Oswego East High School

File:Animalibrí.gif

Old messages are at:

• User talk:Giano II/archive 1 (2004)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 2 (2005)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 3 (2005)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 4 (2006)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 5 (2006)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 6 (2007)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 7 (2007)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 8 (2008)
• User talk:Giano II/archive 9 (2008)

Essays:

• A few thoughts on writing Featured Articles

• A few thoughts on Wikipedia (unfinished)

Nasty things:

• Wikipedia's most shameful and disgraceful moment.Supported by the Arbcom, but begun by Ncmvocalist [1]; two diffs I never want to lose.
• Yet another embarrassing and dismal attempt by IRC#admins supporters to have me silenced - fails! In spite of FT2's best efforts
• My views in 2007 on the Arbcom etc another link I can never find when I want it.

Bruce Castle

As the only person I'm aware of here who's actually knowledgeable about Elizabethan architecture, could I ask for any comments regarding Bruce Castle? I've expanded this one significantly; however, because it seems to be to be a distinctly uninteresting building architecturally (and no sources seem to actually exist for its construction), I've deliberately skimmed over the architectural side to focus on the "notable residents" aspect. Do you think I've taken it too far to the opposite extreme, in leaving out the architectural "history" to this extent? (The large numbers of redlinks aren't an issue; as they're almost all Lords-and-Ladies, they're all valid links which will be created when Kittybrewster or BrownHairedGirl get round to them).

Many thanks in advance (looking at the above, looks like you've other things on your plate right now)… – iridescent 00:14, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

Best I can do off the top of my head [2] not a lot one can say with no supporting references, but there is nothing contraversial there, that can be debated or a cite demanded. Remove what you don't like or want. I suggest you try to get hold of the Pevsner for that area of London. He is bound to have something to say, I don't always agree with him, but he was a nice old boy and at least got himself published a criteria which seems to satisfy the more zelous Wikipedians. Giano (talk) 07:09, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

I know Bruce Castle well, was there last week visiting the archives. The recent much expanded editions of Pevsner by Bridget Cherry do have something about Bruce Castle which is worth looking up. I would say that the article might benefit by adding information about the 19th century extension built for Rowland Hill's school, and about the unsympathetic 20th century extension in front of it. From memory it is Grade I listed, the only building in Tottenham with this grade. Also, aren't there some gravestones in that strange yard that has all the old post office letterboxes in it? Sam Blacketer (talk) 11:01, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

Many thanks for your expansion. I will try to dig out Pevsner.

I have a photo of the grim extension, but I was trying to avoid adding it as it's so damn ugly. As that section is faitly text-heavy (despite my adding that excerpt of godawful doggerel classic literature to break the flood of wordiness), I'll add it in.

The stones in the strange yard with the postboxes aren't gravestones, they're the dedication plaques for assorted hospitals, almshouses etc in the area destroyed by bombing. (I have photos of them – and the postboxes – as well, plus a lot of views of the interior and of architectural detail; I dislike galleries, but I may add one).

Irritatingly, I know that a high quality oil-painting of the house in 1686, prior to reconstruction, exists – it hangs in the main reception hall – but an annoying man shooed me away when I tried to photograph it, and I can't find a reproduction anywhere. – iridescent 15:22, 3 October 2008 (UTC)

Nothing in architecture is ever grim, Iridescent, please try to remember that. Giano (talk) 19:43, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

How can you be shooed off? my own personal wikipedia photographer is never shooed off no matter how dangerous the situation - He is the James Bond of wikipedia's architectural photograhy - you need to have more bottle, Iridescent, and stand your ground. Incidentally, we are having a whip round to fund Husond's and his legal expenses for Winter Palace - care to contribute? Giano (talk) 19:48, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

(to Giano) – I've uploaded a photo of the extension. I'd challenge anyone to give an opinion of it that doesn't include the word "grim" – it looks like a cross between a Dickensian orphanage and a concentration-camp barracks.. – iridescent 23:09, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

You have not spent enough time in Los Angeles if you think that lovely brick/stone structure is grim. --Rocksanddirt (talk) 23:12, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

Very good shot of the cheery yellow panel truck, I'd say.--Wetman (talk) 01:42, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

I sometime feel I missed my true voccation as a real estate agent:

The three storey extension is constructed of common brown brick with red brick banding. It is of five bays divided by pilasters at the two upper levels. Constructed during the 19th century in a restrained 18th century collegiate revival style, the principal entrance is approached by a segmented flight of "marble -like" steps with simple iron balustrading. The ornament is chaste and simple, being confined to a belfry with spire, which some may feel is at odds with the classical simplicity of the overall structure. Other ornament takes the form of circular down water pipes which cunningly draw attention to the height of the building. The chasteness of the design is relieved by a modern interpretation of two Victorianesque carriage lamps - in the style of the 20th century lighting specialist Homebase. In many ways the exposed water pipes and electrical wiring show the building as a clear percussor and inspiration to the Lloyd's Building, while the architect Richard Rogers would vehemently deny this, there is a strong school of though that this building may be one of London's most important, but hitherto unnoticed, architectural gems. Giano (talk) 07:24, 7 October 2008 (UTC)

That ANI thread

Yes, I archived it, for two reasons - one, because it had been agreed that the block was wrong and it had already been reversed; and two, because the thread was wandering off into an argument about a different editor's edits completely. I can completely understand why you are annoyed about it - it was a poor block - but you know as well as I that the next correct venue is RFC, not clogging up the incidents board. Cheers, Black Kite 18:27, 4 October 2008 (UTC)

Yes, I have noted your comments on that page. Thank you. Giano (talk) 21:11, 4 October 2008 (UTC)

Casu marzu

Caro Giano, we're a long ways from April Fools and I'm not yet convinced this article can make it (in terms of availability of sources for meaninful or interesting content), but several editors have started working on the article. I don't know if you're interested in this silliness, or if you have time, but if so, would you mind opining whether there is enough info in these Italian sources to make it worth a try? I've left a list of English language sources there, with a suggestion that the editors work through those sources before troubling you, but if you find there's not enough to work with ... SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:43, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Interesting page. I don't suppose it is any worse than the ingredients of the average chain store burger. Maggots jumping 15cm - wow, obviously a very energising cheese. No, they do eat such stuff there, but it's ilegal and I suspect not very widespread these days. I'm not doctor so I can't comment in the health isues - I've never heard of anyone dying from it though. Once in France I was served something that looked and tasted like a dog turd, I forget what it was called, but apparently a local delicacy. Odd things are eaten here in Europe - look at the Swedes with their roting tinned fish, no worse, I suppose. Give me heinz beans on toast any day. Giano (talk) 21:43, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Of course it's an interesting page, interesting people wrote it. —Bunchofgrapes (talk) 21:17, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

I remember my Welsh grandmother saying of wormy cheese, "Nonsense! they've eaten nothing but cheese all their lives." Some of these details are quite fanciful, however: there's no jumping of larvae (how would they do it?) --Wetman (talk) 22:25, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Thank you Wetman, I assume the maggots pick up left over tooth picks and use them to pole vault out of the cheese. Giano (talk) 22:28, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Sheesh. From Cheese fly: "The larvae accomplish their jumps by bending over, grabbing onto the rears of their own bodies with their mouth hooks, tensing their muscles, and quickly releasing the grip. Spring action propels them into the air." This place has gone to shambles. —Bunchofgrapes (talk) 21:20, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Oh, I get it! They simply imitate FAR editors! Geogre (talk) 21:30, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Hmmmm ... sounds like I should trim my watchlist now. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 22:30, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

In the recesses of my mind though, I have a feeling I was once told that they drag bacteria impregnated wires through it, the article says it is just left in the sun - I would have thought in Sardinia if that was the case there would be nothing left after a couple of hours - I don't know though perhaps I am wrong. Giano (talk) 22:34, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Oh well my humble contribution has been reverted [3] - you just could not make it up could you? Perhaps if someone studied the dynamics of the amazing Sardinian jumping maggot, the world's fuel shortages could be solved at a stroke. I'm going to bed before I fall off my chair. Giano (talk) 22:40, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

I thought this article was used in April Foolery once before? ++Lar: t/c 02:15, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Nope. In order, April 1s were Byzantine Empire, Nintendo Entertainment System, Spoo, George Washington (inventor), and Ima Hogg. Has anyone notified Andrew Zimmern about this delicate fromage? rootology (C)(T) 02:26, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Actually it was on DYK for April Fool's Day 2006. ;) Durova^Charge! 02:28, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Useful template?

Thoughts?--Scott MacDonald (talk) 10:51, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

Very nice, do you think there will ever be a concencus building page, where it is not needed? So long as the Arbcom and our beloved leader condone and encourage the use of #Admins little can change. You must remember that to many, #Admins is more important and sacred than even Wikipedia itself. Of course the channel is owned by an Arbcom member, and even Jimbo is a channel op there, along with Flo Night. Has Jimbo or any of them ever condemned the blocks of me, and others, orchestrated there? Have they even spoken out against the blatent block shopping that frequently happens there? Quite why they permit it to be used and abused as as it is, is a mystery. They certainly have no intention of changing anything. Yet this disgrace of an Arbcom has the presumption to sit in judgement on those opposing #Admins. One must draw one's own conclusions - I certainly do.Giano (talk) 12:35, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

User:Giano/The Winter Palace

Transf: From User:talk Bishonen

Thank you all for the amzingly spotted edits so far, I have jusy had a horrible thought, though, now you have all edited, the page will have to be eventually merged, rather than quick pasted - who on earth has the patience to do that? Buggeration! I don't want it in mainspace yet, as it is far from comlplete - we shall jusy have to think on it. I wil take this over to my page for further consideration, as Bishiperson probably wants some peace and quiet. So suggest at your leasure there. Giano (talk) 19:58, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

[4] Umm...in case you haven't noticed, a goodly number of folk who are participating in the copy editing are administrators who can do the whole move/merge thing when you are ready. If nobody else is up for it, you can count on me. Risker (talk) 20:04, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

Gosh are Tex and Puppy admins? I had no idea. Giano (talk) 20:10, 10 October 2008 (UTC)