User talk:Icairns/archive/archive 04

A scholar writes...
can i ask why i was blocked? kiptrev at hotmail.com 24th Apr 2006
 * Sadly said scholar (Kiptrev?) didn't identify himself - so I've no way of knowing the context of this query. Given that you can find your way around Wikipedia to see that it was I who blocked you, you should also be able to find my message on your User talk page that gives the offending articles / edits / dates / times. You may also find the User contributions link in the toolbox to see what you or your colleagues have been up to. Ian Cairns 10:21, 2 May 2006 (UTC)

Another scholar writes...
Hay idiot im at a school when you block the ip adress you block all of us at least unblock my user name because i am trying to create an article and im blocked so get it right IM AT a SCHOOL the IP is the SAME FOR ALL OF US SO JUST BLOCK NON REGESTERED USERS FROM THIS IP!!!!!!!!!!!!! kenny3000 at gmail.com 1st May


 * Sadly said scholar (Kenny?) didn't identify himself - so I've no way of knowing the context of this query. Given that you can find your way around Wikipedia to see that it was I who blocked you, you should also be able to find my message on your User talk page that gives the offending articles / edits / dates / times. You may also find the User contributions link in the toolbox to see what you or your colleagues have been up to. Ian Cairns 17:51, 1 May 2006 (UTC)


 * ok ive wated long enough UNBLOCK ME ITS NOT MY FAULT THAT MY SCHOOL IS FILLED WITH DUMBASSES. I LOVE WIKIPEDIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i WANT to give my two cents. please unblock me as a user and leave the ip blocked, just so i can edit plz i have several articles i would like to create plz email me back. i am Kenny3000 at ip 207.235.152.12 note this may be static ip since im at a school, when i use Command prompt command:ipconfig it states this is my ip 10.135.44.47 and subnet mask is this 255.255.255.0 and the default gateway is 10.135.44.1 but your web site says 207.235.152.12 is my ip and im blocked again please email me back and please unblock me Thanks also i am offended that you dont like 1337 but ill let that slide.


 * Hello Kenny3000. I don't reply to emails to Wikipedia on principle - I reply here. I'll make that clearer above. Reading your above comments, can you begin to understand why I may have reservations about your ability to conduct yourself properly on Wikipedia? Do you speak to members of staff like that? (Mind you, I'm not staff on Wikipedia - but a little courtesy goes a long way to speaking volumes about your attitude). As it happens, your school block (User:207.235.152.12) will expire shortly - so you will be re-enabled automatically. If you feel that your attitude to Wikipedia is that much better than your peers, consider taking out your own Wikipedia account - in that way, _your_ edits can be identified to you personally, and will be considered separately from the rest of your school, i.e. that account will continue should the school get blocked again. Of course, you'll need to login and logout on each session - otherwise those peers can tarnish your reputation... Remember, keep practising the politeness. Ian Cairns 16:21, 3 May 2006 (UTC)

School IP Block
Hi There,

I believe that you blocked our school (Reading School) IP on Thursday - 82.111.23.198 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:82.111.23.198). Having read your comment to Kenny3000, I sort of half agree with it. The whole school sits behind a router, so any edits which anyone makes are logged with the same IP address. The problem is, I guess, that out of 800 kids there are always the few who want to vandalise the pages.

Could I suggest that you keep the IP blocked - it's not good for Wikipedia - and then is there a way to let registered users through the block? When I try and log in and edit at school, I still get an IP blocked error.

I know a number of Wikipedians at school, and it is useful to be able to edit pages for speeling mistakes etc.

Thanks a lot

User:JamieScuffell - jamiescuffell at gmail dot com


 * Apologies for the delay in replying. The anons at your school will fare according to their weakest link - i.e. they will get blocked from time to time as any vandalism surfaces. I see that you have your own account - well done! You should continue working - on your reputation - regardless of whatever happens to the RS IP address. If any one article is getting hit particularly badly, then it can be protected as and when necessary. Remember to keep logging in and out; otherwise someone else will spoil your account's reputation. Ian Cairns 03:07, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Field Hockey
Sorry, my mistake about the edit. Thanks for correcting it. MAG1 15:51, 7 May 2006 (UTC)

Descendents of Edward IV and Henry VII
What sort of social rank would one have to bear in their family, in order to be a descendent of either?

How far up the totem pole, would you say?

This is intended to have broad answers and based on gradients of time and population, not going into specifics about exact descendents. About how common is their descent in the English or British genepool today?

I've noticed that American Presidents don't descend from either king, but the most common recent royal ancestor shared by many of us is Edward III. How common is it for anybody in the English or British genepool, to have a Protestant royal ancestor?

There is a general cutoff, isn't there?

Is it because of fratricide in the Wars of the Roses, the Tudors' "new men", or the Union of the Crowns, or the parliamentary union under Queen Anne (I can't think of any non-royal family descent from the Hanoverians within the UK)?

I'm thinking that there is a big difference between Plantagenet and Tudor descents, that the commons in all likelihood have the former and the latter is held by the lords. (just generally speaking) Then again, Tudor descent in the Welsh must be higher in general. I am further curious about pre-Royal Tudor blood in Anglo-British people today, since the status and/or concept of Welsh royalty/nobility is rather hazy in my mind. I found the Blevins aka Ap Bleddyn family of Powys in my ancestry, but have no real idea on what to make of it--or any other Welsh "native aristocracy". I might be able to find Stewart descent somewhere, from way back when. What percentage of Hanoverian background do you think that German colonists had in America?

On the British side, I have to go as far back as Welf himself...but any recent genetic relationship with the Hanoverians or the counts of Nassau are completely obscure. How does one research those other colonial people, such as the Hessians?

UK genealogy is relatively easy when focusing on English (and French) ancestries. What would a "national person" of Jerusalem (or Antioch, for example) in Crusader times be known as?

We say "American" for those Founders, but was there such a nationality-term for the Crusaders in their own domains?

I guess the term is supposed to be Levantine/Outremer, or "Crusader" as our national heritage says "Colonist"...

IP Address 11:30, 9 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello IP - Thanks for a wide-ranging question. I'm not sure of the context. Did you have any Wiki article in mind or is this just a general question? I can vouch that after several generations, you'll find descendants of all ranks and classes from any royal or noble family. Clearly, the more recent the person in question, the fewer descendants exist, and the fewer you'll find in the USA or anywhere else. In early mediaeval times, people moved countries easily - there was significant interchange between the English and French nobles. The idea of nationality, as we understand it, was one that took shape during this period. King Richard was a Crusader and he would probably have described himself as Angevin, rather than English. UK genealogy is only relatively easy because of the amount of record-keeping in olden times. Hopefully something above answers some of your points. 12:45, 9 May 2006 (UTC)

I'm most curious about the "trickle" of royal descent; especially the range differential between dynasties. It is a fair assumption that all Englishmen have Plantagenet blood, but of what social status do further descendents of the blood royal have?

I'm betting that descent from the royal Tudors is restricted to the present aristocracy and their families, even more so in the case of post-Jacobean Stuart and Hanoverian ancestry. If it appears that I'm looking to extend my own; not a chance. I do not believe there is any way in hell I could be descended from the Tudors, but I am absolutely sure of Planatagenet descent (just like all or most American Presidents, whom on the whole have ethnically represented UK affiliations). I'm unsure of Edward IV's progeny and their relation to me, if any. Pointedly, I'm concerned about the "presence" of Protestant and British royal blood in commoners.

I do not believe it is presently possible, because access has been restricted ever since the fall of feudalism. The people no longer have direct connections to their rulers, especially since so many are in public service and have no local ties to land and inheritances. They consistently use Parliament as an Achilles Heel, which is not what the old monarchs did. Also, I am curious about the nationalities of Crusader state residents as they were known.

IP Address 13:04, 9 May 2006 (UTC)

Ataturk article
That was the speediest revert I have seen so far. Wow. Thanks a bunch, and regards. :) musti 02:39, 10 May 2006 (UTC)


 * You're most welcome. It came up first on my Watchlist... Sometimes, people have reverted the top article before I can diff it. Actually, double-checking - it was a nul edit - the vandal had already removed his words. Ian Cairns 02:41, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Account problems
Please note that I am having Cookie problems with Wikipedia - they're fine with other websites - and am unable to login. Hence: 80.177.109.227 08:41, 10 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Now fixed by a reboot. Ian Cairns 15:19, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Category Sort Order
Hello,

I went, as you suggested, to the section of the MoS regarding the sorting of names in Categories. The paragraph regarding the British Peerage was added by User:Docu just 14 days ago, and apparently without discussion.

Is this how the Wikipedia MoS is decided upon?

Michael David 11:21, 10 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello Michael. Thanks for pointing that out. It represents a much older (say a year or so) guideline that I can no longer locate using search. By recollection, this guideline was led by a Wikiproject on history or peerage - User Lord Emsworth may refer. It represents standard UK usage - where a peer / noble usually signs as their title's location. Their birth name is subsidiary. As you will have gathered, the category sorting did not take place in just two weeks, and, if revoked, there's a substantial amount of work for a robot. Ian Cairns 15:19, 10 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello again,


 * I believe the problem lies in that fact that there was no specific guideline for listing peerage titles first prior to the one of April 26, 2006. This is why I have been listing the person’s birth name first – it seemed to comply with MoS policy. Suddenly this “Proteus”, without any explanation, was reversing my edits. And, my inquiries to this person as to why were met with curt, nonsensical responses. In short, this pissed me off!


 * I don’t have a particularly strong interest in the issue itself; what got to me was the autocratic manner this “Proteus” dealt with it. I was proceeding in good faith - in the manner I had read from the MoS was the correct one.


 * You’re right, though, to reverse it now would create too much of a hassle. Let it be as is.


 * Be healthy,


 * Michael David 16:24, 10 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello Michael. Thanks for that. I have to say, I'd have reverted your edits too - for the reasons you mention - although I hope I would have explained things. I insist that there was an old guideline - for which I can't find proof at the moment - I don't think it was policy. It's more likely that this was deleted without anyone noticing. I remember being corrected by others members of a Wikiproject a year or more back when I was making similar edits to your original ones. Ian Cairns 16:32, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Heraldry Portal?
Good day. I've proposed the creation of an heraldic portal. If you think that such a thing would be helpful, you can voice your support HERE and hopefully we can get the heraldry category items organized better.-- E va   d  b  17:45, 10 May 2006 (UTC)

Please block this IP from editing
Don't know much about using wikipedia, but saw your name on the message page for this IP and thought this was the best option.

This is the IP for an school district, and, as such it covers several thousand teenagers with pretty much no consideration for other people's work. People will keep vandalising pages simply because they can. It's probably best to block any public users from editing from this IP. It may delay some people from making constructive edits, but they can always register an account.


 * Thanks for your message. Checking recent edits, I've blocked this IP for a further period. I'll have to investigate whether this can be taken further or not. Ian Cairns 13:05, 12 May 2006 (UTC)

Vandalism
A round of thanks to User:Rory096, User:Mangojuice, User:DVD R W, User:Antandrus, User:RexNL for their assistance in dealing with a spate of vandalism to my user page last night. Thanks again, Ian Cairns 05:30, 14 May 2006 (UTC)
 * No sweat. Vandalism like that lights up VandalProof like a Christmas tree, it's pretty easy to catch. :)  Mango juice talk 05:33, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

SpaceCatAZ
Hi, I noticed that you added Template:CatAZ to Category:Year of birth missing. The category already has Template:CategoryTOC, and given that there are a few people with numbers for names (40 Glocc, 50 Pence, and 7 Aurelius) it would probably make more sense to use the latter perhaps? In any case, the category probably shouldn't have both, as it results in two very similar category navigation templates. Regards, Z iggurat 23:30, 14 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello Ziggurat. Thanks for that. I find that large categories with only A-B showing in the first 200 entries are more easily navigated by CatAZ - try getting to UVWXYZ otherwise. I'm not really worried about the numbers - it's simply the ease of use for finding entry down the far end of the alphabet that is the problem. ...next 200 ..next 200 ...ext 200 etc. Regards, Ian Cairns 23:34, 14 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Thinking further - am I missing the CatTOC? I can only see the ABCD...Z line intreoduced by CatAZ plus the previous 200 / next 200 line that I thought was automatic. I can see no other index. Please can you describe the effect you are seeing with CategoryTOC - thanks. Ian Cairns 23:38, 14 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hi - there's something weird going on here, I suspect. My view of the page currently has both Template:CatAZ and Template:CategoryTOC (so there are two listings, one A - Z and one 0-9 - Z), and they're both right next to each another in the code when the category is edited. Could there be a browser issue here? Maybe the CatTOC is off the page or something? Regards, Z iggurat 00:44, 15 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Yes, something's definitely up. I'm using Firefox 1.5.0.3 (latest full release) on XP using the default Monobook. There's no scroll available on this page - so I can't spot anything off page. The print preview gives me rubbish where the CatAZ would be - but no sign of any duplicate Cataloguing. Does CatTOC have any script requirements? Thanks, Ian Cairns 01:56, 15 May 2006 (UTC)


 * No idea on script requirements, although it would surprise me as I'm on a very similar machine (Firefox 1.0.3 / WinXP / default Monobook); does appear if you edit the page? When I edit I get the following scrawl:

People in this category are missing the exact or approximate year of birth, because it hasn't been researched or noted in the relevant article.

de:Kategorie:Geboren unbekannt fr:Catégorie:Naissance en année inconnue


 * As you can see, the version I'm seeing has both templates, and so has two duplicate catalogues. Z iggurat 02:12, 15 May 2006 (UTC)


 * I can see both templates in the 'editing' page, but not in the article's page. Similarly with the Template:CategoryTOC - this looks blank to me - until I edit, when I can see the contents.
 * Using MS IE v6.latest, I get exactly equivalent viewings. -> my Wiki settings must be at fault? I have had problems with math, where I've add \, to force the presentation when others have said it is unnecessary. Whatever is going on? Is there somewhere with a 'scrub your settings clean and start again'? I'll take a look later today (it's a bit late). Thanks, Ian Cairns 03:21, 15 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Heh, sorry, I forget about timezones sometimes. It sounds like there is some issue there on your end, but I don't have the technical know-how to offer advice. Perhaps you could try logging out and then re-viewing the page? That would at least tell you if it's a Wiki setting problem or not. All the best, Z iggurat 03:25, 15 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Yes, that's it. Without logging in - there's a CategoryTOC; logged in, there's no CategoryTOC. No how do I find the reason??? Oh well. Time to try changing settings I suppose. Thanks, Ian Cairns 07:09, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

Langtree Movement
Hi again! What are the odds that I would run into one of your edits again so soon? This one goes much further back, though; it's regarding the disambig page you created in October of last year, Langtree (disambiguation). There's a mention at the bottom of the page of a Langtree Movement, and I'm having considerable difficulty locating any mention of this movement outside of the entry (no Google hits in web, book, groups, or scholar). The only other mention seems to be an anonymous edit to Poncho regarding a "Langtree Cape" that is supposedly a symbol of the movement. Can you shed some light on what this movement is, and maybe push me in the direction of a source so I can research it further? Cheers, Z iggurat 03:44, 17 May 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello Ziggurat. Yes, spooky. I've decided to go to Village Pump technical about my recent woes - but haven't done so yet - been a bit pushed for time.
 * Regarding the above, you'll have spotted that this was simply (re)moved from a long list of dabs in Langtree when the dab article was created - see for example my corresponding edit from last October:
 * I have no independent information about (and presumably at that time couldn't disprove) the movement. You're most welcome to delete it if you decide to. Ian Cairns 07:17, 17 May 2006 (UTC)
 * Heres' the anon who added this line originally - Ian Cairns 07:26, 17 May 2006 (UTC)
 * Cool, thanks. I hadn't noticed that it was moved from elsewhere; I'll go delete it as unverified info. Cheers, Z iggurat 20:43, 17 May 2006 (UTC)

"ordered set" at quadratic formula
Hi, I noticed you edit the page quadratic formula every once in a while, and wondered if you had any thoughts or information on the ridiculously long discussion we're having on the "minus-plus" sign. Lethe says that there is a distinct "first" and "second" root, while I say that both roots aren't ordered with respect to eachother, and furthermore that sets can't be ordered (in that sense of the word). I'd appreciate it if you come help form a consensus, so that perhaps that header won't form a black hole on the talk page. Thanks! Fresheneesz 19:10, 21 May 2006 (UTC)

The University of Essex
I noticed that you made alterations to the University of Essex page. You deleted the entry on the sporting community that exists within the university. As a current student of the university, I can assure you that the details of that entry were factual. A large binge drinking culture does indeed exist within the university.

Why was it removed?


 * Hello Bobby - You can see from the history log that I reverted a number of edits in order to remove some deep-seated vandalism. If that removed valid work, that was unintended. If you believe there is a binge-drinking culture at the university, please provide a reference that agrees with this viewpoint. It is also usual to sign your contributions to Talk pages using four tildas. ~ . Thanks, Ian Cairns 14:04, 23 May 2006 (UTC)

Alright man, I see it a bit more clearly now. Don't worry about changing it, I can clearly and distinctly perceive how reality appears within the confines of the university as I'm here on a daily basis, and I don't need Wikipedia to verify or validate my perceptions.

Good luck with life.

The Blocking of User:209.175.13.46 - Nyctalopia emails
Yes, I understand there's vandalism on this IP address, it is a public high school in America, after all. However, I'd ask that you give the good editors here the same sort of treatment you give AOL users, and let me continue doing the good work I have been. I'm sorry that there are vandals here, but if you check my contribs out, you'll see I at least try to help you guys, when you all aren't too busy blocking me!

Okay, I'm sorry I'm ranting. Please, let's try to find a solution that is equitable and good for all involved.

Nyci

Now, I even have my own account (as I'm sure you can tell), but it still won't let me edit. I understand you prefer to respond on your talk page, but I think I have to go through e-mail until this is unblocked or resolved. Please, could you tell me why having my own account isn't enough? What do I need to do?


 * Hello Nyctalopia. Thanks for those emails. Apologies for replying here, since that keeps my email address private. I must admit that I was under the impression that having your own account bypassed the IP block. I'll investigate. Either way, you ought to keep your 'high-quality' edits on a different account from the anon edits. Thanks Ian Cairns 13:57, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

I was under the same impression, myself--I got this account to escape my AOL hell, and now I find it keeps me blocked in school. When you do find anything out, please be sure to tell me.

Also, I'd like to think all my edits are high-quality, even removing a superfluous comma. So, there. Sorry to be a bother then, and sorry for my schoolmates.


 * I would have thought that your AOL account would be blocked for shorter times (typically 15 mins or so), due to AOL's continual switching of IP addresses even within sessions. With your own account over the top of a range of AOL IP addresses would give you a fairly clear run. Clearly Wikipedia needs to defend itself against what seems to be non-stop school vandalism during the school day. I'm afraid that I haven't tracked down any better resolution so far, but am still looking. I don't doubt the quality of your edits - but I haven't looked (good faith assumed). Rgrds, Ian Cairns 16:18, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

Metre
Recently I edited the page Metre and you removed it, thinking what I changed was experimentation. This was in fact actual editing, not experimentation. Just wanted to clear that up.


 * Thanks for that. I therefore take it you understand why it was reverted? Ian Cairns 23:52, 31 May 2006 (UTC)

Portal:Basketball
Even as it's not a particularly grand thing, I thank you very kindly for your dabbing second on the basketball portal, viz., in the selected game section. Thrice I undertook to dab, remembering that I'd forgotten to do so, and each time I ended up making some other edits to the portal and forgetting altogether about seconds. Thanks for catching and fixing... :) Joe 19:04, 1 June 2006 (UTC)


 * No probs. Thanks for noticing... :-)) Ian Cairns 19:24, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

New deletion attempt
During the first deletion attempt, I already thought about to contact you, since I have confidence  – I hope that's shared –  in your scientific judgements and your personal honesty.

This, even if: in the good meaning of the numeral billion,  we don't agree.

Like the first attempt of censorship – initiated by User:J. 'mach' wust –  was easily fended off, I renounced to ask your help. Now, this new deletion attempt for Talk:Ancient Roman units of measurement/Hexadecimal metric system.

The only concern I ask you, is to be attentive to the progression of this deletion process. If – in an advanced stade of the deleting process –  you want to intervene, thanks for.

In any case, if you, Ian Cairns, you would judge this page "as for deletion", me, Paul Martin, I'll accept your judgement and I'll not fight for its maintain at Wikipedia any more...

However, I'm full of esperance, that  – w.r.t. our "people-money–violence-press" orientated world –  you conceive the importance of an unhindered exchange of ideas at least at Wikipedia talk pages. I.M.H.O. liberty of science on depends. I don't obligate you to share the conclusions of Michael Florencetime. However free discussion must be allowed.

Have a good evening Ian, yours Paul Martin 20:34, 8 June 2006 (UTC).


 * Hello Paul. Thanks for your message. I'm afraid that this discussion is unfamiliar to me for the moment, but I will have a look shortly. As an Admin, I have a duty to check these things. Best wishes, salut, Ian Cairns 20:38, 8 June 2006 (UTC)


 * Thanks Ian for your reply. Take all your time. No urgency. -- Paul Martin 21:02, 8 June 2006 (UTC)


 * Paul, I've looked at the pages, including florentime.net etc. The content reads as a proposal for a system devised / invented in 1991. As a result, it might fit in an article: Proposed system for... but I think it seems incorrectly placed in the current article - and hence the deletion requests. We had the same issue with Rowlett's system for large numbers. This was described as an actual system and included in several articles - but it is not acknowledged elsewhere on the internet as actual, and therefore remains just a proposal. It has now been labelled as such in Wikipedia. If the Hex idea is current, and not just a proposal, then perhaps it has been reported on other websites (exclude florentime)? If so, then these links would assist - but they must be real links / real reports. I have understood your concerns about "French censorship", but the problem could be that the subject, as a proposal, is just not newsworthy enough to be reported. I hope that helps. Regards, Ian Cairns 23:04, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

Thanks a lot for your reply.

First a little precision: My friend Micheal didn't "devise / invente in 1991", but in spring 1989. However, he began to publish his works on 1991 January 1, 00H00, after having definded his new civil calendar era with a saw, since the gregorian year MCM.XC has no zero. Another old lie, he tidied. Since the hegemony of the current decimal system is broken. How many time the ponderous world will made to recognise it, is another, quite secondary problem. Last time we changed digits, Europe needed 500 years. Indians were thousand years in advance ;-)

Like Michael told me once: When he send his works to many printing media, he hadn't illusions. He knew that this would be ignored. Like between 1991 and mid-1993, he auto-diffused about 8000 compendium exemplars, really many Parisians and Frenchs were informed and even nowadays know well, that a new, superior proposal for weights and measures exists. As you know, weights and measure systems are "régalien", like we say it in french or "du domaine du pouvoir". The use of other systems is a delict. All discussion is "lèse majesté".

So, before the regime called Reign of Terror adopted the decimal metric system on 1793 August 1, they "guillotinised" first the King on 1793 January 21. Neither me nor my friend Michael regret the fact that there is no monarch in France anymore. In the contrary, if you like, you can keep the yours in G.B., as like we in France, we also have our Monarchy d'Operette in Monaco.

In mid-1993 Michael concieved that, notwithstanding quite well-known in Paris (already at the beginning of the last decade of the 20th century) – necessarly – that proposal must stay in "rumor-status", since nowhere published in "bonne et due" forme, generally accessible for anyone. So, he decided to range his works into one of his drawers. Times didn't be mature.

In 1991 Internet didn't exist or well-nigh. When in the late 2002, he saw Intuitor site, he send several friendly mails to Mark V. Rogers, who never condescends to reply; his choice. However, Internet now a reality, he prepared his www.florencetime.net site. Online since 2003, December 19. A generally accessible reference site now exists. Rumors disappeared.

The great taboo remains. This same taboo, what once hits Nicolaus Copernicus (Michael's role model in science), than twice, 130 years later, Galileo Galilei (my role model in science, however: 1st. I don't have intention to renounce like G.G. and 2nd. me, Paul Martin, I don't demand posterity like G.G. All the honor is for Michael Florencetime.)

'Thanks for having read these preliminary additional explications. Let's come back now to the concrete problem.'
 * Principally, I maintain that I need this illustration page in my talks. It issued of a talk and staid quietly for more than six month...
 * On the other hand, I agree with you: "As a result, it might fit in an article." Rather not "Proposed system for...",  but the article:  "Hexadecimal metric system (SMH)".
 * However, you know like me: A suchlike article – with or without "proposed system" in title – would not stay for longtime. "Original research."  &  "No notability." (According to our good encyclopedia rules, entirely accepted by me.)
 * Your Rowlett (disambiguation) example confirms, since this article is actually deleted.
 * So, at present, there is no chance for a real article. It will come, I'm sure, but we both, we dont know when. ( Effectively, there are a handful other sites relating www.florencetime.net, however not enough.)

If you allow, Ian, lets see the problem in a more generalised view. SMH, actually, is not "encyclopediable" for only one single reason: "No notability."
 * Michael himself – confidentially speaking – he lives (very modestly) however a little in his "ivory tower". Just like his friend in science, Nikolaus, he is happy with his researches. He don't need "notability". However colleague Einstein was certainly right when he said: “The man with a new idea is a crank  –  until the idea succeeds.”

One can cry – like, admittedly, often I do: "Censorship!", because it's true. I don't mean Wikipedia – it doen't help. In the long term notability "merits".

More precisely, there are several ways to acquire notability:

1. Money.  With a lot of money – that's clear – even a great nonsense can acquire a "certain notability". Afterwards it's "encyclopediable". No need to give examples.

2. Violence.  In our present world, it's even the most favorite way to get notability. Since modern mass-media are randy to relate violences, stimulating sales figures.

3. Pressure groups.  There are several types of pressure groups. Political parties or "movements", then silent, "obsure" influence groups, right up to clearly sectarian groups.

If you are not rich. If you hate violences. If you aren't near to any political party or movement, let alone sectarianisms. Just a simple individual : "Was tun ?"

I.M.H.O., there is only one way to break this permanent and real censorship. That's a publication in a great scientific revue, in bonne and due form.

In France, I don't see any possibility for Michael to be published. ("No one is a prophet in his own country.", comme disait l'autre.) Thereto: Is France Michael's country ? At least, he spend the major part of his life in France. Mais il commence d'avoir marre, d'être traité, dans son pays d'accueil, de cette manière.''

Sure a publication in a great scientific revue demands preparation time. Some weeks or some months. Never mind.

Michael's English is worse than the mine. Like both, we (still) have no influent friends in the international scientific community. We need help. Furthermore, Michael is an authentic autodidact and polymath, who – before Internet times – spend his days, evenings and weekends in the umpteen public libraries, for decades. If he is not hapless to not be an established scientist, he nourishs none vanity against "established scientists". Since – like he told me – he considers: "There is only one science." In this science he writes in himself.

Assez. Lieber Ian, wenn du mir – auf welche Weise auch immer –  bei dem eben gesagten behilflich sein könntest, wäre ich dir sehr verbunden. Hochachtungsvoll und mit freundlichen Grüßen, dein Paul Martin 13:56, 9 June 2006 (UTC).

Hello!

http://www.communityrelations.umicore.com/en/group/LancetArticle.pdf

does this link help a bit for the article "environment of belgium"

Hope so.

greetings, Henning

Blocked IP address
I don't know where this should go, but I'll post it here. My school (Reading School) has had its IP address blocked(see here) because of repetitive vandalsim. Could this block be removed for registered users? Thanks for your time - Oli 20:41, 23 June 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello Oli - Thanks for your message. I see that User:Can't sleep, clown will eat me blocked you most recently for a considerable period. I was looking into this for one of your colleagues. Sadly, I was unable to locate a way to unblock the IP address for logged in users. I'm still looking since this is an important issue for many similar schools / situations. I'm afraid that, as of today, I do not have an answer for you - but will continue looking. Sorry - Ian Cairns 23:03, 23 June 2006 (UTC)

10 Downing Street - Pictures
Hi - I notice that you are interested in editing the article on 10 Downing Street. I am wondering if you can help in another way. I have been trying with no luck to obtain more pictures for the article. So far all I have found are copyrighted ones. I have emailed the official 10 Downing Street site to ask permission to use some of their pictures. So far they have not replied (not surprising ha ha). Specifically, I think we need all or some of the following pictures:

1. Plan of the older section of No 10 by C Wren c 1677

2. Ground plan for the reconstruction of No 10 by W Kent c 1735

3. Downing Street cul-de-sac c 1827

4. Pictures of the interior during the late 18th century preferably with either Disraeli and or Gladstone in them as this would fit with the narrative

5. Plans for the reconstruction of 10 Downing Street c 1960-64

6. Various pictures of the interior as it is today such as Soane's State Dining Room and the Cabinet Room (preferably a picture with M Thatcher sitting with her Cabinet, as this would fit nicely with the narrative)

Thanks

David Hill

Hi. Its me again. Just wanted to add that I have seen examples of all of the above recommended pictures and have tried to get copies for the article. But as I said, no luck so far. The few I have found are all copyrighted.

DTH


 * Hello David. Thanks for your message. I was linking up a list of important historical figures with their Wiki articles. I'm afraid that I do not have access to any of the pictures you are seeking, but will keep my eyes peeled. BW, Ian Cairns 11:11, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

Hurley
Just wondering why you've called Hurley in Berkshire a town? --Maramotus 18:20, 19 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Corrected. My 'town' preceded the categorisation. Thanks, Ian Cairns 18:25, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

Preview button
I would like to thank you for your contributions to Wikipedia. However, it is recommended that you use the preview button before you save; this helps you find any errors you have made, and prevents clogging up recent changes and the page history. Thanks again.  J Rawle  (Talk) 10:10, 20 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Thank you for your advice - I'm well aware of the Preview button. BTW, a little context goes a long way to explaining any comments left in this talk page - unless you consider all my edits to be in error?? The only substantial set of edits I've made recently to a single article was to 10 Downing Street - was it this article that has upset you? Since I'm on the UK side of the Atlantic, I find Wikipedia slow to update and have had several edits bounced by conflicting editing. As such keeping edits to a certain size has its benefits. Rgrds, Ian Cairns 12:24, 20 July 2006 (UTC)

scripting
Hey, do you have any Javascript or Vbscript knowledge? I am currently in the proccesss of creating an msn bot and am trying to create a p4 app which can be run by the bot but I am having some problems with the scripting. Would you be able to help at all?

please reply on my talk page..

cheers.➨  JIMOTHY T 

Starting a sentence with 'and'
You altered the 'evolution' article by stating that one cannot start a sentence with 'and.' This is untrue. Though it is a popular convention and a favourite of English teachers everywhere (along with 'but'), it is not in fact considered to be a 'hard and fast' rule. It is simply that these words appear incongruous as they are usually linking words in a sentence. Most novels, if you care to pay attention, use both on occasion. Both have been used for centuries. JF Mephisto 22:21, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

Forbury Gardens
Thank you for fixing up Forbury Gardens. --JanesDaddy 05:54, 10 August 2006 (UTC)


 * You're most welcome. I moved the images slightly just now. Ian Cairns 07:02, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

List of Holy Roman Emperors/Additional
The page List of Holy Roman Emperors/Additional you created two days ago is up for deletion. Might want to save it in a word file or something if you want to keep the data. Cheers! JungleCat   talk / contrib  18:30, 10 August 2006 (UTC)


 * Thanks for that. I've now voted. I've no intention of saving it. I simply moved it from an even more inappropriate place. Thanks, Ian Cairns 19:09, 10 August 2006 (UTC)


 * Many Thanks. JungleCat    talk / contrib  19:21, 10 August 2006 (UTC)

FA Cup 2006-07
Hey - it looks like Reading has a non-league side of the same name. It wasn't fun creating links for over 100 lines of fixtures, I tell you =) doktorb wordsdeeds 08:55, 16 August 2006 (UTC)

Geographic Scoieties
Hi, you've just removed the category geographic societies from the science council when the royal geographical society is a member of the council, could you explain why?. Thank you AlexD 11:51, 18 August 2006 (UTC)


 * Hello AlexD - The first sentence of the Science Council article states that it is the umbrella organisation for Scientific societies - as such, it is a member of the set of Scientific societies. The Royal Geographical Society will presumably be a member of the category Geographical Societies. I would expect (although I've not checked) that the category Geographical societies is a member of the category Scientific societies. However, the Science Council itself is not a Geographical Society, even though one of the members of the Science Council is a Geographical Society. Does that help? Thanks, Ian Cairns 12:25, 18 August 2006 (UTC)
 * I've now checked and the RGS is a Geographical Society, which themselves are Scientific Societies - as I thought. Ian Cairns 12:28, 18 August 2006 (UTC)

Yes, thank you for clearing that up for me.AlexD 12:30, 18 August 2006 (UTC)