Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 March 24

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March 24

Land needed for Livestock

Approximately how much pasture land is needed for each of these animals? Sheep(meat) and Cattle(beef). I prefer not to get the industrial land amounts.

In short, however many land is necessary for whatever your expectations or requirements are. Seriously, though, it should depend on how many of these animals you have. 40 animals may have to take up twice as much space as 20 animals.

It depends on the land.Good pasture is about 1 acre per horse.I believe in scrub land you can times that by 3 or 4. hotclaws 17:53, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Effeminacy versus male homosexuality

When I was in high school working for the summer in a job in New England I met a young man who lived with his grandmother and who had been raised by her after his parents were killed in a highway accident when he was only three. Although he attended public school he had identified closely with his grandmother's personality and gender but was fortunate in that despite his effiminance his first sexual experience and those which followed were with members of the opposite sex. In other words he was effiminant but heterosexual. Everyone who heard him talk or read his writing believed him to be gay. While it is understandable that effiminant males might attract a homosexual male as their first sexual partner the fact that this did not occur in this case tells me that the gender of the person with who one has their first sexual experience has the greatest influence on whether they are heterosexual or not. Can anyone confirm of refute this conclusion? 71.100.1.14 (talk) 00:48, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Sexual orientation is a characteristic one is born with like eye or skin color. You seem to be laboring under the impression that it is a matter of choice. --S.dedalus (talk) 01:05, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

What S.dedalus has said is completely untrue. There may be genetic elements to it but it is in no way whatsoever as concrete as eye or skin color. As far as your question, the "gender of the person with who one has their first sexual experience" is of course going to be correlated with hetero- or homosexuality, but it's not what causes it. Prior events in the person's life caused them to have sex with either someone of the opposite sex or the same sex during their first experience.--Swungtrader (talk) 01:30, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Actually you’re incorrect. There is virtually no scientifically credible evidence that homosexuality is a choice. From a person’s own point of view their sexual orientating is as fixed as race. In fact I would say sexual orientation is less changeable than skin color. Michael Jackson essentially changed his skin color through plastic surgery didn’t he? --S.dedalus (talk) 03:52, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Actually, Swungtrader is far more correct than you. I'm a mentor for troubled teens and I've known several who were homosexual early on due to being picked on and ostracized from social groups but later became heterosexual once they overcame that. I've also known a few who started out being heterosexual and later became homosexual.--Pilotphases (talk) 18:13, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, I defiantly won’t try to argue against your personal experience. I’m not arguing that sexual orientation can’t change over time (eye color was a bad analogy), I’m just saying it can’t be changed consciously. I notice that the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reported that "For some people, sexual orientation is continuous and fixed throughout their lives. For others, sexual orientation may be fluid and change over time."[1] however they also state that they do not consider sexual orientation to be "a conscious choice that can be voluntarily changed."[2] --S.dedalus (talk) 20:38, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Sexual orientation is determined by psychological and environmental factors.. it's just as certainly not something you're born with as something that's a choice "ok i'm 13 now, do I want to be gay or straight". :D\=< (talk) 22:29, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I doubt the validity of this (ie. the OP´s) hypothesis. It would turn sexuality into a sort of conditioned reflex of salivating at the ring of the proper bell. The one you heard first (plus the ensuing satisfaction) determines all subsequent libidinous preferential modes.

I must add that I have not the slightest idea on different psychological theories on the various forms of sexual preferences. I think, nevertheless, that any simplification of the complexity of the human psyche is a poor starting point for any attempt to understand others.

Basically, we are at the question "Nature vs. Nurture" and it may be both on many subtle levels. Our article on homosexuality seems to have a balanced section on theories / etiology / physiologial differences at al. The querent, 71.100, may be interested to have a look at this to get some ideas.

Maybe WP regulars with relevant knowledge can add some personal comments. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 02:00, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I have known many gay men whose first sexual experience was with a woman. Their experience disproves the questioner's hypothesis. Marco polo (talk) 02:24, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Did you mean Effeminancy as in effeminate nancy boy?

Yes, thanks for the correction. What I am saying is that it is the Effeminancy that is ingrained not the homosexuality. Homoseuality is merely a practically unavoidable consequence of effeminancy in a world where the majority of males (and some females) are sexually attracted by effeminancy. In other words while an Effeminant male's own sexual preference may be decidedly female the individual is unable to escape their own Effeminancy but quite able to escape homosexuality although invariably mislabeled by others as a homosexual. In other words effeminancy in males will automatically guarantee they are labeled as homosexuals whether or not they are. 71.100.1.14 (talk) 04:10, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Does it matter????

With the greatest respect to you personally, I'm assuming you expressed yourself very poorly; because otherwise that would be the greatest load of rubbish I've ever read. What makes you believe that effeminacy (note the spelling) in males, generally speaking, is unchangeable and inescapable? If it can be learned, it can be unlearned. But you can't teach a straight male to become sexually aroused by the sight or presence of other males; either they naturally do get aroused, or they naturally don't. Similarly for gay people being taught to become sexually aroused by a person of the opposite sex - it can't be done. Yes, it is true that effeminate or camp males are routinely assumed to be homosexual. And in many cases they are - but not necessarily. It's also routinely assumed that butch, unmarried women who don't seem to have boyfriends or husbands are lesbians. Again, not necessarily. An effeminate person is not necessarily gay, and a gay person is not necessarily effeminate. As people grow towards maturity, they try out different sexual things along the way. It's quite normal for a boy who will ultimately identify as straight to have one or more gay experiences; and vice-versa. Their very first sexual experience with another human will not necessarily be with a person of their ultimately preferred gender, and it does not determine anything. Whether they will ultimately identify as straight, gay or whatever, is hard-wired in the brain. -- JackofOz (talk) 12:21, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Because it is a matter of subconscious rather than conscious learning, just as accent is picked up. I know educated people, doctors and lawyers that still speak with an accent which identifies them as belonging to a particular geographic location. The training an actor goes through might allow them to adapt several different accents but even though they have realized control over speaking in various accents, their natural accent most likely will not change. Same with effeminacy. A male may learn to hide it but under relaxed circumstances may forget and become labeled as a closet queer. Ignorant people hear an effeminate person speak and immediately the hair goes up on the back of their neck as they depart with the belief, right or wrong, that the person is a queer. 71.100.1.14 (talk) 09:32, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure it's impossible to change.. it's probably not something that can be "taught" but people change over time.. :D\=< (talk) 22:31, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd like to put in a word for something as complex and multifaceted as human sexuality being more nuanced than a simple scalar trait like skin color. I do agree with the consensus view that there is a strong genetic predisposition towards a particular orientation, but to completely discount all the effects of one's early childhood experiences and later environmental factors is letting the pendulum swing much too far. Fetishization, for example, can have an enormous effect on sexual thoughts, and is inherently environmental. --Sean 14:31, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd just like to point out as a complete side note that if sexuality was completely genetically determined (I'm not saying it is or isn't, I think it's probably very complicated) then it would seem to me that there will be a marked decrease in the amount of gay men and women due to the decreased likelihood of their having children. I would have thought that especially as societies become more accepting of GLBT people that in a few generations gay populations would decrease rapidly. No idea if I'm right or not, but it seems worth thinking about, as the effects will be more pronouced in the coming decades as gays and lesbians aren't forced to have children for "appearance's sake".

You seem to be assuming that gay people don't want children, when in fact, many do. And nowadays, they can use sperm donors and surrogates to help them!Snorgle (talk) 15:06, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

90.192.223.225 (talk) 21:46, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

You have made a very interesting point which in fact may have long ago subconsciously influenced my perspective on the problem. 71.100.1.14 (talk) 09:21, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

Somewhat related to your original question, there is not necessarily a connection between effeminacy and homosexuality. They frequently overlap, and there is a social construct linking the two, but they don't have to go hand in hand. To explain it in a logic framework: Some effeminate men are homosexual. Some homosexuals are effeminate. The overlap between the two is not comlete. Steewi (talk) 03:37, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

Gearing car for a 1/4 mile drag race

Suppose one is driving a car that redlines at 8,000 RPM. How should one gear this car for a 1/4 mile drag race assuming one is trying to achieve the fastest time possible? There are multiple factors to consider here. Since there is no target speed when trying to cross the line, it is hard to set a target gear ratio for that last gear. Generally, shifting more than 2 times is too excessive and will slow you down due to shifting time. Am I trying to cross the line with my engine RPM on the torque peak? Acceptable (talk) 02:13, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes, each shift costs you a bit of time, but close-ratio transmissions are good for acceleration, which means more shifts. It's a trade off. I don't know that there's a formula that's going to tell you this answer. There's no point being geared so low that traction is a problem. Also, just because the car redlines at 8000 doesn't mean you want to go up there- some engines run out of breath at high rpms and the torque drops off dramatically. As a general rule of thumb, lower gearing is better for acceleration, at the expense of speed and mileage. If it's a drag car only, you might not care about top speed and mileage. As one data point, I have a Mazdaspeed3 which is a good tradeoff between performance and practicality. In this car you want to shift around 6000 as torque gets crappy past that. You'd already be in fifth gear in this car by the time you finish that quarter mile, if you had a good run. (It should run low 14s at about 100.) Friday (talk) 21:25, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I read in a car magazine that optimum gear positioning is so that when you change up a gear at the revs for maximum power the new gear gives the revs for maximum torque. I have never seen any explanation of why this should be so. -- Q Chris (talk) 10:03, 31 March 2008 (UTC)

Tattoo meaning or symbolism

I am curious about the meaning or symbolism associated with a tattoo design that looks like a cross with demon or dragon wings. It can be viewed at http://www.tattoofinder.com/find_tattooDB.asp?NewSearch=yes&justartistid=26. It is Loft Cross 2 by Demon Dean. I have searched the web, but have only found general Christian symbol information. Can you assist me in my quest for more specifics? Confusedmom (talk) 02:34, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Um, "demon or dragon wings" conventionally don't have feathers like in the picture cited. —Tamfang (talk) 04:06, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

They're keeping up with the times. :) --Sean 14:33, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

(oh, NOW it lets me edit here) If you look at "loft cross 2" instead of the linked image, it has what appear to be indeed demonic or draconic wings (the image that shows up when first linked appears to be loft cross 1, which appears angelic in nature). Kuronue | Talk 00:36, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

I am not sure what kind of wings they are or if they are even supposed to be wings. The picture is labeled "Loft Cross 2". I would just like to know if there is a symbolism or meaning associated with it and if so what it is. Often times these days young people communicate in alternate ways such as texting shortcuts. I am wondering if this tattoo is a form of letting others know what they think or believe. Any ideas on where I can search? Confusedmom (talk) 11:53, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The following is pure (but mildly educated) guesswork:

The loft, in medieval churches, referred partly to balconies / raised platforms in the area of the choir, just in front of the apsis with the altar or at the back, above the main portal.

These platforms were reserved for the most excellent singers in the choir and adorned with loft crosses on the walls.

These were normal crosses, but, to symbolise the angelic voices of the singers angels´wings were added to the arms of the cross.

The image may have been appropriated by tattoo designers and modified to carry some intuitively pagan meaning. As I stated above, this is just a guess. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 12:42, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Ice hockey

In ice hockey, if team put the puck into their own net after opening face-off (meaning that no opposing player touched the puck during whole game) who gets credited for the goal? West Brom 4ever (talk) 03:30, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I would guess, based on this article, that credit would go to the closest player to the goal from the other team. --Onorem♠Dil 03:35, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Hmmm... I quickly looked through the NHL Rulebook, and it does not appear to cover that possibility. It mentions that the last opposition player to have touched the puck is awarded the goal. The IIHF rulebook states, "A “Goal” shall be credited in the scoring records to the player who propelled the puck into the opponent’s net". No help there, and in short I have no clue. Onorem's suggestion is reasonable. -- Flyguy649 ^talk 03:53, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

If they have to credit the goal to someone, and they do, I think the only logical choice would be the center who took the face-off. Good question though. Vranak (talk) 17:23, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I thank you all for your time. This is highly unlikely situation (I personally don't think this will ever happen), but hey, that soccer goalie conceded an own goal from a throw in and Talbot scored on Niittymaki while he was watching commercials. So there is a possibility :) West Brom 4ever (talk) 18:32, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Meaning Of A Name

Can anyone please tell me the meaning of the name Carsvell? Or get the closest similar names for me?

The name Carswell and variants thereof seem to mean "dweller by the water-cress-stream", from Old English carse (or caerse or cerse) meaning watercress and wiella, meaning stream. (from A Dictionary of English Surnames, Routledge, 1991, p 85, ISBN 041505737X) ---Sluzzelin talk 08:47, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The cat monk

Any guesses what's hanging around the neck of the cat monk in today's Get Fuzzy? [3] Dismas|^(talk) 13:00, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Good question. It looks familiar, but a search in Google Image got me nowhere. Nothing yet. --Milkbreath (talk) 15:08, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

It looks like an energy efficient lightbulb. Or possibly a european style plug. HS7 (talk) 15:59, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Or a torii, to me. (snap, Milkbreath) WikiJedits (talk) 16:22, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Wild stab: a torii, though it doesn't look exactly the way I'd like it to for it to be that, and I could swear it is something I used to know about that isn't that.--Milkbreath (talk) 16:20, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

How to wear Somali dress

Is there site where I can find in order to wear the Female Somali dress step by step?

Well I couldn't find anything that was specifically called a 'Somali dress' but a site I found suggests typical clothes worn by women in somali cutlure. The Hijab has an e-how page on how to wear one but I can't link to it as it seems to be blacklisted by wikipedia for some random reason A google search of e-how and hijab should get you what you need. Hope this helps ny156uk (talk) 14:00, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Urdu and Punjabi dramas download

I notice that a lot Bangladeshis in Canada are watching dramas on the computer by downloading it. they said the websites they got it from are bdbangla.com and bengaliguru.com. But what about Pakistani and Punjabi dramas? Which website can I get from so I can download it from and watch it?

Independence Hall complex Phila Pa.USA.

Is Carpenters Hall & Congress Hall the same building?

No. Algebraist 14:49, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Popular Phone

My friend and I were wondering what phone is more "popular" and popular we've defined as more unit sales. The phones we are comparing are the Sony Ericsson w580i vs. Casio G'zOne Type-S.

Well I've got a 580, so that's one you can count on.--Artjo (talk) 15:21, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Please Tell Me About Rochester Institure Of Technology!!?

I've seen that a few other people have asked a similar question but there weren't desirable answers so I decided to ask again. I recently got accepted to RIT for the computer science program w/ a 6k scholarship per year. After deep search on the internet i have found, every kind of comment about this school!!..From having a gr8 academics based program...to...being the most saddest and the dullest place to go!!..i really want to know a unbiased opinion about it. Is it a place that will dull out a student/student will find it dull? or is it a gr8 place to go?..I'm a student from India..I have also applied to Marist College, Michigan State Ohio State, Penn State and Purdue...from none i have hrd so far...i xpect replies anytime..can i pic RIT over each of them?? Please pic the rest of the colleges individually and explain...what my choice should be!!

As you're discovering, college experiences being "good" or "bad" is highly subjective, and there is no one right answer. I would advise, though, sticking to neutral sources such as the multitude of college ranking magazines rather than various internet testimonials. One such starting point might be US News' college ratings site. — Lomn 15:24, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I would strongly advise against doing that, and they are far from "neutral." Take a look at Criticism of college and university rankings (North America). -Elmer Clark (talk) 20:54, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, I don't know a thing about RIT specifically, but note that it is in upstate New York, which is a very cold climate most of the year. It is also probably a lot farther away from New York City than you realize—it is practically in Canada, and upstate New York might as well be in another country from NYC. Coming from a very different climate you might want to take that into consideration. I lived in California all my life and then moved to upstate New York for a few months sometime later, and found the transition to be very depressing in terms of weather, temperature, landscape, etc. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 16:19, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Captain Ref Desk is correct that Rochester is far from New York City in a place with a somewhat depressed economy and long, cold, VERY snowy winters. (It is not unusual for Rochester to get 5 or 6 metres of snow per winter!) However, all of the universities that you have mentioned are in places where winter is somewhat cold and snowy (if not quite as extreme as Rochester), and none of them are in booming metropolises. I had never heard of Marist College. It is a small and not very prestigious institution. It is in Poughkeepsie, New York, which is not a very appealing place, but it has the advantage of being about two hours from New York City. Michigan State University and Ohio State University are located in their respective state capitals of Lansing, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio, neither of which is a large city, but both of which are small, modest cities with some cultural amenities. These two universities are HUGE, with many thousands of students and probably the potential for an interesting social and academic life, though the bureaucracy may be overwhelming. Both universities have decent reputations. Pennsylvania State University is another very large university, but it is located in a small town in a remote part of northern Pennsylvania. It may feel a little isolated. It has also has a decent reputation. I'm not sure which of these universities is strongest in computer science. Now, as for RIT, it has a fairly good academic reputation, particularly in computer science. I don't know how it compares with the computer science programs at the other universities, but it could well be the best. Rochester is not the most interesting city, but it is bigger than a small town, with a few cultural amenities. It is about 3 hours from Toronto, which is a very vibrant city, though I don't know whether it would be difficult for you to visit Canada as an Indian national. Marco polo (talk) 20:42, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I realized that I forgot to mention Purdue University. It is another huge state university with a decent (but not outstanding) reputation, like Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State. Like Penn State, it is in a small town without much else going on, but it has the advantage of being just a little over two hours from Chicago, which is a big and vibrant city. I don't know anything about the quality of its computer science program. Marco polo (talk) 14:31, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for all the information. But i have this doubt, according to what i have heard RIT has a good reputation when it comes to Computer Science, but i checked these ratings on the internet, in which RIT is not been rated in the top 100 colleges for computer science! here is the link - http://members.rediff.com/duewest/ranks.htm [[4]] - could you please tell me how authenticated this source is and please let me know of any better source - except for USNews - that rates colleges according to the concerned majors! I would also like to know about Illinois Institute of Technology who is this place and the academic reputation. I want to know the respect that each of these universities get in the real world! Thank once again for all your help and concern.

barnstars

Hi, i've been in wikipedia for a while, but i have one question. What's the point of barnstars? Are they just given to people to make them feel good about themselves?--Dlo2012 (talk) 14:31, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes. They're how Wikipedians say "nice work, you!". Same as stickers in kindergarten, cash bonuses at work, and tattoos in the Russian Mafia. :) --Sean 14:36, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

From the article on Transactional analysis: "Strokes are the recognition, attention or responsiveness that one person gives another. Strokes can be positive (nicknamed "warm fuzzies") or negative "cold pricklies". A key idea is that people hunger for recognition, and that lacking positive strokes, will seek whatever kind they can, even if it is recognition of a negative kind. We test out as children what strategies and behaviours seem to get us strokes, of whatever kind we can get." ---Sluzzelin talk 14:50, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Unfortunately people sometimes use their barnstars as proof that they are a valuable editor, or that they have done excellent work, or that they have some authority on Wikipedia. I seem to recall that barnstar counts are (or were) used for support at Requests for Adminship. All it really means is that they run with a barnstar-happy wiki-crowd; I can think of a few people who have numerous barnstars even though their articles are total crap. Adam Bishop 01:45, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

What are these objects?

This is the coastline of Nauru:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=nauru&ie=UTF8&ll=-0.531681,166.909291&spn=0.002559,0.00501&t=k&z=18

What are those long pole-mounted things? They look quite large.

They're bulk ship loaders, the ones in the background of this picture. Nauru's economy used to be based on phosphate mining, although their resources are all but depleted now. FiggyBee (talk) 15:59, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

business website page

I noticed that hp.com (a business website has a wikipedia page). What is the policy (or guidance) for a privately held company that would like to have a similar business information page listed on wikipedia? Thanks Bill

See Wikipedia:Notability (organizations and companies) --Tagishsimon (talk) 16:35, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Marines in combat zones

How/where do Marines in combat zones (Iraq, Afghanistan) get tattoos? Are there makeshift parlors, or is it similar to how they do it in prison? --AtTheAbyss (talk) 16:37, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't know ... but your question made me think of two relevant thoughts. One, I thought that I read pretty recently that the Marines started a new "rule" that tattoos are no longer allowed ... or were being very tightly restricted. I remember there being a big rush of Marines who went to get new tattoos before the new rule took effect. Two, Marines take their tattoos very seriously ... and they are usually pretty ornate and highly elaborate (i.e., professionally done). I can't imagine -- nor have I ever seen -- a crude home-made "prison-type" tattoo being acceptable (or even worth considering) to a Marine. Thanks. (Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 19:18, 24 March 2008 (UTC))

It was my understanding that they can't get tattoos which are visible when they're in uniform. Corvus cornix_talk 17:29, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

THanks Spadaro what you said makes sense. Marines can't get tattoos that would be visible when wearing exercise shorts and shirt; small personal tattoos are allowed IF they are approved by the Marine's CO.--AtTheAbyss (talk) 12:07, 31 March 2008 (UTC)

multipurpose river valley projects

what do you mean by multipurpose river valley projects?

We ought to have an article on Multipurpose river valley project, judging by the number of times the phrase crops up in our articles. It appears to mean a dam which provides more than one thing, such as

• Electricity generation
• Flood prevention
• Basis for improved irrigation,
• Improved navigation
• Habitat improvement
• Improved fishery populations.

It is unlikely that all MRVPs provide all of these functions. A google search on the term is also probably instructive. --Tagishsimon (talk) 16:47, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a project that dates back to the Great Depression, is a good example. --Nricardo (talk) 16:58, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

SOLDIERS WHO GUARD THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN : ```` 1. THE QUALIFICATIONS```` 2. THE DAILY LIFE AND RESPONSILBILITIES WHILE ON DUTY```` 3. THE EATING AND SLEEPING ARANGEMENTS WHILE ON DUTY```` 4. THE LENGTH OF TOUR OF DUTY```1

Answers here. --Sean 17:48, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The difference between diamond certificates from GIA, EGL, and AGS

I want to get diamond stud earrings but I am a bit confused about the different kind of certificates that come with the diamond studs. I recently visited the following website: www.DiamondStudSource.com They had a lot of options but with different certificates too. I realized that the stones with the same specifications vary in price according to the certificates. I am unclear and uncertain why the prices vary with these certificates and why some reports/certificates may be better than others.

buffalo bills trivia

who wore the #40 jersey,and acted as a quarterback

Here's the all-time roster for the Bills. 40 isn't a standard quarterback number, so this may be a case of a single trick play (or more likely, in my opinion, a busted play) that has to be tracked down. At least you've got the possible pool narrowed down, though. — Lomn 19:34, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, 40 is a strange number. Although perhaps the regular QB pitched it to a wide receiver who threw it down the field. I hope the play resulted in a touchdown. Useight (talk) 19:48, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

People who played as #40 for the Bills: Ed Rutowski, Roland Moss, J.D. Hill, Terry Miller, Robb Riddick, Chip Nuzzo, Eric Smedley. Pick one. Paragon12321 (talk) 00:03, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

You probably want Ed Rutkowski (not Rutowski, by the way). According to pro-football-reference.com, Robb Riddick was the only other one on that list to ever throw a pass, and he only completed 3 for 66 yards and no TDs his entire career. -Elmer Clark (talk) 21:12, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Sony vs. Casio

What Phone has sold more units, the sony ericsson w580i or the casio G'Z one type-s?

The same question ("My friend and I were wondering what phone is more "popular" and popular we've defined as more unit sales. The phones we are comparing are the Sony Ericsson w580i vs. Casio G'zOne Type-S.") has been posted above, at around 15:00 / 3:00 PM WP time. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 21:08, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Clearly both friends had the same idea. Kuronue | Talk 00:21, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, and I've still got the same 580!--Artjo (talk) 08:11, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

finding answer

i m new user of wikipedia. n just want to know one answer.i hope u will satisfy me. I M INDIAN N I WANT TO KNOW THAT IF I MARRY WITH PAKISTANI GIRL N WANT TO SHIFT OR GET PERMANENT CITIZENSHIP OF PAKISTAN AFTER MARRIEGE OR SHE (PAKISTANI GIRL)COMES INDIA AFTER MARRIEGE N GET CITIZENSHIP OF INDIA THEN WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS WE MUST HAVE. WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES TO IMMIGRATE IN PAKISTAN, ALL I WANT TO KNOW. HOW MUCH POSSIBILITIES N WHAT BARRIERS ARE IN BETWEEN? I WILL BE VERY THANKFULL TO U IF U HELP ME. YOURS WIKIPEDIA USERMankuha (talk) 19:40, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I recommend contacting the embassy to find out what kind of forms will need to be filled out. Useight (talk) 19:46, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

The website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration is here. It doesn't seem to answer your question but it provides contact information for people who probably can. I believe the Pakistani immigration department's website is here, but the page (and the entire website of the government of Pakistan) seem to be down at the moment, oddly enough. Perhaps the link will be functional later. -Elmer Clark (talk) 21:20, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

77HP TRACER 2

What is a 77HP TRACER 2?

You could have Googled this and had an answer faster. Google's first result says it's some sort of tone tester. Whatever that is. Dismas|^(talk) 20:29, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

This Google search gives many links. --hydnjo talk 20:32, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

According to http://www.stayonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=132, 77HP Tracer 2 Tone Generator from Tempo - Progressive is a proven tester for generating selectable audio tones on cabling in premise wiring installations. Continuity and polarity testing is also capable.

By applying a tone signal to a wire pair or single conductor, and using an inductive amplifier (probe), the tone generator permits technicians to identify the conductor within a bundle, at a cross-connect point or at the remote end.

This may be all Greek to me, but I hope you understand what it means. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 20:35, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I can't recall if there was a generic name for this type of tool - the one I have in my kit is called a "Fox and Hound". Most commonly, such a tool is used to locate the "other end" of a phone line within a building. You connect the tone generator part to a phone jack, and then go to the wiring closet and use the probe to find the associated wires. The probe will emit a two-tone "warbling" sound when it is placed near the correct pair (that's the induction part). --LarryMac | Talk 15:03, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Getting Right to Customer Service

I am wanting to terminate my DISH Network DBS service and i know the numbers and such, however i am having trouble figuring out the options on the phone. if anyone knows what is the best way to get to a voice directly.--logger (talk) 21:01, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Often hitting 0 will get you someone more quickly but some systems are built in such a way where that doesn't work. They usually will have a menu of, for example, five items and the fifth one will be an option to talk to a real person. So one through four will get you another menu but pressing 5, instead of 0, will get you where you want to go. Dismas|^(talk) 21:14, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I always try doing nothing. Simply wait until the artificial person at their end exhausts itself trying to get a response out of you, concludes that you have a dial phone or don't speak English too good, and connects you to a real human being. --Milkbreath (talk) 21:30, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Sometimes it takes an astoundingly long time, though, especially with systems that can process either spoken or "keyed-in" responses. I tried to call Verizon repair services one day and really needed to speak to a human; it took something like five solid minutes of me being dead silent and listening to various "I'm sorry but I didn't understand your response..." prompts before it finally kicked me out to a human attendant. I was calling from a payphone in a fast-food restaurant ('cause you can only call Verizon telephone repair services from a working Verizon telephone -- go figure! I'll bet that really minimizes the load on the poor telephone repair techs!) and was deathly afraid that someone would cough and the system would announce: "Aha! Gotcha! Now answer my question!"

Atlant (talk) 18:32, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

milk the strategy worked. you are the bomb at that. Good Work.--logger (talk) 21:42, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Another strategy is to just repeat, "Agent" every time it asks for a response. That usually works for me. Useight (talk) 22:29, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

In the future, you can try this handy website: http://gethuman.com/. For Dish, they recommend dialing "0" at each prompt. --D. Monack | talk 21:50, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

Song?

What's that song from Cartman Gets an Anal Probe, when Stan sees Wendy? It's also the song played when two Sims kiss in The Sims. --M1ss1ontomars2k4 (talk) 22:47, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

For reference, it's at 7:44 in the official video on southparkstudios.com. --M1ss1ontomars2k4 (talk) 22:56, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

I can't watch the video, but going from memory, I'm sure it's the "Love Theme" from the Romeo and Juliet symphony. In fact, Romeo and Juliet (Tchaikovsky)#Used in movies and TV there is a section that gives these two exact examples. We've had this question before, and I myself asked it once before (apparently before the archives were created) - that's the only reason I know the answer this time! Adam Bishop 205.210.170.49 (talk) 01:40, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Just one technical point: it wasn't a symphony but an "Overture-Fantasy". -- JackofOz (talk) 02:06, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks guys. --M1ss1ontomars2k4 (talk) 02:30, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Mazda MX 5 full of rubber ducks - thanks.

First off, I realise this isn't a question. But before the deletionists rush to get rid of it, please remember that the RefDesk works as well as it does at least partly because of a sense of community, continuity, and shared understanding. Is it so bad to come back to say thankyou?

Some time ago, I asked for help in determining the interior volume of an MX 5, with a view to filling it with rubber ducks. The RefDesk regulars stepped up admirably, with an estimate that turned out to be wonderfully precise as well as an intriguing suggestion regarding balloons. Well, you'll be pleased to know that the day has finally come.

If you would care to visit http://greatduckcaper.com you will find a description and a few photos of the event. As Sean said, "it's against all laws of God and Man to fill a person's car with rubber ducks and not take a picture" - though in fact we mostly took video. We've put together a 25-minute short film of the whole event from inception to planning to aftermath, but that's not yet online for a number of reasons so the pictures will have to do for now. A shorter, more focused, "ADHD YouTube Version" is in the pipeline too.

Thanks to Ouro and everyone else that helped us figure out quite how many ducks we needed to pull this one off. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.187.153.189 (talk)

What kind of crazed fool would want to get rid of something as awesome as this? Sure, it technically belongs on the talk page rather than on the ref desk proper, but it doesn't really hurt anything. Anyone who thinks Wikipedia can't make a difference in the world needs to see this. Friday (talk) 23:14, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Agreed, this is just what the Reference desk wants to achieve. Give answers to questions others may not care about. -- ReyBrujo (talk) 23:22, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

LOL! Bookmarked. :) · AndonicO ^Hail! 23:29, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

That's fantastic! (Added to StumbleUpon) Angus Lepper^{(T, C, D)} 22:57, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Question

I know I'm not supposed to ask medical or legal questions, but I'm going to ask one falls into both categories. Here it goes:

I'm sick of lawyer commercials on TV, what should I do? 216.49.181.128 (talk) 23:31, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Turn off your TV. --Onorem♠Dil 23:33, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Hire two on a no-win-no-fee basis and make them sue each other. -mattbuck (Talk) 23:53, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

lol. Acceptable (talk) 01:15, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Get a Tivo (or something similar) and skip past them. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 01:25, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Watch TV only when it's utterly unavoidable, and spend your time being a Wikipedia editor. Your website needs YOU! -- JackofOz (talk) 02:04, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Move to Australia. Julia Rossi (talk) 05:47, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Does Australia not allow lawyers to advertise on television? Dismas|^(talk) 08:14, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Austrlalia used to have a regulation that doctors and lawyers were not allowed to advertise except that then they changed address, they were allowed to publish a notice like "On 1 April 2008, Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel will be moving to Sydney Aquarium". They were not even allowed to state their specialisation. I don't think that there any any restrictions now. --David from Downunder (talk) 23:44, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

Not that I've seen though I don't watch much tv and only ever at night, but it doesn't seem to be. In 2002 the NSW State premier declared a prospective ban[5] on legals using tv and radio to stop "ambulance chasing" and a marketing firm affirms that marketing legals is closely regulated in Australia offering only print, online (and yellow pages) as mass media avenues. Julia Rossi (talk) 08:42, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

They do advertise on TV in Australia. Mostly on Channel 10 during the late afternoon, as far as I can tell. That said, Australian tv adverts tend to be much less brash than American ones. FiggyBee (talk) 16:01, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

In my country South Africa it is ethically illegal (if that makes any sense) for lawyers to advertise anywhere except a particular government gazette. The most they can do is put tiny signs outside their buildings. The same goes for registered medical professionals and pharmacists. Sandman30s (talk) 13:04, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

I believe the same is true in the UK. In Canada I think there are restrictions on lawyer TV advertising, but we get so many US ads you wouldn't notice. And yes, the world would be a better place if the "we'll get you huge amounts of money if you've been hurt" ads were banned everywhere. DJ Clayworth (talk) 17:37, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

There are plenty of "Where there's blame there's a claim" ads on TV in the UK, unfortunately; they also tout for business in shopping malls. As I understand it, solicitors can advertise, but barristers can't. If you want to escape ambulance-chasing, NZ is a better choice than Australia: thanks to the government-run no-fault Accident Compensation Corporation, there is no need or provision for personal injury suits. Gwinva (talk) 22:11, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Victoria has a Transport Accident Commission (TAC), which advertises a lot. I see TV ads for lawyers quite often. One even uses quite misleading language - "The advice is free." (full stop, no qualifications, and no asterisks that point to the existence of any qualifications; but it's later followed by unexpected qualifications). I'd be wary of using their services if that;s the best they can do. I've been meaning to contact them to ask them to stop this, but damn Wikipedia keeps getting in the way. -- JackofOz (talk) 23:43, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps you could contact that advertising regulation body for false or misleading advertising – they'd probably be glad to hear from you. Julia Rossi (talk) 00:42, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

How cough syrups work

How do cough syrups work? Does the chemical relax one's diaphragm? Why are narcotics, such as codeine and morphine such effective cough-suppressants? Thanks. Acceptable (talk) 23:43, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

They suppress the sensitivity of the lining of the lungs and upper respiratory tract and thus diminish the response of the body to clear extraneous material. According to the British National Formulary the use of cough suppressants should be used with caution in certain chronic illnesses. Over the counter cough suppressants usually contain a mild sedating antihistamine (together with other compounds) "which may reflect their main mode of action" (BNF). Richard Avery (talk) 08:11, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

And on the other end of the spectrum, you get bronchodilator syrups, which in my layman's understanding dilate the bronchial tubes so that more gunk gets expelled at a time... and certain inhalers do the same thing if I remember correctly a conversation I had with my GP long ago. Sandman30s (talk) 13:01, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

If you believe the US Food and Drug Administration, they don't, at least not the ones for kids. Which is kind of shocking, if you think about it -- for probably 75 years, parents made their kids drink yucky-tasting fluid that was nothing more than a placebo. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:57, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

My parents used to give us 'shock and distress tablets' that came in a pill bottle and rather obviously were just sugar. I see nothing wrong with giving placebos :) as long as they don't contain dangerous active ingredients. So I suppose I don't find it shocking. Skittle (talk) 10:21, 28 March 2008 (UTC)