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June 10

Subaru Outback Sedan diecast toy

Has there ever been a die cast toy made of the Subaru Outback Sedan? This would include the 1999 Legacy SUS (the name was changed to Outback Sedan the following year)? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.71.223.87 (talk) 00:50, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

It appears that Kyosho made a diecast of the Legacy. One is currently for sale on ebay [1]. Librarians--Ask Us, We Answer!

Find your local Library here [2]

What to say to an unknown girl?

If you meet a girl in the subway/pub/park and she makes eye contact with you, what do you say? GoingOnTracks (talk) 01:11, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Smile and say hello - unless you're looking for a fight in which case "wot you looking at?" serves well  :-)) Astronaut (talk) 01:36, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

"Hi" Chris M. (talk) 01:59, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

This question has been asked before, with the same peculiar wording. Don't have time for a link or a diff right now, but it seems fishy.--24.189.12.121 (talk) 02:06, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, it was not asked before by me. And I also don't find the previous question. It shows how important these matters are.

And after that I said "hello" what else? GoingOnTracks (talk) 02:11, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

You could try waving as well 87.102.86.73 (talk) 16:43, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening sir. I would expect you to know what to say after "hello" a nice "how is your day?" or maybe something about the weather. Then after she answers and ask the same questions maybe introduce. Then say "It was nice talking to you." and leave. Or if you are in to her ask her to catch her some time. I hope I have helped. Have a positively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 02:30, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

You might want to ask her name and tell her name, followed maybe by what she does for a living, or what college does she go to (Warning: You probably will have to answer the same questions, so don't ask anything you wouldn't answer yourself) Both questions can open up to wonderful discussions if she's outgoing, which since she appears to have started it, I'm asuming she is. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 05:21, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Of course, she may also think you're intrusive if you ask too much, too soon. · AndonicO ^Engage. 16:47, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

True, that. Sigh, the guessing game that is relationships! --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 08:33, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

No sense in trying to pretend the situation is anything other than what it is -- an inevitably uncomfortable introduction between strangers in a public space. If you can turn that from a disadvantage into an advantage, or make light in a way that is both poignant and entertaining, I suspect that would go a long way. There's no getting around the fact, though, that you're putting your butt on the line. She may already be with someone, she may hate strangers, she may not be attracted to you... or she might. You can only try. If she doesn't seem responsive, chalk it down as experience and move on. E^robson (T^alk) 19:52, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

See this pick-up line site for some pick-up lines that might be good and for a whole lot that will get your ass kicked. bibliomaniac15 19:53, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

If I were that girl, and we were in England, I would expect anything more than 'hi' at the very most to be intrusive and would feel uncomfortable. A simple nod would be more expected. If you tried to engage me in conversation, I would do my best to brush you off with curt answers or ignoring if possible. If you didn't get the hint, I'd walk away. If you still didn't get the hint I would have to react in a more socially unpleasant manner. This is all assuming we are strangers and there are no other factors (like something interesting or dangerous going on). So, in short, don't assume just because you see someone in a public space that they are fair game, even if they make eye contact. At the bar in a pub is different, but still be prepared to take the hint if she is trying to shrug you off. 79.74.56.70 (talk) 23:51, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Well that's rude, hope you don't have to deal with someone with that mentality GoingOnTracks. And if you get that, don't worry, there are friendly women out there, just keep looking. Chris M. (talk) 03:42, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Sometimes you have to be rude if you don't want people following you around. The first reactions would be absolutely polite, although going up to a stranger and trying to start a conversation when she's just trying to walk through a park is incredibly rude round here. As I say, the initial reaction would be to try to politely let the person know they have acted in an inappropriate way that is making me uncomfortable. If they don't get the hint, then you have to be rude. And it is hard to be rude, but the alternative is to have someone not leave you alone, potentially every time you pass them in future. I hope GoingOnTracks isn't surrounded by people who think like you Chris, because it will make it hard for him to learn appropriate behaviour around girls and he won't understand why things don't work out for him.

On the other hand, GoingOnTracks listed several different places in the hypothetical. In a pub, particularly at the bar, the rules are more relaxed (in England) and it would be appropriate to strike up a conversation with someone you made eye contact with. As always, pay attention to any clues that they want to stop the conversation, but you've got a good chance of getting to know someone, or at least having a nice conversation. Perhaps make a relevant comment about your surroundings, maybe saying "I like your hat/t-shirt/necklace/something else" or "Interesting choice" about their drink, or the decor, or anything you can see that's slightly unusual. These can serve as openers for conversation. 79.66.36.52 (talk) 15:15, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Good call on the compliments. Those will work wonders for the starting of a relationship. (Not that I would know...) --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 08:33, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I always ask "what's a girl like you doing in a nice place like this ?" ... then I duck. :-) StuRat (talk) 05:54, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

A few months ago guides to flirting on the subway were distributed on Toronto's TTC. It can be read online here and could offer some useful advice. - SimonP (talk) 16:05, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

"You might want to try talking to them or making eye contact and see if they open up." Hey, that woman must have read your pamphlet! --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 08:37, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

A related RefDesk link from October of last year. 152.16.16.75 (talk) 09:15, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Hemispheric Heat Wave?

I have seen discussions on this in Heat Wave, related articles. A hypothetical example is that the US has a heat wave going on, so does Europe, Asia, all going on at the same time. Would this qualify? I have read the article "Heat wave" and the different articles about various heat waves. That is why I had placed the 2008 Hemispheric Heat Wave there, since I believe it is possible to have heat waves going on in the US, Europe and Asia going on at the same time, setting up a Northern Hemispheric Heat Wave. Really appreciate the assisstance. 205.240.144.221 (talk) 04:37, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

There's no heat wave in the Pacific Northwest right now. Just the opposite. Pfly (talk) 05:07, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Wasn't there an attempt to write this last year, too? Ah, yes. Here it is. — Lomn 20:21, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

This seems to happen quite often. I did some research on it a while ago, and, if I remember correctly, it's called summer.HS7 (talk) 14:54, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Carbon Footprint

Some large (and smaller)corporations, in the frame of their environmental policies,have set as a target to become "carbon neutral" by the end of 2008. Others intend to become "Carbon Positive" before 2010.

Could you please explain what this "Carbon Positive" mean, as opposed to carbon negative, because at first, one has the impression that carbon positive is rather bad, suggesting excessive emissions.

Thank you very much

Kyratso (talk) 06:29, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Carbon neutral, Carbon offset, and Carbon footprint should help you out. And this site has a glossary including the term Carbon positive which we don't seem to have an article for. Dismas|^(talk) 07:37, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Logically...Neutral means having no impact on carbon-output, Positive would be (in this context) a process that actually removes carbon-output (so instead of creating none, it uses the carbon and gives back out something that isn't carbon). That'd be my assumption. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.221.133.226 (talk) 09:06, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Not to get too technical but you can't use carbon and get something that isn't carbon without nuclear fusion. It probably means taking CO₂ out of the air and putting it into a different form (which is difficult to do without using an amount of energy that would put out more C0₂ than you subtracted. -- Mad031683 (talk) 17:48, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually it's easy to do - plant a tree. DJ Clayworth (talk) 21:15, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

In such a case, you need to look at the entire product lifecycle. Papermaking, for example, is at best carbon-neutral: you plant forests that draw carbon out of the air, cut them down and turn them into paper, and the carbon is released back into the air when the paper decomposes or is burned. --Carnildo (talk) 00:29, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Funnily enough, probably the most efficient way to remove carbon from the carbon cycle, and thus decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide that can be produced, is to make asphalt - i.e. build more roads. (Although a bicycle path might be more "green".) Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 03:41, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Help Me Name This Club Song

This is probably better off on the entertainment desk, but more people frequent here so I'm going to try my luck.

I've been hearing this song or splices of it many times in clubs around Sydney and I have no idea what it's called. It's an electronic song and the line that's stuck in my head is most likely played on a synthesiser. The main line consists of 4 main parts:

1. note twice, then a lower note twice, then a lower note three times
2. same
3. note twice, then a higher note twice, then a higher note three times
4. repeat 1 (I think...)

I'm sort of tone death but I did scrap together an audio file [3] (caution, for some reason it's about 2 mb for a 12 second sample) which gives you some idea of what it sounds like (if nothing more than timing).

It sounds like there are some 4ths or augmented chords in it, but it's been a long time since I've done music so I really wouldn't know. This has been on my mind all day, so it would be great if someone could help me out. Thanks Guycalledryan (talk) 07:05, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

The file's that big because it's uncompressed. Algebraist 07:28, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

wood grain

How do I get rid of wood grain when i paint an oak door that has already been painted —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.66.62.130 (talk) 11:06, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Strip the door down, sand it and repaint it. Painting on top of paint tends to produce a not-so-nice finish at the best of times. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 11:09, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

You might want to see our article about "Sanding sealer" (varnish). But merely sanding your door may achieve a "good enough" result.

Atlant (talk) 12:42, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Headlights-on audible alarm on door sensor

When i open the drivers door, the audible alarm that lets me know i left my headlights on does not work. Does anyone have a reason why this is happening and any possible solutions? Car is a 2003 Audi A6. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Johnbg999 (talk • contribs) 12:13, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

First question: Does the dome light operate for this door switch? If not, then the fault is almost certainly the door switch. Meanwhile, Audis sometimes use a funny three-terminal door switch where one terminal (with a brown wire) is (say) grounded, one terminal goes to the dome light, and one terminal goes to the electronic logic that operates the alarm, headlight beeper, and so forth. Because the current flow in the logc terminal is low, the contact gets cruddy over time. If you remove the door switch (but leave it wired in), you may be able to test this theory using clip leads to simulate the operation of the switch contacts. If the beeper now works, you've confirmed it's a defective door switch. If you're lucky and skilled, you can take the door switch out, take it apart, clean the contacts and reassemble it. If you're not so lucky or not so skilled, you can replace the door switch. (My 1991 Audi 200TQ suffered exactly this failure and I was lucky-enough to fix the switch.)

Atlant (talk) 12:37, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

If the dome light does not come on either, it may be a fuse. Dismas|^(talk) 12:55, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

thanks for the input. much appreciated. will try it out. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.120.148.36 (talk) 11:41, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Society that eats lots of different animals

I've heard of a society whose members get together to eat meals consisting of animals that people do not normally eat (badgers, puffins, etc). I think the name has some reference to Carolus Linnaeus, but I'm not certain. Thryduulf (talk) 17:04, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

There was a group like this on the David Letterman show a while back, wasn't there? DJ Clayworth (talk) 17:28, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

At Annual Ducks Unlimited functions I went to with my father as a youth there was always a variety of meats (various bears, snakes, etc, etc) available. I don't know if this typical for that organization or whether the local group my father was a member of was an outlier.--droptone (talk) 17:35, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

The Roman Empire did. Cooked chicken in a cooked duck/goose, in a cooked sheep/goat, in a cooked cow. Seen this on the History Channel recently. It had a documentary on that incl. Roman dietary habits. They also consumed exotic animals as well. 205.240.144.221 (talk) 18:47, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

I seem to recall John McPhee doing something like this—someone who has tried to eat all sorts of eclectic animals, knows others who do as well. I seem to recall him writing something in the New Yorker about this not too long ago. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 19:28, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Ah, here's what I was thinking about. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 19:30, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Apparently when Charles Darwin was at Cambridge there was an outfit called the "Glutton Club", which existed in order to eat rare and unusual creatures. Owls, hawks and, according to rumour, even a puma. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 23:10, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

There was a fictional movie based on this promising premise, called The Freshman (1990 film). StuRat (talk) 05:47, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Discover magazine mentions a New York group called the Gastronauts it describes as "a club for adventurous eaters". Clarityfiend (talk) 20:40, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

William Buckland was notorious for eating pretty much every kind of animal he could get his hands on, and allegedly, the preserved heart of Louis XIV. -Karenjc 21:33, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Free Editing Software

Helllo,

If I was looking for some free, good video and photo editing software what would be my best options? I know how to use photoshop and premiere but they are far too expensive, and I am not risking my new computer downloading some virus ridden torrent.

Thanks.

84.13.41.179 (talk) 17:27, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Free photo editing: GIMP or Paint.NET. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:46, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

As for video editing, in my experience, the free video editors are mostly not up to par, almost all having extremely difficult interfaces, and many of the more "simple" ones being too feature poor for real use. But you can take a look for yourself here: List of open source software packages#Video_editing. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:54, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

IrfanView is another good choice. Corvus cornix_talk 18:02, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

An intermediate choice is Adobe's "Elements" line, $~100 each. — Lomn 20:23, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks a lot, I may try some of these out, or if I can't find anything I like; gain the adobe software through less... *honorable* routes.84.13.41.179 (talk) 21:12, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Home Sales % Ranking by State

I'm looking for a list of which states are doing best/worst in the real estate market. Preferably one that includes all of the states, but basically I just want to know the percentages of home sales (relative to the population) each state had in 2007 or as current of a list you have.

Rachfeinberg (talk) 19:21, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

You can find the 2007 sales volume by state in this list. (I am linking Google's html cache because the source page would not display for me.) You can paste the numbers into Word if you want and then edit them to show only the 2007 totals. Insert an extra carriage return after each state's number, then perform a search and replace turning carriage returns into tabs. Perform a second search and replace turning double tabs into carriage returns. Save as a .txt file and then import this file into Excel. Download the Excel file from [http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html this Census page) and then cut and paste a column containing population estimates for each state into your file with sales volumes. (First check to make sure that both columns have the District of Columbia in the same place so that you can adjust as needed.) Then you can create a formula in the third column expressing the sales volume as a percentage of each state's 2007 estimated population.

I'm not sure how much this number will tell you. State A might have a higher per capita sales volume than State B but still have a more depressed real estate market if that sales volume is substantially lower than in previous years while State A's sales volume is similar to those of previous years. Different states have different rates of mobility and home ownership, which would make a comparison of these raw numbers difficult. Marco polo (talk) 20:41, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Coal to Oil

Does it take a special gas tank if you used the coal to oil? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.126.243.106 (talk) 21:45, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you asking "what modifications would be needed to an automobile designed to run on oil derived from coal (versus traditional gasoline) ?". StuRat (talk) 05:39, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I can't figure out this question either. However, you definitely should not put either coal or oil into a gas tank.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:02, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Article Location

I'm looking for an article I found a while back that listed a whole bunch of English words derived from Germanic languages and their Latin-derived counterparts. I can't find it anymore. Any help? --Russoc4 (talk) 22:39, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

List of Germanic and Latinate equivalents in English? Adam Bishop (talk) 23:50, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

That's it! Thank you! --Russoc4 (talk) 02:38, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

was cap anson jewish?

I think that cap anson a famous baseball player from long ago was jewish. i want to clarify. can anyone help? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cocoster (talk • contribs) 23:01, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

The article Cap Anson doesn't mention it. A google search for "Cap Anson Jewish" gave me nothing, and Anson, the article about the surname, doesn't seem to list any Jewish people. Are you sure you aren't thinking of someone else? Fribbler (talk) 23:13, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

If he were Jewish, wouldn't he have been called "Skullcap" Anson? Clarityfiend (talk) 15:59, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

How much sugar in a day?

I am just wondering; Does anyone know what the normal amount of sugar that should be consumed in a day is? When you look at the Nutrition Facts on food, it tells you the amount of carbohydrates, fat, sodium, etc. and the percentage that amount is out of how much you should have in a day. However, there is no percentage for sugar. Diabeties runs in my family, so I am somewhat concerned. Thank You! Grango242 (talk) 23:36, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

According to this, simple sugars should be 10% of your diet. With a 2000 Calorie diet, that's 200 C, or 50 grams (can someone confirm that?). If diabetes runs in your family, it never hurts to go lower. Paragon12321 (talk) 23:53, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

That sounds like a reasonable maximum. I don't see any need for a minimum amount of sugar, however, as our bodies can easily convert complex carbs (starches), as well as other calorie sources, into simple carbs (sugars). StuRat (talk) 05:33, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The number I've seen most often, on the sides of food packets, is 90 grams per day, rather than 50. I usually eat even more than this, partly because I seem to find it difficult to convert stuff into sugars. I can't be sure whether this is any different to average though, since I can't remember ever being anyone other than myself, but because of this a high sugar diet seems to work best for me, so that is what I eat. My theory is that people should learn how their bodies work and what is best for them, rather than for the average person. Although with your chance at diabetis and a risk of my being blamed for anything that goes wrong, I would advise caution if you do decide to experiment.HS7 (talk) 19:16, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually that might have been 90 grams of sugar and starch combined.HS7 (talk) 19:20, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Metacafe earnings

Metacafe pays you after your videos reach the mark of 20.000. How difficult is to reach this amount? GoingOnTracks (talk) 23:40, 10 June 2008 (UTC)

June 11

The Dreadful X Nightmare

Good evening. I am going crazy. I'm about to destroy my Xbox 360. Why didn't Microsoft make the system completely backwards compatible, you know like the Playstation 2? Why did they have to do it the way they did it? I've read the games that are backwards compatible for the Xbox 360, why are half of them lame games like James Bond, ugh I wouldn't play that game that is why I didn't buy it(movie based games are always the worse)? Not only that, but the games that I can play on the Xbox 360 don't work properly. It's slower, the audio screws up and makes strange static sounds(like the audio is farting), and when I play Fable parts of the level are missing, I get map face so the face of Albion is on my character, and the loading time is horrible. All the games that I can play on the Xbox 360 that were originally on the Xbox are slow, laggy, and don't load properly. Thank you for taking your time with my questions. I appreciate it. I'm sorry if my questions are mixed in with a rant, but frustration is getting to me (sometimes that even happens to me.) Have a postively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 00:57, 11 June 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

Possible answers include:

• Microsoft needed to shift processor architectures. That makes true compatibility difficult (xbox emulation is done via software)
• There's enough compatibility to provide a selling point
• There's no significant money in full compatibility beyond said selling point

If you really want to be playing these original xbox games, though, the solution seems clear -- haul out an xbox. — Lomn 05:03, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't have that option. My Xbox is a tard. Morrowind doesn't work. Every time I am at the menu that says press start. I press start and nothing works. I play Munch's Odyssey on my Xbox and my characters are stiff and don't move while I move the analog. I press button nothing happens. Menu screen doesn't work either. My Xbox doesn't like me and obviously neither does my Xbox 360Rem Nightfall (talk) 06:22, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

So get another. Gen-1 Xboxes are cheap. — Lomn 15:26, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

My paycheck is coming in soon. I won't have enough even for the cheap Xbox. I'll just buy what I can of Xbox 360 games. I have few Xbox 360 games, but non impressed me much. Halo 3 was awesome though. Gears of War wasn't as good as people said. Sonic the Hedgehog was just lame. Project Gotham Racing is okay, not my style of cars games. Beautiful Katamari Damashi is fun, but it's very difficult, time runs fast in that game and its hard to find the things they ask you for. All I am saying is that I wish the Xbox 360 was backwards compatible like the Playstation 2. It would have made things more convenient for me and I bet a lot of other people who want to play Xbox games without using an Xbox.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The problem is software emulation, really. For example, the 80GB PS3s use software emulation, so it's now running less PS2 games than the 20GB or the 60GB versions, which had hardware support. This was done to cut production costs. However, did you ever consider a) selling your XBox 360 if you don't really like it, and buying an XBox instead, or b) going with something like GameFly so you can afford to play more XBox 360 games at a cheaper upfront cost? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 03:25, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I really think your just making bad purchases in the games you are getting for your 360. I would suggest the Call of Duty series or GTA:IV. Id suggest watching G4 or go to gaming websites for ideas on a good game. If all else fails just save up for a Xbox. RoyalOrleans 16:05, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

BTW, 2 of the games you have mentioned so far (Fable (video game) & The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind are available on the PC, another alternative to buying an Xbox would be to play the PC versions Nil Einne (talk) 16:38, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

auto radiator fluid levels - how does it affect the radiator/thermostat/water pump?

Hello - could someone please explain how the level of radiator fluid in an automobile (modern) affects the way the radiator, thermostat and water pump function? Specifically, I am wondering how having a low level of radiator fluid affects the way the car functions. Thank you! Lou211 (talk) 03:00, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

A couple of thoughts occur. Like any physical stuff, radiator coolant has a specific heat capacity. The radiator has a specific range of heat exchange efficiencies (depending on ambient temperature, speed of air-flow, &c). The water pump moves water at a specific velocity. Diminishing the amount of coolant in the system diminishes the heat carrying capacity of the system, all other things being equal. Think of it this way: the system is designed to ensure that hot coolant stays in the radiator for a long enough time to ensure that its temperature drops sufficiently; the risk with insufficient coolant is that that the water is recirculated to the engine block before it has sufficiently cooled. The effect is, mainly, seen in the system, not in a specific component of the system. The radiator continues to radiate (albeit if there is a sufficient insufficiency of coolant, the radiator may work less efficiently since coolant will not be in contact with the maximum colling surface available). The thermostat stays open, variously, longer or wider than it otherwise would. The water pump thinks to itself, gee, it's hot; but I guess I'll keep on pumping. The engine block gets warmer than it otherwise would. The cooling fan is engaged for longer that it otherwise would be. So. though one was the system effect. Thought two is the possibility of introducing air-locks into the system. These can be fatal to the engine in that they can disrupt entirely the circulation of coolant, and cease the transport of heat away from specific spots, which thus increase in temperature to the point that a mechanical failure - typically a blown gasket - occurs. --Tagishsimon (talk) 03:36, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

At a low-enough fill level, you'll probably find that the water pump is no longer being fed a steady diet of liquid water but is receiving a gas/liquid admixture. Through processes such as cavitation, this is very bad for the impeller in the pump. And if it pumps this mixture into the engine, as Tagishsimon observes, there won't be enough specific heat cpacity in the gas/liquid mixture to remove the required heat from the engine. Things then go very bad very rapidly.

Atlant (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

How do libraries clean/wash books?

Hi - I heard a friend mention that our local library washes books to increase their shelf life. Where can I find that information? I have my own small private library and would like to understand what is involved in maintaining books over a long period of time. Omer (talk) 05:11, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Er, why not go to the library and ask them if they do anything like that? It's not as if they'd want to keep it secret. But having said that, I've never heard of such a thing myself. --Anonymous, 06:24 UTC, June 11, 2008.

Ummm.... won't washing books ruin them more than save them?? I mean, the pages are bound to get soggy, and even after drying them, the pages will become crinkled and puffy, and the book will look much more disagreeable, don't you think? I personally feel that it's hogwash, or someone's been pulling your leg.Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 07:04, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Books are difficult to clean, but keeping them behind glass helps to stop dust settling in the first place. In our archive/library we also have a dehumidifier running all the time to reduce the risk of mould. One problem with vacuuming them is that this can actually help to spread mould spores. Here are details of a book cleaning machine for use in libraries.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:41, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Original Research Alert but my wife, a librarian of 25 years and veteran of floods, says no way. Libraries throw out dirty books and replace them. For the conservation of rare books see Preservation (library and archival science) and conservation. Shelving books behind glass is good, it controls exposure to dust, moisture, temperature etc. For comics, newsprint etc Acid-free paper folders, boxes, envelopes etc are desirable. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:46, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Washing might only mean wiping the library's plastic covers on the books. Otherwise books and moisture don't mix. Maybe the word you want is "cleaning"? Julia Rossi (talk) 12:07, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with most of the comments here. It's very labor-intensive to clean books, so a library would never bother with a book they could just replace. Only valuable books that can't be replaced would be cleaned. There are many methods used, depending on the material used for the pages, ink, binding, and cover. A typical technique might be to remove the binding, seperate the pages, go over each with a brush, repair any damage, then rebind the book, possibly with a replacement cover. Of course, nobody will do this with a Harry Potter book, they'll just order a new one, and hopefully give the old, worn copy to someone who will appreciate it. StuRat (talk) 15:55, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I also wouldn't take the word too literally. "Wash" in this case might very well be a bit of specialized jargon referring to a process that has little or no resemblance to washing your hands, your dishes, or your car (and may not even involve liquids). That's just a guess though. --Prestidigitator (talk) 16:44, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks folks for all your time. This is all good and important info for me! I'll also go over the links for preservation and conservation to understand what those processes entail. Some of my books are indeed too difficult or expensive to replace. Omer (talk) 06:57, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

There is also electrostatic dusting. WikiHow explains how to use liquid compounds; see here for more details. BrainyBabe (talk) 15:23, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

It really depends on the damage to the book. In the library I work at, for simple things like pencil marks we use an eraser, the white art ones work best, I've found. For the crud that accumulates on the hardcover books, which can lead to worse damage later on, a mild cleanser and a paper towel will work fine. We use a local brand biodegradable one and it seems to do the trick. We also put a sort of laminent on the covers of popular soft cover books, so that they put up with more wear and tear and can be cleaned in such a way. Paperback, if they are damaged are either repaired with book tape (think packing tape but much more robust), given a new cover, or depending on our weeding policy tossed. Books with water damage are billed to the patron and replaced. We also try to dust our shelves when it's slow, as this will also aid in keeping the books in good condition, as well as help those of us with dust allergies.142.33.70.60 (talk) 22:47, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Raw Fish in Cast Away

In the movie Cast Away, Tom Hanks is depicted eating raw fish (he actually puts one in his mouth). Did he really eat it, or was it some kind of a movie trick?? Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 07:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure if Tom hanks actually ate the fish (I suspect not), but eating fish/bugs/little things whole like that seems to be standard issue in a series by a guy called Bear Gryls or something. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 07:52, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe someone steamed it for him first, or maybe he spat it out afterwards. However, lots of people (and lots of animals, including bears) eat raw fish. Yummy!--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:55, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Raw fish is a very common dish in the South Pacific, usually marinated in coconut milk (Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii), but also common in variations on what is called in Japan, sashimi. Many ship wreckee's have lived off it, such as Rose Noelle. Not much in the article, but it was a staple for them. Mhicaoidh (talk) 09:53, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Two problems here. Hawaii is NOT in the South Pacific, AND if fish was 'marinated' in coconut milk, it would not be raw, would it?--ChokinBako (talk) 16:42, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Well actually since ocean fish marinate in brine for all their lives I guess they aren't raw at all ; ) Mhicaoidh (talk) 05:10, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Check out sashimi Richard Avery (talk) 15:21, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day. 196, you are absolutely correct Bear Gryls does eat raw fish and an assorted variety of other meats. The latest episode he ate an eyeball. And the eyeball juices came out of his mouth. It was pretty awesome. If you are into those things and want to watch Bear eat nasty food, it will turn your stomach sometimes, watch Man v.s. Wild. That show has its sheer value of grossness. I doubt that Tom Hanks ate a real raw fish. I hope I have helped. Have a positively wonderful day. Rem Nightfall (talk) 15:36, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If the actor in Oldboy can eat 4 raw squids, I'm sure Tom Hanks can manage a fish. Recury (talk) 19:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm just saying. Since I notice a lot of American actors was wussies when it comes to things. They have to have stunt doubles.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:19, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I am not sure what you mean by "a lot of actors are wussies," but don't you think it was more of a threat to the actor's health to lose all that weight and then to pack it back on? If an actor would do THAT for a film role, why wouldn't he eat a few pieces of raw fish, which, depending on the fish, can be absolutely freaking delicious? I don't know much about Tom Hanks personally, but he seems like the kind of guy who might dine in a Japanese restaurant once in a while, or who might travel to Hawaii on occasion. Not only is the consumption of raw fish not unusual in such places, it is held in such high regard as to be the kind of thing one sees at gatherings, parties, and special occasions. On New Year's Eve in Hawaii, demand for sashimi-grade ahi is so high that it typically drives prices up to $25 per pound (and we're not talking Zimbabwe dollars). The suggestion that to eat raw fish requires non-wussiness is preposterous. Most people I know pay a hefty price for the privilege. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 22:14, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm sorry. I sounded a bit rude and I shouldn't have said that. Or should have phrased it better. I'm saying most actors are wussies. I guess Tom Hanks would do it, but I don't know many actors. Since I'm pretty isolated when it comes to "idol" stuff. The reason I say they are wusses is not because they wouldn't eat raw fish, but how easily they are seduced into socialism. Most actors follow socialism. If you are woman you have to make yourself thin to beautiful and if your a man you have be tough. In a society like that I have a hard time believing that they are able to explore somethinge exotic. And if they do explore the exotic it might be because of peer pressure. It seems to me that a lot of actors are seduced into societies negative views. Or it seems that way. I wouldn't know I am not an actor. I'm just some kid who lives in a ranch and passes boredom everyday.Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:28, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I just watched that scene again, and he actually puts a tiny live wriggling fish in his mouth, chews it and then grimaces, saying "Eww". 117.194.225.130 (talk) 07:21, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

WTF does socialism have to do with 'men making themselves tough and women beatiful' and WTF does being easily 'seduced' by socialism have to do with being a 'wuss'. And celebrities in general seem to like the exotic, like giving their kids bizzare names or adopting kids from all over the world or joining bizzare religions. None of this of course has anything to do with eating raw fish. Nil Einne (talk) 16:29, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Apropos nothing in particular, here's Andy Serkis ("Gollum") describing how his similar trick was done in LOTR: [4].

Atlant (talk) 12:36, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

What is a "Timber Tom (or Tomb)"?

I am doing some process documentation, and have come across the words timber tom. I think it is a reference to a piece of timber that is cut to size to prop up something or brace something. I am very widely read and also a great handyman, but have not come across this terminology before. The use of the word is accepted in the department I am currently working in, but nobody can give me a correct spelling of the word or the correct variations of parsing - that is, something can be "tommed", but how do I spell it correctly? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Fido37 (talk) 07:17, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi, I am in the same industry in the southern hemisphere and have heard the term too, but am equally vague. I thought that to "tom" something was to insert a true perpendicular post for others to follow. A quick google shows nothing but Im keenly following it up."Thom" might be another possible spelling. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Nothing in the online OED providing obvious support in this context for Tom, Tomb, or Thom. --Tagishsimon (talk) 10:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Afaik, it's a "tom" – a long metal pole with an adjustable (screw action) piece on one or both ends. It's used to prop up part of a building as a temporary support – such as a wooden balcony cross beam until the timber column can be installed. Can't find it on google for all the tom cruise hits that turn up. Julia Rossi (talk) 12:27, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I've never heard of an acro-prop being called a tom. --Tagishsimon (talk) 13:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Do you live in Australia? Carpenter-builder types use the term. Is it a pet-name? I don't know. The pop-up dictionary doesn't have it but what it does have is a variation on the parsing of the word tom, which is to do with Uncle Tom aspersions, so quite different. Carpenter use seems to be afaik, the noun. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:37, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

How to deal

I made the stupid stupid move of having sex five weeks ago whilst very drunk (No excuse I know) I later asked the guy if we used protection and he said no. And now, I think I'm pregnant. I am two weeks late,and also have some random symptoms going on..... my boobs are bloody massive,and I'm so exhausted for no reason. I'm so scared. I'm only 21 and am planning a career and life and now this?? I know it's my fault, but I just don't know what steps to take. Re: telling him? getting an abortion? How does it all work? Any advice on any of these things, or any stories of how you handled it would be so appreciated. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Shrinker32 (talk • contribs) 09:09, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

This is a difficult situation and not really the kind of question you would ask on the Wikipedia Reference Desk, but I'll try and give a few pointers. First step would be to confirm that you're actually pregnant - get a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacy or your doctor, several medical conditions can give similar symptoms to pregnancy. If the pregnancy is confirmed, the next step is personal - depending on your relationship with the man you had sex with, you may wish to discuss it with him. Discussing with people you trust (friends, family) will also be helpful, as they may give you a different perspective on the matter. For abortions, consult your doctor, but do it soon, depending on where you live abortions may be difficult / time-consuming / expensive to obtain. It certainly never hurts to ask your doctor about your options, bearing in mind any moral issues or beliefs you may have about the issue. Organisations such as Planned Parenthood (or your local equivalent) can also provide you with advice if you don't know who else to turn to. In short, talk to people you trust, and don't bottle it up; accidents happen to the best of us. Best of luck. — QuantumEleven 09:50, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good pointers Quantumeleven. Richard Avery (talk) 15:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with the above. You need to talk to someone, ideally face to face or at least on the phone, who can help you sort through your options. Best of all would be someone who knows you, i.e. your family and friends, but if you feel you cannot approach them, or you fear their reactions, then there are other sources that are set up not to judge but to inform and support. Are you at a college or university? Their counsellors and health service staff have seen it all before. If they try to fob you off with an appointment in a couple of weeks' time, tell the receptionist why your need is urgent. If you are in Britain, an equivalent to Planned Parenthood is BPAS, formerly the British Pregnancy Advisory Service; another option is Marie Stopes International, which has an anonymous chatroom on its website. Be careful of ads for agencies that promise free pregnancy tests and a chat: often these are organisations that lobby against abortions and they may pressure you to go through with the pregnancy. On the other hand, don't forget that adoption is also a possibility. And don't be too sure that you really are pregnant: your own self-castigation at the unprotected sex might be enough to trigger the symptoms (see phantom pregnancy). But, you are right, you may well be, so find out quickly and deal with it, with the help of others. Good luck! BrainyBabe (talk) 15:18, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

In addition to the steps above, I would also recommend you have yourself checked for sexually transmitted diseases. You may have to get checked twice, since I believe you usually have to wait 3 months for HIV to be sure. Most of the above recommendations should be able to guide you with this as well. Remember this is important regardless of whether or not you are pregnant, and what you choose to do if you are. Whatever happens, while you should obvious intend to avoid this situation in the future, if it does happen the first thing you should do when you realise what you've done the next day is to see a doctor. Emergency contraception is a far better idea then dealing with the consequences later. Nil Einne (talk) 16:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC) N.B. The OP was blocked indefinitely after a vandalism spree Nil Einne (talk) 16:51, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Travel -Cape Town to Cairo, some questions.

Hi, I'm planning a trip, overland, from Cape Town to Cairo and i have quite a lot of questions as I'm not an experienced traveler. Firstly, if any one could suggest the best time for me to start the trip it would be useful as I'm not sure how to coordinate it around the rainy seasons. I hope to spend around a month in each country on the way up, apart from Egypt and the Sudan, which i'm sure means that i can't avoid them in at least some places. Second I would like to know if it is safe to travel through the northern area of Sudan across the Ethiopian border. And if not how else would i reach Egypt without using planes? Thirdly, what is the protocol for obtaining visas on the way up? Can i get them in advance? Also, what sort of jabs will i need and if i got them at the beginning would they continue to be effective throughout the 8/9 months that i plan to spend in Africa?

If anyone could help with any of these questions i would really appreciate it as it is a bit daunting trying get everything planned.

Cheers —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.96.161.104 (talk) 10:39, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'd say you should plot the route first, as that will give you some insight into when you need to avoid hot weather (say when passing through desert areas) and when you need to avoid rainy weather (as when passing through areas where the roads wash out when it rains). There are several dangerous areas between those two points to avoid, such as the genocide region of Western Sudan (Darfur) which has now spread into Eastern Chad. I'd also avoid Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. So, this leaves you with a possible route following the Western nations up to the Equator, then maybe going through Western Chad and Southern Libya to get to Egypt. You would be going through some 7 nations, so you'd need to check the requirements for each nation (passport, vaccinations, permission to enter, etc.). Also, are you dead set on driving yourself, or would you consider taking trains and/or buses ? That might be quite a bit easier and safer. StuRat (talk) 15:25, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Also, even if it's possible to safely travel through Sudan, I'd personally feel quite badly about myself if I provided them with tourism dollars whilst they were engaging in genocide against their minorities in Darfur. StuRat (talk) 15:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Most visas require that you enter the destination country within 3 months, so if you are planning on travelling for 9 months you will need to apply for visas in the countries you happen to be in at the time. AS for jabs, you should ask your GP. He'll know more than anyone else what is needed. Malaria and Hep B are the only two that come to my mind, but you will most certainly need more than that.--ChokinBako (talk) 16:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have a problem with supplying the local militias with 'dollars', just print your own money and use that. They will never know the difference at the local shops and restaurants. To get past the counterfeit currency laws, print clearly at the bottom in Russian or some other language they won't understand 'This is toy money'. It worked for me in Vietnam.--ChokinBako (talk) 17:38, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

That's the stupidest thing I've read in a long while. Passing counterfiet money is a serious offence in every country and in most cases attracts a lengthy prison sentence (or worse) if caught. Many countries on your proposed route, have poor standards of human rights and have records of torture and murder of crime suspects. The last thing you want to happen on a visit to any foreign country is to attract the attention of the police by comitting serious crimes. Astronaut (talk) 18:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Worse then that, supplying the local militia with counterfeit money is probably one of the dumbest ideas I've ever heard. Sure they may not notice. But if they do... And priting 'this is toy money' won't help you legall, if you are passing the money off as real although as I already mentioned legal issues are the least of your worries if you are giving this money to the militia. Nil Einne (talk) 16:55, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

That's quite a trip for an inexperienced traveller. I have visited both Egypt and South Africa, though I have not travelled between the two. Apart from the high crime rate, the travel experience in South Africa is much like it is in Europe or the USA. In Egypt, I have traveled by train from Cairo to Alexandria and found Egyptian railways to be fast and efficient. I was also hoping to travel by car or train from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, but was very much discouraged by the travel company who said they could not recommend anything other than flying (though this was just a year after the 1997 Luxor massacre). My travel guide book also suggested that train tickets were hard to get due to official policy to discourage western tourists from train travel. However, I have since read that such train travel is now once again possible.

Zimbabwe has severe economic problems and current political strife. In Sudan, I believe there is a train (but no road) from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and a ferry running from Wadi Halfa to the Aswan Dam, which both operate on an irregular schedule and are sometimes inexplicably delayed for days at a time. However, both services might be indefinitely suspended due to the situation in Darfur. That said, I came across our Cairo-Cape Town Highway article and the related Trans-African Highway network, so maybe it might be a bit easier than I imagined. Two other sources you might find interesting are the TV documentaries Pole to Pole and Long Way Down. Astronaut (talk) 19:31, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I would not recommend attempting to travel through countries along Africa's Atlantic coast. Many roads in Angola are virtually impassable. Roads are also very poor through both Congos, and both Congos are subject to sporadic unrest. Likewise, Chad is very politically unstable now. If you want to avoid Zimbabwe, which is also quite troubled and economically desperate, it is possible to travel from South Africa through Mozambique and Malawi to Tanzania, where you can rejoin the main Cairo to Cape Town route. The roads in these countries can be rough, and some of them become impassable during the rainy season, which in this region is roughly November through March. So if you are starting in South Africa, you might want to start in September or October. There is no way to avoid crossing the intertropical convergence zone (ITZ) and its rains at some point on your trip. If you are traveling north while a weakened ITZ is moving south, and if you can plan to pass this belt along better roads, you will minimize delays. If you leave South Africa in late July or early August, you should reach northern Kenya by late September, before the ITZ passes over. You can take advantage of paved roads from here to northern Ethiopia, which will by this time be north of the ITZ and therefore dry. You can find an account of this route at this website. Marco polo (talk) 00:42, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

This is indeed a serious trip for an inexperienced traveller. You don't say if you will be travelling with other people and what experience they have. I concur with most of the advice above (except passing fake currency: STUPID and immoral too ) but would suggest that your GP or family doctor might (depending on where you live and their expertise)not have all the relevant info on immunisations and prophylaxis, especially important for malaria. There are commercial travel clinics that specialise in these matters.

More broadly, I suggest you have a look at our sister projects Wikitravel and Wikihow, specifically on Africa and on solo travel. Good luck! BrainyBabe (talk) 14:51, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Safety signs

Does anyone know where I can download safety/warning signs, free, in EPS format? Thanks. ╟─TreasuryTag (talk ╬ contribs)─╢ 16:39, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Our hazard symbol article links to [5]. Unfortunately they're only free as in beer - you're only allowed to use them in technical documents. The AEM Pictoral Database here looks pretty good. You can see the full list of their symbols here. Are there any signs/symbols you're specifically looking for? — Matt Eason ^{(Talk • Contribs)} 09:31, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Sex With Aliens

Considering bestiality is illegal in most places (besides New Zealand, Australia, Wales, and certain southern states of America), would you not be arrested if you claimed to have had sex with an alien. After all, they are not 'human'. At best you should be stuck in a mental hospital, but if it was actually true, wouldn't it be a criminal offence?--ChokinBako (talk) 17:13, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

You got something against Mexicans? But seriously, it's unlikely anybody has actually enacted any laws against it. Maybe with the alien's pet ghorzmat? Clarityfiend (talk) 17:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day. First off, haven't you seen an alien their eyes are always filled with love. Okay Ill put that aside. I am sure if there are aliens and we had sex with them their wouldn't be a law against it. If you think about aliens are foreign they may come from another planet, but they are still foreign. When the Spanish went to Argentina the Spanish having sex with the other Spanish didn't provide children because they wasn't enough oxygen in the thin mountain air. The Spanish had sex with an Argentina and they had children. There are no laws against having sex with a foreigner. And maybe our children might gain some abilities of the aliens. Like breathing toxic gases and living in thinner atmosphere. Who knows. Most foreign sex is for the breeding quality. I hope I have helped. I hope my information was to confusing. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:14, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

...didn't provide children because they wasn't enough oxygen in the thin mountain air. I would love to see a ref or source for that. Sounds strange. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 19:05, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Claiming to have had sex with an alien is, at least in America, not evidence that sex has been had. If somehow evidence could be brought against someone for having sex with an alien, everything depends on the wording of the law, of course. Having sex with a non-human simply cannot be, all by itself, bestiality. People have sex all the time with certain sexual implements, completely absent the presence or involvement of another human. My feeling is that the spirit of bestiality laws is that animals, even when seemingly willing, are not prescient partners capable of giving legal consent. If I'm right, it would all depend on what the alien life forms were like. I mean, if the alien in question were Kim Basinger, for example, I'm thinking it would be difficult for the state to prove the alien were exploited against its wishes or otherwise ignorantly taken advantage of. If, on the other hand, the alien were more like a Tribble, a case might possibly be made. Good luck in your pursuits, and let us know how it works out for you. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 19:56, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day 200.127. My source is a documentary called BBC-Earth, The Power of the Planet. It talks about the four main systems that sustain life, create life, and help life. It's the episode of the atmosphere. I've watched the episode of volcanoes and atmosphere. And that is what they said when in the Argentina mountains.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have the staying power for a long article, this scholarly piece should enlighten on the high altitude hijinks that were less than fruitful. Fribbler (talk) 23:25, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The thing about "Sex" is that it's a biological process that evolved on Earth. Since the Alien evolved on a different planet, it might not (in all honesty, probably would not, unless sexual organs are miraculoulsy an example of cross-planetary paralell evolution) reproduce sexually. Therefore, it wouldn't acutally be "Sex" since the alien would not have sexual organs. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 08:46, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Given the wide range of ways humans and other animals have found to get sexual release, ((some images not work-safe) see Paraphilia, Non-penetrative sex , Animal sexual behaviour#Cross species sex ,and Animal sexual behaviour#Sexual fetishes), they might use a wide variety of indentations, orifices, apendages, limbs and organs. After Tentacle rape, would the perpetrator be able truthfully to say, had he the means of speech, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman?" Edison (talk) 22:47, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Seriously? Most people concerned with this issue are more worried about aliens molesting humans. And those of us who play The Sims 2 can tell you how much fun it is when aliens abduct a man and make him pregnant . . . or how much fun it is to have normal Sims get romantic with with aliens, werewolves, vampires, plant people, robots, and the like. (Yes, I said robots. At least Bigfoot is off-limits.) But anyway . . . I agree that the ability to give consent is the issue. Sex with an adult alien of similar intelligence to a human would freak a lot of folks out, but the "ew" factor isn't grounds these days for making something illegal. Sex with a sentient alien of lesser-developed intelligence would be on par with sex with a nonhuman animal, a child, or a mentally challenged adult - exploitative and damaging to the victim, which would be ample grounds for making it illegal. (That said, I recommend Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas for anyone who really, really has a desperate urge to molest a tribble.)

According to Zoosexuality and the law bestiality is in fact explicitly illegal in most of Australia and all of NZ, sheep jokes aside. In fact so are videos potraying the act. And I suspect it's illegal in all of Australia since even if not explicitly outlawed, it'll likely be considered animal cruelty or something similar. And I somewhat doubt these laws will generally be extended to aliens since they are usually written to apply to non-human animals, not aliens and it is unlikely an alien will be an animal. It's not usually illegal, at least as far as I'm aware, to have sex with a plant or fungi for example. Heck I'm not even sure whether sex with a hydra is illegal. BTW, despite the common potrayal in SF shows, it is extremely unlikely that humans will be able to successfully breed/mate with an alien, far more unlikely then humans being able to breed with a cat. Indeed aliens may not even have sex, at least not in the manner we do Nil Einne (talk) 17:01, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Dan Savage made the point [6]that in our enlightenewd society we judge it wrong for a human to have some form of sex with an animal, because the animal is judged incapable of giving his/her informed consent, but our society has no problem whatever with the lack of the animal's consent for knocking the same animal in the head, shooting it, electrocuting it, or breaking its neck, then slitting its throat, cutting it up, cooking and eating it (unless it is cute like a dog or a horse). Savage posits that if those animals were given a choice, they would probably prefer to be "screwed than stewed." Western society kills animals for food, for fur, or just for fun, as in sport fishing and trophy hunting. Edison (talk) 19:25, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

In most countries, it's only non-consential sex (or at most, homosexual sex)that's illegal. If a person can give consent and he/she is not underage (and depends on the law, not the same sex as you), then I don't see how it can be illegal. 24.12.201.139 (talk) 21:36, 16 June 2008 (UTC)Cecikierk

Very true, Edison - and even most of our "cute" domesticated animals end up on dinner plates somewhere in the world. I think bestiality laws result more from the "ew" factor than from a genuine concern for animal welfare. Still, anything that prevents cruelty to animals in any variety is at least a start. - Aletheia

An alien's body would be built for the environment of another planet. It would probably be deadly for the alien to even step out of its spacesuit, let alone have sex with a human. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:01, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

Rumble packs

Have any studies been done on the use of video game rumble packs as masturbatory aids? Is it common practice, percentage of people who have tried it? Any info would be appreciated. Kackers (talk) 19:17, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Rez is somewhat infamous for this. --Carnildo (talk) 22:12, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. I don't know if there are studies in video game rumble packs as masturbatory aids, but I am sure if there aren't you could do the study. I'm sure its a common practice I've heard some kids at school say they use their phone vibration as masturbatory aid. I think it might be a more common practice for the game geek. You know the guy who lives with his mother, who does nothing, but plays video games watches anime. The guy who kinda gives cute girls creepy smiles. Has a strange fantasy for Kasumi from Dead or Alive and whenever he see her celebrates with his game rumble pack. Anyway that was to much description, but I have always had the image in my head whenever I hear rumble pack being used for masturbation. I hope I have helped or at least gave you some words to read. Have a wonderful evening and good luck on that study.Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:33, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Really? Because like Carnildo, I tend to think of Rez, although I believe it's better for females than males. I always thought it a poor marketing decision by Microsoft not to reproduce the infamous Rez vibrator for their XBox port. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 03:33, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

But... but... three extra controllers! — Lomn 18:06, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Here is a review of Rez with pictures D0762 (talk) 10:32, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

June 12

Chocolate and Coffee

Are there any northern varieties of plants used to make chocolate and coffee? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.119.61.7 (talk) 00:04, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Chicory was used as a coffee substitute during World War II. Though by all accounts it wasn't very nice. (If this what you mean by northern varieties i.e. plants that can grow in cooler climes). Fribbler (talk) 00:13, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Chicory was also used as a (partial) coffee substitute in the UK during a time of high coffee prices in the eighties. And no, it doesn't taste very nice. DJ Clayworth (talk) 14:49, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Depending what you mean by "cooler climes", you could also look at carob tree. Grutness...wha? 06:04, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Chicory is getting a bum rap in this thread. In the U.S, "French Market" coffee is sold nationally. It is a blend of coffee and chicory, sold at a higher price than pure coffee.`, a mixture of coffee beans and "French chicory." The printing on the can says that the Dutch introduced the admixture of chicory into coffee in the 1600's, , and that a coffee/chicory mixture is drunk in Europe which has a "stronger, darker less bitter brew" with less caffeine than coffee. Recommend cream/milk with it. I add some of this French Market blend to coffee and find it improves the flavor. History of coffee/chicory at their website: [7] Edison (talk) 15:45, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

UPI reports Hostile UFO Attack

Where can this be placed? In this, the UPI said that a Romanian fighter plane was hit by UFOs. This is all over the place.

Where can this be placed ? 65.173.104.109 (talk) 02:51, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I cannot place this in the Romanian article at all. It is protected with a View Source indicating that I can't place it. 65.173.104.109 (talk) 02:54, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I cannot place this in any realevent article at all. They're all protected. 65.173.104.109 (talk) 03:18, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

By the way. This is a GREAT website. 65.173.104.109 (talk) 03:21, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Here's the simple answer - it doesn't belong on Wikipedia. It's a single news item that certainly doesn't belong in an article on Romania, or jet fighters, and probably not even UFOs. If you can find a few reliable, independent sources for it, you might be able to get it an article on Wikinews. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 03:31, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Hello there, UPI is United Press International. Same as the Associated Press - AP. 65.173.104.109 (talk) 03:37, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

The Romanian govt. NOT a reliable source ?! 65.173.104.109 (talk) 03:40, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Given that UPI has filed it under their 'odd news' category, it seems that they are taking it with an appropriate level of skepticism. Also, the phrase 'unidentified flying object' means 'something we can't identify flying through the air'—not 'little green men'. It appears that the entire story is "A military jet crashed after a an apparent collision with an object or objects that have not yet been identified." TenOfAllTrades(talk) 05:03, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Hah! Could have been frozen wastes dumped from a restroom on a high-flying jetliner for all we know. Clarityfiend (talk) 06:00, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Just to be clear what has been reported is that two planes hit airborne objects that have not (yet) been identified. The press called them "unidentified flying objects" which is technically true but conjures up pictures of flying saucers (if nothing else the objects were presumably a good deal smaller than your typical flying saucer since the planes survived). Nothing, even in what is reported, indicates a "hostile alien attack". I agree that the answer to "where does this belong on Wikipedia" is "nowhere" unless evidence comes to light that this is more than just an object impact. DJ Clayworth (talk) 14:47, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Wikinews on UFO Incident

Seen this on WikiNews. they have more info on this matter, incl. another website. Looks we may have a major UFO incident since Captain Mantell was allegedly killed by a UFO in 1947. 65.173.104.109 (talk) 20:55, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

• 1947: Captain Mantell allegedly killed by a hostile UFO
• 2008: UFO attacks Romanian fighter plane

65.173.104.109 (talk) 21:02, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Now, can this be placed, since all all pertainable articles are protected from any editing ?! 65.173.104.109 (talk) 21:04, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

What is the rush? The incident is reported on WikiNews, which seems reasonable as it is news, of a sort. But there is little or nothing to go on for an encyclopedia article. The notability of the incident is unclear and the facts are unclear and may not be verifiable. Let's wait, see what develops, and then see if there is anything encyclopedic that comes out of it. - Eron^Talk 21:25, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

prostitution network

There seems to be a form of prostitution I could not find in any of the Wikipedia articles (save possibly the article on groupies) that is based on an informal network of girls who stay with one guy for awhile and will then move on to another guy connected to the network. Unlike street prostitution or escort services this type of prostitution operates on the basis of girls having all of their expenses paid plus spending money and is more like a normal relationship that a real boyfriend and girlfriend or married couple might have. Elvis is said to have been connected with such networks (in addition to the groupies or or "road wifes" most musicians have) and had relations with well over 4,000 of these girls. These girls only provide services for the client they are with while they are with them and their clients are their Johns rather than being their pimps. Is there an article that describes such networks in detail? -- Taxa (talk) 03:09, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

There does not seem to be such an article. You are welcome to create such an article as soon as you find some reliable sources to satisfy the requirement for verifiability. It really sounds like someone's fantasy. Edison (talk) 04:09, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

At the moment my knowledge is limited to public nodes such as strip clubs rather than private nodes such as the Hilton ranch, etc. -- Taxa (talk) 05:05, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

This sounds like the system described in the science fiction novel Stand on Zanzibar (but not covered in our article on the novel). Warofdreams talk 21:19, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Also the two girls that use to swim around in the Whitehouse pool during the Kennedy administration come to mind. Once siting in first class discussing this with a friend two girls across the isle giggled and remarked, "Sounds like [he's talking about] us." -- Taxa (talk) 21:40, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Out of curiosity, what would make this prostitution when normal, "traditional", relationships where the woman doesn't work is not? Many a woman might leave a man (or at least his bed) if he stopped providing for her. Doesn't the fact that the sexual favors are based on monetary support fit the very definition of prostitution? As a corollary, aren't people in the pornographic film industry paid to have sex? What kind of special dispensation does that fall under, that they can do it publicly, with plenty of proof lying around, without fear of legal consequences? Freedom of expression allows you to make movies with sex in them, but it doesn't seem like it covers paying people to do it.... --Prestidigitator (talk) 23:46, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Porn actors are not necessarily paid to have sex, but to let someone watch them doing it. Imagine a couple of porn actors with a web-cam. They would have sex with each other anyway, but the cash in for having the camera. GoingOnTracks (talk) 00:24, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

The key thing with porn stars is that the person they're having sex with isn't the person paying. --Tango (talk) 01:20, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Has mininova been hacked?

Loads of torrents on mininova.org are reporting 640 seeds, when yesterday they had only a few. What the hell is going on? They can't all be a conensidence with having exactly 640 seeds. Is the government involved? Dozendough (talk) 11:25, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

More likely to be these guys. Fribbler (talk) 14:43, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Apparently it was caused by a server problem D0762 (talk) 17:15, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Recent sexual activity

It is obviously possible for a medical examination to determine whether a woman has had sex recently; we often hear about this kind of forensic testing in crime investigations. But it is similarly possible for an examination to determine whether a man has ejaculated recently? And would such an examination be able to determine whether it resulted from intercourse or masturbation? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 12:17, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

There is a lot of information here on what procedures are involved in forensic examination of the male genitalia in various situations. Fribbler (talk) 12:56, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

It is not always possible for a medical examination to determine whether a woman has had sex recently. The "obviousness" referred to is presumably the presence of semen in the vagina or rectum. In many sorts of sexual activity this does not occur -- most commonly, because of the use of a condom. BrainyBabe (talk) 15:30, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

It doesn't even necessarily mean she's "had sex", in the usual meaning of that term. It may well be evidence of having been raped. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:56, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

In some of the Eleanor Roosevelt mystery novels by son Elliott Roosevelt (1910-1990), the forensic techniques used by the Washington DC police in the 1930's and 1940's included testing whether a dead man's seminal repository (Epididymis? Seminal vesicle?) was empty and whether there was semen in his urethra. No idea where Elliott got the information or how reflective it was of period or present police forensics. Edison (talk) 22:25, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Orange

Hi whats that song that is on the UK orange phone network TV advert? Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.197.223.177 (talk) 12:45, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

What song? What advert? How does it go? What is the lyric? Can you post a clip, or a link to one? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 12:50, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Is it among any of these? Fribbler (talk) 12:51, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Battersea Power Station

I have purchased prints of the power station the last couple of years and am looking for new site to go to so as to purchase more prints / photos of the power station. I have some real great pictures from a pro photographer but would like to see if there are others who have some for sale. Always loved this building and have sent over support as to seeing it stay up, with the right renovation it can be a beautiful area to go to. We have a similar area in Boston Mass. USA on the waterfront. All shops, areas to sit and look out, parks and nice condo's. Hope they respect this building and do the same.

---thanks - bob —Preceding unsigned comment added by 153.103.190.11 (talk) 13:40, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

There's a few nice ones available to buy here. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 13:48, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

excellent - thanks - if any others pop up will very much appriciate it - thanks again - —Preceding unsigned comment added by 153.103.190.11 (talk) 13:56, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Bob, as a fellow Bostonian, I am curious which part of the Boston waterfront you think compares with the Battersea Power Station? Marco polo (talk) 20:30, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I think the point Bob was making is that there is a part of the Boston waterfront which the area around Battersea Power Station might resemble if it is redeveloped in a similar way. He wasn't comparing the present power station or its surrounding area with Boston. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 07:37, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

M'alayah

Where can I get music for m'alayah dance, the common dance in UAE? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.30.202.29 (talk) 14:27, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Airport security

Why is airport security so over-the-top tight? I recently read about a British man being refused entry to a plane to Düsseldorf because he was wearing a T-shirt showing a picture of a Transformers robot with a gun. A picture! The same story said that a few months earlier, some Canadian person was refused entry to a plane because he/she was wearing a necklace with a very small gun-shaped pendant. What are the security personnel thinking? Do they seriously think the man would start shooting people with a picture of a gun? I have a hard time believing they could be that stupid. Is it then because they think other passengers would get upset and anxious after seeing a picture of a gun? But the other passengers can't be that stupid either, and the personnel must know that. So are they merely being strict for the sake of being strict, like we say in Finland, "reading the rules like the Devil reads the Bible"? Are they knowingly enforcing farcical rules, thinking "well, if you ask me, that guy is all OK, but we were told that we must forbid anything that could even evoke the most remote thought about a gun, so we'll forbid it"? And are they enjoying this, or just obeying orders? JIP | Talk 16:29, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

At a personal security guard level, the motivation naturally varies. At a more institutional level, it's hard to say -- there's presumably a large belief that the regulations enhance security somehow, but some of the regulations seem quite pointless. The whole thing is complicated by the inability to prove deterrence -- is the lack of a successful repeat of 9/11-style hijackings a result of new security or simply that no reasonable attempts have been made? The general public has no way to know.

On a personal note, the only time I've felt airport security to be particularly onerous was a flight from Amsterdam to the States some 10 hours after the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot became known. All passengers were individually (though politely) interrogated before being permitted to board. — Lomn 18:04, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't know if these things happened. All that you are describing could be n urban legend. GoingOnTracks (talk) 00:25, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I heard about it on the webpage of a Swedish newspaper (in Swedish). JIP | Talk 05:48, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, both stories were reported in the mainstream press in the last couple of weeks. --Anonymous, 05:55 UTC, June 13, 2008.

This is just a guess, but I expect there is a policy somewhere that states that any gun/weapon/terrorism related clothing cannot be worn. Imaging if somebody turned up for a flight wearing a t-shirt with images from 9/11. You'd expect them to be told to change or not get on the flight. By having a blanket ban on anything showing weapons etc., it removes any arguments about whether an item of clothing is suitable or not. Alphazulu (talk) 08:28, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Beyond Fear (book) by Bruce Schneier might interest you. --antilived^{T | C | G} 08:42, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

"You'd expect them to be told to change or not get on the flight". No. No, I wouldn't. Assuming a piece of clothing is acceptable on the street (and by acceptable I mean "doesn't cause its owner to be arrested", not "could not possibly offend anybody") then why should it be any different at an airport? I really don't understand the thinking here. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 18:03, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

If you were not constantly being shown how much you need to be afraid, you might not tolerate the eggregious incursions into your civil liberties that our various governments are now promoting "in the name of safety". Surely Antonin Scalia's dissent on yesterday's Gitmo decision should have made this manifestly clear -- he's ready to toss out the United States Constitution in support of his NeoCon friends.

Atlant (talk) 17:10, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I think that in the instance referred to by the OP, the decision to make the passenger change his t-shirt was completely over-the-top. However, if I was on a plane with a passenger who was wearing something more directly related to terrorism (eg. 9/11), I would be anxious. But if I walked past that person in the street, I wouldn't feel the same way. It depends on context.

The problem is the policy makers are probably over-cautious, resulting in the clearly ridiculous situation with the transformers t-shirt. It's my guess that the individual security officials are only following excessively tight regulations. Alphazulu (talk) 20:34, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Shower curtains

I can't find any shower curtains in the exact colors I want, but I can find fabric, so I've determined to make my own. The dimensions I'll need are printed on commercial curtains, so that's not a problem, but is there a special kind of fabric I need to use? My impression is that something light like cotton would be best, but do I need to spray it with anything?

Just to be clear, I will not be using this as a shower liner, so it doesn't need to be water-repellent. It's just going to hang on the outside of the tub to look nice. But with all the moisture that's gonna be in the air, I don't want it to get moldy.

Thoughts? --Masamage ♫ 22:36, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

As you know, the wet duty kind is shower curtain nylon or polyester by the metre; crystal plastic (clear, heavy weight) by the metre. Anything probably grows mold, but these are more easily cleaned of it. If it's only decorative, any fabric will do (says Google), but when it comes to cleaning off mold with bleach, say, may not stay pretty. Julia Rossi (talk) 00:31, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

But if it's "normal" fabric, won't it be easy to just launder it regularly?hotclaws 07:12, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

A.F.I.

Is there a place to go an ask questions and get answers to them? Mr. T. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.128.192.82 (talk) 22:42, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Which AFI? Paragon12321 (talk) 23:43, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Ketchup

Any particular way to store a bottle of ketchup after it has been opened? Everyone I know stores it in the fridge, but my family has always just stuck in the kitchen to achieve room temperature. My parents have done this all their lives and it lasts quite a long time. Any guidelines? The bottle does not say either way, although it does say it is purposely shaped to go on the fridge door...

I guess my question is, does it matter how it is stored? Thanks, The Reader who Writes (talk) 23:20, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Total OR here, but we keep it in the press/cupboard (room temperature). Use it once a month or so. It has never gone "off", ever. Even after six months. I'm guessing the vinegar preserves it. Fribbler (talk) 00:41, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, I mean, it has never gone bad for us but everyone I was wondering why people keep it in the fridge if it does not go bad. I guess just a place to put it.The Reader who Writes (talk) 01:31, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. On a more personal note I put the ketchup in the fridge because I don't like warm ketchup. My ketchup has to be cold. So no it doesn't matter, but to some people who are picky about warm and cold, yes.Rem Nightfall (talk) 02:49, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Agreed, the contrast of hot food and cold ketchup is agreeable, something like the contrast of hot and cold in a Baked Alaska. Also, I have noticed that old ketchup eventually gets rather dark colored, more of a blood red. Perhaps keeping it cold will slow this effect. StuRat (talk) 04:54, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Keep the ketchup (almost) anywhere, but do not top up a bottle from another. Learned this the hard way when working in a restaurant - given time the mixed ketchups ferment - and the bottle explodes !86.197.173.82 (talk) 10:40, 13 June 2008 (UTC)DT

Yes, and, in the case of glass bottles, you can't get the ketchup out if they always keep it full like that, unless you slide a knife into it, which isn't very sanitary. StuRat (talk) 12:44, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Would it be more sanitary to stick a french fry in it?(Deep fat sterilization and all that). Edison (talk) 15:31, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

From the Consumer FAQ page of a well known brand (a "reliable sauce" ?): "Should ketchup be refrigerated? - Because it is a very acidic product, ketchup does not spoil easily. Once opened, in order to maintain the product's quality more effectively, we do suggest that ketchup (and any other processed food) be refrigerated after opening because refrigeration retards spoilage." Gandalf61 (talk) 15:48, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I've started to rely on the advice of bottles for this sort of thing. If the bottle says to store it in the fridge after opening, I do so. If it says to store it in a cool, dark place, I just leave it in the cupboard since I live in a temperate country. From my experience, most bottles of tomato ketchup or sauce recommend you keep in in the fridge. Soya sauce is usually fine in the cupboard. Nil Einne (talk) 12:51, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Self-employed, classified ads

Where (online) do self-employed people can place classified ads in the US or UK? GoingOnTracks (talk) 23:58, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Are you looking for work or looking to hire someone? And in what field of employment?

You could try http://www.craigslist.com/ and for something more widely accepted in professional circles you could try http://www.monster.com/ or http://www.monster.co.uk/

Astronaut (talk) 03:50, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

http://www.gumtree.com/ D0762 (talk) 08:47, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I am looking for work. I thought that monster was more for employees seeking employment. GoingOnTracks (talk) 17:42, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

It depends on what work you do. Monster and similar sites also carry ads for short-term contract positions and many contract workers are self-employed. However, if you are a self-employed house painter, construction worker or other tradesperson, then perhaps Monster is not the place to look. Astronaut (talk) 20:45, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

June 13

Track and Field championships

Does anyone know where I can watch the NCAA Track and Field championships online? Or is it on TV?76.194.67.13 (talk) 01:57, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

It's on College Sports Television apparently. They don't have a live internet feed, though I'm afraid. Fribbler (talk) 16:35, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Talking/chatting with other university students around the world.

I realise that this might be a broad question, but could anyone of you guys recommend me a way to talk or chat with other university students around the world? I'd like to meet people from other parts of the globe enrolled at any kind of universities, so I can improve my language skills, share resources, analyse opinions and information with them, etc. It could be a website, a forum, a group, an association... I'm certainly open to all possibilities. Thanks in advance. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.19.185.185 (talk) 04:50, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, the major social-networking websites are well populated with university students. e.g. Myspace and Facebook. Fribbler (talk) 10:24, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

At least for the language skills part, online games with chat might work. I've learned some interesting terminology by playing chess and chatting with my friend in New Zealand on www.pogo.com. That is, when he's not "eating tea", "washing his hands in the toilet", or "calling his Mum out at housey" (taking his Mom out for her weekly bingo night). StuRat (talk) 12:37, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Teatro Colon

At the top of the article, I'm told this theater opens in 2010. By the time I've finished reading, the article has decided I don't get to go to the theater until 2012. TripAdvisor said the theater opens May 2008. When does it open? 69.143.227.107 (talk) 05:49, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Remember, TripAdvisor is a reliable source, while Wikipedia can be edited by anyone (including you), and whatever you read should be taken with a grain of salt. When I Googled "Teatro colon closed" the first three sites all agreed that it reopens in May 2008. Since the other dates are unsourced and not backed up, I'd go with May 2008. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 09:07, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually it appears wikipedia is correct in this instance. When I Googled teatro colon reopen, I found this [8] and other sources (e.g. [9]) indicating it will reopen in 2010. Evidentally it was planned to reopen in 2008 (the centenary) [10]) but they missed the date (see the IHT article). I've updated the article accordingly. Nil Einne (talk) 12:46, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Valley Of Flowers-Hemkund trek

For a 70 year old man, having undergone a spine decompression surgery in may 2007, is it advisable to visit the Valley of Flowers alongwith a tour company, sometime in August 2008?Main concern would be the trek to the the Valley of Flowers and also the trek to the Sikh shrine at Hemkund Sahib, which apparently is quite difficult for an aged individual.The person in question has no other medical history except what's mentioned above. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.112.80.139 (talk) 06:10, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I had been there once, and I can tell you that it is not a simple trek. Read 'Some things to Remember' section of Hemkund article. - manya (talk) 08:27, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

If a medical history is relevent, then you are likely asking for medical advice. Please do not ask for medical advice here; ask your medical practitioner. Wikipedians who have done the trek may know jow hard it was for them or others, but are constrained from commenting on how a specific medical condition could affect, or be affected by, the trials of the trek. ៛ Bielle (talk) 17:53, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

The Indian National Anthem

I have read a lot about India's flag rules and about the national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana", but I have found nothing about it that i wanted. I read somewhere that it must be 52 seconds long. Can you confirm to me if it is unlawful to sing it for longer or shorter than 52 seconds? thank you, Balaji.s —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.96.60.134 (talk) 11:12, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

According to our article, Jana Gana Mana, it only lasts 52 seconds. It isn't unlawful to sing it for longer or shorter than 52 seconds, but the song only lasts 52 at the correct speed, though I suppose you could slow it down.--Serviam (talk) 12:52, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

When we sing it at school, (yes, I'm an Indian, so this is perhaps more authentic) it's usually about 40 seconds, because we are generally in a hurry to get it over with. ^_^ Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 12:09, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Really, you mean they don't have music for you to sing it to? Nil Einne (talk) 14:35, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

No. All of us sing it together, standing under the bright sun in the school-field. I've studied in three different schools so far, and it's the same thing everywhere. Just the song, no accompanying music.What do you do at yours??Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 17:34, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

In many countries school students do not regularly sing national anthems together. In my school in the UK many years ago we used to. We used to sing at school assembly in the school hall and a teacher would play an accompaniment on the piano. It was usually raining outdoors. Itsmejudith (talk) 22:38, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Odd question

This is a very random question, but does anyone know if bare butt is considered pornography or age-restricted in the U.S., or is it just run of the mill "art" now? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 139.76.224.67 (talk) 14:53, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Well you can be sure that buttocks not "private parts in terms of indecent exposure in North Carolina. A bit of a specific example perhaps. But I'd guess that it's not considered pornography. You can wear a thong on the beach and not be arrested or be subject to "age-restricted viewing" (as far as I know). Fribbler (talk) 15:43, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

It depends on the context in which the bare butt is seen. A painting, photograph or statue in an art gallery is art. A brief appearence in a movie rarely merits more than a PG-13 certificate. Mooning passers-by from your car is offensive to many. A butt covered in syrup in the pages of Hustler is pornography. And the water filled barrel in your yard is a completely innocent use of the word butt. Astronaut (talk) 17:29, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Okay, let me be more specific. The picture was a small picture. It was almost entirely taken up by the female's butt. I have no idea what the rest of her looked like. The picture was at a site that is definitely not a pornographic site. The site discusses sports, etc. They do have pictures of other attracive women, but they are clothed. In the picture you see the girl's bum and her panties are down almost all the way (you can't see her anus or vagina). Is this considered pornography or just a racy image? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 139.76.64.67 (talk) 18:15, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Whether it is pornography or not depends on your community standards. From my liberal, european POV, I think it just sounds a little racy; but I can also see the feminist argument that the particular image might only serve to degrade women or to titillate, especially as it shows only the butt in a provocative way and is in the context of a sports oriented website. However, even if I think it's just a little racy, I certainly wouldn't show it to a preacher, my mother or anyone under 18. Astronaut (talk) 20:14, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

giraffe

Do giraffes make a sound? If so what does it sound like. RoyalOrleans 15:52, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Not the noisiest of animals by any stretch. Here's some info. Fribbler (talk) 16:00, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Agreed that giraffes don't make much noise, but when I saw some in Tanzania (Africa), I heard one of them sort of grunt, maybe because he/she was uncomfortable with how close my vehicle had come. Marco polo (talk) 16:16, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks ref desk peeps. RoyalOrleans 16:29, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm sure a giraffe would make a noise if you stretched it-a sort of sluppp noise :) Lemon martini (talk) 18:45, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Life expectancy of running shoes and flip-flops

What do you think is the average life expectancy of running shoes and flip-flops before they are thrown out by most people? I know it depends on the use, but what do you think it would be on average? From what most people say, I think it would be 1 year for flipflops and 2-3 for running shoes. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.30.202.29 (talk) 17:06, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Dunno about the actual numbers, but I would have put flipflops and running shoes the other way round to you. Flipflops can last for ages, being worn only for a short time in the summer and not for anything particularly strenuous at that. Running shoes would be used regularly (if someone has gone as far as buying dedicated running shoes, presumably they do it fairly often) and are put under considerable load while they're in use. Worn running shoes can be bad for joints etc, so they'd need to be replaced. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 17:57, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I suspect it depends a lot on how they are manufactured. I believe that--like most products--shoes are designed these days to wear out very quickly (see planned obsolescence), though I don't have any real authoritative sources to base that on. Heh. My dad had a homemade pair of sandals he built from car tires that he wore very often and that literally lasted him decades. --Prestidigitator (talk) 18:14, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

It also depends on where in the world you are wearing them. The answer from 81.187 presupposes a climate with seasonal differences strong enough that a change in footwear is required. In Puerto Rico, for example, I wore through a pair of flip flops in about 4 months, and I didn't wear them to work. Running shoes (the high-end ones), in a northern climate, do last me a year, but I drive more than I walk. If they get wet in winter because I failed to change to boots, and the wet is full of salt, then the runners may last only months. My "sea shoes" that I used for walking in the water in Australia (old-fashioned, white canvas with rubber soles) came apart in less than 6 weeks. There are too many variables to come up with an average that is anything more than purely arithmetic. ៛ Bielle (talk) 20:16, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

One place where I worked used to spread sand in the parking lot for traction in winter, and I noticed my shoes wore out far quicker then. StuRat (talk) 23:13, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

This question may be complicated by the fact that many people probably retire shoes before they cease to be functional. The old shoes may go "out of fashion", the person may buy better shoes, or the old ones may just get ugly (salt stains, for example). StuRat (talk) 23:16, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

This is personal experience from a decade ago, but when I started playing tennis in high school, I was wearing Payless tennis shoes, and after going through 2 pairs in 2 months (the treads disappeared from a large portion of the soles), I went ahead and paid like $70 for a pair of Nike's, which lasted me a year with the same amount of activity. So which shoes also have a huge impact, imo. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 01:33, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Most-inclusive foreign-language Wikipedia

I know that the German wikipedia is a lot less inclusive than the English version. Are there any foreign language Wikipedias that are more inclusive than the English version? Zagalejo^^^ 17:19, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure I understand your meaning of "inclusiveness", but the English Wikipedia has the most articles, by quite a margin. Here's the complete list, with the number of articles and other stats. Matt Deres (talk) 18:12, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

By "inclusiveness", I'm referring to the general attitude of the site members towards borderline-notable topics. Sorry, I wasn't clear. I know the English version has the most articles, but I'm wondering if there's another version out there which would be more willing to keep articles on, say, fictional characters, grade schools, minor league athletes, etc. Zagalejo^^^ 18:39, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, I had a feeling I was missing the point. I don't think there's a reliable way to give a general answer to that, if only because everyone's idea of borderline-notable will be different. Do we really need an article on every postmaster general? We're very close to having one for every PG for the US, UK, and Canada; how important is, say, Allen Bristol Aylesworth compared to Spider-man or Steve Dalkowski? There are people who would say he was the least notable of the three, but I'm sure there are other folks who'd rank either of the other two as last. To satisfy your own curiosity, I suppose you could pick a topic that was at least cross-cultural (like cryptids or species of louse) and see which Wikis have the most articles of that subject.

The reason I gave you the first link is that, in a way, the gross number of articles is the only way to get an actual measure of inclusiveness. However you want to define notability, you'd have to agree that the more articles you have, the greater the number will be that are borderline. Matt Deres (talk) 13:14, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Indeed, I have noticed that in some cases where English articles have been deleted, they continue to exist in foreign language Wikipedias. I suppose this is due to the fewer numbers of users and administrators. Less law and order, if you will. Also when a featured English article on which a featured foreign language article is based loses its featured status, the foreign language one will remain unchecked. Maybe if you compiled some ratios of users/administrators/articles/pages/edits, you might find what you are looking for. That would be a complicated task though. --Russoc4 (talk) 00:06, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

It could mean less law and order; or it could mean less zealotry. -- JackofOz (talk) 22:31, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Book/Reading statistics

I was wondering if anyone knew of a webpage which provided a great number of statistics about books and/or reading (and may have included statistics on many other topics). Many of them were not of the normal sort, an example being percentage of people who thought their life warrented a biography. It had quite a large number of statistics and a few Google searches have not returned any promising leads.--droptone (talk) 18:51, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

http://www.humorwriters.org/startlingstats.html ? --Russoc4 (talk) 00:00, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Nope. I found that one with the basic Google searches and it isn't what I was looking for. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Droptone (talk • contribs) 16:51, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

autumn blaze maple tree and sugar maple tree problems

Have one 3" of each tree typed above. Autumn blaze is showing light red leaves already in early June and Sugar maple also showing some stress. Both planted late last fall in back yard. Should I wait to see if they decline further and is it possible to prune now? thanks24.1.236.248 (talk) 19:57, 13 June 2008 (UTC)Ŵ

Possible to prune? Yes. Would you want to? Not sure. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 22:59, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

3" as in 3 inches? What is there to prune? If you mean 3 feet then I would still be hesitant about pruning. You think they are stressed, maybe trying to correct the cause of the stress would be helpful. Richard Avery (talk) 06:16, 14 June 2008 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Richard Avery (talk • contribs) 06:15, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

What would you hope to gain by pruning? If the trees are showing signs of stress, surely the last thing they need is more stress - pruning now would reduce the tree's ability to make food and so further reduce its ability to overcome its problems. Matt Deres (talk) 13:22, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

What are the signs of stress you're talking about? Julia Rossi (talk) 08:14, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

June 14

Top Flutes

Which company is considered to be the "Steinway" or "Stradivarius of Western concert flutes"? Acceptable (talk) 00:23, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

I honestly don't think there is "one" company in the flute world. Here are some brands and top classical players of the Western concert flute who play them.

• Muramatsu Flutes (James Galway, Trudy Kane, Aurèle Nicolet, and Amy Porter)
• Yamaha (Irena Grafenauer, Joshua Smith, Christian Larde, Massimo Mercelli, Philippe Bernold, and Dieter Flury).
• Brannen Brothers (Timothy Hutchins, Paula Robison, András Adorján , Bart Feller, and Mark Sparks)
• Powell Flutes (Robert Aitken, Maxence Larrieu, Elaine Shaffer, William Morris Kincaid, James Pellerite, Keith Underwood, Robert Langevin, Mathieu Dufour, and Anne Zentner)

Jean-Pierre Rampal, one of the greatest flute players ever, performed on an instrument made by the William S. Haynes Flute Company. It was modeled after the famous 18 carat golden flute made by Louis Esprit Lot (1807-1896) which Rampal had been using from 1948-1958.

Note that a number of players use a headjoint manufactured by a different company (most frequently by LaFin, but also by Oleg, David Williams, Drelinger, Albert Cooper, and others) ---Sluzzelin talk 07:40, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

A standing joke in the flautist community: If you use a Powell head joint on a Haynes body, or vice versa, you will get either a Pain or a Howl. -Arch dude (talk) 02:29, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Another golf question

So I'm watching round 2 of the U.S. Open tonight. The majority of the players played hole 18 (a par 5 with a deadly water hazard) as their final hole. However, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson played hole 9 (which, to my eyes, looked much less challenging) as their final hole of the night. I believe the announcers referred to it as their "second 9." Now, this just doesn't seem fair. Can someone please explain?--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back (talk) 01:46, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

To speed up a round, starting holes are staggered. Presumably Woods and Mickelson began on the back nine (10-18) and finished on the front nine. Regardless, all golfers play all 18 holes. After the cut is made, play shifts to all golfers playing 1-18 in the usual sequence. — Lomn 03:59, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Pigs doing weird stuff

About a week ago, I was watching this show on TV about TV bloopers, and I saw one where a reporter was at a farm. It showed two really huge pigs in the background, and the larger one that was black got on top of the pink one's back in a very clumsy manner because it was so fat. I'm not sure what it was trying to do, maybe tackle the other pig or something. Anyways, the cameraman started laughing, and the reporter turned around and saw it, and she started laughing too. I don't know why they were laughing, to me it just looked kind of weird but not very funny. Am I missing something here? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 로그인 계정 만들기 (talk • contribs) 02:56, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

yes, my young innocent, they were Piggybacking. Mhicaoidh (talk) 03:54, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

In other words, they were mating. StuRat (talk) 05:11, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Not necessarily, The one underneath may have been blind and the one on top was guiding it towards the food. (after Noel Coward) Richard Avery (talk) 06:10, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

The version I heard, using dogs, was "Well, Jimmy, the dog on the bottom was just tired, so the dog on top decided to help by pushing her home". StuRat (talk)

No, the fat piggy was being the bridge, and the one underneath was playing trolls. --Karenjc 19:52, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Origin of Word

Where does the word "alphabet" origin from. Is is from Alpha and Beta, the first two Greek letters, or from Aleph and Beit, the first two Arabic letters?? 117.194.225.38 (talk) 05:44, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

The former appears to be correct. [11][12] Rockpocket 06:44, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

This is taken directly from the article Alphabet:

"The word "alphabet" came into Middle English from the Late Latin word Alphabetum, which in turn originated in the Ancient Greek Alphabetos, from alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet. Alpha and beta in turn came from the first two letters of the Phoenician alphabet, and meant ox and house respectively."

So, the English word "alphabet" came from a Latin word, which came from a Greek word, which came from alpha and beta. So, in a roundabout way, "alphabet" did come from "alpha" and "beta." --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 07:12, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

But, the English word "alphabet" came from a Latin word, which came from a Greek word, which came from alpha and beta, which came from aleph and beit, so in a roundabout way it can be either the former or the latter, depending on how far back your analysis goes. -- JackofOz (talk) 22:22, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Umm...

[13] Which WA is it referring to, Washington State or Western Australia? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 10:50, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Did you notice that the website is Australian? Adam Bishop (talk) 11:30, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

How to activate NNM on my nokia?

[[14]]====>After seeing this I'm very interested to activate that feature on my nokia 3310. Plz tell me what should i type on my keypad or what shud I do with my phone to activate that feature....Infact I didn't Understood what is that feature & how is it useful for? So plz tell me more abt that feature & how to activate it on my phone? Plz giv me in detail How to activate....Temuzion (talk) 11:11, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

The article is shit, but appears to have a number of useful links. Is there anything they didn't answer? Nil Einne (talk) 12:34, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Removing Bloodstains

Is it possible to completely remove bloodstains from asphalt (blacktop) paving? If so, does the removal process change the color of the asphalt, even slightly? RAhicks (talk) 13:47, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

If it's crimescene the police may be able they may be able to point you in the right direction now that they're done with it. In any case particularly if it's human blood, you might want to refer to a professional as you also want to make sure you adequetly disinfect Nil Einne (talk) 14:33, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Scrub the stain with Coca cola to clean it off (Yes, that actually does work), then rinse down with water. This might stain it a bit if you leave the coke too long, but if you rince it fairly quick with water you'll be fine.--Serviam (talk) 16:12, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

[15] Suggests wiping with a sponge or cloth soaked in warm or cool soapy water. You might consult professional crime scene cleaners: [16] . Edison (talk) 04:28, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

When I was in the cadets, an Army medic teaching us first aid mentioned in passing that when washing large amounts of blood out of one's clothing (as you do) it's best not to start with hot water as this "cooks" the blood into place rather than rinsing it away. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 21:24, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Alternating DC questions

In the US, the District of Columbia was set up for the location of the capital, Washington, so that it wouldn't be placed in any existing state. The concern was, that if they put it in an existing state, like Virginia, then that state would have disproportional power. So, my questions are:

1) Have any other nations done something similar ?

2) If not, how have they dealt with the concern that the state/province/region housing the capital may gain disproportional power ? StuRat (talk) 14:57, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Many other federations have a distinct territory that is not a state that is home to the capital. For example, Malaysia has 3 Federal Territories of Malaysia, the first set up for the capital, the second is an offshore banking facility and the third set up as a new administrative capital in an effort to reduce congestion in the current capital (amongst other things). Similarly Australia have the Australian Capital Territory. India set up (admitedly only in 1991) the National Capital Territory of Delhi which has always been one of the seven Union Territory (although our article claims, unsourced, it is one the way to statehood). Obviously for non-federations, without states, this isn't so much of an issue. However Wellington was made the capital of New Zealand partially due to concerns the distance of Auckland from the South Island (not entirely the same thing but some similar concerns perhaps Nil Einne (talk) 15:45, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

It was for similar concerns. At the time Wellington was made capital, NZ had provincial governments, similar to those still operating in Canada - also at the time the country's economic power was all in the southern South Island, due to the Otago Gold Rush. Grutness...wha? 00:55, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Another is the Distrito Federal in Brazil, which is occupied only by the capital, Brasília. Deor (talk) 19:57, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

The ACT is physically inside New South Wales, although administratively and legally separate from it. The Constitution came up with a solution to the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, by specifying the seat of government was to be at least 100 miles from Sydney, but still within the borders of NSW. The payback was that, until such time as the capital Canberra was built, the parliament would meet in Melbourne, which it did for the first 27 years of federation. -- JackofOz (talk) 22:15, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Alternating DC sounds like a contradiction in terms, electrically speaking. Edison (talk) 04:19, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I think it was an intended pun. -- Meni Rosenfeld (talk) 12:33, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, I find it's easier to recall the titles I give questions if I make a pun out of them. And, if somebody gets a charge out of them, all the better. StuRat (talk) 13:53, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Mexico and Venezuela also have separate federal districts coextensive with their capital cities. Corvus cornix_talk 21:04, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Mexico City disagrees: "The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City: both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity". --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 01:00, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Um, I think that agrees with what I said. Corvus cornix_talk 02:03, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Brain fart on my part. --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 13:17, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Are cell phones making it impossible to turn the camera shutter sound off?

I just bought one (Toshiba) and couldn't turn it off. I don't get it. Who would want a loud sound every time you take a pic? GoingOnTracks (talk) 17:57, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, that is annoying. On my old Sony Ericsson K750i, I could switch the phone to silent mode and the camera would be silent too. My new K850i however, keeps the camera sound on no matter what - I can however modify the sound to be a more discrete "tennis ball" sound. If you want it to be totally silent, there are some sites on the internet which give info about flashing the phone's memory, but at the price of potentially invalidating the warranty or permanently breaking your phone. As to why phone makers are doing this, perhpas it's something to do with privacy concerns or copyright issues in galleries, theatres, etc. Astronaut (talk) 18:14, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Toshiba make cell phones? I didn't know that. Perhaps they're not available in Europe. Astronaut (talk) 18:33, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, it does. see. The thing with flashing the phone's memory seems like too dangerous. The phone is brand new. Anyway, I am not trying to make upskirt pics of schoolgirls, so for me is just annoying, but no deal breaker. GoingOnTracks (talk) 19:31, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

For a workaround, how about putting your thumb over the speaker holes when you snap a pic ? StuRat (talk) 00:04, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Or for another workaround, does the phone allow you to save sounds and use them for various actions? If so, you could record a "blank" sound and assign that to the shutter noise. By "blank" I mean just recording a half second or so of just ambient noise. In a quiet enough room, the sound file won't be very loud when recorded. So when taking the picture in a relatively noisier place, the sound will just go unheard. Dismas|^(talk) 02:44, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

This is indeed quite common, and as Astronaut suggested it's due to concerns about people taking surreptitious photos in changing rooms and the like. I'm not certain, but I have a feeling that in some parts of the world it's required by law. Then, of course, it's easier to add the mandated feature to all devices rather than making special models for those countries, and the rest of us get it to. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 21:21, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Greatest Mexican

Who do you think was the greatest mexican of the 20th century? and also who is the greatest mexican scientist of the 20th century? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 206.170.104.24 (talk) 21:42, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Regarding your second question, Mario J. Molina is the only Mexican to have won a Nobel prize in a Science (Alfonso García Robles won the Peace Prize and Octavio Paz won the Literature Prize). Rockpocket 21:50, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Though such speculation is widely frowned upon at the Reference Desk, for the first question you could make a pretty good case for Frida Kahlo. Or her husband, for that matter. Grutness...wha? 00:47, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Or even Emiliano Zapata depending on what you consider of the 20th century and what you consider great. GoingOnTracks (talk) 02:34, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Though it is difficult to argue with a Nobel prize, Luis E. Miramontes is the first name mentioned in the article on combined oral contraceptive pill, which in turn often appears in lists of "the most significant invention of the 20th century". Since this is also an opinion question, and 'cause I can, I will add Consuelo Velázquez, who, at the age of fifteen, wrote one of the catchiest and most successful tunes of 20th century popular music. ---Sluzzelin talk 03:14, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Well in that case, 'cause I can, I will submit Mil Máscaras. Greatness is in the eye of the beholder sometimes, and Mil is way, way up there on my list. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 07:49, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

My pick is Luis Barragán for Mexican architects, though Octavio Paz is a fave as well. Plus Frida who seems to have long range fame, since people tend to say, Diego who? but Frida's a different story. |:-) Julia Rossi (talk) 07:01, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

What is a prostitute?

Is it fair to call a woman a prostitute if she earns no money from a relationship, but demands/expects that her partner earns/has money? GoingOnTracks (talk) 22:59, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

Whether it is fair or not is a matter of opinion. Our article on Prostitution explains the various meanings of the term. Technically, your scenario probably doesn't fall under those. I would suggest a more common pejorative term would be Gold Digger (the song of the same name explains why). Rockpocket 23:18, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

I wouldn't call such woman "gold diggers" if they are not trying to earn money from the relationship. It looks much more like a form of classism to me. Perhaps internalized classism. I wouldn't call that prostitution. And probably it is not fair to call a woman a prostitute just because you think she is one. 217.168.0.245 (talk) 23:34, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

If the woman contributes nothing but sex to the relationship, and expects money in return, and also has sex with others, then I'd call her a prostitute. However, money is only one way to contribute to a relationship. Housekeeping, raising children, hosting parties, etc., are other ways which women have traditionally contributed. StuRat (talk) 00:01, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with StuRat. It all depends on how this relationship is constructed. Is it a win/win situation? Is she leeching the partner? Consider that all this extra contributions (raising children, housekeeping, ...) don't bring money directly but also have an economical value. (there is certainly some scholar who analyzed the value of this kind of non-retributed services). Prostitution is normally the exchange money-sex or privileges-sex. In a healthy relationship is much more involved, beyond this simple exchange, something is being built. 217.168.0.245 (talk) 00:11, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

On the other side of the coin, so to speak, the OP might also be interested in the term Sugar Daddy. Dismas|^(talk) 02:38, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I can't see how it could possibly be fair to call such a woman a prostitute. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 12:24, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I think that is exactly the point. The OP has never said that the woman had any commercial interest in the relationship. Just that she prefers men with at least some property/income. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.6.118.85 (talk) 15:26, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

June 15

College

Can anyone give what they think is the single most invaluable tip reguarding searching for and applying for colleges and univeristies? --hello, i'm a member | talk to me! 06:13, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't know if this question is appropriate for the Reference Desk, but this high school teacher has watched hundreds of students march off to college, and my best advice is this: Look for the kind of school that's right for you and don't try to be the student who's right for some school. Look past the familiar names of schools, and instead look at yourself. What kind of student are you? What environments have you thrived in, and what environments have you struggled in? The first question I'd ask myself about any school is whether or not the school is looking for someone like you. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 07:47, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

That blows away my answer of looking for colleges where the student population is 90% the opposite sex. :-) StuRat (talk) 13:49, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Well, the thing is I don't know really which envioronments I've thrived or struggled in mostly because I've thirved and struggled in all of them, if you know what I mean. --hello, i'm a member | talk to me! 16:48, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. All though Mitchel K's advice is wonderful advice. As a high school student myself I have to look into college. I understand where you come from hello I'm a User. A lot of my environments that I go to I struggle because I am not a group person. I work independently and I don't get along with other people. What I would have to do when looking at a college is not only the environment, but what kind of person and what kind of work would I want to do. Because I am not a group person I would look for a program or course that I know won't have group projects. So not only do you have to look into environment, what kind of people, what environment you survive, and what environment you struggle, but you also have to look into what you want to do, what the school is going to provide you as person, and what are your goals. Certain schools will not help you complete the goals you want to complete. I hope I have helped. Have a positively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 20:57, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Money. My third child is starting college in the fall. As with the other two, we told her to apply to any public colleges in our state (Virginia) or schools that cost less than 1.5 times as much, or to any other schools if she had a compelling reason to spend more money, but she would need to apply for student loans for them. You can get a really great education and a really great college experience and most big colleges. If you can graduate debt-free, your life after college will be a lot easier. (Incidentally, she is going to McGill.) To lower your stress levels, apply to at least two "safety" schools that are certain to accept you. Apply to about four schools that you would really like to go to and that you have a good chance for acceptance. Apply to as many "stretch" schools as you want, but don't get your hopes up. Your best bet is to talk with current students at your candidate schools to get a feeling for the culture. Guidance counselors can tell you about your chances of getting accepted, but only current or recent students can tell you how it feels. -Arch dude (talk) 02:17, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

You can check out the culture at open days if that's convenient for you. You might prefer research-based subjects to a coursework style for example, or the reverse if you like a lot of structure – it depends on the field you want to go into. And though some people say just get in anywhere, you can transfer later, here in Oz, it's easier to transfer down than up (e.g. metropolitan college to provincial than the reverse) though there are exceptions. Best, Julia Rossi (talk) 06:49, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Give Me The Facts of the Yellow Summer Squeeze

Good evening. I was drinking some lemonade and then it came to me. A question and a thought. Why is lemonade considered a summer drink? What makes lemonade a summer drink? Why does everyone drink lemonade when it's hot outside? I drink lemonade summer and winter because I love lemonade. I love lemons. I am a lemon head. But back to the topic. Where in history has it made lemonade a summer drink? Thank you for answering my question. I really appreciate it.Rem Nightfall (talk) 07:13, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Who says it's a summer drink? It's just a drink. And not everyone drinks it. But people in countries with hot summers are more likely to consume cold drinks at that time to help them cool down and replace lost fluid.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 08:17, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

And, historically (before refrigeration and dehydration), fruit juices and drinks would only be consumed when that fruit was ripe. I'm guessing that lemons were ripe in the summer, versus apples in the fall. Now we can get any fruit juice year round, due to technology and importing them from the southern Hemisphere, where they have summer during our winter. StuRat (talk) 13:46, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Companies say it's a summer drink. I mean when I look for the powdered lemonade like Country Time or some other powdered lemonade I can only find it during the summer. Just like I only find powdered tea in the summer time as well. And if I do find powdered lemonade during the winter it's more expensive then what it would be in the summer same thing with powdered tea. I guess my question is more related to the powdered lemonade.Rem Nightfall (talk) 20:04, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

The main reason companies market "Seasonal" itams like that is to earn more money. It gives them an excuse to up the prices in the summer, since everyone wants it, and in the winter, since they can claim that it's less likely to be bought, and therefore should cost more. Same with other products, like diamonds. Who planted the idea that diamonds are highly romantic Valentine's Day presents? The diamond companies! --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 20:13, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I have learned two new things about companies at this very moment. Companies like money and companies like to lie for money. I am not sure that is true, but it's what I infer. Would that mean that powdered lemonade is over priced?Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:02, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Dude, anything that you pay for that you could have made for free with a lemon tree and a juicer is overpriced. But if you mean in comparison to other consumer porducts, no, I'd say that companies charge the same rates for lemonade (proportionally) as they do for everything else. Lemonade is probably not high on their money-making radar, and therefore relatively safe from artificially inflated prices. (For an example of artificially inflated prices, see gasoline.) --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 00:05, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

The cost of the packaging exceeds the cost of the ingredients, I can guarantee that! --Danh, 70.59.115.72 (talk) 00:00, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

As a fruit of warm climates, it figures, but it's also used in hot drinks with honey for a sore throat, though it's not called lemonade then. Julia Rossi (talk) 02:55, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

The First Peoples Millionaire

I am a over 50s British born and bred gent. If a million people (or more) send me 1 English pound (or more) will it make me the first ever 'Peoples Millionaire'? Has this been done before? In return I would lavish in a wee bit of luxury which sadly has been lacking since birth. How many people do you think would participate in this unique venture? Tonic Love (talk) 13:26, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

It's not that original of an idea. See chain letter. Dismas|^(talk) 14:30, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, but it is only unusual in that it has been updated. My mother (died last year at 94) used to say if everyone in England gave her a penny...~~DT —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.9.214.164 (talk) 14:50, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

The lottery has been doing this for hundreds of years. Well, almost this. At least, people pay a pound and then a lot of money gets given to someone. Although it wasn't with anywhere near as much money until very recently.HS7 (talk) 18:45, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Have a read of The Million Dollar Homepage. Which was a clever idea, but pretty much a one off. Rockpocket 05:26, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Mr Mugabe

Is it just me or do Zimbabwe's President Mugabe's eyes look blue/grey? --124.254.77.148 (talk) 14:47, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I...guess so. With the pic on Wikipedia it's kinda hard to make out. (But oh boy can you zoom in with it!) --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 20:17, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

His eye color can be whatever you imagine them to be. Eye color, hair color, skin pigment, it is all really what we perceive it to be. It is the color that we see through the prism of light. Anyway, yes you can super zoom into that picture. You can see every living wrinkle on his face, but he looks a little sad. Then again that is what I perceive from the picture. Hope I have helped or started a fight. Have a positively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:11, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Mugabe is a man of years. And people generally lose about 15% of their eye pigmentation over their lives. Though for brown eyed people (all sub-saharan africans), this reduction is nowhere near enough to change the colour of the eyes. You may have spotted a case of uveitis that was undiagnosed. Maybe his optician was afraid to tell him (lest he "dissappear") :-) Fribbler (talk) 23:03, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe no-one mentioned cataracts for the same reason. Or they did! X-\ Julia Rossi (talk) 02:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Rail Interoperation

Hi. Does anyone know why it is that rail service interoperation between different rail companies only seems to occur in Japan and not in any other countries. Thanks in advance. Tbo ¹⁵⁷(talk) 16:48, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

The UK has different companies operating on the same network too. Fribbler (talk) 17:42, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Canada too. Adam Bishop (talk) 18:44, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

So its possible to travel on 3 different lines, maintained by different companies, on the same train without chainging in Canada? For example in Japan, a train managed by company A could run through onto tracks managed by company B. At that point all operationswitche to company B and the only thing in common with the 2 services is that they use the same train. In the UK, I think the whole network is managed by network rail and TOCs bid for diagrams. Thanks. Tbo ¹⁵⁷(talk) 19:23, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Operation of the train does not switch over as the train moves between tracks. VIA Rail is the only national train service, and there are some regional ones like AMT. VIA I have seen on CN-owned tracks, and the AMT article explains that that AMT operates exclusively on other company's tracks. While they are still operated by the companies that own the trains, they doubtless work with the company that owns the tracks to ensure everything goes smoothly. 206.126.170.20 (talk) 22:50, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Under that definition, the U.S. Amtrak would qualify as it usually runs on other companies' tracks - sometimes into another country. I think we need to clarify what the question is. Rmhermen (talk) 23:34, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Kirtland Arkansas 1868

An ancestor is said to be buried in Kirtland Arkansas in 1868. I cannot find anyone who knows where or if Kirtland existed. It is supposed to be just over the border of Barry Co. Mo. His name was Pleasant Henry Trower. Was there ever such a community, and where can I find it's history? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.2.145.63 (talk) 17:32, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. Could this help www.shawhan.com/Trower/RR01/RR01_003.HTML - 16k. Hope I have helped.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:06, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Could it be Kirkland, Arkansas? There appears to be a Kirkland in Ouachita County. Corvus cornix_talk 21:12, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Paint Fumes

Hey My mom's painting in our house...and there's some paint fumes. The house is pretty small...and if I'm here, will I be okay?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.23.67.226 (talk) 19:27, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day. You should be fine if you have a few windows open to let the fumes escape out of the house. I hope I have helped. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 20:01, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Unless you die of paint fumes. Just kidding. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 20:18, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

If it's just ordinary household paint, I wouldn't worry - especially since it's presumably a one-off. Except with seriously nasty stuff, it's only if you're using it day in, day out (ie for work) that you need to worry. The smell can be annoying, though - I have heard (though not tried it myself) that cutting an onion in half and putting it in the room will reduce it. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 21:15, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Do leave the windows open overnight and if you get a headache go out and breathe some fresh air. Next time there is painting to be done, try and get your mother to choose a paint with a lower level of volatile organic compounds, for example a mineral paint rather than emulsion. It is better for the wider environment as well as the environment in the house. Itsmejudith (talk) 22:24, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Now what was that policy about "no medical advice" again? I'd say telling someone that "you should be fine if you have a few windows open to let the fumes escape" pretty clearly violates the spirit, if not the letter of that rule. Especially since we have no way of telling what kind of fumes they are (since the original poster didn't even specify the type of paint) or how much of them there might be. Personally, I'd say the only safe advice we can give is that if you know there are fumes, and especially if you can smell them, you shouldn't stay there any longer than you have to. It's possible that the fumes might not be harmful — but it's also possible that they could be, and there's no way anyone on the Internet can tell you for sure. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 22:35, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

So...are you saying to assume the worst? That if there is any type of paint that could concivably be fatal in this situation, then we should assume it is applicable and prepare the poster for the worst? --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 23:56, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Look, paint fumes probably won't kill you, but they're not pleasant and they'll give you a nasty headache. At the very least keep the windows open. If you can, find somewhere else to spend the day. Just don't spend any more time around the fumes than you have to, okay? And if you have any pets, make sure they're outside. That includes mini aquariums or anything that shares the same air supply you do (even if it's an animal that breathes underwater). Your critters may be more susceptible than you are. -Aletheia —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.104.139.75 (talk) 04:09, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

I think it sad that the OP did not appear to have any concern for his mother's safety, nor, more pertinently, had he seemed to bother to read the paint tin label which would have informed him of the possible risk - or more likely - lack of. Richard Avery (talk) 07:15, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

And how heartwarming to notice that nobody else worries about your mom who keeps her nose in close proximity to a fumingly hot paint brush dipped in Dulux psychedelic maryjane green emulsion. The diligent lady is probably high enough to paint the ceiling without the aid of a ladder, yodelling "Legalise it" and splattering polka dots around whilst you are submerged in the bath tub wearing scuba gear and oxygen tanks to ensure your olfactory survival.

But wait, is your mum the querent below with anosmia who asks a seminal question? --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 07:51, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Don't know what effect the fumes will have on you, but to cut down the smell, place saucers of milk with half a peeled onion in them, at various places in your house 195.188.254.82 (talk) 12:46, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Cats

How are they able to land on their feet after falling from high hights 9/10 times? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.101.1.186 (talk) 21:15, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

I guess they're just agile and have a good sense of balance. There are slow-motion videos and picture-sequences of falling cats in which one can see them actively twisting their bodies into a feet-downwards position. 81.187.153.189 (talk) 21:26, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. We have a cat article you may like to read. I believe the cats can jump from such height places has to do with their spinal cord and leg bones. But I think you should trust the cat article more then inaccurate guessing. I hope I have helped. Have a wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:25, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

It may not be entirely true that most cats who jump multiple stories survive. Remember that the non-surviving cats rarely get taken to the vet. My friend the vet tech says she sees cats injured in falls from balconies pretty regularly. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 21:49, 15 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, though also realize that your friend, the vet tech, doesn't see any of the cats that survive such falls without any injury at all. So, her perception is one sided. Dismas|^(talk) 04:02, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Their tails help them balance. Their bodies are built for jumping, so they know how to land. They weren't designed to fall several stories per se, but their body structure is designed for balance and proper weight distribution. The human body absolutely isn't built for it, and we don't have instinctual knowledge of the "right" way to fall and most of us have never learned (bend your knees if it's a short jump and you're landing on your feet; falling from a height, don't even try to land on your feet, just protect your head and neck). Also, for the cat, some practice enters into it. A year ago my family's little Snowbell was a tiny kitten and she was very clumsy so it was a good thing she never got up very far. Now she climbs everything, but she's done enough falling in the past to have achieved graceful mastery. - Aletheia —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.104.139.75 (talk) 03:59, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

If a cat always lands on it's feet and toast always lands butter-side down, how would a cat with butter spread on it's back land when I push him off the table ? StuRat (talk) 04:48, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

StuRat, are you just shilling for this article: Buttered cat paradox? WHAAOE!

Atlant (talk) 13:52, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Here is a little slide show that demonstrates how cats do it - it's a trick involving a flexible body, a low terminal velocity, and conservation of angular momentum. Karl Kruszelnicki (Dr Karl) has written about it in one of his books, where he quotes a New York vetinary hospital study that showed that cats falling from 7 floors were highly unlikely to survive, whereas those falling from over 11 got away with mostly minor injuries, thanks to this trick. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 07:10, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

June 16

Football (soccer) boots

What is the difference between firm ground and soft ground boots? It seems pretty logical, I know, but firm ground boots also have studs which I don't think would be very good for playing on concrete for example. So what exactly is the difference between these two types? --212.120.247.132 (talk) 03:56, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Well i'm guessing this is another way of differentiating between moulded-studs and screw-in studs? If so then the difference I found is that moulded studs give slightly less grip in anything but perfect conditions, but that normal studs are less effective in really dry/hard-soil because they don't dig in as well and so you get less grip. All original research but throughout my life as a football-mad-child (now man) I have always preferred 'proper' football boots compared to moulded ones. Also you can often get away with moulded-boots on Astro-turf pitches, but can't wear proper studs on them (at least not in the leagues I play in). 194.221.133.226 (talk) 08:34, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Yacht without a ladder

I'm working on a novel in which the climax takes place on board a yacht, or at least I would like it to. My protagonist, Denise, is persuaded by the antagonist (let's call her BG for Bad Guy) to go for a swim in the ocean. At some point, either because BG pulls back or cuts the rope ladder or there never was a rope ladder in the first place, Denise realizes there's no way for her to get back on board the yacht. They're too far out for Denise to swim to shore, as BG's intention all along was to leave her to drown. My question is: how can Denise survive this? If possible, I'd like her to have some sort of underwater struggle and get back onboard the yacht. - Aletheia James—Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.104.139.75 (talk) 04:23, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

How about if BG brings the boat back to run her over and finish her, but she dives underwater, grabs some big pieces of seaweed, wraps them around the prop, and thus causes it to seize up ? Then she climbs up the prop and outboard engine into the boat. StuRat (talk) 04:42, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Older yachts had an overhanging stern, hard to climb up or mount an outboard on. Modern yachts sometimes have a square transom with an outboard and ladder, others have a well: very easy to get into. Even motor boats with a square transom and inboard engine often have a couple of projecting trim tabs you could grab and clamber up. I like the seaweed though, more inventive and dramatic. For the movie I'm sure they would substitute her bikini top... Mhicaoidh (talk) 05:08, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Hmmmm . . . not a bad idea. Denise might be clinging to the fragment of the rope ladder, if BG cuts it off while she's trying to climb back up, so maybe she could use that too. I think I'll have to find someone who actually owns a yacht who can give me a little tour and show me what exactly would or wouldn't be climable, but I'll definitely consider that stopping-the-propeller-from-under-the-boat idea. Oh yeah - brownie points to Mhicaoidh for thinkin' I'll get a movie deal!  :) - Aletheia James —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.104.139.75 (talk) 05:58, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Smell

Hello, I have a quick question, that's probably pretty unusual. I have Anosmia, which means I can't smell anything. It's hereditary so I've actually never smelled anything in my life. And I'm just wondering, does semen have a smell? Is it distinct and recognizable? Thanks. 76.8.208.7 (talk) 04:24, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

To the first, yes. It's fairly light though. To the second, I don't know as I've never happened upon an instance when I've said "What's that smell?" and have it be followed by "Semen." in order to compare the two. Dismas|^(talk) 04:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Semen smell is pretty distinctive. Its often described as smelling like laundry rooms, swimming pools or hospitals. This is because semen contains pentamethylenediamine (also known as cadaverine, a decarboxylation product of the amino acid lysine), spermine and spermidine. These compounds all smell a bit like bleach or ammonia, which are found in the aforementioned places. Rockpocket 05:10, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Which explains why it stings if it gets into your eyes (don't ask ..). -- JackofOz (talk) 08:55, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

TMI, Jack, T-M-I. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 12:10, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Hard to imagine a situation when you WOULD be exposed to enough semen to be able to smell it distinctly, without already knowing what it was that you were smelling. And frankly, I'm not sure that's something I want to imagine. - Aletheia —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.104.139.75 (talk) 05:54, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

i take that you are not a man then Aletheia, as we come (snigger, snigger) across the situation all the time 195.188.254.82 (talk) 12:38, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Urban national borders

You can cross a national border inside Rome, by entering the Vatican City. You used to be able to cross a national border (albeit with some trouble) in Berlin. Are there any other places where there is an urban national border? Perhaps a wikilist? 130.56.65.24 (talk) 05:28, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

I can think of a bunch just in Ontario/Michigan and Ontario/New York (Detroit/Windsor, Sarnia/Port Huron, Niagara Falls, numerous other places along the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence. But I get the impression I have misunderstood the question...do you mean a border entirely contained within a city? Adam Bishop (talk) 07:24, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

The Canadian/U.S. border divides a town on the Vermont/Quebec border in half. Even splits a factory in half. Can't remember the name of the town off the top of my head though... Dismas|^(talk) 08:52, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Dismas may be thinking of Rock Island and Derby Line.

There are several places on the US/Mexico border with urban land on both sides, such as San Diego / Tijuana. Basel in Switzerland has suburbs in both France and Germany; Geneva has suburbs in France. The capitals of the two countries called Congo face each other across the Congo River. And then of course there's Monaco, which is perhaps most like the Vatican situation: pretty much the whole country is urban and the urban area extends beyond its borders into France. --Anonymous, 09:02 UTC, June 16, 2008.

Derby Line, Vermont is it. I had just Googled it because I couldn't think of it. Thanks, Anon. Dismas|^(talk) 09:04, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Border town is worth checking out for a list of such places. Grutness...wha? 11:54, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Nicosia in Cyprus is still a divided city. Fribbler (talk) 11:57, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

nightmares and irrational fears

I keep having these bad dreams that Margaret Thatcher blames me for her resignation and downfall and has set Norman Tebbitt on me, and this 1980's band called the Flying Pickets want me to appear in their new video. It's got so bad that I won't go down to my local Sainsbury's as I'm afraid of who I'm going to bump into. How can I quell these nightmares? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Freller Mellon (talk • contribs) 09:46, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

best thing to do is to try to work out why those particular images keep occurring in your dreams. What are your feelings about Thatcher's downfall? Of the song "Only you"? Or - perhaps more realistically, consider the term "flying picket" and the Thatcher years. Are you somehow subconsciously worried about worker/boss relations? If you can try to make some sense of the dream, it quite often makes it less likely to recur. Mind you, considering that last night I dreamt that my name was Robbie Robertson (and had to keep telling people "no, not the guitarist") and that I was trying to enrol at a college in Israel during an air raid, who am I to talk? Grutness...wha? 12:00, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

stupid

People say I look like a stupid fool.Gradually even I am finding myself a one.I am a 20 yr old guy but I look childish both mentally and physically.Now I can hit the gym and look like arnie but what about my mental configuration.Like a child I am still attracted to all the bling bling and anything which is jazzy.On the other hand I am reluctant to leave my whole personality and start a new one.How can I start looking MACHO? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.246.173.175 (talk) 12:58, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

You don't want to leave your personality behind just because other people think it is childish; you have your tastes and your personality, and that's part of who you are. What you could do is try to develop other tastes as well, so that you can join in and blend in with other people when necessary. To do that, just try exposing yourself to a variety of things that you think the people you're trying to blend in with would find tasteful and mature. Hopefully you'll find a thing or two that you can enjoy in amongst all of this, and that will lead you to others. Then you can use these things around those people who you think you need to be more 'mature' around, and enjoy the jazzier stuff when they're not around. Also, bear in mind that there's nothing wrong with a supposedly 'childish' personality; it can bring you great pleasure in little things, and can keep your mind flexible and open. 79.66.45.237 (talk) 13:25, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Irritation and frustration

I am irritated by many things.I am irritated about superpower america dominating on less powerful nations.I am frustrated about arrogant people who are both good looking and smart.I am irritated abut hollywood which portrays americans as impeccable and people of other countries as pure rouges.I am frustrated abut hypocritical people who are leading rich lives. I am irritated because we are not good as we think so.The list is endless and so is my misery.Please help me feel happy about something. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.246.173.175 (talk) 13:21, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Options:

1)Find a happy news story, although you'll have to watch which news source you use as there can be severe values dissonance. Try here or here perhaps.

2)Find something you can do about one of the things that irritates you, whether it's campaigning for political change, awareness raising, charity work, making your own film that portrays the world as you see it, etc. Then repeat whatever version of the serenity prayer helps you (the sentiment is good, no matter what you think of prayer itself

The US only tries to control nations which pose a threat to the US or other nations. You will find very little US attempt to control Tuvalo, for example. Also consider the altenatives. If the Soviet Union had developed nuclear weapons first, they no doubt would have carried out their stated plan to conquer the world for communism. Or, if neither side had nuclear weapons, the Soviet Union would have continued on to conquer Western Europe as well as Eastern Europe. The US, on the other hand, didn't use them to conquer any nation after Japan (which, of course, posed a severe threat to the US during WW2). The US then gave Japan independence. We may soon end up with a world dominated by China, whose pro-genocide stance in Darfur, Sudan and Myanmar/Burma, occupation of Tibet, support for the rogue nation of North Korea, desire to conquer Taiwan, and abysmal ecological record will make the world into a much worse place. StuRat (talk) 13:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)