Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 June 11

Welcome to the Wikipedia Miscellaneous Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

June 11

The Dreadful X Nightmare

Good evening. I am going crazy. I'm about to destroy my Xbox 360. Why didn't Microsoft make the system completely backwards compatible, you know like the Playstation 2? Why did they have to do it the way they did it? I've read the games that are backwards compatible for the Xbox 360, why are half of them lame games like James Bond, ugh I wouldn't play that game that is why I didn't buy it(movie based games are always the worse)? Not only that, but the games that I can play on the Xbox 360 don't work properly. It's slower, the audio screws up and makes strange static sounds(like the audio is farting), and when I play Fable parts of the level are missing, I get map face so the face of Albion is on my character, and the loading time is horrible. All the games that I can play on the Xbox 360 that were originally on the Xbox are slow, laggy, and don't load properly. Thank you for taking your time with my questions. I appreciate it. I'm sorry if my questions are mixed in with a rant, but frustration is getting to me (sometimes that even happens to me.) Have a postively wonderful evening.Rem Nightfall (talk) 00:57, 11 June 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

Possible answers include:

• Microsoft needed to shift processor architectures. That makes true compatibility difficult (xbox emulation is done via software)
• There's enough compatibility to provide a selling point
• There's no significant money in full compatibility beyond said selling point

If you really want to be playing these original xbox games, though, the solution seems clear -- haul out an xbox. — Lomn 05:03, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I don't have that option. My Xbox is a tard. Morrowind doesn't work. Every time I am at the menu that says press start. I press start and nothing works. I play Munch's Odyssey on my Xbox and my characters are stiff and don't move while I move the analog. I press button nothing happens. Menu screen doesn't work either. My Xbox doesn't like me and obviously neither does my Xbox 360Rem Nightfall (talk) 06:22, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

So get another. Gen-1 Xboxes are cheap. — Lomn 15:26, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

My paycheck is coming in soon. I won't have enough even for the cheap Xbox. I'll just buy what I can of Xbox 360 games. I have few Xbox 360 games, but non impressed me much. Halo 3 was awesome though. Gears of War wasn't as good as people said. Sonic the Hedgehog was just lame. Project Gotham Racing is okay, not my style of cars games. Beautiful Katamari Damashi is fun, but it's very difficult, time runs fast in that game and its hard to find the things they ask you for. All I am saying is that I wish the Xbox 360 was backwards compatible like the Playstation 2. It would have made things more convenient for me and I bet a lot of other people who want to play Xbox games without using an Xbox.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The problem is software emulation, really. For example, the 80GB PS3s use software emulation, so it's now running less PS2 games than the 20GB or the 60GB versions, which had hardware support. This was done to cut production costs. However, did you ever consider a) selling your XBox 360 if you don't really like it, and buying an XBox instead, or b) going with something like GameFly so you can afford to play more XBox 360 games at a cheaper upfront cost? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 03:25, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

I really think your just making bad purchases in the games you are getting for your 360. I would suggest the Call of Duty series or GTA:IV. Id suggest watching G4 or go to gaming websites for ideas on a good game. If all else fails just save up for a Xbox. RoyalOrleans 16:05, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

BTW, 2 of the games you have mentioned so far (Fable (video game) & The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind are available on the PC, another alternative to buying an Xbox would be to play the PC versions Nil Einne (talk) 16:38, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

auto radiator fluid levels - how does it affect the radiator/thermostat/water pump?

Hello - could someone please explain how the level of radiator fluid in an automobile (modern) affects the way the radiator, thermostat and water pump function? Specifically, I am wondering how having a low level of radiator fluid affects the way the car functions. Thank you! Lou211 (talk) 03:00, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

A couple of thoughts occur. Like any physical stuff, radiator coolant has a specific heat capacity. The radiator has a specific range of heat exchange efficiencies (depending on ambient temperature, speed of air-flow, &c). The water pump moves water at a specific velocity. Diminishing the amount of coolant in the system diminishes the heat carrying capacity of the system, all other things being equal. Think of it this way: the system is designed to ensure that hot coolant stays in the radiator for a long enough time to ensure that its temperature drops sufficiently; the risk with insufficient coolant is that that the water is recirculated to the engine block before it has sufficiently cooled. The effect is, mainly, seen in the system, not in a specific component of the system. The radiator continues to radiate (albeit if there is a sufficient insufficiency of coolant, the radiator may work less efficiently since coolant will not be in contact with the maximum colling surface available). The thermostat stays open, variously, longer or wider than it otherwise would. The water pump thinks to itself, gee, it's hot; but I guess I'll keep on pumping. The engine block gets warmer than it otherwise would. The cooling fan is engaged for longer that it otherwise would be. So. though one was the system effect. Thought two is the possibility of introducing air-locks into the system. These can be fatal to the engine in that they can disrupt entirely the circulation of coolant, and cease the transport of heat away from specific spots, which thus increase in temperature to the point that a mechanical failure - typically a blown gasket - occurs. --Tagishsimon (talk) 03:36, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

At a low-enough fill level, you'll probably find that the water pump is no longer being fed a steady diet of liquid water but is receiving a gas/liquid admixture. Through processes such as cavitation, this is very bad for the impeller in the pump. And if it pumps this mixture into the engine, as Tagishsimon observes, there won't be enough specific heat cpacity in the gas/liquid mixture to remove the required heat from the engine. Things then go very bad very rapidly.

Atlant (talk) 12:48, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

How do libraries clean/wash books?

Hi - I heard a friend mention that our local library washes books to increase their shelf life. Where can I find that information? I have my own small private library and would like to understand what is involved in maintaining books over a long period of time. Omer (talk) 05:11, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Er, why not go to the library and ask them if they do anything like that? It's not as if they'd want to keep it secret. But having said that, I've never heard of such a thing myself. --Anonymous, 06:24 UTC, June 11, 2008.

Ummm.... won't washing books ruin them more than save them?? I mean, the pages are bound to get soggy, and even after drying them, the pages will become crinkled and puffy, and the book will look much more disagreeable, don't you think? I personally feel that it's hogwash, or someone's been pulling your leg.Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 07:04, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Books are difficult to clean, but keeping them behind glass helps to stop dust settling in the first place. In our archive/library we also have a dehumidifier running all the time to reduce the risk of mould. One problem with vacuuming them is that this can actually help to spread mould spores. Here are details of a book cleaning machine for use in libraries.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:41, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Original Research Alert but my wife, a librarian of 25 years and veteran of floods, says no way. Libraries throw out dirty books and replace them. For the conservation of rare books see Preservation (library and archival science) and conservation. Shelving books behind glass is good, it controls exposure to dust, moisture, temperature etc. For comics, newsprint etc Acid-free paper folders, boxes, envelopes etc are desirable. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:46, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Washing might only mean wiping the library's plastic covers on the books. Otherwise books and moisture don't mix. Maybe the word you want is "cleaning"? Julia Rossi (talk) 12:07, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with most of the comments here. It's very labor-intensive to clean books, so a library would never bother with a book they could just replace. Only valuable books that can't be replaced would be cleaned. There are many methods used, depending on the material used for the pages, ink, binding, and cover. A typical technique might be to remove the binding, seperate the pages, go over each with a brush, repair any damage, then rebind the book, possibly with a replacement cover. Of course, nobody will do this with a Harry Potter book, they'll just order a new one, and hopefully give the old, worn copy to someone who will appreciate it. StuRat (talk) 15:55, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I also wouldn't take the word too literally. "Wash" in this case might very well be a bit of specialized jargon referring to a process that has little or no resemblance to washing your hands, your dishes, or your car (and may not even involve liquids). That's just a guess though. --Prestidigitator (talk) 16:44, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Thanks folks for all your time. This is all good and important info for me! I'll also go over the links for preservation and conservation to understand what those processes entail. Some of my books are indeed too difficult or expensive to replace. Omer (talk) 06:57, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

There is also electrostatic dusting. WikiHow explains how to use liquid compounds; see here for more details. BrainyBabe (talk) 15:23, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

It really depends on the damage to the book. In the library I work at, for simple things like pencil marks we use an eraser, the white art ones work best, I've found. For the crud that accumulates on the hardcover books, which can lead to worse damage later on, a mild cleanser and a paper towel will work fine. We use a local brand biodegradable one and it seems to do the trick. We also put a sort of laminent on the covers of popular soft cover books, so that they put up with more wear and tear and can be cleaned in such a way. Paperback, if they are damaged are either repaired with book tape (think packing tape but much more robust), given a new cover, or depending on our weeding policy tossed. Books with water damage are billed to the patron and replaced. We also try to dust our shelves when it's slow, as this will also aid in keeping the books in good condition, as well as help those of us with dust allergies.142.33.70.60 (talk) 22:47, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Raw Fish in Cast Away

In the movie Cast Away, Tom Hanks is depicted eating raw fish (he actually puts one in his mouth). Did he really eat it, or was it some kind of a movie trick?? Aanusha Ghosh (talk) 07:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure if Tom hanks actually ate the fish (I suspect not), but eating fish/bugs/little things whole like that seems to be standard issue in a series by a guy called Bear Gryls or something. 194.221.133.226 (talk) 07:52, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Maybe someone steamed it for him first, or maybe he spat it out afterwards. However, lots of people (and lots of animals, including bears) eat raw fish. Yummy!--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:55, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Raw fish is a very common dish in the South Pacific, usually marinated in coconut milk (Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawaii), but also common in variations on what is called in Japan, sashimi. Many ship wreckee's have lived off it, such as Rose Noelle. Not much in the article, but it was a staple for them. Mhicaoidh (talk) 09:53, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Two problems here. Hawaii is NOT in the South Pacific, AND if fish was 'marinated' in coconut milk, it would not be raw, would it?--ChokinBako (talk) 16:42, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Well actually since ocean fish marinate in brine for all their lives I guess they aren't raw at all ; ) Mhicaoidh (talk) 05:10, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Check out sashimi Richard Avery (talk) 15:21, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day. 196, you are absolutely correct Bear Gryls does eat raw fish and an assorted variety of other meats. The latest episode he ate an eyeball. And the eyeball juices came out of his mouth. It was pretty awesome. If you are into those things and want to watch Bear eat nasty food, it will turn your stomach sometimes, watch Man v.s. Wild. That show has its sheer value of grossness. I doubt that Tom Hanks ate a real raw fish. I hope I have helped. Have a positively wonderful day. Rem Nightfall (talk) 15:36, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If the actor in Oldboy can eat 4 raw squids, I'm sure Tom Hanks can manage a fish. Recury (talk) 19:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm just saying. Since I notice a lot of American actors was wussies when it comes to things. They have to have stunt doubles.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:19, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I am not sure what you mean by "a lot of actors are wussies," but don't you think it was more of a threat to the actor's health to lose all that weight and then to pack it back on? If an actor would do THAT for a film role, why wouldn't he eat a few pieces of raw fish, which, depending on the fish, can be absolutely freaking delicious? I don't know much about Tom Hanks personally, but he seems like the kind of guy who might dine in a Japanese restaurant once in a while, or who might travel to Hawaii on occasion. Not only is the consumption of raw fish not unusual in such places, it is held in such high regard as to be the kind of thing one sees at gatherings, parties, and special occasions. On New Year's Eve in Hawaii, demand for sashimi-grade ahi is so high that it typically drives prices up to $25 per pound (and we're not talking Zimbabwe dollars). The suggestion that to eat raw fish requires non-wussiness is preposterous. Most people I know pay a hefty price for the privilege. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 22:14, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'm sorry. I sounded a bit rude and I shouldn't have said that. Or should have phrased it better. I'm saying most actors are wussies. I guess Tom Hanks would do it, but I don't know many actors. Since I'm pretty isolated when it comes to "idol" stuff. The reason I say they are wusses is not because they wouldn't eat raw fish, but how easily they are seduced into socialism. Most actors follow socialism. If you are woman you have to make yourself thin to beautiful and if your a man you have be tough. In a society like that I have a hard time believing that they are able to explore somethinge exotic. And if they do explore the exotic it might be because of peer pressure. It seems to me that a lot of actors are seduced into societies negative views. Or it seems that way. I wouldn't know I am not an actor. I'm just some kid who lives in a ranch and passes boredom everyday.Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:28, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I just watched that scene again, and he actually puts a tiny live wriggling fish in his mouth, chews it and then grimaces, saying "Eww". 117.194.225.130 (talk) 07:21, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

WTF does socialism have to do with 'men making themselves tough and women beatiful' and WTF does being easily 'seduced' by socialism have to do with being a 'wuss'. And celebrities in general seem to like the exotic, like giving their kids bizzare names or adopting kids from all over the world or joining bizzare religions. None of this of course has anything to do with eating raw fish. Nil Einne (talk) 16:29, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Apropos nothing in particular, here's Andy Serkis ("Gollum") describing how his similar trick was done in LOTR: [1].

Atlant (talk) 12:36, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

What is a "Timber Tom (or Tomb)"?

I am doing some process documentation, and have come across the words timber tom. I think it is a reference to a piece of timber that is cut to size to prop up something or brace something. I am very widely read and also a great handyman, but have not come across this terminology before. The use of the word is accepted in the department I am currently working in, but nobody can give me a correct spelling of the word or the correct variations of parsing - that is, something can be "tommed", but how do I spell it correctly? Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Fido37 (talk) 07:17, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi, I am in the same industry in the southern hemisphere and have heard the term too, but am equally vague. I thought that to "tom" something was to insert a true perpendicular post for others to follow. A quick google shows nothing but Im keenly following it up."Thom" might be another possible spelling. Mhicaoidh (talk) 10:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Nothing in the online OED providing obvious support in this context for Tom, Tomb, or Thom. --Tagishsimon (talk) 10:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Afaik, it's a "tom" – a long metal pole with an adjustable (screw action) piece on one or both ends. It's used to prop up part of a building as a temporary support – such as a wooden balcony cross beam until the timber column can be installed. Can't find it on google for all the tom cruise hits that turn up. Julia Rossi (talk) 12:27, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I've never heard of an acro-prop being called a tom. --Tagishsimon (talk) 13:01, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Do you live in Australia? Carpenter-builder types use the term. Is it a pet-name? I don't know. The pop-up dictionary doesn't have it but what it does have is a variation on the parsing of the word tom, which is to do with Uncle Tom aspersions, so quite different. Carpenter use seems to be afaik, the noun. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:37, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

How to deal

I made the stupid stupid move of having sex five weeks ago whilst very drunk (No excuse I know) I later asked the guy if we used protection and he said no. And now, I think I'm pregnant. I am two weeks late,and also have some random symptoms going on..... my boobs are bloody massive,and I'm so exhausted for no reason. I'm so scared. I'm only 21 and am planning a career and life and now this?? I know it's my fault, but I just don't know what steps to take. Re: telling him? getting an abortion? How does it all work? Any advice on any of these things, or any stories of how you handled it would be so appreciated. Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Shrinker32 (talk • contribs) 09:09, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

This is a difficult situation and not really the kind of question you would ask on the Wikipedia Reference Desk, but I'll try and give a few pointers. First step would be to confirm that you're actually pregnant - get a pregnancy test kit from a pharmacy or your doctor, several medical conditions can give similar symptoms to pregnancy. If the pregnancy is confirmed, the next step is personal - depending on your relationship with the man you had sex with, you may wish to discuss it with him. Discussing with people you trust (friends, family) will also be helpful, as they may give you a different perspective on the matter. For abortions, consult your doctor, but do it soon, depending on where you live abortions may be difficult / time-consuming / expensive to obtain. It certainly never hurts to ask your doctor about your options, bearing in mind any moral issues or beliefs you may have about the issue. Organisations such as Planned Parenthood (or your local equivalent) can also provide you with advice if you don't know who else to turn to. In short, talk to people you trust, and don't bottle it up; accidents happen to the best of us. Best of luck. — QuantumEleven 09:50, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good pointers Quantumeleven. Richard Avery (talk) 15:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I agree with the above. You need to talk to someone, ideally face to face or at least on the phone, who can help you sort through your options. Best of all would be someone who knows you, i.e. your family and friends, but if you feel you cannot approach them, or you fear their reactions, then there are other sources that are set up not to judge but to inform and support. Are you at a college or university? Their counsellors and health service staff have seen it all before. If they try to fob you off with an appointment in a couple of weeks' time, tell the receptionist why your need is urgent. If you are in Britain, an equivalent to Planned Parenthood is BPAS, formerly the British Pregnancy Advisory Service; another option is Marie Stopes International, which has an anonymous chatroom on its website. Be careful of ads for agencies that promise free pregnancy tests and a chat: often these are organisations that lobby against abortions and they may pressure you to go through with the pregnancy. On the other hand, don't forget that adoption is also a possibility. And don't be too sure that you really are pregnant: your own self-castigation at the unprotected sex might be enough to trigger the symptoms (see phantom pregnancy). But, you are right, you may well be, so find out quickly and deal with it, with the help of others. Good luck! BrainyBabe (talk) 15:18, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

In addition to the steps above, I would also recommend you have yourself checked for sexually transmitted diseases. You may have to get checked twice, since I believe you usually have to wait 3 months for HIV to be sure. Most of the above recommendations should be able to guide you with this as well. Remember this is important regardless of whether or not you are pregnant, and what you choose to do if you are. Whatever happens, while you should obvious intend to avoid this situation in the future, if it does happen the first thing you should do when you realise what you've done the next day is to see a doctor. Emergency contraception is a far better idea then dealing with the consequences later. Nil Einne (talk) 16:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC) N.B. The OP was blocked indefinitely after a vandalism spree Nil Einne (talk) 16:51, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Travel -Cape Town to Cairo, some questions.

Hi, I'm planning a trip, overland, from Cape Town to Cairo and i have quite a lot of questions as I'm not an experienced traveler. Firstly, if any one could suggest the best time for me to start the trip it would be useful as I'm not sure how to coordinate it around the rainy seasons. I hope to spend around a month in each country on the way up, apart from Egypt and the Sudan, which i'm sure means that i can't avoid them in at least some places. Second I would like to know if it is safe to travel through the northern area of Sudan across the Ethiopian border. And if not how else would i reach Egypt without using planes? Thirdly, what is the protocol for obtaining visas on the way up? Can i get them in advance? Also, what sort of jabs will i need and if i got them at the beginning would they continue to be effective throughout the 8/9 months that i plan to spend in Africa?

If anyone could help with any of these questions i would really appreciate it as it is a bit daunting trying get everything planned.

Cheers —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.96.161.104 (talk) 10:39, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I'd say you should plot the route first, as that will give you some insight into when you need to avoid hot weather (say when passing through desert areas) and when you need to avoid rainy weather (as when passing through areas where the roads wash out when it rains). There are several dangerous areas between those two points to avoid, such as the genocide region of Western Sudan (Darfur) which has now spread into Eastern Chad. I'd also avoid Zimbabwe, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. So, this leaves you with a possible route following the Western nations up to the Equator, then maybe going through Western Chad and Southern Libya to get to Egypt. You would be going through some 7 nations, so you'd need to check the requirements for each nation (passport, vaccinations, permission to enter, etc.). Also, are you dead set on driving yourself, or would you consider taking trains and/or buses ? That might be quite a bit easier and safer. StuRat (talk) 15:25, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Also, even if it's possible to safely travel through Sudan, I'd personally feel quite badly about myself if I provided them with tourism dollars whilst they were engaging in genocide against their minorities in Darfur. StuRat (talk) 15:45, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Most visas require that you enter the destination country within 3 months, so if you are planning on travelling for 9 months you will need to apply for visas in the countries you happen to be in at the time. AS for jabs, you should ask your GP. He'll know more than anyone else what is needed. Malaria and Hep B are the only two that come to my mind, but you will most certainly need more than that.--ChokinBako (talk) 16:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have a problem with supplying the local militias with 'dollars', just print your own money and use that. They will never know the difference at the local shops and restaurants. To get past the counterfeit currency laws, print clearly at the bottom in Russian or some other language they won't understand 'This is toy money'. It worked for me in Vietnam.--ChokinBako (talk) 17:38, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

That's the stupidest thing I've read in a long while. Passing counterfiet money is a serious offence in every country and in most cases attracts a lengthy prison sentence (or worse) if caught. Many countries on your proposed route, have poor standards of human rights and have records of torture and murder of crime suspects. The last thing you want to happen on a visit to any foreign country is to attract the attention of the police by comitting serious crimes. Astronaut (talk) 18:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Worse then that, supplying the local militia with counterfeit money is probably one of the dumbest ideas I've ever heard. Sure they may not notice. But if they do... And priting 'this is toy money' won't help you legall, if you are passing the money off as real although as I already mentioned legal issues are the least of your worries if you are giving this money to the militia. Nil Einne (talk) 16:55, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

That's quite a trip for an inexperienced traveller. I have visited both Egypt and South Africa, though I have not travelled between the two. Apart from the high crime rate, the travel experience in South Africa is much like it is in Europe or the USA. In Egypt, I have traveled by train from Cairo to Alexandria and found Egyptian railways to be fast and efficient. I was also hoping to travel by car or train from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, but was very much discouraged by the travel company who said they could not recommend anything other than flying (though this was just a year after the 1997 Luxor massacre). My travel guide book also suggested that train tickets were hard to get due to official policy to discourage western tourists from train travel. However, I have since read that such train travel is now once again possible.

Zimbabwe has severe economic problems and current political strife. In Sudan, I believe there is a train (but no road) from Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and a ferry running from Wadi Halfa to the Aswan Dam, which both operate on an irregular schedule and are sometimes inexplicably delayed for days at a time. However, both services might be indefinitely suspended due to the situation in Darfur. That said, I came across our Cairo-Cape Town Highway article and the related Trans-African Highway network, so maybe it might be a bit easier than I imagined. Two other sources you might find interesting are the TV documentaries Pole to Pole and Long Way Down. Astronaut (talk) 19:31, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

I would not recommend attempting to travel through countries along Africa's Atlantic coast. Many roads in Angola are virtually impassable. Roads are also very poor through both Congos, and both Congos are subject to sporadic unrest. Likewise, Chad is very politically unstable now. If you want to avoid Zimbabwe, which is also quite troubled and economically desperate, it is possible to travel from South Africa through Mozambique and Malawi to Tanzania, where you can rejoin the main Cairo to Cape Town route. The roads in these countries can be rough, and some of them become impassable during the rainy season, which in this region is roughly November through March. So if you are starting in South Africa, you might want to start in September or October. There is no way to avoid crossing the intertropical convergence zone (ITZ) and its rains at some point on your trip. If you are traveling north while a weakened ITZ is moving south, and if you can plan to pass this belt along better roads, you will minimize delays. If you leave South Africa in late July or early August, you should reach northern Kenya by late September, before the ITZ passes over. You can take advantage of paved roads from here to northern Ethiopia, which will by this time be north of the ITZ and therefore dry. You can find an account of this route at this website. Marco polo (talk) 00:42, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

This is indeed a serious trip for an inexperienced traveller. You don't say if you will be travelling with other people and what experience they have. I concur with most of the advice above (except passing fake currency: STUPID and immoral too ) but would suggest that your GP or family doctor might (depending on where you live and their expertise)not have all the relevant info on immunisations and prophylaxis, especially important for malaria. There are commercial travel clinics that specialise in these matters.

More broadly, I suggest you have a look at our sister projects Wikitravel and Wikihow, specifically on Africa and on solo travel. Good luck! BrainyBabe (talk) 14:51, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Safety signs

Does anyone know where I can download safety/warning signs, free, in EPS format? Thanks. ╟─TreasuryTag (talk ╬ contribs)─╢ 16:39, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Our hazard symbol article links to [2]. Unfortunately they're only free as in beer - you're only allowed to use them in technical documents. The AEM Pictoral Database here looks pretty good. You can see the full list of their symbols here. Are there any signs/symbols you're specifically looking for? — Matt Eason ^{(Talk • Contribs)} 09:31, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Sex With Aliens

Considering bestiality is illegal in most places (besides New Zealand, Australia, Wales, and certain southern states of America), would you not be arrested if you claimed to have had sex with an alien. After all, they are not 'human'. At best you should be stuck in a mental hospital, but if it was actually true, wouldn't it be a criminal offence?--ChokinBako (talk) 17:13, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

You got something against Mexicans? But seriously, it's unlikely anybody has actually enacted any laws against it. Maybe with the alien's pet ghorzmat? Clarityfiend (talk) 17:34, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day. First off, haven't you seen an alien their eyes are always filled with love. Okay Ill put that aside. I am sure if there are aliens and we had sex with them their wouldn't be a law against it. If you think about aliens are foreign they may come from another planet, but they are still foreign. When the Spanish went to Argentina the Spanish having sex with the other Spanish didn't provide children because they wasn't enough oxygen in the thin mountain air. The Spanish had sex with an Argentina and they had children. There are no laws against having sex with a foreigner. And maybe our children might gain some abilities of the aliens. Like breathing toxic gases and living in thinner atmosphere. Who knows. Most foreign sex is for the breeding quality. I hope I have helped. I hope my information was to confusing. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 18:14, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

...didn't provide children because they wasn't enough oxygen in the thin mountain air. I would love to see a ref or source for that. Sounds strange. 200.127.59.151 (talk) 19:05, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Claiming to have had sex with an alien is, at least in America, not evidence that sex has been had. If somehow evidence could be brought against someone for having sex with an alien, everything depends on the wording of the law, of course. Having sex with a non-human simply cannot be, all by itself, bestiality. People have sex all the time with certain sexual implements, completely absent the presence or involvement of another human. My feeling is that the spirit of bestiality laws is that animals, even when seemingly willing, are not prescient partners capable of giving legal consent. If I'm right, it would all depend on what the alien life forms were like. I mean, if the alien in question were Kim Basinger, for example, I'm thinking it would be difficult for the state to prove the alien were exploited against its wishes or otherwise ignorantly taken advantage of. If, on the other hand, the alien were more like a Tribble, a case might possibly be made. Good luck in your pursuits, and let us know how it works out for you. Mitchell k dwyer (talk) 19:56, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good day 200.127. My source is a documentary called BBC-Earth, The Power of the Planet. It talks about the four main systems that sustain life, create life, and help life. It's the episode of the atmosphere. I've watched the episode of volcanoes and atmosphere. And that is what they said when in the Argentina mountains.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:18, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

If you have the staying power for a long article, this scholarly piece should enlighten on the high altitude hijinks that were less than fruitful. Fribbler (talk) 23:25, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

The thing about "Sex" is that it's a biological process that evolved on Earth. Since the Alien evolved on a different planet, it might not (in all honesty, probably would not, unless sexual organs are miraculoulsy an example of cross-planetary paralell evolution) reproduce sexually. Therefore, it wouldn't acutally be "Sex" since the alien would not have sexual organs. --Ye Olde Luke (talk) 08:46, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Given the wide range of ways humans and other animals have found to get sexual release, ((some images not work-safe) see Paraphilia, Non-penetrative sex , Animal sexual behaviour#Cross species sex ,and Animal sexual behaviour#Sexual fetishes), they might use a wide variety of indentations, orifices, apendages, limbs and organs. After Tentacle rape, would the perpetrator be able truthfully to say, had he the means of speech, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman?" Edison (talk) 22:47, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Seriously? Most people concerned with this issue are more worried about aliens molesting humans. And those of us who play The Sims 2 can tell you how much fun it is when aliens abduct a man and make him pregnant . . . or how much fun it is to have normal Sims get romantic with with aliens, werewolves, vampires, plant people, robots, and the like. (Yes, I said robots. At least Bigfoot is off-limits.) But anyway . . . I agree that the ability to give consent is the issue. Sex with an adult alien of similar intelligence to a human would freak a lot of folks out, but the "ew" factor isn't grounds these days for making something illegal. Sex with a sentient alien of lesser-developed intelligence would be on par with sex with a nonhuman animal, a child, or a mentally challenged adult - exploitative and damaging to the victim, which would be ample grounds for making it illegal. (That said, I recommend Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas for anyone who really, really has a desperate urge to molest a tribble.)

According to Zoosexuality and the law bestiality is in fact explicitly illegal in most of Australia and all of NZ, sheep jokes aside. In fact so are videos potraying the act. And I suspect it's illegal in all of Australia since even if not explicitly outlawed, it'll likely be considered animal cruelty or something similar. And I somewhat doubt these laws will generally be extended to aliens since they are usually written to apply to non-human animals, not aliens and it is unlikely an alien will be an animal. It's not usually illegal, at least as far as I'm aware, to have sex with a plant or fungi for example. Heck I'm not even sure whether sex with a hydra is illegal. BTW, despite the common potrayal in SF shows, it is extremely unlikely that humans will be able to successfully breed/mate with an alien, far more unlikely then humans being able to breed with a cat. Indeed aliens may not even have sex, at least not in the manner we do Nil Einne (talk) 17:01, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Dan Savage made the point [3]that in our enlightenewd society we judge it wrong for a human to have some form of sex with an animal, because the animal is judged incapable of giving his/her informed consent, but our society has no problem whatever with the lack of the animal's consent for knocking the same animal in the head, shooting it, electrocuting it, or breaking its neck, then slitting its throat, cutting it up, cooking and eating it (unless it is cute like a dog or a horse). Savage posits that if those animals were given a choice, they would probably prefer to be "screwed than stewed." Western society kills animals for food, for fur, or just for fun, as in sport fishing and trophy hunting. Edison (talk) 19:25, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

In most countries, it's only non-consential sex (or at most, homosexual sex)that's illegal. If a person can give consent and he/she is not underage (and depends on the law, not the same sex as you), then I don't see how it can be illegal. 24.12.201.139 (talk) 21:36, 16 June 2008 (UTC)Cecikierk

Very true, Edison - and even most of our "cute" domesticated animals end up on dinner plates somewhere in the world. I think bestiality laws result more from the "ew" factor than from a genuine concern for animal welfare. Still, anything that prevents cruelty to animals in any variety is at least a start. - Aletheia

An alien's body would be built for the environment of another planet. It would probably be deadly for the alien to even step out of its spacesuit, let alone have sex with a human. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:01, 18 June 2008 (UTC)

Rumble packs

Have any studies been done on the use of video game rumble packs as masturbatory aids? Is it common practice, percentage of people who have tried it? Any info would be appreciated. Kackers (talk) 19:17, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Rez is somewhat infamous for this. --Carnildo (talk) 22:12, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Good evening. I don't know if there are studies in video game rumble packs as masturbatory aids, but I am sure if there aren't you could do the study. I'm sure its a common practice I've heard some kids at school say they use their phone vibration as masturbatory aid. I think it might be a more common practice for the game geek. You know the guy who lives with his mother, who does nothing, but plays video games watches anime. The guy who kinda gives cute girls creepy smiles. Has a strange fantasy for Kasumi from Dead or Alive and whenever he see her celebrates with his game rumble pack. Anyway that was to much description, but I have always had the image in my head whenever I hear rumble pack being used for masturbation. I hope I have helped or at least gave you some words to read. Have a wonderful evening and good luck on that study.Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:33, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Really? Because like Carnildo, I tend to think of Rez, although I believe it's better for females than males. I always thought it a poor marketing decision by Microsoft not to reproduce the infamous Rez vibrator for their XBox port. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 03:33, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

But... but... three extra controllers! — Lomn 18:06, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Here is a review of Rez with pictures D0762 (talk) 10:32, 12 June 2008 (UTC)