Alright, it goes without saying that loud noise will wake up anyone who isn't in a coma, right? Well how come sometimes during my sleep, I may hear a conversation between my neighbors or something on TV, but instead of waking up, I mistake the sounds as part of my dream? If someone touches me in my sleep and I feel it, I immediately wake up, I don't assume it's part of a dream. Why is that? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.189.87.160 (talk) 08:16, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There is possible no definitive answer to your question, yet a rough and probable explanation could be given. Even in sleep, the brain continues to monitor one's environment for possible threats. For instance, if the olfactory senses detect wood smoke, that can often arouse a sleeper quickly. A nursing mother will wake at the slightest murmur of a newborn or by someone calling our own name etc. A touch on the skin would also be perceived as a threat if one normal sleeps alone, otherwise not much short of being kicked out of bed will have any effect – and even then, maybe not. Hearing one's neighbours might be a bit like the Cocktail party effect. The noises may contain no emotional or physical threat but the content may be interesting. Then again they might be perceived as potentially threatening and finds its way into the dream for further analysis. Ask five psychologists the same question and you'll probably get six different answers. --Aspro (talk) 11:43, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Does it go without saying that a loud noise will wake anyone who isn't in a coma? I don't think so. Constant loud noise doesn't seem to be a problem, sleeping on an aircraft or as a car passenger is not a problem for many people. Even sudden loud noises don't wake everyone. Out house alarm went off in summer when the windows were open. My wife and I both jumped out of bed, it was loud. My (8 year-old) daughter slept through it even though the alarm box was slightly closer to her window than ours! -- Q Chris (talk) 11:52, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

She is obviously a happy and well-adjusted little girl who doesn't perceive a house alarm as a threat! Dbfirs 12:59, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Loud noises are also unlikely to wake deaf people. Googlemeister (talk) 14:56, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Well I certainly didn't mean to include deaf people in my original comment, but obviously hearing impaired people in deep sleep won't be awoken by loud noises (as long as they don't have sensitive hearing aids). 24.189.87.160 (talk) 01:00, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

During sleep, we experience several cycles of "shallow" sleep and "deep" sleep. Perhaps response to noise depends on which part of a cycle you're in? I used to have a raucous alarm clock that would "wake the dead", and sometimes when it would start to buzz, the sound of it would work its way into a dream I was having. That would seem to be a phenomenon similar to what the OP reported. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 01:11, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That makes sense, as sometimes the sounds I hear grow louder and louder in my dream until I realize the noise is real, and that's when I wake up. 24.189.87.160 (talk) 09:32, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Count me as someone whom loud noises don't wake up. We had an earsplitting fire-alarm in our apartment when we first got married; it was loud enough that it hurt when you heard it. It was also directly outside the bathroom, so if you opened the door when you had just taken a shower, the steam could set it off. I regularly slept through it. I also don't wake up to my alarm clock. My alarm wakes my wife up, who has to kick me to wake me up. Then I get up. Often, if I am startled awake, I literally can't hear for a few seconds or minutes; my wife will sometimes shake me awake for some reason, and I can see her lips moving, but don't hear any sound for a bit. I've always taken it to mean that whatever mechanism causes your brain to shut down your ears when you sleep works very well on me. --Jayron32 06:44, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Whoa, that is so weird, the bit about not being able to hear for a few seconds after waking up I mean. I'd be curious to know what causes that, because this is the first time I've heard of someone's hearing being able to shut down during sleep. Aren't you worried that one of these days you might wake up, and the temporary deafness turns out to be permanent? 24.189.87.160 (talk) 09:32, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

See sleep paralysis, it scared me witless when it happened to me, until I read about the actual cause that is, it felt like someone was sitting on my chest (I assume an attempted rationalisation of the fact that I couldn't move). Mikenorton (talk) 13:24, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

On a few occasions over the years I've had "dreams" that something or someone was standing over me or watching from a short distance, and it was indeed scary and I felt "paralyzed", until upon fully awakening I realized that it was just a shadow or light on the wall that I was seeing and somehow adding it to that dream or whatever to call it. Once you understand the phenomenon, it can make it less scary when or if it happens again. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:26, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Currently I am ignoring it, but when I go over a bump I hear a loud rubbing noise, the same when I turn a tight corner. Every mile or so a large lump falls off. I will clear it when I get home but I can't really keep stopping and clearing it in this weather. Is there any way to stop it building up? -- Q Chris (talk) 15:57, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am guessing that you live in a place where you don't usually experience this phenomenon. In my experience, it isn't a serious problem, and where I live, this happens every winter. Though where I live, they salt the roads, and the salt helps the snow and ice to melt. You say that every mile or so, a piece falls off. That is a good sign. I don't think you need to clear it. I never do. It doesn't really do any harm. If the accumulation gets big enough to touch your tires, the heat from the friction will quickly melt it and eliminate the friction. Marco polo (talk) 16:06, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

By the way, if they are salting your roads, and you aren't used to that either, here is a tip: You should be sure to have your car thoroughly washed, including if possible the undercarriage, and if possible apply a "rust inhibitor", once the roads have been cleared and your car is no longer getting sprayed with salty water and snow. Otherwise, the salty residue will eat through the finish on your car and cause the exterior to rust. Marco polo (talk) 16:09, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"It doesn't really do any harm"...unless it freezes solid overnight, in which case it can block steering. And, of course, unless frozen pieces fall off and endanger other users of the road. It's only sometimes fun if I hit a solid lump of ice with my bicycle. Strictly speaking, drivers are responsible for ensuring that no snow, ice, or debris falls of their vehicles, at least in Germany. However, this is essentially not enforced. Last year I had the great pleasure of being barely missed by a large ice sheet that had formed from water standing on top of a trucks canvas roof... --Stephan Schulz (talk) 16:12, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you get snow or ice built up inside the tire rim, then the tire will be out of balance and will vibrate, especially at higher speed. You can remove it by hand or hose it out at a car wash. You can also try washing it out by running through a puddle of water— this has worked for me. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 16:16, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you have a massive buildup, you might want to clear it before letting the car stand overnight. Typically, though, unless you have driven in a straight line for some distance to the place where you park, your steering will have cleared the buildup enough that it won't affect your steering when you start up again in the morning. The German rule that Stephan mentions is kind of absurd. In snowy conditions, a person would have to stop every few meters to clear the wheel wells in order to prevent any snow or ice from falling from the vehicle. No such rule exists where I live, because our lawmakers know that it is unreasonable. I have never experienced the vibration that Gadget mentions because the friction melts the buildup before it constricts the wheel. Certainly, you should not be traveling at high speed if snow and ice are building up inside your wheel well! In snowy conditions, vehicles are going to leave lumps of ice on the road, and you just have to take that into account when driving. Slow down! A more serious issue is people who leave compacted snow and ice on the roof or other horizontal surfaces of their vehicles. These masses of ice can go flying from the tops of vehicles and cause serious damage to vehicles behind them. Regardless of any laws against letting that happen, courtesy to other drivers requires that you don't set out with compacted snow or ice perched on top of your vehicle. Marco polo (talk) 16:23, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am referring to a buildup of snow on the inside of the tire rim, on the backside where it is not immediately visible. Wheel arches might refer to wheel wells in US terminology. If so, then yes, ice and snow will build up, but is easily removed. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 17:27, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, I think the German law that Stephan mentions applies to exactly the snow that you may have on the roof of your car - you could get fined if the police sees you driving with 20 cm of snow on your roof, for obvious reasons - you are potentially seriously endangering the safety (and possibly lives) of others. How strictly such fines are enforced is another matter, however. TomorrowTime (talk) 16:37, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Many decades ago, I vaguely remember a farmer mopping a liquid made from molasses around his land-rover's wheel arches as a de-icing liquid. It was waste stuff from the food industry which had degraded and become too bitter for use. He bought it cheap to feed to his pigs. The only thing I can find that comes close to this is Beets Part of New Recipe to Treat Icy Roads. Whether he mixed it with calcium chloride and soap rind as well, I have no idea. It's a wonder Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall hasn't brewed some of this up for his Ford Corsair.--Aspro (talk) 17:48, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks everybody. Though we do get snow every year I can't remember it building up so much. I think it is probably the very cold weather meaning that it doesn't all melt away on gritted roads, plus I swear they are putting less salt in the grit this year! Anyway at least I know it won't do any harm. -- Q Chris (talk) 18:07, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

According to this, gritting in the UK is carried out using pure salt grit, so that should be more salt rather than less (assuming this is what all UK councils do now), I think that you're right about the temperature being the problem. Mikenorton (talk) 13:33, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What I typically do is, once I get to a parking space, kick the excess compacted snow out of the wheel wells. That usually helps. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:25, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I think that's what most people do. Though I try to wait until I'm at home. The dirt and such help keep me from slipping in my own driveway. Since it's a gravel driveway, there is always a layer of snow in the winter that can get quite slick. Dismas|^(talk) 06:25, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

An interesting idea. And you could use your own sand-salt mix, which in addition to providing better traction, would probably serve to kill encroaching vegetation at the edges of the driveway (except probably dandelions). ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:21, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Can a Japanese speaker who is familiar with the Japanese Wikipedia tell me whether biographical articles in the Japanese Wikipedia regularly state the subject's blood type? If so, is the blood type information usually sourced or unsourced? Is blood type typically part of a biographical infobox? The Hero of This Nation (talk) 18:19, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

For example, do the following articles state the subject's blood type?

• ja:バラク・オバマ (Barack Obama)
• ja:セリーヌ・ディオン (Celine Dion)
• ja:イチロー (Ichiro Suzuki)

The Hero of This Nation (talk) 18:25, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

None of those articles states the blood-type, and I also checked George Bush Jr.' page and Kim Jong Il's page before you edited this section by adding links, and neither of them stated the blood-type, either. --KägeTorä - (影虎) (TALK) 18:31, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, I just removed blood type from a bunch of Japanese voice actor pages, and I was wondering if this was common on the Japanese Wikipedia. The Hero of This Nation (talk) 18:39, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know why it would be so strange. Many of our articles on Japanese people include their blood group such as Hotaru Hazuki, Hitomi Kobayashi, Bunko Kanazawa, and more. Dismas|^(talk) 18:34, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It looks like {{Infobox adult biography}} includes blood type as one of the available parameters, interesting. The Hero of This Nation (talk) 18:39, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

See Template talk:Infobox adult female/Archive 1#Blood for discussion on this. The Hero of This Nation (talk) 18:50, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, and see Blood types in Japanese culture. Dismas|^(talk) 18:36, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If a superstition over blood type is considered encyclopedic, maybe we should include their astrological sign as well.

"Hi, I'm a Gemini with a bad attitude, and fittingly I'm type AB negative."

←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:07, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Blood typing is a modern medical discovery. How could the Japanese develop such a bizarre superstition in modern times? In what other countries do people think blood type is correlated with personality traits? Edison (talk) 19:32, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is prevalent in Korea, China, Taiwan, and other parts of East Asia - though, I think this is because of Japanese influence. --KägeTorä - (影虎) (TALK) 22:46, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

According to the article, it actually started when blood types were discovered. Just another way to label somebody, like a caste system or something. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 04:40, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Do the Japanese people give any more credence to this nonsense than Europeans do to, say, the horoscope? ("Aquarians will encounter obstacles today").Do the Japanese just see it as similar whimsical nonsense, or are they so credulous as to think one's bloodtype somehow affects personality traits, without any scientific evidence? Edison (talk) 05:27, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure how Europeans view horoscopes, but there are certain segments of the U.S. population that do put a fair amount of stock in them. Here's an interesting article about paranormal and more traditional religious beliefs. Fully a third of respondents believed that "the positions of the stars and planets can affect people's lives", and about 60% believed in ESP. Now granted, this doesn't investigate how strongly the beliefs are, whether they are, as Edison asks, just seen whimsical nonsense. Wikipedia in General, and especially the reference desks, do not by any stretch of the imagination make up a representative sample of any off-line group of people. It's easy for most of us to dismiss astrology (or blood type equivalent), but these types of beliefs hold sway in many populations, even among intelligent and reasonable people. Buddy431 (talk) 06:13, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Our blood type article used to contain more information on this, but it was, I think, removed by blood-type-astrologer-equivalent editors. Some information and references remain on the talk page. I personally wouldn't place beliefs based on Nazi racial ideology in the whimsical category.... - Nunh-huh 03:59, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I have just discovered this advertisement on prothomalo jobs.com. The circular seems bit vague. In "Apply instruction" section, the first statement is written like, PL Come forward, discover your future. Should I mention this sentence at the top of address on envelop? thanks--180.234.52.49 (talk) 18:24, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No. The whole thing is very poorly written and is definitely not from a multinational company. If you insist on applying for this so-called job, do not part with any money.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 18:40, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure whether this is important or not, as I don't know where the OP lives, but the ad is for an address in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Could be legit. DOR (HK) (talk) 06:50, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If a parent has joint custody of the child does the therapist have to have a release signed by both parents to be seen by that therapist? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cjspin (talk • contribs) 19:54, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"The reference desk will not answer (and will usually remove) questions that require medical diagnosis or request medical opinions, or seek guidance on legal matters. Such questions should be directed to an appropriate professional, or brought to an internet site dedicated to medical or legal questions." AndyTheGrump (talk) 20:17, 3 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

By LFMT, presumably you mean "Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist". (As opposed to LSMFT). As Andy said, that's a question you would almost certainly have to ask a California-licensed attorney, although, as with all topics, you could try googling the subject and see if you find anything that appears useful. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:14, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

General advice must be to do your best to get agreement with the other parent in regard to anything important affecting the child. If that's not possible, ask the therapist what to do. Itsmejudith (talk) 01:21, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am trying to understand why the defensive line in american football engages the offensive line right after the snap. Since the offensive line cannot move past the line of scrimmage until the ball does, shoudln't the defensive line just stand there and wait for the offense to make the first move? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.20.116.255 (talk) 01:57, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The defensive line not only wants to block the offensive line, but also seeks to get into the backfield and attack the quarterback and/or running backs who have the ball. By moving first, even if by a fraction of a second, they can sometimes get some momentum before the offensive line moves. There is more at our article on American football positions. (By the way, the offensive line can move across the line of scrimmage as soon as the ball is snapped. They don't have to wait for the ball to cross the line of scrimmage.) — Michael J 02:10, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Blitz 75.41.110.200 (talk) 02:18, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Re: linemen moving past the line of scrimmage; you may be thinking of the Ineligible receiver downfield rule and penalty. All offensive linemen must wait until the ball passes the line of scrimmage or is tipped before being allowed to move downfield (i.e., past the line of scrimmage). See also Eligible receiver.Xenon54 (talk) 02:21, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Let's look at the two generic offensive scenarios, rushing and passing, separately.

• Rushing: There is no prohibition about offensive linemen downfield. If the defensive line waits (or worse, actively avoids engagement), then the offense sets up their blocking scheme as they like and will generally be highly successful. Engaging the offensive line allows defenders to disrupt blocking schemes and tackle the running back sooner.
• Passing: Here's the "no linemen downfield" scenario. Why bother attacking the offensive line? Because linemen are generally not all that effective in pass coverage, and limiting the offense's time to pass is strongly in the defense's favor.

Naturally, exceptions and counter-exceptions exist. Is the defense declining to pressure the quarterback, substituting pass defenders for linemen, the offense can start rushing out of nominally passing formations. If the defense is overemphasizing the pass rush, the offense can use screen passes to bypass those defenders. A great many more such examples are prevalent. — Lomn 03:04, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

• That's the beauty of the game, don'cha know. :) ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 04:38, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There are actually many different ways defensive schemes use defensive linemen. There are two basic schemes for defensive lines. In one-gap schemes, the linemen lineup in the spaces between the offensive linemen. In two-gap schemes, the D-linemen lineup directly over the O-linemen. Furthermore, some defenses use their linemen to occupy the O-line so the blitzing linebackers can get a free shot at either the QB or the running back in the backfield; many 3-4 defenses are actually based on this principle. Some 4-3 defenses also run on this; they key is usually if the team identifies one of its defensive linemen as a "nose-tackle". The role of the nose tackle is to line directly over the center and then knock him over as soon as he snaps the ball; in 1-gap defenses the player is usually listed as a "defensive tackle" rather than a "nose tackle". The dispute this past year between the Washington Redskins new head coach Mike Shanahan and his all-pro defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth was actually largely over Haynesworth's role in Shanahan's 2-gap 3-4 defense. Haynesworth always played as a 1-gap pass-rushing defensive tackle in a 4-3 (a role Warren Sapp made famous). When Shanahan wanted to make Haynesworth the nosetackle in his 2-gap 3-4 defense, it would have drastically changed Haynesworth's role on the team from a guy who went after players in the backfield to a guy who "took up space" and occupied offensive linemen while the linebackers got all the backfield tackles. In some schemes, the defensive line actually doesn't actively engage the offensive line, instead tries to sneak past them. The New England Patriots in recent years have been known to run defensive schemes without any defensive linemen at all, playing with 5 linebackers and 6 defensive backs, relying on speed to get past the offensive line and get to the ball carrier. --Jayron32 06:38, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I actually saw a college team try the strategy suggested in the question once. The defensive linemen backed up a couple of feet and then stood around. The quarterback was so flustered, he threw the ball away. But you couldn't do this as a regular strategy. On run plays, the offensive line and running back would have all the momentum, and the defenders would get bowled over. On passing plays, the QB could just sit back forever and wait for a receiver to get open. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 02:29, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The question is....' Am a building. Myself is not existing....Am a ten letter word. Find out me... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Sreedevi.gv (talk • contribs) 11:51, 4 December 2010 (UTC) — Sreedevi.gv (talk • contribs) has made few or no other edits outside this topic. [reply]

Do you have any more information to share? Where did you see or read this? Was it in English, or have you translated it? The odd syntax indicates a foreign-language riddle to me, in which case, I'm not sure the answer will still be ten letters long in English. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 13:04, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, a good riddle with a unique answer is a very rare thing. Skyscraper is one possible solution, as it is not possible for something to exist that literally scrapes the sky.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 16:53, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Ref. Desks are not intended for playing a Riddle game, especially when IT'S wrongly spelled and the OP presumably already knows the answer. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 17:09, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Shazam! Nobody else noticed that!!! ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 17:12, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And you know this how? Cuddlyable3 (talk) 23:23, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

My answer was meant to gently indicate, 'did you find this in a book? If so, you might find the answer in the back. Did you find it on a web site? There may be a link labeled 'answer' where you can find the solution.' -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 17:15, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't understand Baseball Bugs' post. --PalaceGuard008 (Talk) 15:15, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I think he was being a little sarcastic, and justifiably so. No doubt various people noticed what Cuddlyable3 commented on, but he was the only one to think it worthy of mention. This, despite being asked a number of times not to make an issue of minor spelling or grammatical errors. Hence Baseball Bugs's retort. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 09:21, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi I'm currently Sports Science student and wishing to get into radiography. i was looking up courses and wanted to do a two years masters but there seems to be just 3 or 4 year basic bsc drgrees. i would have covered alot of material such as anatomy, physioligy etc so wouldn need to do these areas. I'm looking for a more clinical based program. they have certain ones in america but was looking for one in ireland or uk. thanks Sean —Preceding unsigned comment added by Seanmaro (talk • contribs) 15:55, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Here are some UK M.Sc. courses, but they seem to assume that you already have a degree in Radiography. You would need to discus with the individual institutions whether they would recognise your existing qualification (I assume you expect to achieve at least an upper second in Sports Science?) They may possibly allow you to attend some additional radiography courses for one year, then go on to your masters, but you will need to discuss this because your route will be unusual. Dbfirs 16:29, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And get the careers office at your current uni to help you with this; that's what they're there for. Itsmejudith (talk) 17:43, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

i have a business idea,but not having enough money to start.i would like to sell idea for some multinational company.(now i am searching of a good buyer).then how can i protect my business idea till it sell. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.201.245.82 (talk) 18:20, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Firstly, and most importantly, don't tell us what it is! Sorry if you know this already, but I've seen people do just that. If you publish it (which is what posting it here would do), you could find it very hard to patent. I'd have a look at the patent article, in particular the external links. We can't give legal advice here, so you'd be better off looking at them I'd think.

(I see you posted the same question at Reference desk/Humanities. Please don't ask the same question in different places. This is probably a better place to ask). AndyTheGrump (talk) 18:57, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It would depend on the laws of wherever you are, and we're not allowed to give legal advice anyway. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:10, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

One real practical question is whether there is a market for selling business ideas. I suspect not. There is a market for funding business ideas — e.g. venture capital, angel investors, etc. But do companies buy business ideas from guys off the street? I doubt it. I could be wrong about this, though. But I've never heard of it happening. Investors are already pretty suspicious even when someone is putting their own money on the line with an idea they believe in. It seems like it would be quite a stretch that they would be interested in paying much of anything for a completely untested, theoretical idea, that you have no real stake in, other than the (not exactly cheap) fees required for taking out a patent on it. --Mr.98 (talk) 19:41, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Try to interest a partner in developing your idea. It is better not to reveal at first that it is your own original idea. Multinational companies virtually never buy an idea, they buy into a Business case (see article) that is usually prepared by several people. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 23:21, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ideas are the easy part- it's the execution of a good idea that is difficult. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 11:19, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

can i build an underground fortress (200ft below surface and aprox 2 acres in area total) underneath someone elses property without property owners on the surface permission if it is "very deep" and the entrance is on my personal property? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.56.247.168 (talk) 18:55, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure of the relevant legal aspects, but they would be essentially similar as those involved with directional drilling (where I drill at an angle in order to get oil that is underneath someone else's property). It's not clear that property ownership extends infinitely downward or infinitely upwards in all jurisdictions. --Mr.98 (talk) 19:04, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Searching around, the relevant term seems to be the doctrine of ad coelum. The more I look into this, the more complicated it appears. There are easement rights which prevent you from destabilizing another person's property. If you hit anything valuable while digging, mineral rights law comes into effect. In different jurisdictions, there are really very different interpretations of ad coelum. --Mr.98 (talk) 19:11, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You would need to check with the laws in your own particular region. Also, this is a request for legal advice, and we aren't allowed to give legal advice. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:06, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am not sure that this is really being considered as a viable thing to do. I read it as a much more hypothetical question than a real legal one. Building "an underground fortress" would entail numerous practical difficulties and zoning requirements that certainly would require actual legal advice at numerous stages. --Mr.98 (talk) 19:15, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It's at best a good fantasy. For the reality, he would need to consult a lawyer. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:19, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In most countries today you would probable need planing permission and extraction rights ( to remove the material) plus the permission of the land owners etc. About the only time the land owner has no say is if the underground workings has received a government sanction or if he does not own the mineral rights. You would also be liable for any subsidance.--Aspro (talk) 19:12, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sure it gets complicated. Which is why he needs to talk to a lawyer. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:16, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like the guy wants to build his own miniature NORAD. Maybe he should buy an abandoned mine. "Mr. President, we must not allow a mine shaft gap!" :) ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:18, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Using the geolocation of your IP (California), almost certainly no. It's not only violating your neighbor's property, but good luck getting an excavation permit. Mr. 98 is right about the directional drilling analogy, which has an interesting history; early in the 20th century controversy regarding operators stealing oil from adjacent oilfield leases led to lawsuits and in some cases bloodshed. (This happened at the East Texas Oil Field among other places.) Antandrus (talk) 19:33, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"I drink your milk shake!" -- There Will Be Blood (film). —— Shakescene (talk) 03:07, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

From a practical view, there seems to be an obvious snag anyway. If you can do it, presumably your neighbour can do the same thing. What happens when his tunnel hits yours? AndyTheGrump (talk) 19:37, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Miller time! Maybe the two of them could build a small theater together, so they could watch their favorite sports broadcasts in comfort and security after World War III happens. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 19:53, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The relevant legislation was not specifically addressed toward "underground fortresses" because they are so uncommonly encountered. Any application of existing regulations about construction, excavation, mining/mineral rights, and property rights, would have to be heavily interpreted. As far as the practical problems, it would be difficult to prove that your underground fortress was actually under someone else's property - you might need to hire a geotechnical engineer to establish what surface-position corresponds to the at-depth construction. Nimur (talk) 19:56, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I would love to have an underground garden like this one http://www.pbase.com/motorcyclist/fresno_underground_garden&page=1 so that I could be outdoors yet avoid the traffic noise and be very private too. If you lined the shaft of wells with mirrors, they should act as a light pipes and convey the sunshine down below. 92.15.23.156 (talk) 21:41, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There's an underground bunker for sale in Scotland [1]filceolaire (talk) 00:17, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm doing a project on the Chinese Revolution and need some good, correct info on major events that happened afterwards. Thanks, Steel Wool Killer (talk) 20:11, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Start by reading Chinese Revolution and Chinese Civil War to understand the event. Make sure that you understand that the term "Chinese Revolution" can refer to many separate, but related, historical periods. (Presumably you mean the end of the Chinese monarchy, the political instability, and eventually the Communist victory, during the 1913-1949 era, but you might have some more specific time-period in mind). Then, check our "External Links" and "Further Reading" sections in the related articles. I can recommend some good additional reading material; but I'm not sure what depth or breadth of research you intend to pursue. The Red Book (Quotations from Chairman Mao) is a fantastic read, because (despite its popular appeal as a generalization of Socialist principles), it's actually incredibly specific to the events of the 1930s and 1940s, issuing edicts about various provinces and individuals. (In fact, it's so specific to the Chinese Revolution that despite its mass appeal as a hallmark of "profound" Communist ideology, the commandments it outlines are actually pretty irrelevant unless you are a peasant-soldier of the Red Army during the Revolution. As a whole, it's a lousy introduction to Communist ideology). But it is a fantastic primary source that provides great historic insight into the Chinese Revolution, and you can skim through a few sections to garner an understanding about the Revolution's leader and his ideas. Further, I recommend that you should never read Chairman Mao's writings without some historical context. So I also recommend a fictionalized novelization that will help fill out your understanding of the Revolution: Red Sorghum (novel) by Mo Yan depicts a graphic (but fictionalized) account of the impact of the Revolution and the Japanese occupation as it was experienced by the common people. It will help put the situation in perspective, with a little less rhetoric. Nimur (talk) 20:32, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If the OP is thinking of the Chinese Cultural Revolution 1966-76, a significant aftermath was the arrest of the Gang of Four. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 23:29, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Another good starting place is Five-Year Plans of China, which will give you the highlights from 1953 to 2010. DOR (HK) (talk) 07:00, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What is the best way to apply dry transfer decals? Almost every time I try to apply them, some parts of the decal doesn't stick onto the plastic. 64.75.158.197 (talk) 20:55, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is this plastic meant to be painted (as in a model aircraft etc.)? Is it moulded plastic? It may well be you have not removed all traces of the release agent used in the moulding processes and that is stopping them from sticking.--Aspro (talk) 21:06, 4 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I already painted the model, and I suppose that parts that must be snipped off from tree frames must be molded. So how do I ensure that the release agent is completely removed (if it wasn't already completely removed before the trees were packed into the box)? 64.75.158.196 (talk) 07:55, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Does the university of hawaii own their own jet for transporting their football team to games? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 97.125.140.225 (talk) 03:49, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If they work like most other universities, they will charter a flight to transport their larger teams (like football) and will fly "commercial" for their smaller teams (like Basketball). That's because chartering a plane is generally cheaper if you are going to take up the entire plane (85 players plus dozens of coaches, trainers, managers, etc.), but smaller teams will only need a few dozen seats at most, so it would be cheaper just to buy the tickets. Even so, the teams likely receive a "group rate". Airplanes are very expensive things, and so having a jetliner sitting around waiting to be flown is generally a bad idea. Even major airlines try to keep their jets in the air as much as possible, and they run very small profits. I can't imagine a scenario where the University of Hawaii would need to own a Jumbo Jet just to fly their water polo team to a match in Seattle. The money you might save on having to buy tickets would possibly take centuries to recoup. --Jayron32 18:56, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This 2007 article notes that for a trip to the Sugar Bowl, UH chartered three flights with Hawaiian Airlines. (That includes players, coaches, trainers, marching band, and cheerleaders; this blog entry quotes a news story with more info, but the article itself is no longer online.) As Jayron32 says, keeping a large jet aircraft is a nontrivial expense, even for the disturbingly well-funded sports programs of U.S. colleges. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 19:04, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Can somebody give me a few examples of when a person, who was facing the death penalty, requested or wanted to be executed?--ChromeWire (talk) 05:21, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Gary Gilmore springs to mind, for a start. AndyTheGrump (talk) 05:28, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Luis Monge. Clarityfiend (talk) 05:39, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Mamoru Takuma. Oda Mari (talk) 06:29, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Aileen Wournos. Haus^Talk 09:44, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can get a more or less complete list of recent cases in the USA by going to the Death Penalty Information Center database, and selecting 'Volunteer' from the 'Other Factors' dropdown menu. The most notable UK case was possibly John Amery who pleaded guilty to treason in 1945, knowing it would result in a death sentence with no chance of a reprieve. Sam Blacketer (talk) 17:53, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi

Can someone/anybody please help with the factory fitted Radio unlock code for a 2006 Chevrolet Optra 1.6 LS - I am a second owner and code never supplied by prev. owner - Had to replace dead battery and now Radio is asking for code.

I am SA resident and will appreciate any help.

Warm RegardsDynemosmith (talk) 07:47, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've had this problem in the UK. The dealer who sold the car to you should be able to obtain the unlock code from the manufacturers (but it will require some form of proof of ownership). I don't know how it works where you live, or whether the unlock code is the same for all similar vehicles. It is not a good idea to try different possible codes, because the radio will lock and become unusable (without a manufacturer's reset) after a fixed number of wrong tries. Dbfirs 09:32, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Check if the code is with the owner's manual. Or in the glove box. if you have to pay for the unlock code, it will be chaper to buy a new radio. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 11:16, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've had this problem twice (different makes of car, in the UK). In each case I took the car to the local main dealer for the appropriate brand, and asked them. They both got the code for me, and IIRC didn't charge me. (I think I asked the cost, so making it clear I wasn't looking for something for nothing). --ColinFine (talk) 12:51, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A couple of the radios I've had in 2nd hand cars have had the code painted on the side of the radio, visible when you pull it out of the dashboard. Alansplodge (talk) 15:02, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The point of a lockout code is to discourage theft of the radio. Printing the lockout code on the side kinda defeats the purpose! --Jayron32 18:51, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

These were daubed on the side, (I suspect) so that they could be re-installed in another vehicle without worrying about losing a bit of paper. It's worth a try. Alansplodge (talk) 15:54, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but in some cases the anti-theft measures are more trouble than they are worth, so people choose to disable them. This was the case at EDS, where extreme password protection measures required people to use frequently changing, arcane passwords, ensuring that they had to write them down to remember them, defeating the whole purpose. StuRat (talk) 20:33, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm curious as to why the lockout code is needed. Weren't the radios enabled when sold to the original owner ? How did they get disabled ? Do they do this periodically, or do they need the code entered every time the car battery is changed ? Either one of these would also be annoying to the original owner. A less annoying anti-theft system would be for the radio to check if the ignition key fob (to which it would be keyed), is nearby, when it's turned on. This would also have solved the problem I had once, where some teens apparently snuck into my unlocked car, listened to some horrid music, and smoked. (I realize that many radios won't run without the car being turned on, but this one would.) StuRat (talk) 20:41, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Almost all current radios in ordinary UK cars are designed to require a code after disconnecting the power. The code is provided on a card in the user's documentation, but this often gets lost. There is no reason (other than cost) why StuRat's suggested alternative security system could not be used. Is it fitted to any expensive models? (I've no experience of expensive cars) Dbfirs 21:42, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I can't comment further, as my only experience with expensive cars is running them off the road. :-) StuRat (talk) 23:56, 6 December 2010 (UTC) [reply]

I've come across three different kinds so far, something like an edison screw, a 'pop in' kind and a hybrid of the two. --188.220.46.47 (talk) 09:39, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Te "pop in" ones are Bayonet mount, always very popular with old style bulbs, less so with new ones. - Jarry1250 ^{[Who? Discuss.]} 09:46, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Two sizes of Edison screw are standard in the UK. I have never come across a "hybrid" of the two systems(?). Other sockets are also standardized, such as the bi-pin connector for florescent tubes.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 10:21, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Look at this UK catalogue[2]. Alansplodge (talk) 14:47, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The normal standard UK light fitting is the bayonet mount. In recent years more non-standard fittings have started to be used. 92.15.31.223 (talk) 19:16, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Note that although the usual light bulb bayonet mount has two pins, coloured bulbs intended specifically for fire-effect electric fires (and the corresponding sockets in the appliances) are sometimes three-pin - my own appliance takes normal two-pin bulbs, but I noticed some three-pin bulbs on sale in a hardware store and asked what they were for. 87.81.230.195 (talk) 21:39, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The UK abbreviations for light bulbs are BC (bayonet cap), ES (Edison screw), and SES (small Edison screw). Torch bulbs were traditionally MES (miniature Edison screw). I've never seen any kind of hybrid. Dbfirs 21:36, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And here's the original bayonet mount [3] ;-) Alansplodge (talk) 11:59, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

See Talk:Tlaxcala.The Google search of "Omageney" have about 75 results and I am not sure if there is actually this name.--61.18.170.71 (talk) 10:01, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Here in the US, door knobs are at about waist height for the average adult male. Occasionally on shows from the BBC and such, I'll see people opening doors which have knobs that are about chest height. How common is this height of knob? And why is it so high? It seems like it would be very inconvenient for shorter people and children. Dismas|^(talk) 10:47, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

• Yes door knobs used to be higher but in the early 1960s commonsense prevailed and nowadays they are lower. It may have been to keep them out of reach of children! (this is what happened in Australia) Graeme Bartlett (talk) 11:13, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

?? (x 2) -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 18:22, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Jack, if you are asking why they would want to keep them out of the reach of children, it would be to keep them from getting outside (or into other rooms) and into trouble, just as playpens keep toddlers from "escaping". Obviously, this would also present a danger when they need to exit quickly, as in a fire, but these type of dangers didn't seem as much of a concern in olden days as the convenience of always knowing your kids were where you left them. The obvious compromise is to put them where kids can reach them, and put a lock higher up to lock the kids in, if them running loose becomes a problem. StuRat (talk) 20:15, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, Stu. I understand that part. It's just that Graeme's post seemed to be saying that the knobs were lowered in order to keep them out of reach of children, which makes sense only if you take into account that we all walk around upside down here (something I'm only rarely aware of). :) -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 20:35, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Now I see what you meant. But of course, doesn't everyone walk around upside down in Australia ? :-) StuRat (talk) 20:53, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I suspect they do, but since up is down there it all works out okay. I think "commonsense" by Graeme is meant to be in agreement with the OP, that they were lowered for convenience (as commonsensical as it might seem to some (myself not included) to want doorknobs out of the reach of children, I don't think that's what Graeme meant by it). WikiDao ☯ (talk) 02:26, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It wasn't so much that word, but "It may have been ...". I now see that that was probably referring to why the knobs were higher in the first place, not to why they were lowered, as the word order would appear to suggest. I'm sometimes confused with injudicious juxtapositions. It's OK, it's just me. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 04:12, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

High door handles were usual on doors in houses built in the 1930s, 1920s and probably before. They may (just guessing) have been influenced the by Art Deco style. 92.15.31.223 (talk) 19:14, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Putting the handle exactly halfway up has certain advantages:

1) This is gives ideal mechanical advantage. If you've tried to open a kitchen cabinet with a handle nearly at the top or bottom, you might have noticed that the torque induced can caused them to warp and get stuck, if tight fitting.

2) There's a small chance you might want to flip the door over, say if it has an unsightly spot that you want moved out of eye level. While you would still have to move the hinges, this would eliminate the need to drill a new hole for the doorknob and plug up the old hole. This could be even more of a factor during construction, where doors with doorknob holes in the center would be more flexible in their final placement. StuRat (talk) 20:25, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The door knobs on my late-Victorian house are at waist level, but earlier "snecks" on older houses in the area (northern England) were at chest height or sometimes higher. Did the fashion vary at different times in different regions? Dbfirs 21:31, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

My small 1880s house in London has normal door knobs but my Grandarents' rather grand 1860s(?) house in Cornwall had high ones that I couldn't reach when I was a nipper. Alansplodge (talk) 15:48, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Also (at least in the UK) there may be building regulations that require it (e.g. wheelchair / disability friendly height - like plugs that are now higher up the wall). ny156uk (talk) 15:48, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Light switches are also installed lower these days. In older houses in the UK and Ireland were are usually installed at chest hieght but newer installations tend to put them at waist hieght so they are more accessible from wheelchairs. I'm sure I remember noticing, when I were a lad, that light switches in France were a lot lower than those at home in Ireland. filceolaire (talk) 00:59, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

i have a Nokia N70 music edition. i want to update the software of this phone. i have internet connection and a laptop. so how can i do this in my home, without going to Nokia store. please send me necessary links and the process to do this. please send me, because my phone is not working. Pras9874 (talk) 15:17, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Can anyone help me track down whether there was a medieveal coat of arms consisting of a red cross - like the St George's Cross - on a Black (rather than White) background. I have had a good search of the database and also looked on the heraldry site that I have been redirected to - but I can find no reference to it. It is important for a project that I am doing. I am sure it exists - but where and what?

Kind regards for your help.

Emma Barker —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.134.126.54 (talk) 17:27, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This is unlikely to exist because sable, the heraldic equivalent of black, is considered a "colo[u]r" as are the equivalents of red, blue, green etc; this is in comparison to argent (white, silver) and Or (yellow, gold) which are deemed "metals". You're not "supposed" to put one metal on another, or a colour on another colour. I can't find any online. (Several sites are confused because the metal silver, often used in pictorial arms, blackens over time.) - Jarry1250 ^{[Who? Discuss.]} 18:41, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The heraldic description of a red cross on a black background would be "sable, a cross gules", and a Google search for that phrase finds lots of links, although many of them add complications. This page, for example, shows the arms of the city of Durham as a red cross with a silver border against a black background. Looie496 (talk) 19:50, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

(ec) The flag of the city of Durham, England is a red cross, outlined in white, on a black background: See here. I don't know how old the flag is, but Durham dates back to 995 AD. StuRat (talk) 19:54, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Which of course means that Durham's arms have a red cross on top of a white cross on top of a black background, so you have color on metal on color, which is legal, since colors don't touch colors. --Jayron32 19:56, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Interesting, and how thin can the white or silver outline be ? If it's thin, and tarnished silver, it may blend in with the black in a low-res photo and look exactly like what was described in the Q. StuRat (talk) 20:02, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Normally, heraldic devices are defined solely by words, and not the representation of them, which means people can draw them the thickness they like. I'm sure that's happened before, but most fimbriation is obvious: the flag of the UK and the flag of South Africa, for example. (Heraldists hate the flag of Morocco.) - Jarry1250 ^{[Who? Discuss.]} 20:07, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure why that would be. Isn't it the case that the heraldry we're talking about is a British/European construct, and that what African/Asian/wherever else societies choose to do with their flags and emblems is entirely a matter for them? -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 12:22, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, absolutely. Almost all countries follow this pattern, though, so it is at least fair to mention it as an exception. - Jarry1250 ^{[Who? Discuss.]} 18:14, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It's surprising that we've talked so long about the law of tincture without linking to our article on the subject! Marnanel (talk) 18:23, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

We should probably also clarify what you meant be a cross. I assume you don't mean an X, but a cross can mean either a plus sign (+) or a Christian cross (†). Which do you mean ? StuRat (talk) 20:10, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The OP described it as being like a St. George's cross, which is + shaped. --Antiquary (talk) 20:37, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Knights Templar sergeants wore a red cross on a black tunic, not a heraldic device though. Mikenorton (talk) 20:31, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

...and here it is: [4]. Note that the cross flares out at the ends, like the Iron Cross. StuRat (talk) 20:46, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The so-called cross pattée. - Jarry1250 ^{[Who? Discuss.]} 21:02, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The original Templars wore red on white. Scottish Knights Templar are, well, not really Templars... Adam Bishop (talk) 01:07, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am currently involved in research that aids in a work I've been at a number of years, I.e. "An Indigenous Treatise". I am a Indigenous N. American, of the AniYunwiyah, [real or-original people] aka commonly; Cherokee. Within the "Treatise", I reveal the import and direct impact of the various "Papal Bulls", Ca. 1400s', that served to A. Justify the conquest of Non-Christian Domains, and B. served as the basis for the later, "Doctrine of Discovery". Within the 1455 "Romanus Pontifex"-Papal Bull, is a reference "Reconquista", However, in seeking etymology of the term, I find there are variants. The common derive from a contemporary Military usage of the word Reconniseance', and "Questa", is explained [etymologically] as to seek, inquire etc. What I am trying to determine is, from whence does Reconnaissance derive? IF, the term :"Recon" [in Reconquesta] id intended to infer- to scout out or to seek, I can readily understand recon-as a "leading term, but; IS That the original intended usage as Intended by the Pope that wrote [that] papal Bull? Something tells me it isn't, call it intuition, whatever. The term Re, I can see as a thing done again, as in re-work a thing, if this is the case, then reconquesta should then be seen as re'Conquesta. [re conquer] however if this is so, then it infers that the lands visited by the reconquesta have at a prior time, been known to the {conquerors]. I will appreciate any insight you may lend to this quandary. Sincerely; David M. Wolfe <email removed> —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.19.217.185 (talk) 23:58, 5 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I have removed your email address since, as you are notified at the top of the page, all responses will be left here. You are dividing up the words wrong. The word reconquesta comes from the Spanish term, "re-" meaning again and "conquesta" meaning conquest; it is specifically the reconquest of Spain from the muslims. Reconnaissance comes from French, "connaissance" means "knowledge" and "re-" meaning again; in this case it means literally to reaquire or update the knowledge of an area. Connaissance is itself rooted in the word "naissance" which is birth in french (hence Renaissance, or rebirth); I am not sure of the connection to connaissance from naissance; excepting in a poetic sense. I am not aware of any connection between the terms "reconquesta" and "reconnaissance", though admittedly I am willing to be shown wrong by someone who knows this better. --Jayron32 01:22, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is "re-conquest". We have a Reconquista article; the term refers to the re-conquest of Spain from the Muslims, who had themselves conquered it from the Spanish in the 8th century. It has nothing to do with the conquest of the New World; you see conquistadors in the Americas but that was not a "re-conquest". "Reconnaisance" is a different word entirely (although it does share the "re" and "con" prefixes.) Adam Bishop (talk) 01:05, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

[edit conflict]The Spanish word reconquista refers to a specific historical event, the Reconquista, or the "reconquest", over centuries of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. This word is derived from Latin roots, but is not derived from a word that existed in Latin in this form. As you say, re- has a meaning of "back" or "again". In this case, it refers to the winning back of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors by the Christian Spaniards (and Portuguese), who felt that the land had been taken from their Christian ancestors. The bull Romanus Pontifex, however, does not use the word reconquista or any version of that word (such as *reconquesta). If you look at the original Latin text of this bull, for example on page 18 of this source, you will see that it uses the term conquestam rather than *reconquestam. In other words, it refers to conquest rather than reconquest. Now, the etymology of the English word conquest and of the late Medieval Latin word conquesta/conquestam is as follows. It comes from the Vulgar Latin conquaesita meaning "acquired, or procured thing" or "gain". This word gradually acquired a military connotation and mutated in late Vulgar Latin into the form conquesta, which was borrowed into Medieval Latin. The Vulgar Latin form is composed of the prefix con-, meaning "together" and the word quaesita, which was the past participle of the Classical Latin verb quaero/quaerere, meaning "to seek, get, earn". (This verb is related to such English words as inquire, acquire, quest, and so on.) Conquaesita thus originally meant something like "something gotten together" and came to mean "acquisition". Now, reconnaissance, originally a French word, has different roots. It is related to the English word recognize. Here, re- means something more like "again". This word has the French suffix -ance, which basically turns a verb into a noun. The root of this word is the French verb connaître, meaning "to be acquainted or familiar with". (So reconnaissance originally meant something like "the act of becoming thoroughly acquainted with" or "research".) The French verb connaître comes from the Latin cognoscere meaning "to get to know" or "to recognize". As you can see, the Latin quaerere is not related to cognoscere. Marco polo (talk) 01:40, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I have a toy that reminds me of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street and I see your article that says he has different names and characters in different areas of the world. I could not find anything on this one though. Can you tell me what this one's name is and what country he would be from? I cannot figure out how to include a photo, but he has a smooth green head and his barrel has a roman looking scroll design. Thanks!

my e-mail for your response is : —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.220.98.89 (talk) 06:44, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Removed the email address to prevent spam, and added a title. 92.24.184.218 (talk) 11:47, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

On the off chance that the questioner comes back and sees this: the easiest way to include a photo is to go to this site, upload a photo there and then add the URL here. --Viennese Waltz 14:42, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You might be referring to Rumpel, the German Grouch from Sesamstraße. He's less fuzzy than Oscar, still green, and lives in a barrel. Not sure about the "roman scroll design" though. By the way, the Muppet Wiki (muppet.wikia.com, see the Grouch Gallery) has pictures and info on almost all muppet characters from around the world. -- 140.142.20.229 (talk) 18:35, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Someone I know is meant to be getting me some. Does anyone know, or is there an FAQ somewhere about how to open them to drink the juice without making a mess? I've seen guys in tropical countries opening them, making a hole in the top with a machete, but I don't have one of those. Can an axe be used instead?

Also, is the juice and the flesh safe to give to a hyacinth macaw? I thought that I might let her have at one of them, see what she thinks of it. --95.148.106.42 (talk) 07:35, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Google is faster than we are. Typing "How to open a coconut" in to Google provides many promising results. Dismas|^(talk) 07:58, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The OP is referring to green coconuts, not the ordinary brown sort. See for example http://southeastasianfood.about.com/od/dessertsfruitsanddrinks/ss/OpenYoungCoco.htm 92.24.184.218 (talk) 11:41, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Fair enough but my point is still valid: Google is often faster for straight-forward questions such as these. Dismas|^(talk) 12:47, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Just drill two holes, stick a straw in one, and drink. --Sean 19:29, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Two holes are necessary if you want to pour out the coconut milk, but one hole suffices if you use a straw. Dbfirs 19:46, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Pedantry: coconut water is the fluid inside the coconut. Coconut milk is produced from grated and filtered coconut flesh. Paul (Stansifer) 14:20, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's not pedantry at all, but actually a very important distinction. I would hate to eat a curry made with coconut water in the misguided belief that it was the same thing as coconut milk/cream. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 19:38, 7 December 2010 (UTC) [reply]

Pedantry again, but, as our article correctly states, coconut milk is used in many parts of the world to mean what you seem to call coconut water, though I've never heard the latter term or tasted the former. Nevertheless, I apologise for using a term that seems to be rare for the contents of an uncooked coconut in some parts of the world. Dbfirs 00:05, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi:) I just bought a used car and have noticed that there is a strange smell coming from the heater. The smell is not antifreeze, but is somewhat sweet, very chemical in nature. It is more noticeable when the car is not moving and does not seem to diminish with driving. Sometimes the transmission sounds like it is having trouble kicking into higher gears, the smell tends to intensify at this time. There does not appear to be any fluid leaks or anything of that sort; under the hood it appears the dealer cleaned everything (could this create the odour?) At any rate, its been driving me nuts, I don't know much about cars, and can't afford to take it to a mechanic; any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you:-) 209.252.235.206 (talk) 10:22, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

These guys give out free advice, if you don't mind being on the radio. --Jayron32 16:00, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What happened when you tried calling a couple of mechanics on the phone to see if they could offer an instant diagnosis? Comet Tuttle (talk) 17:30, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You should really call the dealer that sold you the car. Many times they will resolve problems with no charge. 10draftsdeep (talk) 19:39, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"somewhat sweet, very chemical" sounds like windshield washer fluid to me. It smells strongly when actually used, but if it smells when not used then something might be wrong. I also don't know why it would intensify when kicking into higher gears, if anything it also suggests something is wrong. You should get it checked out, I guess. Rimush (talk) 19:53, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It sounds like the previous owner may have put the fluids into the wrong reservoirs. I'd check them right away, to see if the colors are what's expected. If not, you need to drain (and maybe flush) the bad fluids out and replace them with the proper fluids. StuRat (talk) 23:51, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Also, you said it doesn't smell like antifreeze, but do you know what all antifreezes smell like ? You probably mean ethylene glycol, but there are others in use, which are marketed as being less toxic to pets and children. StuRat (talk) 23:59, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

if natural gas costs $4.50 per mcf, how much does it cost per us fluid gallon? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.96.134.130 (talk) 18:49, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

1 cubic foot = 7.48051948 US gallons, according to google. --Jayron32 18:51, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

But if you are talking about LNG, then 1 cubic foot of LNG is equal to roughly 4500 gallons of gas. Googlemeister (talk) 19:12, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Umm, that strikes me as extremely unlikely. In a liquid, atoms and molecules are about as close as they can be without deforming the electron orbitals — that is, they're essentially touching. So I very much doubt that LNG has more than, say, twice the energy density (or mass density) of gasoline. If I'm mistaken, please elaborate.

(Oh, I suppose maybe you didn't mean gasoline, but rather gas-phase natural gas, say at STP? That seems plausible, I guess.) --Trovatore (talk) 21:26, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

MCF means 1,000 cubic feet, or just about 7,480 US gallons. So $4.50 per MCF would be just over $0.0006 (or 0.06¢) per US gallon. --Anonymous, 19:55 UTC, December 6, 2010.

Do you have to have a license to raise tigers in Texas? 74.192.250.52 (talk) 23:15, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, according to this website, which helpfully seems to point to the relevant state codes. Comet Tuttle (talk) 23:22, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Well, that's just gr-r-reat. Clarityfiend (talk) 23:34, 6 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The entry on that list below Texas is for Utah, and it says:

Prohibited animals include, but are not limited to, the following families: Ursidae (bears), Canidae (all species), Felidae (all species except non-domesticated cats)…

I am having real difficulty understanding the last-cited parenthesis. Does it really mean that the only Felidae to be prohibited in Utah are housecats? Marnanel (talk) 03:18, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think it does. It seems to say you can keep housecats as long as you don't domesticate them. It also seems to prohibit dogs, which were Canidae last time I looked. I think the Utah legislature may have been a little confused... AndyTheGrump (talk) 03:30, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I think that the weird treatment of cats is the website's error, not the legislature's. If you look here, you'll see that all feline species except felis catus, the domestic cat, are prohibited. But I'm with you in wondering why they prohibit all canids. John M Baker (talk) 06:41, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A British general practitioner is called Doctor, despite not necessarily having a Doctorate (MB,Ch.B). A British specialist such as a Geriatrician or Anaestheologist is also called Doctor. But a Consultant Surgeon is called Mister. I recognise that Mister Surgeon is a highly qualified Doctor and that his title derives from the Barber Surgeons of the 18th century - but what does a female Surgeon call herslf these days? Is it Doctor - or Mrs. - or Miss - or Mister - or Ms (whatever that means)or what? And as an aside, how do American doctors of whatever seniority or specialism entitle themselves? Thanks. 92.30.2.54 (talk) 00:00, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

As for American Doctors, I think, oddly enough, they call themselves "Dr.". I don't know if the same situation comes up, with people practicing medicine without a doctorate, in the US. StuRat (talk) 00:25, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If an American medical "practitioner" calls him/herself "doctor" without a doctoral degree, we call that "fraud". --Nricardo (talk) 01:42, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It appears to be impossible to be a qualified medical practitioner without a doctoral degree in the US, whereas the comparable British qualification is two bachelor's degrees but carries the honorary title of "Doctor". Is that correct? Marnanel (talk) 03:29, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's not entirely true. The U.S. has two positions, known as Physician assistant and Nurse practitioner which allow someone to practice medicine in a limited fashion without being a doctor. The role of the Nurse Practitioner will change such that, by 2015 all new Nurse Practitioners will require a Doctorate to practice; but existing Nurse Practitioners will be "grandfathered in". --Jayron32 05:36, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's terrible. From my (admittedly prejudiced) perspective, that's just another way for the medical profession to restrict competition and run up the bill. About 95% of medicine is completely routine and can very well be done by skilled workers on the order of a really good auto mechanic; there's no excuse to restrict it to people with four years of grad school plus a three-year residency. --Trovatore (talk) 02:32, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

From our article Doctor (title)#Healthcare: "also note that British surgeons - a designation reserved for those who have obtained membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - are addressed as Mr, Mrs or Miss rather than Dr." So Mrs or Miss. I'd guess Ms is also common. --203.202.43.53 (talk) 02:40, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And later in the same article: "As a homage to their predecessors, the barber surgeons, they prefer to be addressed as Mr, Mrs, Ms or Miss, even if they do hold a medical degree." --203.202.43.54 (talk) 02:45, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Plenty of surgeons using the title Ms here, for example. Marnanel (talk) 02:55, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That should really say: "... even though they hold a medical degree". To be a surgeon, holding a medical degree is not an optional extra. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 04:16, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

So in the US, any doctor must have a PhD in medicine? 92.15.11.224 (talk) 12:42, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Not a PhD ("Doctor of Philosophy"), but an MD ("Doctor of Medicine" degree) or DO ("Doctor of Osteopathy" degree). --- Medical geneticist (talk) 13:43, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Doctor Of Medicine article says "In Britain, Ireland, and many Commonwealth nations, the qualifying medical degree is instead the Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine.....and is considered equivalent to the M.D. degree in the U.S. system." Is that correct? 92.15.11.224 (talk) 16:10, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No, because a BS is a Bachelor of Surgery degree, not a Bachelor of Science degree. I suspect someone was confused by the American habit of writing BS for Bachelor of Science. Marnanel (talk) 23:42, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Bachelor of Surgery redirects to an article that gives quite a few abbreviations for the degree, among which the abbreviation "BS" is not to be found. I would say that the Americans are right here (in the sense that BS is one correct abbreviation, though not the only one, for "Bachelor of Science", but is not a correct abbreviation for "Bachelor of Surgery"). --Trovatore (talk) 02:07, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You would say wrongly. A medical qualification in the UK is (usually) "MB BS", two bachelor's degrees. The BS is a Bachelor of Surgery degree[5], not a Bachelor of Science degree, and it is a correct abbreviation; the fact that our page doesn't mention it is a bad reflection on the page. In the UK, Bachelor of Science degrees are BSc, not BS. What the Americans call things is irrelevant. Marnanel (talk) 03:10, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This is a really irritating attitude on the part of many Brits on Wikipedia. Y'all have to get used to the fact that you don't own the language anymore. What Americans call things is every bit as relevant as what Brits call them. --Trovatore (talk) 03:50, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It's irritating for English-speakers in the rest of the world when the Americans assume that they deserve half the pie when they are just one country amongst dozens that speak English. What Americans tend to call "British English" usage is quite often rest-of-the-world usage. It seems to me more reasonable to regard the general English usage as the norm and the American usage as the exception. This includes the peculiar habit of calling what are plainly bachelors' degrees, such as those in law and medicine, "doctor" degrees. --PalaceGuard008 (Talk) 13:40, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

American English is the dialect of an absolute majority of English-as-a-first-language speakers, so no, it is not reasonable to regard British English as the norm and American English as the exception. On the other issue, I do agree that the MD is not on the same academic level as the PhD, but it's certainly more than a Bachelor's. --Trovatore (talk) 19:20, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Good grief. You say that the Brits are not using a correct abbreviation for "Bachelor of Surgery" because the Americans use the same abbreviation to mean something else. I point out that what Americans do is irrelevant to the question, because it's about British usage and not American usage. And than you tell me we don't own the language any more. Of course we don't own the language. Of course we don't get to dictate American usage. Neither do they get to dictate ours. Marnanel (talk) 16:56, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The MD in the US seems more of a practical degree showing they have mastered useful skills (they learned a variety of sciences in years of hard study following the undergraduate degree, but had lots of practicum) and less of a theoretical or scientific or scholarly degree (graduate study followed by qualifying exams, then original research, leading to an accepted doctoral thesis). I have not heard US doctors refer to their earning a "doctorate" as a scientist, historian, mathematician or other scholar would. Similarly US lawyers earn a Juris Doctor degree following three years of law school after the undergrad degree, but do not generally refer to each other as "doctor" nor do they generally call their degree a "doctorate." They similarly generally do not have to do an original research project leading to a published dissertation. The MD is Britain seems more of a scholarly degree and less of a professional degree. Edison (talk) 18:13, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

So a medical bachelor's degree in the UK is equivalent to a medical doctorate in the US, and vice versa? 92.24.176.134 (talk) 19:00, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello I know this forum is not for medical advice but I wonder if you could give me pointers to credible information on this topic as I can't tell the good from the bad.

I live in Dublin, Ireland, and we have been having unprecedentedly cold weather and snowfall for the last week. My neighbour has two young beagles who he keeps outside the house at all times. They are usually very lively and territorial but have not come out of their (barely sheltered) beds for the last week and are sleeping in the same bed which is unusual. When they do come out they are shivering the whole time.

I want to know how bad the weather would need to be for the dogs to be at risk of cold-related death such as from hypothermia. I have two young daughters who are getting very worried and I don't really know what to tell them. I thank you for any help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.70.237.118 (talk) 00:27, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I found this link by googling dog hypothermia, but I think you would want to call up a veterinarian for more certain advice than you're likely to get on the Internet. Comet Tuttle (talk) 01:31, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Try these folks: http://www.ispca.ie/ --Nricardo (talk) 01:39, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A beagle's coat is surprisingly good at keeping the rain out, but not so good with the cold. They are traditionally pack dogs who would very commonly share a bed, so in that sense they are showing normal behaviour. HiLo48 (talk) 01:43, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There might be some good reason why they aren't allowed inside, like somebody being allergic to them, so perhaps improving their conditions outside might be in order. If they have a doghouse, an extension cord with a bare, incandescent light bulb at the end, hanging on a hook from the roof, can warm it up considerably. It can't be a CFL, though, as they don't work well in the cold and don't produce enough heat. If they don't have a doghouse, build them one, with a flap of thick fabric over the doorway to keep the heat in. You might suggest this to your neighbor. If they object to the cost, you could offer to pay for the doghouse and let them plug the extension cord in at your house. If they still won't do anything, you can always call the (Irish equivalent of the) RSPCA, but they will, of course, know it was you. StuRat (talk) 04:34, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the UK this would definitely something that ought to be reported to the RSPCA, so I think the OP should contact the equivalent organisation (Blue Cross?), or the local authority. At least an inspector may visit the neighbour. The advice will be, I think, that dogs should not be kept outdoors. Itsmejudith (talk) 16:01, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Two of you now have completely missed the link that User:Nricardo posted. Dismas|^(talk) 16:09, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I think me referring to it as the "(Irish equivalent of the) RSPCA" is essentially correct, but, yes, his link provides the correct name. I tend to ignore links, unless the person posting them says exactly where to look in the article to get the answer. This is because so many people post links to huge articles which don't actually answer the Q, and reading through those would be a waste of my time. StuRat (talk) 17:18, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That site also has a "Winter Animal Care" section which says: "The ISPCA recommends that pets be brought indoors if possible during extremely cold periods. They must have somewhere dry and draught free to escape from the elements. Plenty of warm dry bedding should also be provided." As it is just a recommendation, not sure there's much that can be done about a neighbor's decision not to follow that recommendation. WikiDao ☯ (talk) 19:40, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Failing anything better, why not buy them or knit them the sort of jackets that dogs wear. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 22:53, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What do Canadians call Canadian bacon? --70.134.49.69 (talk) 01:00, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I call it back bacon. Or an amusing film by Michael Moore. Aaronite (talk) 01:07, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And, in my experience, only on pizza at US pizza chains. I like my bacon in strips, like everyone else I know. I suppose it's like French Fries, where the name doesn't really have any real meaning. Aaronite (talk) 01:08, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I call it back bacon too, or peameal bacon, although those are slightly different I suppose. My family eats it fairly regularly. Not as much as "regular" bacon, but it makes a good meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). There is "Belfast ham" too, although that is also slightly different. Adam Bishop (talk) 02:59, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Our back bacon article says: "it ... is sometimes sold in the US as Irish bacon or Canadian bacon, owing to the popularity of back bacon in those countries." WikiDao ☯ (talk) 03:07, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Canadian comedians who played Bob and Doug MacKenzie created a satirical version of 12 Days of Christmas in which various Canada-related items were mentioned, including tuques and back bacon. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 03:51, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Only on pizza? You've never had Eggs Benedict? Corvus cornix_talk 21:31, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

From the responses here it seems it is unanimously used for back bacon, but the disambiguation page claims back bacon can also mean cured ham. Is that an accurate claim? --Saddhiyama (talk) 15:37, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Incidentally, although I have frequently heard of Canadian bacon, not least from the movie, I have never seen it. It was shown in a Simpsons episode, but there it looked more like slices of saveloy, so I am a bit surprised to learn that it actually just means back bacon. --Saddhiyama (talk) 15:50, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've heard peameal bacon more often than back bacon. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.193.96.10 (talk) 16:28, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This is somewhat off topic, but in Ireland we call them rashers or back rashers. We call the stuff Americans call 'bacon', streaky rashers. 109.125.15.198 (talk) 21:15, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Who is Naomi Judd's plastic surgeon and what proceedures has she had on her face neck?

How can I locate Naomi Judd's plastic surgeon? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.84.60.245 (talk) 02:10, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This sort of information is likely to be covered my medical confidentiality. Unless she discloses it herself, it is unlikely to become public knowledge. AndyTheGrump (talk) 04:22, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a "proper" word or phrase to put in 'relationship to patient:' on a form when immediately above it is a 'patient name' and signature field where I am the patient? It takes on the appearance of a worryingly existential question in my mind. I'm also troubled by the rather vague and leading question, "Are you troubled by bad breath?", but will figure that one out on my own. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.160.87.224 (talk) 03:34, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'd be tempted to put "it's me!" in. Are you sure this isn't one of these forms where you only answer some questions, depending on earlier answers? Perhaps you've missed an instruction to "go to question N if you are filling in this form for yourself".

(The correct answer to "Are you troubled by bad breath?" is probably "Mine, or yours?".) AndyTheGrump (talk) 03:41, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Or, "I have horrid breath, but I'm not troubled by it. On the contrary, it's quite useful when people knock on my door, hand me tracts with a bloody Jesus on the cross, and want to come inside and talk." :-) StuRat (talk) 04:17, 7 December 2010 (UTC) [reply]

I never know the direction they want when they ask about the relationship. If I am his son, do they want "son" or "father" ? One way around this would be as follows:

CHECK ONE:

The patient is your  [] Grandparent  [] Parent  [] Sibling  [] Child  [] Grandchild
                     [] Other: ____________________________________________________

StuRat (talk) 04:24, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can indicate the relationship with a sentence. If you are the father, you say "I am the patient's father" or "He is my son." --Jayron32 04:59, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

They typically prevent that by only providing space for a single word. StuRat (talk) 05:02, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In that case, the appendage of the short word "My" resolves ambiguity. "My son" or "My father" is not markedly longer than "son" or "father" such that you wouldn't be able to fit it on the line; and it resolves your problem. --Jayron32 05:30, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Regarding the "direction," here's an example. Say that Frank is Steve's father. Then Frank's relation to Steve is "father" and Steve's relation to Frank is "son". Cheers. Haus^Talk 13:44, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but the form doesn't usually say "Frank's relationship with Steve ?" ... it just says "Relationship ?". StuRat (talk) 04:34, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"Same" or "Self" or just leaving it "______" would all seem acceptable. WikiDao ☯ (talk) 05:20, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm, on reflection I think "selfsame" will actually work best for me. Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.160.87.224 (talk) 05:28, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Me, Myself, and I would work but you may be billed three times. Dismas|^(talk) 13:07, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

As pertaining to the question "Relationship to patient" if YOU are the patient, leave it blank or write "Self" if the patient is your boyfriend/girlfriend then you can put either, "boyfriend/girlfriend" or "Significant Other", you=son patient=father put "Son", etc., etc., etc., as pertaining to the "Are you troubled by bad breath?" question, the question is asking if you have bad breath or in the case of the patient being someone else (As described above) it's their breath. Not to be rude, but this is called, "Common Knowledge" as everyone knows or IS TO ASSUME the questions are about themselves and no one else. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.188.104.24 (talk) 12:21, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is there any sites giving free advise on statutory compliance which is applicable to India only.

Regards,

Raijohn --RAIJOHN (talk) 12:14, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Statutory compliance to what, exactly? Dismas|^(talk) 13:05, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

on Income tax ,Service Tax ,central excises,EPF,ESI,VAT --RAIJOHN (talk) 13:00, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I would like to benchmark k-12 public school systems in the nation that graduate more than 95% of their students. Will you provide the names and demographics of such school systems and a process I can use for benchmarking. The benchmarking will focus on: 1. Career, Technical and Agricultural Courses 2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Courses 3. Advisement Programs 4. Counseling Programs 5. Mentoring Programs 6. Student Information System Data 7. Programs and Interventions for Students who Are At-Risk of Dropping Out of School 8. Use of Instructional Time and Physical Space to Maximize Learning 9. Amount of Instructional Time for Struggling Students 10. On-line Learning Opportunities

Thank you Lynne125 (talk) 16:56, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Which nation? And what makes you believe that any reliable process for benchmarking exists? HiLo48 (talk) 17:02, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

K-12_schools#Secondary_education suggests that the OP is referring to either the US, Canada or Australia. Blakk and ekka 17:27, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If it's Australia there's excellent useful statistics online at this site, but indexed on a school-by-school rather than national basis. Blakk and ekka 17:40, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If it's Australia, it must be said that there are many who don't regard that My School website as being of any more use than giving politicians the chance to further fool the easily fooled. That article I've linked to explains some of the concerns. That you choose to describe it as "excellent" is quite interesting. HiLo48 (talk) 22:05, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think there's any significant concern with the statistics on MySchool itself, which are derived from relatively rigorous NAPLAN data. The controversy around the site relates to the use people make of the statistics and the way that they're presented, given issues of comparability, statistics-driven-education, curriculum, and causation. Many have quite legitimate objections to these statistics being used to make "league tables". See our article on the site.- DustFormsWords (talk) 08:29, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

NAPLAN rigorous? Ha ha ha ha ha. Having supervised such tests in schools, I simply must disagree. HiLo48 (talk) 20:46, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not Australian, so I've adjusted the description. Blakk and ekka 10:17, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a way to delete your account on Lumisoty.com? I want to do it to avoid the subscription. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.89.41.71 (talk) 17:35, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Did you try their help page? I think your answer is on this one. Dismas|^(talk) 02:14, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sometimes we read information on cosmetics that says, it will even out your skin or make your skin fairer. What is the differences between evened out skin and fair skin?--180.234.54.157 (talk) 22:04, 7 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Evened-out skin would be skin that is all the same tone (or color). Fairer skin is lighter skin. These are different concepts. For example, you could be very light-skinned, but your skin could be blotchy. You could also have skin that was a uniform dark color. So products that say they even out your skin just help hide the blotches, without perceptibly changing its color, while products that make your skin fairer make it lighter in color, but may not affect the overall blotchiness. --Jayron32 00:15, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am looking for an interesting old building, from anywhere in the world, any time up to around early 20th century, a building which has been designed to have a decent amount of natural light even in the deepest parts, to have a continual flow of fresh air throughout and to stay at a comfortable temperature all year round, in spite of cold winds, bright sunshine and so on. Such, though, that all of this can be achieved with as little machinary and energy as possible, and with all the required systems being intrinsic to the design of the building. Does anyone here know of anything particularly remarkable like this that they would be willing to share?

148.197.121.205 (talk) 10:33, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

How about the Casa Milà (1905-1910) in Barcelona? Naturally ventilated through that big central atrium. Blakk and ekka 12:00, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There are many buildings in the middles east that provide a comfortable living space whist subjected to extreme changes of ambient temperature. There is seldom found a dark corner either. They incorporate windcatchers and thick stone or adobe walls is a must. However, if you have grown up with air-conditioning, then you might find they don't even-out the extremes nearly as much as you want and gritty dust soon covers everything -unless you have a large harem of domestic staff to constantly clean.--Aspro (talk) 12:41, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

As with a similar recent question, try Sir John Soane's Museum. In the north "to have a continual flow of fresh air throughout and to stay at a comfortable temperature all year round" are mutually contradictory as the outside air temperature is very often unpleasantly cold. I don't know of any pre-20th. century buildings that were solar heated in northern latitudes, they are a very recent innovation. Living in a crowded urban situation, I wish the top lighting and nine-feet high garden walls would become standard, to obtain privacy and remove eyesores and traffic noise. Old-fashioned shopping arcades may fulfill your criteria: http://www.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&q=shopping+arcade&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1024&bih=609 92.29.123.221 (talk) 14:05, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've heard that the Pantheon is rather remarkable in that it is well lit by the single oculus in the roof. I don't know about temperature, though. Hemoroid Agastordoff (talk) 19:56, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is refreshingly cool during the summmer, but if the winter is cold it is not the place to get warm in, with that big hole in the roof and no insulation to speak of. --Saddhiyama (talk) 21:43, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

How about a mediaeval cathedral, such as Durham Cathedral or York Cathedral? Its thermal mass should remove temperature fluctuations, and the large stained-glass windows provide solar gain. The extremely high ceilings make it airy. For greater temperature stability something sunk into the earth to receive both earth-heat and insulation, and with top-lighting like an arcade, may be what you want. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 00:20, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A lot of medieval cathedrals are fairly gloomy inside on all but the brightest summer day. There might be exceptions. Googlemeister (talk) 15:21, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I know it's been bought out, I just want to know WHY...?
Today I heard on "Monster Jam" that the owner and founder
of CSK died, is that why? Or did O'Reilly just want a corporate takeover? Or what?

According to this, O'Reilly bought them in 2008 and CSK's founder died in 2010, so it's not because of that. I'd go with your "O'Reilly just wanted to take them over" theory. Recury (talk) 19:48, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

1. When we bought it, the brake lights didn't work, then the Seller took it for a day and "Fixed" the problem, but now the brakes lights stay on, what is the problem?67.188.104.24 (talk) 11:07, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

2. does a car bought by private owner have to have a smog to be put in my name in Alameda County California? not saying to register to drive, just to have in my name? I have the original Pink slip with the signature of the previous owner, but haven't gone to the DMV to put in my name cause I also don't know if it costs anything.

To answer #1, what happened is there is a switch which is attached to the brake pedal that turns the lights on when you push it down. There are two possibilities. The first is that the switch is "sticky" and tends to get jammed in either the "on" or "off" position; when the problem was "fixed", the seller jimmied the switch so it worked for a little while; now it has stuck again only this time it is stuck in the "on" rather than "off" position. The other possibility is that to "fix" the problem, the seller may have just bypassed the broken switch, wireing the brake lights either directly to the battery or wiring them to the taillight switch, so that it doesn't work with the brakes anymore. To answer #2: While it may cost money to get the paperwork in order, it certainly doesn't cost any money to ask the DMV if it costs money. In other words, the best solution is to call the California DMV and ask for clarification. As an aside, a very important lesson to learn from this is that whenever you purchase a car, you should always ask the seller if you may take it to your own mechanic to get it checked out before you buy it. It's not always in the seller's best interest to reveal all of the car's problems or to fix them for you, so a neutral mechanic is the best option. If the mechanic finds anything wrong with the car, or if the seller balks at the idea, just don't buy the car. --Jayron32 15:32, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

2) You will likely need to pay state sales tax when you transfer the title, which could be quite a bit, typically based on the purchase price or fair market value, whichever is highest. But it may well be illegal to drive it otherwise, and renewing the registration will be impossible, and it might also be difficult to get insurance. I don't know if an emissions (smog) test is required in your location, so I won't comment on that. StuRat (talk) 17:01, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Too late, my GF just HAD to have the car, this was about a year ago. My phone is dead, can't call out, that is why I asked... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.188.104.24 (talk) 21:11, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Honestly, the brake light switch is usually an easy fix. If you don't want to do it yourself, a garage will do it for not much money. It shouldn't put you out more than a hundred dollars or so. I had a situation where mine did the exact same thing (the brake lights wouldn't turn off). I mickey-moused the switch until I could get it to the mechanic, and IIRC, the cost of the labor to put the switch in was more expensive than the switch, and the whole job probably didn't cost me more than a c-note. That being said, my car is a Ford, and a Bimmer may be more expensive to fix. But probably not too much more. --Jayron32 21:20, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

is paybox real.Please explain to me —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.221.209.6 (talk) 14:10, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is real. But is it OK? Remember one of the golden anti-scam rules "If it seems too good to be true it probably is!" There many other perfectly good companies to choose from. Having said that there is some comment here [6]. Richard Avery (talk) 14:30, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Here's a post from someone with some evidence that it is a scam: [7]. StuRat (talk) 15:10, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Has anyone got any novel ideas about expressing disapproval about the way Paypal has entered the political scene by blocking payments into Wikileaks(no connection with Wikipedia and associates) Caesar's Daddy (talk) 14:21, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In all truth they probably had little choice in the matter; they probably received a polite visit from someone at the FBI who explained that if they continued to serve as a courier for Wikileaks' funding, they'd get their assets frozen under some anti-terrorism law or something like that, or at least be held partially liable for whatever Wikileaks did with the money. --Mr.98 (talk) 14:48, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In this article on the Huffington Post, a PayPal VP indicated that it was indeed because of some sort of indirect pressure from the US State Department. Comet Tuttle (talk) 17:55, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

:See Operation Payback#Operation Avenge Assange which is expressing disapproval in Denial-of-service attacks. Paypal is ownwed by eBay, and eBay has 15 000 employees who can't all be happy about yet more Criticism of eBay. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 14:54, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the absence of any good ideas, there is always the option to switch to other providers. List of on-line payment service providers. Are there any missing from this list -does anybody know?--Aspro (talk) 14:56, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't use, and don't even know, almost none of the alternative providers (excluding Moneybookers). If I want to donate money to something, Paypal, Visa and Mastercard are still the most common choices. Equally they still need to receive the money on the other end. For that, they still need a Visa, Mastercard or at least bank account. Mr.K. (talk) 12:45, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

People say that they are dangerous, is there any proof that they are, or is it all histeria?--Accdude92 (talk to me!) 16:59, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is this it: piercing gun? Bus stop (talk) 17:01, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

YesAccdude92 (talk) 17:06, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

OK. Just wanted to confirm. Bus stop (talk) 17:07, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And a little comment on proof versus common sense: In a case like this, where piercing the skin is done with a non-sterile object, we really don't need to wait for a double-blind study to be done with 1100 subjects in order to determine that there's a risk of infection, it's obvious. StuRat (talk) 17:12, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ok that part I understand, but what about the theory that it causes more trauma? Is that proven?Accdude92 (talk) 17:13, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've used both,and there seems to be no difference.However,the gun is touted as being easy for anyone to use and the skill of the operator may come into it.Also studs do not allow for easy cleaning the way a sleeper or ring does so infection could be a problem caused by poor aftercare not initial trauma.Hotclaws (talk) 00:47, 9 December 2010 (UTC).[reply]

A lot of intersections and highway rest stops have multiple gas stations. How are some stations able to charge 20 to 30 cents more for each gallon of gas than a station 100 to 200 feet away? I realize many people have gas credit cards and there is strong brand loyalty, but are there other factors involved? Hemoroid Agastordoff (talk) 17:35, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It has never made much sense to me either. One possibility, for which I have absolutely no proof, is that the gasoline distributors may be directly setting the price for an entire region (or the price before local taxes and fees, anyway). If that were the case, the individual station operator may have little or no flexibility to respond to price fluctuations in their immediate surroundings. How likely this is probably varies by station and brand. Some brands actually own many of their filling stations directly, and would be in a position to enforce broad regional pricing policies if they wanted to. Other stations are managed via franchising and would be expected to have more local control. And yet other stations are completely independent operators who don't have a commitment with any specific supplier, and could presumably set any price they wanted. Anyway, I should emphasize that this is merely my speculation. I don't really know why should price discrepancies occur. Dragons flight (talk) 17:50, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A major reason is how convenient it is for the driver to get to the gas station. If the driver has a choice between simply taking a right (in the US) into gas station A versus having to make a U-turn onto a narrow street before being able to enter gas station B, then the drivers can be treated by segments: (1) Those who don't look at the competing prices, and will automatically choose gas station A because it's convenient to get to; (2) those who will choose the inconvenience of the U-turn if gas station B is even 1 cent cheaper; (3) those who will only take the U-turn if gas station B is 10 cents cheaper; etc. Why We Buy is a book I recommend that discusses this type of phenomenon. The importance of convenient access is also why there can be a trillion Starbucks stores all within a block of each other. Comet Tuttle (talk) 17:52, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I live in the UK and get e-mail alerts frpm PetrolPrices to let me know how much each petrol station is charging. 92.30.231.73 (talk) 19:21, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Not directly related, but one thing that this reminded me of is the economics of gas stations in general. I have heard on several different radio stories and programs that gasoline is essentially a loss leader. The gas station only really makes enough money to stay open and operate by selling you water at $1.79 per 20 ounce bottle. Over the past 50 years or so, the price of gasoline has not kept up with the costs of operating the store; especially because the companies that sell the gasoline to the gas stations take a greater proportion of the sale cost, to the point where the gas station makes essentially nothing on gasoline. It is actually worse in "name brand" stores, where the gas station owner has to pay franchise fees for the right place BP or Exxon on his store sign; especially when the generic "Bob's Gas and Guzzle" down the street gets his gasoline from the same supplier. The gas station often pays the extra fees because the name recognition gets more foot traffic in his store, as do customer loyalty credit cards and stuff like that. More customers means more outrageously priced water (and other products) is sold, and as noted, that's the only way the stores make money. --Jayron32 19:22, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

My understanding is that gas stations are actually a varied set of businesses. Some use gas as a loss leader to attract customers to their profitable convenience store and sell gas slightly below cost. These prices may be especially low when a competitor is very close by. Others set the price so that they make a small margin on gasoline and hope to make money from their convenience store or their auto repair and maintenance services. Those looking for convenience-store traffic cannot set their price much above those of nearby competitors. A third category of gas stations set gas prices that allow them to make a small profit on each sale of gasoline and/or to actively discourage customers who just want gas. This third category is almost invariably primarily a mechanic (car-repair and -maintenance) shop that also offers gas to customers who are there to spend $400 on a repair and don't care that a fill-up will cost them $40 instead of $35. Another variant is a gas station in an area where affluent people live or work. These gas stations charge higher prices, but they have attendants who pump the gas (so that the driver doesn't have to), and they invariably check the oil, clean the windows, and perhaps check tire pressure. There are people who make enough money that they don't mind paying 30 cents more per gallon to get this kind of service. When you see a big price difference between neighboring gas stations, the one with the higher price has a different business model than the one with the lower price. Marco polo (talk) 20:14, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Of course, you'll note that the vast majority of your models aren't based on selling gasoline as the primary commodity. Either they get you to pay the premium on the more expensive gasoline because you're already stuck their patronizing their primary business (and thus gasoline is a suplemental, and not primary, source of revenue) OR they are selling something like "convenience and service", such as the VERY RARE full service station whereby the little carhop comes out and fills your tank, checks the oil, cleans the windshield, etc. In that case, what you are paying for is the service, again it isn't the gasoline, because if all you wanted was gas, you'd save the thirty cents and go down the road. What you never find anymore is a straight gas station, which just sells you gas. That's because its quite impossible to make enough money at it to make it worth it. Edging the price up a few cents per gallon may offset the loss on gasoline, but this small increase in revenue is unlikely to overcome the operating costs of running the business. If you try to build a gasoline-only station anywhere, you have to set the price so high that the competitors that are also selling another service, such as a convenience store, can easily poach enough business to keep you from making any real profit from your station. --Jayron32 20:45, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think that there are many gas stations left in the United States whose main source of revenue is gas sales. The main exception might be the gas stations in rest areas along major long-distance superhighways. These rest areas typically have convenience stores more or less separate from the gas station. The gas station is able to make money on gas because there is no competition close by, so prices are higher than at other gas stations in the region, but drivers will pay those prices rather than exit the superhighway and have to navigate unfamiliar roads. The combination of modest margins on gas sales and high volume would make these businesses viable based on gas sales alone. Marco polo (talk) 21:32, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Also, those gas stations are generally run by the Turnpike Authority (or equivalent) themselves. That is, those types of gas stations are built on private toll roads, and are owned by the organization that runs the toll road. That creates a very different set of circumstances. It should also be noted that, in those cases, the convenience store and the restaurant and the garage at the "rest area" are all still owned by the same owner (the Turnpike Authority) so they still aren't being run as a stand-alone gas station. Your point is valid, about them being able to charge higher prices because of the lack of competition, but it isn't true that such ventures are gasoline-only businesses. In fact, in all my driving along the various highways of America, I have only run into a handful of full-service rest areas (gas and/or restaurant) along free highways. There's one on Rte 128 in Massachusetts; but that is managed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority (the people that run the Mass Pike), there's like 3 or 4 on I-95 in Connecticut, but that was once the toll road known as the Connecticut Turnpike, so these are sort of "grandfathered" in. There's 3 or so on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut; these are genuine gas-only ventures which I believe might meet your definition as a gas-only station as part of a rest-area. There's the one on the Hutchinson River Parkway in New York, but that has a convenience store too. That's about it. I think that's because the Interstate Highway Act and related legislation does not allow such "dedicated" commercial rest areas to be built on free interstates. The cases where they exists are on roads that predate the Interstate system, and thus have a sort of "grandfather" status; or the roads aren't interstates at all. --Jayron32 21:47, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think I've ever seen a case where one station charges "20 to 30 cents more for each gallon of gas than a station 100 to 200 feet away", at least not for the same octane and payment type. But, of course, if you're comparing the cash price for 85 octane with the credit card price for 94 octane, that price range would be expected. StuRat (talk) 08:28, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

20 cent difference between nearby stations can occur when it is difficult to get to one of the stations and easy to get to the other. There is a gas station situation near one of my relatives where to get to it you need to cross 3 lanes of traffic, to get to the left turn lane, and then turn across 3 lanes of traffic without a light. They are usually priced 20c lower for the same fuel ocatane as the station across the street since the interstate exit strongly favors the other station. Googlemeister (talk) 15:19, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I have had my heart broken today, it is almost christmas, I am off work from 22/12 to 04/01, I have a budget of £700 including flight and accomodation, where can I go I need to get the hell out of the UK. Any sugestions please help me, I was utterly alone last christmas even though I made plans with people, they stood me up, and I cant handle that situation again, not emotionally especially now that she has left me in pieces, I dont want to see any English people. I looked at couchsurfing but how safe is that really? and anyway I dont think I will be fun to have around for christmas as I am not a happy person right now. The cheapest flight I could find was to Oslo, but even the cheapest hostel is still very expensive, for me. Any ideas people I am begging here! I need help with this, before I am alone in my room for a 3rd christmas running. I cant handle that. Please. ~manly 28yo cries like a little girl —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.3.145.145 (talk) 19:46, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you don't care where you stay, I've had very good experiences with Hotwire finding deeply discounted rooms at the last minute (booking less than less than 24 before check-in). I don't know if it would work well during the holiday period though. One of my friends also had a good experience couchsurfing, but I don't know how consistently one can expect good results with that. Many travel sites will advertise various "deals". Looking through them might give you ideas of where you can fly cheaply. You didn't say where you are starting from in the UK, which probably affects how easily you can get a cheap flight. You might also consider train travel, as that could be cheaper than flying for some routes. I've even heard of people using overnight trains as a substitute for hotels, but you need to plan that carefully in order to make it work well. Dragons flight (talk) 21:55, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Turn up at the SAS desk at Heathrow and say: I haven't much money but can you fly me some where nice please? When they ask And who might you be ? Just answer: Julian Assange You are guaranteed to get a free flight--Aspro (talk) 20:12, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Really helpful....thanks.

Du är välkommen. Ha en trevlig flygning --Aspro (talk) 21:34, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

By the way, "du är välkommen" is horribly literal translation of the idiom "you're welcome". I think "varsågod" is what you meant to say... Gabbe (talk) 07:51, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can get from Watford to Cardiff for £70 return on the train. There are English people in Cardiff, it's true, but there are also Welsh people. Marnanel (talk) 21:42, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It can't cost that much to get to Normandy from England can it? I mean I have heard of people who swam there. Googlemeister (talk) 21:57, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Those who swim from England to France don't usually go to Normandy, but to the Pas de Calais. If the OP wants France on a budget, all the cheap Eurostar deals are probably gone, but you can go on a ferry and then get a train. Where to, though, that will be nice in this weather? Paris, but wrap up very warm. Lille is easy to get to and has its charms. One or more of Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp? Itsmejudith (talk) 23:12, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Much cheaper option: volunteer over Christmas. Charities are always short of people to run Christmas events on the big days; you'd have an iron-clad alibi (who can really criticise you?); you'd get to be around people who speak English, but know absolutely nothing about you and your life except that you're a decent enough person to be there; you'd probably meet a few interesting 'characters' who can be spun into man-of-the-world stories in later conversation; you'd get to feel Christmassy, without the social stress; you'd still have your nestegg to spend on an interesting experience when you feel less crap. Don't waste this trip when you feel so bad: do something to force yourself out of your own thoughts and preoccupations. 86.161.208.185 (talk) 23:31, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I understand the impulse. When I was in my 20s I often found travel therapeutic. The key is to really embrace the travel, to experience the place you are visiting, and to banish from your mind whatever it is that was troubling you. Unfortunately, though, £700 isn't a lot for a 2-week trip. If you minimize your travel cost, you will end up in a neighboring country where the weather is just as dreary as in England this time of year and where everyone around you will be celebrating Christmas, or Noël, or Kertsmis, or whatever. On such a tight budget, this won't be easy, but my advice would be to leave Christendom altogether and go to a country where they don't do Christmas. The cheapest such destination seems to be Istanbul. Per Opodo, you can fly there from London for £335 return. This is almost half your budget, but it rescues you from Christmas. In order to have money for food, you are going to have to stay in a dorm. Wikitravel has some options. You are not going to have a lot of money left for drinking and merriment, but maybe it would be better for you to bring a few books to read, a thick notebook to write in a journal, and to spend your days wandering around one of Europe's most ancient and fascinating cities. Marco polo (talk) 01:40, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

By the way, I just found out that winter weather in Istanbul is not very different from in England. However, it is quite a bit further south, so it will be brighter, a bit less chilly, and less gloomy. But it tends to be cool and rainy, with an occasional light snow. Per the BBC, in a 2-week period at this time of year, you are likely to have about 9 rainy days. Sunlight (i.e. blue sky) averages 3 hours a day. By contrast in London, you would have 7 rainy days but only 1 hour per day of sunlight on average. I still think it would be a good getaway. Marco polo (talk) 01:56, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Seven hundred pounds are a lot of money. Book in advance with an airline like Wizzair. For my part, I think Poland would be very welcoming - Christmas time is quite unique here, and I guarantee that if you book a hostel room in a city like Kraków or Wrocław for this period you're bound to run into some other vagabonds who wanted to get away from things. And trust me, you'll definitely enjoy it. Cheers, Ouro (blah blah) 08:38, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I agree that Kraków and Wrocław are wonderful places. When I visited them several years ago, I found people there very friendly. This would not be a bad choice if you don't mind a different type of Christmas and possibly some quite cold and wintry weather. Marco polo (talk) 15:08, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you really want to escape from the UK and Christmas, try flying to an Arab country. There are cheap flights from the UK to Málaga, Spain. From Málaga you can take a ship to Melilla in the African continent. The whould trip should cost you not more than £200 return. The remaining £500 should be enough to spend some amenable days in Morocco. Trustinchaos (talk) 16:20, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What are some of the genuine online jobs —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.221.209.6 (talk) 21:07, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Depending on how you count job, there is Amazon Mechanical Turk. If you really bust your ass, you might make enough money at that to live on. There are also teachers who teach online courses, and many officeplaces allow telecommuting, whereby you work from a home office, and your primary means of communication with coworkers and clients is online. --Jayron32 21:16, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the UK the Charities Commission regulates charities, and requires regular public reports which are publicly available. Is there an equivalent place where I can get information about charities registered in the ROI? I am looking for financial filings that I cannot find on the charities own website. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.189.106.4 (talk) 21:21, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It looks from this that Ireland is only just getting its act together and setting up a Charities Regulatory Authority. See also this which suggests that they started the work os establishing the Authority in February 2009. (They may not have got very far). At the foot of the first linked page is an address for what enquiries can be made about charities, but it does not cover your need; the Charities Section, Office of the Revenue Commissioners will tell you if an organisation is or is not a charity for tax relief purposes. And that's your lot. --Tagishsimon (talk) 21:33, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's what I feared, thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.189.106.4 (talk) 21:38, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

When preparing sachets of porridge, with skimmed milk, in a microwave oven, I am experiencing a problem. Sometimes, it explodes all over the microwave.

I've tried putting a plate over the bowl, but it just blows the plate off. I've stirred in half-way through.

For info, it's the brand "Oats so simple".

Suggestions please. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.192.157.204 (talk) 22:22, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ask at the horse's mouth manufacturer:Oatso Simple. Email them:quaker.consumer@quaker.co.uk--Aspro (talk) 22:34, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Try splitting the cooking time in three, so you stir at ⅓ and ⅔ of the way through. FWIW, making porridge in a saucepan doesn't take significantly longer than using the microwave. DuncanHill (talk) 22:38, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Apart from using a saucepan (my usual solution, and as easy and quick as the microwave: quicker if you include the 'cleaning the microwave' time), you could try something like Ready Brek where you can just heat up the milk, then add it to the finely-ground oats. Just as tasty. 86.161.208.185 (talk) 22:46, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Great suggestions, thanks, will try those.

If anyone has any other solutions, I will check back. Thanks again, 94.192.157.204 (talk) 22:56, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Last thing at night, put pot of rolled oats at back of hearth and bank up ciders and ash around it. Come the morning you will have lovely smooth oat porridge. This will work with very cheap plain rolled oats, which haven't been pre-steamed by Mr Quaker and re-sold with a hefty mark up. Season with salt. Also, don't and never, use a saucepan. If you must, use a bain-marie. Oh. I'm feeling hungry again. Bon Appétit!--Aspro (talk) 22:57, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

All oats you buy have been pre-steamed - its practically impossible to buy them uncooked. I've tried. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 23:02, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You're not trying hard enough.Feeding Oats. Also, if you add a little linseed oil before putting your head in the nosebag, you will get a lovely shiny coat.--Aspro (talk) 23:31, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Its illegal to sell for human consumption and unhealthy to eat animal feed. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 23:53, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I agree about using a saucepan - in fact I'm sure you'd get a better result buying a large bag of oats rather than a sachet - but otherwise you could try muesli. Avoid muesli that contains sugar or whey, its sickly. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 23:02, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Muesli! What was it, that Harry Lime said in the Third Man? You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace – and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock and Muesli!--Aspro (talk) 23:40, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Harry Lime was a drug dealer - I recall he dealt in fake drugs that killed people - and he was a fictional character. So what does he know? I don't remember Orson Welles saying the "and muesli" bit either - I think you've made that up. 92.29.113.166 (talk) 23:50, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Oh! Maybe that last bit that ended up on the cutting room floor ;-)--Aspro (talk) 01:09, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Fair comments, gratefully received. However; Anything a bit more scientific, or related to the specifics, Sorry if the q. was unclear; Given only a Popty ping, and wishing to cook cheapo lazy packet shite - any ideas on reducing the cleaning bills? Thanks in antic... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.192.157.204 (talk) 01:50, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Microwave on full power until the porridge is near boiling - for my bowl and my microwave that takes about 2 minutes - then microwave on minimum power until ready to eat - about 3 more minutes to get it just the way I like it. I add butter and maple syrup before eating. Oat-so-simple isn't bad but I prefer porridge oats and even the luxury brands will give you a lot more porridge for about the same money. filceolaire (talk) 01:53, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

thanks!

I know there is a martial known as Kick-Boxing, but is there also something called Kick-Wrestling, i just want to know because the other day a friend of mine who is asian and a kung fu practitioner and i were sparring a little he punched my leg and said that i had a hard as steel legs and almost broke his wrist and the other i was also sparring with my mexican friend who used to be a security guard and knew wrestling or lucha libre and i defeated him. so i want to know is there something known as kick-wrestling or something similar. you know something that uses my legs to wrestle someone else.thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.79.129.82 (talk) 23:02, 8 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There are lots of systems of martial arts, literally hundreds of them. Kickboxing is actually a bunch of different martial arts, from Japanese kickboxing to Muay Thai, a martial art from Thailand. There are probably some martial arts which involve some combination of wrestling and kicking. Indeed, Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial art developed in the 1960s combines elements of wrestling with punching and kicking; it has been called by some to be the ancestor of modern MMA. I am not aware of any specific martial art commonly known as "Kick-wrestling" directly, but there may be some. The article List of martial arts is a fairly comprehensive list of worldwide martial arts. You may find what you are looking for there. --Jayron32 02:31, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In grossly general terms, martial arts can be split into two groups: those that involve grappling (wrestling and submissions) and those that involve striking (punching and kicking). Once you combine elements of those two, you're essentially talking about a "mixed" martial art, almost by definition. Matt Deres (talk) 14:32, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I have recently become an uncle, and as we're approaching Christmas I've decided £50 seems a reasonable figure to give to my niece. I'm a first year university student, so I'm quite poor, but it's not every day that I have to spend the money so I think the figure is one I'll most likely stick with. I realise that a child of a few months won't even understand the concept of money, and I don't trust my nieces parents with any money, so I thought of putting the money into some sort of trust fund which matures when the child is of a mature age, 24. I'm wondering what is typical in the UK for such a thing. I have no intention of ever informing my siblings of this, and I shan't ever have children. This is my current plan: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trust_Fund.jpg. Is it approximately a typical arrangement for people in the UK or any other similar developed country? Many thanks, Skippy (talk) 00:10, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you're low on income, and want/need advice on anything like this, my first two ports of call would be my bank and the Citizens' Advice Bureau in my area. They will offer the best free advice you can get, and will help guide you towards paid-for advice if appropriate. I hear trust funds under UK law can get nightmarishly complicated, so I wouldn't trust any more specific advice someone like me could give! 212.183.140.103 (talk) 01:02, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

To answer for the rest of the developed country, Canada has one that's acutally intended for exactly that, at least for helping them pay for schooling. See RESP. Aaronite (talk) 01:07, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In the United States, you could set up a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act account. The money would be hers, but under the control of you or another responsible adult, until she reaches the age of majority in the state in which the account was established. I don't know if the UK has anything like this. John M Baker (talk) 06:26, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The British Government is phasing out its contributions to Child Trust Funds (and they could be claimed by the child at 18, not at 24), but these accounts are still offered by various investment companies. There is some advice here Dbfirs 11:06, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I picked him up while he hitchhiked and dropped him off in Topeka. It was an hours-long drive, so we got to know each other real well. We also became Facebook friends. (He gets on at public libraries.) In fact, we've been messaging each other on there. I can't help him because I'm in a town over 50 miles away, and need to turn in all my assignments for the end of the semester.

The problem is: There are no truck stops within Topeka city limits. The nearest one is at a service area on an island between the Interstate lanes, so he can't hike there as it's against the law to be a pedestrian on the Interstate.

He needs to find a way to Enid, OK, and he doesn't have enough money for a Greyhound Bus ticket from there. The weather's cold this time of year, and it would be one heck of a long hike.

I'm running out of answers; do you have any suggestions that I don't know of? His library closes 9 PM Central, so I'll need to provide him a solution very soon. Please provide ideas as soon as you can. Thanks. --129.130.101.34 (talk) 01:15, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Western Union him the $20-or-so for a Greyhound ticket? Buy the Greyhound ticket online? Haus^Talk 01:30, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The closest Greyhound station to Enid is El Reno, OK and from Topeka tomorrow, it's $64.24 web-only fare. There needs to be another suitable option. He did tell me that he got some free clothes from a Salvation Army or other clothes charity, so he won't freeze whenever he has to hike out in the cold. Still though, if anyone has suggestions on where he can go within Topeka city limits, that can be a suitable, low-cost (or free) starting point to his destination, please post it. --129.130.99.167 (talk) 01:51, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

When I was in my 20s, I hitchhiked, sometimes long distances, in winter. It's not really so bad if you dress for it. In fact, bad weather makes drivers take pity. The truth is, even though it's illegal, I often hitchhiked on interstates. The worst that ever happened was a state cop pulled over and told me to get off the road. However, I usually got picked up before a cop drove by. The key is to have a sign so that drivers know you really want to go somewhere and you aren't out for trouble. It also helps to look like a wholesome college student, so your friend might want to tame any aggressive hair or wardrobe. My recommendation would be a double-sided sign: On one side, write the word "OKLAHOMA" in huge letters. I always used large pieces of corrugated cardboard taken from the sides of boxes. On the other side: ENID. The reason is that people in Kansas can't be expected to know where Enid is. Now the very quickest place to get a ride is 1) on the shoulder of the interstate, and 2) along a straight stretch of the road where drivers can see you from a distance and have plenty of room to stop behind you without negotiating a curve. You want to choose a spot near where a major feeder road enters the interstate so that if a state cop tells you to get off the highway you are near the next-best place to get a ride: 1) On a major road leading onto an interstate as near to the onramp as you can get while standing in a spot where drivers have plenty of time to inspect you, and 2) in a place where drivers have plenty of room to pull over safely to pick you up. Looking at a map of Topeka, the best place to enter the highway to travel south would be the onramp leading from SW Topeka Blvd around the 3900 block onto I-470 (leading to I-335). This onramp is long, straight, and busy enough that your friend could stand there without having to enter the illegal part of the interstate. Thing is, he will probably get someone who is going no further than Emporia or Wichita. If your friend is committed to staying off the interstate, then he has to refuse rides to destinations other than large towns because he is going to have to rely on busy onramps, which exist only in cities and bigger towns. In this case, I would hold out for a ride to at least Wichita. You or your friend should study a map and/or Google satellite view to figure out the best places to stand in Wichita to continue further south. Maybe there is a truckstop there, though most truckers will not accept hitchhikers for insurance liability reasons. From Wichita, try for someone who is going at least as far south as Perry, OK, so that your friend can get out of the car at the exit for US-412, where it should be easy to hitch the short remaining distance to Enid. A few other tips: if a driver seems under the influence of drugs or alcohol, politely decline the ride. If a driver starts making unwelcome sexual comments, explain that you are sorry if you gave the wrong impression but you are not looking for that, and ask him (or her) to let you out of the car immediately. Let me add the disclaimer that your friend uses these tips at his own risk, and that neither I nor Wikipedia advocate any illegal behavior. Marco polo (talk) 02:19, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I took a look at Wichita, and because of its size and its grid pattern, there is no single obvious entry point into the highway system for Oklahoma-bound traffic. However, as good a place as any would be Exit 50 off of I-35. The place to stand would be on E. Kellogg Ave. just before the onramp onto I-35. The advantage of this place is that there are lots of inexpensive motels around where long-distance drivers are likely to spend the night before resuming their journey. The best time to wait for a ride at that location would be at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. There is a hospital about 2 miles (40 minutes walk) west of this point on Kellogg Ave. where your friend could spend the night in a waiting room to stay warm if necessary. Marco polo (talk) 02:58, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Comparsiosns between the Irish National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Queensuni89 (talk • contribs) 05:15, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like a homework question, doesn't it? --Ouro (blah blah) 08:25, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Answered here, where the same question was posted. Ghmyrtle (talk) 13:12, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am in ghana , what genuine online survey job can i get

Short answer, there are no genuine online survey jobs, in Ghana or elsewhere. Beach drifter (talk) 12:50, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

[07:25] <RG> Hi, I need info and documentation to show what chemicals were used on Treasure Island, san francisco california from 1950's to the 1970's. Thanks

[07:25] <RG> my email is <email removed> [07:26] <RG> No, I need this to prove my illnesses incurred back then.... [07:27] <RG> I was there in 1968 and was exposed to them ( agent orange specifically, I am now type i diabetic and have been since I was 35.I need to get proof of exposure..... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.129.5.52 (talk) 13:31, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

According to the Wikipedia article Agent Orange, it was used in the United States in some limited applications until 1978. It does not give any details as to exactly where and when it was used, so I have no idea if it was used on Treasure Island at any time. You would need to contact the relevent agency in California. This may also be the sort of issue where a lawyer would be useful. --Jayron32 13:53, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You should file a Freedom of Information Act request with the US Navy requesting the information about the presence of Agent Orange on the island for the time period in question. It's the best means of getting an authoritative response. This page explains how to make a request to the Navy. They are required by law to respond. This kind of thing is not uncommon for them to process. Filling out a FOIA does not require any specific legal knowledge, but this page from GWU is very helpful. --Mr.98 (talk) 14:58, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I am in ghana , how can i shop online —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.221.209.6 (talk) 15:03, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

First, you will need a credit card, usually a MasterCard or VISA card. Then you would need to find a retailer that delivers to Ghana. I'm not sure if there is a directory. You may have to try retailers by trial and error. According to this chart, Amazon will ship to Ghana, so once you have the credit card, you are ready to go. Marco polo (talk) 16:24, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is there any genuine online research company that i can get a job to do —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.221.209.6 (talk) 15:20, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If there are online research companies, they will want to see evidence of your online research skills before giving you a job. If you have online research skills, you should use them to find such a company. Marco polo (talk) 16:25, 9 December 2010 (UTC)[reply]