Talk:County of Runkel

Runkel Talk
I note with some dismay that the Runkel entry in an animal context has repeatedly been deleted. Since the Runkel page already exists, it seems only responsible to include both meanings of the word Runkel. I've personally heard the word used in the animal context dozens of times; also, as an adjective-"Runkelly" is a euphemism for bratty and agressive that Montanans often use when they really appreciate the tenacity of the individual being described. It is a bit of an affectionate insult.

Since the use of the word Runkel to describe a badger has had a significant, though localized, effect on language, I think it is actually quite helpful to have a portion of a wikipedia page adressing it.

Matveiko 02:16, 16 February 2006 (UTC)


 * If you can provide verification of the term, then I'm sure no one will have a problem with the entry. The search function on www.pogreba.com, which you gave as a source, fails to show any reference to the term.  Currently your entry reads like juvenile humor.  A google search returns several hits on someone with surname of Runkel associated with the Wyoming Department of Education.  In the absense of an authoritative source, this entry looks suspiciously like a childish attempt to ridicule that person.  I have therefore removed it again. — MediaMangler 16:00, 16 February 2006 (UTC)


 * I now understand that www.pogreba.com is the website for the Helena High School Debate Class and that one of the students in that class is named Runkel. Please don't use Wikipedia as a vehicle for personal insults, affectionate or not. — MediaMangler 17:15, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Yes, there is a student with the surname of Runkel on the Helena High School Debate team and in debate class. However, I talked to her personally and she finds the coincidence amusing, as do her teammates. 69.51.81.130 21:02, 16 February 2006 (UTC)


 * There is also a student named Dennison, as in the "Montanan Dennison Bat" which was claimed to be the only known predator of the Runkel. I'm sure those teammates found that "coincidence" just as amusing. — MediaMangler 21:20, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

Granted, the Runkel entry addition was more of information about a word than an actual animal, since there is no instance when "Runkel" actually describes anything that doesn't already have an encyclopedia reference; it's more of a synonym and maybe belongs in a dictionary, not an encyclopedia. 69.51.81.130 21:04, 16 February 2006 (UTC)

I will admit that the Dennison addition was part of an inside joke (by the way, it also wasn't me that put that in there). That's why you'll note that when I replaced the Runkel local usage section, I didn't include that. Matveiko 02:49, 18 February 2006 (UTC)


 * I have removed it again, since you have failed to provide any form of verification that this is anything other than juvenile humor. Hint:  the website for a high school debate class is not a suitable source to verify anything except information about that class.  If you wish to seriously maintain that badgers are called runkels in Montana, you will need to provide a more reputable source. — MediaMangler 05:14, 18 February 2006 (UTC)

Now without badgers
I find it bizarre that there is no reference in the Runkel entry to the current town of Runkel in Germany, or to its beautiful castle. It's almost like whoever wrote the entry thinks Runkel is historical only, and does not continue as a place name. Perhaps at some point I'll write an entry that includes this information, as well as links to relevant Runkel sites, the Runkel crest, photos, etc. - Scott Andrew Runkel, srunkel@hypix.com, www.scottrunkel.com
 * That would be me. It's a stub for a reason - it was never finished, or even had anything more than general info added. It isn't easy to find info about German towns and castles. - Nomadic1 23:05, 12 June 2006 (UTC)