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August 12

What guitar is Steven Wilson using in this picture?

Does anybody know the exact model Steven Wilson is using in the picture on the left? Thanks. Dethmetal (talk) 02:02, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

It is hard to tell without the headstock and other identifying factors, but it appears to be a modified or custom finished Gibson Les Paul. The finish is most certainly not standard, and this model features a single humbucker pickup rather than the standard two pickups found on a standard Les Paul (note the two volume/tone knobs rather than the four knobs and two pickups on a regular Les Paul). There's also the fact that it has no pick guard. The body shape is definately Les-Paul-like, so if its not a modified Gibson Les Paul it is likely a knockoff of some sort; Gibson's own Epiphone makes a "Les Paul Jr." that features a single bridge-side pickup. See [1]. I'm not finding any hits for a single neck-side pickup with no bridge-side pickup like this configuration; which leads me towards the idea that this is a custom instrument made on a Les Paul-type template, or a heavily modified Les Paul. Notice also the indentations in the body which suggest locations for the missing knobs or switches. --Jayron32 04:06, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

The bird-shaped fingerboard inlays, which are out of focus and therefore just barely discernable, would make it a Paul Reed Smith, which is what the Wilson article says that he plays. Perhaps it's a variation of this model or this model, though I don't see a toggle switch (or even the hole where it should be) on Wilson's guitar. It's perhaps a custom PRS job. —Kevin Myers 04:52, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Here is another picture of him playing the same guitar, I think, if it helps. Tempshill (talk) 06:19, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Looks like a PRS SC-series, which has been sued by Gibson for being too close to the Les Paul series; which explains my confusion above. See this guitar which is almost identical to the one Wilson is playing, except for the finish. Looks like a PRS SC-250 or something like it. --Jayron32 01:58, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Yeah, I think that's it. What looks like a missing volume knob is actually the location of the toggle switch for this model. (Maybe they moved the toggle switch to make it less like a Les Paul.) So I think our best answer is: he's playing a PRS SC-250 with a gold top finish. —Kevin Myers 03:28, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for the help, guys! :) Greatly appreciated. Dethmetal (talk) 23:11, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Is she or isn't she?

I was in my local chain drugstore. There, in the cosmetics department, I saw this face for Maybelline. The face had features that may or may not be like Jessica Biel. Did she join that beauty giant? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.203.157.50 (talk) 05:44, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Are you sure it wasn't Revlon? [2] Dismas|^(talk) 14:41, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Metallica and the Late Show with David Letterman

Has Metallica ever played the Late Show with David Letterman? If so what date(s)?--Rockfang (talk) 09:34, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Have you checked Google? Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 13:58, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

This TV.com guide lists every Late Show with David Letterman episode; you could start there. I'm not sure if they have an episode guide for Late Night with David Letterman, his previous show on NBC. Tempshill (talk) 16:39, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Bugs: Yes. Tempshill: Thank you.--Rockfang (talk) 17:43, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Greyhounds.

My greyhound has a lump on the back of its neck near its shoulder blades. What could this be? It is about the size of a golf ball. It does not appear to be in any discomfort. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 137.191.227.58 (talk) 13:47, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Wikipedia does not answer medical questions. Take your dog to a veterinarian. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 13:56, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

And when you check back for an answer, could you explain how this falls under "Entertainment"? Dismas|^(talk) 14:00, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

It could be a racing dog making it kinda sports related, but yeah, SCience would have been better. Fribbler (talk) 14:03, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Regardless of which subpage he puts it on, we don't give medical advice. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 18:34, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Of course, but we get so used to batting away medical questions, that a seemingly off the wall sub-page choice intrigues ref deskers ;-) Fribbler (talk) 18:36, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Oh, no doubt it's intriguing as to why he came here. Unless he finds dog medical conditions entertaining? I could also have been a wise guy and asked if he was talking about a dog or a bus. The safest medical advice we can give is, "It's a lump." Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 19:05, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Indeed, I do find it interesting. Occasionally, I'll see stories about deaths and weather in the Entertainment section of Google News and I realize that it's just that something in the article triggered the "Entertainment" filter at GN. But this was a person who made a conscious decision to place this question here. So, I'm wondering about the logic behind it. Dismas|^(talk) 19:25, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Pentaphobe

I was trying to get extra information on Pentaphobe for a review of his music. I used a link from another Wpedia site only to find that the article had been deleted by someone for no clear reason. Will the page be going back up once it is edited? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 60.242.138.93 (talk) 13:51, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Pentaphobe??? Are you thinking of "pantophobia", "the fear of everything"? Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 13:55, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Here is the deletion discussion, make of what you will. If you can find good sources you could recreate the article. Fribbler (talk) 14:02, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

This is actually a rock band or something? I just assumed "pentaphobe" meant someone who fears the number 5, as with triskaidekaphobia, fear of the number 13. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 00:19, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Well, the OP did say "...review of his music". Dismas|^(talk) 02:27, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

It didn't make sense, so my brain did not record it while reading it. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 08:29, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Seeking Eyewear Brand worn on a TV series

I am looking to find out the brand of eyewear worn by Reshma Shetty on the USA Network TV series Royal Pains <Google> <USANetwork Chat Forums> <Ask.com> <Bing>12.40.117.220 (talk) 14:13, 12 August 2009 (UTC) Travelgirl28@hotmail.com

What does "<Google> <USANetwork Chat Forums> <Ask.com> <Bing>" mean? Dismas|^(talk) 14:43, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

If you check the [Robert Marc facebook group] It shows at least one of the types she has worn recently Jamesofur (talk) 05:40, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Song Title and Artist

I am trying to place an old comedy song. I am sure it would entertain my friends grandchildren, but the only bit I can remember (I think it is the beginning) is:- The sun comes up and the sun goes down the hands on the clock keep going around time to get up and its time to lay down just one darn thing after 'tother. I can't remember any more. it would be nice if I could purchase a copy of the original, preferably on a CD I am sure it would make his grandchildren giggle! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.74.170.186 (talk) 16:13, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

The song is called "Life gets tedious" and was recorded by various artists including Hank Williams and June Carter Cash. Fribbler (talk) 16:30, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

(after ec) I think Phil Harris did a version of this. It comes back to me from time to time! --TammyMoet (talk) 16:32, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

Source of Unknown Tune

Does anyone know of an application, Internet-based or otherwise, that allows the user to play part of a song into a microphone and determines the name of the song and the artist from that sample? I understand that there is an iPhone app that does this, but I don't have an iPhone! :P Thanks. --Think Fast (talk) 23:54, 12 August 2009 (UTC)

There are a few Query by humming applications and websites such as Midomi and also programs such as Tunatic to try, and if you get no joy from them you could always fall back on Songtapper which tries to identify a track by a user playing the beat on their spacebar. Nanonic (talk) 00:13, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

There are also a few for cell phones. If you can get lyrics out of it, google them. With the amount of lyrics sites up, even most independant label's artists have the lyrics up there. ^TheWeak_Willed 02:12, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Shazam! Juliankaufman (talk) 20:27, 16 September 2009 (UTC)

August 13

I Know this isn`t supposed to be here, but I just couldn`t resist asking.

I`m sorry for posting, this on the refrence desk. But I just couldn`t resist posting I was reading the article on the upcoming hobbit films.And wondering If any of you could picture one of The Jonas Brothers in the role of Bilbo Baggins. I know it sounds stupid, and that It`s not supposed to be here but I just couldn`t resist WIKIPEDIANS EVERYWHERE. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Peter Pan 18 (talk • contribs) 02:08, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Absolutely not. They are all too tall. Not to mention many fans would consider it a descrace to Tolkien. I'm not aware of many people who enjoy the Jonas brothers and hobbits ^TheWeak_Willed 02:14, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Most humans adults are generally too tall to play a hobbit. The ones in the LOTR movies looked small due to big sets and camera trickery. (As for the rest of the question, can you imagine a midnight sneak preview of the Hobbit, with Tolkien fans dressed as their favourite character, amongst screaming tweens who don't even know what a Hobbit is?) Adam Bishop (talk) 03:35, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Well, they did play seraphim in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian... Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 05:46, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Balrog powers

Balrogs have the supernatural ability to be totally on fire and not be shouting "I'm on fucking fire put me out"

Do Tolkien's balrogs have any other supernatural powers than shapeshifting and their flaming whips? NeonMerlin 04:30, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Answer depends on whether you consider The Lord of the Rings trilogy the only canonical source. If so, they didn't even have shapeshifting. "Long life" would count as a supernatural power. Tempshill (talk) 04:48, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

I consider all Tolkien's writings that were published with his permission (but not posthumous publications that relied on his heirs' permission) canonical. NeonMerlin 04:59, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

This essay ponders whether they may have lost the power of shapeshifting. However, they could definitely cast a mean spell or two, just like Gandalf, seeing as they were the same type of being. Clarityfiend (talk) 08:15, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Remember, Gandalf had a Ring of Power, I don't think any balrogs did, so Gandalf would presumably be more powerful all else being equal (and he did win the big battle between him and a balrog). --Tango (talk) 17:26, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

They both died; that's not exactly a win. Algebraist 17:31, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

It was a lucky shot. Googlemeister (talk) 20:37, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Gandalf didn't die for long - it's not what you know, it's who you know! --Tango (talk) 22:08, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Badly hurt - not sure about Gandalf actually dying? ok dead for a bit83.100.250.79 (talk) 11:15, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Gandalf's ring had Narya use in combat (AFAIK). All it could do was make him feel good about falling into the chasm with the balrog. Clarityfiend (talk) 02:21, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Haha! That was excellent. Adam Bishop (talk) 15:15, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

The exact powers of the rings are never made clear. It was the ring of fire, though, and Gandalf did put out the Balrog's fire (or persuade the balrog to put out its own fire), possibly with Narya's aid. There also seems to have been some fire getting thrown about after they reaching the summit, going by Gandalf's account later. Algebraist 02:26, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

It's fire was extinguished by falling into water - it's explicitly mentioned in LOTR, chap. "The White Rider", but then it 're-ignited' itself.83.100.250.79 (talk) 11:15, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

I don't have the book to hand, but I'm referring to the extinguishing of the Balrog's fire in "The Bridge of Khazad-Dum" after Gandalf's line "The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! Go back to the shadow! You shall not pass!" Algebraist 12:21, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

There are some more 'fiery abilities' mentioned in LOTR "The Bridge of Khazad-dum"83.100.250.79 (talk) 11:15, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Tolkien never nailed down anyone's "superpowers" (apart from invisibility) in a way to satisfy fans of superhero comics or games. —Tamfang (talk) 06:47, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

People playing themself in TV shows

Was having this discussion with my sister. She brought up the point that she think didn't anyone before Jerry Seinfeld in Seinfeld had played a fictionalised version of themself on a TV show, i.e., using their own full name and a similarity to their real life personality (not counting things like guest appearances, and obviously not things such as talk show hosts).

I tried to think of others, such as Lucille Ball and Bob Newhart, but none turned out to fit the description. Of course Larry David has done it since on Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Can anyone think of any other examples of this, especially any pre-dating Seinfeld? --jjron (talk) 12:48, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Not quite the same, but Bing Crosby had a show called "The Bing Crosby Show", in which he played a fictional character, modelled on himself, called Bing Collins. It was a family-based light drama (I suppose that would be the description; "sitcom" doesn't really hit the mark), but most episodes contrived a way for Bing to open his larynx and sing a song. -- JackofOz (talk) 12:58, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Jack Benny, almost definitely. George Burns and Gracie Allen? --LarryMac | Talk 13:03, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Dean Martin played a hyper-stylized version if himself on his old variety show. Livewireo (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 14:48, 13 August 2009 (UTC).

Did the fictional Jack Benny have anything in common with the real one? —Tamfang (talk) 15:01, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Jim Henson had a puppet of himself that would occasionally appear on The Muppet Show. As did Frank Oz and Jerry Nelson. APL (talk) 14:59, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Benny is an excellent example. He was playing that kind of fictionalized-self clear back in the 1930s in the golden age of radio. For that matter, what about Laurel and Hardy, whose career began in the 1910s or 1920s, playing under their own names - as did the Three Stooges in the 1930s and onward. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 15:03, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their two sons. --LarryMac | Talk 15:51, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

For sure - and closer to their real-life, presumably, than Benny and such were. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 16:21, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Interesting - not sure if that one ever made it to Australia, if so it was before my day. I have heard of it, but never seen it. That one almost sounds like a early experiment in some of the modern incarnations of Reality television, like something such as Hogan Knows Best. --jjron (talk) 06:51, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

It wasn't really reality, though, it was all scripted, but the characters were very close to their real-life personas. Even the girls the two boys dated were their girlfriends, and then wives, on the show. Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 19:23, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Long before the advent of television Buffalo Bill was portraying a fictionalized version of himself in traveling shows. APL (talk) 16:32, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

To me, the all-time winner is Shirley MacLaine's Golden Globe nominated performance in the TV miniseries, Out on a Limb (1987), based on her best-selling autobiography. Ignoring the speculative, new age fantasy-like aspects, my fascination with this film was that MacLaine was not only portraying herself, she was recreating actual situations from her past. Thus, if she sat on the floor in a scene, did she once really sit on the floor at that event in real life? Or was that just the way the scene was staged, even though the truth was that she had sat in a chair? What are other films where an actor recreated their own past? Pepso2 (talk) 16:35, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali come to mind. Babe Ruth, as himself, recreating certain events within Pride of the Yankees (which was mostly about Gehrig, of course). I'm sure there have been many others. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 16:55, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Babe Ruth played himself in the 1920 silent film Headin' Home, though the account of his childhood was highly fictionalized. Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 18:40, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Y'all have strayed from the question quite a bit... just sayin' --LarryMac | Talk 19:52, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

That tends to happen on RD.  :) Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 21:34, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Bill Cosby on the Cosby show. ^TheWeak_Willed 19:38, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Bill Cosby played Cliff Huxtable, an obstetrician; the OP asked about people playing themselves, with the same name and basic persona. --LarryMac | Talk 19:52, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Gah, my memory is bad. Brain fart ^TheWeak_Willed 02:34, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

George Lopez. 99.151.253.124 (talk) 20:07, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Eric Sykes did Sykes and A... (1960-65) and Sykes (1972-1979). Nanonic (talk) 21:37, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Tony Hancock played his depressed, miserable self in Hancock's Half Hour, although he always referred to himself as "Anthony Hancock, artiste". -- JackofOz (talk) 21:48, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for all responses so far. Some people have answered a bit liberally, so perhaps we could also argue for Mr. T in Mister T. --jjron (talk) 22:30, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Tim Stack in My Name is Earl. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 02:43, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Can it be a cartoon, such as Adam West in Family Guy? I know that is not older than Seinfeld, but many people played themselves as cartoons in the past. -- kainaw™ 18:58, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

First examples that pops to my mind are the numerous guests that were on Scooby Doo, e.g. The Harlem Globe Trotters. Dismas|^(talk) 20:27, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

The Globe Trotters appeared as themselves in several different shows. Off the top of my head, I remember them showing up on Gilligan's Island. Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 19:24, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Haven't The Simpsons had a bunch? —Tamfang (talk) 06:54, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Gene Autry, Roy Rogers. —Tamfang (talk) 15:00, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Castaway (book)

Someone on one of the other ref desk mentioned the film, Castaway (film), and I just read our synopsis of the book, Castaway (book). It says the woman feared she was pregnant some time after arriving on the island and before beginning a sexual relationship with the man. How does that work? --Tango (talk) 16:58, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Wouldn't the fear be that she was impregnated before coming to the island? No timeline is given in our article; for all we know, this fear might have taken place 2 months after she landed. The article needs more explanation on this point, surely. Tempshill (talk) 17:32, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

TV show, can't remember

I have toy of the character, but I don't have it with me. Basically, I think it was on Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon, and I recall a teenager named Nick and it also have aliens or something. It was live action/computer animated. It must have been the early 2000s when it was on. Sorry if I hadn't provided much information, but I don't remember much. 99.151.253.124 (talk) 20:06, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Can you describe the toy? Vimescarrot (talk) 17:59, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Marc Anthony

Has Marc Anthony ever recorded English-language songs before releasing his self-titled English album? 200.112.17.21 (talk) 22:00, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

It would seem that his first album, Otra Nota, has a cover version of Make It with You on it. Seems to be the only English song he recorded before he switched to Sony music. Fribbler (talk) 12:53, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

I was going to propose The Capeman, the Broadway musical written by Paul Simon and Derek Walcott, in which Anthony starred in 1998. But the cast album (on Decca Broadway)was not released until 2006. Still, he must have recorded it earlier! Catrionak (talk) 15:08, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

August 14

More Info On Omega Force (Game Developer)

Looking to find out more information about the company. Don't seems to have any info about them on the Internet - Other than they are an external game developer for Koei.

Omega_Force Banej (talk) 02:28, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

They may hold a record for the game developer with the highest ratio of games published to amount of information out there about the company. Tempshill (talk) 19:07, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

semi irrelevent but koei had a patent applicable to kessen 2, and I think also the dynasty warriors series http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=6729954.PN.&OS=PN/6729954&RS=PN/6729954

I think they are entirely koei funded or owned (not independent), and mostly japanese judging from the credits of their games.83.100.250.79 (talk) 21:17, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

The Simpsons

Has The Simpsons ever been banned in some countries? David Pro (talk) 19:54, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

imdb says "China:(Banned) (Banned from Prime Time TV)" --80.176.225.249 (talk) 20:15, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

Venezuela. I think the episodes with Nazi paraphernalia are banned, or at least edited, in Germany. Adam Bishop (talk) 12:02, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

From memory... I believe they had trouble with an episode in Brazil. I don't know if it was banned by the government or if the local station refused to show it. -- kainaw™ 21:24, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

I think the general rule of Simpsons episodes is that if they do an episode set in a forign country, that country promptly gets pissed and bans that episode ;)Library Seraph (talk) 23:56, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

I know you're joking, but that is certainly not true of episodes set in the UK; and anyway in that case the "country" has no power to impose such a ban. (And "pissed" means something different here too:)) AndrewWTaylor (talk) 16:28, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

You may help

Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Miscellaneous#Public_companies_in_porn. Please comment there. 217.132.110.10 (talk) 20:49, 14 August 2009 (UTC)

NBC Nightly News tonight

Why did Ann Curry apologize on NBC Nightly News tonight? I saw the apology but not the incident. Did someone yell something out during the live Andrea Mitchell report from Hyannis? (Clip of same on website has nothing.) Pepso2 (talk) 01:09, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

August 15

Marvel vs. Capcom 2

A few months ago I downloaded the Marvel vs. Capcom 2 demo from the Playstation Network. Today I downloaded the 6 kilobyte "Marvel vs. Capcom 2 full game unlock" patch, after downloading I started playing the game, but it still looked like the demo version. I had read online that all the characters would be unlocked from the start, and only the 6 characters from the demo version were available. The only mode I could select was "Multiplayer". Any help would be mutch appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Americanfreedom (talk) 03:39, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

House Hunters

Is there a way to find out the adresses of the houses on HGTV's House Hunters? --Nick4404 yada yada yada What have I done? 04:22, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

You could contact the shows producers directly; however they may not release that information for privacy reasons. Having random strangers show up at your house is probably not what the people who go on that show desire, and those people probably deserve a modicum of privacy. --Jayron32 04:27, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

It shouldn't be too hard. They usually say "We took the couple to a house in the Blah Blah Blah neighborhood of Blah city." So, you know what the house looks like and you know the neighborhood and city. Go to Google street view and "drive" around the neighborhood until you see the house. Often, you can see the address on the house or mailbox. Then, you have the address, street name, and city. -- kainaw™ 21:23, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Superhero ethics sources

What were the major sources of influence on the ethics found in early superhero comics (e.g. "with great power comes great responsibility")? NeonMerlin 06:29, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Cautionary tale + fable + myth + legend + sci-fi ?

Many of the 'acquisition of super power' stories are 'rite of passage tales' 83.100.250.79 (talk) 13:04, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Take a look at virtue ethics and noblesse oblige. --FOo (talk) 05:30, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Miss Swan on Family Guy

Was Miss Swan ever on an episode of Family Guy? I not talking about the voice of Lois, Alex Borestein, who also plays Miss Swan in MadTv.— Preceding unsigned comment added by Queen Elizabeth II's Little Spy (talk • contribs)

Not the answer you were looking for but... Considering no fanboy has added a bit of trivia saying that she has, it's probably safe to assume that she hasn't. For some reason, the articles here attract those little bits of trivia. If only we could harness that power... Dismas|^(talk) 10:06, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

They can't really do it much because viewers would likely just be wonder why Asian reporter Tricia Takanawa was wearing funny clothes. So, the best they can do is a very (VERY) short cameo which took place in the Don't Make Me Over episode. -- kainaw™ 21:20, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Looking for Kirby Stuffed toy

I'm looking for a Kirby stuffed toy. I want it rather big (not keychain size). Where should I look to find one? Thanks.--12.48.220.130 (talk) 12:02, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Google? eBay? Anime Wild (no, I hadn't heard of it until today) has some nice Meta Knight ones. If you didn't want to order online...then I'm not sure. Vimescarrot (talk) 18:25, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Thanks.--12.48.220.130 (talk) 21:43, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Amazon APL (talk) 05:47, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Song Sung By A Female

There is a song somewhat like a hiphop song with the lyrics like "make it ice ice ice baby make it hot". It's a recent hit. Does anyone know (the name of) this song and the artist?174.3.103.39 (talk) 18:44, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Does this simple Google search look like it has anything familiar? Dismas|^(talk) 18:51, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

No, it's not that song. I think this song I'm talking about has more radio play and is probably a single.174.3.103.39 (talk) 20:59, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Get Naked by Methods of Mayhem. It is not a recent hit but I think it is the song you are looking for. cheers, 10draftsdeep (talk) 17:05, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Power Rangers

What was the real reason which David Yost (Billy Cranston) left the Power Rangers series during Power Rangers: Zeo? 200.50.38.187 (talk) 22:45, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

From the Power Rangers wikia page on Billy Cranston: Because of the absence of Yost (he had left the show a few episodes prior to his character's departure, hence his lack of appearance in them), stock footage of Billy was used for his departure and his character was voiced by someone else. He was also the last of the original Power Ranger team to leave the show, although his former teammate Jason would later reappear in Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (alongside another former teammate Kimberly Hart) and in the Wild Force episode Forever Red. Also of note is that, backstage, David Yost (Billy's actor) left the show on bad terms, causing the writers to change the Turbo movie's plot so that the Rangers created the Turbo powers themselves w/ Alpha 5's assistance rather than by Billy himself. Some fans conclude that during Billy's absences during the misleading plots that made him seem like the Gold Ranger, Billy was creating the blueprints for the Turbo powers. David Pro (talk) 17:43, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

August 16

ZeroSpace

I've been listening to KidneyThieves' ZeroSpace over and over again, and I can't figure out what it's about. Any ideas? Black Carrot (talk)

Owen Wilson STP Radio Advertisement Voiceover

This is not earth-shaking, but I'd really like to know. I live in the midwest United States and listen to AM talk radio. Over the past six to eight weeks I've heard an advertisement for an engine oil additive (STP) that appears to be voiced primarilly by the writer/actor Owen Wilson. I know that everybody needs to keep the pool heated, but is it really him?Chief41074 (talk) 02:36, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Unidentified musical instrument

While watching the Promenade Concert last night (Sat, 15th Aug) I was unable to identify an instrument that was part of the orchestral ensemble. It looked like a very large mandolin, rounded, oval belly about 2 feet long. The neck was about six inches across and about 4 to 5 feet long and seemed to be box shaped in section. It appeared to have maybe 10 or twelve strings. No, not a sitar, bigger than a sitar with a more oval belly. Any suggestions or info please. Richard Avery (talk) 09:55, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Not an archlute, by any chance? If not there are a bunch of links down the right hand side of that page which might lead you to the instrument you saw. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 10:40, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

It looks like the work was the ballet Orpheus by Igor Stravinsky. I've looked in vain for full details of the intrumentation. If anyone knows, maybe they can advise us. -- JackofOz (talk) 13:05, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

I don't know how to interpret the notation, but according to this place selling the score, the work is scored for "2.picc.2(II=corA).2.2-4.2.2.0-timp-harp-strings". Doesn't look like there's any mandolin-like instrument in there to me, though. Deor (talk) 14:13, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Theorbo? Deor (talk) 14:06, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

The prom broadcast on BBC 2 last night was the one performed on 12/8 (number 36), a program of Handel. So there's no mystery about it being that very lovely thing, a theorbo. William Avery (talk) 16:36, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Ah, I failed to mention I was watching BBC1. so why is there no mystery? Richard Avery (talk) 20:00, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Huh? Proms are only broadcast on BBC2, not BBC1. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 21:23, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Yes, of course they are, it was BBC2, thanks Rich. Richard Avery (talk) 07:11, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

soothing music without lyrics?

i am looking for a few pieces of soothing music without lyrics that can help me concentrate on my homework. now i have spring of life and winter story by eric chiryoku and a piece from okami by rei kondoh. but i need more pieces of music, can download for free in mp3 form, 1-3 minutes. p.s. i am chinese, with interest in japanese culture, so chinese or japanese music is very welcome. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.189.62.122 (talk) 14:24, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Try Pandora (music service). As you listen to and rate music, if offers more is the same genres. Try some Tangerine Dream, Steve Roach or Redshift. You may even like syncretic music such as Coyote Oldman (American Indian/Japanese) or the Afro Celt Sound System (Irish/and West African). ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 14:33, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

I recommend "white noise", rather than music, for optimal concentration. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 14:46, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

pandora is only for americans. :( but i will try to find the music you mentioned elsewhere. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.189.62.122 (talk) 15:03, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Check out some Shamisen music on YouTube. There's a very popular Shamisen song that I hear a lot, but I have no idea what the name of it is. Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 19:30, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

How about the Gymnopédies? Adam Bishop (talk) 16:39, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

An electric fan will provide white noise, and I would think you could get those anywhere. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 17:21, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Does music really help one concentrate? I have tried writing with and without. If "with", then I'm mostly unaware of the music while I write. Pepso2 (talk) 19:41, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Richard Williams (animator) tells this story in The Animator's Survival Kit ("Lesson One"):

Like many artists, I had the habit of listening to classical music or jazz while working. On one of my first visits to Milt Kahl I innocently asked:

"Milt, do you ever listen to classical music while you're working?"

"Of all the s-s-s-stupid god-god-god-damned questions I-I-I-I've ever heard! I-I-I-I never heard such a-a-a-f-f-f-f-stupid question!

"Iy-Iy-Iy-Iy-I'm not smart enough to think of more than one thing at a time!"

...After this I learnt to face the silence and think before swirling my pencil around. My animation improved right away."

But if I were to suggest something, it might be Bach's Two– and Three-Part Inventions, or the works of Outback (band), both of which I find stimulating yet not intrusive. —Tamfang (talk) 14:58, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

I know of some who believe that Gregorian chant is very useful for concentration. Googlemeister (talk) 16:43, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

For me, it's the Bach Cello suites, preferably as played by Yo-yo Ma. --jpgordon^{::==( o )} 00:13, 19 August 2009 (UTC)

August 17

Popeye cartoons

In the 1980 movie "Popeye (film)," who was the male character who said several times that someone owed him an apology? Wimpy? Olive Oyl's father? Someone else? Edison (talk) 03:13, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

According to IMDb, it's Cole Oyl. Somebody owes me an apology for not checking there first, ack, ack, ack, ack, ack. Clarityfiend (talk) 04:59, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

That's how I recall it (Yes, I actually saw it. I was the one.) Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 07:16, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Commercial

Please help me find this commercial. Its a punk kid waiting to cross the street. A grandma comes up to him, puts her arm around his and asks him if he needs help to cross the street. He says yes and they cross together. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.226.176.13 (talk) 18:46, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Here you go. Technically it's a PSA (Public Service Announcement), not a commercial. Took me forever til I remembered it was probably from the same people who brought us the "greatest hitter in the world." --LarryMac | Talk 19:38, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Baseball question

I recently came across a compilation of baseball "fights" on youtube. Most of these fisticuffs were sparked off by the pitcher hitting the batter's hand (or another part of his body) with the ball, and the batter going berserk (and often other team mates joining in). Is it clear that the pitcher's intent was malicious in these cases, that he intended to hurt the batter, or else why the violent reaction? I realize that balls come hard and fast and can hurt like hell, but accidental injuries happen in other sports too without the injured attacking the injurer. Also, are there rules against this kind of pitching? (I did search the articles on pitcher and baseball rules, but didnt' find the answer. I don't understand the game too well, so please make it a baseball-for-dummies answer). Thanks! ---Sluzzelin talk 20:52, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Oftent times, the batter could be hit due to retaliation from an earlier beaning by the opposing team (See Kevin Youklis charging the mound last week). Or the batter may just be naturally violent. We have an article on bean ball that can give you some further reading. Livewireo (talk) 21:19, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

(ec)Typically everyone on the field knows whether it was likely intentional, as it's usually based on the game situation. Umpires will issue warnings to the benches, and if it happens again, they will issue ejections. Dave Winfield made the interesting point on ESPN the other day, that pitchers nowadays don't know how to nudge the batter away from crowding the plate without hitting him, and that's why these beanball fights can erupt. Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 21:22, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Yes it is against the rules (the batter automatically advances to first base if hit by a pitch.) Injuries do happen and one Major Leaguer died that way (in 1920)[3] 75.41.110.200 (talk) 23:18, 17 August 2009 (UTC)

Not all hit-by-picthes are intentional, though many are. There are several causes; first is that picthers may lose control of the pitch. Second, a pitcher may try to pitch "inside" on a batter that is "crowding the plate" and they may get hit that way. Third is that a pitcher may intentionally strike a batter; as noted everyone in the game knows when this is the case. Usually, if a pitcher on one team accidentally beans a batter, the beaned batters team feels the need to "retaliate". Its kinda bullshit, if you ask me. More commonly, a pitcher will throw behind a batter, as if to say "yeah, I missed you this time, but I could have hit you". Other famous HBPs include Tony Conigliaro, a young rising star with the Red Sox who's eyesight was ruined by a beanball during the Sox "Impossible Dream" season of 1967. --Jayron32 01:34, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

It's not exactly "against the rules" to hit the batter, but there are 3 rules that cover the situation:

5.09(a) Batter is hit by pitch while in batting position: Ball is "dead"; batter advances to first and other runners advance if forced. Except...

6.05(f) Batter swings at strike 3 and the ball hits him: Batter is out.

8.02(d) Pitcher intentionally pitches at batter (whether he hits him or not): Umpire may eject the pitcher (and optionally the manager); or he may issue a warning that the next such intentional act by any pitcher will result in ejection of the pitcher (and optionally the manager).

Before helmets came along and batters got much bolder about crowding the plate, the umpires were inclined to kind of take a hands-off approach unless things got really serious. This old approach was echoed in a funny scene in Field of Dreams. The young Archie Graham is decked twice, after he winked at the pitcher to try to rattle him. After the second one, he gets up and says, "Hey, ump, how about a warning?" The ump says, "Sure," looks toward the pitcher momentarily, then turns back to Archie and says, "Watch out you don't get killed!" Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots 02:03, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for the interesting and informative answers and links! Having seen where it links to, I would have never found the beanball article while searching more general articles on baseball. I didn't know baseball too could be nasty, thanks again! ---Sluzzelin talk 14:43, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Tony Conigliaro's career was basically ended by being hit by a pitch. I hope David Wright's injury is not anywhere near so severe. Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 18:51, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

August 18

WWI games

Why are there no good first person shooters based on World War I? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.240.189.90 (talk) 04:05, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Being facetious - because it would be boring.

You have enlisted

You have been given a one shot rifle (or if you're very lucky - a Lewis or Browning)

You have been posted to a trench somewhere in France

Wait around

Wait more

Line up with everyone else in one suicidal advance

Go over the top of the trench

Get shot at by enemy guns

Die

There is not much scope for a realistic shooter that involves you running around and shooting people for fun as that type of fighting just wasn't what happened.

There is one game that's been in development for over 2 years called "To End All Wars" but it's starting to look like vapourware. Nanonic (talk) 12:03, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

There was Iron Storm (video game) - was it good though?83.100.250.79 (talk) 13:02, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Seriously, even in the trenches in France there would be patrols, probes, raiding parties etc. Not much scope for individual action, but some. Or you could get transferred to the tank corps (Your tank has moved forward ten feet. It has stopped. You hit the engine with a hammer. It starts again.) DJ Clayworth (talk) 14:07, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Exciting ;) Library Seraph (talk) 14:18, 18 August 2009 (UTC) Maybe a cavalry regiment in the Middle East would be more exciting for that war. Googlemeister (talk) 16:27, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

There are no games based on the Lafayette Escadrille? Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 18:52, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

It is an interesting question. The semi-facetious objections by Nanonic and DJ Clayworth seem to be based on how un-fun a realistic WWI game would be, though realism is decidedly not part of WWII games like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault ("MOHAA") and the Call of Duty ("COD") franchise, in which your abilities are essentially superheroic; so I would reject that line of reasoning. It is not disputed that the tsunami of WWII games commenced after the movie Saving Private Ryan, after which MOHAA exploded onto the scene; all publishers now wanted to do WWII games; the developer 2015, Inc. fragmented into multiple developers, including Infinity Ward, who created the enduring COD series. Momentum has been one reason for the popularity of WWII games. I would think the lack of WWI games is mostly because the more modern weaponry of WWII lends itself better to the genre. Portable automatic weapons and bazookas are more fun for the "barbarian" players. A sniper game would be equivalent as far as this goes, but most of the missions in these games are not sniper missions. This line of reasoning about weapons, though, suggests that games in the Korean War and Vietnam War and Gulf War II would be even more fitting for gaming, but to date, few publishers have added these games to the tsunami, and certainly none have been as popular as numerous top WWII games. I think another reason must be that in the US, the largest video game market, World War 2 is popularly identified as a heroic war against tyranny, whereas World War 1, much less so. The Korean War, Vietnam War, both Gulf Wars — all are treated with ambivalence by a large segment of the US population, whereas in World War II, it's more like, "I'm fighting the Nazis. Backstory no longer required. I am on the side of right. Fire away." This must be a factor when publishers decide where to invest their development money. So, I'd summarize with my view: World War I had worse weapons and is much less known by the video gaming public; and World War II had Nazis to kill. Tempshill (talk) 19:50, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

I remember playing Red Baron, and our article leads me to Category:World War I video games - which suggests that WWI games are often flight simulations. Another possibility may be that the US was not heavily involved in WWI, and there is no "World War I culture" in the US, by which I mean Americans were not united as a country because of it, they didn't lose millions of men, it isn't the biggest news story of the day when one of the last remaining centenarian participants dies, etc etc. If Canada was a bigger video game producer I'm sure there would be lots of WWI games, since in many respects it is a much more important war than WWII, at least in popular mythology. Adam Bishop (talk) 20:00, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

Luke Vibert sample

Hin all - the latest Luke Vibert Album ("We hear you" - for which we have yet to get an articloe) has a track on it called "Porn Shirtwee" (a title of which the dear Dr Spooner wouldno doubt approve). It uses as its main basis a sample which I'm sure is from a television theme... probably a current events programme, possibly from the US rather than the UK. For the life of me I can't work out what the programme was, though. Anyone able to help by identifying it? Thanks in advance... Grutness...wha? 07:13, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

We Made You

Who's the actress with the big ass in a Green dress sitting in the restaurant? (I don't mean porn star Lisa Ann acting Sarah Palin). 217.132.157.88 (talk) 12:46, 18 August 2009 (UTC)

August 19

Best Buy commercial

Can someone tell me who the woman is who stars in the Best Buy commercial with the stadium full of blue-shirted employees where she says "I hate my cell phone", and at the end asks "is time travel possible" and one guy proclaims "yes, I am from the future"?