, they would have buried him outside of the church, rather than in it, regardless of the size of his bank account.
And, because we excavated three rat femurs -- as I recall they were about 4 mm. in length -- from between the bottom planking of the Monte Cristi "Pipe Wreck," I've been curious about why there wasn't transmission of the Plague from the Old World to the New, since the primary vectors were the fleas on rats. They supposedly carried it from the Middle East to Europe, so why not from Europe to the Americas?
Yes, just the wanderings of a tired but curious mind. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jerome Lynn Hall
Totally guessing, I would suspect that the Carribean climate was both warmer and dryer than Europe, and that the fleas, the rats, or both couldn't take it. Also, the ecological niches favoured by rats and fleas were pretty full in America. Predators and competition may have prevented plague rats and fleas from taking root. European rats - especially the kind likely to take a ship - were adapted to urban and farm life more than wild lands. But, heavy development was still pretty scarce in America. Note how in Europe and Asia the plague was much worse in cities like London than in the surrounding countryside. Lower densities - the largest settlement in the British colonies had only some 10,000 people in 1664 - may have made the difference. Diderot 10:15, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
From the Black Death article (which is primarily about the 14th century plague): "One possible explanation for the disappearance of plague from Europe [after the Great Plague of 1665] may be that the black rat (Rattus rattus) infection reservoir and its disease vector was subsequently displaced and succeeded by the bigger Norwegian or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), which is not so prone to transmit the germ-bearing fleas to humans in large rat die-offs." Note Norway rats are often called "wharf rats" -- they're more likely to have been aboard any seagoing ship than the Black rat (which is sometimes called "ship rat", but is smaller and a poorer swimmer than Norvegicus. See the links above for more references - there has been some recent contoversy about the causative biological agent. [[User:CatherineMunro|Catherine\talk]] 16:53, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You piqued my curiosity -- a little research says that there was a five-year outbreak (sometimes called "the Barbary Plague") in San Francisco around 1900 and another in Los Angeles around 1924, both rooted in a 19th century outbreak in China, which spread to India and appeared in major seaports around the world. (Better science and hygiene stopped its spread; scientists identified the Yersinia bacillus as the cause in 1894.) However, there apparently was never a large-scale epidemic in North America.
See also this PBS link for some history of quarantine in the US. [[User:CatherineMunro|Catherine\talk]] 17:38, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The San Francisco experience -- as documented in the recent book The Barbary Plague (ISBN 0375504966) -- makes for fascinating reading. I'm on the road now; when I get home, I'll dig out the book from my library and see if I can come up with a good article on the Barbary Plague. (Holy cow, I never realized that Wiki automatically interpreted ISBN references!) --jpgordon{gab} 03:02, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
4mm rat femurs? The rat femur is usually about as long as the skull [22], so these are fetal rats? Or baby mice (I wouldn't be able to tell the difference)? Or 4 cm?
I actually did some book research on the plague question last night. Even in Europe the 1665 version of the plague acted differently than the earlier ones and did not spread to countryside villages much but remained in the cities. Author suggested the difference was neither host nor virulence, but that a smaller percentage of people in the countryside lived with their farm animals. I have another book somewhere on the importing of infectious diseases from Europe to America and if I can find it I'll post what it says. alteripse 13:09, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Would that book be Who Gave the Pinta to the Santa Maria? --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 05:52, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Whoever gave Pinta to Sanata Maria may have been the person who got syphilis to the Old World. There's some reason to think it was brought back to Europe by Columbus or one (or more) of his crew as there was a new, fulminating disease which appeared shortly thereafter. Since pinta and yaws are both caused by related organisms, perhaps what was brought back was new to the Old World and took some time to acclimate. TB went the other way and native Americans have not yet acclimated to it immunologically. It is an acute often fulminating infection for them. On the plague question, it is now endemic among small native rodents in much of the Western US and there are claims that its appearance can be traced to a particular year (and ship? my memory fails) arriving in SF from China. The original disease was one of rodents in NE Asia and still is. It appears to have been brought to Europe by Genghiz Kahn's troops who were the first to travel at high enough speed going west to carry it along. Camel caravans were just to slow, plague burned out by the time they got wherever they were going.
On the question of less intensity in rural areas in the 1660s, if so we are fortunate for it was during a plague caused vacation that Isaac Newton, rusticated from Cambridge, invented the calculus and discovered his laws of motion. Or perhaps it should be discovered and invented, depending on your Platonicism about math ideals. See Wm McNeil Plagues and Peoples for a (not so clearly written) account of all this. It should bend your mind around. Gibbon and his theories about the fall of the Roman Empire may have been completely out to lunch. Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel has some coverage of the issue as well and is both more recent and better written. ww 01:40, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ocean Waves
I know on a basic level that wind and so are responsible for waves on open water - but how? How does the motion of the air cause such effects?
Also, what produces more drag: Air blowing across (a thin layer) of water, or air blowing across a solid surface?--Fangz 14:48, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
OK, I'm done with partitioning, and am getting another drive for my x86. Win2k on one, Linux on the other. How do I set this up? Is there a manual or faq on this somewhere? Thanks! Intrigue 18:19, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
A basic rule of thumb to follow: Install Windows first, then Linux. Linux will quite happily coexist with other operating systems, and many distributions will even help you configure multi-booting with other OSes. Windows, however, prefers to be the only OS, and will overwrite the boot record to prevent booting any other OS you may already have installed (necessitating a re-configuration with a Linux live CD or some such). If you install Windows first, you should have no problems from then on. Good luck! -- Wapcaplet 21:58, 2 Dec 2004 (UTC)
IhavestoppedplayingNationStatesagesago, but as far as I remember, the delegate nation is chosen automatically by the software based on number of endorsements without any user/admin involvement. If two nations receive the same number of endorsements, the software will presumably either go through the list chronologically (giving delegate status to the nation that received endorsements first) or alphabetically. The Nationstates support forum might be a better place for this question, though -- Ferkelparadeπ 13:59, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The nation that has been in the region the longest will become Delegate in the case of a tie if there is no incumbent Delegate; if there is an incumbent Delegate, they will remain Delegate. If you have any further NationStates questions, the best place to ask is in the NationStates Technical forum - however, I can answer you as best I can if you ask on my talk page here or my talk page on the NationStates wiki. --Goobergunch|? [nation] 00:46, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Gee, I wonder if we have truly milked the full lameness from this joke now. No: we should file a bug report on how spaces can't be properly linked. (Go on, try your hand. You know you want to.) JRM 22:55, 2004 Dec 3 (UTC)
Aww, where's your creativity? (oddly, these only show up in the preview) --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 23:30, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Hah! Not good enough, my friend: there are unlinked spaces around your linked spaces even in preview: clearly unacceptable. (This is just awful—how much time and space have we wasted on this already? :-) JRM 23:41, 2004 Dec 3 (UTC)
Hehehe. On the other hand, things like [[Special:Randompage|<math>\ </math>]] let one insert random invisible links which take up a ridiculous amount of space, probably very effective as some sort of DoS attack (bug 994!) --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 23:54, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Argh! This should be a "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you" type of bug report. Thanks a lot. Now I'm going to be all paranoid on RC patrol... :-x JRM 00:13, 2004 Dec 4 (UTC)
We're still identifying the material the editor in question was smoking. While we're working on that, we might as well remove this non sequitur. (And now that I actually take a look at what I'm advertising, I see there's a lot of stuff there that is, shall we say, contentious. This is further corroboration to the hypothesis that I'm an idiot.) JRM 21:29, 2004 Dec 3 (UTC)
green acres TV show
I want to know what state was supposed to be the setting for the TV show Green Acres. Anyone know?ike9898 02:08, Dec 3, 2004 (UTC)
But it was Hooter(s)ville, USA, not Anytown! <g>. - 141.150.143.135 05:23, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
No state was ever specified for the location of Hooterville (no "s" except when Lisa Douglas says it). It's neighbor Pixley does exist in the central valley of California near Fresno and shots of its water tower were used in establishing shots. Shots of the county courthouse indicated a warm climate as there are palm trees visible. Other clues to its location were that it is the "Kangaroo State", Mr. Haney explained, "because we keep things hopping." The state flower is ragweed and the state allergy is hayfever. When Oliver gives Lisa the route he's going to take in the pilot, "Oliver Buys a Farm", he starts by going to Chicago, but he has to change planes twice after that. 66.213.119.98 20:30, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC) (This is me, by the way, I got logged out somehow. PedanticallySpeaking 17:34, Dec 9, 2004 (UTC))
In search of the Firefox
OK, here's a challenge: find an authoritative reference [other than Wikipedia ;)] for the the fact that "firefox" is another name for the Red Panda; and for bonus points, for the origin of that name (is it a translation of Chinese "Hon ho"? or is that a myth?) Obviously, you will find plenty of online references saying so now, due to the existence of Mozilla Firefox, and I've even turned up a handful that definitely predate the browser, but there's surprisingly little from "reputable reference works". So, anyone got a nice fat book of mammals on their shelf? - IMSoP 02:28, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Neither WWWJDIC nor Zhongwen contain "firefox". In Japanese, the red panda is called ressaapanda (レッサーパンダ). In Chinese, a panda is xiǎo xióng māo (小熊貓; literally "little panda"; or very literally, "little bear cat"). Note that both of these translations mean, literally, "lesser panda".
I suppose if one were especially silly and unfamiliar with Chinese etymology, one might note that the symbol 熊 (bear) is composed of the symbols 能 (bear) and 炎 (inflammation), the latter being composed in turn of two 火 symbols (fire). However, 炎 is phonetic and only indicates how 熊 is to be pronounced.
It's possible that somebody might refer to the red panda as xióng hú (熊狐), which might in some dialect be pronounced hùng hú. Since the red panda is not very active, this would most likely mean "bear fox", not "(raging) fire fox".
One should note that the page cited by Firefox's FAQ makes no mention of foxes. [23] --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 04:26, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Google seems to disagree with you, tough yu may cavail about the extent to which any of these might be considered authoritative; equally, you might expect Wellington Zoo to know what they're talking about. --Tagishsimon(talk)
The problem with a google search as simple as that one is it will simply pick up the huge number of blogs etc that have covered the renaming, and recent 1.0 release, of Mozilla's browser, which are merely repeating the information from the naming FAQ. See my comments on the article talk page for some more thoroughly researched and considered sources - still not authoritative, but at least showing that the Mozilla folks weren't the first to assert this link. - IMSoP 15:47, 4 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Benson & Hedges
Would you have the telephone number for the Union in London, regarding labels that are posted on the cigarette packs? Thank you, Anna Marie
B&H is owned by Rothmans and Philip Morris, jointly. Info here (I'll leave it to you to figure out who you want to phone out of that lot). Now, the warning labels on packs for sale in the UK are mandated by the UK's Department of Health. I don't know what union (I'm assuming you mean trade union) you mean. - John Fader
What is the etymology of this place name? I'm asking because the etymology of the English word "orange" has appeared on Orange (disambiguation). I'd like to move that to Orange (word), but then I don't know what to do with the other etymology. JRM 20:34, 2004 Dec 3 (UTC)
Orange, France indicates that the Roman name for the town was "Arausio". I can see that transforming over the centuries to Orange. The name of the town appears to be partially responsible for the metanalysis of "naranj" into "orange". --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 05:51, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You are a Google user, and I claim my five pounds. :-) Unless you really got metanalysis from a linguistics study that involved Otto Jespersen, of course. See also orange (word)—except for a slight hole in the history of Orange (still to be researched) I think I've gotten the etymology down now. The full, boring story of this hunt is at User:JRM/Orange, for those who want to know. Thanks for your efforts! JRM 19:15, 2004 Dec 6 (UTC)
Great little research article, not at all boring! --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 20:59, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
On this question there are some comments in a wonderful little book by John McPhee, Oranges. That tree and its fruit have connections you never imagined. The Orangemen of Northern Ireland are connected, and so is ... Royalty and the well off in Renaissance Europe indulged themselves, and kept gardeners employed trying to keep orange trees growing in cold N Europe. It's a fascinating story, and McPhee's book is a masterpiece. And that reminds me, WP needs an article on the man who invented the trick for frozen orange juice and then didn't bother to patent it, saving the Florida citrus industry and leaving Minutemaid and the rest to get rich. An early open source fellow, I suppose. ww 01:49, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ah! If you have this book somewhere, please get over to orange (word) and see the top of its talk page. Please quote to me exactly what McPhee has to say on Orange and the etymology of the word "orange", so both articles can be updated properly; I had to make do with second-hand paraphrase. To my great regret I have scant little opportunity to visit my local library, otherwise I would have tried to find the book sooner. You are of course free to edit yourself if you want to. JRM 01:58, 2004 Dec 10 (UTC)
Water versus oil cooling
Why are internal combustion engines normally water cooled rather than oil cooled? The question arises with a friend who is contemplating the white gook in his oil typical of a cylinder head crack enabling a pressurised water leak. Were the cooling system oil, err, well, he'd probably still have the same problem, but without the deplorable aesthetics. --Tagishsimon(talk)
This is because the specific heat capacity of water is roughly double the specific heat capacity of oil (4,186 J/kilogram·K versus 2,353 J/kg·K). In other words, oil heats more quickly than water; if equal amounts of heat (e.g., from an engine) were applied to equal masses of oil and water at 25°C, then by the time the water reached 50°, the oil would have reached 70°.
An oil-cooled engine would probably need about 50% more oil than the amount of water in a water-cooled engine, by volume. --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 22:25, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ta. I kinda though the SHC of each would be much the same, which shows that I should not be asked to estimate physical constants... --Tagishsimon(talk)
I wonder why the specific heat capacity of water is particulaly high. What determines specific heat capacity anyway? I suppose it must have something to do with internal degrees of freedom? Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 15:23, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Our heat capacity article does indicate that heat capacity is related to degrees of freedom, though it's poorly explained. Water has nine degrees of freedom — three translational modes, three rotational modes (since it is bent, it can twist as well as spin), and three vibrational modes. For one kilogram of water the number of degrees of freedom is quite large, since a mole of water is only 18 grams. In comparison, hydrogen gas has six degrees of freedom, and there are 500 moles of H2 in a kilogram. The specific heat capacity of hydrogen is 14270 J/kg·K.
Interesting articles on the subject include [24] and [25]. --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 19:33, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
i was wondering if any of you know if kalamari is greek food... or if it originated in greece
thanks
Calamari just tells us that the word is the transliteration of the Greek plural for squid. Eating squid probably did not originate solely in Greece. Intrigue 23:59, 3 Dec 2004 (UTC)
It's a common dish in resturants in Crete, Greece, from my personal experience. ✏ Sverdrup 21:57, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Carbola Chemical Company
(This was created as a new article. Moving information request here before deleting article.) SWAdair | Talk 05:05, 4 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I would like to receive any information pertaining to the Carbola Chemical Company, that I understand ceased operation in the 1970's. Need any historical data you might have about the company. Was there a successor, do they still operate the mine, where are the old records stored? Any info you have that would provide historical records of the Carbola Chemical Company at Natural Bridge, New York.
Thank you in advance for any info you can provide.
One possible lead for you. As far as I can tell, Carbola Mine (run by Carbola Chemical Co.) closed in the early 70's. However, this document [26] from the EPA lists Carbola Chemical as a manufacturer of gasoline additives. The document is dated from 1998, and includes contact information for Carbola Chemical. I hope this helps! -Rholton 15:27, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
catch the wave
does your body good
makin'it great
Aren't you hungr now?
And we thank you for your support
Get her smart
you could pay more, but why?
We build excitment
Isn't it cool in pink
The good time, great taste of
wait till we get our on you
just for the taste of it
You got the right one baby
gotta be, gotta be
uh oh
Tap the rockies
This was an anonymous request, by the way. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 20:20, Dec 4, 2004 (UTC)
Unsure what this request is. Source of this jingle? Everything in that list is unfamiliar to me, except "Tap the rockies", for which "Coors Light" beer comes to mind. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 20:11, Dec 4, 2004 (UTC)
Oh yes, "just for the taste of it" is the slogan for Diet Coke. Seems this isn't a jingle but a mized bag of slogans. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 20:17, Dec 4, 2004 (UTC)
"wait till we get our Hanes on you" from Hanes (clothing)
According to [27], "catch the wave" was the ad slogan for "New Coke" in 1985 when "Coca-Cola Classic" was introduced. -Rholton 14:49, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
historical slogan
I had a question about a vaguely remembered phrase that I think may have been a historical slogan of some party or group, but I'm honestly not sure where it came from. The phrase is: "No [something]ery, no slavery, no Jesuitical knavery". Half-remembered phrases bug the crap out of me, can anyone help?
Hmm. Could it be an Orangeman toast? Hunting around, I find things like "No tyranny, no slavery, no Popish knavery" associated with Irish Protestants. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 05:34, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Yes, that must be what it is. I did a few searches and found some toasts that talked about Popery, which I think was the missing word. No popery, no slavery, no Jesuitical knavery. Thanks for your help. -Rabenkrahe 04:22, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't know what homeologous recombination is, but homologous recombination is the exchange of similar pieces of two matching chromosomes.
Pretend these are two copies of the 1st chromosome, one from pater and one from mater, all lined up and ready for cell division, lustily eyeing each other's little centromeres (c).
p p m m
p p m m
c c
p p m m
p p m m
p p m m
p p m m
p p m m
Presto, changeo, all of a sudden they trade matching parts of the long arms, so now they look like this.
p p m m
p p m m
c c
p p m m
p p m m
p m p m
p m p m
p m p m
They just recombined homologous pieces! Most of the time it goes smoothly, but some chromosomes try to cheat and retain pieces, or try to swap non-entirely matching pieces. Then there's hell to pay (or maybe a new gene is born). Anyway, it happens a lot and mishaps are one of the fundamental sources of new genes.
See [28] for a comparison with other types of recombination. alteripse 00:19, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Charles de Gaulle is supposed to have said something like "How can you govern a country that has 246 different kinds of cheese?".
Is this the definitive value for the number of French cheeses, or was this number just pulled out of a hat or do I have the quote wrong or what? Basically, what I am asking is how many kinds of French cheese are there in reality?
That is how the quote runs at Wikiquote[29]. List of French cheeses says that there are between 350-400 varieties. Rmhermen 05:23, Dec 5, 2004 (UTC)
And that quote wasnt about governing France exactly, it was something like "how can you bring a country that has 246 sorts of cheese together", meaning that its such a diverse country and ur not ever gonna get everyone to be united. Aah French cheese-I only like goats cheese and the "manufactured pap" that is Babybel, Dairylea. Plus Cheddar-thats genius. No cheddar is ever found in France
Thank you - possibly it is, I'm not sure though - the article doesn't really describe distinguishing features. Intrigue 23:04, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Day Total Articles
The Wikipedia:Wikipedia Day page clearly hasn't been updated in a while. In the article estimation near the top was 190 000 for the English Wikipedia. I changed it to 410 000 articles for english Wikipedia, but I do not know the combined amount of articles of all the Wikipedias for the next listed stat. So, how many articles do all the Wikipedias have put together? Thanks. Oven Fresh 17:12, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Some 1.1M? ("Articles that contain at least one internal link and 200 characters readable text, disregarding wiki- and html codes, hidden links, etc.; also headers do not count") There are 5 WPs with >50k articles: en: (414k), de: (173k), ja: (87k), fr: (66k), sv: (53k). dab (T) 17:24, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
radio feqencies of stations broadcasting football in new york
For sports in NY, a good rule of thumb is 660AM (Giants, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, 24 hr sports), 770AM (Jets) and 880AM (Yankees).
Voltaire and Islamism
According to Martin Kramer, Islamism was originally a French word islamisme, which was coined by Voltaire in the 18th century. [30] He got this from a dictionary, but I don't have access to this dictionary, and even if I did it's in a language I don't speak. I was wondering if someone could tell me in which document of Voltaire's this first appears in, and could then give me an English translation/website where I could read this. I would like to update the Islamism page with this information, but want to fix my facts. - Ta bu shi da yu 22:42, 5 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Hmm. That article seems to suggest that what Voltaire did was coin the word in the sense that we would today use Islam, not in the sense we would use Islamism. (Remember that until the c19th, Islam was commonly referred to as "Mohammedism" or "Mahometism" in the West, presumably by analogy to Christianity). If you look at the rest of the paragraph, though, they note "quoted just this passage from Voltaire's Essai sur les mœurs" [Essay on Manners] - which can be found here. It's not definite from context if this is the first cite of the word by him, but it seems likely. Don't know if that's any help, or if it's just restating what you already know... (The essay is in French - Google translator, perhaps? There doesn't seem to be an online version in English, but I'd be very surprised if there wasn't a translation in your local largish library.) Shimgray 15:27, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The Oxford English Dictionary says about the etymology of Islamism: "Cf. F[rench] Islamisme (Voltaire in Littré)." On the other hand, they list a quotation from 1747: "Gentl. Mag. 373 Never since the rise of Islamism [note So the Mahometans call their own religion] has our worship once varied." On the other hand, Voltaire's essay is published in 1756 (according to the link given by Shimgray); however, I cannot find the word islamisme in his essay. -- Jitse Niesen 23:05, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
That's not a very useful link I gave, now I look at it... but there's a link at the bottom, "Voltaire-Intégral offre une version numérique partielle...", which when you correct the typo links here - a partial HTML version. Scroll down to "VOLUME I: TOME XI", and hit Chapter VII, which goes here; most of the way through that chapter you get "Cette religion s’appela l’Islamisme, c’est-à-dire résignation à la volonté de Dieu; et ce seul mot devait faire beaucoup de prosélytes.". I suppose it may well be that Voltaire was copied by others who picked the term up, but the the '47 version just vanished into the ether. Shimgray 14:36, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
takover attempts of any other corporations on sunday times?
any attempts of mergers by sunday times?
competitions that sunday times faces?
who owns sunday times?
media products offered by sunday times?
source of finance for sunday times?
does sunday times franchise?
where is sunday times based in london?
The Sunday Times newspaper is owned by News International, which is the main UK subsidiary of News Corporation Limited. There is a page of contact details for The Times and The Sunday Times here, and News Corporation's home page is here. Gandalf61 09:02, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Tap water
What might cause hot tap water to smell strongly of rotten eggs without affecting the cold water? --[[User:Eequor|ᓛᖁᑐ]] 21:28, 6 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I, too, however, would like to know what hotline Theresa is calling. I can't draft a Google query that returns this result, for one thing. JRM 23:58, 2004 Dec 6 (UTC)
Dunno what search Theresa used, but tap water "rotten egg" smell gives some good results, including the gov.mb.ca website at #10. --David Iberri | Talk 00:45, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Curses! I've been outgoogled! I shall return to my lair at once to plot my revenge! That's "Iberri" with two r's.... noted. JRM 00:56, 2004 Dec 7 (UTC)
It helped that I had somer prior knowlege so knew what I was looking for. I used hydrogen sulphide hot water tank the above website was the second link on the first page. Theresa knott 13:59, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC) "Cleva gell" as the guy in the movie says. alteripse 15:24, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
canadian victoria cross recipients
could you please give me their names and their files?
See List of Canadian Victoria Cross recipients and List of Newfoundlander Victoria Cross recipients. 96 Canadians and 1 Newfoundlander (Nfld not then being part of Canada) were awarded the VC between the Crimean War and 1993, when Canadians ceased to be eligible for the British VC (it has been replaced by the Canadian VC, which has not yet been awarded). The count includes 4 Americans, a Dane, and a Ukrainian who were in the Canadian forces at the time. -- Arwel 12:53, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
For how long is boiled meat edible at room temperature?
Yesterday I prepared tamales that use boiled and shredded pork and chicken. It was then steamed for about four hours. I then turned the fire off -- it was about 8 AM CST today, or about 15 hours ago. It sat on the stove, unrefrigerated, this whole time. Is it still safe to eat? If so, for how much longer? Does it make sense to refrigerate it at this point? Cluster
No, it makes sense to throw it out at this point. The usual cut-off is not to leave chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. [31]; "Leftover cooked chicken should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated as soon as possible. Do not leave the chicken at room temperature for more than two hours." [32] - Nunh-huh 05:16, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thanks, Nunh-huh. If my roommate and I have consumed a combined quantity of 8 tamales already, what potential dangers loom?
If the steamer pot remained closed for the entire 15 hours, and the tamales were brought up to a cooking temperature for a decent amount of time before eating, then you've got a decent chance of not having problems. See Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella for symptoms of what you can expect if you do have problems. -- Cyrius|✎ 05:43, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
It probably depends on what you call "room temperature" and on the humidity in your place. In humid, hot climates (30+ Celsius), things go bad very fast. If you have a relatively cool room (15 Celsius) and the air is dry, bacterial growth is much slower. It also depends if your meat is in one piece or shredded (the latter is probably much more prone to bacterial growth).
In addition, this depends in the recipient you use to cook your dish. If it's a nearly closed recipient, then growth will be initially slower than in an open recipient. With a totally closed recipient heated at high temperatures such as a pressure cooker, you will not have bacterial growth at all: the dish is sterilized and bacteria are prevented from re-entering.
The advices for food safety etc. that you find generally assume a "worst case" scenario to be on the safe side. It is worth remembering that before there were refrigerators, people would eat food, and did not get good poisoning that often. David.Monniaux 07:43, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Is it really that hard to make a good voice synthesizer?
With all the advances in computers it is amazing to me that Stephen Hawking has to use a voice synthesizer that makes him sound like some 1950's sci-fi robot. Is it really that challenging to develop a more natural sounding voice synthesizer? ike9898 15:07, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Basically, more advanced synthesizers exist, but this is "his" voice now, and he's reluctant to "upgrade" it. Quote from [33]: At public meetings though, Hawking puts his wit on display. At a meeting with reporters organized by the British Council, Hawking explained his "computer voice." Intel built the software in his voice synthesizer system, which he says, is keen to claim that he is Intel inside. The synthesizer itself is over 15 years old, he said. When he changes it, eventually, "but it will bring about a real identity crisis, especially with my wife, who won't recognize me," Hawking said.JRM 15:30, 2004 Dec 7 (UTC)
Is Mr. Hawking's voice synthesizer a mass-produced one? I mean you may easily buy the hardware but can you get his digitized voice files? If so, people may produce fake Hawking speeches. For example, some people may synthesize George W. Bush's speeches using Hawking's voice and make a fool out of a real genius. OK. I am evil. -- Toytoy 18:44, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
You mean like MC Hawking, the good professor's "gangsta" alterego (website)(free mp3s) ? Unfortunately most of MC Hawking's songs are no longer available for free download, so you'll have to pay to hear the Lucasian Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge rap of his exploits in GTA3, singing "Driving scary like a crazed Hally Berry, got a job to do and no time to tarry...". A classic. -- John Fader
That's the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics; the first actual physics chair is the Cavendish, a couple of centuries younger. </pedant> ;-) Shimgray 22:39, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Dude - wasn't he on a Pink Floyd album, or was that a random synth? Xtreme! 00:00, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
MC Hawking's WillowTalk voice synthesizer was off-the-shelf software. He did not use the real voice synthesizer (hardware+software+data) owned by Dr. Hawking. He used something to imitate the real thing, the way South Park voice actors imitate celebrities.
By the way, is there any noticeable change of his voice during the past 15 years. I mean the hardware (circuits and speaker), as mechanical parts, may be getting older physically. -- Toytoy 02:40, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
Many of the details can be found here. Most parts of Prof Hawking's communication system have been changed and replaced several times, including the physical Speech+ synthesiser card, although he is careful to transfer the original ROM chips in order to maintain the sound of his voice, which may now be unique. There are more natural sounding speech synthesisers on the market today (try for example Rhetorical.), but it is a difficult problem. In particular, quite a few written phrases have ambiguous pronunciations and it is virtually impossible to choose the right one without understanding the context - see Speech synthesis for examples. And yes, Hawking did a guest vocal on Pink Floyd's The Division Bell. -- Solipsist 09:44, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, I really just mentioned Hawking as an example...Are there now voice synthesizers that sound very natural? Are the results easily distinguishable from real human speech? ike9898 11:51, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
There certainly are very sophisticated speech synthesizers out there that sound very natural. Try the demos from AT&T or from Rhetorical (especially the Valley Girl voice), for example. As far as the output being distinguishable from real human speech, that depends what you mean: the output of concatenative synthesizers is basically tiny snippets of recorded human speech spliced back together in a sophisticated way, so of course it sounds very much like real human speech (try the demos). On the other hand, it could be fairly easy to tell in, say, a forensic setting whether a particular wave file is a recording of a real human voice or the undistorted output of a speech synthesizer, since masking the splice points is a bit tricky. Also, with interactive queries (along the lines of the Turing test, except that you tell the person/system what to say) you should be able to detect an automatic system easily, since it will show considerably less variation than what a human is capable off. --MarkSweep 22:20, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
TV tuner harmful for a computer?
Is it true that an independent TV tuner (that doesn't come originally packaged with the computer) is harmful to the CPU because of the change of frequencies of TV channels ? Where can I get more info on this ? Jay 15:34, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Providing everything is properly made and installed then no, this most certainly isn't true. RF equipment like tuners (TV in or out) has a big old shield around them to stop significant leakage of RF energy. Would still wouldn't one right beside a CPU (or anything else for that matter) but no sensible design would do that. Sounds like Fry's Electronics salesbeing talk to me. -- John Fader
I've never heard of this. On a properly-designed TV tuner card, it's not like changing channels actually changes the bus frequency or clock frequency of your computer. One thing I'd look out for, though, is grounding - many cable systems are not properly grounded, which can cause problems for your computer if you have a TV tuner card. Improper cable grounding can also cause problems with audio components (look up ground loop). Rhobite 15:55, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Interesting. That raises a question: devices (like modems) connected to the telephone network don't suffer from grounding problems - the locally-powered circuitry is never electrically connected to the phone network (using optoisolators and magnetic isolators to bridge the gap) with only a tiny phone circuit powered by the phone line itself. From your answer it sounds like cable installations (of which I profess no technical knowledge whatsoever) don't work this way. If I understand you correctly, cable boxes don't employ similar isolation (I guess running tv-frequencies through isolators is hard) and so suffer from differentials (and noise) between the cable company's ground and my home's ground. If that's the case, then wow, it's a wonder anything works at all! - John Fader
governor general of Canada
Her Excellency, The Right Honourable Adrienne Louise Clarkson, CC, CMM, COM, CD, née 伍冰枝. Got a question there?
Can someone tell me what the difference is between the iRiver H140 (that seems to be unavilable most places) and the H340? OBviously the colour screen, but I can't see any disadvantages on the H340? Am I missing something? Thanks! Intrigue 20:03, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
According to the manufacturer's website, both players have the same MSRP, $429.99. The main difference seems to be that the H340 has an advanced colour LCD display capable of displaying "high resolution images" and a more advanced interface, while the H140 has a simpler backlit monochrome LCD display. All else being equal, I'd prefer the H340. I can't figure out why it's comparitively so cheap; perhaps the company has deliberately cut the price to pump up sales?? -- FirstPrinciples 21:37, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Thanks, that's what I though. It seems strange that the colour display etc is the same price. Intrigue 22:06, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
ADA
What does ADA mean in the context of livestock herders / paravets? I am not looking for the Americans with disabilities act! 207.189.98.44 21:00, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC
Possibly Arizona (or Alabama/Alaska/Arkansas) Department of Agriculture? (cf. Department of Agriculture). Click here for a full list of 'ADA' acronyms, which may help. -- FirstPrinciples 21:20, Dec 7, 2004 (UTC)
Prostitute song
How does the prostitute song in South Park go? The one 'You don't pay her to stay you pay her to go' one? Is this a reference to something else? There doesn't seem to be an article on it. Xtreme! 23:58, 7 Dec 2004 (UTC)
We try to limit the granularity of pop-culture trivia here, so you're not likely to find an article on one of Chef's songs. Besides, the lyrics are copyrighted anyway. A quick google search turns up this page, which has the lyrics along with the lead-in and lead-out script. -- Cyrius|✎ 00:37, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Why is it funny that James Taylor appears singing with Chef? Xtreme! 00:53, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
its funny because they have James Taylor singing about prostitutes. Just as having George Clooney as a turkey is funny. Just like its funny having Tony Blair acting as a cartoon sumo wrestler. of course, this hasnt been done--Wonderfool 15:01, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Sorry, this piqued my interest. I don't know who James Taylor is, but saw him in this episode - is it particularly amusing that it is him, or would George Clooney be as funning in this section? ie is he associated with prostitutes in some way? Intrigue 18:35, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Read the article on James Taylor. And, no, he's unlikely to be in any way associated with prostitutes, though I'm sure he'd be perfectly nice to one if he met her. -- Jmabel | Talk 21:01, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
Well, it's not particularly amusing, but to the extent that it is, James Taylor's big hit was the somewhat saccharine "Sweet Baby James", and he has a really sweet, gentle, nature, and a really nice, sweet tenor voice, so the association with prostitues is seemingly incongruous - which is the root of all humor. I think the South Park "humor" around George Cloony is of a different nature - that a guest star who commands millions of dollars for a movie appearance would be willing to perform in such a non-descript role as a turkey or a gay dog - in which he's completely unrecognizable - and that a producer would be willing to "waste" him in such a role. - Nunh-huh 02:29, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Tags-The Musical Kind
What part of a song is the 'tag'? I've heard it said in many times before and I swear I've been searching for it's meaning, and I just cannot find any website that reveals the meaning of 'tag' in a musical sense.
Thankyouthankyou
67.168.34.86 02:21, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Are you talking about the metadata tags in mp3 and other audio files, or regular musical notation? Intrigue 02:58, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
It's simply a synonym for "coda". --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 03:05, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ahhh... So *that's* what it is. Thank you very much.
67.168.34.86 05:31, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
My brother-the-composer points out that they aren't quite synonymous. A "tag" can be used independently from the piece as a whole, and it's not a formal term. For example, a circus orchestra might play the 12-bar tag from some or another piece as in-between-act music. That sorta thing. And though "coda" is commonly indicated in musical scores, "tag" almost never is. So there's a contextual difference. Functionally, when the piece is played as a whole, the tag is the coda. But "tag" appears to be a broader term. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 00:23, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Name of a sex position?
Please tell me the name of this sex position. I have done it myself, so I know it is possible.
The man lies on his back with his legs spread, and the woman has her legs between his legs. It's like the missionary position, but with gender role reversal. -Juuitchan
I don't think that's The Mare. In fact, I don't even think it has a name! Let me try to explain better what I mean:
If I were to have sex with you in the missionary position, you (the woman) would be on the bottom with your legs spread, and I (the man) would have my legs between yours. But-- in MY position-- the gender roles are exactly reversed. I (the man) am on my back, legs spread, thus assuming what would be the role of the woman in the missionary position. You (the woman) are on top of me, facing me, with your legs between my legs, which I see as pretty much identical to the role of the man in the missionary position. And YES it is possible, I have done it!! -User:Juuitchan
TMI.
I think that the position you described is obscure enough, that it might just be lumped into "kinky". However, I suppose if it's the opposite of the missionary, you could call it the heretic or something similar. --Cvaneg 21:21, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thermodynamic engine
This question, from an anon, moved here from article space. I've left a message directing anon here for answers. SWAdair | Talk 09:22, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
What is the most basic thermodynamic engine? Used in refrigeration?
Now that S Club 8 has joined forces with the rest of the cast from "I Dream" (at least temporarily), they outnumber the 10 boys of Blazin' Squad. With 13 members on stage (when all performing) does this make "I Dream" the biggest Britishpop formation? [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 09:33, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
ooh, a supergroup. But who are "I Dream" or "1 Dream"? Initial guess says some kind of CITV CBBC show--Wonderfool 15:09, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
That would be a CBBC show, see S Club 8 article. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 15:53, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
We'll I guess they're not the largest then. Still good, that I know it now. Thanks!!! [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 08:59, Dec 9, 2004 (UTC)
Holidays in India
I recently finished merging List of Indian holidays into Holidays in India. However I'd appreciate if someone could double-check the factual accuracy, specifically the Hindu festivals/holidays. Thanks. Muntfish 11:32, 2004 Dec 8 (UTC)
MRI scan images showing congenital anomalies of the human Central Nervous System
The section title says it all. My friend needs links to MRI scan images showing congenital anomalies of the human Central Nervous System. Can anyone point me to the links? -- Sundar 11:55, Dec 8, 2004 (UTC)
Just google images mri [34] and you get dozens of mri images. If he wants images labeled with diagnoses, try [35] or other links and parts of that site. alteripse 13:14, 8 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thanks Alteripse for your suggestion, but the site seems to be down. -- Sundar 06:41, Dec 9, 2004 (UTC)
I just checked it and it worked for me from a different computer (i.e., not reloading a cache). alteripse 10:45, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I guess this site is not available in India. I am able to view a google cache of this page, but sans images. :-( -- Sundar 11:05, Dec 9, 2004 (UTC)
Cooking pans
Are there any types of older copper pans that could be dangerous to your health
Yes. Copper, bronze etc pans are dangerous if used for cooking. Don't do it. While they may make nice ornaments, they are not safe. The Recycling Troll 06:37, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You haven't provided any details! Why are copper cooking pans not safe? Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 06:40, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well copper is a toxin. this and this give examples. Most modern 'copper' pans are coated with some other metal to stop copper from coming into contact with food. It is particularly an issue with acidic food. Hope this helps! The Recycling Troll 07:53, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
What about kettles made of copper or bronze? Same thing? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 07:56, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well modern ones are ok because they are coated with another metal, but, as the WP article says: "All copper compounds, unless otherwise known, should be treated as if they were toxic. The metal, when powdered, is a fire hazard. 30g of copper sulfate is potentially lethal in humans. Copper in drinking water at concentrations higher than 1 mg/liter can stain clothes and items washed in water. The suggested safe level of copper in drinking water for humans varies depending on the source, but tends to be pegged at 1.5 to 2 mg/liter. The DRI Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults of dietary copper from all sources is 10 mg/day." - Older pans, kettles etc should not be used - basically if it was never coated, or if the coating has worn off in any areas they should not be used. The Recycling Troll 08:00, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Just a little remark: several metals, in powdered form, are a fire hazard (aluminium comes to mind). Besides, this has little to do with toxicity. David.Monniaux 11:30, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't know - I guess maybe you could get a test kit. On a personal level, if you can't see the copper on the cooking side, and there are no dents or cracks, then I would think it would be ok. The Recycling Troll 08:10, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't dispute that copper in solution is toxic (Actaully the hazard label is harmful rather than toxic, but I won't split hairs) What I am not convinced of though is that copper metal will dissolve in the cooking water. Having just said that - I've just thouhjt of beating egg whites. These are supposed to be beaten in a copper bowl -presumably becasue some of the copper dissolves and affects the albumen. But I don't know if there has been any research done on this or if it's just amd old wives tale. Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 20:31, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You are right about the egg whites. I think the issue is the heat, combined with acidic food. There is a reaction with the acids, the same one that produces the blueish colour in old copper I think, that is toxic. There must be some reason why copper pans are always coated though, because copper is an excellent heat conductor, and would otherwise be a great material to make pans from. "The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against using unlined copper for general cooking because the metal is relatively easily dissolved by some foods with which it comes in contact, and in sufficient quantities can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea." Intrigue 21:02, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Reference
I recently used some info from your website in my essay on Sociolinguistics.
Could you please tell me how to reference you?
Which model is better the dimension 4500 series or 4700 series, which computer has better futures more capabilities, is there a significant price difference?
[36] would be a good place to start. Intrigue 20:48, 9 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Earth's "address" in the universe
In a book I was reading recently, which I have now returned to its owner so I can't check, had Planet Earth's address in the universe, and I remember it took the form:
Orion Arm (in the Local Bubble to be specific) (or "Western Spiral Arm" if you prefer Douglas Adams' version of reality). - John Fader
The article here has practically assigned itself with the duty to give you this information. ✏ Sverdrup 22:04, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
How to pay in the US from the UK?
I live in the United Kingdom, and I'd like to subscribe to a journal in the US. The website says that payment is accepted in the form of a "check in US dollars, drawn on US bank...(we do not invoice nor can we accept credit cards)". How might I be able to make this payment? — Matt Crypto 18:32, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You could find a friend in the us who is willing to accept a check in a uk bank, and write one in the US, or you could instruct your bank to issue a us bankers draft, which would most likely be accepted, but would cost you money. Talk to your bank, because they have likely dealt with this before. Mark Richards 19:33, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Your bank should be able to produce a certified cheque (or a bank draft, which amounts to the same thing) in U.S. Dollars; it will show that it's drawn on an American branch of either your bank's U.S. affiliate or one they have an agreement with. They will charge for this. Alternatively, an International Postal Money order, which you get from the Post Office, ought to be equivalent, but these seem to be less well recognized in the U.S. If you find yourself doing this a lot, ask your bank if they can set up USD chequing accounts. Sharkford 19:41, 2004 Dec 10 (UTC)
Looking at the article, I would guess that postal order is the term used in the U.K. for something specific that you purchase at a post office. In the U.S., you can purchase money orders in grocery stores and supermarkets as well. An international money order, presumably, is the same as a regular money order only in another nation's currency. You might contact the company and see if they will accept a money order. Most places that will accept checks will accept money orders.
The difficulty is that many banks in the United States (particularly in smaller towns in areas that don't get much international tourism) are not equipped to handle foreign currency (it just doesn't come up often enough). If it involves dealing with an international bank, there's a good chance that there will either be a large fee attached or else the bank just won't know what to do with it. Your bank in the UK is much more likely to know how to handle this. (My bank won't even convert to Canadian currency.) -[[User:Aranel|Aranel ("Sarah")]] 20:07, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Sherlock Holmes
What were the names of Sherlock Holmes' two housekeepers. I know Mrs. Hudson was one, but can't for the life of me think of the other!
Quotations from the ICD-10, F20, Schizophrenia, criteria:
In German "... Gedankeneingebung oder Gedankenentzug, Gedankenausbreitung"
In English "... thought insertion or withdrawal, and thought broadcasting"
Together with depersonalization and derealisation these symptoms are usually summed up as "Ich-Störungen". Does anybody know the english translation? Thanks. --anon
I'm not 100% sure, but I'd guess they'd be called "personality disorders" in English. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 22:12, Dec 10, 2004 (UTC)
No, "personality disorders" are IMHO "Persönlichkeitsstörungen" (F6).
"Ich-Störung" is just a kind of symptom like "though disorder" or "delusion".
Patients can't distinguish between environment and themselves.
And it's not an analytical term, textbooks use it.
Keep in mind that "Ich" and "Es" are what we call in English "Ego" and "Id". So a literal translation would be "ego disorder". --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 02:28, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Thanks, finally I found it: "disturbance / loss of ego boundaries" --anon
"... thought insertion or withdrawal, and thought broadcasting" are symptoms of psychosis, not personality disorders. Big league brain malfunction. It is amazing how seldom the etymological and literal meanings of psychiatric terms contribute to understanding them. They usually simply reflect a very old, long-abandoned metaphor for what was once imagined to be the problem. That is why they are so much harder to translate than the technical terms of all other branches of medicine and physiology. alteripse 13:56, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Windows (fat32) filenames
In windows (or linux actually, for that matter) is there any way to systematically change filenames? I have a large collection of music files and would like to (for example) switch them from all caps to lower case with the first letter capitalised, or strip off the album name from the beginning of the file (by stripping off the first, for example 10 characters of 10 files). Is there any way to do this that doesn't involve massive manual labour? Thanks! Intrigue 22:15, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, you could probably write a quick program that renames each file. If you already know some programming, it shouldn't be too hard, if not, well, then it's probably the same amount of work to do it all by hand. You might want to try looking around, though, there are plenty of people who write code to help manage MP3 collections, so you might want to try looking around on SourceForge or Freshmeat. --Cvaneg 22:35, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You could do with TagScanner. Unfortunately a lot of people find it hard to use and the site is in Russian. However, I'm relatively hopeless and untechnical (and not Russian) and I finally got to grips with it after experimenting. I think there's another thing called Tag & Rename which is used for this sort of thing. --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 16:46, Dec 12, 2004 (UTC)
You may try a batch renamer. There are many such programs available and some of them are free. However, since I haven't use these programs for a long time, I cannot give you further suggestions. Try google it. -- Toytoy 18:15, Dec 12, 2004 (UTC)
Which form of the word "crossroad(s)" is correct in the following sentence: "Belgium is at a cultural crossroad between (...)" or "Belgium is at a cultural crossroads between (...)"? ..from the article about Belgium (introduction). Thanks. --Edcolins 22:22, Dec 10, 2004 (UTC)
I think "crossroads" is better. — Matt Crypto 22:56, 10 Dec 2004 (UTC)
What would you propose instead? --Edcolins 20:19, Dec 11, 2004 (UTC)
I have to say, "cultural crossroads" does twang awkwardly to my ear but I've sat here for, ooh, 40 seconds-odd and can't think of a nice way to put it. Plenty of predictable British Belgium jokes alongs the lines of "at a cultural nadir" etc, though. There must be a good word for a land that's surrounded and heavily influenced by its many neighbours. How infuriating. --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 16:42, Dec 12, 2004 (UTC)
I have a plan. Its a Wiktionary "Articles Requested" page. People give a meaning to a word and other users denote its name. if no word exists-neology time baby! I'd say "Belgium's culture is heavily influenced bt X and Y
Meaning of Common Terms
Whers can I find definitions for items such as:-
"SG #59 3d UHB #48 issue 3"?
"Marshal Islands 466B and 505 MNH"
Is there a glossary somewhere to which I can refer?
Aren't these just stamp catalog numbers? --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 01:52, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Yes, "Stanley Gibbons no. 59, threepence value" - don't know what UHB is. I presume the Marshall Islands ones are Scott catalogue numbers, "Mint, Never Hinged". Collectors of different countries' stamps will use different companies' catalogues for the most detailed description of their area of interest -- US collectors usually use the Scott catalogue, British Commonwealth collectors use Stanley Gibbons (SG), German-language area collectors use Michel, French use Yvert, Swedish use Facit, Norway collectors use the Norgeskatalogen (NK), Irish use McDonnell-Whyte (MW), etc. The numbering of items in each catalogue quickly diverges from all the others, and the publishers tend to jealously guard their copyrights when people try to publish lists of equivalent stamps between various catalogues. The introduction to each catlogue will list the abbreviations they use like "MNH" (the Gibbons equivalent is U/M - "Unmounted Mint"), though of course collectors of the area will know these abbreviations off by heart anyway! -- Arwel 13:06, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, I just got an education in philately terms. Although there are several online glossaries, I couldn't find a glossary anywhere that had the specifics you're looking for. According to [37], one possible meaning of UHB is "Union Handbook Catalogue." Maybe the person auctioning that stamp listed the stamp's identifiers from two different catalogues? According to [38], 466B and 505 are indeed Scott Catalogue numbers (466B description = "$10 canoes" 505 description = "Dresden Bombing"). I hope that helps. SWAdair | Talk 05:07, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Which species of grapes contain proanthocyanidins?
Hello! I'd like the names of all the grape species that have proanthocyanidins. Vitis vinifera is commonly mentioned on the net, but I'd like to know if they are more & which ones they are. Thanks!
Carl
They are present in all grape species. This [USDA table] shows that relative concentration of many foods (sorghum, cinnamon, chocolate and pinto beans are among the highest) See also Oligomeric proanthocyanidin and grape seed oil. Rmhermen 18:56, Dec 11, 2004 (UTC)
Someone please confirm this artist's date of birth please. Thanks! -- AllyUnion(talk) 08:50, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
External links
Well this is a weird corner of Wikipedia. Looks like folk can ask anything and get some sort of answer. I have been looking for policy guidance on the use and appropriateness of external (web) links in articles, but can't find anything. Can anyone point me in the right direction? And while I'm about it, does anyone know whether Horace (Radio Luxembourg) was Batchelor or Bachelor? I've found both versions more or less equally. Cheers Shantavira 13:39, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
For the first question, Wikipedia:External links might be a good place to start (and for future reference, the Help desk is the best place for this kind of question). The second question I have no idea about (and is the kind of question that's appropriate for here). - IMSoP 15:14, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The game caled Sequence
You know how some games just don't work nearly as well when you have only two players? I am interested in the game called Sequence, but I want to know if it is any good with two players. ike9898 16:41, Dec 11, 2004 (UTC)
If it's the game where you have to form 5 in a row on a board depicting the cards in a pack of playing cards, I can recommend it. Playing with 2 people doesn't make it any less fun. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 16:58, Dec 11, 2004 (UTC)
I find that 2 players makes for a superior tactical challenge in Sequence -- multiplayer is a bit too much of a free-for-all. Jwrosenzweig 22:12, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Food rationing and restaurants
During the period of food rationing in the UK (World War II and several years afterwards), what happened if you went to a restaurant? Did you have to hand over ration coupons to the restaurant, or was it a way of getting extra food outside the ration? --Auximines 18:00, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I have a vague memory, nothing more, that it was outside the rationing system, but that a) prices were high and b) portions were small. Many restaurants would likely have closed for the duration, anyway, simply as a result of supply difficulties, and it's quite possible more stringent regulations were in place through the worst years (roughly mid-40 to mid-42) Shimgray 19:01, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Actually, it seems rather the opposite. "Meals eaten away from home were ‘off ration’ and a popular alternative for individuals who could afford it. The ability of the rich to enjoy almost pre-war levels of gastronomy, led to such resentment that the government prevented restaurants charging more than five shillings a meal." -- [40] --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 19:09, 11 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Gah. [slaps self] How could I forget the famous five-shilling meal rule? It's worth noting that this was universal - George MacDonald Fraser: "Those were the days of rationing and the five-shilling maximum charge, which in a Highland hotel with resources denied the city was just an invitation to gluttony." - so, in its way, an interesting example of a policy which worked for the most obvious places, but broke down as supplies were cheaper to get hold of locally. Thanks for the catch... Shimgray 15:42, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Somebody should put this information into rationing. Very interesting. [[User:Neutrality|Neutrality/talk]] 03:19, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
I believe there was a 'three course' rule as well. At last, I may have found something worth researching. DJ Clayworth 06:55, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
As a somewhat-related data point, there was an episode of "Foyle's War" featuring rich folks in a boarding house, in which the proprietess collected the guests' ration cards and (nominally) presented them when buying groceries ("nominally" because there was some black-market distribution going on too). Sharkford 17:55, 2004 Dec 14 (UTC)
Chandigarh telephone directory
Does the Chandigarh telephone directory have something like 100,000 entries all
under the name "Singh"? If so, that must be very annoying; how do people deal with it?
I cannot vouch for the veracity of the first part of your statement, although it sounds a bit apocryphal to me. As for the second part of your question, though, I imagine it's much like having the name Smith in certain parts of the UK or the States, which is to say that you probably can't locate them in the phone book unless you know some additional information (e.g. first initial, address, etc) --Cvaneg 15:23, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I can believe that. When I was a kid there was one phone book covering all of North Wales. I counted 23 pages of Williamses... -- Arwel 18:18, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Why would it be apocryphal? Chandigarh has a population of about a million people; about 1/6 of them are Sikhs; about half of those are men, and almost all male Sikhs are named "Singh". So we'd expect to see on the order of 80 to 100 thousand Singhs. It's highly plausible. -- Dominus 14:48, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
But what proportion of them have land lines? Gdr 00:56, 2004 Dec 17 (UTC)
ruptured spleen
What would be the initial symptoms of a ruptured spleen? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 10:10, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Depends on size of tear and amount of bleeding. Moderately severe, but not immediately catastrophic would be abdominal pain & anorexia, progressing over hours to increasing pain, prostration, loss of bowel sounds and inability to fart, perhaps abdominal distention and vomiting, to shock and death.
On second thought, since IANASurgeon, I looked it up. Above is basically correct, but here are some additional Fun Facts to Know and Tell:
The spleen contains about a pint of blood (about what you donate)
Most splenic rupture is due to trauma, blunt or penetrating (I assume you are interested in blunt or you would already be at the emergency room)
Splenic rupture is often fatal without surgical repair
From emedicine.com: The most common presenting complaint in a stable patient is left upper abdominal or flank pain; however, the pain is probably not significantly referable to the spleen but is related more to overlying soft tissue and/or bone injury and peritoneal irritation by the hemoperitoneum. This is supported by the prevalence of missed subcapsular hematomas with regards to more advanced degrees of splenic injury. This is not to say that the spleen contains no pain sensors. Pain fibers are present within the splenic capsule, and they can elicit a strong response as proven by the severity of symptoms displayed during splenic infarction. The degree of pain elicited by a subcapsular hematoma is usually overlooked by physicians and patients alike.
Initial symptoms may not be severe after rupture from blunt trauma. Up to half of people do not have tenderness and abdominal distention in the early hours.
Diagnosis is made by paracentesis (a trained professional-- see one, do one, teach one,-- sticks a BIG needle into the abdomen), or by CT scan.
PS: Go directly to your local emergency room. Do not pass GO, but make sure you have considerably more than $200.
alteripse 13:18, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Also, if you get mononucleosis, you're at increased risk for splenic rupture for a week or two afterwards. (This is what I've been told by a friend who had mono; he said his doc told him that.) grendel|khan 17:53, 2004 Dec 12 (UTC)
If anybody was wondering, it's not for me. It's for a rather hypochondriac friend of mine, who the rest of us think cracked a rib. (He, on the other hand, thinks he's too um...robust... to crack a rib, and is convinced it's more serious.) [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 21:29, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, hypochondria is literally "pain under the rib" so he picked the right manifestation. The rest of you can chuckle while he exsanguinates. alteripse 23:13, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
famous female investor
I remember reading about a woman who became one of the richest people ever through investing on Wall Street. I think she died in the 1920's or so. But I think she was a pretty ordinary woman, just a savvy investor. Can anyone tell me her name? Mjklin 14:36, 2004 Dec 12 (UTC)
Are you perhaps thinking of Hetty Green? But she wasn't ordinary at all. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 21:17, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Those don't ring a bell...I remember she was in the top 10 or 20 on Forbes' list of the richest people of all time, if that means anything to anyone. Thanks anyway. Mjklin 19:02, 2004 Dec 15 (UTC)
Well, Hetty Green was certainly up there; her wealth was comparable to today's Warren Buffet, who is currently the 2nd wealthiest person in the world. --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 21:51, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, the second line is "from 2002"; plugging the whole thing into Altavista's BabelFish gives the amusing "Currencies brothers-in-law from 2002" whereas http://freetranslation.org gives "Currencies sisters-in-law from 2002"! Basically, I think it means "united currencies; from 2002" or somesuch - it's probably from a brochure / advert of some kind. So yes, I'd say it can and should be cropped and forgotten about. - IMSoP 20:29, 12 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ok, I'm from Brazil so I can tell for sure: the text says the coins were made after 2002. This is just because these are new coins that came out a while back here, in 2002. Feel free to crop it, since our article on Real (currency) already mentions this. But we already have the two sides in separated pictures (Image:50centavoII_2.jpg and Image:50centavoIIback_2.jpg), so I think this image is being redundant and should be deleted. — Kieff | Talk 04:55, Dec 14, 2004 (UTC)
Franz Schubert and Wings
Hi. I am a big fan of the TV show "Wings", starring Timothy Daly, etc. I know the theme song to it was written by Franz Schubert, but I am having trouble finding exactly what piece it is. Could anybody help? I believe the theme plays during the beginning and end credits; however, Nick@Nite omits the beginning credits nowadays (which is really unfortunate, because the theme played during the beginning credits is closer to the original piece--the songs during the end credits is more like a remix). If you could help me out, I would be very much happy. Thank you. --24.221.178.62 00:42, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
It's the Rondo from Schubert's Sonata in A Major, D959: [41]. Took some tricky googling. JRM 00:51, 2004 Dec 13 (UTC)
And here's a direct link to a midi file of it: [42]. Very nice tune. JRM 00:54, 2004 Dec 13 (UTC)
Boron
What is the ionic charge of boron? [[User:Neutrality|Neutrality/talk]] 02:13, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
Valence is +3 according to Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. I think the most common form of boron in nature is borate, at +3. Is this what you wanted? alteripse 03:06, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
IANAL IANAC(hemistry major), but I went hunting online. According to [43], the ionic charge is +3. You might be able to make sense of the information at [44], which I think also indicates +3. Questions like that make my head hurt. :-) SWAdair | Talk 03:40, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
length of cigarette's in bloodstream
I would like to know how long after quitting smoking, does it take to be completely out of your bloodstream, so that it cannot be detected by a blood, or urine test.
Cotinine is the usual metabolite of nicotine used to document cigarette smoke exposure. According to this website [45] it takes 7 to 10 days of no exposure for a smoker's levels to drop to normal. alteripse 03:11, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Going by some very ballpark figures here: There's wide variance, but for a light smoker, 3-4 days would probably give cotinine enough time to drop to undetectable levels using a urine test. Heavy smokers will likely need the full 7-10 days for levels to drop below the threshold for a positive urine test. Also, since most people don't smoke in their sleep (except for my aunt ;-) cotinine levels are typically lower in the morning. But habitual smokers shouldn't count on a morning urine test to give them too much of an edge :-) --David Iberri | Talk 07:52, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
Executive Order 9066 (Japanese internment)
I'm hoping someone there can help me find the answer...I've always heard that my, now deseased, grandfather was mistakenly interned after the attack on Pearl Harbor. A mistake because his is of filipino decent.He spoke very little, even poor english at that time, hence a lack of communication occured. Can you help me confirm or deny this story? Were there lists of the interned kept? His name was Alipio Tamale Paculba, (1900-2000), yes, he lived to be 100 yrs. old!
If you can help, I would appreciate it immensely, Sincerely, Terry.gflatrd@yahoo.com
Did Lenin speak English?
Did Lenin speak English? If so, how well, and when did he start learning it? This is very important. Thank you. -Branddobbe 06:35, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
Lenin spent time in the UK (in London, mostly) in 1902/3 - I can't find any explicit reference to him being fluent in English, but he held a reader's ticket at the British Museum Library (in the name of "Dr Jacob Richter") [46], regularly read newspapers, and made a habit of spending time listening to orators in Hyde Park. I would be quite surprised if this didn't indicate a competent level of fluency.
[pokes around a bit] "In Siberia, Lenin was sent the first volume of Sidney and Beatrice Webb’s Industrial Democracy to translate and, later, the second volume to revise." [47] which indicates he was reasonably fluent by 1896-1900, and [48] describes him as having "...a full gymnasium (grammar school) education (...) his law degree, obtaining first-class honours". I suspect this is where he would have learned English - sometime between 1885 and 1895. You may find a biography which covers his early life to be more helpful; there seems to be quite a few, though, and I'm loathe to recommend one I haven't read. Shimgray 15:37, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Aha! [49] has an extract from, it seems, Memories of Lenin - it suggests he didn't speak English on arrival in England, but took lessons. It's vague as to whether or not he could understand written English - the sources previously indicated he translated the Webbs' book, but this one seems to suggest the unnamed author did the translation. Hmm. Shimgray 15:44, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
After he finished his education, Lenin spoke German, French and also English, but not as well as the first two languages. He also spoke some Latin and Greek (within the limits of the gymnasium program), and later learned some Italian. And perfect Russian, of course. English was neither taught in the school, nor in his family, but when he came to London in early 1900s, he already spoke it (the fact that he was comfortable talking with workers, sailors, etc. there is often emphasised). My best guess would be that he started learning English in his university years (around 1890).
P.S. Would you mind sharing with us, why it is very important? I am just curious. Paranoid 16:48, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I'd been wondering that, too... is there a bet? ;-)
One picky detail - From the Memories of Lenin cite above, there's the line: "I learnt English in prison from a self-instructor, but had never heard a single live English word spoken. When we started translating Webb at Shushenskoye, Vladimir llyich was appalled at my pronunciation. "My sister used to have an English teacher," he said, "but it didn't sound like that."" - so presumably it was taught, at least partially, in his family.
I assume you have some source material to hand, by the way - can you recommend a decent biography? Shimgray 21:24, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Probably not, certainly not an English biography. Most of my knowledge comes from history lessons in Soviet school and for my reply I just doublechecked some things on Yandex. Paranoid 11:00, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, I guess that would be somewhere you'd expect to find him on the curriculum... Thanks anyway. Shimgray 14:15, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Deaths per year
How many people does obesity kill a year? And what about anorexia? Thanks. -Branddobbe 06:43, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
According to this site [50] obesity kills 400,000 people of all ages a year in the United States. Nobody keeps a comparable record of deaths due to anorexia but they are a mere handful compared to this. Deaths from anorexia occur almost exclusively in young women between 15 and 34 years of age. In 2001, according to the CDC [51] there were 24 deaths due to malnutrition in both sexes between 15 and 34 years of age. I saw no stats for anorexia or eating disorder. However, in that age range suicide is within the top 10 causes of death and depression is not a rare comorbidity with eating disorders and obesity; there were about 4000 non-firearm suicides in that age range for both sexes. Is this what you want? PS: the XXL tee shirt saying "I beat anorexia" [52] says it all. alteripse 17:12, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
According to our article on obesity, it claims about 400,000 lives in the U.S. annually. That figure is estimated to reach 500,000 by 2005 if current trends continue. As the article mentions, these figures are hotly debated.
I'm assuming that by "anorexia" you mean anorexia nervosa. I'm having some trouble finding good statistics, but according to this page, an average of 149 annual deaths were attributed (at least in part) to anorexia nervosa between 1986 and 1990. These numbers aren't the final word on the matter though; I'll hunt some more... --David Iberri | Talk 17:17, Dec 13, 2004 (UTC)
Nice research but the article doesn't convince me that "presbyanorexia" is at all the same thing that young women have in any sense except that both conditions involve voluntary abstention from eating. alteripse 22:43, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Agreed. In fact, since I'd never heard of "presbyanorexia" before, I was a bit hesitant to offer those figures as fact (hence my qualifiers above). I was more interested in this bit, which is still valuable, IMO:
Researchers examined data ... to see if anorexia nervosa was cited as either a primary cause or contributing cause of death. ... They found a total of 724 deaths fell into either of those two categories. That figure averaged out 149 annual deaths...
It's far from authoritative, but hopefully helpful. --David Iberri | Talk 00:03, Dec 14, 2004 (UTC)
Are you wanting to find a figure of people dying only from having the disordered eating pattern, or things connected to it like depression that leads to suicide? Constafrequent, infrequently constant 08:05, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
LOG BAN
[no text here]
Erm... Lojban? (which is related to Loglan)? - IMSoP 14:30, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Can't remember a song
About a month ago, I heard a country (or folk) song, talking about carrot juice. Can't remember anything else about it, but I'm almost certain it would have been recorded pre 1985. Any help? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 21:23, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, there is a Folk comedy group out of Canada called the Arrogant Worms. They have a song called Carrot Juice is Murder Is that what you are talking about? --Cvaneg 21:45, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The song Cvaneg notes (a fabulous song, by the way, and one I will listen to tonight now that I've been reminded of it) is not pre-1985, Methyl, so if you're sure on the date, it's disqualified. However, the Arrogant Worms intentionally use a variety of musical styles (and the styles are often chosen specifically because they are out-of-date for comic effect), and "Carrot Juice is Murder" is in a very 1960s and 1970s folk music style, so perhaps that misled your indication of the date? Jwrosenzweig 22:24, 13 Dec 2004 (UTC)
There's a legal website providing that song's MP3. -- Toytoy 03:10, Dec 17, 2004 (UTC)
No, I know the Arrogant Worms (and the song in question) very well. This was different. Any other ideas? [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 07:20, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I just find it amusing that there can be more than 1 song about carrot juice--Wonderfool 15:49, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Just using Google -- I've got no clue about genre or date. Also, these just mention carrot juice. But...
Red Elvises: Groovie (hmmm..."Kick-Ass Rock'n'Roll from Siberia". Probably not what you're looking for...)
And then, probably what you're looking for...
Jack Clement: "Drinking Carrot Juice" from his "Guess Things Happen That Way" CD. I can't find lyrics, but it's definitely country. While the CD was released in 2004, the song sure sounds like it's been around a while. -Rholton 18:20, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
That's the one!! Thanks! [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 09:45, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
A formula to calculate the freezing point of water
I need a formula to calculate the freezing point of water at arbitrary heights in the Earth's atmosphere, so far all I've found is this Freezing Point Calculator, but i need the equation itself, which granted i could get from the JavaScript there but that appears to be for seawater. --ÆvarArnfjörðBjarmason 02:53, 2004 Dec 14 (UTC)
Do you say, by any chance have on that does not assume knowlage of physics? Like an example of how to calculate this for 500 and 1000 metres? --ÆvarArnfjörðBjarmason 13:05, 2004 Dec 15 (UTC)
If you're worried about salinity, you might also be interested in Raoult's law. --David Iberri | Talk 05:45, Dec 14, 2004 (UTC)
I couldn't find a straight-forward formula for this, but the Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center [53] explains how to calculate the temperature using a Skew T, Log P Diagram (DOD WPC 9-16). You can probably order the DOD WPC 9-16 online. If you know how to code, there is code (from 1978!) located here that generates the DOD WPC 9-16. SWAdair | Talk 05:52, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
aristotelian model of compassion vs. dalai lama's view
This question was posed at the Main Page talk and is transferred here: aristotelianmodel of compassion vs. dalai lama's view -- All that comes to mind is the Dalai Lama's comment that "we Buddhists can learn something more of compassion from Christians" --
info on aristotelian model and compassion and dalai lama -- I don't know where to look to see if my earlier question has been answered--where would I look?
it would be answered here. I don't know. This seems not like something that can be answered in a nutshell. Start with Ethics in religion (sadly without references) and Avalokitesvara. this seems like a good article (with references). Go to a library from there... dab(ᛏ) 11:11, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
ah, yes, you might want to plod through the 151 hits of google scholar first,
would be great if you wrote a WP article about what you found out, after. dab(ᛏ) 11:48, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Dbachmann's reference above gives a good 1-paragraph summary, which is re-phrased below:
Aristotle notes that a prudent/virtuous man acts for the good. The Dalai Lama would also espouse virtuous actions. Both require one to choose between right and wrongaction, as shaped by practical wisdom. But compassion informs one's own (practical) response to the suffering of another. For someone to feel compassion, one would have to know/feel what the suffering of another entails. This might prompt one to act, or not, depending on one's own powers.
Note, it is possible for other animals to perform what we might view as compassionate acts, such as the rescue of humans by gorillas, dolphins and dogs, and the rescue of caterpillars and aphids by ants.
Posting to a newsgroup without compromising my email address
I'd like to post to a newsgroup without revealing my email address (or at least with a "nospam" bit inserted).
I'm signed up with Google newsgroups which insists on using the email address unmodified (unless you know different).
For the newsgroup concerned there seem to be some web interfaces I can use to post but I need to register and give them my email address. It doesn't take a genius to suspect that they run the webservice for free because they make their money selling the email addresses they garner.
I'm really only concerned about spam - perhaps I'm being overly worried as I've had the address for years, it's a Hotmail one and presumably it's on every list going by now anyway. If that's the case then please just confirm this notion and I'll press on regardless and let MSN's spam filter do all the work. --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 06:49, Dec 14, 2004 (UTC)
Check Google's Privacy Policy if you think they might sell it although if it's going to be posted with your messages then your email address will be harvested by the spammers anyway. Maybe the account settings will let you garble it. You could take out a second email address at Hotmail or Yahoo or somewhere and use it just for your newsgroup subscriptions instead though. adamsan 09:13, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Get a "disposable" address (a new Hotmail account?), mark in the signature that the from: address is something you're not likely to read, and use that. (On the other hand, an address I was using to post to Usenet for years currently directs to a hotmail account, and it gets only trivial amounts of spam; the filters they have are getting better.) I also feel obliged to point you in the direction of a proper news-service ;-) - http://news.individual.net offers "proper" (ie, not through a web interface) access for no charge, and are good reliable people. </evangelism> Shimgray 14:09, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I haven't been on usenet for years but why not use a newsreader such as forte Agent or even outlook express? You can whatever adress you like in those. Failing that create a new email address say spammypot@throwawaywebaccount.ta-very-much then use that. Put "I never read email at this address" as a signature to warn people not to bother you, then let thaty adress catch all the spam it wants. Periodically delete everything from it every couple of months to keep it active. Theresa Knott (The snott rake) 11:42, 14 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I typically use pseudes@falsus.ne, from the Greek word for "false" and the Latin words for "false/cheated" and "not." :-) --GeluIgnisque
Thanks for the replies. All of them seem to leave me with other problems ;o) I use Mozilla for my mail and a quick Google suggests I can use it as a newsgroup client, but the references to that point to an option I don't appear to have on my menu bar. I think I downloaded a non-newsgroup build for disk space reasons. And I'm sure I must have privileges to have another email address through my ISP since I currently don't even use the one they gave me but I have no clue as to how to sort that out.
I'll give them a ring in the morning. I think I've actually solved most of the problems I wanted to go to the group for anyway by doing some more thorough searching of its archives. --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 23:25, Dec 14, 2004 (UTC)
PS: Forgot - yes, the setting up a new Hotmail account was a solution that occurred to me very early on but I have rather a hate/hate relationship with the one I've already got and I was thinking I may want to get into reading messages too which would painfully slow in Hotmail. I think the thing is I'm uncertain as to what I really want and what I'm hoping to achieve. I'm like that. It absolutely infuriates people...
Given that you have your own domain (et al) they should give you a magic catchall email address (on looking at your host, it seems like they give you an impressive 200 real addresses, but you don't need them for this). If you set up your mail client to read mail from that catchall account, then it gets mail sent to "anyoldrubbish AT bodnotbod.org.uk". But best of all, every time you need to subscribe to some online thingy that wants an email address (e.g. bigscary.com) you make up an email address for that (bigscary_2004 AT bodnotbod.org.uk) - and if you subsequently get spam, you can tell who sold your email address (and you can block one of these useless addresses without blocking your "nice" one that only your friends know). That catchall address gives you throwaway addresses without the bother of throwaway accounts. - John Fader
Create an account with your fake/spammable email address in Mozilla Mail or Thunderbird. Make up your POP3 mail server name if the address is bogus. The new address can then be selected from the "From:" drop-down menu when composing an email. Alternatively, simply click on your new account in the "Folders" pane, and any subsequent emails you send will use that address in the "From" header automatically.
Well, thanks for pointing up how much of me is traceable and scaring me even more ;o) Actually, I signed up to a website recently and was not asked for my real name and address and I got, within a week, a magazine delivered to my home on the very subject of the website. It can only have been through the scanty details I provided to the site that this happened, it would not have been to do with any other 'real world' activity or anything. Having said that I used to avoid associating bodnotbod with my real name, but I've stuck my real name on my website now, so it's definitely part of me. But I can't imagine they hire someone who individually looks someone up based on their username every time they get a new registrant.
Now I wait for the day that a girl sends me a brochure of pictures of me getting drunk they've found online, in response to any attempts I make to woo them.
I'll have a go at that domain email thing. I'm not sure where you got the 200 figure from but it might be skewed by the fact that I got my domain for free since I know a man who owns his own hosting company (which is nice). I suppose the next question is "so why don't you ask him about all this then." Well, yes, good idea. I'll do that.
Whilst we're on the subject, have we got any articles about, well, I dunno what you'd call it, online detective work? --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 01:27, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
How many checking accounts (or demand deposit accounts) are there in the US? How many in EU? How many checks are written in each per year? What is $$$ value of checking transactions in each per year? Any such statistical info regarding the size/volume of demand deposit accounts worldwide, or links to such information or data, would be appreciated. Thanks - KPM 14 DEC 2004
For the US, at least, you may be able to get some idea of the numbers by examining the statistics available at [54] and [55]. SWAdair | Talk 05:58, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
ABout AndhraPradesh reference
SIr/Madam,
I'm krishna from india..i'm creating one webpage on Andhra Prdesh..
MAy i use ur information/articles regarding Andhra Pradesh,,,
Thanking you sir,
krishna
andhra pradesh,
india.
Wikipedia is free. Feel free to use information from Andhra Pradesh or any other article. If it helps, you can add an acknowledgement. See Wikipedia:Citing Wikipedia for details. If you wish to give back something, you can contribute any useful information that you might have to Wikipedia. -- Sundar 07:13, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
Thermostat setting
Where can I find information about how to set my programmable house thermostat most efficiently? I am interested esp in whether it is better to keep the house a little warm all the time, or let it cool down completely then heat it up again in cycles. Thanks.
According to [56] and [57], a common misconception is that it's better to keep the thermostat on rather than letting a building cool down and then heating it back up. So during winter months, turn the temperature down when you're gone and turn it back up when you get home. Here in California, we hear nonstop pleas to be energy efficient, especially from the folks at Flex Your Power. They offer some ideas, but I generally go by this rule of thumb: 68°F (20°C) during winter while I'm at home, and 78°F (25.5°C) when I'm at home during the summer. Of course, YMMV. Best, David Iberri | Talk 18:05, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
Why some population became able to metabolise lactose when they could eat cheese or yougurth that doesn't contain lactose? Isn't the calcium contained in cheese not enough for a diet?
Are you asking why lactose tolerance (as opposed to the more common lactose intolerance) developed when humans could have met their dietary calcium requirements by eating cheese and yogurt rather than foods like milk, which contain lactose? If that's the case, it sounds like you're saying that cheese and yogurt don't contain lactose, which is only true of recently developed lactose-free substitutes. And lactose tolerance emerged long before those products were created, somewhere around 4000 BC. Perhaps you could clarify your question? --David Iberri | Talk 18:39, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
running of Chincoteague horses
When is the annual "running of the horses" festival on Chincoteague Island, Virginia? Or are there several festivals? It's not mentioned in the article. Mjklin 19:04, 2004 Dec 15 (UTC)
According to [58], [59], and [60], it starts on the last Wednesday in July. --David Iberri | Talk 19:19, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
I understand how some molecules (for example, acetate) can exist in an acid form (acetic acid) or in a salt form (sodium acetate, etc.). When reading the Wikipedia article on cocaine, I came across mentions of the salt form, the base form and the pure form of the cocaine molecule. What I don't understand is... don't these terms only make sense when the molecule is ionizable? Where is the ionizable group on the cocaine molecule? And what is the pure form of the molecule, relative the salt and base forms? ike9898 19:05, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
The salt form of cocaine is cocaine hydrochloride, Coc + HCl. In solution, the nitrogen on cocaine would pick up HCl proton, giving the salt, Coc+ + Cl-. The base form can then be produced by filtering out the chloride precipitate and then adding NH3. A base, NH3 strips the proton off of Coc+, giving Coc + NH4+, a base form of cocaine. It's not clear from the article what "pure" cocaine is; I'm guessing the pure form of cocaine is just the molecule cocaine all by its lonesome. Does that answer your question? --David Iberri | Talk 21:31, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
Anonymous request moved from the Village Pump. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 19:20, Dec 15, 2004 (UTC)
Thanks for taking a minute to look over my questions. I am currently rebuilding a 309 big block in my spare time. I was wondering if any of the Ford Guru's might have some feed back. Keep in mind, Im in college right now for diesel mechanics, and my funds are extremly low. I am looking at maybe tring to strok the engine. Any body had any luck tryin to build on of these monsters
I took the motor out of a 76 3/4 ton 2WD. It was painted from the facory as Orange Blossom Special. Needless to say, with a bad drinking problem, the ol' truck didnt last that long. It was buttoned up behind a 4 speed manual, with granny gear. It was fun while it lasted, but it doesnt scare me anymore. NEED MORE POWER!!! I took my heads and block into school to clean them up a lil. Belive it or not, the block actually was blue at one time.
I'm pondering the thouget of Buying a F250 Highboy. It sits in this guys yard every morning on my way to school. I think its a 78, and its runnin a C6. Its a closs toss-up between goin really fast, or goin wherever I want. Once again, thanks for your time reading this. Please reply to this web site, or email me at Viss79@hotmail.com Give me the guidence to build a winner.
Is this a request for instructions on how to build a monster truck? Surely us Wikipedians are too elevated to get involved with this sort of ting? (Hoists nose in the air, sniffs theatrically, flounces off). --[[User:Bodnotbod|bodnotbod » .....TALKQuietly)]] 02:02, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
If you're hurting for cash, an FE block is not a very smart way to go. Dump the 390, and try to find a "385 series" big block, aka a 460/7.3L. The parts are cheaper, much more plentiful. Ford stopped building FE blocks in 1969, stopped putting them in cars the same year, and continued to put them in trucks, usually as 360s, until 1976. The 385 series 460 cu. in was in production until 1997. There are 4 fold the number of 385 series blocks out there. They sell mount kits for the 385s to fit in almost anything you can drive. You also need to get the block and head casting codes for what you want. Not all 460s are alike. If you goto a dealership, they should have it on microfiche, a book or CD for sale. You need those codes before you go treasure hunting for a "385 series" 460/7.3L. Check this site out [61] --scupper 15:47, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Another note is that the 390 can't be bored or stroked very much further. The largest FE-series is the 428, and that's about as big as you can go (and you'd do better just buying a 428 Q-code engine anyway).
Ford blocks were often blue, if painted. My 428 is unpainted but the rocker covers are blue.
I have some data, but they've been stratified to reduce a confounder. I have calculated the odds ratio in each group, and am aware of what a 95% confidence interval is. How do I calculate a pooled estimate of the odds ratio together with a 95% confidence interval? Dunc|☺ 22:37, 15 Dec 2004 (UTC)
CSI: NY Theme Song?
I know this might sound stupid, but is the CSI: NY theme song part of a regular-sized song? (i.e.: The "Charmed" them song is part of "When Is Now" or something like that.) If it is, what is that song/singer and where can I find the lyrics to it?
--Tina
I can't swear to it, but someone claims it's "Baba O'Riley" by The Who. - Nunh-huh 04:16, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The theme songs to all of the CSI series are songs by The Who.
I would really like to know if you can either tell me where to find the answers or just give them to me for these questions:
Have the qualifications for a member of the Sanhedrin changed over time?
I understand that one qualification for a man to be a member of the Sanhedrin in Jesus' day was that he had to be married. Is this correct?
Thank you for your time and efforts on my behalf.
Brian G. Baxter
bbaxter@shaw.ca
Neither the article Sanhedrin nor my Bible Dictionary give any indication that marriage was a pre-requisite. I quote "The method of appointment is not clear, but the aristocratic origin of the body suggests direct appointment of members of the ancient families". DJ Clayworth 03:26, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Trinomial as square of binominal (math help)
As a liberal arts kind of person, I have ask Wikipedia's many mathematics buffs:
How can I write the trinomial x2 - 18x + 81 as a binomial?
How can I solve the equation of x2 + 2x - 35 = 0 by "completing the square"?
How can I find the height and weight of a triangle given that the area of the triangle is 35 square feet and the height of the triangle is three feet longer than the base?
Thanks. [[User:Neutrality|Neutrality/talk]] 04:48, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
You can't. But you can write it as a binomial squared:
x2 - 18x + 81 = (x - 9)2
How you get from the one to the other is fairly well described in binomial. We're exploiting the equation (a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2
a2 = x2
b2 = 81
-2ab = -18
This one's more complicated. Take a look at Completing the square for a full explanation of how the 1 was decided on.
x2 + 2x - 35 = 0
1 - 1 = 0, so we can add it to one side
x2 + 2x - 35 + 1 - 1 = 0
rearrange
x2 + 2x + 1 - 36 = 0
just to be explicit with the parens
(x2 + 2x + 1) - 36 = 0
completing the square allows us to do the following substitution into our equation
x2 + 2x + 1 = (x + 1)2
(x + 1)2 - 36 = 0
add 36 to both sides
(x + 1)2 = 36
take the square root of both sides (square root of 36 will produce both positive and negative 6)
(x + 1) = ±6
subtract 1 from both sides, and get two roots (as you should)
x = 5, x = -7
More steps to this one.
basic triangle area formula
Area = 1/2 * base * height
given equation
height = base + 3
substitute the given into the area formula
Area = 1/2 * base * (base + 3)
multiply it out
Area = 1/2 * (base2 + 3*base)
Area = 1/2 * base2 + 3/2*base
put in the value for area
35 = 1/2 * base2 + 3/2*base
rearrange to get a zero on one side so the quadratic formula can be used
1/2 * base2 + 3/2*base - 35 = 0
This produces two values for base: 7, and -10. You can't have a negative length, so we can throw out the -10.
back to the given
height = base + 3 = 7 + 3
and we have the answer
height = 10
base = 7
It's fairly likely that some math nerds will show up to berate me for some mathematical inexactitude (probably relating to the square root bit), but this is how you do it. -- Cyrius|✎ 05:33, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
For the third one, there's an easier way to do it:
70 = base * height (because the base * height equals twice the area)
height = base + 3
70 = base * (base + 3) (substituting)
70 = base2 + 3*base
Rearrange: base2 + 3*base - 70 = 0
Solve that on your calculator or whatever, get two solutions: base = 7 and -10. You can't use -10, because it's negative, so throw it away.
Actually, that's equivalent, you're just multiplying both sides by 2 instead of carrying the 1/2 around. -- Cyrius|✎ 06:17, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Which is the smart way of doing it. -- Cyrius|✎ 06:23, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Silly question about roads
In the US, a length of road might be called "Padonia Rd.", "Padonia St.", "Padonia Dr.", etc. Is there any difference between a road, street or drive in this context? What about an avenue -- these are typically large multi-lane roads, I think, but not always. The only constant is "court"; "Padonia Ct." always ends in a cul-de-sac, right? Tuf-Kat 06:25, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
There's no consistent meaningful distinction between any of them. In my experience, the suffixes are ignored completely by residents. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some cities have roads with duplicate names but different suffixes, but I've never come across it. Is the distinction between types of road important in the context? -- Cyrius|✎ 06:52, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Just look at Atlanta, Georgia, which has a dozen streets called Peachtree, but with different suffixes. Or a couple days ago I discovered there are two Nightingale streets in the Cincinnati, Ohio post office, one a court the other a drive. PedanticallySpeaking 21:56, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
Corner of Pike and PikeCorrect on "Court". Otherwise, there are many areas where there are local distinctions (e.g. in both New York City and Seattle "streets" go east-west, "avenues" go north-south). "Place" is usually minor, "Alley" is always minor and usually a service road between more major streets, "road" is more often rural or suburban than urban (but there are exceptions), "way" is usually not entirely straight (but, again, there are exceptions).
As for duplicate names but different suffixes — or prefixes — Seattle is full of them. The picture at right is the corner of Pike and Pike: the photographer was standing on Pike Street; Pike Place runs off to the right. There are arterials called NE 45th Street and 45th Avenue NE, which locals distinguish as "NE 45th" and "45th NE", almost never bothering with "street" or "avenue". University Street is a major downtown street; University Way is near the University of Washington, 3 miles away (it was founded on a small campus on University Street, but it hasn't been there in almost a century). I could go on, but I'll spare you. -- Jmabel | Talk 07:28, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
The insanity continues when road namers have "foreign" languages in which to get lost. Consider California's Spanglish delights, including:
I dread to think what nasties they've visited upon Hawaii. -- John Fader 13:54, 16 Dec 2004 (UTC)
English is quite capable of getting lost within itself for street names. "Avenue" meant, at one time, a row of trees, and "Avenue Road" was a road bordering trees before Avenue became a type of street. "Boulevard" was a grassy divider in the middle of the street, or a grassy bank at the roadside. As a street name it once meant a street thus divided or bordered, but the organic origins of Boulevard, like Avenue, are lost to all but trivia buffs. It is still sometimes used to mean generally the space between a road and adjacent private property, hence "boulevard cafe", "boulevard parking", etc.
Toronto is a city in which you should pay attention to street types, as street names are re-used, often very far apart, mostly as a result of growth by annexation. Centre St is in the far northwest of the city, Centre Ave is in the downtown core; Spadina Rd begins where Spadina Ave ends; Danforth Rd forks off from Danforth Ave. Sharkford 21:22, 2004 Dec 16 (UTC)
Avenues are usually small neighborhood roads. Maybe you were thinking of boulevards? There are a large number of names for types of roads. One county in Michigan has named every east-west surface road, a highway. Rmhermen 14:18, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
I don't know where you live, but these are not small neighborhood roads:
Fifth Avenue (or any of numerous others), Manhattan
In the suburbs of Philadelphia we have many roads that are named with the suffix Pike (Bethlehem Pike, Ridge Pike). I have heard that this indicates that these roads were once private toll-roads (you had to pay someone to 'turn the pike' and allow you to pass. ike9898 14:36, Dec 16, 2004 (UTC)
My hometown has four streets named "Grenfell" (Court, Place, Crescent, Drive), all connecting to each other in the same neighbourhood. Adam Bishop 04:17, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Is your hometown Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada? I checked Microsoft MapPoint 2001 but did not see any "Grenfell" there. -- Toytoy 02:38, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
Ah, no, I mean London, Ontario, although I suppose that is not literally my hometown... Adam Bishop 02:57, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I see. It's a terrible mess out there. The Grenfell Drive branches out Grenfell Crescent which branches out Grenfell Court and Grenfell Place. The Post Office may want to pay them $5 to change these names. -- Toytoy 04:19, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
I'm currently staying with my parents for Christmas, and there's a good dozen (at least) streets here of the form X Avenue, X Way, X Drive, X Gardens, X Road... it's fairly common in the UK, for streets built as part of a single housing estate. (another popular approach is "themes" - all named for flowers, or trees, or battles - I always felt a bit uncomfortable with the idea of a Somme Road, or a Ypres Terrace, but there you go.) Shimgray 02:24, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Many thanks for everyone's responses! FTR, I didn't want to know for any article, or for any reason in particular... Just curious. Tuf-Kat 05:59, Dec 19, 2004 (UTC)
I know there are places called Pug Rescue. But are there any in Ohio? Any information about Pug Rescue would be helpful. Or even Schnauzer Rescue. ^^ KThx.
I'm going to be taking a one-man driving holiday in CA/NV/AZ in Jan/Feb of 2005, and I hoped y'all would fill me in on some driving conditions info that ordinary guidebooks and weather sites seem to miss.
Firstly, I was planning on visiting either or both of the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley. It's clear that the temperatures in northern Arizona in early February are routinely below freezing (often considerably so). Should I anticipate a significant amount of ice and snow (i.e should I bring chains, and expect to be driving slowly) or is it a truly desert cold (an essentially dry chill)?
Secondly, I'll be renting a car near San Francisco and driving it to Phoenix, Arizona. Will a soft-bellied California rental car be properly winterized, or will I have to perform a fluid-transplant somewhere in Nevada?
Well, the NPS website would probably be a good place to start, in particular the weather page (It says snow on both the north and south rim during winter months). In general, you should probably bring snow chains since they are relatively inexpensive, and it's far better to have them and not need them than the other way around. As for the kinds of weather your car will be prepared to take, I would recommend asking the company, as they are the only ones who would know for sure. --Cvaneg 02:28, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
One condition you're probably not aware of.... at the top of the canyon, the climate is essentially alpine; it will be cold and maybe snowy in the winter. At the bottom of the canyon, it is more like Phoenix; it won't be hot in Feb., but it will probably be comfortable. However, if the trail to the bottom is wet and mucky, it is a little sketchy! By the way, other than the Grand Canyon, the best places in AZ are Tucson and Bisbee. I wouldn't bother with Phoenix. I'm biased, but I lived in AZ from from '98-'03. ike9898 03:18, Dec 17, 2004 (UTC)
I spent a short New Year's vacation in northern Arizona last year. When we arrived at the Grand Canyon, the place was very cold but quite dry. An centimeter or two of snow fell the night before our departure, but our city-slicker Accord was able to navigate safely all the way from the village to the east entrance. After a day or two in the likewise dry eastern part of the state, we passed through the highlands southeast of Phoenix literally on the heels of a snowfall that reached a depth of, oh, 10 cm or more in places. The snowplows were on top of it, though, and no harm came of it, though I did have to slow down a good bit (from 60 mph or more to 40 or so) for the conditions. You wouldn't be courting disaster if you entered the area with no chains, but it would be reasonably cautions to bring them. --Smack 05:00, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
On some of the freeways in AZ, the speed limit is 75 mph - which means people drive 85 mph. ike9898 19:39, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
polar bear with warrior woman on top
what is the name of the vodka with the woman warrior riding a polar bear? please help thanks send email to wskipper@satx.rr.com
A simple google for "polar bear with warrior woman vodka" displayed a link to eBay selling a "1987Rumple Minze Warrior Woman Polar Bear Ad" as the first result. I guess, the name of the vodka is Rumple Minze, though, if I am correct, it's actually schnapps. Paranoid 20:22, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Rubber Ducky song (no, not that one)
Years ago, I heard the rubber ducky song, but I can't remember the words or find it on the net. No, not the one that Ernie sings, but the one that replaces references to Ernie's favorite toy with references to the floppy antenna frequently used by handheld Amateur radios (and uses the same tune). What were the (parodyed) words? --ssd 05:21, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
there was a spinoff of the Kylie Minogue song going 2I should b so lucky zith my rubber ducky". But then again, i know thats not helpful--Wonderfool 00:19, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Nazi Architecture
I was reading the article on Nazi Architecture and came upon an interesting quote-
"Nazi buildings were an expression of the essence of the movemnt buildt as a Nationalist Socialist building should be regardless of the style used" and I want to know how to find out who this quote was originally said by.
Thanks.
Well, it seems to have been written by User:Rsloch, so perhaps you can ask them on their talk page. Adam Bishop 06:32, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Interpreting Demographic/Population Statistics
I have a question regarding the interpretation of demographic statistics - in particular as related to cities within the USA. I will use San Antonio, Texas as an example, and here's the question:
In looking at population demographics by race for San Antonio, it lists the %'s for various races along these lines: 68% white, 7% african-american, 1% native american, 2% asian and 22% other. Then it goes on to say that 59% of the population is of latin/hispanic race.
Do those statistics indicate that the latin/hispanic %'s are included within the white statistic as presented, and that therefore the actual % of the white population is only 9% for San Antonio?
I guess I don't understand why the hispanic population is not called out separately (as is the native american group) in the first listing of population percents.
Thanks very much.
Steve
Hispanic origin is a separate census question. Hispanics can consider themselves white, Native American, or more rarely black, Asian, etc. Rmhermen 18:48, Dec 17, 2004 (UTC)
We actually have a Hispanic article which deals with the matter in specifics. Although in general the argument goes that the term Hispanic draws from several disparate ethnic groups and is about as useful a categorization as American when it comes to determining race. Race in general is a sticky subject, and even in the dispassionate realm of science everything is not as clear cut as one would hope. --Cvaneg 19:49, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Most likely, nearly all of the 22% identifying themselves as "Other" also identify themselves as Hispanic. I don't think "Mestizo" is listed as a race on US census forms, but it is how the bulk of the Mexican population identifies itself. Ergo, if what you want to know is the percentage of San Antonians identifying themselves as "White Non-Hispanic", it's probably roughly 30%. Diderot 20:41, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You are correct in that Mestizo was not on these census questions. You could have used it on the ethnicity question on the long form but I think it would have been a write-in. Rmhermen 20:55, Dec 17, 2004 (UTC)
The Thompinian alphabet seems to have been the creation of a Spanish speaker in Colombia for personal writings in Spanish, and then extended to other languages. Like most other personally constructed orthographies (including my own), I don't think it is in wide use anywhere, and is probably not used at all except by its creator and possibly some of his friends. [[User:Livajo|Ливай | ☺]] 23:48, 17 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't think they are standardized. ike9898 19:37, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
Surely they must be, since the majority of dinner plates and so forth are the same size? [[User:Constafrequent|Constafrequent(talk page)]] 03:43, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't know if this is the sort of thing you're looking for, but...the National Retail Federation (www.nrf.com) allocates size and color codes for use on Universal Product Codes (UPCs) for all sorts of stuff, including dinnerware. I guess that means that if you want to sell something in volume (ie you want to slap a UPC on it), then you have to go to the NRF. They'll also allocate a new code for a new size/color. I don't know if this is just for the US, or globally. -Rholton 06:34, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Girl scout uniforms
I was wondering where I'd be able to find pictures/diagrams of the uniforms of various girl scouting organisations around the world (specifically in europe). Any comparisons, or pictures of obsolete uniforms would be very helpful. (I'm trying to identify one that I've recently acquired) [[User:Rhymeless|Rhymeless | (Methyl Remiss)]] 09:26, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I am interested in any information on the % of African Americans that celebrate Kwanzaa. Is this proportion rising or falling? Is it more prevalent among any particular sub-groups (blacks in Southern states vs. Northern; Christian vs. non-Christian; rich vs. poor). ike9898 17:09, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
Most people use the two words interchangably. However, in principle, a phonetic writing scheme is one where each distinguishable sound - according to some observer - is seperately represented; a phonemic writing scheme is one where each sound distinction that can change the meaning of a morpheme or lexeme is distinguished, and no other sound distinction is represented.
Inuktitut example: Inuktitut speakers use the shound /sh/ before most /u/'s and some /i/'s insread of /s/. But, which sound they use is completely controlled by the surrounding letters. The places where they say /sh/ they could never use /s/ and vice versa. So, both sounds have the same underlying phoneme and can be represented with the same letter of the alphabet without confusion. Thus, people writing inuksuk phonetically write inushuk, but a phonemic script for Inuktitut would write it inuksuk.
Same with the /u/ - /o/ distinction. Greenlanders write two different letters for the sounds /o/ and /u/, but they are really the same phoneme. Greenlandic spellings are not phonemic because they derive from Kleinschmidt's work some 150 years ago. Qaliujaaqpait - the Canadian roman system for eastern dialects - was invented much later by professional linguists, so it is a mostly phonemic writing system.
Different linguists sometimes disagree about exactly what sounds are distinguished from which others, and what mechanisms are necessary to explain the differences. As a result, a language may have more than one phonemic analysis and therefore more than one different phonemic writing scheme. Phonetic writing is entirely dependent on which sound differences someone perceives, so there can be many different phonetic writing systrems as well.
As far as I can tell from the brief research that I have made, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker, and is friend only to the undertaker. It seems to be an enemy to all mankind, frankly, the very thought of war blows my mind. Intrigue 19:36, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Most of the best films have some sort of war in. In fact, this makes me think of a question i shall post here--Wonderfool 00:22, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
how do i make a request on a new subject
I would like to know what turpenoid is.
I moved this from the help desk. As for what a turpenoid is, I think it's a good name for an elected official who publicly displays a combination of moral turpitude and stupidity. However, if you want to know what a terpenoid is, click on the word and you will be magically whisked away to an answer. alteripse 22:49, 18 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Turpenoid is now a redirect to terpenoid. Now we can all agrue over whether it should be. :-) -Rholton 18:21, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I vote no, or at least make it a disambiguation page with the new definition offered above. Let's see if we can start a word! alteripse 23:13, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Hmmm...Well actually, Turpenoid seems to be some sort of turpentine substitute, apparently a trademark. If I get a chance, perhaps I'll turn the page into a stub for this meaning.
However, just to be clear, neologisms tend to be quickly placed on VFD, and usually end up deleted (or so modified as to no longer be about a new word, as in this case). The reason I thought there may be some question about having the redirect is that some may not consider turepenoid a common misspelling of terpenoid. For the time being, I'm going to change it back to a redirect. -Rholton 00:39, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
significant omission in your list of dates of death
Good evening,
in your list of dates of death I find an very significant lack: please check yourself.
Kaspar Hauser died on Dec 17 after a murder attack.
I would wish very much that this be considered.
Respectfully
Hans J. Struck
Kaspar Hauser died December 17 in 1833. Hardly material for the recent deaths page. Or did you mean a different page. Feel free to edit the page yourself; that's how the article get improved. Rmhermen 23:27, Dec 18, 2004 (UTC)
Accuracy, truth
Dear Sir or Madam,
If hundreds-of-thousands of articles are being submitted, how does Wikipedia know that they are accurate? Surely, it is not possible to have someone double-checking (triple-checking?) every article submitted?
Many thanks for a very interesting website.
Sincerely
Bert
Hey Bert (sorry, couldn't help it), your question is answered in some depth at Wikipedia:Replies to common objections. If that doesn't meet all your concerns, feel free to ask (although Wikipedia:Help desk is probably a marginally more appropriate venue for such discussion). -- John Fader 00:20, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
How to find info on a non-public corporation?
What resources are available to find out information about a non-public corporation in the United States? Are there any publically-accessible records which a private corporation has to report to the government? In particular I'm trying to find out information about t/Space. --NeuronExMachina 01:14, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
There is very little a private corporation has to report. I don't think even their tax records are public information. For a large enough company Forbes magazine may have published some information. I am not aware of any other public repositories of data. Access can be paid for to private databases such as Dun and Bradstreets.[63] They maintain as much information as they are able to get, including revenue, officers, credit worthiness, etc. - Taxman 03:04, Dec 19, 2004 (UTC)
One of your best bets for free information is the public library in the town where it is headquartered. Most public libraries happily take phone calls on this sort of question and will track down what they have on file. -- Jmabel | Talk 06:16, Dec 19, 2004 (UTC)
What sort of information can one typically find on a company from a public library? --NeuronExMachina 09:37, 19 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Most good public libraries keep some clipping files for local newspapers, although less so now in the Internet age. -- Jmabel | Talk 01:03, Dec 20, 2004 (UTC)
One of the great advantages of keeping your corporation private is the, well, privacy that you can maintain. In many parts of the U.S. and Canada, "WHMIS" documents relating to materials that they're using must be put on file and available to the public (possibly at the nearest fire station?) so that might give you a clue as to what they're up to, or at least what kind of white board cleaner they use. Sharkford 21:18, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)
help identifying jacket patches
Anonymous request moved from the Village Pump. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 21:26, Dec 19, 2004 (UTC)
My father was in the 20th Air Force--677 B Squadron--flew the Hump
I'm tring to identify or get the meaning of several patches that he wore on his flight jacket.
I know I don't belong on this site but don't know where to go.
Thanks
Tim Borden
timborden1@mindspring.com
Tim, we welcome these sorts of queries from visitors. As far as Wikipedia is concerned, virtually everyone belongs on this site! As far as the patches go, if you could upload photos of the patches, or at least some fairly detailed descriptions, we might have a good shot of helping you identify them. -Rholton 01:53, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Everyone except that guy asking where to pirate games. -- Cyrius|✎ 04:15, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Tim: check out this web site. By "20th Air Force" you probably mean the United States 20th Army Air Force possibly 677th Bombardment Squadron - since you know what you're looking for, you're more likely to find it than we are. Search for his plane type (e.g. "B-29", "F-4", "Phantom", etc.) or for his base (e.g. "Hollomon AFB"). If I've guessed right about your father's squadron, be sure to look at those other websites which may not help with the patches but might have some interesting photos. - Nunh-huh 04:59, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Caustic pineapple chemicals?
I checked pineapple but found no reference to that chemical that makes your tongue feel raw and painful if you eat uncooked/unprepared pineapple. Is it pineapple that does that? This is one of those things I have a faint memory of, but no hard information. grendel|khan 02:36, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)
If I recall correctly, the US government can hold copyright on materials transferred to it by third parties. In addition, the laws regarding the reproduction of money or images of money are strange and twisted. -- Cyrius|✎ 04:12, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
There was a rifle discovered by a friend of mine. He collects guns and cannot find any information of any kind on this rifle. The only markings on this rifle are machine engraved (just like Winchester or any other markings) and say Cherokee 75. That is the only identification on this rifle. There are no serial numbers or anything. Does anyone know who made this rifle or where it came from or where I can look up the information? It is not in any collectors' books that we have checked. Thank you. Candy Arp
Does the rifle look anything like the one in these pictures? If so, it's probably made by Thompson/Center. -Rholton 06:20, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Quote from Ayn Rand
We the willing, led by the unknowing are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much for so long with so little we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.
Is this quote from the Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged? Thanks!
Elaine A. King, CPA
No. It's not from Ayn Rand: it's a popular office joke, by Ayn-Nonymous<g>! It's certainly nothing that Ayn Rand would ever have thought, let alone written. - Nunh-huh 22:10, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I don't know what came first, but a popular slogan in Vietnam among disgruntled grunts was "We are the unwilling led by the unqualified to do the unnecessary for the ungrateful." --jpgordon∇∆∇∆ 00:31, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Million dollar question
How do I make a million dollars, attract beautiful women and become famous? I figure we know everything else, we might as well find out about this one. Thanks. - Ta bu shi da yu 11:32, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
(Oh, sorry about the male POV — except for you gay guys of course)
Insider trading.
Take over an underdeveloped nation through a romantic peasant revolution.
Record a top 40 hit.
Failing that, there's always sports. Hitting a baseball four times out of ten ought to do the trick.
You could deal drugs. They're real expensive these days, plus all your profit is tax-free. If you want something legit, you could start a McCarthy-esque paranoia against a scapegoat of your choice (Jews, Hispanics, gays, heck probably even extraterrestrials...people seem to get more gullible every year), then get elected to Congress, where you can give yourself raises whenever you and your co-workers feel like it. [[User:Livajo|Ливай | ☺]] 22:18, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
No you can't, according to the 27th amendment [64]. Payrises for Congressmen and Senators don't take effect until an election has intervened. Kind of a nice incentive for congresscritters to avoid hyperinflation, don't you think :) --Robert Merkel 06:09, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Ted Turner, asked this question, said "Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and ADVERTISE!" -- John Fader 00:56, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Conduct seminars in which you teach people the secret of how to make a million dollars, attract beautiful women and become famous. (What do you teach them to do in the seminars? Easy! Conduct seminars in which you teach people the secret of how to...you get the picture).
Failing that, let's ignore inflation for the moment. If you could save $5000 per year and invested it in an S&P 500 index fund (which returned about 6.2% per year real returns between 1965 and 2002), in 43 years you'd have a million dollars. Savings and compound returns, m'lad. --Robert Merkel 06:05, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Art. but do really good art though. films, literature and architecture too. those things are great. learn poker too. and play online poker.thats an easy job. i wonder how u can tell poker faces online--Wonderfool 00:37, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Focus on becoming famous first, the rest seem to come along with it. Now, to become famous is easy, just kill someone who is also famous. George W. Bush would be a good place to start. — Kieff | Talk 08:11, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
Names of English & Spanish ships at Battle of St Vincent
Moved here from article namespace, please email questioner, article deleted.
I am a member of the Britannia Naval Research Association based in Oxford England. We are preparing a presentation of The Battle of St Vincent in 1780. The battle was fought between the Spanish and English fleets. We are having difficulty in naming all the English and Spanish ships present and historic records seem scarce. We also require details of the Spanish flags, both national and admirals' flags of that date.
Malcolm Lewis mandblewis@onetel.com
Sources for birth/death dates
I have been working on several WP articles on some not-so-famous people, and I am having trouble obtaining dates of birth and/or death. I have exhaustively searched through Google, Yahoo, and several other search engines. I have also checked historical societies and genealogy source on-line. I need to be able to work from home. I specifically need:
You are at the right place on Wikipedia to ask this sort of question, but these look to me like you may have to (gasp!) go to a library and try to search among the dead trees instead of the dead dinosaurs. -- Jmabel | Talk 19:14, Dec 20, 2004 (UTC)
Questionable actual military rank, common use of title Colonel in Virginia, West Virginia
In writing several articles on not-so-famous people, I have run across indications that some individuals who did not formerly attain the rank of Colonel apparently assumed the use of this title (or it was used by others when referring to them) in the years after the American Civil War. From my own experience, I was aware of several such people who were still alive in the mid-20th century in Virginia. That leads me to speculate that this was/is some kind of colloquial situation. Following the lead of author H. Reid in The Virginian Railway, I addressed the issue in the William N. Page and related articles and have side-stepped the issue in Algernon S. Buford and related articles. In both instances, there are published indications that the title of "Colonel" was not an earned military rank.
1. Has anyone else run across this?
2. Since we are compiling and writing article with information of a factual nature, how do we address such a situation?
One famous example of it was late Colonel Sanders who knew much about chichen cookery. They used to (sell?) these honorary titles in the American South.
I have recently discovered the software WikidPad, which seems to operate almost identically to Wikipedia and is simple enough to be used by non-programmers (unlike MediaWiki). It uses the file extension .wiki, and its files will export to HTML. However, it will not import text files, so there is a bit of up-front work to do cutting and pasting from my current journal. My question is, is there any other (better) software like this I should know about before I start copying all my files, or does it not matter because I can always export later? Or should I just go ahead and learn PHP for MediaWiki? Thanks. Mjklin 18:08, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)
Media wiki isn't really that hard to install or to use, and one certainly doesn't need to be a programmer or to know PHP to do so. As, like most of the more capable wiki implementations, it requires one to set up a web server, a PHP installation, and a MySQL server, the configuration can be daunting for the non technical. Our wiki software article lists numerous alternatives. If Mediawiki really is too daunting, look for the ones that incorporate the database function (so one doesn't need an external database system like MySQL). Examples of this include UseModWiki. There are even a few that even include the web server too (so one need install only the language runtime and the wiki software itself); I've used Instiki, which is incredibly easy to install (but is also rather basic). I belive MoinMoin is also really easy to install (no SQL, and with optional included webserver), although I've never used it (but it is very popular). -- John Fader 22:20, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
You might also try Kwiki, which is implemented in Perl. It's lightweight, backed by flat files, and is quite easy to install and maintain in my experience. --David Iberri | Talk 07:10, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)
I'm sure there are. I enjoy this one (it does not really bemoan the use of slang, but it's rather fun if you like to make picky distinctions): [65]. -[[User:Aranel|Aranel ("Sarah")]] 01:06, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Hitachi Automatic Home Bakery Bread Maker
I have recently purchased a Hitachi HB-B101 Bread Maker. There was no instruction booklet for it. Is there anywhere that I can contact to get an operating book for my breadmaker.
Teri Lindsey
Digging through HItachi's web pages, I found their US Home Appliances Support page. They'll sell you an instruction manual for $10 plus shipping. -- Cyrius|✎ 23:24, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Photo stitching software
I am looking for software to stitch together 8 large tiff images (they are sections of a map). I'd love it to be free. Any ideas?
I've done a good deal of this sort of thing, but with photographs instead. All of the tools mentioned here are free: I use Hugin and Autopano-SiFT, which automatically aligns the images based on detected features. (It's practically magical.) Hugin also supports the selectable use of Enblend to blend the edges of stitched pictures together seamlessly. The toolchain should be adaptable to photographs; just pretend that they're photos taken with a very, very long lens. There are tutorials on the above pages, but if you have more questions, I'd be happy to answer them. grendel|khan 23:47, 2004 Dec 20 (UTC)
Questions of grammar
Just a few questions about grammar that I have been curious about for quite some time.
1) Why is "colonel" spelled the way it is?
2) When do you use "burnt" and when do you use "burned"? (Same with any other words similar with the "t" or "ed" ending.)
3)How do you know when to use "who" or "whom"?(Same with "affect" and "effect".)
--Tina
Regarding "colonel", Random House's writeup on it is real good. Regarding burned and burnt, as far as I know, they are completely interchangable -- "burnt toast" sounds more assonant than "burned toast", but that's about it. --01:54, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
OK, here are the next two
Who is used as a subject in a clause or sentence and whom is used as object of a clause, preposition or transitive verb: who hit whom? is correct, but whom hit who? is not. In Latin, they would be translated into nominative and accusative forms of the pronoun respectively.
Affect as a noun usually means mood, as a verb to affect means to change, but rarely it means "to pretend to" a quality.
Effect as a noun means the result of change, and as a verb to effect means to cause.
Many writers here and elsewhere who are otherwise literate cannot keep these straight. Start noticing and you'll find more semiliterati with pretensions than you might expect. Unless they are politicians affecting demotic ignorance (cf Bush's nucular). alteripse 02:16, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
To answer the second question, "burnt" to me tends to mean "charred": "burnt toast". In other senses "burnt" is not used, always "burned". [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 02:33, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)
Burned is a past participle, burnt is an adjective.
I burned the house down.
It smells like burnt toast.
But not:
*I burnt the house down.
*It smells like burned toast.
("*" is the international linguistics symbol for an intentionally incorrect sentence.)
People don't make the distinction consistently, so don't worry too much about it.
affect and effect have different argument structures.
The stock market affects the bond market.
Lowering the interest rate effects a reduction in the cost of financing government debt.
But never:
*The stock market effects the bond market.
*Lowering the interest rate affects a reduction in the cost of financing government debt.
X affects Y means that X is an actor of some sort and Y is a thing that changes because of the actions of X. X effects Y means that X is an action and Y is a consequence of that action.
People do try to make this distinction consistently as it has real content and potential for ambiguity. You should try to get this one right.
The "colonel" and who/whom questions have already been answered.
And see whom for Wikipedia's take on it. JRM 14:22, 2004 Dec 21 (UTC)
I find the following explanations helpful (and entertaining): affect/effect, who/whom. I imagine that burnt/burned has some American/British English influences, whether it is supposed to or not. -[[User:Aranel|Aranel ("Sarah")]] 21:18, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
____
Okay, for burnt vs. burned, American English generally uses burnt as a perfect participle (the equivalent of an adjective), as in "burnt-up paper," and uses burned everywhere else. Whether to use -(e)d or -t on other verbs (learn, spoil, spelt) depends on the verb, but I'd say that the -(e)d forms are predominant in American English, except for, say, dwelt (dwelled) and knelt (kneeled). We are discussing here only verbs that have alternate forms; there is no *creeped to alternate with crept.
Regarding who/whom, using who in all instances will really get you by unless you're among conservativestylists. Linguists agree that the distinction (like the Old Englishcase endings that showed whether a noun was the subject, direct object, or whatever) is moribund in American English; neither the mass media nor the youth observe it.
The affect/effect distinction, explained above, is observed by literate adults, so yeah, learning it is a good idea. --GeluIgnisque
____
Mega-esophagus
Where can I get information on Mega-esophagus (Megaesophagus?). --Sgeo | Talk 01:50, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)
Googling for the latter gives some useful hits, amongst which [66]. When you've read the material out there, it'd be much appreciated if you could write up an article or at least a stub on it. Thanks in advance! �xfeff; --fvw* 01:57, 2004 Dec 21 (UTC)
or this one] which contains links to other resources. -- Nunh-huh
Question of law
Is there any site that I can go to that would tell me anything about law? (Like a law dictionary.) Or if it has the statutes/ punishments for crimes (i.e.: Murder First Degree, Second Degree, etc.)?
Statutes and punishments vary by jurisdiction. Every town makes its own parking laws and punishments, while each state makes its own statutes defining degrees of homicide and potential punishments. And of course, these variations are applicable in every other jurisdiction and every other country around the world. There are of course people you can pay to advise you on the laws and punishments applicable in a particular jurisdiction. We won't invoke their name in polite discourse here, though.
And finally, here is a possible source for relatively cheap advice about a particular situation (since I assume you are not looking for this info from idle curiosity) [70]
WE ARE TRYING TO DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE THE CURRENT IED PROBLEM IN IRAQ. WE NEED MORE SPECIFIC INFO ON WHAT THE "BAD GUYS" ARE USING TO DETONATE AND TO SIGNAL THE DETONATION...CIRCUITS AND COMPONENTS.
CAN YOU HELP?
THANKS
HAUTEINTELLIGENCE
IEDs are most commonly mortar or artillery shells with their fuses replaced by very simple electrical triggers. The exact circuit depends on the native fusing mechanism of the shell, but in general one really only needs to deliver a pulse of current to set the thing off, so a battery a wire and a switch is all that's needed (maybe a cap and a transistor too). Radio ones are reportedly chopped up walkie-talkies and sometimes cellphones. I think I've heard of some efforts to jam the radio frequencies involved, but it's not hard to change a walkie talkie's frequency range. It's extremely unlikely that anyone will find a technical solution for the wired variety. -- John Fader 14:41, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
DEAR MR. CAPITAL LETTERS: One not-so-technical solution: Say sorry to them, pay them lots of money for the damages done, go home and hope for the best. It still solves nothing. They will still be there killing each other because their former bad but working government has been ruthlessly overthown without a good reason.
The IEDs are built to explode. They can be installed almost everywhere. Many of them may not work or detonated by animals but it only takes a few of them to kill some invaders. They are created using available materials. That means each one may be of a slightly different design. They are no Model T cars. You may send bomb squads to some sites, but there will be many more undiscovered ones waiting for their preys. To tell the truth, the problem of IEDs will not be solved. It will be like the land mine problem, possibly, only worse.
If you want to know more about it, join the US army, go to Iraq and ask them nicely. Please use the magic word frequently. I still don't think you can get anything done. -- Toytoy 07:53, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
Headphone socket on CD-ROM drive
Is there a simple way to use the headphone socket on the CD-ROM drive on a Windows XP computer to listen to music from, say, LAUNCHcast? The monitor speakers work fine but my colleagues would rather not listen to my personal tastes in music :-) --Phil | Talk 18:38, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)
I don't think so. Can you plug unplug the cord that connects the monitor speakers and plug you headphones in there? That will work, but depending on how your computer is situated, it can be inconvenient. ike9898 18:46, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)
You should absolutely be able to plug your headphones into your computer. I would try the headphone socket on your CD drive first, just to see—it's not going to hurt anything if it doesn't work! There will, however, almost certainly be a sound output socket on the back of the tower, assuming that's how your computer is arranged. (Usually it's green.) You may need to go into your sound settings and request that output not be digital if your speakers take digital input and your headphones don't. (My old desktop with Windows 98 requires this adjustment. My laptop with XP doesn't.)
If the cord isn't long enough, you can buy headphones with a really long cord and they're not that expensive. (I have some that will stretch across the entire room. Wonderful for late-night television watching.) -[[User:Aranel|Aranel ("Sarah")]] 21:06, 21 Dec 2004 (UTC)
ARTSTOR and the public domain
If this discussion should be somewhere else, please move it. This is where I usually ask questions, so this is where I'm putting it.
I've just had a rather disturbing discussion with the art librarian at my university, a public research school in the northeastern United States. (Well, it's recently stopped being my university, but I'm still hanging around.) The university library has recently purchased access for its campus to a data base called ARTSTOR. I am informed that this access carried a one-time cost of thirty-six thousand dollars, as well as a yearly fee of about twenty thousand dollars. Not cheap. It contains over a quarter million high-resolution, high-quality art images, including sculpture, painting, and photography.
Their terms and conditions detail a variety of things one is not allowed to do with the data therein, including publication on a third-party website. I'm further told that the university could lose its license if the data were so leaked. Yikes.
I'm particularly interested in the collection of paintings (I'd like better versions of this and this, for instance), so I asked the art librarian, who has some experience in publishing books with reproductions of art in them. (Thus, I take him to be a somewhat authoritative source.) He told me that collections which hold paintings also hold the copyright on them, which is why the books have credits and 'with permission of' notes in the back of them, even if the works are very, very old. (I asked about items passing into the public domain from age. He maintained that the galleries own the copyright.)
Also, he was very adamant that photographers of old works own the copyright on those photographs. I referenced Bridgeman Art Library Ltd. v. Corel Corporation, remembering the substance, but not the full name. ("Corel versus... someone.") He assured me, rather emphatically, that photographers go through a lot of effort to take good pictures of art, and that they also take great pains to protect their copyright on those pictures.
If so, what about the scans I've made of old (first published in the 19th century) prints and photographs that were reproduced in a relatively recent book? It seems to me that either both the above scans and ARTSTOR's contents (though, of course, not its indexing, presentation or tools) are in the public domain, or neither are. So who's right?
He also informed me that copyright infringement is the most popular thing in the world (literally) to sue people for. I explained that Wikipedia tries to be self-policing in these matters, and that I was in fact currently working on a project to tag images according to copyright status. I'm not sure he believed that we aren't a bunch of smelly pirates. (Though he'd heard of Wikipedia before.)
This is very disturbing to me. The guy clearly has done his research, having actually published some art books and dealt with acquiring permission. I will be consulting with my legal staff (a friend halfway through law school who just finished his 'intellectual property law' class) this evening, and reporting back the results. grendel|khan 22:20, 2004 Dec 21 (UTC)
Addendum: They have an email address, questions@artstor.org. If anyone writes them and gets a response, please let me know under here. grendel|khan 22:29, 2004 Dec 21 (UTC)
There was a discussion on this on the Wikipedia mailing lists in August. after a chap from the British National Portrait Gallery contacted Wikipedia about the provenance of certain images. Some people, including myself, did a bit of digging. While museums and collections like this assert that there is an independent copyright in digital images of public domain artwork, in practice the statutes around the world are vague on this topic, and the only case law of relevance seems to be Bridgeman vs. Corel which supports the position that no separate copyright exists. When they think nobody's listening, the museums are much less confident in their legal position than they let on. --Robert Merkel 00:59, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
So... (1) how do I get the art librarian to help me scan in those art books, and (2) how do I get ARTSTOR to let me post their laboriously scanned and catalogued---yet uncopyrightable---content here? There's a very large, well-funded organization backing up these assertions. Where do I go from here? I mean, they clearly can't do this, so... what do I do? Anyone else want to weigh in? grendel|khan 05:14, 2004 Dec 22 (UTC)
Two things to ponder: just because something may be legal under copyright law doesn't mean others are obliged to help you do it, and people (or organizations) can sign their rights away with a contract to do something that would be legal under copyright law. ARTSTOR looks like it's got your university to do just that. --Robert Merkel 06:51, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
By 'help', I mean 'not kick me out of the library'. This all seems terribly disappointing, in that I've discovered that there are gobs of free resources out there, but I can't make use of them because... well, I'm not even entirely sure why not. grendel|khan 08:20, 2004 Dec 22 (UTC)
peaceful films
Are there any films where nobody dies? Im convinced that the percentage is about 3% of all films or somethin measly like that. also, I wonder how many ppl die in the average movie. Even kid films have the oblig death. I read somewhere that only about 6 Disney films didnt have the main character's parent die
Yes, there are many, many films where no characters die. I watched one on Monday night - the hilarious Napoleon Dynamite (unless you're counting an unfortunate cow). Any number of romantic comedy films, from Pretty Woman to Before Sunrise do not have death as a plot point, as is the case with innumerable other comedies. Dramas that do not involve death in one way or another are rarer; examples that spring quickest to mind include Apollo 13.
If your question is "are there films which do not rely on the violent death of a character as a major plot point", many more films fall into this category. --Robert Merkel 01:16, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Didn't Apollo 13 open with the Apollo 1 fire? And the whole movie involves death and the avoidance thereof. -- Cyrius|✎ 08:09, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Can't remember if it opened with the fire or not, but the full cast list has entries for actors playing Grissom, White and Chaffee, so... Shimgray 19:28, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Well, I know of about 2 that nobody dies- one is "Milo and Otis" (it's about a pug dog ((Otis)) and a tabby cat ((Milo)) and their adventures to get home) and the other is "Stuart Little".
What about Air Bud? There's more peaceful kids films than you think... [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|(talk)]] 09:21, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
looking for a song
Anonymous request moved from the Village Pump. [[User:Poccil|Peter O. (Talk, automation script)]] 01:20, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
I have been trying to find a song that i only heard in germany.This song was out around the same time as rappers delight.The song was very long & sounded like it was computer generated.I thought the name was "computer rappin",but i can not find anything about it.I was in germany between 1979 & 1982.The song may have been a couple years old before i heard it.Please help this is driving me insane.If you know the song send any info you have to me at ociris69@hotmail.com
Thank you,Robert.
Maybe something by Kraftwerk, particularly from Autobahn. It's not really computer rapping, just vocoder singing (augmented by a thick Düsseldorf accent). -- John Fader 01:45, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Series Of Unfortunate Events
What are the names of all the books in the series? I know there are 11, but I can't remember the names in order.. Also, is there going to be a 12th one?
But......What about a twelfth book??? There has to be!!! Snicket can't just end the book series like that...=(
the article says there will be 13 (makes sense) in total. It doesn't give the names of the outstanding two. -- John Fader 02:51, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Okay, thank you.
Parts of Speech
Hi
I remember reading, a while back, that a certain Greek scholar. philosopher, and thinker actually was the first to label or name the parts of speech and to place all words into one of 10 categories (in Greek).
I believe English has 8. Do you know his name or where I may find it?
Enjoy your site.
Art Haykin
Bend, Oregon
P.S. You might ask the people over at the Help Desk why your otherwise excellent site is infected with such a distracting background pattern behind the text. It often makes the text difficult and even impossible to read. I simply don't understand what useful purpose it serves.
RE the P.S.: Background pattern behind the text? Am I missing something? Does this happen with a particular skin? -- Jmabel | Talk 07:28, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
who designed the first?
moved from helpdesk -- Ferkelparadeπ 09:04, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Somewhere out there, someone will have the answer i'm looking for.
Who designed the first Ford in South Africa??? this might seem like a trivial question, but u have no idea how important (and urgent) this is.
I don't have any help with the answer, but it would probably help to clarify:
By Ford I assume you mean the auto.
"in South Africa" -- manufactured in? designed in? sold in? used in?
I don't have any specific knowledge, but often an auto is designed by one company, and sold under another's nameplate. Would this sort of arrangement be counted in your question?
Clarifications will help get the correct answer. -Rholton 15:46, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
I found that the first Ford in South Africa was a 1903 Model A which reached Port Elizabeth in September 1904. Beginning in February 1924, Fords were assembled in Port Elizabeth from kits exported from Canada (rather than the U.S. because of preferential tariffs for fellow Commenwealth members). Engine assembly at Port Elizabeth began in 1964. This may narrow down the search. Do you mean something like the local versions of the Cortina? I notice that Ford of Southern Africa doesn't mention any design first on their company history timeline.Rmhermen 16:49, Dec 22, 2004 (UTC)
Death sentence
When was the last person sentenced to death for a crime other than murder in the UK? Warofdreams 13:03, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
The last person executed for something other than murder was Theodore William John Schurch, hanged at Pentonville by Albert Pierrepoint for treason, on 4th January 1946. His trial by court-martial took place on 17th September 1945. William Joyce (Lord Haw-Haw) was hanged by Albert, also for treason, at Wandsworth on 3rd January 1946, but his trial at the Old Bailey took place between 17th-19th September. The last person condemned for treason was John Amery, whose trial was on 28th November 1945, and he was hanged by Albert quite promptly, on 19th December 1945. The only other people executed for other than murder were German spies (last one: Oswald John Job, tried 24-26 January 1944, hanged 16th March), and a number of US soldiers convicted of rape under the US Code of Military Justice and executed at Shepton Mallet - the last being Aniceto Martinez, court-martialled 21 February 1945, executed on 15 June 1945. -- Arwel 17:04, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
We have an article on John Amery, by the way, certainly an interesting character. If memory serves, the reason he was hanged so promptly was due to his trial being uncomplicated (it lasted a few minutes - he pleaded guilty, there was a statutory death penalty, and there really wasn't anything else to do at that point) - so no appeals or the like. 17:49, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Shop Manual for 1987 GMC Caballero
I am restoring a 1987 GMC Caballero and am looking for a "GMC Caballero" manual - not a manual that says - "Chevrolet El Camino". If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks
Given that you're restoring the vehicle and specifying "no El Camino manuals", I'm guessing this is for looks as much as anything. Otherwise you could just go grab a Chilton or Haynes service manual and be done with it.
When looking for oldish semi-obscure stuff, often the best bet is eBay and its auction-house ilk. A good place to start checking is the eBay Motors website. A quick search turns up a 1983 GMC Caballero Service Manual, and the same for 1979. -- Cyrius|✎ 20:33, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
Czech Republic
Dear Sir:
What rights does a mother (who is from Czech Republic) have in keeping her baby who was born in the United States when her and her husband visits Czech Republic. She may choose to stay in Czech Republic. Can her husband bring the baby back to the US without any problems from the laws there in Czech Republic.
As the child was born in the United States, the child is a US citizen. As the mother is Czech, the child is also a citizen of the Czech Republic under Czech law. As long as there is no child custody dispute, there's likely to be no significant problems with the father and child travelling back without the mother. Be sure to have documentation of the familial relationship to make sure things go smoothly. However, don't take my word for it.
For actual honest to goodness professional legal-type advice, I'd suggest contacting the consulates. The website for US Consular Services in Prague is here, and the one for Czech Consular Services in the US is here. The US Department of State also offers a Consular Information Sheet that summarizes normal issues about traveling to the Czech Republic. -- Cyrius|✎ 20:09, 22 Dec 2004 (UTC)
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