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May 22

my query regarding "space theaters"

space theaters are of how many types? I want to know about space theaters in detail. planetarium and imax are of space theaters. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Surya james (talk • contribs) 03:10, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I can think of a number of ways of exploring the heavens:

Planetariums are specialised dome shaped theatres which only show representations of the night sky - usually with an expensive and specialised projector - and have a narration. I have also seen for sale a home planetarium projector, but to be honest it looked more like a toy to me.
IMAX theatres sometimes show a planetarium-type of programme on a very large screen. As far as I know, thes programmes are more like a documentary film.
There are a number of planetarium software packages that can be installed on your PC/Mac/Linux.
Then there's the best planetarium of all... the real night sky itself. Just go outside on a clear night and look up. You can get a better view with binoculars, but the view is easily degraded by city lights, clouds, trees, etc.

Astronaut (talk) 04:41, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How to be a Company Secretary in "IT Industry"

i had passed B.Sc with 52% and i am pursuing Software Engineering i want to know about Company Secretary. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Surya james (talk • contribs) 03:14, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Studying "Software Engineering" to become a secretary seems a bit off track to me, but on the other hand as long as you have a degree, HR can be quite flexible. Are you certain you got the job title right? Top level secretaries can have quite lucrative careers, but there's a lot of competition and a long hard way to get to one of the few positions at the top. With a B.Sc. you have an odd start for a career focusing on interpersonal communications and administrative tasks. You'll have to find a way to prove and develop your skills in the human aspects of communication. (See if you can maybe squeeze in a couple of classes in psychology at your U.) Organizational skills are a must. Some knowledge of accounting helps. Language skills are key to making it. You should be able to speak your local language at a variety of "audience levels". Writing grammatically correct sentences with good spelling and punctuation should not pose a problem for you. The more foreign languages you can communicate in efficiently, the better. Since your degree is not going to reflect your abilities in that area you'll have to find a way to demonstrate them. Enough knowledge of current and classical literature and trivia to be able to participate in a conversation at social events will cement your marketability. With your strong background in engineering you will be well suited to start a career as department secretary in IT if you meet the other requirements. But you should be aware that this is a big decision to make. You are no longer going to develop your abilities in areas like programming and architecture. Even if you continue to read technical magazines, that's not the same as doing it. Your strongest selling point of being able to understand what the people around you are talking about is a short lived commodity. Unless you work hard at developing your career path towards excellence in all other areas of becoming a top notch secretary, you may live to regret that choice. --71.236.23.111 (talk) 05:11, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think the OP was talking about the admin assistant type of secretary, but means this kind of Company secretary. Unfortunately, I would be very surprised if a recent software engineering graduate (someone perhaps in their early 20's) was appointed to this kind of board-level position as their first job out of university. Astronaut (talk) 06:52, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oops. Thanks for sorting that out. I keep being amazed just how many differences I run into with BE and AE. For a board-level position the only thing I could think of that might help is rich parents or founding your own company. 71.236.23.111 (talk) 21:39, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Start your own company. Even Lachlan Murdoch had work his way (however fast) from the ground up. It might be easier to be a director. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:11, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Region 3 encoding

i tryed to look up what dvd players can play that code... but it jst gave out regions... region codes right >.>; well i read and was talking about how some dvd's and players don't really go by that somewhat anymore so i wanted to ask what players can play such codes and what programs can get rid of codes. i have a ps3 and i can't find out if it can play it or not... help me out ;; ForTheOne! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.248.156.95 (talk) 14:54, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It is possible to convert most DVD players to play disks from anywhere in the world. Sometimes it is a simple matter of some weird combination of button presses (search the internet for instructions for with a particular brand/model), but sometimes the player has to be chipped (which will invalidate the warranty). It is also possible to buy a multi-region DVD player where the store has already done the button combination or chipping thing for you. Unfortunately, your regular store at the mall might not stock multi-region players, so search the internet for an online store. Bear in mind you might have to import from a foreign country, so remember to check that the power supply requirements and TV system are compatible with your country. If you already have the region 3 disk, you could just try it and what happens when you play it in your PS3. Astronaut (talk) 16:29, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If all else fails, you could always buy a cheap player from one of the countries in SE Asia, either online or when on vacation there. Astronaut (talk) 16:33, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Try here or here for example.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 06:50, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Odd Girl Out

In Odd Girl Out, how did Stacey Larson torment Vanessa Snyder? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 15:01, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe by inserting a troll?--71.236.23.111 (talk) 21:34, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

According to the article, "A web of lies, nasty rumors and manipulation" "verbal violence" and creating a "hate site about her on which they put embarrassing pictures". Think outside the box 19:33, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Be Thankful For What You Got

I want to know why Hoary deleted "trivia" information pertaining to the song "Be Thankful For What You Got." I listed information from the TV show "Martin" in reference to the song. I personally felt that it was a little important based on Martin Lawrence's "Jerome" character. I will probably resubmit the information if there is no acceptable explanationV1iciouslady (talk) 16:53, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Please discuss article content issues on the appropriate talk page- in this case, Talk:Be Thankful for What You Got (song). Hoary has explained his edit there. Friday (talk) 16:58, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Lost

Does anyone know when the next episode of lost is out (Theres no place like home, part 2, episode 13, S4) x —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.44.210.227 (talk) 19:58, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

29 May 2008, according to There's No Place Like Home. WP has articles for all of the episodes in the first four seasons: List of Lost episodes. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 20:05, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, next Thursday (a week from today); but it won't be just part 2, it's gonna be a part 2 & 3 two-hour mega finale! You can't afford to miss it! (Can you tell I'm EXCITED or what!) Check global airdates here or here. Kreachure (talk) 21:10, 22 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 23

David Capital from Heroes episode 2 deleted scenes

In the deleted scenes for Heroes season one episode 2 ("Don't Look Back"), there appears a man from Child Protective Services named David Capital. His face is familiar but I can't find any credits for this scene from which to get the actor's name. Can someone identify this actor? Thanks. John Darrow (talk) 07:06, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is this the guy you're talking about? HeroesWiki lists him as "David Cavanaugh," and the Talk page of his article shows that you are not the only one who is looking for the actor's identity. I don't know his identity either, but maybe this will help someone else out. WDavis1911 (talk) 10:00, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, that's the guy. I would have sworn the captions listed him as David Capital, but caption writers have been known to get it wrong before... John Darrow (talk) 01:53, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That is true. The actor looks quite familiar... If I ever run across his name I'll be sure to drop it on your talk page. WDavis1911 (talk) 02:38, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Help identifying two weird, Christian-themed movies

Hi, Wikipedia.

Back in my Catholic school, the RE teachers would occasionally run out of stuff to do, and show us films. The Catholicism didn't stick, but the memories of some of the odder films remain with me to this day. In particular, I'm trying to identify two. Both were likely televised in the UK at some point, since that was where my school got most of their films...

The first was American, likely from the sixties or early seventies, set in a somewhat sanitised ghetto. It involved the efforts of a priest to stop fighting between two gangs and get a girl off drugs. Specific stuff I remember from it: The girl went cold turkey and was later tempted to try whtever drug it was (heroin maybe? I honestly don't recall) again, but it had no effect on her. One of the gang members was called Israel. The movie ended with one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen: The priest lures both gangs to a "youth rally" and then, somehow or other, manages to convert them all by giving them Bibles. The only reason I remember one of the gang members was called Isreal was from this final scene, in which he's flicking through his Bible, excited by the fact that his name appears in it. All in all, a pretty terrible film, but I'd still be fascinated to track it down.

The second one was British, and even stranger. I'm pretty sure it was in black and white, but it was probably made no earlier than the late fifties. This one features an idealistic young vicar (could have been a prist, but I've a feeling it was C of E) who upsets his rather conservative parish and superiors. He hires an African guy as his assistant, and is popular for a while before he somehow pisses off the whole parish (something to do with money, but the details are hazy). Like the previous film, this one has a really bizarre ending, in which the bishop decided to rid himself of the vicar by sending him into space. The last thing we hear in the film is him singing "Lord of the Dance" while in orbit around the Earth.

Of the two films, the second interests me more, simply because it was so thoroughly unconventional compared to other Christian-themed movies I've seen: The hierarchy of the Church were generally portrayed as cowardly buffoons, and the ending was just... yeah. Any help Wikipedians can give in identifying either of these would be much appreciated! Dooky (talk) 09:18, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The first one is The Cross and the Switchblade, starring Pat Boone as the priest and Erik Estrada - yes, him out of CHiPs - in his first ever screen role, playing Nicky Cruz. The film tells the story of the New York gang, the Mau Maus. I remember watching it in RE, too. The second is familiar but can't remember its name. Neıl 龱 09:46, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The second one is Heavens Above!, starring the immortal Peter Sellers. I saw it on British TV not long ago; it's a very entertaining film. There's a page about it here. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 10:07, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Fantastic! I've been wondering about these films for years, and Wikipedia sets me right in less than an hour! Having now read the article on Heavens Above, I have to say it makes more sense to me now than it did back then... I suppose a lot of the satire must have gone over my head. Also interesting to note that the incongrous ending is mentioned in the article, so it wasn't just me who found it odd. Especially fascinating to hear the big names involved in both of these films: I will now have to track them down and see how they compare to my memories. Many thanks! Dooky (talk) 10:45, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

BLU-RAY

What's the difference between DVD and BLU-RAY, and why is that format spelled so many different ways? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.169.124.168 (talk) 16:33, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The official name for the new format is Blu-ray Disc. I would imagine that it is spelled in different ways because, among other things, "blu" is not a normal English word. The linked article has more specific information about the format, but very briefly, a Blu-ray Disc can hold significantly more data than a DVD, which means a higher definition movie can be placed on a single disc. --LarryMac | Talk 16:48, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

no need for a new section, please use the same one for follow-ups

Thanks for that link and your explanation. Now, can I play Blu-ray on my current (3-year-old) DVD player/recorder? 67.169.124.168 (talk) 17:27, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm afraid not - you will need a Blu-ray DVD player. Neıl 龱 17:55, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

(after EC) No, you would need a player specifically branded with Blu-Ray Disc capability. I don't think BRD players have been on the market for three years, but nevertheless, you'd know if you'd bought one, because it would have cost nearly $1000 (or your local currency equivalend). BRD players can play DVDs, but not vice-versa. --LarryMac | Talk 17:58, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

For most of the last three years it was very easy to know if you had a blu-ray player. It goes like this: "Do I have a Blu-ray player?" "Did you buy a Playstation 3?" "No." "Then, you don't have a blu-ray player." -- kainaw ™ 19:56, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Even now, it's arguable the same exchange is valid, if you render the last line "Then, you don't have a real blu-ray player." The PS3 remains one of the very few (and probably the all-out cheapest) players that is blu-ray 2.0 / BD-Live compatible and further upgradeable. — Lomn 13:15, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There's no doubt. If you want Blu-Ray, the PS3 is the best value out there. For $350, you get the Blu-Ray player you want and you also get a home media center and video game console.

James Bond

Somebody knows in which James Bond films Bond doesn't wear a tuxedo? David Pro (talk) 20:44, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps Casino Royale. Check this site. WDavis1911 (talk) 02:36, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Didn't he wear a tux while playing poker? Dismas|^(talk) 13:29, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That's what I was thinking too. Google yielded several pre-production reports stating that, for once, James Bond would not be shown in a tuxedo, including a "scoop" revealed by Daniel Craig himself. Maybe it was marketing hype, maybe a rumor, maybe the producers changed their mind. In any event, I did find some stills of Craig, in Casino Royale, at the poker table, wearing a tux. Here you see a juxtaposition of Craig in his Casino Royale tuxedo by Brioni, and his newly tailored Dunhill tuxedo for Quantum of Solace. ---Sluzzelin talk 13:35, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nielsen Ratings

Is there a WP:RS that has old Nielsen ratings? I can find sites that list TV show Nielsens, but none are "reliable". --Endless Dan 20:53, 23 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 24

name that whistle tune

What's the name of the tune Elle Driver whistles as she's about to poision Kiddo in the hospial scene of Kill Bill? Spade9 (talk) —Preceding comment was added at 00:33, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's called "Twisted Nerve" from the 1968 film Twisted Nerve. It was composed by Bernard Herrmann. WDavis1911 (talk) 02:45, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

DTV game changer?

Cable and satelite will no doubt offer increasingly more tv channels and services through the digital changeover, but it seems the programming quality of mainstream media will probably lag behind the picture quality for years to come (due largely to media consolidation). Will large numbers of people cut their cable or satelite service and switch to an antenna? Aerial transmission will also gain channels (where there is coverage of course). Will diverse media and progressive programming increase in proportion with mainstream commercial media, and will it increase as much or more over the free aerial transmission routes compared with the commercial services? Zaqry (talk) 04:54, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This seems like a homework question and a crystal ball question, but the best we can give you is the facts on digital television. Good luck! --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 13:25, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Not schoolwork. And, it is not quite so airy-fairy as a crystal ball question. I have not seen aerials in many years. Someone must know the numbers, but I will take a guess that one might get 6-8 annalog channels on an aerial in metro areas and 3-4 in rural areas. Shouldn't digital bandwidth bring 10-15+ channels over aerial almost everywhere (except back-hills ozarks)? Does the government already mandate that some of those channels (percentage) must be for the public, before commercial interests buy it all? Seems to me like a no-brainer that one could drop a basic cable/satelite subscription while staying well informed and having pretty good channel selection. My homework is for my own interest. How is the government regulating the bandwidth expansion? Zaqry (talk) 03:02, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Assuming you're talking about the U.S. digital transition: with DTV and an antenna you will be able to get more channels. How many depends on how much broadcasters decide to multiplex. More channels means lower image quality and vice versa. Generally, the broadcasters will be the same broadcasters you can get now with an antenna, just with digital HD quality (ie. NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, Fox, CW, & any local independent stations you may have). Most aren't doing much with the added multiplex channels. PBS uses it to show more PBS programming. Where I live, some channels have added 24-hour local weather. You don't (and probably won't) get any cable channels with an antenna such as ESPN, CNN, A&E, TBS, Discovery, Comedy Central, C-SPAN etc, so you will get a lot more programming from cable or DBS satellite. There won't be increased bandwidth for broadcasters because most of the old analog spectrum will be auctioned for other uses to raise revenue. (Some is being reserved for use by emergency responders.)

As far as the "public" mandate goes, all over-the-air broadcasters have a mandate to work in the interests of the public because they are using licensed public airwaves. This is why they are subject to FCC regulation and a regular license renewal process. The programming on by digital broadcasters won't be fundamentally different from what you can get now. In summary, the clear HD signal from digital broadcasts will make it a more appealing alternative to cable for many viewers, but the programming choices will still be very limited and I would guess most would still opt for cable for the 200+ channels it offers. --D. Monack | talk 20:06, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Album Sales Totals

Hello. Can someone point me to a good site to check album sales totals? I'm looking at several suspicious unsourced edits by 76.176.196.241 (talk), such as these and these, which changed sales figures. I'd like to determine if those changes are valid or vandalism. Thank you. -- Tcncv (talk) 05:03, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Record companies tend not to make that kind of information public, unless it's part of some kind of advertisement or press release. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 06:47, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I would think that information is out there somewhere. Is there an equivalent to IMDB for the record industry? Some of the articles link to RIAA, but those links have gone dead. -- Tcncv (talk) 12:43, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm still hoping to get an answer I can use or an independent opinion as to whether the numerous changes made by 76.176.196.241 (talk), such as these and these, are fact or fantacy. -- Tcncv (talk) 20:47, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If it were me, I'd revert and ask the editor to re-insert with a reference. --A Knight Who Says Ni (talk) 21:32, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to try the reverse - ask for a reference and revert if I get no response. There are a lot of edits to roll back, so I don't want to do that unless its necessary. -- Tcncv (talk) 05:04, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Donald Duck's 50th Birthday

I'm currently doing that article, but I'm limited mainly because of where I live (Australia) and the fact that the year that it came out was the year that I was born. However, I know through this television special that there was some sort of world wide tour about Donald's 50th, of course details are hard to come by at the moment. Does anyone here remember that way back about the tour? (Did your parents take you by any chance?) I think I'm going into a grey area regarding original research, but the tour IS mentioned briefly in the TV special. Katana Geldar 12:28, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

When asked his age, my Dad always says he's the same age as Donald Duck. (Upon re-reading, I think you're saying you were born in the same year as the TV special, not DD himself.) --A Knight Who Says Ni (talk) 21:35, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the reply back, but what I'd like is a few details of the tour that Donald went on. I think it was 15 cities in four days, recalling the film. Katana Geldar 12:24, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

In Terminator 2: Judgment Day there is the first chase scene where T-1000 with a truck chasing John Connor. John Connor is trying to escape with a motorcycle. Eventually Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) saved John from T-1000. In this chasing phrase, there is a scene where Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is jumping with his motorcycle (it was a very dangerous jump scene). My question is that whether this jump scene was actually done by Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, or by some stunt man? Otolemur crassicaudatus (talk) 15:41, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't remember that event but very few film stars perform their own stunts. Why risk your star's health when you can get a professional stunt man to do it? I see no reason to suppose that particular stunt might have been an exception.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 18:43, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Agreed. Hollywood is so careful of its stars that stuntmen do most anything even remotely hazardous. Even some small falls like someone being tripped or falling off a bike will be done by stunt men so that there's no chance the star could even twist an ankle. When a star does do their own stunts, it usually makes the news and gossip pages. Dismas|^(talk) 21:49, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If I remember correctly, if you look carefully at his face during this scene, you'll see it's definitely not him but his stuntman. Kreachure (talk) 15:03, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Here is a picture Think outside the box 19:39, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Infield Fly Rule

Why does the MLB have the infield fly rule? Doesn't the fielder have to catch pop flies? ---Nick4404 yada yada yada What have I done? 18:01, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's to prevent the fielder from intentionally dropping the ball but keeping the runner stranded on his current base, so that when the ball is dropped not only is the lead runner caught and can be tagged or forced out, but the batter can then be doubled up. See Infield Fly Rule. Corvus cornix_talk 19:02, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

With runners on first and second and fewer than two outs, an infield fly could be caught and the runners would be obligated to tag up with no reasonable prospect of advancing. The result is one additional out. If the fielder were to purposely drop the ball, he could quickly pick it up and throw a force out against the lead runner at third followed by a force out at second. This assumes that both runners hold back at the prospects of a fly out. If either runner attempts to advance, the fly could be caught and the advancing runner could be thrown out before he could tag up. The result in either scenario is a double play. If bases are loaded with no outs, a similar scenario could yield a triple play. The infield fly rule prevents this windfall and limits the defending team to one guaranteed out. -- Tcncv (talk) 21:18, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Cuidado con un Angel (Use an Angel With Caution)

If Tormenta en el Paraiso (A Storm Over Paradise) had its grand finale, will Cuidado con un Angel (Use an Angel with Caution) take its place? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 20:56, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

(American) FOOTBALL!

This is the age long question that has always been asked. Why is football in Europe called Soccer in america? And why isn't American football called soccer? Who came along and said, "Ok, lets change footballs name to soccer". Why am i asking so many questions? --Randoman412 (talk) 23:01, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The sport you refer to as soccer, is Association football and the derivation of the word "soccer" is explained in Names for association football. That should cover your first three questions but unfortunately I can't speculate on your fourth. :) Zain Ebrahim (talk) 23:45, 24 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'll speculate on the fourth- perhaps you're a naturally inquisitive person. Do you often find yourself wondering about things, and asking questions? Curiosity is a good quality, and often leads to greater breadth of knowledge. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 15:25, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 25

Image

Who is this? If it's someone famous, could you add it to the person's article and/or transfer it to commons with a better title? The Evil Spartan (talk) 02:51, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Presumably it is User:Alp38. Adam Bishop (talk) 03:49, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The big clue is when it says on User:Alp38's page, "Below is a picture of me..." Clarityfiend (talk) 06:40, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Here the user says, "As part of the course we are required to use a Wikipedia userpage to post updates on our projects..." – apparently conflicting with what wikipedia is not, or am I mistaken. Is it about wikipedia projects or University projects, any insights? Julia Rossi (talk) 00:05, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

University projects, and since she rarely edits, it can probably be deleted. Adam Bishop (talk) 01:14, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

After reading her talk page, it seems that part of her class project is to make edits to the Wikipedia. Dismas|^(talk) 03:02, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I am legend film

What is Will Smith referring to when he speaks of Bob Marleys album? which album is he talking about? thanks W —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.34.248.222 (talk) 06:29, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What does he say? Can you provide a link to the quote? He says a few things about Marley in the film but I don't recall the specific comment you seem to be referring to. Dismas|^(talk) 08:41, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe 'Legend'? Richard Avery (talk) 09:33, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The song played in the movie is Three Little Birds and during the credits they played Redemption Song so I'm pretty sure it was Legend. I can't remember Will Smith referring to an album though. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 12:46, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The scene in the film where they talk about Bob Marley is here. 217.168.3.246 (talk) 17:01, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Letter on formula one cars

Hi, does anyone know what the N (or the Z, depending on which way you look at it), on formula one cars stands for or means? 202.37.62.201 (talk) 07:13, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's there to indicate the location of the button that puts the car into neutral. This is used by marshalls when they have to recover or remove a car from the track. For the exact wording of the regulations see section 9.4 (Clutch Disengagement) on the official F1 website. Nanonic (talk) 01:08, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Font

What's this font (also shown below if you don't know which one I mean) called? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 07:29, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Beetle Adventure Racing!

(Image changed to link; fair use image.) --Kjoonlee 21:14, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It appears to be AdLib, with the individual letters rotated slightly. (See fonts101.com.) — Michael J 06:19, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Copied from Science desk: "Education & Career"

This question was on the science desk, I think it would find more people able to answer here. Lisa4edit (talk) 11:41, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What are the prospects of the animation industry in the next ten years? 117.194.226.87 (talk) 05:40, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

Are you in Australia? Here's a forecast for Flanders[1] (2006), Australia: job prospects for IT Computer Animation are good. ...February 2007 fell slightly in the past five years, and rose strongly in the long-term (ten years) at [2]. The scope is there, Julia Rossi (talk) 02:27, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How does paparazzi affect the media and us?

We see many people complain about paparazzi. However, if we do create a law that bans the paparazzi from "stalking" celebrities, doesn't that harm the media industry and us? And also, how and why? Isn't the paparazzi included into the media, so banning the paparazzi is basically banning the media industry from taking any photos of famous people right? If celebrities complain about paparazzi, why doesn't Obama and other politicians complain about the other people that hogs to take his pictures. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.24.250.172 (talk) 22:45, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

As you said, banning paparazzi would affect their freedom of the press, but here[3] looks at some of the restrictions. Celebrities would be the biggest noisemakers if paparazzi were banned because they may be pests but they keep celebrities, celeb magazines, politicians, news media and the rest, in busine$$. Julia Rossi (talk) 02:18, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That is right, celebrities don't want to prevent their pictures being taken because the pictures are a large part of what keeps the public interested in them, they just want them taken on their terms. The same with being in the press generally. They want stories published about them, but they want to control what goes into the stories. Scorpion Question Man (talk) 13:22, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Electric guitar purchase

Hello there. I am a beginner guitar player and plan to buy my first electric guitar soon. I wanted to buy one of the deluxe Fender Stratocasters, but the store I want to buy it from only has the standard kind in left-handed style. My question: Is it possible for one to replace/change pickups on guitars once you've bought it? OR is it possible to change the strings around? Also, as well as an amp and a guitar lead, is there anything else I should purchase to be able to play guitar at home? Thanks in advance! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.137.57.37 (talk) 22:58, 25 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You can get them changed in order to play left-handed, but I would let a professional do it. You may also want to buy a distortion pedal (the first thing I wanted to was make a whole lot of noise!). When I bought mine, they suggested buying a cheaper starter guitar - Squier is a knock-off of a Stratocaster which is a good one to start with. I suppose they assume they can make two sales that way, since you will probably go buy a better one in a couple of years. Adam Bishop (talk) 01:12, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah I've read the advice about starting cheaper but I figure as I'll end up upgrading to a better guitar anyway I might as well start off with one and save myself the expense. A distortion pedal is a good idea, thanks for the thought. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.137.57.37 (talk) 02:09, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A comparatively inexpensive little toy to round out your shopping list would be a Capo. It'll let you play around with a whole new range of chords and variations. --Lisa4edit (talk) 09:21, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 26

Magic: The Gathering Question

Hello I just purchased a "Shadowmoor" deck as I'm a newbie to magic. The salesman in the game shop said that I can't use older version of cards such as the "Time Spiral" (No idea what that is). He also advised me not to purchase the Kamigawa and Darksteel theme decks (Maybe because they are 2$ cheaper?). Why is so? Do magic cards become obsolete after some time?--Lenticel ^(talk) 00:39, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The cards that are allowed in tournaments keeps changing. A lot of players only use decks that are tournament legal at the time, so they kinda do become obsolete. There are groups of players who don't care for that though, and even people who play with out-of-date and/or inexpensive cards on purpose.

This is the website for the organization that makes tournament rules[4]. There's various formats [5].... I guess(?) the most used is this 'standard' one [6] (in which the cheaper older sets are illegal). -Haikon 02:41, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I disagree with the "obsolete" statement. MTG cards almost never become obsolete. In addition to many cards getting reprinted in later sets, there are different tournament formats such as Type 1, 1.5, and extended where you can play older cards. Type 1 includes 99.9% of all cards with some restrictions on the powerful ones. Your shopkeeper probably gave you advice based on the frequency of tournament types being played either at his shop, or in the vicinity. Search a bit more and you might find others holding regular older format tournaments, if you're in a large city that is. Funny salesman anyway, why would he not want to sell older cards? A sale is a sale. Anyway, if you go to places like starcitygames.com, you will see other-format decks being posted. There is even an annual type 1 world championship. The current type 2 world championship has an extended section in it every alternate year. This would include Kamigawa etc. Sandman30s (talk) 18:59, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the info and advice guys. I'll look at those links that you posted. (I also downloaded the tutorial in the main site, I think playing MTG isn't as hard as I once thought).--Lenticel ^(talk) 23:11, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Like chess, it is a very easy game to learn the basics but incredibly hard (and expensive unlike chess!!) to play well at a tournament level. Sandman30s (talk) 11:20, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Malibu's Most Wanted

In Malibu's Most Wanted, Brad gets into "Black" culture when first listening to the song played by his family's maid's walkman. What is that song?68.148.164.166 (talk) 06:47, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Can't believe I know this (too much Comedy Central), but if memory serves, it's It's Tricky by Run-D.M.C., or, if not, some other Run-D.M.C. song. Someoneinmyheadbutit'snotme (talk) 20:09, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Trying to identify a film with giant scorpions and a mannequin on the back of a motorbike

I am having real trouble trying to identify a film, and am hoping that someone can help. The film is set in some kind of post-apocalyptic future, with the characters living in a desert environment. In one scene a man is watching through binoculars/telescope the return of one of his group, who is approaching on a motorbike. He appears to have a woman on the back of the bike. The bike is attacked by one or more giant scorpions, and the rider leaves the woman to the mercy of the scorpions. When he arrives back at the base, the man who was watching his approach (and who saw him leave the woman) starts to argue with him. The rider then tells the man to take another look, and when he does he sees that the woman was in fact a mannequin. If anybody could help identify it, I would really appreciate it. It is driving me crazy! :) Scorpion Question Man (talk) 11:43, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I believe that would be Damnation Alley (film). Deor (talk) 16:46, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes that's it! Thank you very much. I even managed to download the clip from YouTube (it is at 5:30 here if you are interested). I have not seen it since around 1984, so am really pleased to find it. I read the article about it too, funny to read the connection with Star Wars. Scorpion Question Man (talk) 21:45, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Please

Anyone know where I can download/listen to the Age of Empires II (the original, not the expansion) soundtrack? There are only four songs in that soundtrack that I can find. I need to know where I can find the other ones! I have the disc for AOE II, but I have lost it. So a link to these songs is my only hope! Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 11:59, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry mate, I tried looking for a complete AOE II soundtrack before, with no luck. I tried again, but I can only find the incomplete soundtrack you mention. Maybe you may find some of those extra songs in the Collector's edition? Sorry I can't help more. Kreachure (talk) 15:14, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

See if you can find any music credits anywhere. Then see if you can find a website with e-mail address for that person/ group. Bang them a mail telling them how you love their work and would they mind sending you a file. Worked for me in a similar situation. Good luck. --71.236.23.111 (talk) 07:01, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

HP3 Film

I was wondering about what seems to be a goof in the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Lupin knows about the Marauder's Map (obviously, because he made it) but he mentions to Harry that it was a map (something like "What were you doing with that map?") before Harry tells him what it is. Wouldn't Harry get suspicious?

Also, how do Fred and George know how to work the map if they nicked it from Filch's office (saying "I solemnly swear..." and "Mischief managed.")?

--Nick4404 yada yada yada What have I done? 15:59, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You cannot go by the movies. They omit most of the information in the books. Instead, read the books and you'll find that it is much better explained. -- kainaw ™ 22:07, 26 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, in this case, I think Nick4404 has a point. According to the Harry Potter wiki, Fred and George do "nick" it from Filch. And that's the way I remember it from the book. I don't recall now how she (Rowling) explains away the fact that they seem to know how to use it without any instruction. Dismas|^(talk) 00:22, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

When they give the map to Harry he asks them if they know how to use and they simply reply that they do. But, if memory serves, later on Harry realises that Fred and George would have employed every resource available to them to figure out how something found in a cabinet marked Confiscated and highly dangerous works. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 07:46, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The whole Marauder's Map plot is very over looked in the film, and never really explained. In the book how ever it is never fully explained how F&G got to know the secret, but I imagine as the map seems to answer (as it did to Snape), so it might "programmed" clues in it, and if you show your self worthy of it, it might show the secret. ← chan dler 09:41, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

JKR mentioned in an interview somewhere (I don't have the exact link, maybe her own site?) that it "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" was a very "Fred-and-Georgish kind of thing to say". I assume they figured out how to blank it like that too, or the map told them (a la the map told Harry to use "Dissendium on the hump-backed witch's statue). But again, I agree that the movies are not entirely faithful to the books, so whether this "goof" is notable is quite uncertain. On the other hand, maybe Harry just wasn't paying attention? He ain't perfect, y'know. -- THE DARK LORD TROMBONATOR 11:01, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nice one, pass off an author's flaw as an intentional flaw in the character. JK herself admitted to writing herself out of holes in the plot. For such a detailed work, I'm surprised there aren't more. JK ain't perfect - is more like it. Sandman30s (talk) 18:47, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I agree that the movies do not exactly follow the books, because I have read the books (all up to book 5) and I don't think that the books tell you much about Lupin or Fred and George, either. --Nick4404 yada yada yada What have I done? 18:57, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Fred and George are characters used for comic relief in an increasingly dark series. As they are not central to the plot, the author didn't care to expand much. Sandman30s (talk) 19:18, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Expand much? Do you know what happens to them in the last book" Katana Geldar 23:08, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

F&G are in the last book, sure. But the characters aren't really expanded upon very much. Dismas|^(talk) 06:40, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 27

Nintendo Wii North American Games

Hello

Will Nintendo Wii games purchased in North America work in Wii Console purchased in Europe ( Ireland )

thank you ...tony —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.42.104.64 (talk) 12:54, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Probably. While the Wii does have region locking, Nintendo opts not to use it for their titles. Third-party publishers, however, may elect to enable the lock. — Lomn 13:07, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

curiosity about Freddy Mercury

Is real that Freddy Mercury never gone to music school?--79.9.237.130 (talk) 14:52, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Our article on Freddie Mercury suggests that yes indeed, he never received any formal music training. He did go to art school. --Richardrj ^talk ^email 15:02, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This site suggests that [7] the statement should more accurately read something like "no formal postsecondary music training." He did get piano lessons. And I assume as member of the school choir there was some basic instruction in singing. I remember reading a Brian May comment, though, that he didn't write standard musical notation, but used an approximation. Lisa4edit (talk) 21:35, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

actor comedian "dick shawn"

Who are the children on the cover of the album "Dick Shawn Sings With His Little People" 20th Century-Fox Records, TFM 3124, Monaural, 1963. (lpcollector)talk

Can you provide a link to an image of the cover? --Richardrj ^talk ^email 15:11, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry that I don't have an answer, but here is a link to the cover image. --Gwguffey (talk) 15:26, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Rugby League v Rugby Union

84.76.146.162 (talk) 20:54, 27 May 2008 (UTC)Would anyone know how the average attendances at RL Super League and RU Guiness Premiership matches compare? Figures for the 2007 season would suffice[reply]

James Bond

Is true that GoldenEye had 3 gun barrels shot, as explained in this thread in Commanderbond.net? David Pro (talk) 21:23, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May 28

seeking a fantasy movie/mini-series - found (The 10th Kingdom)

I remember watching this fantasy(as in fairy tale thing) mini-series a few years ago(about 10 episodes i think), i would like to get it. The plot involved traveling between the real world and a fantasy world(similar to Enchanted_(film)), i think they used mirrors to travel like that(i know mirrors were essential to the plot, some got shattered, so that's why they couldn't get back to the real world). i Think around episode 8 there were some gnomes involved. At the end it turned out the evil witch was in fact from the real world(i think a wife which ran away or something). Oh, in the first episode there was a prison involved. Sorry about the randomness of the clues but i forgot a lot. Mile92 (talk) 02:50, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like The 10th Kingdom! -- KathrynLybarger (talk) 14:59, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Dangit! You beat me to it. It's definitely that one. Kreachure (talk) 15:07, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, that's definatelly it, thank you! Mile92 (talk) 15:45, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

http://armorgames.com/play/28/indestruc2tank

For the game Indestruc2tank, what are the artist(s) and names of the songs? Or did they use Fruity Loops or another Mixing software or Sound Forge or another Audio Engineering software or any software? If so, what is it? Thanks guys.68.148.164.166 (talk) 06:47, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Which skateboarding trick is it

How does the board flip for a laser flip —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.172.242.101 (talk) 08:05, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Its the same as a varial heelflip, except that the board does a 360 instead of a 180. Ollie up and do a varial heelflip but you give it more power, so it goes 360 then land it and ride away. Think outside the box 11:20, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Question

Why do some Australian game covers show ESRB and PEGI ratings? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 09:19, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Your question doesn't have very much information in it. Are we talking about region-free games like Wii or PC games? Or are we talking about region-locked games like PS3 games? Do the titles in question also have Australian ratings on them? Big name titles, cheap shovelware? Or perhaps you could even mention the name of a title you're talking about.

If they don't have the proper Australian OFLC ratings on them, then obvious the answer is that your local retailer imported the American or British versions of the game. Probably because the Australian ones take forever to come out.

If they have both ratings, they're might be region-free disks for both markets, but I really have no idea. APL (talk) 15:34, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Which movie is it?

I've been thinking for several years about a movie I once saw, and I can't figure out the title. The problem is that I only remember one scene. The movie is set in 1960's Britain among working class youth (I think). the scene which I remember goes like this: on an ice-skating rink, several people are skating around to the tune of "Keep on running" by the Spencer Davis Group. a bad guy appears, and stabs one of the skaters, the red blood against the white ice looks very harrowing and the music keeps on playing, making it a scene I have been thinking about a lot, andd it drives me mad that I can't figure out what movie it is from! does this description ring any bells for anyone? /Marxmax (talk) 15:09, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

IMDB Filmography page for the Spencer Davis Group. None of the titles listed as having featured "Keep on Running" seem to fit, but perhaps you'll recognize something. --LarryMac | Talk 15:16, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

thanks, but i've been looking through those titles and none of them seemed to fit. It might have been some kind of series, but then it would probably show up there as well... Marxmax (talk) 15:20, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hmmm. Well, it appears that the song was used in the BBC production of The Long Firm, which has your 60's Britain part covered, although I don't particularly remember a stabbing. However, it's been a while since I saw that, and it did have a fair amount of violence. --LarryMac | Talk 15:32, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Two more UK TV series soundtracks that might fit, The Royal and The Sins. --LarryMac | Talk 15:45, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Computers

How does a computer really work. I mean like, the whole processing ordeal, and memory usage, oh and how does a computer know what you are plugging into the USB port like MP3 players? 71.126.17.239 (talk) 22:38, 28 May 2008 (UTC)Andy[reply]