Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2006 September 19

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Q-ray Bracelet

How do Q-Ray bracelets work? What does it mean to be ionized? Does it actually does something scientifically proven to your body or does it simply cause you to believe in yourself? Jamesino 00:55, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

See Ionized bracelet. See also quackery and pseudoscience. --Robert Merkel 04:53, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Also see ion to get an idea of ionisation. To be ionized is to be made an ion. Skittle 12:46, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

It also appears the talk page for 'ion' may be of interest to you. Skittle 12:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

housing

Ok, the amount the following question could vary almost makes in invalid, but here it is: I'm paying about 1000 bucks a month rent right now for an apartment. I'm planning on buying a house worth 120,000, with a loan. Would the interest / mortgage be cheaper than paying rent? I'm just trying to get a rough estimate... thanks a bunch! Mike 71.56.107.20 00:57, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

There are lots of loan caculators on the web. Assuming you pay 10% down and get a 30 year loan at 6.0%, the principal and interest would be about $650 a month. Besides having the cash for the down payment, you'll also have to pay taxes and insurance (every month). If the house costs twice as much (and you still put 10% down), the principal and interest would simply double as well. -- Rick Block (talk) 01:35, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

There's also the value of the property to look at. When you pay rent, that money simply disappears to the landlord's pocket. With a house, your money will be put towards paying for your house which, since land prices normally always go up from one year to the next, will likely appreciate in value. Therefore, what you're paying 120k for now (and the next 20-30 years) will be worth more money then than it is now. Dismas|^(talk) 01:43, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

• A thousand bucks rent a month sounds very steep to me. Almost anything will be cheaper IMO. - Mgm|^(talk) 08:07, 19 September 2006 (UTC)
  • That depends on where you live. Where I recently moved out of cost $750/month for a two bedroom shack of a house. My current kitchen and bathroom are approximately the same square footage as that house. Dismas|^(talk) 08:53, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

A fair bit of the answer depends on where you live. In Southern California $1000 a month won't even get a two bedroom apartment. A $120,000 house is unheard-of (triple that and you might get a cheap condo) and an astonishing number of people have fallen for interest-only home loans. That means they'll never pay off the mortgage unless they overpay the minimum, which very few people can afford to do, and they're risking their life savings on rising market values. In the short run some people have walked away with tidy profits. If interest rates go up (which is happening) and if housing prices drop (which is also happening), a lot of those people stand to lose their life savings because they'll no longer be able to afford the minimum payment on an adjustable rate mortgage. Doesn't this sound insane? Durova 16:42, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

If you can get a house for $120K where you are, and you are paying $1,000 for an apartment, the house may be the better deal. As someone calculated above, you will spend about $650-700 a month for the mortgage, including interest. Depending on the condition of the house, you probably need to budget another $200-250 a month for maintenance and insurance. (Some years you will spend very little on maintenance, other years you will spend thousands.) The big question is property tax. What will the property tax be on this house? If it is much more than $2,500 a year, then the apartment might still be the better deal. Otherwise, even if your monthly payment and expenses are slightly higher, your tax deduction will make up for it. The other question is whether you plan to stay in the same place for at least 10 years. One reason that this is important is that there are costs associated with buying and moving into a house. Often they are more than 5% of the price of the house (commission, "points," inspections, moving costs, etc.) Another is that for the first 5 years or so, most of your mortgage payments go to interest. You need to stay put for 10 years or so to begin to build significant equity. Otherwise, you are giving your money to the bank, which is no better than giving your money to the landlord in rent. A final consideration is the prospects for property value increase. If you can get a house for $120K and you are not in a severely economically depressed area, chances are that that house will rise in value. (If you lived in a region, as I do, where tiny, run-down houses in crime-ridden neighborhoods go for a bubble-inflated $350K, you could not count on property values rising much in 10 years.) Marco polo 18:27, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

When you are working this out, don't forget to add in all the other costs of owning a house. You will need to pay property taxes; you will need to do major pieces of work on it occasionally (like replacing roofs or driveways); you will need to replace appliances. You will need to redecorate occasionally. It all adds up. DJ Clayworth 15:56, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Also remember utilities. If you're in an apartment, your rent probably covers heating and/or air conditioning, water, sewer, etc., etc. In a house you're going to have to pay all that on top of your mortgage and taxes, and usually utilities are far more expensive in a house (especially a detached house) than in an apartment. Ask for the last year's heating and electricity bills if you can. In my small house I easily pay $200 a month for utilities. --Charlene.fic 22:34, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Information on Robin Lee Graham

I am trying to verify the information in the article on "Robin Lee Graham" which reports that "Dove sank in hurricane Marilyn in 1995."

I think the users who have edited this article are:

• Bpaul1 3
• Anonymous 3
• Scott Sanchez 3
• BrownHairedGirl 1
• Mmtux 1
• Johantheghost 1
• D6 1
• Youremyjuliet 1

How can I contact them to see if one of them entered this information and can provide any additional information or confirmation?

Thank You.

Jorge Rodriguez Indianapolis, IN. [redacted email/phone]

You could either leave a question on the talk page for the article itself (the "discussion") tab at the top of the article) or leave a message on each user's talk page. Dismas|^(talk) 01:39, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Looking through the article's history, this particular sentence was added by this edit from user:Bpaul1. You can ask this user about this edit on his/her talk page, i.e. at user talk:Bpaul1. This user has not made any edits since April 28, 2006, so I suspect is unlikely to respond, so in this case your best bet is probably the article's talk page. -- Rick Block (talk) 01:47, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Most visited Wikipedia page

What is the most visited wikipedia page, out of all categories? The velociraptor 00:59, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Weve had this before. See wikicharts--Light current 01:10, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Wow. This question is indeed asked so much. --Proficient 05:32, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

... and the VFAQ doesn't seem to be making a dent... — QuantumEleven 12:10, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Slang

I have a question what is teabagging and what is tripping balls. I thnk know what teabagging is but dont you have to be gay to do that. --216.164.200.166 01:40, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

answer plz!! thers a man here that sez he will tripp balls then teabag me. --216.164.200.166 01:54, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Teabagging is kind of a nebulous term; it can refer to different acts, but none of them require being gay. --Allen 02:37, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Well wait till he does it, then tell us!--Light current 02:39, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

The act sure is a scary one. Mac's Rule 351: Never attempt to put your testicles in an angry man's mouth. — [Mac Davis](talk) (SUPERDESK|Help me improve)05:58, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

If thats only 351, what the hell are the other 350?

--Light current 08:12, 19 September 2006 (UTC) For future reference, check out www.urbandictionary.com for any further slangs that you need clearing up. Jamesino 11:42, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Border dispute

"54/40 or fight". was a rallying cry for a border dispute. I think with Canada but I'm not sure. Can anyone enlighten me on this? Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.110.125.27 (talk • contribs)

The same question was asked a day or two ago. The question and answer are still on this very page. -- Rick Block (talk) 01:51, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Indeed. It's just a couple days up. --Proficient 05:33, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

....by the same person.--Shantavira 06:20, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I guess s/he didn't like my answer. Anchoress 06:24, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Or was too lazy to go back and look for it... 惑乱 分からん 16:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it was Canada during the Polk administration, you lazy piece of shit!

A.Please sign your contributions with four ~s. B.Please note and keep to WP:CIVIL Lemon martini 22:23, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Black penis size

Do they really have bigger ones? And if so, is it because they play basketball(for exorcise), or is it genetic? --216.164.200.166 02:01, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Aaaah, if only playing basketball were all it took to increase penis size! Why not check out the article on human penis size, which has a section on race. Anchoress 02:05, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I believe its done by hanging weights from the end from being a small child. If this doesnt lengthen it, it sure turns it black! 8-)--Light current 02:08, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Don't be a dick.

Read this and draw your own conlusion. However, just in case, I shall be taking up basketball to exorcise those small penis demons. Rockpocket 04:24, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

please convert all those measurements to english units please. THanks. Jasbutal 04:51, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

You can easily do that yourself, type in "12 cm in inches" into google and you'll get a response. See: [1]. That's the by far easiest way to convert anything into something else (whether it'd be lenght, weight, currency, calories, ...) Oskar 05:23, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

*Goes to Google* 12 cm in kg Huh? Stupid Google! —Bromskloss 12:55, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Check out http://www.onlineconversion.com for a start... 惑乱 分からん 16:50, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

You're not serious are you? --Froth 05:51, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

In case you are referring to me (the indentations are a bit messed up), no. —Bromskloss 11:55, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

sorry then --Froth 15:10, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

It's genetics. Not basketball. --Proficient 05:34, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

But afaik, there's little statistical evidence to back up the claims. 惑乱 分からん 13:40, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Shares

Dear Sir / Madam

A few years ago a financial adviser sold me some policies and one of them was for shares Arriva, & to be honest it has only just came to light, not only can i find a policy but I cant remember which broker he worked for, Please can you advise me as to wether or not Arivva will have my details on their system or can you forward another form of contact for Arriva. Your early response will be much appreciated

Contact details Keith Webb (email address and telephone numbers redacted)

I sometimes wonder, do the people who leave their contact details here ever check back on this page? Or, do they give up on us if we don't email or phone them? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 07:41, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

So.. you think you have some shares in Arriva. You do not have the share certificate. You do not know from whom you bought the shares. So far so good!

You should be able to get a list of shareholders from the Company. That will tell you if you have got shares. It may tell you how many as well. Now if you need to sell them, I think you will need a certificate. If this is lost you may be able to get another from the company. However it is possible that these shares are held in a nominee portfolio on your belhalf by the stockbrokers, in which case it would be really helpful if you could remember whick stockbrockers sold you the shares. You cant have dealt with that many ..can you?

TRy this first: [2] --Light current 07:51, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I'm just amazed none of them ask us to "drop by my house and let me know, ring the upstairs doorbell and give me a few minutes, as I probably have my pants off". :-) StuRat 13:29, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Mabye we should be sending them a mail, telling them to come back. —Bromskloss 12:51, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

GOOGLE EARTH

If you go on google earth (i dont know if its on google maps or not) and look at Junction 7 of the M11 in the U.K. in a very close view and you look at the bit where the northern bit of the A414 joins the roundabout you will notice somethin very wierd. What is it??? Also there is what appears to be another one if you follow the A414 north for a few miles till you get to the outskirts of Harlow wheres the roundabout. Then look at the two sets of houses immediately north east of the roundabout.

Is it just some dust on the lens???

thanx, --William dady 09:08, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Can you give some kind of reference or co-ordinates so that we can look for ourselves? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 09:20, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Not realy i cant find the co-ordinates on google earth but if you can find London, and then the M25 (London ringroad)(put on view roads and its very obvious), then the M11 is the blue line that goes from north east London to Cambridge. Its the first junction outside of the M25. Or if your still lost just search for Harlow, UK on google earth and if you zoom out a bit it will be obvious.--William dady 09:36, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I found what you're talking about by looking for Harlow, England, UK on Google maps. Then followed A414 down to M11. I see a large streak-like object at the first point that you mentioned. Is that what you're talking about when you say "somethin very wierd"? Dismas|^(talk) 09:38, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Yup thats it...what is it??? Theres another where i mentioned in my first text.--William dady 09:41, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I think I found them too. The second one is near to where it says Southern Way between two rows of houses, right? Could be anything. Looks like a reflection from something shiny to me. Why do you think they are weird? They're just objects. Cars or something. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 09:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Has anyone else spotted Concorde at Heathrow airport? --Dweller 09:49, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Yep. There's a couple here. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 10:00, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Haven't the Concordes been retired ? Are they just going to leave them at the airport until they find a museum that will take them ? Or maybe they could sell them to a rich collector. StuRat 09:57, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Well, that's an old picture, like they all are on Google Earth. It would have been taken when they were still in service. As for where they are now, the article you linked to just says they have been grounded. I imagine they are in a hangar somewhere. Sad. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 10:03, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

I just read the article. It does say one is still at Heathrow, but, since they have all lost their air worthiness certificates, they can't be flown. That means they have to leave it at Heathrow permanently or cut it up to remove it. Sad indeed. StuRat 10:09, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

It seems bizarre, to say the least, that BA still owns them, says it won't ever use them again but refused to sell them to Richard Branson who was prepared to use them. --Richardrj ^{talk email} 10:14, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Yes, and considering how heavily subsidized they were by the British gov, and what a symbol of British pride they are, I think the UK gov should "nationalize" them (take them) and sell them to Branson. It would be better for just about everyone (except BA) if they were to join the Virgin Atlantic fleet. StuRat 11:19, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Is this the odd streak? Here is another a bit west of the first one. They are pretty common especially in cities (tin roofs I think). I'm guessing they are imaging artifacts: sunlight reflecting from some bright surface right towards the camera in the satellite. The too-bright light overloads the CCD cell in the camera momentarily, and the movement of the satellite turns it into a north-south streak. I'm just guessing though... Weregerbil 11:27, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Some secret military establishments are only reached by turn offs from motorways. THey are usually marked: 'Works unit only'. Maybe you found some. See here [3]--Light current 00:49, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

And some secret military establishments are much more cunningly hidden so as to protect their location.Like this one for example... [4] Lemon martini 14:43, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

incomprehensible Japanese clip

Hello,

there is a video on the net that is unbelievable. Unfortunately I don't have the URL anymore.

This is what happens :

- a group of singing Japanese man gets on stage one after another (about eleven of them), they are wearing a bra and shorts with a swan neck and head on them

- one of them is a leader, he is first in line and has a microphone - they spread all over the stage singing something with the word PEACE in it quite often

- they start moving their hips up and down, causing the swan head to go up and down (causing hilarity among female audience members)

- they hold the swan head with their hands and shake it

- they sing something like "wo-o-wo peace peace"

- music stops, they make a nice formation and hold the swan head as if they were urinating, the leader extends one arm slowly

- music resumes, they turn around and untie their bra, then turn towards the audience and act silly about it (holding their arms in front of their chest)

- the leader turns around again and removes the swan from his shorts, revealing a pink heart at the back of his shorts (female audience screams)

- they applaud each other and the leader says something like "TBS" and it also appears on screen

- all the men leave the stage, except the leader, who puts the swan back on and stays on stage, sitting next to two ladies in a police uniform

So does anyone have any idea what kind of show this was? Is this a band of comedians or something? It's totally incomprehensible! Thanks! Evilbu 09:58, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Is this it? Most of your questions are answered in the comments, if it is. It's certainly odd. (I googled peace swan japanese and it was the first result, btw). Natgoo 17:36, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Masahiro Nakai, I think this guy is the leader. Thanks, I guess Google really is my friend. But... I still don't get WHY?? Btw : his Wikipedia description in the SMAP article looks nice too :"Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広) is the "leader" of the group and has hosted numerous television programs through out the years. He is a notorious bachelor and trickster. He is known for his bad singing. He frequently wears a hat and has long hair, although his look changes frequently." Evilbu 18:17, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I want 'notorious bachelor and trickster' on my business card. Natgoo 18:27, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

All of SMAP act stupid on TV, it's the basis of their career. In fact, that's the way most Japanese celebrities act. Compared to American celebs, Japanese are incredibly well humored and know how to laugh when they're being made fun of, and don't even hesitate to make fun of themselves, whereas Johnny Depp is a complete bore. Nakai may technically be SMAPs leader, but they're basically all equal in fame, money, popularity, stupid bachelorism, and singing ability (actually, Nakai is quite a bit worse, and, because he's a Japanese celeb, has no problem making fun of that fact ad nauseum on TV!).  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  05:21, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Also, consider that none of them are actually comedians, and so they are not really considered "funny". Japanese comedy can be very entertaining, especially if you understand it.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  05:23, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

anxiety

I seem to live my life in permanent anxiety, which only disapears when i am alone or with very close friends, could this be a medical condition? how can i over come this? please help as i feel like i am going to cry, which is not to good for a macho type man at work.

I'm sorry but we don't dispense medical advice here other than to recommend seeing a professional, which in this case is what I feel you should do. I don't like groups of people either though I've never felt I was going to cry because of the environment I was in. Again, I would suggest seeking professional help. Dismas|^(talk) 10:35, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I agree, but you might find it useful to read social anxiety and similar articles. This is a common affliction and can be treated.--Shantavira 10:56, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Aaar! Since today is International Talk like a Pirate Day, you could impress your friends, and shed some anxiety. Shiver me timbers! --Zeizmic 13:02, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

See your doctor. Treatment is available for anxiety--Light current 15:15, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

• I "know" someone who, weirdly enough, became an actress. You think it would make her more nervous, but playing another character actually made her feel comfortable. Perhaps you are similar, try joining a local theatre group. She eventually got rid of her anxiety simply by conquering it. Before you try pills or something, try conquering your fears by confronting them together with a close friend. Go to a party where you know few people and get to know new people. If that doesn't work, I would agree with the others. Go see a doctor. There's medication that can help. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:50, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Your anxiety could absolutely be a medical condition, and there are techniques of psychotherapy which could help you as well as medicines. Edison 05:08, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Sanctuary

In the song "Sanctuary" by Utada Hikiri, she sings in a different language at the beginning of the song and after the line "My heart's a battleground" What language is this? Does anyone know what she's saying? Thanks in advance,

Myth

According to Sanctuary (Utada song) they are reversed lyrics, i.e. played backwards. --Shantavira 12:22, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

For your information, she's called Utada Hikaru (nicknamed "Hikki"). 惑乱 分からん 13:51, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Or in the US (after her latest English release) as Utada, which is apparently what she prefers to be called in English.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  01:40, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The longest article.

Could you please tell me what the largest/longest article on wikipedia is? thank you, i am just curious. thanks in advance.

List of Wold Newton Universe characters ‎[294,137] - from Special:Longpages. It also lists Paul Revere ‎[484,137 bytes], but that article appears to be quite short now. --Tagishsimon (talk)

antique radio

I am looking for information on an old radio for insurance purposes. It was manufactured by Dominion Electrohome Industries Ltd.for Robert Simpson company Ltd.It was around the late 1800's or early 1900's. The name of the radio is Serenader A.C. operated receiver,85 Watts model # SL-4726. This company that manufactured the radio was in Kitchener Ontario. I would appreciate any help I can get,mainly an estimated value.Thank You for your help.

An AC operated radio would probably date not earlier than the late 1920's. You might check Ebay.com for completed sales and with luck find what a similar radio sold or recently. There are also guide books in the library to collectable radios. Edison 05:16, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Maybe he meant A.C. as in Serenader A.C.? Just a thought, Luigi30 (Taλk) 12:54, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Would the A C mean something other than alternating current? A Serenader A C table radio, tube type, wooden cabinet, Cabinet 201, restored to good working order sold for $50. No idea how it compars to yours. Item # 300028787637 . There are 2 Serenaders shown at http://home.ican.net/~24858/table2.htm which says they are from the 1930s and were made to be sold by department stores. Edison 23:58, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

Foreign currency comparison site

Hello Wikipedians,

I'm looking for a website that can compare exchange rates on different websites and tell me which one offers the best exchange rate. I'm specifically interested in sites in the UK and comparison between GBP and other major currencies.Mahanchian 16:08, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Just google "Exchange rates", there are several sites out there. Btw, what do you mean by "best exchange rate", the most correct or the one which would yield the highest sum? =S 惑乱 分からん 16:53, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

crosswalks

what's the deal with those zebra crosswalks --Froth 17:21, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Where else are zebras supposed to cross the street ? :-) StuRat 09:34, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The stripes are distinct from other road paint schemas. Ease of identification is the primary reason for choice, not some arcane symbolism. — Lomn 17:26, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Which ones? You mean like they have in Japan, to diagonally cross a crossroads? DirkvdM 06:36, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Do you mean zebra crossing? DJ Clayworth 15:50, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The deal is that they are cheap as chips; all you need is white paint and maybe a couple of Belisha beacons, and they allow pedestrians to cross (in theory) safely, without the traffic disruption and construction work that traffic lights would require. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 20:51, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

This page gives some sample costs for various crossings, putting the zebra at £6000 with a controlled crossing (pelican, puffin, toucan) at £30,000, and this parliamentary reply gives similar figures (£7500 for a zebra). But that seems to be a very low estimate when the cost of actual schemes is assessed. This page shows the prices of actual schemes (where crossing constructions are combined with other stuff), which is way over those numbers, and this page estimates the cost of a new zebra at £30,000. Other numbers include £14,000, £10,000 (which explains some of the additional cost), £12,000. -- Finlay McWalter | Talk 21:13, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Alice Solomon University of applied sciences in social work

can you give me an email address at which I can contact this school with some questions re. their programs and accreditation? if at all possible I would prefer to communicate with them in English. thank you.

Grant Beardshear Indianapolis, Indiana

You could start with Alice-Salomon University. ColinFine 23:53, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Pennys

How long does it take to make a penny in the united states currency

What point in time are you starting from? The extraction of the ore from the ground or from the time the metal gets to the Fed.? Dismas|^(talk) 21:14, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Or do you wonder how long it takes to earn a penny, performing a certain job? 惑乱 分からん 21:36, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Ah, hadn't thought of it that way. And the answer to that would be that it depends a great deal on what job is being performed. Dismas|^(talk) 21:46, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Around 6 seconds at Maryland minimum wage.. It's not a large unit of currency --Froth 21:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I thought it was about the process of making the physical coins over at the United States Mint. JackofOz 23:02, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

A guess as good as any... The question is vaguely posed... 惑乱 分からん 23:18, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I have a feeling the original questioner meant to ask "how much does it cost to make a penny".  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  01:32, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Once the Mint has a strip of the proper metal with discs of the correct size punched out, it takes a small fraction of a second to stamp in with the dies and make it into a cent. The U.S. Mint does not make pennies. That is a British coin. Edison 05:19, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Are you saying that the Brits make all the United States pennies in my jar at home? Or that the U.S. does not have a coin that is referred to as the penny? Dismas|^(talk) 08:45, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The US one-cent piece is most definitely called a "penny", throughout the US. StuRat 09:32, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The US mints have never minted a coin officially referred to as penny, publicly referred, it's another matter. 惑乱 分からん 09:37, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

They seem to use it 14 times in their 2003 annual report while using cent only to refer to the 5-cent piece. So I think you may be wrong there. Rmhermen 00:47, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

What? Is Cent (United States coin) incorrect? 惑乱 分からん 11:53, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Well, if you're confused, think about newcomers to the US trying to find out how much this coin is worth. It really doesn't say anywhere one it /Kriko 16:47, 24 September 2006 (UTC)

In Puerto Rico quarters are called pesetas for the same reason in the early US the called a cent a penny. Quarters were also called "2 bits," hearkening back to "pieces of eight." Edison 23:43, 25 September 2006 (UTC)

African names with clicks

Is it true that certain african names and words contain a "click" as stated by comedian Russell Peters? Jamesino 20:42, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Hehe, african words. Ehrm, sorry. I have never heard of that guy, but yes, there are apparently such languages. The Khoisan languages seem to be examples of that (mabye the only ones, I have no idea). —Bromskloss 20:52, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Click consonant Durova 20:54, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

The actor N!xau brought some visibility to these languages. See the movie The Gods Must Be Crazy. Rmhermen 21:14, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

yea I also heard that all Africans speak the same African click language. All 1 billion people and all the thousands of different ethnic groups, all the same exact African language. amazing how they make that work! Jasbutal 04:48, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Yeah, it's so amazing, it's hard to believe it... ;P 惑乱 分からん 09:40, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Click languages from Africa are the ancestral languages of all living humans.Edison 05:20, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

lol, I don't even need to add a [citation required] to that statement... Jasbutal 05:35, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Zulu, Xhosa and other Bantu languages also have click consonants. They have as many as 15 different types, subclassed into the dental clicks, postalveolar clicks and alveolar lateral clicks. Rockpocket 07:54, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

On a slight tangent, there's also a band called !!!, pronounced "click-click-click" or "chk-chk-chk", inspired by seeing The Gods Must Be Crazy, since a ǃ (pipe with subscript dot), the symbol for the Postalveolar click, looks very similar to an exclamation point. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 20:49, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

On another tangent, I believe Khoisan is the language with the highest number of different sounds - 140+ compared with 30-something in English. Jameswilson 23:31, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Why check your facts when it's so much easier not to bother? !Xóõ is the language that currently holds that distinction, though it's hard to specify a precise number, since that depends on competing analyses. And yes, !Xóõ is one of the Khoisan languages, but there is no language called 'Khoisan': it's the name given by linguists to a phylum of related languages, formed from the self-names of two of the languages. ColinFine 12:37, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Going over the falls

What's the survival rate for people going over Niagara Falls in barrels? --Serie 21:28, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

The article for Niagara Falls goes over this pretty well. Dismas|^(talk) 21:33, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Actually, it's pretty vague. According to the article, fifteen people have gone over intentionally, five have definitely survived, and no mention is made of the other ten. --Serie 18:35, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

FAQ

Since we seem to be getting a lot of repeat or similar questions, does nay one think that a FAQ page with answers should be created?--Light current 21:37, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Shouldn't this be on the talk page since it's a discussion about the page? Dismas|^(talk) 21:44, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Maybe. I dont really know. Does anyone look at the talk pages?. Move it if you wish! 8-)--Light current 21:46, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Nah, that's alright. Just picking nits, I guess. I rarely look at the talk page for these pages anyway. Dismas|^(talk) 21:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I've only looked at the talk page once or twice :x .. anyway this main page is such an open forum for discussion --Froth 21:50, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Hmmm, if they don't read the article on the topic of their question how can we expect them to read a FAQ. This is an encyclopedia, and oddly enough we still get people who don't look up the first word in their question. And, as much of the response here is taunting of stupid questions and other reference desk workers, wouldn't a FAQ just be rubbing it in? :) --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 21:52, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Rubbing in what, into whom? I dont understand. I agree that it may deprive us of some fun as ref desk editors. But what do others think?--Light current 22:01, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

It might not be a bad idea, but I fear that a) it will be impossible to force people to read it, and it is really much easier just to direct them to the answer/tell them the answer, b) the FAQ will become gigantic.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  01:22, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

OK How bout this; If a question has been asked more than once the question plus answer goes on the FAQ page. If you remember the question appearing before, then its easy to refer some one to the FAQ page rather than try to remember which particular archive it is stored in. Just a suggestion! 8-)--Light current 01:56, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

honestly, this is a good idea light current. But how do we make it? I'd be willing to help out and add to it periodically. Jasbutal 04:46, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Personally i don't think our answers are high enough quality to enshrine, and it is a lot of work to maintain. Mostly I just post links to the relevent information anyway. I would put the threshhold at like 5 asks for the same question, then someone has to organize the answers into an enshrinable form. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 04:48, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

enshrinable?? what are you kidding me? articles here are about as sacred as sex is to the average teenager. This is wikipedia it's always changing, this ain't the Vatican pre-1960 Jasbutal 04:57, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

I don't think you realize the scope of this thing. Don't you realize that the question you asked has actually been asked a number of times before (here is a small FAQ that has been already made for the language desk), and thus by your logic, should itself be in the FAQ?  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  05:15, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Id be surprised if it hadnt been suggested before. But I cant find it coz there aint a FAQ page!! 8-)

seriously thogh 8-|,THe viability and desirability of the idea may now be different. But its not a big thing with me, just a thought! 8-)--Light current 05:22, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

I have come up with this suggestion too, some time back, as have many others, so if democracy makes any sense this should be a good idea. :)

What happens now when a question has been asked before is that (maybe) someone gives a link to that thread. When they do so, they could at the same time move that link to the faq page, accompanied by a link to the question at hand, because that might get some answers too. Once that is done, people can start cleaning it up, making it more article-like, thus giving a better answer. Of course, if there is a need for such a thing, then maybe there should be an article about it. But let's first see how this develops. I've made a start: Wikipedia:Reference desk/faq.

A problem is that a link to a thread that is not yet archived needs maintenance - it needs to be changed once the thread gets archived. Or it could be given a format as if it were already archived. Or both could be placed and the invalid one removed once the thread is archived.

And of course this thread, plus any others on the subject, should go to the faq's talk page. DirkvdM 07:12, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Largest Public Schools

I am looking for a list of the top ten public high schools with the largest numbers of students in the US. Any information you can give me would be very helpful. Thank you!

Which country? Jooler 21:40, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

The question states "in the US". Dismas|^(talk) 21:47, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

It didn't when it was originally posted. [5] Jooler 00:09, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Ah, my apologies then. Dismas|^(talk) 00:31, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

CHARLES W. FLANAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
12800 TAFT ST
PEMBROKE PINES FL 33028
954-704-3000
5,491 students

from google --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 21:57, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

But i expect that this changes every year so could never be accurate and probably bounces between the top 20 or so. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 21:58, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Many times it's easy to assume the U.S. but not always. :x --Proficient 06:15, 21 September 2006 (UTC)

Nostalgia Collection

Does anyone know of a link to a good audio or video collection of famous television, movie, history, etc. quotes and clips? Thanks for your help! Reywas92 22:18, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

You could also go to famous people's websites. For example, search for Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, FDR, etc. Or you could search for "Famous Quotes." That'll probably get you something, although the legitamacy of the quotes is questionable. --AstoVidatu 23:35, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Yes, there are thousands of nostalgia sites out there, maybe millions. You need to restrict your search further by topic or person. For example, here are nostalgia pages on Anissa Jones: [6] [7]. StuRat 09:24, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

I'm looking for something broader than Anissa Jones. I want a large collection of many famous things, such as an audio file with many quotes from movies or the sort, like with "May the Force be with you," "To infinty and beyond," and Indiana Jones' "Snakes. I hate snakes." Or a collection of clips of movie music, all in one place. Thanks! Reywas92 19:24, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Lactic Acid

Does lactic acid cause muscle pain? I'm having trouble understanding the article lactic acid!

Himanyo 22:42, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

It causes the kind of muscle soreness you feel if you're out of shape and suddenly work really hard for a while. Durova 22:44, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

No this is a common misconception. Lactic acid exists in exercising muscles but is not the cause of the soreness as was thought earlier in the century. Soreness is caused by physical strain between the muscles fibers affecting nerves. And later the healing of said strain. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 22:47, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

In the article Lactic Acid the section called "Exercise" clearly states that lactic acid is NOT the cause of burning. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 22:48, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for the correction. Durova 23:05, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Thanks both of you! But one more question. What does it do to your body?Himanyo 22:50, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

check out Lactic Acid, but basically it is a necessary chemical for your body to process sugar without oxygen. So when you work anerobically your body needs as much lactic acid as it can make. Without it you would simply fall to the ground after a short burst of intense exercise, unable to produce enough energy to feed your muscles. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 22:54, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

So what is the burning than? From your muscles being torn apart microscopicaly? Or is that a misconception too and it is actually just multiplying muscle cells? — [Mac Davis](talk) (SUPERDESK|Help me improve)00:07, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

The muscles are microscopically torn, I don't believe the cells themselves are cut(not sure), just broken apart. Why this feels like a burn is simply the type of nerve in the muscle, heat and pressure sensitive. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 01:36, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

Lactic acid cannot be formed in the body, since lactate doesn't ionize naturally. I think you mean lactate. Lactate is naturally generated by metabolism and activity, and the body requires a constant supply of oxygen to break down lactate.. it's a cycle that keeps lactate levels low. The amazing thing about it is that if there's not enough oxygen to break down the lactate (ie you're excercising and short of breath), the lactate can actually take the place of oxygen in cellular respiration, in what's called anerobic respiration. At least, that's what I remember of my high school biology classes :D --Froth 15:08, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

I remember from reading many years ago that cramp was the result of build-up of lactic acid resulting from anaerobic respiration. Is this false as well? Certainly, the cramp article doesn't say so - but then it doesn't give a mechanism at all. ColinFine 12:54, 23 September 2006 (UTC)

Piconjo

Who is piconjo? And why does he <3 j00? --216.164.199.167 23:29, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

I am guessing he is enamored of me because of my striking good looks --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 23:34, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

Apparently he doesn't <3 me. According to this log, he owns my face, is French, sucks, and has a powerful pen0r.  freshofftheufoΓΛĿЌ  01:18, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

OMG a pen0r! Sw33t --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 01:31, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

quarters

WHat states dont have a state quarter yet?Danielbonomo 23:31, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

see the article State quarters. --Darkfred ^{Talk to me} 23:33, 19 September 2006 (UTC)