August 1

scorpion

i wanted to know the answer to this question.a drop of liquor kills me.if u google it the answer is scorpion but which exact type of scorpion.plse assist

Our article on Scorpions says "It is also untrue that alcohol will cause scorpions to sting themselves to death." 152.16.188.107 09:36, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I would think most bacteria would make a suitable answer? since alcohol is used to clean wounds? Capuchin 09:57, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I quite like "sobriety" or "teetotalhood" as alternate answers, though I may have made up the second of those words. --Dweller 14:18, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Teetotalism? Skittle 02:09, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

mp3

i need help to identify a certain clip.am having trouble downloading it oz its in .wav format.i need to convert it.anyone know how i can go about converting it to a suitable format so that i can post it.which device should i download from the net to convert it.

You could have a peek at this search [1] or perhaps have a browse at download.com - you can check out the reviews on software from other people there rather than blind downloading. Lanfear's Bane

does wikipedia accept mp3 format?i dont thnk so.i think its org..... i cant remember the format type.i wanted to post my clip o the reference desk coz i need some help

do you mean .ogg? I don't see why wikipedia would not accept mp3s but ogg vorbis is a free alternative. You can goggle or use download.com to find encoders for ogg vorbis too. Capuchin 13:48, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe if you read the article you would see why... MP3#Licensing and patent issues —Keenan Pepper 20:42, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Original asker, please see Wikipedia:Media#Audio. —Keenan Pepper 20:42, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

UK version of Elder scrolls Oblivion at 50hz

Does the UK PS3 version of Elders Srolls VI Oblivion run at 50hz?

thanks.

Reality TV Shows

I never understood this phenomenon. Can anyone shed any light? Thanks. When you watch a reality TV show, why is it that the people on camera act as if there is no camera there at all? I am not referring to, say, a show like Survivor -- where the people know they are being filmed all day long. I am talking about, say, a show like Cops or even The Real World. That is, a show where they "bring in" (i.e., they videotape or film) outsiders that are not part of the inner circle of the show. In other words, normal / regular people that interact with the show's cast are being filmed. So, for example, on Cops -- why aren't the criminals saying stuff like "get that camera off of me"? Rather, they all act as if there is no camera there -- like they are not even being filmed. Or, maybe a better example, say on the Real World or The Surreal Life or any show ... let's say the cast members go out on the street or a mall and (say) purchase something in a store or go out to dinner. How come the cashier at the store and other customers at the store / restaurant are acting as if nothing is out of the ordinary? When, in fact, the cashier's transaction is being videotaped by an entire film crew -- which clearly is not the normal standard day-to-day situation. I can't imagine that, before filming, the producers go into the store and say "We are taping an episode of The Real World -- just act normal". Or do they? Number one, that would destroy the spontaneity ("realness") of the reality show and, number two, gawkers and regular people in the store would be gawking anyway despite the admonition. No? I never understood this. Any input? Thanks. (JosephASpadaro 15:33, 1 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

They edit out scenes that break the fourth wall to make it feel like the cameras are not there. -- Kainaw^(what?) 15:38, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Also in some shows the camera will be descreet and with everything else going on it may be in the back of the individual's mind. Additionally point a camera in someone's face long enough and they get used to it/let their guard down - a classic photographers trick at weddings, always be walking around with the camera up/out, the guests will soon get bored of trying to hide from you/feeling like they have a camera pointed at them. ny156uk 17:47, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I see your points. I am not 100% sold. Thanks. (JosephASpadaro 02:36, 3 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

I agree with the above. Consider COPS (TV series). If you were being "subdued" by policemen, using dogs, "batons", and pepper spray, would you really be concerned with, or even notice, the cameraman across the street using a zoom lens ? StuRat 04:12, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, a zoom lens across the street is inconspicuous. It always seemed to me that a camera crew of several people were right on the tails of whom they film. Sometimes, you even see a boom mike held over their heads. (JosephASpadaro 18:12, 3 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

In many UK cop shows they show people shouting "get that effin' camera out of my face"Maybe it's edited out in the USA?hotclaws 08:42, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Civilization Expansions Question

My version of Civilization 4 comes from the collecter's edition/package thing, the one that comes with Civilization 1, 2, and 3, all in their complete versions, plus Civilization 4, and then all kinds of extras, you know what I'm talking about? So my question is, will the two expansion packs work on that version? I sincerely hope so, but I want to make sure before I go and buy any.

(I just checked, the package is called Civilization Chronicles). Thanks!

Dooms Day349 19:05, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I don't see why not. it's just a dvd with all the different games on it, isn't it? Capuchin 13:04, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Well, there's multiple disks, you know, and the Civilization 4 game is all on it's own. But, the thing is, the Civ 4 disk is labeled differently then the regular Civilization 4. I would imagine they work together, but does anyone have firsthand knowledge of it? Dooms Day349 23:22, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You're more likely to find someone who knows the answer to this in a fan forum like CivFanatics or Apolyton. 152.16.188.107 04:06, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

More advanced> Star Trek Transporters or SG1 Asgard Beaming?

Which fictional technology seems more advanced (or has less limitation) and why? --24.249.108.133 19:22, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The stargates seemed the most advanced, being able to transport people to other solar systems. The ring transport system seemed about equivalent to the Star Trek transporters, though. Both were short ranged. I recall that the Star Trek transporters only required a transporter at one end (although I can't imagine how that would be possible), was this also true of the ring transporters ? StuRat 03:57, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

StuRat, Asgard beaming is actually different to the ring transporters on SG1 (apparently they come from different civilisations - the "Asgard" and the "Ancients" respectively). Unsurprisingly, Wikipedia has very good coverage of TV science fiction series. I suggest that our questioner read about these technologies at Transporter (Star Trek) and Asgard technology in Stargate#Beaming technology and compare them him/herself. (And maybe come back here to post your own answer.) Here's a couple of bonus links to the other technologies StuRat mentions: Stargate (device) and Ring Transporter. Thylacoleo 07:50, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Music question

Do any songs exist in hip-hop that have a time signature different from 4/4 or 2/4? I don't think there is, although a friend of mine who avidly listens to the genre insists otherwise, whilst not producing any examples. I'm not familiar enough with hip hop music to make a complete judgement on the matter, so I was wondering if anyone here could debunk my friend's belief—or, conversely, provide any examples of hip hop songs in a different time signature. The ikiroid (talk·desk·Advise me) 23:20, 1 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

This list is not explicitly current hip-hop, but I do see a few modern songs that your friend may recognize. List of musical works in unusual time signatures. HYENASTE 00:39, 2 August 2007 (UTC)

The time signature of Hey Ya is the subject of much debate; many consider it non-standard.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 02:16, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

If I recall correctly, Big Brovaz' version of "My Favourite Things" is in 3/4. -88.110.176.254 10:45, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

"My Favorite Things (song)" was originally a show tunes waltz and does not count.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 21:47, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 2

Who is this Australian guy?

Who is the host of this satricial documentary?[2] And is this video part of a series?--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 02:06, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

He is John Safran and that clip is from the series John Safran vs God. - Akamad 13:23, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Which just recently concluded its US run on Showtime. Gzuckier 14:41, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I'm amazed he's brave enough to take on God, I would have expected him to be yellow. StuRat 04:07, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

House did it too. ;) -Wooty [Woot?] [Spam! Spam! Wonderful spam!] 03:37, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks! I've heard about that series, I just couldn't remember the guy's name.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 21:48, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Possible section in Album articles, re: Songbooks

I find that, although Album releases tend to be well documented in third-party sources, little such information is available online concerning Album Songbooks, e.g. Hal Leonard HL00356822, released as an adjunct to Atlantic Records SD 81780 (see also Out of the Blue (Debbie Gibson album)). How would the Songbook best be treated for purposes of an Album article? - B.C.Schmerker 15:31, 2 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 3

Manchester United

BBC News reported that this team now has a contract with a 9-year old Australian boy. I don't understand, do they have a junior league ? Surely they can't have a 9-year old play with adults. StuRat 03:30, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The boy's name is Rhain Davis and someone else asked about him over on the misc ref desk. He would not be playing in competitive football, he would be attending their "academy" i.e. young players' training club, to try and nurture his talent from a young age. As our article points out, the hoo-hah over this is ridiculous since the club do the same with 30 nine-year-olds every year. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 05:28, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I'm guessing that most of them aren't sent halfway around the world, away from their mother. StuRat 05:33, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Its the silly season - nearing the end of the football off-season when the sports departments are desperately trying to find something to fill their soccer pages with. Rockpocket 05:40, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

High and low scoring in Baseball

Not sure if this should go on the Misc desk, but sport is a kind of entertainment, so here goes.

I'm English, so know next to nothing about Baseball. I was curious about high and low scoring matches - what influences them?

Two examples: In cricket, (a bat and ball game featuring scoring of runs) huge factors are the pitch (ie the turf underfoot) conditions and the weather (sometimes a melange) which may be overcome by superlative performances by batsmen or bowlers, but largely speaking when conditions favour the bowlers, the match will be low-scoring and vice-versa.

In football, the main influence on high and low scoring seem to me to be how attacking/defensive the teams are. This again can be overcome by overperforming strikers or goalkeepers. In a sport where even a high-scoring game means just (say) 10 goals, rather than (say) 1,000 runs in cricket, luck is statistically bound to be very important; there's always the day when speculative shots creep in, rather than bouncing away off the woodwork.

So, to baseball. Do atmospherics assist pitchers? I presume the pitch (diamond?) is not a factor, but am I wrong? Like football, it's a game of few scores, so luck will also statistically have a greater say. And of course, there's the good/bad day for the pitcher/batter. Is that a fair summary?

Apologies for the lengthy question. --Dweller 08:44, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Leave it to NASA to have the answer. :-) 152.16.188.107 10:42, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, that's a partial answer, in that it corroborates my guess that atmospherics help/hinder the pitchers. What other factors are there? Do conditions underfoot make any impact? --Dweller 10:50, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Certain baseball fields in the MLB (complete list of stadiums can be found here) are associated with an increased or decreased likelihood of home runs, which can be an important factor in the final score. A number of factors (including the stadium's dimensions, the climate, etc.) govern this variance in probablility from stadium to stadium (as well as from season to season). Here's an informative (if dauntingly technical) article[3] about this phenomenon; I believe it answers much of your question in detail.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 11:49, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Note however, that this article only appears to covers home runs, not other means of scoring runs.--The Fat Man Who Never Came Back 11:53, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Very interesting. Yes, I can see that having an impact (it happens in cricket too, but probably to a lesser extent - Southgate is a notoriously small ground, for example). Thanks. Does wet turf (or dry) give any advantage/disadvantage, say a rainstorm over a ground an hour before play begins? --Dweller 12:58, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Baseball is normally not played on wet grounds. If it rains, they stop play and cover the field. If it doesn't stop raining, they delay the game until a different date. -- Kainaw^(what?) 17:51, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Coors Field, the home field of the Colorado Rockies, has long been criticized because of the elevation of the city making home runs happen more often. For years, the Rockies led the major leagues in home runs because they played half of their games at homes. I don't understand the science behind it, but the team has started keeping the balls in humidors, and that supposedly has some effect on the number of home runs that have been hit there lately. In addition, certain stadiums such as Wrigley Field are notorious for the wind which blows out towards the stands, making home runs easier, and then there's the Green Monster at Fenway Park ... Corvus cornix 20:36, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As for wet grounds ... although it's true that baseball tends not to play when the field is wet, conditions of the field are up to the discretion of the home team. There have been cases of teams with very quick players, who keep the ground packed down extremely hard so that the ball will scoot quickly through the infield and past the fielders, thus giving the home team's quick batters an advantage in getting on base. And there have been other cases (notoriously a game in the '60s between the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers), where the home team (the Giants) intentionally ovewatered the area around home plate so that Maury Wills, the fast Dodger runner, couldn't bunt balls past the infielders. Corvus cornix 20:39, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As stated above, all the stadiums are different in field size. The reason Coors field was once considered a "hitters park" was because of its elevation. The city and park is in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, which results in thinner air than at sea level. Because the air is thinner, the baseball does not face as much resistance.

post

i had asked a question earlier and realised it was wrongly posed.the questions is supposed to be which woman was the first to act a waorking woman on american tv.she is american and is still alive.her husband is also a comedian.both have articles in wikipedia

Well, dang. It seems that neither Shirley Booth nor Whitney Blake are still alive. Those were who I thought of first. Another contender is Mary Tyler Moore -- her article says that her show "was the first to show, in a serious way, an independent working woman. Wikipedia doesn't seem to have an article on her current husband, though. (I doubt she is married to Robert A. Levine). I'm stumped. Maybe this question has been floating around the internet for a few years and the facts have changed since it originated? 152.16.188.107 10:37, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

My answer was Ann Sothern, who was a working woman on TV much earlier than any of those actresses, but she's not alive, either. ... Corvus cornix 20:40, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

OK, I've looked through 1947-48 United States network television schedule through 1952-53 United States network television schedule, and, as far as I can tell, the first show with a female working lead was Our Miss Brooks, in which Eve Arden played a teacher. If somebody can find anything earlier than that, please post it here. But I can say without fear of being contradicted, that Eve Arden was most definitely not married to a comedian, and neither is she alive. So I don't think that the question is correct. Corvus cornix 20:58, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

According to the IMDB, Mary Tyler Moore's husband Robert Levine is a doctor, like the Robert A. Levine in Wikipedia, but born in 1954, not 1942. It says nothing about him being a comedian. So Moore would not be the right answer.

Note that the question did not refer to the working woman being a leading role. It could be the lead character's secretary or something, like Barbara Hale as Della Street on Perry Mason, or for that matter Mary Tyler Moore's legs on Richard Diamond, Private Detective . Hale is still alive and was married to an actor, but not a comedian, and he's dead, and anyway Our Miss Brooks was earlier than Perry Mason (or Richard Diamond either).

--Anonymous, August 3, 2007, 21:33 (UTC).

To the OP: It might help us if you can give us the exact wording of the question, the way it was presented to you. It seems like the question must have been somehow slightly different. For instance, if the husband has to be a famous television personality, but not necessarily a comedian, then I think Marlo Thomas would fit the bill. She starred in That Girl, which "was the first show to focus on a single woman who was not a domestic or living at home," according to the article, and she is married to Phil Donahue, a famous television personality. Both are still alive and Wikipedia does have articles on both. Or maybe I'm just grasping at straws. 152.16.188.107 04:44, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

If the wording of the original question is uncertain, it could lead to an answer of Marlo Thomas. Although her husband Phil Donahue is famous in his own right, I doubt he could be considered a comedian. But Marlo's father, Danny Thomas, is undoubtedly a comedian. — Michael J 19:25, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

DSS Cards in Circle of the Moon.

I am currently playing the game in 'Thief' mode, and I cannot find the uranus or pluto cards anywhere. If anyone could tell me where they are it would be greatly appreciated. --MKnight9989 12:06, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Have you checked www.gamefaqs.com? they usually have all the answers for games. --12.155.80.115 16:31, 3 August 2007 (UTC) Sp3ktral[reply]

I was just wondering if someone could post them here. I don't have alot of time on the internet and since I visit wikipedia whenever I can I thought that maybe someone here could give me the answer. I still need it by the way. --MKnight9989 12:16, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (season 6)#Doubt

Hi! I just saw that episode (german version with german voices and no english voices) and in the end the jury-foreman said "We found the defendant." ("Wir befinden den Angeklagten.") and the screen becomes all black with some letters but no "guilt" or "not guilty" can be heard or read. Is the german translation wrong? Or did the TV broadcast station make a mistake? Or does the director want to emphasize, that it does not matter here, what they found? --Homer Landskirty 19:32, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I can't guarantee that this is the one in question, but I remember at least one episode where they purposely left the audience in the dark as to the jury's decision. The issue was more about the discussion of the facts of the case rather than the actual decision. Corvus cornix 20:42, 3 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, that's the one. Or so it says at The Lady, or the Tiger?. --Anon, August 3, 2007, 21:35 (UTC).

This is the second time someone has asked about a program, and both times, the question has been about the only episode I have ever seen. HYENASTE 00:51, 4 August 2007 (UTC)

When I was a lad we didn't have a color TV, but my grandparents did. Sometimes we would watch Star Trek on it, and somehow it was always the same episode. So until my college years, when I'd sometimes watch TV at the Illini Union, the only Star Trek episode I had seen in color was "The Alternative Factor". Or so I remember, and I'm sticking to that story. —Tamfang 01:05, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 4

Gymnastics

I guess this is a Sports question, so I guess that it is an Entertainment question. Many years ago (perhaps 5 to 10 ?), there was a very young female gymnast on TV. She was perhaps 12, 13, 14 years old -- and, if I remember, she was Asian or Oriental. On live television, she did some type of acrobatic / gymnastic feat (I think it was the bars that are way up high), she slipped or fell, and landed on her back. Anyway -- it appeared as if she was gravely injured and perhaps even fully paralyzed. It was a very disturbing story and a very disturbing video to watch. I never heard any more about this, and I always wondered what happened to that little girl. Does anyone have any idea of who I am referring to ... and what ever became of her? Thanks. (Joseph A. Spadaro 03:37, 4 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

Julissa Gomez? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 05:09, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The other, and more likely (from your description), is Sang Lan. --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 05:17, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. Yes, it was definitely the second girl that I was referring to. But, I also read the link on that first girl. What terrible tragedies. Thanks for the links and the information. (Joseph A. Spadaro 20:02, 4 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

The Gamble House @ USC & Still Pictures of the house used in the TV Show Numb3rs

Can you tell me if The Gamble House @ USC is the one and the same house used for night pictures only in the tv show Numb3rs? I have done significant research on Numb3rs and The Gamble House, same style, architecture, time period of house, but I can not find a definite "YES" they are linked.

USC is a filming site for Numb3rs. I am only asking about the pictures they use at the end of the show Numb3rs. Not the actual inside of the house shots. Usually at the end of the show the Epps family meets at their house. Night pictures are shown of the house all lit up. It is a huge coincidence if they are not one and the same. They are too close a likeness.

Can you be of any help to me at all in this matter?

Thank you for your time and efforts.

YMCA

When Y.M.C.A. (song) came out, I was too young to understand the subtext, but remember being surprised and puzzled that anyone should write a song about the YMCA. I've always wondered what the YMCA thought of it at the time. I would guess that people's perception of the YMCA was never the same again, but the surface reading is (AFAIR) harmless enough, so did they think it was free advertising? Or were they embarrassed? Was there any official response from them?--Shantavira|^{feed me} 08:07, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The YMCA's official site history page mentions that "Staying in a YMCA room has been mentioned in song and literature" which doesn't give much comment. To be honest it doesn't seem like that had much of an official reaction to it recorded on their part. SGGH ^speak! 14:31, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

University Challenge

The following 30 questions are part of an application form ( http://www.istructe.org/news/files/University_Challenge_app_form.pdf ) for teams wanting to take part in the UK TV quiz show University Challenge. I post it here for interest to see if/howlong it takes the WP community to answer them. :-) Answers should include links to wikipedia articles verifying the answers. -- SGBailey 21:06, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

1. 'I can't believe we've just met Mr Bean' was the response of which fictional American to his televised encounter with Tony Blair in November 2003?

It is "Wow, I can't believe we've met Mr. Bean." by Homer Simpson [4] -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:05, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Homer Simpson in The Regina Monologues -- SGBailey 22:26, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

2. Who at the age of 32, became the Premiership's youngest-ever manager when, in May 2003, he was confirmed as the successor to Jean Tigana at Fulham?

See Chris Coleman (footballer) -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:07, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

3. In a flying aeroplane, what name is given to the force which acts in a direction opposite to the downward force of gravity?

~~See list (force) -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:08, 4 August 2007 (UTC)~~[reply]

Try lift (force) -- SGBailey 22:26, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

4. Which six year-old pioneer of cloning science died on 14th February 2003?

See Dolly the Sheep -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:08, 4 August 2007 (UTC) Dammit edit conflict stole that one from me :P SGGH ^speak! 22:10, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

5. Which event, that took place on June 15th 1215, is surprising omitted from Shakespeare's 'The Life and Death of King John'?

See 1215 -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:10, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

6. Which country is bordered by Poland to the south-west, Belarus to the East and Latvia to the North?

See Lithuania -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:12, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

7. Which of the sacraments in the Christian church derives its name from the Greek for 'the giving of thanks'?

See Eucharist -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:12, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

8. An icosahedron is a three-dimensional figure with how many faces?

See icosahedron -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:13, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

9. What region of Southern France formed part of an Italian Kingdom until 1861 and gives its name to a variety of cabbage and to a London hotel?

See Savoy -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:29, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

10 What word is a contraction of Para-Acetyl-Amino-Phenol, and refers to a commonly used analgesic drug?

See paracetamol. -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:16, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

And note that there are two valid answers. —Tamfang 00:46, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

11. The music of the composer and lute player John Dowland, born in 1563, is featured on a 2006 album entitled 'Songs from the Labyrinth' by which British pop musician?

See Sting -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:15, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

12. Designed to create a 365-mile-long reservoir, the Three Gorges Dam is being constructed on which Asian river?

See Three Gorges Dam -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:15, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yangtze_River. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

13. Which engineer designed the Pacific A4 class of steam locomotives of which 'Mallard' is an example?

See LNER Class A4 -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:31, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sir Nigel Gresley. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

14. What four letter word has been defined as 'a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks, provided by the writer'?

A blog SGGH ^speak! 22:10, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

15. Which American novelist followed her 1992 novel 'Secret History' with 'The Little Friend' ten years later?

See Donna Tartt -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:31, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

16.Characteristic of insects, what form of eye comprises many individual units called ommatidia?

See ommatidium -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:34, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Compound eye. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

17. Before the first move in a chess game, how many of the pieces standing on the board occupy black squares?

See chess -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:34, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sixteen. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

18. Which politician became the first black leader of the House of Lords in 2003?

See Valerie Amos, Baroness Amos -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:34, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

19. East Kent Goldings, Fuggles and Bohemian Saaz are varieties of what agricultural product used in the drinks industry?

See hops -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:38, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

20. Which Shakespeare play ends with Lodovico saying, 'This heavy act with heavy heart relate'?

See Othello -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:38, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Bzzt, the article does not confirm the answer. —Tamfang 00:48, 8 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

21. In which lunar sea did the Apollo 11 mission land in July 1969?

See Apollo 11 -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:38, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Sea of Tranquility. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

22. Which nursery rhyme has been ascribed to the 16th century physician and entomologist Thomas Mouffet?

See Little Miss Muffet -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:38, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

23. What term derives from the Greek for 'worthy', and is given to a widely accepted principle or self-evident truth?

See axiom -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:42, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

24. Elizabeth Siddall and Jane Burden both sat as models for which English artist, the former becoming his wife, the latter his mistress?

See Dante Gabriel Rossetti -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:42, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

25. Which 19th century novel opens with the line: 'There was no possibility of taking a walk that day.'

See Jane Eyre -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:42, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

26. Of which hydrocarbon is CH4 the chemical formula?

See methane -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:43, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

27. 'Being and Time' is a work of 1927 by which German philosopher, a major influence on both existentialism and deconstruction?

See Being and Time -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:43, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

28. What, according to the title of an album of 2004 by Badly Drawn Boy, is one plus one?

See One Plus One Is One -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:45, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

29. Pierre Omidyar founded which successful web-based company in 1995?

See eBay -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:45, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

30. In the board game Scrabble, which is the only letter with a value of five points?

See Image:Scrabble tiles en.jpg -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:45, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's K. Neil ╦ 12:37, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

regarding question 30 it will presumably change language to language (just like the number of each tiles). I know this question is in english so english can be inferred but just thought i'd note that. ny156uk 23:38, 4 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know if linking to the parent articles means you have answered the question :D, particularly the "chess" one and the "1215" one! SGGH ^speak! 00:09, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't want to answer all of them - but perhaps something like 1215 is too much of a hint. -- Kainaw^(what?) 00:10, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As far as the scrabble question is confirmed, yes, it does vary from language to language - see Scrabble letter distributions. Grutness...wha? 00:34, 5 August 2007 (UTC) (FWIW, member of 1984 New Zealand national champion Univesity Challenge team :) [reply]

August 5

Inevitable question

How many universities are there in New Zealand?--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:52, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

8: List of universities in New Zealand--SeizureDog 08:06, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

AngryLittleGirl: Airbo(u)rn(e)?

Question to those who have seen the "Gullible..."-video: What exactly does she mean by "airbo(u)rn(e)"? --Thick Peter 11:07, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

She is referring to Airborne Effervescent Health Formula. HYENASTE 12:46, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

Cowboy Bebop Movie Trailer

Can you give me the songs used in the trailer for the Cowboy Bebop movie? There's one song on there which is kind of heavy, and includes the words, 'Here we go!', but I don't know what the song is called. --86.128.200.186 10:38, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The trailer in question, btw, can be found here. Someoneinmyheadbutit'snotme 17:21, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The song that opens and closes the trailer is called "Ask DNA." The middle one with the character names is called "Tank" and also is the show's opening song. I don't know what the metal-rock one is near the end, though---sorry!

TMA/Star Child mythology?

I honestly feel quite stupid for asking this question, but I'm compelled to... I recently watched 2001: A Space Odyssey and was baffled by the whole idea of TMA-2 turning Bowman into a Star Child. I thought there MUST be people who have created some kind of mythology around that, trying to explain exactly what the TMA's are, what a Star Child is and so on. Does the book go more into detail, or are there any "TMA societies" that might have any "information"? Jack Daw 20:23, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's been a while, but I do remember the book as going into a bit more detail about that part of the story. Recury 13:45, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Tony and Academy awards

In Yul Brynner, it states that "Brynner is one of only seven people who have won both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for the same role." Who are the other six? -- SGBailey 20:36, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Great question:

Shirley Booth for her role in Come Back, Little Sheba (play) and Come Back, Little Sheba (1952 film),
Jack Albertson for The Subject Was Roses,
Paul Scofield for A Man for All Seasons and A Man for All Seasons (1966 film),
Joel Grey for Cabaret (musical) and Cabaret (film),
José Ferrer for the 1946 stage version of Cyrano de Bergerac and Cyrano de Bergerac (1950 film),
Anne Bancroft for the 1959 stage production of The Miracle Worker and The Miracle Worker (1962 film).

See also List of people who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards for other interesting multiple awardees. Rockpocket 22:08, 5 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks - I've added this info to List of people who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards -- SGBailey 08:38, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

You are welcome, and thanks for updating the article. I wonder, as a corollary to your question, whether anyone has won a Tony and Emmy, or an Emmy and Oscar for the same role? I'm not aware of anyone who has, the closest perhaps being Helen Mirren who won an Emmy for Elizabeth I and an Oscar for Elizabeth II. Rockpocket 20:42, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 6

Old radio program

I have just learned that my grandfather, John R. Thomson, had his own radio program in the 1940s or 50s. It was called, "The Scotch Hour" or something like it. He sang Scottish songs and my grandmother, Catherine A. Dunsire Thomson, played the piano for him. I would very much like to find any information on the program. They have both been dead since 1964 and 1966, respectively. They lived in Temple City, California from about the 1920s until their deaths. Any information would be wonderful! 216.49.181.128 13:55, 6 August 2007 (UTC)Arlene Thomson Calkins[reply]

rockaria! by ELO

Is the operatic singing right at the beginning of the song 'rockaria' by electric light orchestra part of another piece of music, or was it composed for this piece specifically? Thanks, RobertsZ 18:48, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Rockaria! seems to comment on it. SGGH ^speak! 19:28, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

But is it a sample from a real aria, or composed simply to begin rockaria? thanks anyway SGGH :) RobertsZ 19:53, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The credits for "Rockaria!" only say "Written by Jeff Lynne", which seems to indicate he wrote the entire song himself. If it sampled another piece of music, the composer would receive equal credit, i.e. "Written by Jeff Lynne/W.A. Mozart".--Sethacus 20:15, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Great song. As far as I know, the whole song - including the operatic bit in question - was written/composed by Jeff. (...wanders into the other room...) In fact, checking my copy of A New World Record, it confirms: "All music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne". Hassocks5489 20:42, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks guys, i guess you are right, it would be in the credits/acknowledgments if it were from another piece of music, ahh well, its a magnificent motif, shame there isnt more of it as a aria on its own. I guess Jeff Lynne was classically trained then? RobertsZ 20:55, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Satisfaction (song)...

... mentions two videos: This one and this one. Now what is that (requires login)? --Thick Peter 20:09, 6 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 7

Song called Ach ya?

I want to know more about an old song. I believe it goes like this: "When the mother and the father took the children to the fair ach ya! Ach ya! Though they hadn't any money they were the richest ones there ach ya! Ach ya!" I want to know if there are any more lines to it, who created it (and when) and why? And also why did he/she write it? Thank you :)

Rare Flower Opening Theme of 90's Comedy Film

I can't remember, I thought BigTopPee-Wee at first, but then realized no. The film is a cheezy plot I think, maybe an alien or something coming in a human body? Or no, maybe just a dork. But the point is, having a flower and it only opens on an exact time of like 100 years or something stupid like that, and something happens bad, like someone steps on the flower or something, and then they have to find another one somewheres else? Does anyone remember the film? Thanks. --Jacobo

No, but reading your question reminded me of Horton Hears a Who. For whatever that's worth. (Joseph A. Spadaro 03:38, 7 August 2007 (UTC))[reply]

Why do football teams play better at home?

Is it because the referees are biased towards the home team? Or that the crowd keeps cheering the home team? Maybe the players are more familiar with the pitch?

The second and third reasons are certainly the major factors. Regarding the referee, they are of course supposed to be neutral, and no referee will ever admit to bias. But it's not impossible that a referee might, consciously or unconsciously, make a ruling in favour of the home team in the face of barracking and pressure. However, I don't think this factor by itself would account for the fact that teams win more often at home. The support of the crowd and the familiarity with the stadium are the main things. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 08:48, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The pitch conditions will be those they are most used to playing on. Also football pitches are not all created equal, there are minimum sizes stipulated but rules mentioning slope are not covered in the rules governing pitch size. [5] Lanfear's Bane

I think referees definitely tend to favour home teams a little. A huge roar for a foul tackle or whatever can, even unconciously, make the referee's mind up about it. Other possible reasons might be the home players are better rested, as they have not had to travel or stay in an unfamiliar hotel room, the pitch has been watered / grass cut to suit the home team (longer / slicker grass can make a difference depending on how the team plays, and lots of little things. Ballboys can even affect the game, by favouring the home team when they return the ball. Neil ╦ 14:03, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Particularly in the States, travel fatigue on the part of the visitors is commonly cited as an advantage to the home team. For instance, analysis of betting lines for professional football shows that the home team gets about a 3-point advantage just for being the home team. On the other hand, baseball has the weakest home-field advantage of the major US sports despite having the most field-of-play variety and one of the strongest home-team-favoring rules (hockey arguably has a stronger rules advantage). — Lomn 15:10, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Doesn't the home team usually wear a lighter coloured strip than the away team? That would presumably be an advantage as it will be slightly easier for the home team members to quickly spot each other.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 18:10, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

No, each side just wears its usual kit (which may be light or dark), unless this result in a clash of colours, in which case the away side wears its change kit. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 18:37, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

In American Football, the home team traditionally wears team colors and the away team traditionally wears white. This is not always the case. For example, I remember the Chiefs wearing white in some of their home games last season (or was it the season before?) -- Kainaw^(what?) 22:34, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

FIFA tracks

I once googled interactive FIFA track list, which featured snatches particularly from The Go Team, Stefy Rae etc. but I can't find it again. Does anyone know the site? Thanks.

Need a modification for EaW AI

The AI in Star Wars: Empire at War is anything but aggressive. I want it to actually ATTACK me, instead of just waiting for me to attack it. This would preferably (but not necessarily) include not leaving large garrisons on planets, using the Rebel "Raid" feature, utilizing smugglers and (maybe) bounty hunters (the latter in small numbers at all), and actually having the Black Sun DO something instead of just sitting there. However, anything that makes it actually ATTACK would be useful. Thank you. 71.34.241.239 23:00, 7 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

August 8

I am confused on how to play 1000 Blank White Cards.

The article 1000_Blank_White_Cards isn't very clear on how to play, can anyone simplify or explain it to me?