Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2012 October 24

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October 24

Who's responsible for updating GPS data?

About a month ago, a mile long parkway was completed and opened near where I work (I'm in the U.S. BTW, if it makes a difference). This was not a road improvement, but a brand new road where none had existed before. I should say first that, while it was under construction, my GPS didn't recognize it, or the temporary detours caused by the construction. But then all of a sudden, now that its been open for a few weeks, my GPS (and most major mapping software, i.e. Google, Bing, Mapquest) all recognize it. This was a very modest project, maybe a half mile in total. I'm curious how my GPS suddenly recognized it now. Who is responsible for updating new roads? Is it a function of the Dept. of Transportation (State or Feds), or the mapping company (Google, Bing, etc)? Is there a standard procedure in place for updating new roads to GPS databases now as part of the construction? How does this happen? Ditch ∝ 00:23, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Highway databases have nothing directly to do with GPS. All GPS tells you, per se, is where you are (latitude, longitude, elevation) and what time it is. (Oh, and possibly how fast you're going — I think there's a Doppler component to that; it's not just taking the derivative of your position.)

The database belongs to whatever company made your unit. It's impressive that they were able to update your unit remotely — is it connected to the Internet somehow? --Trovatore (talk) 00:26, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Our article on that is Automotive navigation system. Articles on four mapping companies provide some hints: Tele Atlas, Navteq, GeoSmart and Automotive Navigation Data provide some crumbs. --Tagishsimon (talk) 00:36, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

See also How Google Builds Its Maps—and What It Means for the Future of Everything ... iirc, they're now quite reliant on user feedback. --Tagishsimon (talk) 00:39, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

The article about Google maps is very good. The one big answer that's missing above is The Census's Tiger data. Shadowjams (talk) 01:26, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

My understanding is that several cities (and possibly states) have openly (or at possibly for purchase) available datasets for all roads in the area that are kept up-to-date as projects are completed. I don't think it is comprehensive in the US, but at least there are some areas that make it easy for map providers to keep things updated. 209.131.76.183 (talk) 12:52, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

As linked above, the Tiger data I believe is updated relatively often, and is free (to my understanding). Shadowjams (talk) 03:11, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Fast Food Quality

(1) Attribution of bad business practice is defamation per se. (2) Couching it in terms of "allegedly" or saying someone told me is not a legal defense against defamation. μηδείς (talk) 02:32, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Cowboys in Calgary

The 1993 film Cool Runnings features the main characters heading out for some entertainment while in Calgary and are seen in a cowboy-style bar. I also noticed that there was a guy with a cowboy hat at the Olympic registration area. Is there any special reason why Calgary would feature such a thing? I mean, could you find a cowboy-style bar or tavern or whatever in any big city like Boston or Charlotte or is Calgary noted for being a cowboy place? DRosenbach ^{(Talk | Contribs)} 01:34, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Noted. See Calgary Stampede for example. Cowboy hat in Boston - unlikely. Rmhermen (talk) 02:43, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Yeehaw. One of Calgary's nicknames is "Cowtown". Clarityfiend (talk) 03:15, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Alberta is the Texas of Canada: an oil-rich and cattle-rich province of wide open plains (see Canadian Prairies). Cowboys are as associated with Calgary as they are with Dallas. --Jayron32 04:23, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Hence the defunct WHA team called the Calgary Cowboys. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 05:01, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

They also had a WHA team that never played, the Calgary Broncos. There is also the arena designed to look like a saddle. Adam Bishop (talk) 10:40, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

That type of dome has one advantage: It will never collapse... because it already is collapsed. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 12:46, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

We have one of those in Raleigh: Dorton Arena. We call it the "Pringle Arena" for obvious reasons. No cowboys here tho. A few dairy farms... --Jayron32 13:46, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Shortly before my time in the UK, on Commonwealth Day and before that, Empire Day, it was common for primary schools to ask children to attend dressed-up as a citizen of one of the nations of the Commonwealth. For boys, all that was needed was to get their cowboy outfit out of the dressing-up box and be Canadian for the day. An example: Empire Day 1952 or 1953 Vic Thomas is wearing a cowboy outfit. Alansplodge (talk) 12:58, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Why are all the girls in that picture dressed as nurses? Is there a Commonwealth nation famous for its nurses? Regards, Orange Suede Sofa (talk) 19:55, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

I have no idea. Alansplodge (talk) 21:41, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

It's possible the nurses part is unrelated to the national clothes part. The picture claims 1952 or 1953 but it's not hard to imagine it was actually 1954. That being the case, it seems per our article, that on Empire Day 1954 a plaque was unveiled for Florence Nightingale in the Haydarpaşa Cemetery so it may be some deal was made of this even outside Turkey or that region (particularly as to some extent it's more of a Commonwealth thing then a Turkey thing). BTW, I think Empire Day refers to the Commonwealth day, from what I can tell there's no Empire Day in Turkey, it seems unlikely they would have had one in 1954. The source [1] which not clearly specifying doesn't give any reason to think it's another day. Also I think the plaque unveiling on Empire Day was more to do with it being on the Commonwealth war graves, from what I can tell there's no strong association between Empire day and Florence Nightingale (the day most associated with here is her birthday which is generally International Nurses Day). Nil Einne (talk) 00:15, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Empire Day became Commonwealth Day in 1958. 1954 would have been the centenary of Nightingale's arrival at Scutari. As the UK doesn't really have a "national day", Empire day might hhave been the next best thing. It all makes sense - good find! Alansplodge (talk) 08:19, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

UK holiday cottage/villa

I've only ever stayed in large hotels before, so this is a new area for me. I need to find out though, if a small group of people wanted to rent a private cottage, villa or similar home for a few days, where would be the best place to look for available options and roughly how much might it cost?

213.104.247.116 (talk) 20:14, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Google "UK holiday cottage" and you'll get all the offerings you could possibly want. Cost will vary greatly depending on what facilities you need, and which part of the country. Rojomoke (talk) 20:51, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

A site that I have found to be very useful for finding well located cottages is http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk . They aren't the cheapest cottages about but the ones we've stayed in were beautiful. We even stayed in one of the 'wings' of one of their properties, Hanbury Hall (here's the link to the place we stayed - http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/cottage/south-wing-006003/). Anyhoo good luck, like Rojomoke says a search for Uk holiday cottage will show you a wide variety of sites. ny156uk (talk) 22:32, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

UK here - just confirming that National Trust cottages - while often interesting and in beautiful locations - are indeed often priced at the top end of the range. Ghmyrtle (talk) 13:15, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

If the OP wants to say which area and how many people and what price per week (in total - gas, electricity, water, linen, car parking etc., etc.,) I would be happy to recommend some good ones that my wife and I have discovered on our many cottage holidays over the years. I know there are a load of cottage websites but boy, there are some properties and companies that need to be well-avoided. 80.192.67.152 (talk) 23:32, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

The site http://www.airbnb.com has gained significant popularity in the last few years as a place to exchange private accommodation. You can limit your search results to e.g. entire homes or cottages (as opposed to e.g. just a spare room in an inhabited flat). Currently, approx 1000 hits matching this criteria are available in the UK. DI (talk) 10:29, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

English Country Cottages is an established organisation with a good reputation, and their web site has a useful search tool. For the rest of the UK, there are Welsh, Irish and Scottish sister companies, with links from the ECC home page. As said above, cost will depend enormously on location, type of accommodation and time of year. Gandalf61 (talk) 12:08, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Also at the top end of the price range, but a chance to stay in a unique heritage property, is the Landmark Trust. Alansplodge (talk) 16:21, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

If you want to deal direct with cottage owners then sites like http://www.countrycottagesonline.com and http://www.cottageguide.co.uk/ have been around for a long time and offer a good range. Landmark Trust have to be recommended for unusual unique options. Yvonnara (talk) 18:36 31 October 2012

Difference between buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour?

I India during fast in Hindus people use a type of flour called kuttu ka "aata(Flour)" now some of them say its made from chestnut flour now when i search web the answer i got was showing was buckwheat for kuttu flour now are both of them are same.What is the difference between buckwheat flour and water chestnut flour? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Travis.josh10 (talk • contribs) 21:50, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Water chestnut flour is made from water chestnuts. Buckwheat flour is made from buckwheat. They are totally different. I don't known Hindi, but web sources indicate that kuttu ka atta is buckwheat flour, and water chestnut flour is singhare ka atta. Looie496 (talk) 23:10, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Buckwheat flour is gluten free and comes from a plant and is not related to wheat despite the name. Yvonnara (talk) 18:36 31 October 2012

Legal adults in New York

what laws say when you are considered an adult legaly in newyork state? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.76.2.56 (talk) 22:12, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

As with any state, it would depend on the activity. For example, many states allow smoking at 18 but drinking not until 21. I expect there are articles here on this subject, but my brain is failing as to what such articles might be called. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 01:42, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

(ec)Age of majority is one such and links to others. Rmhermen (talk) 01:50, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Age of Majority might be what you're looking for. It also has links to articles for drinking age, voting age, age of consent, and others. RudolfRed (talk) 01:49, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Eyes in the Back of head

I heard from a preacher years ago about " What would happen if man eyes was in the back of his head. hee quoted some one but I do not remember who. Thank for your help.24.173.63.243 (talk) 22:55, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

I don't think he was quoting anyone specific. "To have eyes in the back of one's head" is a popular English idiom, meaning that someone is aware of things even when they are not looking. AlexTiefling (talk) 23:02, 24 October 2012 (UTC)

Then he'd probably need a haircut. Clarityfiend (talk) 00:19, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

Once, such a remark would have got you called a "shavenist pig".  :) -- Jack of Oz ^[Talk] 03:05, 25 October 2012 (UTC)

A bit like this, I guess? KägeTorä - (影虎) (TALK) 11:53, 25 October 2012 (UTC)