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June 15

Is this a coincidence?

The Wii is white. The PS3 is black. The Xbox 360 logo is sorta green. Sega's logo is blue. Atari's logo is mostly red. White. Black. Green, blue, red. Will Sega and Atari make new systems? A 5-way console war would be sweet.--Paraguayan1 00:19, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The colour thing is not a coincidence so much as an emergent feature of an oligopolistic market in which there is little to differentiate vendors. Who knows if Sega or Atari will produce consoles? Very doubtful. And a 5-way console war might not be sweet if games vendors don't want to face the extra costs of developing for all of the platforms. --Tagishsimon (talk)

Console makers want their system to look cool. Colors are a by product, by the end of their life span most consoles are made in at least a few different colors (the only exception I know to this in the time since PSX is the xbox). And no, Sega won't- the dreamcast killed what little hardware ability they had left, Atari is dead, and 5 major consoles at the same time would be horrible for the consumers, since you'd have to purchase at least two or three consoles to play a decent number of games, instead of just one. -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 01:02, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Both Sega and Atari used to make consoles - but gave up when they found they could make more money selling games than selling consoles. The problem with being a console manufacturer is that you need lots of cash in the bank before you start. Almost all video consoles cost more to make than their sales price - so every time someone buys a console, the manufacturer loses money. The way to make money on the deal is to license the technology for writing games for that console to other companies. So when you buy a game, part of the money that the game manufacturer makes gets kicked back to the console vendor. It's a delicate balance though - if you sell too many consoles - but not enough games for each one - you can lose money even though you are shipping tons of consoles. In the case of Sega, they found they could sell just as many games on someone else's console as on their own - and by supporting several other consoles they could sell games to a wider range of people. I don't see anything in the market for consoles that's changed enough to make that decision something they'd think about reversing. So, no - I doubt very much that we'll see another console manufacturer pop up in the next hardware cycle. To the contrary - I think it's quite possible that Sony will drop out...but that's just speculation. SteveBaker 19:21, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Driving from London UK to Bangkok Thailand

Which would be the safest countrys to travel through and what visas would we require.

I tried searching for answers for you, but who knew that "asian road trip" is a phrase used by so many pornographers? Anchoress 03:09, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Once into Asia, your choices would seem to be Russia-China-Thailand, or some combination involving Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Burma. The first option strikes me as the safer bet, but I'm just guessing. Pfly 04:32, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You could probably do Russia-Mongolia-China, but perhaps the toughest part would be getting from China to Bangkok. This page indicates the best bet might be to cross into Vietnam, take the main highway south to near Dong Ha, then cut west across Laos and cross the Mekong at Savannakhet. But the U.S. State Department warns that the area near the Laos-Thailand border is dangerous. -- Mwalcoff 04:55, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Well, stay out of Burma and Afghanistan at all costs (Burma probably wouldn't let you in)...there are probably few good roads in Afghanistan anyway. Waziristan and FATA in Pakistan are very dangerous. I would also recommend avoiding Southern Thailand due to the South Thailand insurgency. Neutrality^talk 06:06, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have to drive, sailing around South Africa has worked for centuries :) HS7 14:33, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Google

Is anybody else having trouble getting to Google? My browser keeps saying its loading but it won't come up.--71.185.138.232 03:02, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Works fine for me -- maybe it's your ISP or browser. --Haemo 03:04, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Google and gmail didn't work for me awhile ago either, though wikipedia worked fine --⁪froth^t 06:48, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

If you have no look with google.com, try google.net, google.co.uk or google.com.au. Neil ╦ 09:24, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Showering

When I took a shower today I noticed that my left hand was really red, and when I lifted it up to look at it it got normal again after a few seconds. I tried letting it hang and lifting it again and it did the same thing. Is this normal or is there likely something wrong with me. (btw I know Wikipedia doesn't give medical advice, but I'd like a response and I won't take it lke a doctor's advice please)--71.185.138.232 04:08, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's probably just blood rushing to your hand. In a hot shower, your body temperature rises, which can give your skin a reddish, or ruddy hue. --Haemo 04:10, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's not just the heat, I get that a lot any time :( It gets a lot worse if you are in a situation where that happens for a long time, so have quicker showers :) Try raising your blood pressure :] HS7 14:31, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Rudi Bhaktiar?

Does she still work at Fox News? I haven't seen her in a while ...

Yes, see Rudi Bakhtiar. Neutrality^talk 06:13, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Redirect created. The ref desk is awesome for highlighting these. Neil ╦ 09:20, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Where on Wikipedia can i have a discussion

it says on talk pages 'this is not the place for a general discussion on the topic'. and on the page saying 'what wikipedia is not', it says it isnt a discussion forum. My question is, is there anywhere on wikipedia where i could have a general discussion with people about an issue? what i have in mind is a discussion about a unique form/system of government and elections i have come up with. id like to explain it, and see what flaws people think it may have. im sure there are plenty of online politics discussion forums, but i would prefer it to be on wikipedia. Willy turner 07:28, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

No. Wikipedia is not a forum. It is an encyclopedia. If you want to talk about politics, googles "politics forum", I imagine there's a dozen (read: gazillion) out there -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 17:15, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Well, you've already seen WP:NOT, and that states clearly enough that we are only trying to build an encyclopedia. Wikipedia makes a poor discussion group anyway, because of edit conflicts and the fact that every version of every page needs to be archived. I'm sure you'll be able to find a suitable group elsewhere.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 08:35, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

thats a pity. Shantavira if thats a photo of you on your userpage; A. your cat looks hilarious, and B. you appear to be a Bond villain. Willy turner 09:07, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

*cough* *splutter* *giggle* Neil ╦ 09:21, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You owe me a new keyboard. 213.48.15.234 12:32, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry Shantavira, but I lol'd -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION!

Justin Pitt? -- Jreferee ^(Talk) 01:49, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You're a year too late: Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/Wikipedia:Esperanza --⁪froth^t 13:46, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

There are thousands of places on the internet to talk about politics and general questions. Wikipedia just isn't one of them. --24.147.86.187 14:34, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Willy, what I'd do is start a blog (free space!), expound the idea in a series of posts there, and invite comments. —Tamfang 02:22, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

what happens when there is a lightning in the ocean

hi this is venkat. i wanna know what happens when lightning falls on the ocean. do d fishes die?. though it may b a silly question but im ignorant abt it.

I've always wanted to know if birds in the air get hit by lightning, and if it does them any harm. Perhaps they just don't fly during storms. Bielle 14:02, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's a very good question. In theory, it seems lightning can (see here) kill fish, but it depends on a number of factors. iames 14:23, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I doubt that a bird would get struck (unless they just happen to be near a strike when it hits) for a couple reasons. First, electricy takes the path of least resistance. Going through the air would seem to be much less resistance than going through a bird. Second, the bird isn't grounded to anything so the electricy wouldn't go to ground any easier through the bird than through the air. Though, I have no sources to back this up at this time. Dismas|^(talk) 18:27, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

While I agree with most of your post, I think you'd find a bird to be much more conductive than plain (not ionized) air, for the same reason that you can put your finger *near* an electric socket with no problem, but should avoid putting your fingers *in* those sockets. --TotoBaggins 20:34, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

See Lightning strikes fish, predators eat rotten meat, Everest scrapes stratosphere. -- Jreferee ^(Talk) 01:52, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

doubt abt d metals and non-metals!!!!!!

hey tell me if there is any non-metallic conductor and a metallic insulator. seems 2 b contradictory!!!!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Coolvenky cit (talk • contribs)

There are certainly non-metallic conductors - graphite is an example. Not sure if there are any metallic insulators though. See our articles on conductor and electrical conduction for more details. Gandalf61 11:21, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yes there are metallic insulators: grey tin is an example. The metallic chemical elements - "metals" - are not necessarily metallic in all their solid phases; rather, they may be metallic in some phase(s) and semiconductor / dielectric in other phase(s). Only a few metallic elements have only one known solid phase; a majority of metallic elements have a number of solid phases, each phase being stable under different (pressure, temperature) conditions. A crystalline solid is "metallic" when there is a considerable number of charge carriers (usually at least 10²⁰ per cm³, sometimes much more) in the conductivity band, and non-metallic otherwise. The band structure depends on the element and on the parameters of the crystal lattice. The lattice parameters change between phases. Hope this helps. Dr_Dima.

its easier to think of of non-metal conductors. some everyday things are graphite (the stuff in your pencil), water with ions in it (sea water, apple juice, urine...) 209.53.180.75 19:52, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

What about that stuff you get under very high pressures when all the atoms fall apart, or something, is'nt that metallic :) HS7 14:26, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Income Support

Hello,

I am a teenager living in the UK. My mum gets income support and is a lone parent. If I get a job (I am 16) will it compromise her income support.—Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.13.149.21 (talk • contribs)

That depends on a number of factors, especially how much you earn. As a family, however, you are likely to be much better off by getting a job. You local Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to provide you with more details.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 13:50, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The idea of income support is to help people who are unable to support themselves. If you are able to get a job and make enough money to get off income support (or recieve less), you are obligated to by law and moraly. Also, you will probably find that it's much better for you in the long run. The earlier you can get an "OK" job and get some experience, the earlier you will be able to get a great job. 209.53.180.75 19:47, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

chat room question

Hi, was in a poker chatroom and someone used

??????????????????///

as expression several times, what does the / represent, seen it a few times!

thanks.

My guess is that they didn't mean to type it, since the / is on the same key as the ?. Looks like a typo to me. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 16:43, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I would guess it's like the "!!!!!!111" joke. Marnanel 16:56, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Or rather, the !!!1112three3 joke ;)--GTPoompt (talk) 16:58, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Profile song

Does anyone have any idea what this person's profile song is, and who it is by? The table on MySpace that normally shows it is hidden in this person's profile. Thank you. 86.145.105.23 18:00, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

How do you listen to it? I went to the page but nothing played. Anchoress 02:21, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You could message the person and ask them, though by the looks of it he's a myspace whore who probably wont answer. --203.51.147.217 05:39, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm, I suppose. It's supposed to play automatically play, Anchoress. ): Thanks anyway 86.148.185.67 10:46, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It is 'Good Girl' by 'Ima Robot'. If you have firefox (it is an internet browser, i highly recommend you use it) and you click view > page style >no style, a persons profile will return to a standard format and the song file will become unhidden. RobertsZ 14:09, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

grand theft auto san andreas

hello. i installed the game grand theft auto san andreas in my pc. and i started the game. the title page displayed correctly but then it stops there and then nothing happens for w few minutes. then the the game ends and the desktop comes into view. a window says that the game has experienced some trouble and needs to close. before i can see the details the window vanishes. whats happening. can somebody please help me. i bought this game at a heavy price and i am driven crazy by its malfunctioning. please help me. thank u.

Heavy price? It's two years old, but dunno. Check video card/sound drivers, and try reinstalling DirectX. Specifics would help. Splintercellguy 19:20, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You've mention virtually no details about your PC so it's difficult to offer any help. Try what splinter said & also make sure you have the latest patches for the game. Failing that, you can either ask for help again on wikipedia (probably in the computing reference desk tho) or it might be better to contact either the publisher or use the many forums that exist for the game Nil Einne 16:05, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Households In the United States

How many households are there in the United States? How many of these households own at least one computer?

The first hit on a web search for "households United States own computer" says 113,126,000 and 69,912,000, respectively. --TotoBaggins 20:39, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Mysterious Flag

Can anyone identify this flag? Thanks, Яussiaп F 20:22, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Allowing for colour distortion, the most likely seems to be Jordan with a wedge, stripes with the right sort of colour relationships, and a spot of some kind on the wedge. Other candidates could be Western Sahara, Palestineor São Tomé and Príncipe. SaundersW 21:11, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You may want to see our article Gallery of flags with triangles; the flag of South Yemen resembles it, but that hasn't been in use for many years. The flag of SPLA/M (Image:Flag of the SPLAM.svg) could look like that if the image was drained of all red, but you'd be unlikely to see that outside of Sudan. I think Jordan or ST&P are most likely, albeit with some seriously screwed up colours (however, it's possible that they are in fact the correct colours and this is some obscure flag, as they closely resemble the pan-African colours). Laïka 22:02, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Using the Flag Identifier, I'd concur that it is most likely Jordan. -- Mwalcoff 22:03, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Could it be a really old flag for a country that doesn't exist any more :? What I see in the picture doesn't seem to much resemble any of these suggestions, but maybe I'm looking at it wrong :( Also is it just me, or does it look like a bit of an old painting :) HS7 14:20, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

US National

Who is a US National? To apply for a job with the Transportation Security Administration, the requirements are be a US Citizen or a US National. sophietuffySophietuffy 22:35, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The IRS defines a US National as "An individual who owes his sole allegiance to the United States, including all U.S. citizens, and including some individuals who are not U.S. citizens."[1] Basically, it's like being a US citizen, but it also counts if you live in an unincorporated territory of the US, such as American Samoa or the Northern Mariana Islands. Laïka 23:07, 15 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Does that mean that a dual citizen is not a US National? Nil Einne 16:03, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

See United States nationality law. Neutrality^talk 06:37, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

June 16

Mario songs

How many and which mario songs are based on each other? I know of two: the "ba da baduba pa! bodu ba ba bi da da!" and "bo do bo do do! bo do du do! do!"--Paraguayan1 00:20, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

In Super Mario World, all the songs are based on the same theme. But most of the games are based on the theme you mentioned. Doppelganger 02:05, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Criminal charges (USA)

If in the course of a criminal investigation, law enforcement decides not to press charges for a crime committed, what does it become? If the wronged party wants to press charges anyway does it still carry a possible criminal sentence, or does it become a civil matter? And how long before the crime disappears into the mists of time and the wronged party can no longer file a lawsuit? --⁪froth^t 03:16, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The answer to all of those questions probably varies from state to state—many people from other countries are utterly gobsmacked to learn that each state in the Union has its own criminal laws. The answer to the last question depends on what ever local statute of limitations happens to be in effect. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 03:47, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

OK, that wikilink was just what I needed to find that there is no statute of limitations for felonies in my state. I guess that elusive peace-of-mind will never be mine :/ --⁪froth^t 04:37, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I think some places permit private prosecutors to pursue criminal charges where public prosecutors choose not to. On a different note, I never understood why someone who committed a felony wouldn't just move to another country. They always stay put -- usually in mom's house -- like nothing's wrong, and then WAMO!, they're caught and it's on TV. Per extradition, the United States lacks extradition treaties with over fifty nations. I just don't understand why the crooks don't move. -- Jreferee ^(Talk) 17:51, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Trying to cross borders is a good way to get caught. Also, many criminals lack the funds to move to another country. (Those convenience store robberies often yield just a few dollars.) StuRat 06:09, 19 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Most criminals are not very smart - that's why they're criminals. SteveBaker 18:39, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Many famous criminals are really smart however.--71.175.128.187 22:24, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

But most criminals aren't famous either. SteveBaker 00:51, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

And the smartest ones aren't famous. Clarityfiend 01:35, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

A few are. Lacenaire was one of the worlds cleverest criminals and he got caught, because he got angry with a colleague after he ran away and locked the door during a crime.

Snooker balls

What are snooker/pool/billiard balls made from? Redl@nds597198 03:42, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Our article on billiard balls has the answer to your question (various plastics, including phenolic resins and polyesters) and links to a number of manufacturers' web sites. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 03:52, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Old billiard balls were made of ivory. SteveBaker 18:36, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Farming

How can I become a farmer?--71.175.128.187 04:03, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Buy or lease some land that's suitable for growing crops, buy or lease the equipment you need, and buy the seed, trees, plants, etc. you want to farm, making sure that what you intend to produce can actually be grown on the land you're farming on. (Don't expect to grow peanuts in central Alberta or spelt in Georgia, at least not economically.) Check with a lawyer for legal requirements in your part of the world. --Charlene 04:19, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

See also: Farmer and Agriculture (farming). Regards Dep. Garcia ( Talk + | Help Desk | Complaints ) 09:24, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I must disagree with Charlene. The first and most crucial step is to learn how to farm. Without knowing that, buying land and equipment is a poor investment and a prelude to failure. The best way to learn to farm is to work on a farm. In many areas of the United States (where you appear to be located), you can volunteer to work on farms, particularly farms involved in community-supported agriculture. With a little experience, you can work as a hired hand, if you can find a farm successful enough to need one. It might also help to take some agriculture courses at a land-grant university, such The Pennsylvania State University. If you are interested in organic or sustainable farming, you might consider attending workshops at the upcoming summer conference of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (for info, use this link) or one of these workshops in Pennsylvania. Finally, once you have learned the ropes, you may be interested in leasing or purchasing a farm. Marco polo 00:57, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently Aberystwyth university is good if you want to study agriculture.

As are Texas A&M and Michigan State. StuRat 06:28, 19 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Drinking games

Hi, I read the Drinking game article, but it seems to be a lot different from what people play in Korea. In Korea, the objective isn't to drink more, but to avoid drinking! Well, maybe not, but the drinking is the penalty, not the objective. Is there a separate term for such games?

An example: "369": People sit in a circle, and the turns go anti-clockwise, as in all Korean games. People take turns to say numbers starting from 1, but when numbers that are a multiple of 3 should be said, the person should clap instead of saying a number. Any error results in drinking..

A variant is "Go Back Jump". When a number is either a multiple of 3 or a number containing 3 (such as 3, 13 or 31) then that person says one of "go", "back" or "jump". If that person says go, the play continues in the same direction. (If a person said go after 2, then the person on his left says 4.) If the person said "back" after 2, then the rotation goes in the other direction, so that the person who said 2 has to say 4, and the person who said 1 has to say 5. In that case, the person to the right of the starting player (who shouldn't say 6, because it's a multiple of 3) should say either go, back or jump. People who make mistakes all have to drink a glass of beer (or something similar.) When someone says jump, a person is skipped.

Do people play these sort of games, where the penalty is to drink? --Kjoonlee 08:56, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yes; just see Buffalo (drinking game), Zoom schwartz profigliano and Bizz buzz. Laïka 09:39, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yes; the idea you describe is more like how I think of drinking games - the article isn't very clear on that. I find it interesting that the Korean game you describe is almost identical to 21 (drinking game), although the article there is again quite confusing as everyone has added their own local rule variations. PeteVerdon 07:33, 19 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Geez games involving numbers with drinking as the penalty would have me blind drunk by the end of it... --124.180.37.239 13:13, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I rather suspect that that's the idea :-) PeteVerdon 07:26, 19 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

aromatherapy & carcinogens

In your information on essential oils you state "The smoke from burning essential oils may contain potential carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)." I was wondering about a couple of things. Firstly, which exact essential oils are potential carcinogens. Secondly, is it only the burning of the essential oil that can make it carcinogenic, or can this still happen when the oil is simply heated to a temperature of no more than 80 degrees; that is warmed, not burned? If you don't know the answers, do you know where I could look to find them?

Thanks for your helpDeb770 12:45, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It seems burning anything releases potential carcinogens. However, perhaps the Science Reference Desk would be a better place to ask this question (but maybe leave out the bit about aromatherapy). --jjron 15:15, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Burning carbon-based items (even if you eat charred food) contains carcinogens, according to a study. It's not a huge amount, but it's there. Therefore, burning oils would contain carcinogens as well, but I don't think warming it would create it. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 20:21, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

enquiry for king air C 90 aircraft in australia

respected sir,

I am capt.santhosh kumar from india (chennai). presently am a CFI with 3050 hours of flying experience.

i would like to get endorsement on beech craft duchess king air C 90 from any flying club in Australia. i couldnt find a club with C 90 wher i could get my endorsement.so i kindly request you to send me the list of flying clubs in australia that has king air C 90. i would be greatful to you for the same.

awaiting your reply at the earliest.

regards CAPT. SANTHOSH KUMAR Removed email to prevent spamming Bielle 14:59, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps a good place to look is the CASA website, especially the aircraft register page where you can do a search of where these aircraft are registered. --jjron 15:09, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

American States and forgetting them

What is the most frequently forgotten US state? 81.93.102.185 15:23, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The State of forgetfulness ?90.4.252.193 15:30, 16 June 2007 (UTC)DT[reply]

Probably Australia Nil Einne 16:02, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Would it be the 51st state? Seriously, I'm amazed how many people, even Americans, think there are 51 (or 52) states, and will argue that there were 50 before either Hawaii, or depending on the argument Hawaii and Alaska, became states. Now surely the challenge for all these people would be to name all the states, given that at least one doesn't exist. (BTW I'm sticking to the argument that Australia is not the 51st state!). --jjron 16:14, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I doubt there's an answer to the question, however Wyoming doesn't actually exist. Seriously, ask any American if they know someone who lives in Wyoming or claims to have ever been to Wyoming that isn't messed up in the head. I promise you, it's a work of fiction -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 17:04, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Speaking as a Brit, I always forget Nebraska. It's like Nevada except... it's not. Laïka 17:43, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, Dick Cheney was a Congressman from Wyoming. :) Corvus cornix 02:02, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Wyoming is know for its hunting. Montana is where you can hide (e.g. Unabomber) because their records generally are not electronic; good hunting, too. Nebraska is known as being the drive through state 'cause you gotta drive through it to go between Colorado and Chicago; its also known for farming. South Dakota has Mount Rushmore. I'm not sure what North Dakota has, but I think it's more poplar than South Dakota except when Mount Rushmore is mentioned (e.g., when they mention "Mount Rushmore" its is usually followed by "its in South Dakota", giving the lower Dakota a plug.) If you are looking for the really unknown parts of the United States, check out Unincorporated unorganized territories. -- Jreferee ^(Talk) 18:08, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Would Texas be the one we would most like to be able to forget ?86.197.146.91 14:27, 17 June 2007 (UTC)Dt[reply]

Definitely the most forgotten US state is Franklin (historic U.S. state) which existed 1784-`790. They organized as a state and functioned as a state, petitioned to be admitted to the Union, and got the votes of 7 states, but failed to get the required 2/3 majority. Edison 18:36, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

After the vote, did they say "Franklin, my dear, I don't give a damn."? Clarityfiend 19:54, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I live in Vermont and have heard "What state is that in?" more than once. (And I have been to Wyoming) Dismas|^(talk) 22:02, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I personally always forget New Hampshire and Delaware JoshHolloway 22:13, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Definately wisconsin. They don't really have any major cities, so you never hear somewhere, Wisconsin. --⁪froth^t 01:48, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Um, Milwaukee? Anyway, I'd have to say Vermont, New Hampshire or Delaware. I'd think Wyoming is known for its cowboys, mountains and skiing. But "Wyoming" actually gets fewer Google hits than any of those little states, and "North Dakota" and "South Dakota" get fewer hits still. -- Mwalcoff 03:45, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Looking at a blank map of the states, few people, in my experience, can name them all. The ones that seem to be most often confused depend on where the person guessing is from, although even a person from Arkansas once told me that Arkansas is the most overlooked and ignored state. Pfly 05:29, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You have a point here. When given a map like that, I generally get all the "square states", those in the midwest that are square or rectangular in shape, mixed up. Dismas|^(talk) 14:35, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

What about Rhode Island - I always thought that was a chicken 'cos my Dad used to breed them in England during the second world war?

New Mexico magazine runs a regular feature called "One of our 50 states is missing", in which they report on American visitors, potential tourists, etc., who seem to believe that New Mexico is part of Mexico. Corvus cornix 02:02, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

That reminds me of a telephone operator, who responded to a request for a number in Taos, New Mexico with "I'm sorry sir, you'll need the International Operator for numbers in Mexico". StuRat 06:38, 19 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

People from New Mexico who tried to get tickets for the Olympic Games, one of the times they were in the US, encountered similar troubles. —Tamfang 04:40, 20 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Academic Degrees by Exam/Thesis in USA

Are there any:

1) Academic programs

2) In the United States

3) Accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the US Department of Education

4) Which grant degress on any of (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral) level.

5) And grant this degree either wholly or substantially based upon test scores and/or submitted theses/projects (with or without defense before faculty.), rather than attending and passing a certain set of courses and fulfilling other requirements.

I.e. I'm looking to see if there are any "legit", non-diploma mill schools which will grant a degree to someone who applies, shows up, sits for exams, and produces a thesis or research paper.

Bakaneko 22:16, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I hope not. Attending a university is a lot more than assimilating knowledge to pass a test. It's about learning to study and soaking up the habits of absorbing information. From the point of view of prospective employers - nobody should give you a job on the basis of a certificate of some knowledge gained - what is needed it proof that you've learned how to learn and that you can be expected to continue to learn as your job changes. I would be very reluctant to give a job that demanded a degree so someone who just sat down and aced the test. SteveBaker 00:47, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You could have a look through Category:Distance education institutions - I can see some US institutions listed there. Unfortunately, I have minimal understanding of accreditation in the US so I can't advise further.--A bit iffy 12:46, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Buffalo, the drinking game

How common is it to meet a buffalo player? like, lets say there were 10 people, how many of those 10 people will most likely be buffalo members/players? Also, can buffalo be played with non-alcoholic drinks? -Dixie48 23:17, 16 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Obviously you can play drinking games with non-alcoholic drinks - but the general point is that these usually rather mindless, boring games get a lot more fun as the drinking makes people more and more stupid and less and less able to play them accurately. In almost every drinking game, the worse you play, the more the game has you drinking - so some people get very very drunk! I have no clue how many people know the game 'Buffalo' - I don't (well, except that I just read the article) - but then I'm British and we have different (but just as silly) drinking games than Americans. Boat race (game) and yard of ale were the most popular when I was in college. So a strong regional bias is likely. Boat race is a classic example of why this gets silly - and it can be a lot of fun if you are playing it with about 30 people - a bunch of Rugby football players from two opposing teams after the match would be stereotypical boat racers! In the house rules we played, two rows of people sit opposite each other at a long table with a full pint of beer each. You yell "ready-steady-go!" and the two people at one end of the table have to down the beer and turn the empty glass upside down on their heads...as soon as each person does that, the person sitting next to them does the same thing - and so on down the row of people until the last person finishes with the glass on their head...a simple race between two teams. What makes it 'interesting' (mostly to very drunk people) is that in one's haste to down the beer so that your team can win - it's common for the more drunk people to fail to completely empty their glasses - resulting in a lot of wet contestants smelling more of beer than they otherwise would! In fact, I've seen the team who are behind simply give up drinking the beer at all and just tipping a full pint of beer over their heads in order to catch up...this appears to be a perfectly legal tactic (although the resulting mess will get you kicked out of many pubs!) Sure you can play that game without alcohol - but if people are merely careful to empty their glasses - the game is a lot less funny. As for yard of ale drinking - I once worked with a guy who was a champion yard drinker - he could empty one of those things into his stomach in under 10 seconds(!) - and I can tell you, that takes skill - I couldn't do it in under two minutes *and* I got soaked with beer in the process! I once filled his yard glass with water and timed how fast I could pour it down a sink - and I couldn't do it in under 15 seconds...there is technique in twisting the glass so the liquid spirals out smoothely rather than 'glugging' out unevenly. Anyway - this guy needed to practice for competitions and had looked long and hard for non-alcoholic liquids that he could practice with - but he could never get good times with water or orange juice or milk - somehow he could only make his throat 'do the right thing' to get the beer down that fast if it was actual beer he was drinking! SteveBaker 00:40, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

June 17

How does the government dispose of bodies?

How do various governments usually handle bodies that don't have anyone claim them? Such as, if none of the relatives can be found, or aren't willing to pay for a funeral/burial, if the person can't be identified, or any other case where there would be a dead body with no one to claim it? -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 01:46, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

By "various governments" do you mean in the western world? In some third-world areas bodies rot where they drop, even in cities, or are dumped into the local river where bathing/drinking occurs --⁪froth^t 01:52, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I mean "Various governments" as in any government that does *something* about the dead -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 01:54, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

See Potter's field and Hart Island, New York. Wikipedia doesnt have an article on Pauper's funeral/Pauper's grave/Paupers burial, but it should. Google these terms for more info. They are the expressions commonly used in the U.K for the circumstances you described. I dont know about the U.S. Basicaly in any developed country a body with no-one to claim it will be buried, or maybea cremated. Some countrys would have a brief funeral ceremony, even if its just a priest saying a few words, with no relatives there. Willy turner 02:50, 17 June 2007 (UTC) According the the charity Help the Aged, in the UK "If there is no money to pay for the funeral, the local council should arrange and pay for a simple funeral (or sometimes the hospital will do so if the person died there). This will be a dignified funeral followed by cremation or burial, and is not like the old 'pauper's' funeral."[2] Willy turner 03:01, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict)It is very likely to vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. All the references I looked at talked of burying the body at government expense, once it was established there were no claimants for it. It would appear that there is a set fee that goes to a funeral home for such services. Here's how they handle it in Norfolk [3]. Bielle 02:54, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Cleveland, Ohio's pauper's cemetery is on city-owned land in the suburb of Highland Hills. There was an article in The Plain Dealer about it a few years back. -- Mwalcoff 03:49, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

In WV, if next of kin or advance directives are not found, the Department of Health and Human Resources takes control of the body, and offers it to the Anatomical Board first. If the Anatomical Board won't accept the body, the Department has to make funeral arrangements, at which point, I think they arrange to have it cremated and the ashes buried. Seiran 05:04, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

They once covered a (UK) free funeral in A Life of Grime; the priest (the ceremony is based on a Christian funeral, but avoids mentioning religion if the religion of the dead is unknown) reads the full ceremony to an empty room at a council-run crematorium (chairs are provided should anyone turn up - often the only person do so is the council officer who found the dead person), and then the coffin is then cremated and the ashes spread outside the hall. Laïka 06:47, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Why do boxed Macaroni & Cheese products lose all flavor within an hour after cooking?

If you've eaten Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and cheese, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, or any store brand, you should know what I'm talking about. Instantly after cooking, these products have a potent, sharp, cheesy flavor. Within one hour of cooking, practically all of that flavor vanishes. Specifically, I'm wondering about products with the LIQUID cheese sauce. I don't know if the powdered versions are affected. Most people I've asked thought it was because of the effect cooling has on sugars in cereals,breads and pastas, but since the flavor is IN the sauce, and doesn't reappear in any form after reheating, that answer doesn't make much sense. If you know (specifically) why this happens, chemically, the action of an ingredient, or other process, or if you know how to prevent it, I'd be most appreciative. If your answer references a web source, please outline your steps to find it. I've searched for this answer every few months over the last few years, and never found an explanation, and only a few complaints about it. So, I'd also like to know what you did that I (apparently) didn't. Thanks in advance. 68.119.223.51 07:17, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know, but I've always suspected it's because the starch of the pasta, combined with the starch in the powdered sauce, absorbs enough of the water to throw off the effects of the sauce. I've noticed this with all the pasta I've ever made where I add the sauce at once and eat the pasta over time. The effect could be exacerbated by the artificial nature of the flavours. Now I just do what I learnt when I was working at an Italian restaurant; I keep the sauce and the pasta separate and combine at each meal. Don't know if that helps you at all, it's not a very scientific answer. Anchoress 07:48, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe because all the flavours are synthetic and are merely added on, which dissipates very quickly? --antilived^{T | C | G} 08:35, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

So, the powdered kind does this also? (I've never had it). My question was specifically about the non-powder (Deluxe for Kraft, or the regular Velveeta) sauce, but if this affects the powdered, I'll assume the ingredients are similar. I'm pretty sure what you mentioned is a contributing factor. However, there are a few things that point to some other cause. First, adding more water and reheating doesn't return any of the flavor. Second, for every other pasta + sauce I've had, it retains enough flavor over several days to taste good, or at least be identifiable. :) Example: My mom's spaghetti. She usually tosses any leftover pasta into the sauce. She says some flavor is absorbed into the pasta, and it definitely is. While a reheated bowl of this doesn't taste quite as fresh or pungent as a new batch, it still has plenty of flavor. It's even better the next day. Third, and most importantly, I've found if you melt the sauce in a pan without adding the pasta, then let it cool, it still loses all flavor within an hour. So, regardless of brand, the flavor of this cheese sauce completely vanishes in an hour. Keeping it warm, covering it, reheating, adding extra water/oil/sugar/salt, even storing it in a vacuum bag, (tried them all) after that magic hour, the stuff will taste like unflavored, congealed pudding stuck to pasta. It's really a dramatic change, and pretty much ruins it as a leftover, and that's why I want to know why it happens. I'm half-thinking this behavior is by design, and is something in the chemical composition of the sauce. If you think about it, this would be an excellent way to increase sales to the regular consumers of this stuff (kids, single men and college students). Remove its palatability, people open a new box instead of saving it as leftovers. I'd really like to have this disproved before it turns into a full-blown Kraft conspiracy theory, but the fact is, this is an extremely profitable product for the companies that make it, and it's the only processed food product I've tasted with this unusual behavior (on all brands across the category, no less). For example, a few Hamburger/Chicken/Tuna Helper brand products with a pasta and cheese sauce that don't lose any flavor at all.

Antilived answered while I was writing this, and I think that answer may be (partly) the likely reason, but I want to know what the actual cause is, not just the same best guess I've had all along. :) I want to know what specific ingredient, effect, chemical reaction, whatever is causing it, and why. Yes, there is artificial flavoring and color in this sauce, but the ingredients DO contain real cheese, so you'd think some flavor should remain. However, since nearly 100% of the flavor vanishes in an unnaturally short period of time, and since it's not related to the pasta, it's pretty obvious something is evaporating, dissipating or decomposing. Either way, there's something weird about that cheese sauce that doesn't occur in other foods. If I can figure out how, that makes it easier to find out why. 68.119.223.51 09:07, 17 June 2007 (UTC) -Kelaniz[reply]

Yeah I know, I'm curious too. I've noticed that at least for the powdered stuff, it's even more time sensitive than an hour; basically if it isn't eaten in 10 minutes it's crap. Not that I eat KD that often, lolz. That's one of the reasons; I'm a slow eater, and I don't even enjoy the bottom half of the bowl as much as the first half. Anchoress 09:23, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Glad to know it's not just me. :) I also rarely eat the stuff, (any food with this behavior can't be that good for you) but when I do succumb, I always scarf as much as possible, because I know I'll probably toss the leftovers. I hope someone's knows the answer to this. It's not a "What is the secret of the Universe?" type question. This definitely has an answer. Due to the quasi-food nature of this, I considered posting in the Science refdesk. :) 68.119.223.51 10:21, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Are you sure it's not just a matter of temperature? I could easily imagine that there is much more flavor when it's freshly made (and therefore hot) than an hour later (when it's cooled down). Are you talking about re-heating it an hour later? If so - then maybe the way that you are reheating it is having some effect. SteveBaker 12:10, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, that's not it. It doesn't matter whether it's heated once, twice, or left to cool and reheated. Even if you keep it warm after you first cook it, by an hour later, the flavor is completely gone. As Anchoress said, she'd notice the flavor at the end of a bowl being significantly different than those first few bites. I know I typed half a novel above, so let me try to condense. Freshly prepared sauce = Rich, Appealing Aroma, Taste = Loud, Sharp, Artificial Cheese. No matter what you do (or don't do), around one hour later, Aroma = Cooked Pasta and Taste = Sticky Cooked Pasta. In case anyone suggests this may due to olfactory and/or taste desensitization after eating it, let me also note: this occurs whether or not you ate it while it was fresh. The flavor completely vanishes in one hour. Exposure to heat, oxygen or lack thereof, adding water/salt/sugar and even flash-freezing in liquid nitrogen immediately after cooking will not prevent it, or bring it back. Over an hour, I think something chemical is happening to this food, and that's what I need to know. No other food does it. Think about it. Most other food is processed to retain flavor, aroma and texture for as long as possible. That only these products become practically inedible inside an hour seems really strange. 68.119.223.51 20:40, 17 June 2007 (UTC) -Kelaniz[reply]

What is the best free web based resource for information, pictures, and tips about outdoor landscaping and plant care?

I have gardenias, azelia's, a myrtle, marathon sod, mexican heather, some slow growing trees that I dont know the names of, and a few others that I cant think of their names. I know very little about what to do for specific plants other than giving them water. I can follow directions but I need a good resource with good practical advice about growing, blooming, when to do what, and how to identify common house and yard plants in Southern California on the beach (within a mile) south of LA. Thank you for your help.

Try www.digitalseed.com, home-n-stuff.net/gardening/socal, Southern California Horticultural Society, or googling southern california gardening. Willy turner 13:34, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Others have taken photos of their items and posted it here asking "What is this?" Someone usually knows. -- Jreferee ^(Talk) 16:19, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Wigmore charts

How does one create/use/read a Wigmore chart?--Rambutan (talk) 12:36, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Could you provide a link to such a chart? I've never seen one, but mabye I could figure it out if you gave an example. —Bromskloss 11:48, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Interesting. Searching Google images brings up a few useful-looking links, such as this one (where the writers conclude that "Wigmore's method of charting evidence and inference sank like a lead balloon"). You might also try talking to Cutler, who created the Wikipedia stub.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 17:37, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

What song is in this video?

I was looking at a Youtube video [[4]] and I was wondering what song was used in it. It sounds familiar but I can't put my finger on it. --Blue387 18:24, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds too high-quality to be it, but if it's familiar, possibly a song from SimCity? Sounds like a rather generic song though -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 19:15, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's some version of "Cantaloupe Island", originally by Herbie Hancock. --Joelmills 19:58, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Airports + routes from Panama, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic

Dear all,

I am searching for a data source that will allow me to track he number and destination of international flights from the major airports of the above 3 countries.

If anyone has information on this, I would be very grateful.

Thanks 201.221.240.54 19:41, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You can use this site to research departures from any airport. Panama has just one major international airport: Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (IATA code: PTY). Costa Rica has San Jose's Juan Santamaría International Airport (IATA code: SJO) and Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). The Dominican Republic has seven airports with significant international commercial traffic: The busiest by far is Santo Domingo's Las Américas International Airport (IATA code: SDQ). Then there are Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), Santiago's Cibao International Airport (STI), Higüey's Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), La Romana's La Romana International Airport (LRM), Samaná's [[Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS), and Santo Domingo's La Isabela International Airport (JBQ). You can type these codes into the site listed above for each date in a selected week to give you a snapshot of a week's traffic. There may be some seasonal variation in flight patterns—for example, many of these airports may have flights to more destinations in the United States or Canada during the winter months—but this exercise will give you a fairly good picture of traffic patterns. Marco polo 00:40, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

PS3 memorycard adaptor

Is there a way that I can rent one of these or borrow one or something because I don't want to spend $15 on something I'll only use once.--71.175.130.136 19:44, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Try checking down at a Blockbuster video. At least where I live, they rent most system accessories. --Haemo 20:10, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

People saying the PS3 is too expensive

What percent of xbox360 users subscribe to xbox live gold(needed for online play)? To cover the console's lifespan, this would cost at least $250, whereas PS Network is free. Plus $400 for the console totals to $650. And PS3 is expecting a $100 price cut for the holiday season. $650>$500.--71.175.130.136 21:15, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

A quick google seems to come up with figures around 10% of xbox360 users subscribing to xbox live, of which a portion would be gold. Vespine 00:03, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Big cat refuge in oregon?

When I was about 8 years old, my family had a Siberian Lynx as a pet. Without going into too much detail over the whole thing (if you want to ask about it, use my talk page), we wound up giving her to a sanctuary/refuge type place, in the northwestern United States, either Oregon or Washington (most likely oregon). Unfortunately, nobody now can seem to remember the name or URL of the place. I asked my mother about it, and she thought of the name "Angel Eyes", although we aren't sure if this is correct, and google doesn't seem to return any results. Does anyone know of any private collectors or small organizations in the region that it might be? I'd really like to find info on her, even if she's long since gone I'd like to find out what happened, and maybe visit. Heck, I almost wouldn't mind adopting another, depending on the legal issues involved... caring for her wasn't too bad. -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 21:37, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Wild Cat Haven in Sherwood, Oregon? Neutrality^talk 04:54, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

They don't seem to have her, but then they only seem to list their current cats, it's been a long time, it's not much of a stretch to think she's died, and she's almost surely been adopted if they allow their cats to be. Thanks for the site, I'd still appreciate any other ideas anyone has -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 07:42, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Hang out places in DC?

Hi, I am a college student and I am travelling to Washington, D.C. for the summer. I need to hang out with people all the time or I will get lonely. So I was wondering where the young people hang out in the Washington area, so I can meet new people. Thanks. --131.215.167.225 23:31, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Georgetown. Corvus cornix 02:07, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

U Street Corridor Bunthorne 04:34, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As a Clinton intern back in the day, Adams Morgan was rarely a let-down. Wolfgangus 05:36, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

question

same as above for Vancouver, BC 209.53.181.150 23:43, 17 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Gastown. Corvus cornix 02:09, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I would suggest Yaletown ;) --Haemo 03:11, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

June 18

Eye sight

Hi, I have glasses for looking at far distance. My glasses for both eyes are +/- 1 (i forgot if it's + or -). What is my eye sight level (20/20, 20/40, etc...)? thanks. 74.111.82.91 00:04, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It might not answer your question exactly, but there's quite a bit of information at our Eyeglass prescription article which you may find interesting. —Steve Summit (talk) 01:10, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

How Much Paper is Used

How much paper is used yearly in the United States for newsprint? How about in the world? Thanks, Melissa B.70.127.162.130 00:52, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Information for each country is available on the FAO website, although digging through the 1000+ plus articles is diffucult. [5] It appears that the world consumption is 30983 thousand metric tons. The USA consumed 10.299 million metric tons in 2003, according to the Newspaper Association of America: http://www.naa.org/info/facts04/newsprint-growth.html Renbelcher 01:34, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Consumer vs Professional cameras

I've noticed that the quality of a photo taken by professional cameras is much better than a consumer camera, obviously. But what is it that cameras like the Nikon D2X has that allows it to take such great photos over point-and-shoot cameras? More specifically, the lighting and mood is better and everything just seems to have a nice focus. Thanks. 74.111.82.91 04:13, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Well, take into consideration that not only are the optical components of a professional grade camera much better than a "point and shoot" version, resulting in better pictures, but also the people who use professional grade cameras tend to be much more skilled. An SLR camera gives the skilled photographer much more control over the composition of an image, which can result in much better results. "Point and shoot" models tend to do everything automatically, which can produce sub-optimal results, when compared to what an educated user can produce using a quality camera. --Haemo 04:17, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Much lower DOF, actually... DSLR have much bigger sensors than point-and-shoots, which means they need longer focal length lenses and therefore less DOF. The public seems to be fooled by low DOF-picture, and associate shallower DOF with "pro". The larger sensor size also means much more light striking the sensor, therefore produce less noise as they have higher SNR, and can retain much more detail otherwise blurred by point-and-shoot cameras' noise reduction firmware. They also have higher dynamic range (OR), and can have less blown out areas than a point-and-shoot. But most of all it provides much more flexibility for the photographer, as he/she can control virtually everything, from manual zoom and focus to exact exposure setting. Having a good camera doesn't mean you'll get good images, but if you know how to use it effectively, it will reduce lots of workload on your side. --antilived^{T | C | G} 06:05, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Also, low-end models also use lower quality optical glasses for their lenses. Budget models may not use optical glass at all, and some really cheap ones use plastics. That's gotta make a difference. There's a reason optical glass is so incredibly expensive. 68.119.223.51 18:36, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

U.S. border agents Attacked by "hostiles"

Did you know this is going on ? This is on FOX News RIGHT NOW. Agents are being attacked by rocks and the like, incl. Molotov Cocktails. I'm watching this RIGHT NOW. Will this be appropriate for any articles ? 205.240.144.168 04:16, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I have no idea what you're talking about, but if the incident is at all notable, it will probably show up somewhere. We're not a "breaking news" sort of place, though. --Haemo 04:18, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It was on "Hannity's America". Now' they're showing Michael Moore's "B.S.". 205.240.144.168 04:24, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

One U.S. border agent had to KILL a illegal alien as he attempted to heave a LARGE rock at him. 205.240.144.168 04:25, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a article discussing "Hannity's America" ? 205.240.144.168 04:27, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Look - just chill. We're an encyclopedia, not a news source. Even the CNN and Fox News websites doesn't appear to have a story about this -- it's almost certain that no reliable sources currently exist about this incident. --Haemo 04:32, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The show may "re-run" on the FOX News network real shortly. 205.240.144.168 04:42, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

(deindent) Well, we'll give it a while to see what happens. --Haemo 04:50, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Eastern table manners

hi, Please pardon me for asking this question here, but I could not find the answers in the google. Iam an easterner living in the western world and trying to become westernized. I unknowingly offend people while eating with glug, slurp and belching noises. Closing the mouth doesnt help either. Please help me eradicate these problems.

-wanna bE A weSTERNER 131.220.115.227 08:45, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It would probably be a good idea to go to a local bookstore and try to find an etiquette book. Slightly more seriously, if you have a hard time helping yourself, there are professional etiquette coaches out there that will help you with this -- Phoeba Wright^OBJECTION! 08:51, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have any western friends? Perhaps they would be willing to give you some pointers. Dismas|^(talk) 09:09, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

drinking slowly helps, just a little bit at a time.

where to get the best FX rates in London?

I have currencies of various kinds I'd like to get changed into pounds sterling - euros, chinese yuan, thai baht. where should i go on the high street in london to get the best foreign exchange value? the post office? the bank which I have my current account? any ideas? thanks very much for suggestions....

Banks would probably give the best rates, but I don't think you'd get a better rate for having a current account with them. I have always found Thomas Cook to give good rates as well. Large branches of Marks & Spencer also do foreign exchange, and it would be worth checking them out too. Whatever you do, unless you're really desperate, don't use the small, anonymous "one guy behind a window" outfits you see all over the place in London. For sure they will give the worst rates. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 11:23, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently The Post Office is very good for selling foreign money to, and you could wait until the exchange rate rises, then you would get more wherever you go.

project related basic querries

sir, i m a final year electronics engineering student.i need to know something about certain project topics and also the contents in MICROPROCESSORS which i want to opt for my project.please help.

sachindra narayan

It's not entirely clear what you're asking, but you should read our article Microprocessor and then come back to us with any more specific questions. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 12:56, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Webb Ellis

when was rugby first introduced at schools— Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.150.139.165 (talk • contribs)

The article Football should give you some information of this. There is not really a definitive answer, because at one stage, there was just football, before soccer broke away to leave rugger. Neither sport was properly codified for years after they had been established at various public schools in England. You may need to draw your own conclusion. slυмgυм [ ←→ ] 16:37, 18 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Equivalent of Matric in Zimbabwe

What is the equivalent of Matric, Grade 12 ,11,etc in Zimbabwe?

The Fuzzy Wuzzy English Children's Rhyme.

Who created the Fuzzy Wuzzy children's rhyme? I've been wondering, but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere.

Thank you for your time.