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

December 16

Comparing boxing and wrestling

Why is it that professional boxers generally only have one or two fights a year, when professional wrestlers seem to be able to fight every couple of weeks? --81.76.54.220 (talk) 01:37, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Because boxers are actually beating each other's heads in, and wrestlers are not. Adam Bishop (talk) 02:36, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

To expand on what Adam Bishop has noted; in professional boxing, the outcome is not predetermined(well, not SUPPOSED to be) and the boxers are really trying to win by beating the other guy senseless. This, even for the winners, can take a terrible toll on the body, and professional boxers at the highest levels often do need months to recover from a fight. Professional wrestling is basically soap-opera. While the exhibition is physically demanding, the outcome is pre-determined and the wrestlers are play-fighting according to a script. This is a physically demanding venture, but no more so than say, a football game would be, and as such professional wrestlers have a much shorter turn-around time between matches. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 03:51, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

It's much much more simple than that: Money. The top boxers need to limit supply to increase demand. Amateur boxers and other combat-sports competitors can take part in fights at least monthly. As our Nigel Benn article notes he won 22 fights from 1987 to 1989. His record (http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=739&cat=boxer) shows 12 fights in 1987 alone. The reason is not so much physical, as it is financial. The biggest fights need to occur reasonably infrequently to maximise demand, and thus increase revenue per fight. If you look through the records of professional boxers they'll doubtlessly show a similar theme - more fights in the early professional years and less as they get higher up the 'ranks'. I'm sure fatigue from the fight plays a part but realistically all the other fighters manage so it must be (primarily) a monetary reason. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 11:46, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

That does seem to play somewhat of a role as well, but also consider that early fights tend to be short (3 round) fights, while at the highest levels, championship fights can go on as long as 12 rounds. Thus, as their careers progress, the fights also become more physically demanding. Its likely some combination of the two. While a championship fighter could likely fight more than twice a year, boxing a 12 round fight every month may be excessive... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 13:08, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Wrestling matches also don't last as long as a normal boxing match. In professional MMA, the bouts are indeed spread out to help increase the demand per fighter's appearance. They can, and do, fight on much shorter intervals when the opportunity arises. But MMA fights are in many ways less brutal than a boxing match; the ref is more likely to stop a fight for the health of a fighter and the fact you can fight all-out makes it easier to end a fight quickly, both in the sense that a knee to the head can end a fight in one shot and in the sense that the lesser athlete will gas themselves much more quickly and so get taken out. Boxing seems designed to drag out each fight, perhaps to help compensate for the fact each man only fights once or twice a year. Wrestling combines the all-out style of MMA without the fear of serious personal injury (well, less fear; accidents happen). Five minutes of posing for the droolers, five minutes of play-fighting, and five minutes of theatrics offstage; that's not exactly a punishing schedule for someone in good physical shape. Matt Deres (talk) 14:47, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Silent Night, Holy Night in a film

I seem to remember a film which has a part where kids run downstairs in slow motion to open their presents while this song plays. Anyone have any idea what I'm talking about? I may be wrong on the details a bit, but I think it's something like this. Oh, and it might be a very obvious film, just something that has slipped my mind. Thanks. 68.50.107.144 (talk) 01:41, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Could it possibly be Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander? I never saw it, but it was set at Christmas and I recall seeing trailers with kids running in slow motion around a Christmas tree. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:57, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Conway's Game of Life

Moved to Computing Reference Desk: Wikipedia:Reference desk/Computing#Conway's Game of Life. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 13:59, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

GTA 4 Theme Song

What is the song played in the first GTA 4 trailer?Neon6419 (talk) 12:52, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Arm in Arm by The Boggs. SN0WKITT3N 17:42, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Girl in the 2008 VGA's

Does anybody know the name of the girl that was dressed all in white and had black hair in the 2008 VGA's? She was in the commercials(moving around those panels like it was a touch screen) and showing the catagories for what award was being presented (on the touch screen).Neon6419 (talk) 12:52, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

texan lesbian prostitutes

i have heard of a film about texan lesbian prostitutes and apparently there is a scene which is artily shot. she has a dildo in her ass and is tapping it on a mirror but it is filmed in the mirror. what is this film called? Wochende (talk) 16:54, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Can't find any mainstream movies with this in, could be wrong but this sounds like a standard porn movie. Google it and you'll get loads of results. SN0WKITT3N 17:46, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, that's the problem. If you google texan lesbian prostitutes dildo ass you will probably get thousands if not millions of hits. 216.239.234.196 (talk) 14:10, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

I can't wait for the next instalment in the series, "Texan Lesbian Prostitutes with Dildos in their Asses Survive the Texas Chainsaw Massacre". I might give a copy of the DVD to my grandmother for Christmas. -- JackofOz (talk) 02:19, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

I got Zombie Strippers on Blu-Ray from Netflix the other day, but haven't watched it yet. 216.239.234.196 (talk) 13:37, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Magic: the gathering

Here you will see at the lower left corner a 1/1 below a spear. What does this mean?96.53.149.117 (talk) 18:31, 16 December 2008 (UTC)96.53.149.117 (talk) 18:39, 16 December 2008 (UTC)96.53.149.117 (talk) 18:41, 16 December 2008 (UTC)96.53.149.117 (talk) 18:41, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, that's some kind of joke card so you'd need to ask its creator, but on a normal Magic card that number would represent the card number within a set - ie in this case it is card #1 in a set of 1 card. ~ mazca ^t|c 09:25, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

What does a flaming 8-ball symbolize?

I've seen loads of people around with tattoos of an 8-ball with a trail of flames behind it (Google image seach for 'flaming 8 ball' for examples of what I mean). I've also seen the symbol used on jackets, caps, cigarette lighters and once on the gas tank of a bike. What does it mean? Is it some sort of drug-related/occult symbol? Or prison ink? Or something related to biker gangs? Anyone know? Thanks. --84.69.203.30 (talk) 22:25, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Here[1] two years ago, the answer was that it means the person "can smoke an entire 8-ball (1/8 of an ounce) of dope". Julia Rossi (talk) 03:49, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Is that a lot then? DuncanHill (talk) 03:57, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Not for this guy... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 05:39, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

for cocaine it's vaguely, 2-4 inches long: Eightball ('Ball') - 1/8 ounce (3.5 grams). And for marijuana, the same weight and twice its usual cost. Since they're both friable materials, it's like Jayron says. I have the mental picture of him shovelling it off the table with his arm while sniffing. Gahd, Julia Rossi (talk) 08:24, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

December 17

Renee Richards

Hi I want to write an article about Uk Porn-star Renee Richards Who recently won Girl of the Year award at the UK Adult Film and Television Awards. As there is already a page regarding another famous Renee Richards, it does not give me the option to write a new article about the pornstar Renee. How is it possible to produce this new article? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jesspassiton (talk • contribs) 11:50, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

You need to make the article title slightly different. I think the standard affix is something like Renee Richards (porn star). That link should be red and allow you to edit. Make sure you have reliable sources to reference your article. Matt Deres (talk) 12:36, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

It's also a good idea to tie the two articles together with "hatnotes", as I've just done using the {{for}} template. If there were more than two people of the same name with Wikipedia articles, creating a separate page titled "Renee Richards (disambiguation)" would be a better choice and then you would make the hatnotes all link to that, probably using a different template. --Anonymous, 21:32 UTC, December 17, 2008.

michael jackson

why is it that even though Michael jackson was found not guilty of touching the kids, people still assume he did it? Wochende (talk) 12:49, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

because society tends to prefer scandal to truth when the truth isn't as interesting... Gazhiley (talk) 13:16, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

You shouldn't mistake acquittal for innocence. Tomdobb (talk) 13:32, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

For me, it's because no adult heterosexual man would want to sleep in bed with a boy (at least not related to him). I get frequent hard-ons in the middle of the night and the idea that some boy might notice it or accidentally rub against it totally grosses me out. I should also point out that I'm a long time MJ fan. Thriller was the first album I ever bought, I memorized the dance moves in the video and own ever single MJ album and Jacksons album released over the last 30 years and greatest hits albums for the music before that. I still listen to his music, but I certainly think he's guilty. I rationalize it with myself on the grounds that just because someone is a pervert doesn't mean they don't have any artistic talent. 216.239.234.196 (talk) 14:08, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Indeed, without the artistic contributions of pervs, we'd be without the films of Roman Polanski, the books of Lewis Carroll, and the paintings of Paul Gauguin. StuRat (talk) 15:59, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

They had an interesting discussion about this on newsnight where adult men sharing with boys was defended ( I can't remember on why grounds annoyingly). In any case, Its a shame that someone can be accused of something so horrendous and despite having been acquitted, still be 'deemed' guilty in the public conscience. makes me wonder why we bother with the 'whole trial by jury' thing.. 82.22.4.63 (talk) 00:17, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Because a criminal trial in the US does not determine guilt. It determines whether the prosecution can prove guilt. Further, the standard by which is proving beyond a reasonable doubt, not preponderance of the evidence. So a jury can feel that a defendent is probably guility, but still acquit. It's also important to note that a jury never rules that someone is innocent, only not guilty. 216.239.234.196 (talk) 13:24, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Fine, but that still proves my point doesn't it? 12 ordinary men and women, having seen all the evidence and heard all the arguments, believe there is insufficient evidence to prove someone is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Yet joe public, having read a few tabloid stories, thinks he has all the evidence he needs to assume guilt or, as you put it, "certainly think he's guilty". Like i said, I wonder why we bother...82.22.4.63 (talk) 14:57, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, you're incorrect to assume that people simply drew that conclusion from "a few tabloid stories". Jackson's trial was highly publicized and covered by numerous reliable sources on a daily basis for the entire length of the trial. You should note that OJ Simpson (also highly covered by reliable sources) was found not guilty by the standard of reasonable doubt (in the criminal trial) and guilty by preponderance of the evidence (in the civil trial). Joe Public is free to set whatever standards they like. 216.239.234.196 (talk) 16:11, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

I, for one, think that the most important factor that determines whether you're found guilty in court is how wealthy and famous you are, not your actual guilt. An illegal immigrant who doesn't speak the language or have any money can be convicted of murder and sent to death row because he vaguely matches the description and was found within 10 miles of the crime. Meanwhile, a celebrity can commit just about any crime and be acquitted, if it even makes it to court. The one positive note on the acquittal of Jackson and Simpson is that it shows the system isn't racist, except in that minorities are more likely to be poor, and thus be convicted without a fair trail. StuRat (talk) 16:29, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

In this case in particular, the jurors based their decision on the evidence: A man with a 3-floor bedroom (larger than many large houses) invited boys to stay the night in a slumber party. He had multiple beds in his bedroom, but most boys preferred the big bed - one that is larger than a large bedroom and easily sleeps dozens of people without touching. The public, on the other hand, based their decision on the tabloids - a man had a boy in his bed. -- kainaw™ 18:11, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

It's not like he didn't have the money to be able to afford a bed for himself (at least back then). So then, it comes down to him making the choice to sleep in the same bed with unrelated boys. Not normal at all. Then there's also his other bizarre behavior to consider, from the extreme plastic surgery to the baby dangling. StuRat (talk) 08:58, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

"Michael Jackson is an example of social mobility in America. He went from a poor, black boy to a rich, white woman." StuRat (talk) 08:58, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Why Batman & Robin wasn't successful?

Why? 200.50.33.55 (talk) 13:50, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

• Because people didn't like it? Really, in simplistic terms, that is what makes a movie successful or not. Diliff | (Talk) (Contribs) 13:57, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Budget of $140 million, and worldwide box office take of $240 million. Why do you consider this to not be successful? --Onorem♠Dil 14:12, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

The film's article actually has a lot of information on this. Give the Release section a look. Tomdobb (talk) 15:33, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Bat-nipples, Bat-butts and Bat-crotches. Kreachure (talk) 21:44, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Christmas medley containing "While Shepards Watched" AND "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"

Which Christmas song includes the lines “While Shepherds watched their flocks by night” and “Hark the herald angels sing”? Perhaps there was a medley by someone? 195.167.178.194 (talk) 15:30, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Well "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" are both full Christmas songs in their own right. Regarding medleys of Christmas songs, there is long tradition of mixing and merging Christmas carols into medleys. Usually this is so unremarkable as not to warrant a specific title, rather being referred to simply as "Medley of (French/English/Traditional/etc.) Christmas Carols". It happens with such regularity that I wouldn't be surprised if there was three or four different medleys which incorporated both "Shepherds Watched" and "Hark". Unless you have further information about the particular medley you're thinking of, it is unlikely that we'll be able to narrow it down. -- 128.104.112.113 (talk) 22:46, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

It could possibly be a medley by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which is known for repackaging several christmas songs into a single tune. For example, their most popular tune is probably Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 which is a medley of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Carol of the Bells. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 02:55, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Looking for dark comedy film

Hi, I'm looking for a dark comedy film from early to mid-90s about a couple driving around trying to dispose of a middle-aged lady's body. They try to throw the body from a bridge, bury it, and other things, but every time the body returns to them through quirky circumstances. That's all the info I have on it. Thanks in advance, Kreachure (talk) 21:41, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Could it be Enid is Sleeping ? 93.96.152.255 (talk) 07:18, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Throw Momma from the Train starring Danny DeVito and Billy Crystal? Come to think of it, probably not. Astronaut (talk) 13:02, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

It's probably "Enid is Sleeping". I'll check that one out, thanks. Kreachure (talk) 14:10, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

December 18

The minor fall, the major lift

I know what a fourth and a fifth are, but what are a minor fall and a major lift? --Tango (talk) 00:04, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

this post suggests they are just the feelings that come with using the minor (this is the relative minor of the tonic methinks) and then going back to the fourth. I tried playing it on my keyboard here and I didn't feel particularly fally or lifty. I'll try the guitar. There sure are a lot of blogs and stuff talking about it. NByz (talk) 00:38, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

If I remember right, Cohen is describing the chord changes in the song itself. Its been a while since I played this one, but it goes something like this:

....G...................C..........D

It goes like this the fourth, the fifth

.....Em.................C....D

The minor fall and the major lift

The song uses the basic "pop song" 4-chord progression (I IV V vi). In the key of G (which is how I always play it) the root is G, the 4th chord C, the 5th is D, and the relative minor is Em. The idea behind the "minor fall" is a drop into the relative minor key (Em for G) and the major lift is a return to the major key (in this case G). I could probably come up with about 100 songs that do the same basic progression (I-IV-V on line 1 and vi-IV-V on line 2); which is of course the idea behind the song. He's lost his girlfriend and he's trying to show her how much he loves her (I heard that there's a secret chord/that David played and it pleased the Lord), but he recognizes the futility (but you don't even care for music, do ya) and indeed that the commonness of the song is unlikely to contain that perfect chord (The "it goes like this" part). He feels lost and confused (the baffled king (i.e. the narrator of the song) composing Hallelujah...) One of my favorite songs, BTW. Great tune. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 02:27, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

That's pretty much my take on it, too - at least as far as the chords go. As far as the message of the song overall goees, there's also of course direct Biblical allusions (in a way, it's almost as dense with them as James Joyce's writing, though a lot easier on the brain!). There's a good article on the song on the BBC's news website at this url, BTW. Grutness...wha? 02:43, 18 December 2008 (UTC) (who has yet to hear a better version of this wonderful modern standard than John Cale's)

I have heard Cohen talk about the song, and he called it something like "a four-minute orgasm" and explained the meaning as using religious epiphany as a metaphor for orgasm (Think also the same metaphor in the Nine Inch Nails song "Closer", though its certainly more explicit THERE). The whole thing is a juxtaposition of the sacred (the story of David and Bathsheeba) and the profane (sex), and all of that is wrapped around what is essentially a break-up song, again the breakup of a romantic relationship as juxtaposed to one "losing their faith" and losing their connection with God. It is dense with meaning, and yet beautiful and simple at the same time. And I've always been partial to the Jeff Buckley version, myself... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 02:51, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

I don't know the song, but fwiw the progression I-IV-V-vi looks like a standard deceptive cadence. Pfly (talk) 08:43, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much, that makes a lot of sense! --Tango (talk) 11:35, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Methods used to Compose Classical Music

I usually write songs by trying to find unusual patterns (usually in unusual time signatures) and then build on them. I will often compose the leads by just whipping out the guitar and playing around. Earlier this week, I decided I wanted to try to compose a song in a classical style - a song that would "sound like classical music". It seems like many classical songs were composed as simple arpeggiated chord patterns on a clavichord or piano, with "mono-line" instrumental parts over them, passing the "lead" back and forth. This is how I've started off, and it's pretty interesting, although I wouldn't say it's my best work to listen to (Interestingly enough, re-rendering the midi of the whole project into a voice that can only play one tone at a time yields a pretty wicked dance-sounding song).

I was wondering if this was the usual way that classical music was composed, or if anyone had any other suggestions for a method of yielding a song that sounds 'classical' (other than "using classical instruments, of course" :) ). NByz (talk) 00:30, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

You may want to take a look at the articles Fugue and Sonata. If they don't help, let us know. Deor (talk) 03:47, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

I had never been to that fugue article before. Thanks! NByz (talk) 04:27, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

See also Alberti bass for your 'simple arpeggiated chord patterns'. AndrewWTaylor (talk) 11:31, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

See also: Counterpoint, Common practice period and Consecutive fifths (which has other relevant info as well). --NorwegianBlue ^talk 18:55, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

As a choreographer I work with composers, and we share strategies for making creating work. The best advice I can give is to be very specific about what you are doing. "Classical Music" is a massive field of enquiry and in order to make something that sounds like classical music is to examine practically specific examples of classical music. For example, as previously suggested looking at particular form (as Deor suggested, the fugue and sonata forms). I would then go on to suggest that once you have picked a form you wish to copy, you have an attempt at trying to copy it. I don't work with ballet (a classical dance form, with similar ideologies to classical music) at all, but if I wanted to start doing so, I would spend some time looking at the movement vocabularies present in that form. Then I would start using them in my own work as a resource. I work a lot with Robert Lepage's RSVP cycle (google it) and there's a general rule that can be quite useful. The outcome of the work will be influenced by the resources you start with. If your resources are a very codified movement vocabulary, then you will probably end up with a very codified piece. If your resources are a bricollage of many different performance elements, then you will probably have a very collage-like piece. Do you see how this related to classical music? I hope I have been helpful Sebbi (talk) 17:03, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

Arnold's shotgun in Terminator 2

I was watching T2 on DVD last night and I found myself wondering if and how it's really possible to cock a pump-action shotgun one-handed by spinning it around a finger.

This is the shotgun that Arnold's T-800 uses in the first half of the movie, btw. Most famously when he's riding his Harley through the drainage canals while being chased by the T-1000 in a truck. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.68.195.17 (talk) 06:58, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

The shotgun used in the movie isn't a pump-action, it's a Lever-action (if you recall his method of cocking from the 'gun hidden in the box of roses' scene). The imdb entry for T2's goofs notes that two types of cocking lever were used, one normal lever that closely fitted Schwarzenegger's hand for the normal scenes and a larger one for the motorcycle scenes. Whether or not it is possible to cock it one handed, I don't know, but it looks physically possible. Nanonic (talk) 07:07, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

And from our article on Terminator 2 - "The sawed-off shotgun used by Schwarzenegger throughout the film was a modified Winchester Model 1901 10ga lever-action shotgun, modified especially for the film to allow it to be "flip-cocked" by the actor in several of the film's scenes." Nanonic (talk) 07:22, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Thanks a lot. I thought that the gun he had in the box of roses at the beginning was a different gun to the one he had when he was on the bike. I guess that I wasn't paying attention. --84.68.195.17 (talk) 07:45, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

If it is possible to cock the gun in that way, I suspect you would need long arms and be very careful not to accidentally fire the gun while twirling it around. Astronaut (talk) 12:57, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

YouTube says 'maybe'. FWIW, during the final confrontation with the T-1000 at the steel mill in the movie, Sarah ably demonstrates how to cock a pump-action shotgun one-handed (I've no idea if you can do that outside of the movies). She'd have to toss it up in the air and catch it by the grip in order to fire it with the same hand though. --Kurt Shaped Box (talk) 07:31, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

When you have questions about guns in movies, always check out the Internet Movie Firearms Database. And they have a page on Terminator 2: Judgment Day as well.--droptone (talk) 13:26, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Before Terminators are sent on missions, they are required to watch John Wayne movies. ;-) The "flip-cock" move was of course made famous by Wayne in True Grit (see also this), if not other films. —Kevin Myers 15:21, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

December 19

Songs

There was a song that was played at Boston Pizza in Timberlea in Fort McMurray at around after 3:00 P.M. Mountain Time (anyhow, my time), and the singer sounded like Lights (like how she was singing, just not her voice) in Drive My Soul. And the song is electronic. Who is the artist and what is the name of the song?

2 years ago, in a cafe on 104 St. in Edmonton, Canada, a song was played at around 6:00 P.M., (maybe), and it sounded like Fischerspooner's A Kick In The Teeth, with the alternating "octaves" (what is this called? It's not sol do (solfege), because that's only one octave), at the start, just the alternating notes, but throughout the song, it is a female sounding voice and a male sounding voice, not just a male voice (maybe it is, maybe it is not, Fischerspooner's).96.53.149.117 (talk) 00:10, 19 December 2008 (UTC)96.53.149.117 (talk) 00:29, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Which version of All Along the Watchtower is better - Bob Dylan or Jimi Hendrix?

I like both. I like both a lot. But if I'd have to go with one, I'd go with the Bob Dylan version. Which one is in the eyes of critics considered the best, can anyone tell me?--Nubile Servant (talk) 00:52, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

The instructions at the top of the page say "The reference desk does not answer requests for opinions or predictions about future events. Do not start a debate; please seek an internet forum instead." Perhaps this question is better suited for somewhere else... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 01:22, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Yep. You are asking for opinions, not the facts that the ref desk is designed to provide. I actually prefer a different version, but I'm not going to buy into this. --—— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 01:27, 19 December 2008 (UTC)::

No, I'm asking for the opinions of established music critics such as Lester Bangs, and to see if anyone can provide them here. I'm not asking for the original research of your opinion, say.--Nubile Servant (talk) 01:41, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Then you've misphrased the question. "Which version of All Along the Watchtower is considered better by the majority of established music critics?" would be how to ask this. Exxolon (talk) 02:07, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Excuse me but that's exactly what the OP asked in his question. He didn't ask it in the header, granted, but the header is just a summary of the question anyway. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 08:32, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Dylan performed it first. Hendrix expanded on it. Dylan then absorbed a lot of Hendrix' version into his live performances. So, Dylan appears to feel that Hendrix improved on the original performance. -- kainaw™ 13:53, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Song in this video,

What is the name of the song and the band in this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbpZvzDVxRc 85.220.43.26 (talk) 07:03, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

It's All Star (song) by Smash Mouth. Nanonic (talk) 08:22, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you, I love this song. 85.220.43.26 (talk) 09:47, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Question

Out of MS-DOS, Macintosh, Apple II, Amiga, Commodore 64, and all those other old computer operating systems, what was the most used one for games from companies like Sierra and Infocom?

• Back in those days games weren't limited to one single operating system. I used to have a Commodore 64 and an Atari system and I played different games on each. I guess that whatever system was used most was the one that was sold most because games were usually played on the system you had at hand. - Mgm|^(talk) 08:39, 19 December 2008 (UTC)
  • OTOH, I had an MS-DOS based system, and had numerous Sierra and Infocom games for it... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 13:45, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure how you would quantify "most used one for games" other than based on sales by OS. I have no idea where you would find those numbers. I was an Apple ][ guy back in the day. --—— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 14:24, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Infocom

Why was Infocom so-called? More specifically, what does the name "Infocom" mean? 124.180.116.201 (talk) 07:27, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

What does "Microsoft" mean? What does any random corporate name mean? It sounds vaguely computer-y. That's about it... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 13:34, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

In this PDF linked in the Infocom article, this sentence is found - "A company was thus born: Infocom, 'the name least offensive to everyone.'" There is a footnote indicating that quote comes from an article in The New Zork Times. I've searched through a few of the other links, and links from those links, but can't really find anything definite. I am pretty sure I still have all my copies of the NZT (and The Status Line as it was renamed after a certain large newspaper got cranky); perhaps I'll be able to find them over the holidays and update the article. --LarryMac | Talk 13:52, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Infocom = Information company.

Microsoft = Microcomputer (an old name for a PC) software. StuRat (talk) 05:15, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

I always tend to think of Micro = small and soft = not erect; which is something NO MAN should want associated with himself... Does that tell us something about Bill Gates? --Jayron32.talk.contribs 01:29, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I would like to be associated with billions of dollars. Adam Bishop (talk) 03:57, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Yogi Bear episode

Does anyone recognized this episode which featured Yogi Bear? I only saw a clip of it. Here's how it went. Yogi was searching for his friend Boo Boo in the forrest. On his way, he notices some bears obliviously slurping nectar with some flies on themselves. Yogi approaches some of the bears and started pulling back his index finger in front of them repeatedly. Yogi then hesitates, points his finger at one of them and shouts "Homewrecker!" One of the bears around sneaked behind him and bit his foot. Yogi started running in terror, passing by trees that have faces. 210.4.123.128 (talk) 13:35, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

song by nico featured on french film "narco"

Hi, I was watching the film "Narco - the secret adventures of Gustave" on Australia's SBS, and there was a song, early on, I believe by the chanteuse Nico. Does anyone know what it was, and is there a website where I can see detailed track listings for songs on films (noting that not all songs on a film are necessarily on the official soundtrack)? I did a lot of googling for this, and came up with nothing. Thanks in advance, 202.89.166.179 (talk) 17:37, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

I found this soundtrack, but it doesn't mention Nico at all. The IMDB page for the film doesn't have a soundtrack link, however there is a discussion forum there and somebody has posted a topic called "song search". I can't access the forums there, but maybe that would be a good resource. The "official site" linked from the IMDB page results in a "not found" error. --LarryMac | Talk 18:35, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Movie Set in Africa

I would like to know the name of a movie that was set in Africa. I probably saw it in 1965 or 1966; I don't know if the movie was new or not. The protagonist is separated from his group (I don't recall if it was a safari or what) and has movie-type African adventures. At one point an elephant is injured, and he rides or follows the elephant to an elephant graveyard. He also meets an attractive blonde woman, with whom he shares the adventures. At the end of the movie, after he has rejoined the group, he meets the woman again, and he has something in his pocket from the adventures (probably proving that it wasn't all just a dream). John M Baker (talk) 19:53, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Trader Horn (1931 film)? --Onorem♠Dil 19:57, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

I remember a movie where they stumble upon an elephant's graveyard. My brain said Watusi (1959), which included footage from King Solomon's Mines (1950 film), but the articles and IMDb make no mention of the graveyard. -- JackofOz (talk) 21:50, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

It isn't Trader Horn; I'm quite sure that the movie was in color. It doesn't really sound like Watusi, but I can't say for sure that that wasn't it. I remember the female lead as being blonde, but I could be mistaken on that point. There just aren't enough plot details on Wikipedia and IMDb to be sure. John M Baker (talk) 23:25, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

A 1965 movie search finds African Gold and Sands of the Kalahari. This one had a blonde female lead and a wiki article. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:54, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

I don't think it's Sands of the Kalahari, which apparently involved a lost group of Westerners who were threatened by one of their own number. There don't seem to be any details available on African Gold.

My impression of this movie, from my memories as a child, is that it must have had an elaborate set and a fairly large budget, but its apparent obscurity suggests that its budget wasn't so big as all that. John M Baker (talk) 03:28, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Was it a Tarzan movie[2]? Julia Rossi (talk) 08:50, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I don't think so. I don't remember Tarzan being in it, and I was well-aware of who Tarzan was. Also, it doesn't sound like any of the Tarzan movies made in the period from 1957 (the first color Tarzan movie, Tarzan and the Lost Safari) to 1968 would have matching plots. John M Baker (talk) 16:22, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

A Google search for film +Africa +"elephant's graveyard" turned up an obscure 1956 release titled Dark Venture. It's difficult finding a good synopsis, though (I can't even determine whether the thing was filmed in B/W or color). I don't suppose that could be it? Deor (talk) 17:16, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I bet that's it. Wow, what an obscure movie. Thanks, I've wondered about this for years. John M Baker (talk) 05:15, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

D'oh! I had looked at that TCM page but didn't scroll down far enough to see the extensive synopsis. Deor (talk) 13:46, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

December 20

Poker Face

In 2 of the youtube videos (one of them actually has the song), at the end of Lady Gaga's above song, there is a woman in a blue dress/suit; it looks like she's in a music video and her song is electronic, or similar in genre to Lady Gaga's Poker Face. So at these scenes, she is leaning against the wall, her back would be facing away from our left eye, her left foot is like raisedresting on the wall. The woman looks like she might be subsaharan African, or part subsaharan African. Her hair is black and curly, and almost updown to her elbows.96.53.149.117 (talk) 05:09, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Who is the artist and the name of this song?96.53.149.117 (talk) 05:11, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

One shot versus multiple

This is a question about film-making terminology. Suppose you have a scene shot using two cameras. The two (originally continuous) takes are cut up and interleaved during editing. Is each of the segments now considered a separate shot? Or are the segments originally shot by the same camera (together) still considered a single shot? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.114.98.236 (talk) 09:01, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Gosh darn it was about to point out this isn't an alcohol related board...  ;-) No idea sorry just saw the title of the question and thought there might be some fun drinking story here... Gazhiley (talk) 10:04, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

As always with words, a lot depends on context. If you're discussing the camera angles and the lighting of the sequence you describe, the segments shot by the same camera would probably be referred to as the same shot. But if you're talking about the editing, it might be better to say they're different shots from the same take. 194.171.56.13 (talk) 11:44, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

It does count as 2 separate shots. Sitcoms are often shot like this (or even with 3 cameras at a time). 82.35.193.236 (talk) 00:42, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

CSI Miami graphics

During the beginning of each episode some coding very quickly appears and morphs into the credits for the first four main characters. Does it mean anything and what is it for? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Frustrated curious kat (talk • contribs) 14:40, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

It's math equations for the actors names. IMDB gives a list here SN0WKITT3N 21:57, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, I would say those math equations don't *equal* those names. It's just a graphic style. Like the glyph in the Matrix code titles don't really mean anything. --70.167.58.6 (talk) 00:46, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Differences between Hollywood-style and French movies

I've seen several French movies that have quite a different style than typical Hollywood movies. Some of the differences I've noticed are:

• Hollywood movies tend to have a quicker tempo — shorter shots, shorter pauses between lines in a dialog, etc
• French movies have more quiet scenes, and more scenes without background music
• French movies have more shots with stationary cameras — the camera seems almost always moving in Hollywood movies
• Hollywood movies tend to have more beautiful people — French movies seem to have ordinary-looking people more often

Are these observations generally accurate? What are some other differences between the two styles? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.114.98.236 (talk) 16:53, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

A quote I've heard: "In an American movie, you know how it will end before it begins, in a British movie, you don't know how it will end until it's over, in a French film you don't know how the story will end even after the movie is over." StuRat (talk) 17:44, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Or, as Jean-Luc Godard said, "a story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end... but not necessarily in that order." Back to the original question, yes, I think these observations hold (especially the second one, the horror vacui with which American filmmakers fill their soundtracks seems nearly pathological from my European pov) but with some exceptions, of course. 194.171.56.13 (talk) 19:54, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Why ghost stories at Christmas?

Curiosity about the "scary ghost stories" In the Christmas carol "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" led me to google it, and I was intriuged to learn about M.R. James. I always thought it was just a reference to Dickens' A Christmas Carol, especially after the great presentation of the Ghost of Christmas Future rising up out of the stage, and Scrooge's reaction, when I first saw it, about 8 or 9, at the theater. So, this was quite interesting.

However, I'm curious as to why it became a tradition in the first place. I always associate the ghost story with Halloween, and while I can understand wanting something to escape the bustle of the holiday, it certainly wasn't anything like today back then. And, scary stuff just seems odd.Somebody or his brother (talk) 19:02, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Don't forget The Nightmare Before Christmas. People get sick of all the cute Xmas stories and want something a bit "different". StuRat (talk) 19:08, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Is that why Valkyrie is opening on Christmas day? Clarityfiend (talk) 23:01, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

And the Christian faith is steeped in a rich tradition of the walking dead. Nimur (talk) 02:24, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

...and the Holy Ghost. StuRat (talk) 16:47, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

The depths of winter, when nights are longest and nothing's growing to keep people in the fields, has probably always been a time to sit around a hearth and tell spooky stories. Little Mamillius in The Winter's Tale, you'll recall, said (with some interruptions from his mum), "A sad tale's best for winter: I have one of sprites and goblins. There was a man dwelt by a churchyard …" And the specific association with Christmas in England dates at least to early Victorian times, when Dickens, even before running Scrooge through his paces, had Mr. Wardle tell "The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" at a Christmas Eve party in The Pickwick Papers. Then ghost stories became regular features in the Christmas numbers of British magazines throughout the nineteenth century. Here's an article that appeared a few days ago in a British paper, touching on the subject. Deor (talk) 04:34, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I should add that, if you can manage to dig up a copy, E. F. Bleiler's introduction (titled "Mrs. Riddell, Mid-Victorian Ghosts, and Christmas Annuals") in the Dover Collected Ghost Stories of Mrs. J. H. Riddell contains some interesting and well-informed thoughts on the history of the ghost-Christmas connection. Deor (talk) 21:45, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

December 21

What is the humor on the Monkees and Tim and Eric called?

Thier humor isn't technically the same but it seems to have sprung from the same source. I say this, because in the 80's Mike Nesmith wrote and starred in a show called Television Parts. When I saw Tim & Eric Awesome Show for the first time I noticed the similar syle right away. So, does this surrealist, manic, detached, yet logically consistent in thier realm expression have a name? Where does it originate from? I cant seem to find any examples of it before the early 60's.--THE WORLD'S MOST CURIOUS MAN (talk) 01:12, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

What about something like post-modernism. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 01:26, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Possibly Theatre of the absurd is a grandparent of it, incorporating dadaism, surrealism and existentialism. Then add satire. Perhaps the post-modern touch (using humour) is the way it's brought together and re-styled. Julia Rossi (talk) 08:40, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Hallelujah

Will all the hype about X-factor and Alexandra Burke and Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song), I see that Cohen has done two versions on Various Positions and Cohen Live. Does a compilation album that has both versions on it exist? -- SGBailey (talk) 07:01, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

No. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 20:23, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

sport

how long should i spend on bicep work out? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Toppsey (talk • contribs) 15:30, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

We don't know who you are, what your history is, what your plans are, and what your physical limitations may be. So, any answer you get will be worthless. -- kainaw™ 21:00, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, 30 minutes a day wouldn't be too bad... But if you start hurting, ignore my advice. flaminglawyer^c 21:47, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Such a question borders on medical advice. Seek the help of trained professionals, (such as a personal trainer or other physical fitness professional). Most gyms have several on staff who will gladly give you tips or help you out. What you should definately NOT do is to seek such advice from random people on the internet. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 02:32, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

• How long you should train depends a lot on your personal fitness level, which is something we cannot determine over the internet. Take Jayron32's advice and visit a gym. - Mgm|^(talk) 10:26, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

60's TV show "Past Imperfect" with Susan Sontag & Arthur Schlesinger Jr.

Do there still exist tapes of the 60's TV show "Past Imperfect" which aired for a few months on WNET in New York City? It featured 3 panelists, Susan Sontag, Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and a third person whom I've forgotten. Each show featured a short cartoon depicting an imagined counter-historical event (i.e. Hitler's assassination) and then the panelists each imagined the effects the event would have had on world history. There is a possibility I have the program's name wrong...Anyone remember this? PresidentPretzel (talk) 17:48, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

You might contact WNET. But I don't find it or any similar show listed under Sontag's or Schlesinger's pages on imdb. Little Red Riding Hoodtalk 21:16, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

How to get ahold of xm radio personalitys. Specifically Bam & Rob & Heather.com

Am having a hard time E-Mailing to Bam&Rob&Heather.com Can't seem to find the right .com page.

Health88 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Health88 (talk • contribs) 19:26, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

What's the number of their XM channel? I Googled their name and can't find an XM station with their names on/in it. flaminglawyer^c 21:45, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Odd recurrent music in online features

<moved from the misc desk> A lot of podcasts seem to start with this little tune but have variations of other sounds over it. My curiosity got worse once I stumbled upon it in random videos, the last one being this stupid youtube video. Anyone knows what the heck it is? Thanks! — Kieff | Talk 16:49, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

That video... To me, it sounds like one of those soothing tracks. Like the ones you find on CD's with ocean waves crashing, birds chirping, etc. flaminglawyer^c 20:08, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

By that, I mean to imply that it's just a generic little soothing track. There's probably no name for it. flaminglawyer^c 21:50, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

There must be a source for it, therefore a name. I mean, at least 30 different people have been using it, AFAIK. — Kieff | Talk 00:17, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

It is definately Minimalist music, likely something by Philip Glass. I have no idea on the title, but the first thing that jumped in my head when I heard it was "Philip Glass". --Jayron32.talk.contribs 02:30, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

December 22

My question about the 2008 Hulk film

The name of the actress that starred in the incredible hulk movie in 2008 the scene when they were in brazil —Preceding unsigned comment added by Soulofaman504 (talk • contribs) 18:31, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

May I suggest http://www.imdb.com which is usually the canonical reference for all movie trivia... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 18:50, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, the IMDB does not have a character like "woman in brazil" in the cast list. To use that resource, Soul would have to remember the character's name or else perhaps to look up a bunch of actresses from the cast list to see their pictures. --Anonymous, 19:22 UTC, December 22, 2008.

It's Débora Nascimento, who is a big soap opera star there (at least according to the DVD commentary) --70.167.58.6 (talk) 21:45, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

With over 80 episodes to her credit in one soap opera, just guessing, I'd say she's notable enough for an article if you want to start it. See Débora Nascimento at IMDb Dismas|^(talk) 01:13, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

There is a page pt:Débora Nascimento if you want some more info. Astronaut (talk) 01:52, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

The Name: British rock group

Hi

I am trying to find out about a British rock group called The Name who released an album called Dangerous Times around 1988. They disappeared from sight and I never heard of them thereafter, but I really liked the few songs I head from the album, such as the title track as well as "The Last War Song" and "Calm Before The Storm".

I would be grateful if anyone could provide some biographical information on the group and what became of them. Attempts to trace them on Google and sites such as artistdirect.com have failed.

Many thanks

Mark —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.208.50.160 (talk) 21:05, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Here's their Myspace page: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=260623364 According to this, they last performed a a group in 1991 but 2 former members were spotted playing a few of their old songs at a party this May. 82.35.193.236 (talk) 00:49, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

December 23

Why does Danny Archer refer to himself as Rhodesian?

In the movie Blood Diamond, Leonardo DiCaprio's character refers to himself as Rhodesian. Why is that? 124.171.210.169 (talk) 04:18, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, I haven't seen it, but is there some reason to believe that the character wasn't born in Rhodesia? --Anonymous, 06:04 UTC, December 23, 2008.

FWIW, I know two people who describe themselves that way. For one of them, the reason is quite simple - he was born in Zimbabwe before 1980, when it was still called Rhodesia. As such, it makes sense for him to call himself a Rhodesian. For the other, it's more of a political statement - she is black African, yet feels that the country is in far worse state now - and she feels she is less enfranchised - than before independence. As such, she calls herself Rhodesian as a protest against Robert Mugabe's regime. Though I haven't seen the film in question, my guess is that the first reason may well apply - DiCaprio's character was probably born in Rhodesia before it became Zimbabwe. Grutness...wha? 07:48, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Classic movie title

Hi, I'm looking for the title to a classic movie about an heiress, her father, stepmother and chauffer who plot murder by cutting brake lines. The heiress ends up getting killed in the end by her own plot-driving her sports car off the family estate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.206.5.160 (talk) 14:56, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

The Big Sleep? 194.221.133.226 (talk) 15:37, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

That links to the book. For the movies, see The Big Sleep (1946 film) and The Big Sleep (1978 film). StuRat (talk) 16:34, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

I don't think so. The Big Sleep, at leats the Bogie-Bacall version (one of my FAVORITE films of all time, especially the "Horse race" conversation between Bogie and Bacall) doesn't match that plot much. The plot of the Big Sleep really is hard to follow; its more about feeling the same sorts of confusion Marlowe (Bogie's character) feels as he tries to figure out exactly what was going on. If I remember right, the plot was mostly about covering up the debauchery of Lauren Bacall's little sister (played by Martha Vickers) and not much else. There were some murders connected to the gambling operation run by the Mars character, but these turned out to be incedental to the overall plot of the film, and Marlowe's involvement was mainly in trying to keep General Sternwoods daughters out of association with the murders. The 1978 Robert Mitchum version was basically the same as the 1946 Humpphrey Bogart version, just with more debauchery (nudity, sex, etc...) --Jayron32.talk.contribs 17:51, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Back to the OP's question; do you have any more information? What time period was the film? 1940's? 1970's? Was it in black and white or color? Do you remember any actors? --Jayron32.talk.contribs 17:56, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

The no-brakes gag was used in a lot of films; Family Plot comes to mind, but the heiress bit does not fit. We need an Internet Movie Plot Database™ for these questions. --—— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk - 18:19, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Is this movie a comedy ? Everyone using the same, rather silly, method of murder makes it sound like a comedy. StuRat (talk) 20:22, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

TV documentary on total human consumption in average lifetime (British)

I saw a fantastic TV programme last night (documentary) and would love to get a copy of it - perhaps someone could please help! I saw it on Antena 3 (Spain) and it was called "La huella humana", and I think it was from National Geographic but that's all the info I have been able to find on internet. It is a British production (I'm pretty sure) and would perhaps be called something like "The Human (Foot)Print", but the National Geographic side only shows an American documentary and this one is definitely set in England. It shows the total amount of things we consume or use up in our lives for the average person (for example, 3.5 washing machines, 7 (?) cars, food, clothes, etc.) and other things (total excrement produced, total number of words said - 123 million). It features two young children (a blonde girl and a boy with curly hair) as a leitmotif who visually demonstrate all the different areas - for example they play with the total nº of nappies or toilet paper we use, and watch 4 cows and 8 sheep go by, or sit next to all the litres of milk we will drink, etc. etc. Does anyone know of this documentary, and in addition how one may acquire a copy? Any help MUCH appreciated, thanks! --AlexSuricata (talk) 14:56, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

I'm guessing it's this documentary by Channel 4. You can watch it free on "4od" online but you must have a British or Irish IP address. Fribbler (talk) 20:44, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

That's exactly the documentary! (I recognize the image shown on the page and the description is perfect). Now just have to find a copy, but THANK YOU so much for the info! - and a very Merry Christmas too :-) --AlexSuricata (talk) 22:19, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Monte Carlo (disambiguation)

Near the bottom of that page is a link as follows:

• Montecarlo, 1956 US film

However, this link doesn't take me to the film, but rather the administrative region of Monaco. I'd like to fix this link, but don't know where to point it. So, do we have an article on this film ? If so, what's the name ? StuRat (talk) 16:43, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Searching through the various serach terms and spellings, I only come accross a 1930 film named Monte Carlo (1930 film). Looks to me like the articles does not exist, which means that you could either create one at Monte Carlo (1956 film) or Montecarlo (1956 film) (one should probably redirect to the other) or you could just remove the link from the Dab page... --Jayron32.talk.contribs 17:44, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

There's an entry on IMDB for Montecarlo from 1957. --LarryMac | Talk 18:16, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

And there's an entry on Italian Wikipedia for the "1956" version, with the same cast - [3] - if the English article existed with the similar (lack of) content, it may have been deleted. --LarryMac | Talk 18:20, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

OK, that was a fun trip down the rabbit hole - - here is the where the 1956/7 film was added to the disambiguation page, on 21 December 2005 (happy third birthday, edited version!). The Redirect for "Montecarlo" to Monte Carlo has existed since 10 December 2004 (What is it with December and MC edits?). I'd guess that the editor who added the link on the disambiguation page never checked the link. The filmography on the Marlene Dietrich page calls the film The Monte Carlo Story, for which we do have an article. Indeed, clicking the IMDB link from there takes us back to the Montecarlo IMDB page I linked above, where the AKAs include Monte Carlo and The Monte Carlo Story. Note also that the Dietrich page indicates it's a 1956 film, but the article about the movie calls it a 1957 production. Now, how to cut through all that and make a constructive edit? That's left as an exercise for the reader. --LarryMac | Talk 18:35, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

OK, I fixed the disambiguation page. I will go with IMDB and say it's a 1957 film. I will also go with the title in our article, The Monte Carlo Story. StuRat (talk) 20:01, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

I've also changed the date in the Marlene Dietrich article, but will leave the Italian Wikipedia for the Italians to fix. StuRat (talk) 20:09, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Resolved

Names

Obviously, the 2 humans in flesh show in here are seancody.com models (I know they are models from the website). What are their names?96.53.149.117 (talk) 21:35, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

Gaming

Do they still make adventure games? The type where you run around using items, talking to people, and getting points, and there are ways to die and ways to make the game unwinnable? 60.230.124.64 (talk) 23:08, 23 December 2008 (UTC)