Wikipedia:Reference desk/Entertainment

Welcome to the entertainment section
of the Wikipedia reference desk.

skip to bottom

Select a section:

• Computing
• Entertainment
• Humanities
• Language
• Mathematics
• Science
• Miscellaneous
• Archives

Want a faster answer?

Main page: Help searching Wikipedia

   

How can I get my question answered?

• Select the section of the desk that best fits the general topic of your question (see the navigation column to the right).
• Post your question to only one section, providing a short header that gives the topic of your question.
• Type '~~~~' (that is, four tilde characters) at the end – this signs and dates your contribution so we know who wrote what and when.
• Don't post personal contact information – it will be removed. Any answers will be provided here.
• Please be as specific as possible, and include all relevant context – the usefulness of answers may depend on the context.
• Note:
  • We don't answer (and may remove) questions that require medical diagnosis or legal advice.
  • We don't answer requests for opinions, predictions or debate.
  • We don't do your homework for you, though we'll help you past the stuck point.
  • We don't conduct original research or provide a free source of ideas, but we'll help you find information you need.

Ready? Ask a new question!

How do I answer a question?

Main page: Wikipedia:Reference desk/Guidelines

• The best answers address the question directly, and back up facts with wikilinks and links to sources. Do not edit others' comments and do not give any medical or legal advice.

See also:

• Teahouse
• Help desk
• Village pump
• Help manual

August 1

Lebanese "revolution song"

I used to work with a Lebanese guy who constantly listened to Lebanese music and one song that played I really liked, but I don't know the person who sang it or the title. He did tell me a bit about it, though. First of all it was a woman singing, he said it was made in/around 1982 and was the "revolution song" and has lyrics like "We/I don't want to die", but it's in Arabic -- I don't speak Arabic so I can't even begin to search for something like that, but I'm interested in finding out who it was. Any help is greatly appreciated. --Anthonysenn (talk) 01:09, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Possibly "Ghabet Shams el Hak" ("The Sun of Truth Has Disappeared") performed by Julia Boutros, but I don't know (or understand) the lyrics and it looks like she first performed it around 1985. ---Sluzzelin talk 01:39, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Perfect, that is the exact song, thank you very much! --Anthonysenn (talk) 02:36, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Novelty song mentioning Keith Ricards (Stones guitarist)

Can anyone help me with the title of a song I've only heard once. Country-style, the singer bemoans encroaching old-age despite a good clean life, observing that, despite his "excessive" life-style, Keith Richards isn't dead yet!

I'm fairly certain the title includes KR by name and is something along the lines of Why isn't Keith Richards dead? or How Come Keith Richards is still alive?

Thanks in advance for any help

WPWikurious (talk) 08:13, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Trying to remember the name of rockband

Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the band or any of their albums or songs.

They were a rock group (about 4 of them), in the 90's (i think), the lead singer was a woman, genre was rock/(metal) - the female vocals were borderline goth (not grunge), the rest of the band did not have a 'goth' style.

They had some commercial success and as I remember probably had a big label backing them..

The only other thing I can remember is a music video which had a woman(or was it a man) crawlin up the outside of buildings to get to there loved ones - the video was set at night in a city.87.102.86.73 (talk) 12:03, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

it's ok I finally found it after much crawling: Evanescence87.102.86.73 (talk) 12:07, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Just as a follow up, Evanescence were big in 2003-2004. 81.19.60.197 (talk) 12:52, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Resolved

Rock music question

What genre(s) do band Evanescence fit into - is gothic rock a genre? goth-metal-lite? 87.102.86.73 (talk) 12:09, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

"Genre" is such a loosely defined term that it's pretty much useless. If you owned a record shop, you could create a "Gothic rock" section and call it a genre. There isn't anyone who could stop you. Some would argue that the grunge bands of the nineties had a "Seattle" genre. Did the grunge bands that came out of Seattle have that different of a sound that they need their own genre? That's up to the listener. Dismas|^(talk) 13:32, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

(after ec)I don't have a ref but they're usually described as Gothic rock which is usually described as a sub-genre of Alternative metal. But these things usually have no meaning. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 13:37, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

They're listed in List_of_gothic_metal_bands as well.87.102.86.73 (talk) 13:41, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

That doesn't make much sense but the editors of that article went out and found six refs to support them. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 13:53, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal

When did the cheerleading scandal first break out in McKinney, Texas? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 16:01, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

The reason that I'm questioning this movie is because I didn't see that there was a cheerleading scandal any where in the article about McKinney, Texas. Ericthebrainiac (talk) 16:01, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

It's mentioned in McKinney North High School as December 2006. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 16:15, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

August 2

Old Cartoon Identification

An old cartoon came up in conversation today and I have been unable to identify it. It involves a magician or singer who is trying to perform. His performance is repeatedly interrupted by a scene-stealing white rabbit (not Bugs Bunny or any famous character - just a generic white rabbit that sings and dances). It was backed by a popular song that I remember as Figaro song. I believe it was shown on the Woody Woodpecker show, but it could have been any of those multi-clip Saturday morning cartoon shows from the 70s. Does this sound familiar to anyone? -- kainaw™ 00:04, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Though you are misremembering some details (as is often the case in these situations) I am pretty positive you're thinking of the Tex Avery cartoon, Magical Maestro. Poechalkdust (talk) 05:28, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Yep. That's the one. I was certain it was something memorable - I just couldn't remember it. -- kainaw™ 12:34, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Project manager of film production?

Who is the project manager in the production crew who acquires the whole project for a movie directly from the film producer? Would it be something like unit production manager, line producer or unit production manager?--Sonjaaa (talk) 02:59, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Also, who is normally the person to greenlight a production or film project?--Sonjaaa (talk) 03:11, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

I think it's more likely to be a committee that greenlights a film, as many aspects must be considered, from cost to casting to film length to demographic appeal to advertising tie-ins to the studio's schedule and resources. And somewhere in all that the committee of studio execs may even look at whether the script is any good. StuRat (talk) 14:16, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Are Trevor and Simon gay?

If the question can be answered in a non-libelous way. Willy turner (talk) 04:28, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Nothing I've read so far says anything about their sexual orientation. Would it bother you if they were gay? Astronaut (talk) 13:07, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

What an odd and juvenile remark. Are you suggesting I might be homophobic? Uh, 'assume good faith'? Willy turner (talk) 16:01, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

from the op's username i'd hazard a guess and say no. mashpotatorman (talk) 15:14, 2 august 2008 (utc)

So now you're 'guessing' im gay? How about answering the question? If neither of you can be bothered answering the question I suggest you find something else to do with your time, and leave the reference desk to people who take Wikipedia seriously. Willy turner (talk) 16:01, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

I do take Wikipedia seriously and I did answer the question - Nothing I've read so far says anything about their sexual orientation ie. I don't know so I did some research and found no mention of their sexuality. OK, maybe I didn't assume as much good faith as I usually do - please accept my apologies. Astronaut (talk) 17:12, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for trying. Please except my apologies if I was a little snappy. Now, lets hug. Willy turner (talk) 01:01, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

they seem happy enough to me...Perry-mankster (talk) 21:28, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

What happened to nondeath metal?

How come lately almost every time I see a T-shirt or poster for a metal band and I go and look them up, they're death metal or something similar? What happened to the other subgenres, to intelligently-written lyrics, to melodic riffs, to vocalists who actually sang? What did they lack that made them obsolescent? Where did their fans go, and why? (I live in Toronto, in case this is a regional phenomenon.) NeonMerlin 18:37, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Metal genres are hotly disputed with any band, ranging from a band being "deathcore" to "melodic death symphonic metal". Sceptre ^(talk) 20:21, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

I don't think nondeath metal has become obsolete, there are still tons of metal bands playing a wide variety of styles. I think your observation of predominantly death t-shirts has two reasons:

• For one thing, the word "metal" has taken on a harder/heavier meaning in the last two decades; there are still bands who sound like Iron Maiden or Motörhead, bands that would have been classed as "heavy metal" in the 1980s, but today they are mostly classed as Rock/Hardrock (and of course, Lemmy was never comfortable with the word "metal" and always said he just played Rock'n'Roll, but that's another story).
• And probably related to the first point: in recent years, it has become more and more fashionable among metal fans (at least among those wearing black leather and band shirts, ie among those you notice on the street) to wear predominantly death t-shirts, most probably because a Dimmu Borgir or Unleashed t-shirt is perceived as "heavier" and further from the mainstream than a Sepultura Shirt. This doesn't necessarily mean that these people do not listen to Sepultura or Slayer or Metallica anymore, I guess it's more of a fashion thing.

Just some unreferenced speculation, but at least that's been my experience during the last years -- Ferkelparade π 20:40, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Why don't they refer to metal that's not death metal as "life metal"?  :) -- JackofOz (talk) 21:44, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

See the (Finnish) footnote in Unblack metal, which says they do. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 21:59, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Anything not black or death is not metal ;) Avnas Ishtaroth _{drop me a line} 05:19, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

So, "death metal" is a tautology? -- JackofOz (talk) 20:44, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Death metal is as diverse a genre as world music, and therefore incorporates many alterations within the given spectrum, however, many Death metal fans, myself included, hold the view that if it is not Death metal, then it is not worth listening to. Therefore alot of bands brand themselves a certain way just to get sales. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 14:21, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

It's known as 'life metal'

This is a journey into sound

Resolved

Eric B. and Rakim's track "Paid in Full" (from the Paid in Full album) samples a man (with a received pronunciation accent) saying "This is a journey into sound". This seems to be the first use in hip-hop of this sample, but it shows up many times in subsequent tracks by a variety of different artists (including Public Enemy's "Welcome to the Terrordome" from Fear of a Black Planet). My question is - who is the original speaker? It sounds a bit like Peter Day, and "this is a journey into sound" sounds like the rather melodramatic style he sometimes uses. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk

Ah, I discovered the answer. It's from a 1958 record called A Journey Into Stereo Sound released by Decca Records to showcase LP stereo - cf this Sydney Morning Herald story. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 22:22, 2 August 2008 (UTC)

Anthrax Sound of white noise uses this as an intro too. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 14:27, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

August 3

TV Show With Most Episodes

Of all the TV shows that have ever ben made, in all genres or countries, which TV show has the most number of episodes? --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 01:39, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Don't know for certain but my bet is on Guiding Light with over 15,000 episodes, though I don't know if that includes the radio episodes... the intro to the article says that these are just the televised episodes. Dismas|^(talk) 03:03, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps a news show which broadcasts several times a day (like BBC News) could beat that ? It would probably come down to which show you consider to still be the same show since they started broadcasting. After all, the format, cast, name, and network may well have changed over a half century or more on the air. StuRat (talk) 03:23, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

I do know that the longest-running scifi show is Doctor Who. I'd expect Countdown (game show) is likely in contention after news programmes are removed. That being said, it would probably be a soap opera which would win. -mattbuck (Talk) 09:03, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Excluding BBC News, which has had a least one episode every day since 1922, SportsCenter looks like the winner at 30166 episodes. Here is a short list of some of the other longest-running shows I found:

• SportsCenter - 30166
• The Today Show - 20718
• The Guiding Light - 15478
• Meet the Press - 4783
• Countdown - 4627
• Blue Peter - 4214
• The Bill - 2246
• WWE Monday Night RAW - 792
• Doctor Who - 751
• Gunsmoke - 633
• Lassie - 588
• Death Valley Days - 452
• Ozzie and Harriet - 435
• Bonanza - 430
• Scooby-Doo - 350

20I.170.20 (talk) 20:27, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Sesame Street has at least 4,160 episodes, so they belong on that list too. StuRat (talk) 22:34, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

We do have a List of television programs by episode count but it only lists "primetime" shows. Dismas|^(talk) 20:31, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Coronation Street must be on that list somewhere, too - it's been running twice weekly since 1960. (According to its article it has had 6873 episodes.) Grutness...wha? 23:27, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Days of our Lives has had 10,879. Neighbours has only been around since 1985, but it's on 5 days a week and is up to 5,510 episodes. -- JackofOz (talk) 00:17, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Since you asked about any show in any genre or country, here's a few from Japan:

• Sazae-san has over 1820 episodes (still running)
• Doraemon has over 1300 episodes (still running)
• Crayon Shin-chan has over 600 episodes (still running)
• Pokémon has over 555 episodes (still running)
• Detective Conan has over 510 episodes (still running)
• Dragonball has 508 (if you include Dragonball Z and Dragonball GT as part of the same series)

There are likely some others I may have missed as this was just off the top of my head. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 05:11, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Here are a few others:

• Star Trek has 726 episodes through all its incarnations
• The Stargate series has over 324 episodes so far, and it's still running
• One Piece has 363 episodes (still running)

So, it looks like Doraemon may actually be the longest running scifi show out there, by almost 600 episodes. Granted, it's aimed at kids, but it's still about a robot cat from the future. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 05:28, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Doctor Who is the longest-running, but Doraemon has more episodes (Doctor Who's being going - intermittently - for 45 years). Grutness...wha? 05:56, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I forgot the Mobile Suit Gundam series, which currently has 505 episodes and is still running. ···日本穣^{? · Talk to Nihonjoe} 05:41, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Shortland Street is another in the club - it aired its 4000th episode in June this year. Grutness...wha? 05:56, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Worth an honourable mention: The Sky at Night, its only broadcast once a month but it is one of the longest running TV programmes in the World, its been broadcast continuously since 1957 and it still has the same presenter as well! - X201 (talk) 17:49, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Just found out its 668 edition of it so far. 668 editions with the same presenter and format, that has got to win some kind of prize. - X201 (talk) 17:55, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

The Dark Knight

Does Rachel Dawes die in this film? David Pro (talk) 17:25, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

It's in the page for The Dark Knight. I don't want to say here in case there are others who've yet to see the film. Cliff smith (talk) 17:31, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

As well as the page for Rachel Dawes. Dismas|^(talk) 20:28, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Mortal Kombat II

Is true that the US release of the SNES version of Mortal Kombat II had two different versions released? Can somebody tell the differences? David Pro (talk) 21:54, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Yes, according to the Mortal Kombat II article. See the Super Nintendo Entertainment System section for more info. This site also has "a detailed comparison of the different cartridge versions" 20I.170.20 (talk) 22:04, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

SNES has no blood. Genesis version did - but with a code ABACABB... still remember it 15 years later. I rule.--Endless Dan 12:43, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

But that was in the first MK, not in the second. 200.50.38.33 (talk) 21:41, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

What are the odds of a Mariners/ Nationals world series?

You laugh, but the Nationals just swept the Reds. Take that Cincinnati! Now go cry into your commemorative Big Red Machine coffee cups! And Seattle? Well, they do have an active volcano in thier state so maybe we should cut 'em some slack.

What are the odds that something like this could happen? I'm intrigued by the idea that two teams in the standings cellar could come back in August to win it all. Happens that way in all those "team of misfits beat all the odds to win the championship" type movies. I can see it now-Mariners win the World Series for thier town that was wiped out by Mount St. Helens and a meteor in the same day. Then they'll get a BIG PARADE for thier...heroism?Baseball and and and Popcorn Fanatic (talk) 22:13, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

The chances of this happening are extremely slim. Seattle has a marginally better record, but actually has a tougher shot due to the fact that the Angels are actually a good team, while Philly is only fair. To simplify things, let's say that the AL West only has two teams: the Angels and M's. In order to beat the Angels, the M's would have to go on one of the hottest winning streaks ever seen in sports (28 games over .500, 39-11 to finish a respectable 82-80) while the Angels would have to choke as few teams ever have (28 games under .500, 11-39 to finish 81-81). The odds of either happening are extremely unlikely. Now toss in the fact that the A's and Rangers really are in the division and playing, well, not great but tons better than the Mariners. I don't know what the schedule is like for those teams, but it may be that the M's are mathematically eliminated due to the fact that not every team in the division can lose ALL its games - simply because they play one another. In practice, no chance. Matt Deres (talk) 12:42, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Street Fighter II

How many Street Fighter II: Champion Edition arcade hacks exist? David Pro (talk) 22:25, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Street Fighter 2' Champion Edition Accelerated part 2 and Street Fighter 2' Champion Edition Red Wave among others. 200.112.28.135 (talk) 21:33, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

August 4

Sony

Who is Sony's mascot? Les Games (talk) 01:17, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

What gives you the idea that they have a mascot? I've never known them to have one... Is this maybe part of a regional advertising campaign? Dismas|^(talk) 02:09, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

After a quick Google search, this seems to suggest that Crash Bandicoot could be seen by some as an unofficial mascot. Dismas|^(talk) 02:11, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I concur with Dismas that Crash is the closest thing Sony Entertainment (video games) has to a mascot, at least in the US. However, its been awhile since the Playstation 1 days. The most strongly relatable character for Sony right now is Solid Snake from the Metal Gear Solid games in my opinion. --mboverload@ 01:16, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Musical Instruments

Is it possible to make a reed instrument that slides (as in, like a trombone)? If so, what is the amximum number of reeds?

Is it possible to make a instrument with a mouthpiece like a recorder's that slides (as in, like a trombone)?68.148.164.166 (talk) 05:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Yes to both. See tromboon for the first, slide whistle for the second, and Category:Continuous pitch instruments for possible others. As for the number of reeds, I suppose the theoretical maximum number of reeds on a continuous pitch instrument is the same as the maximum number of any reed instrument. (The highest number mentioned in List of woodwind instruments is six, in the case of the hne, but other online sources seem to indicate that the hne in fact a double reed instrument). ---Sluzzelin talk 10:40, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Incidentally, I once attached an alto saxophone mouthpiece to a trumpet, using a bit of rubber hose as an interface, and was able to play it to a certain extent, but nothing like the source of inspiration for my experiment: the late musician and fabulous factotum Rahsaan Roland Kirk, who rendered a caricature of Miles's "Bye Bye Blackbird" (from the album 'Round About Midnight) using a sax mouthpiece and trumpet with harmon mute (and also caricaturing Miles's voice). It can be heard on the album The Man Who Cried Fire Another saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Eddie Harris, performed on a "reed trumpet", a construction of his own. The same should be possible with a trombone, but don't recall any (serious) "reed trombone" recordings. ---Sluzzelin talk 11:36, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

(note) I just read the article on Eddie Harris, and he actually did experiment with a reed trombone and called it the "saxobone". This page has a photograph, though I'm not sure whether it's the same design. ---Sluzzelin talk 05:55, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

A recorder does not have a reed!!! Put a sax mouthpeice on a trombone. then let us know —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 14:33, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

mixed talents

I remember this presentation sometime back in the late 1970s or early 1980s in which Chuck Mangione tried his hand at keyboards and backing vocals while the host was belting out a song. The song had a similar beat to the Wonder Woman theme song. What was the presentation?72.229.139.13 (talk) 11:47, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

how did U2's early fans react to the Joshua Tree

Hi, when The Joshua Tree came out, a lot of people (like me) discovered U2 and then got into their earlier stuff, and decided it was probably better. What happened with people who had followed them from the beginning, or at least since War? Did they warm to the new sound, and the commercial success, or did it cost them a lot of fans? It's been emotional (talk) 18:35, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

These folks can probably answer this question the best. --Endless Dan 19:27, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I think most hardcore fans agreed with the general consensus that The Joshua Tree was a new high point for their music. Other varied emotions came in as well: many were proud they had recognized their talent before anyone else, some were dismayed that their favorite band was now mainstream and lost its indie cachet, but almost everyone recognized that that was a great album even if some still preferred, say, War or Boy. I wonder, how did Brian Eno's fans react? —D. Monack ^talk 19:53, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I'm one of those earlier fans and I lost interest in U2 after the transition (but then again, maybe it was Bono's weird orange glasses that turned me off). StuRat (talk) 20:37, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I knew of their earlier work before The Unforgettable Fire came out, and I thought they were pretty reasonable, but nothing spectacular - certainly nothing that made them stand out from a host of other bands of the time. With Eno's input, however, it opened up huge new areas of sound for them and made them unique - it was only at that point that my interest was seriously piqued. mind you, I was also (and still am) a big Eno fan from way back, so that would have helped. As far as Eno's fans are concerned, they'd have already been aware of Eno'[s work as a producer (most specifically with Talking Heads, but also with everyone from Michael Nyman to Edikanfo, so it wouldn't have been much of a surprise to them. Grutness...wha? 23:27, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Roling Stone Magazine spinoff - 1983

Around 1982 or 1983, the publishers of Rolling Stone Magazine created a short-lived spin-off publication printed on newsprint. Do you know the name of that publication?66.92.147.236 (talk) 19:33, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

• That would be Record. Started in '81. Changed from newsprint to glossy in '83. Ceased publication in '85. --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 23:13, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

the fallen (webcomics) - dead in the water?

Hi people. Does anyone know if webcomics The Fallen has been abandoned or just suspended? It has not updated in about two years now, which is a shame, as it was definitely one of the best-drawn webcomics around. The author's blog doesn't answer this question, it seems. Anyone knows anything? --OKMNJIUHB (talk) 23:43, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Why not just ask the author? Algebraist 23:55, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

I assumed it would be inappropriate to email Ms. Ota with the question she is probably asked five times a day every day for the last two years. I expect she may have posted a definitive answer to it somewhere, but I couldn't find it with google. --OKMNJIUHB (talk) 00:18, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Well, if she's bothered by questions like that, then she'll presumably either ignore them or post an answer somewhere where it can be easily seen so people don't have to ask her. Generally speaking, though, if someone hasn't updated their webcomic for two years and hasn't even recently commented on that hiatus in any way at the comic's site, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for them to get back to it. It doesn't strike me as an indication of a strong artistic drive in that direction. -- Captain Disdain (talk) 01:26, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

August 5

classics

In of newspaper actor/actress biographies there would often be a line about so-and-so being "classically-trained". What does it actually mean, and why are so so many British actors (off the top of my head: Ian McKellen, Kenneth Branagh...) like this when compared to Americans? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.240.186.7 (talk) 00:35, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

It means they started out learning and performing Shakespeare and the like, not doing TV commercials for Twinkies. StuRat (talk) 03:25, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Here's a website that touches on it: [1]. Keilana|^{Parlez ici} 03:33, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Also, I believe the culture for actors here (UK) is very different to that of USA. From my actor friends, there seems to be a feeling of "selling out" if you actually make money from being an actor, as that's not what it's about. Rather, it's about the love of art and all that nonsense (personal opinion obviously). Anyway, it seems to be a dream of many to perform in one of Shakespeare's lead roles (like Richard III (play)) in a small theatre like one in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I might even go into the fact that one of the requirements in american acting seems to be good look... but then I'm stereotyping, and that's not really fair! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Worm That Turned (talk • contribs) 07:57, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

I wonder how they feel about Patrick Stewart then - not only making money off of it, but going from doing Shakespeare, from what I recall, to Star Trek. (Of course, if he'd become one of the doctors in Doctor Who instead, perhaps all would be forgiven for his "selling out" :-)209.244.187.155 (talk) 20:22, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

But he has kept up the classical acting as well: that might be mitigating. 79.66.32.107 (talk) 20:33, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Yes, that mitigation was what I was trying to get across. As long as the actor stays humble and lets other actors believe that his first passion is theatre, then he'll keep the respect of other actors. Patrick Steward is (I believe) a fellow of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and currently playing in Hamlet, against David Tennant - current Doctor... I personally wonder what they think of Michael Caine, who is undoubtably a fine actor, but is not classically trained and even admits doing bad films 'just for the money' (remember to sign this time....)--WORM | MЯOW 07:37, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Tennant is also a member of the RSC - he did two seasons with them earlier in his career. Exxolon (talk) 00:13, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Laurence Olivier was undoubtedly a classically-trained actor, arguably the finest ever, and his great passion was the theatre. He was the inaugural artistic director of the Royal National Theatre, so his credentials are impeccable. He also made some great movies - but he also made some absolute stinkers (The Prince and the Showgirl and The Jazz Singer come to mind), and when asked why he stooped so low, he said he needed the money. I think there's a lot of tosh spoken about humility and acting for purely altruistic reasons. Actors are humans too, and they have to feed their families etc; there's nothing wrong with accepting a very well-paid role (whether it's theatre, film, or daytime TV soaps) if it's a way of furthering one's acting skills. I can't imagine someone like Olivier taking on a project he believed would be awful, but one never knows with these things, and most aspects of a production are, or prove to be, out of the actors' hands. Respect comes from one's personal qualities as a human being, not whether one chooses to only take on low-paying work and spurn all more lucrative offers on some dubious and unrealistic principle. -- JackofOz (talk) 23:08, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Star Trek was far from Patrick Stewart's first prominent TV job! —Tamfang (talk) 05:53, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

There are various ways for actors to approach their roles; in method acting they focus on an emotional identification with the character etc., in a "classical" actor's training the foundation is technique, get the accent right, where do you breath in a twenty line soliloquy, that kind of thing (of course there is a lot of overlap between the different styles). The difference is perhaps best exemplified by the famous story about Laurence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman on the set of Marathon Man; when Olivier saw how Hoffman prepared himself for the role of an exhausted long distance runner by actually running for hours before every scene, he asked: "But Dustin, why don't you just pretend?" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.171.56.13 (talk) 10:52, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

baywatch

Can you please tell me where to find all seasons of baywatch on internet for free. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.37.5.171 (talk) 12:36, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

I'd think it unlikely they're out there in a form that's not copyright-infringing, but you might check Hulu. I don't know how extensive their back catalog has become. — Lomn 13:07, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Try Mininova or isoHunt. 20I.170.20 (talk) 17:05, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Why does Chuck Lorre use Sheldon and Leonard names in his shows?

Just curious if anyone knows the relationship between Chuck Lorre and Sheldon Leonard?Pizanadu (talk) 17:51, 5 August 2008 (UTC) The reason I'm asking is because on Two and a Half Men, Judith's parents are named Sheldon and Lenora. On The Big Bang Theory, the 2 main characters are Sheldon and Leonard.

Tom Shales seems to think that he did it as an homage to Leonard, which seems plausible. Recury (talk) 20:19, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

The Little Gym song

At The Little Gym, they sing some songs that use melodies from other songs, with their words. My daughter wants to know what the real words are to one of their songs, and I can't remember, even though I feel like I know it. Unfortunately, I don't know how to write music, so I can't tell you what the melody is. The words are:

How do you do,
you Funny Bugs,
How do you do?
*clap* *clap*

How do you do,
you Funny Bugs,
How do you do?
*clap* *clap*

Oh, we'll get you on the run,
and we'll have lots of fun

How do you do,
you Funny Bugs,
How do you do?
*clap* *clap*

I know that's not much to go on, but I thought I'd try anyway. Mokey (talk) 18:49, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Is there any chance that you could use something like this online labelled keyboard to work out some of the notes? Just to give us a lead? Perhaps if you could work out how to play a tiny bit of the tune, you could tell us which notes (by letter) you used. 79.66.32.107 (talk) 20:31, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

Is it If You're Happy And You Know It? -- KathrynLybarger (talk) 20:41, 5 August 2008 (UTC)

O_O It fits perfectly. Obviously we'll have to wait until Mokey replies, but I'm impressed. 79.66.32.107 (talk) 15:48, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

August 6

Sharon Osbourne Correct Birthday

Sharon Osbourne Correct Birthday is October 9, 1952 Incorrect Birthday is March,1954 listed in box —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.157.132.193 (talk) 03:53, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for your suggestion. When you feel an article needs improvement, please feel free to make those changes. Wikipedia is a wiki, so anyone can edit almost any article by simply following the edit this page link at the top. The Wikipedia community encourages you to be bold in updating pages. Don't worry too much about making honest mistakes — they're likely to be found and corrected quickly. If you're not sure how editing works, check out how to edit a page, or use the sandbox to try out your editing skills. New contributors are always welcome. You don't even need to log in (although there are many reasons why you might want to). Dismas|^(talk) 07:04, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

obscure late 1970s TV special

Sometime in the late 1970s, Lisa Hartman once had her own TV special. It was called Hot Stuff. I can't seem to find it anywhere. It's not even on YouTube. What was the special all about anyway? Can anyone help?72.229.139.13 (talk) 06:58, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

According to imdb, the show was called The Lisa Hartman Show, and she sang a song called "Hot Stuff", but that's about all it says. Corvus cornix_talk 18:36, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Scooby Doo in some Music video

I remember listening to a song a few years ago when it was popular.I saw the music video in the tv.in the video Scooby doo and the other caracter in Scooby doo where running around in 2d or some computer graphic.

Can someone tell me what name of this song is.It was not made for the show —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.149.7.174 (talk) 10:18, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

I'm at work right now, so I can't access any of the popular video-sharing websites to confirm this, but could it be "Don't Wanna Think About You" by Simple Plan? Laenir (talk) 20:26, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

No this is not the song it's older like from 2001 - 2003.Also it was not a rock song.There was all the group in the video not only scooby doo and shaggy but thank you very much if i find the song it was my favorite song of all time —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.149.7.174 (talk) 10:21, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Was it in an episode of the show or movie, or a fan made video like on youtube? If it was on the show, could you specify which series? Many real life bands have guest stared on the show, usually as fictional characters. Examples include the Hex Girls and the Mystery Kids. 20I.170.20 (talk) 15:13, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

NO nothing of these just an music video and btw they were cartoons not the real ones —Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.220.107.122 (talk) 17:50, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

adventure quest

My brother plays adventure quest and he was wondering if theres any way that he can get rid of is starting wepon and starting armor so it dosnt take up a spot in his armor or wepon inventory. And it wont let him sell it like he does for other normal weapons and armor.thanks --76.235.210.66 (talk) 16:25, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

I could be wrong, but I think the starting equipment is no-drop and you have to upgrade to a Guardian account to change that. You may be able to get a more definitive answer at the Adventure Quest forums. Laenir (talk) 20:31, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Using peer-to-peer networks to download music

My friend and I were arguing about this the other day. He's downloaded thousands of music tracks, including dozens of entire albums, from peer-to-peer networks such as Limewire and Frostwire. I cautioned him about using such networks in light of the recent efforts of the FBI and the music industry to crack down on copyright violations. I'm afraid he could find himself getting arrested. He says there's no real risk involved because the way the networks are set up makes it almost impossible to track an individual user no matter how much downloading he does, and anyway, there are so many users and there have been so few cases brought to court that the chance that they would happen to pick on him is miniscule. Am I right, or is he right and I'm worrying too much? - Jim —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.215.227.218 (talk) 23:20, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

I would recommend you tell your friend to stop. Any kind of downloading music is illegal and he could be in big trouble. But like you said, the RIAA (the people that crack down on this kinda thing) can't get everyone. So he may never get caught. But its still illegal. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tri-Edge99 (talk • contribs) 00:41, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Your friend is completely and utterly wrong about the privacy thing - using P2P is completely unsecure in any fashion. Thats what makes it P2P - anyone can come in and download/track anything and anyone. Otherwise how would complete strangers share files? High-bandwidth downloaders, especially those going after popular music or new movies, are targetted the hardest.

However, you are wrong about the arrested part. Unless he is in a high volume and large profit piracy group he will not be arrested. It is purely a civil matter, in which case he will loose large amounts of money in fines to the music industry and paying for a laywer.

I used to be heavily into P2P. After awhile I got sick of the low quality rips and other crap. I got tired of sifting. Now I just buy CDs from SecondSpin.com for DIRT cheap and get CD quality audio.

It is best that he stops but it is up to him to decide the amount of risk he wants to take on his pocketbook and your friendship. It is truely admirable of you to be concerned for him. I hope he will understand that. --mboverload@ 01:05, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Also, if you don't mind may I ask your friend's age? --mboverload@ 01:10, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Okay, so he won't be arrested, but he will face a civil suit. You're right - I think I knew that and I chose the wrong word to refer to legal troubles. My question is, what are the chances he will face some kind of legal repercussions from his actions, as opposed to slipping under the radar altogether? (By the way, he's 22.) - Jim —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.215.227.218 (talk) 03:13, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, this is now getting into the realm of legal advice, which we can not give per the rules. Nothing against you, its just the rules here. Refer to my above posts. --mboverload@ 04:58, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

My advice to your friend would be to use your local library, internet cafe or public computers. These usually route all their connections through a single proxy server, meaning that without a massive amount of effort on the part of the MPAA, ISP or Internet Vigilante, your download cannot be singled down to a specific computer out of the many there. NEVER download from peer-to-peer networks or torrent from your home ISP; you might as well stick a sign on your head saying so if you do. 20I.170.20 (talk) 12:51, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

How Many Venevision Internationals There Are In Florida

Mooved from the misc desk by request from the OP =) Julia Rossi (talk) 23:54, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

How many Venevisión Internationals are there going to be in Florida? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 00:46, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

Previously...

One. Eric, you've been doing better about avoiding nonsensical questions at the Ref Desk; please don't start backsliding. — Lomn 01:52, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

and Eric, you're even on the wrong desk! Julia Rossi (talk) 10:00, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

August 7

Re: Record labels

Currently, I'm attempting to build up the record label Key Sounds Label to possibly a Good Article, but I haven't found any record label articles that are at least GA quality. Do any exist so that I can use one as an example?--十八 03:02, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

I didn't see any in the lists at WP:FA and WP:GA, which is weird considering there are like 10 about the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the KLF each, so you'd think they would at least get one of their labels up to GA. Recury (talk) 14:02, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

comicbook: dogs in space

Trying to remember the title of an Eighties comicbook. The title character is a Canidan, from a planet of Sirius(?), humanoid but with a doglike head. There was a supporting character named Kneedham who was infamous for causing a wreck while drunk (by no fault of his own). It's not Dagobah or Dagorlad, but I'll bet that the first letter is D. Any bells? —Tamfang (talk) 05:46, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Dalgoda! —Tamfang (talk) 06:41, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Numb3rs - Series 3 Episode 'The Mole' - Question

I watched this episode the other night and a reference was made to one of the characters (a counter intelligence agent) being identified because he wore his sunglasses on the back of his neck - apparently this was significant because it was something that people in the army/fbi/services are taught to do...My question is why? They never explained it in the episode. I've tried looking online without success. ny156uk (talk) 11:55, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Have you seen the ghost of Tom?

I remember back in the day, there was a kids Halloween song called 'Ghost of Tom'. It contained the lyrics 'Have you seen the Ghost of Tom?' and 'Big shiney teeth' and 'Only one (something) to keep his tongue in'. Can someone find the full lyrics to this song? If someone can find the actual song, that would be off the meat rack. Much thanks. --Endless Dan 16:39, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Never heard the song before but is this what you're looking for? Dismas|^(talk) 16:59, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

No that's not it. That reads like the song I am refering to, but its not the same. The lyrics I remember are definitly in the song. This is driving me crazy!! --Endless Dan 17:23, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Someone back in 2000 was looking for the same song here, but I'm afraid that doesn't give us an artist or recording to confirm. They did provide the lyrics though (or what they thought were the lyrics) that mesh with your memory. Laenir (talk) 17:44, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Someone at this other thread in a post from 2004 attributes the song to "This is Music: Teacher's Book 7" by William Sur. Laenir (talk) 17:54, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

It was a goofy song we used to sing in second or third grade music class. I know it wasn't by an actual artist. The "This is Music" book would jive. --Endless Dan 18:37, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Looking for sports stats

Been through numerous sites. What I'm trying to find out is: - How many amateur athletes there are globally - weekend types or in organized sports - How many people participate in any sport on a global level

If anyone has a recommendation of where to look, great. I don't mind doing the research myself but I've been to ~50 sites and not finding what I need.Summerquest (talk) 17:42, 7 August 2008 (UTC)sportsquestion

You're probably not finding it because it's not sufficiently defined. If I golf weekly, I probably meet the criteria for being an "amateur athlete". But what if I golf once a month? Once a year? What if it's putt-putt? Does a line need to be drawn between jogging and walking a dog? Does athletic activity qualify you as an athlete? So yeah -- meaningful numbers for a statement that broad are going to be hard, if not impossible, to come by. I'd say "approximately six billion", were I asked to supply a number. — Lomn 17:58, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Looking for an anime

For the love of me I can't remember what it is called. It was a comedy with some ecchi elements in it. The main girl was some sort of demon I believe, and she keeps kiling the main character with a spiked club, then bringing him back to life. Other characters included her little sister, who was taller, bustier, and had an eyepatch, and also a girl with ram's horns. Does anybody know what this anime is called? BioYu-Gi! (talk) 21:13, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Are you talking about Excel Saga? 216.135.172.188 (talk) 22:46, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

The Final Lines of Passions

What were the final words in the series finale of Passions and do they mention the word "Passions"? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 21:34, 7 August 2008 (UTC)