User talk:Sandstein/Archives/2022/May

Sandstein, can you delete Flags of counties of the United States?
Sandstein, can you delete this page? It was being nominated. 116.206.28.43 (talk) 08:00, 1 May 2022 (UTC)


 * No, please wait for the AfD discussion to conclude and then an administrator will determine whether there is consensus to delete the article.  Sandstein   08:01, 1 May 2022 (UTC)

No consensus close
Hi…I wanted to reopen one afd that was closed as no consensus. This one. Do I nominate it again or you can just reopen it? Laptopinmyhands (talk) 17:20, 1 May 2022 (UTC)


 * You can start a new AfD for this article, but not reopen an existing one.  Sandstein   18:03, 1 May 2022 (UTC)

Deletion review for David Firth
An editor has asked for a deletion review of David Firth. Because you closed the deletion discussion for this page, speedily deleted it, or otherwise were interested in the page, you might want to participate in the deletion review. RexSueciae (talk) 21:08, 1 May 2022 (UTC)

Deletion review for David Rohl
An editor has asked for a deletion review of David Rohl. Because you closed the deletion discussion for this page, speedily deleted it, or otherwise were interested in the page, you might want to participate in the deletion review. TuckerResearch (talk) 16:24, 2 May 2022 (UTC)

Neutralhomer close
Hi Sandstein. Can you tell me why Neutralhomer isn't sitebanned according to the policy: (emphasis added). I've always thought it a bit of a booby trap for people but as policy have felt a need to respect it myself. Thanks, Barkeep49 (talk) 00:54, 4 May 2022 (UTC)


 * You're right, I didn't consider this aspect of banning policy. I didn't mean (and have no authority to) to preclude the outcome of the discussion from being considered a ban under this policy. What I meant that if somebody wants the community to make an explicit decision to ban, this should be proposed separately, since the question posed in the AN thread (whether to unblock or not) had been clearly answered.  Sandstein   05:46, 4 May 2022 (UTC)

Venkat TL ANI close
Hello Sandstein. I noticed that you closed the discussion about Venkat TL, simply stating that he is "indefinitely topic-banned from everything related to WP:DYK." However, it makes no mention about him having a path for appeal (indeed, multiple editors suggested the possibility of appeal after a number of months). Would it be possible to clarify the close regarding the possibility of him appealing his band and when/how he can do so? Thanks!  Naruto love hinata 5 (talk · contributions) 09:09, 5 May 2022 (UTC)


 * @Narutolovehinata5, there was no consensus in the AfD ANI thread to restrict the possibility of appeals. It follows that Venkat TL is free to appeal the topic ban at any time. This is normal for any type of sanction and therefore does not need to be mentioned, in my view.  Sandstein   09:35, 5 May 2022 (UTC)

AFD three month ban is up now
It has been three months since I was forbidden to participate in AFDs and my ban is up now. My ban began on February 9 and it is now May 9. I am confirming this with you to make sure of this. Davidgoodheart (talk) 03:07, 12 May 2022 (UTC)

I have sent you a note about a page you started
Hello, Sandstein

Thank you for creating POM-3.

User:SunDawn, while examining this page as a part of our page curation process, had the following comments:

To reply, leave a comment here and begin it with. Please remember to sign your reply with ~.

(Message delivered via the Page Curation tool, on behalf of the reviewer.)

&maltese; SunDawn &maltese;    (contact)   10:23, 26 May 2022 (UTC)

RESTORATION OF DELETED ARTICLE-PURSHOTTAM LAL
Dear Mr. Sandstein,

This is  regarding  the deletion order dated 26 April, 2022 of an Article on me- Purshottam Lal- created by Ms Sneha and carried  by Wikipedia on 27 January 2022 ( Link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purshottam_Lal ).

I am sorry I could not contact you earlier as I,  being an old timer-75 years plus- am not tech savvy. Moreover, my efforts to find somebody else to do the job  for me  have failed.

Let me say I find it somewhat awkward to be pleading my own case. The creator of the Article Ms Sneha, being still  blocked,  presumably not because of  anything to do with the Article on me, is unable to contact you. I have also been unable to find anybody else to do it.

I agree., being a senior police officer by itself is no ground for ‘notability’. However, in my case, there are associated reasons for contributing to ‘notability’. For example,  dedicated work against Punjab-related terrorism won much acclaim from public and government for which President’s Police Medal  for Distinguished Service, among others, was awarded, the photograph of award ceremony having been attached with the Article. There are other notable works also as a police officer. These attracted public attention in the media. Unfortunately, these happened in pre-internet era i.e. 1969- 2006, I having retired in 2006. Hence, online References would not be available. Moreover, many of these actions, specially against terrorism ,  ought not to be disclosed publicly for obvious reasons; but suffice it to say, these were recognised by even the President of India by the award of the medal. ( By the way, there are other medals and awards also.  Recommendation thrice for the third highest civilian award-Padma Shri- is also worth notice).

However, my main claim to ‘notability’ is for a different reason i.e. turning a ‘writer’, too. This is unusual for a police officer who is normally considered dull, drab and heartless. More than 115 articles have appeared in prestigious newspapers since 1992. Four books have also been published including “Gift of Life” and “From the Pen of a Cop”. These were launched by two different Governors of the Punjab state. The books received wide publicity. Some References have already been mentioned. More References to articles in newspapers are available which can be added. During deletion-discussion, Ms Sneha gave some of these References. However, her comments were struck off, and hence we went unrepresented.

The Article remained active for 3 months. My friends etc went through it and appreciated it. Now, with the deletion after 3 months, I have suffered a loss of face. I am also disheartened to pursue my further writing skills. The news of deletion came  in the midst of my writing another book on   “Origin of the Aryans”. The project is stalled now.

I request  you to kindly help me in the matter so that ,inter alia, at my advanced age ( 75 plus), my lost honour is somewhat restored,  and I am able to continue pursuing my writing skills. After all, when the Article got approved on 27 January, the issues of ' notability' and adequacy of References must have been looked into. Thus, there ought to have been  sufficient material to justify the Article.

However, if desired, we will amend the Article and add available References to make it conform to Wikipedia policies.

Kindly allow restoration of the Article with the above conditions if considered appropriate to be imposed.

Thanking you and with warm regards,

Yours sincerely,

Purshottam Lal — Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.173.29.129 (talk) 14:11, 20 May 2022 (UTC)


 * Mr. Lal, consensus at Articles for deletion/Purshottam Lal was that there is not enough significant coverage about you in reliable secondary sources that are independent of you. That is needed for an article about you. Could you please read our guideline page WP:BIO and then tell me what the three best pieces of such coverage about you are?  Sandstein   17:23, 20 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Dear Mr Sandstein,
 * Thank you for your communication on my request for the restoration of the deleted Article.
 * I am sorry I am late in responding. This has been so as I had been searching through my old record.
 * I will come to the three best relevant References at  the end of this reply.
 * I have been able to locate  feedback/comments  of readers to some of my articles. I think their comments and observations would be the best independent secondary sources on my work as a writer. I have collated the same in respect of 20 articles, containing 31 feedbacks/comments,  which appeared in The Tribune,  though my articles , now 118  , have appeared in other important newspapers also such as Hindustan Times and Daily Word. The relevent feedbacks/comments have been marked with red borders. Most are favourable, some critical, too . However, I think both ought to  contribute towards " notability'.
 * Most of these feedbacks/comments of readers relate to pre-internet era. Hence, online links to these are not available. Therefore, I have got them scanned and the same have been put in PDF format,  arranged datewise . The link to the PDF file is given below:
 * https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ADDITIONAL_LINKS_DGPLALIPS.pdf
 * At the end of this letter, I have attached a synopsis also for a quick look.
 * As regards my police career and independent sources for the work therein, I have been able to locate some, and the same are also scanned and attached  in the same PDF file.
 * It is worth notice that below my photograph in the Article deleted, the word " Writer " appears first, followed by " Retired Police Officer".
 * I do not really know which References to call the best. Since now, I have provided many more References and all of them are from independent sources,  perhaps the three best might not be required now.
 * I am also not sure whether the three References have to be provided out of those listed in the deleted Article, or I can also select out of those being provided now. However, I have chosen the three out of the listed ones in the deleted Article only, and these are the following:
 * (1) https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/book-launch-revel-in-the-gift-of-life-101642417958022.html
 * (2) http://dshsociety.org/boardlive2.aspx
 * (3) https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/bookreviews/backflap-137169
 * It is requested that the Article may kindly be ordered to be restored . If considered proper, the References in the PDF format , and the additional ones being sent below at SN 2 may also kindly be considered for addition.
 * Thanking you and with warm regards,
 * Yours sincerely ,
 * Purshottam Lal
 * (1) Synopsis of References being sent in PDF format :
 * Serial No.1
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Flying saucers: an abiding mystery. August 18, 1994
 * Feedback : September 07, 1994 by A.D. Amar, Edison ( USA)
 * Serial No. 2
 * The Tribune
 * Main artice: Bending Rules: September 15, 1996
 * Feedback : (1) October 13, 1996 by O.P. Sharma
 * (2) October 20, 1996 by Kamlesh Uppal
 * Serial No.3
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: The Titanic also sank: October 13, 1996
 * Feedback : (1) November 03 1996 by R.P. Chawla
 * ( 2 ) November 24, 1996 by Amrit Rai Mehra
 * Serial No.4
 * The Tribune:
 * Main article: The unsolved puzzle of the origin of man : April 19, 1998
 * Feedback : May 17, 1998 by Roshni Johar
 * Serial No. 5
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: This much and no more: June 27, 1998
 * Feedback : (1) July 18, 1998 by Ved Gulani
 * (2) July 18, 1998 by O.P. Sharma
 * Serial No. 6
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Nuclear War Next Year!!: July 26, 1998
 * Feedback : (1) August 09, 1998 by R.K. Kanwal
 * (2) August 09, 1998 by H.S. Jatana
 * (3) August 09, 1998 by K.M. Vashisht
 * (4) August 09, 1998 by K. L. Nagpal
 * (5) August 11, 1998 by P. D. Shastri
 * ( 6 ) August 19, 1998 by P. Lal
 * ( 7) September 7, 1998 by R. S. Dutta
 * Serial No 7
 * The Tribune
 * Feedback : The mystery of the eighth continent: October 3, 1999
 * Comments : October 24, 1999 by Roshni Johar
 * Serial No. 8
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Taking corruption by its horns: October 15, 2000
 * Feedback : (1) October 29, 2000 by Anup K. Gakkhar
 * (2) October 29, 2000 by P. L. Sethi
 * Serial No. 9
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: When in Paris, do as… : July 17, 2001
 * Feedback : July 25, 2001 by Parvneet Bector
 * Serial No. 10
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Does Science point to the existence of God?: January 13, 2002
 * Feedback : February 17, 2002 by N.S. Dhami
 * Serial No. 11
 * The Tribune
 * Main article : The mystery remains! : March 6, 2002
 * Feedback : March 21, 2002 by Dr Pawan Dviwedi
 * Serial No.12
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Where customer is the king : September 29, 2010
 * Feedback : October 5, 2010 by Bhushan Chander Jindal
 * Serial No. 13
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: The British way: December 20, 2010
 * Feedback : (1) January 3, 2011 by Wg-Cdr C. L. Sehgal ( Retd)
 * (2) January 4, 2011 by Tara Chand
 * Serial No. 14
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: The babu and the bureaucrat : May 25, 2011
 * Feedback : June 10, 2011 by L.R. Sharma
 * Serial No.15
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Fudging the DNA: December 9, 2011
 * Feedback : December 15, 2011 by SC Chabba
 * Serial No. 16
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Corrupt and clever: February 1, 2012
 * Feedback : February 4, 2012 by SC Chabba
 * Serial No. 17
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Touching the feet : June 6, 2014
 * Feedback : June 24, 2014 by Mickey Bansal
 * Serial No. 18
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: The Achilles’ heel: November 3, 2015
 * Feedback : November 6, 2015 by Brish Bhan Ghaloti
 * Serial No. 19
 * The Tribune
 * Main article : Sweet and sour: January 15, 2016
 * Feedback : January 29, 2016 by S. Kumar
 * Serial No. 20
 * The Tribune
 * Main article: Punjab must prevent terror from spreading: November 21, 2018
 * Feedback : November 22, 2018 by LR Sharma
 * Serial No. 21
 * The Sunday Times of India, Lucknow: August 15, 1993
 * News regarding award of President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of Independence Day 1993.
 * Serial No. 22
 * The Tribune: January 9, 2005: Jadoo ka chiraag by Dona Suri
 * ( A satire on senior IPS officers of Punjab)
 * Note: Pshtt refers to me ( portrays work and character in a veiled manner).
 * Serial No. 23
 * Dainik Jagran ( Hindi ) : April 5, 2006
 * Comment on work
 * Serial No. 24
 * Dainik Jagran ( Hindi ) : April 11, 2006
 * Comment on work
 * Serial No.25
 * The Tribune, December 1, 2006-
 * DGP Lal retires:
 * Serial No.26
 * Dainik Jagran ( Hindi ), November 30, 2006
 * An interview on
 * (2) Some more online References to articles etc ( some may be common to the list in the deleted Article):
 * Books:
 * (1) Release of book 'Gift of Life' by Governor Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh - Daily World 31 October 2021-
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=92220&boxid=84307&uid=&dat=2021-10-31
 * (2) Release of book 'Gift of Life' - The Tribune, 14 November 2021
 * https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/reviews/story/race-for-tomorrow-337927
 * (3) Release of book 'Gift of Life'- Hindustan Times
 * https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/book-launch-revel-in-the-gift-of-life-101642417958022.html
 * (4) Release of book ' Gift of Life'-
 * http://www.indianewscalling.com/news/115115-the-governor-of-punjab-and-administrator-ut-chandigarh-shri-banwarilal-purohit-releasing-book-tit.aspx
 * (5) Release of book ' Gift of Life'-
 * http://www.uniindia.com/photoes/410053.html
 * (6) Release of book ' Gift of Life'-
 * https://thefactnews.in/governor-banwarilal-purohit-releases-book-titles-gift-of-life/
 * (7 ) Release of book 'From the Pen of a Cop', 'SAMM ' and 'Let's laugh & laugh Hahaha...' by Governor of Punjab on 02 Seotember 2020:
 * https://chandigarhtoday.org/?p=38167
 * (8) 'From the Pen of a Cop' and other two books in The Tribune of 06 September 2020:
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/bookreviews/backflap-137169
 * (9) SAMM-
 * http://reedar-hol.rukomos.ru/samm_stories_anecdotes_and_motivational_messages_culled_and_compiled_by_p_lal_released_by_shri_v_p_singh_badnore_hon_ble_governor_of_punjab_and_administrator_ut_chandigarh_70592-djvu-summary.html
 * Middles, Spice of Life and other articles:
 * (1) Middle: The Tribune - 30 December 2021-A bald pate getting recarpeted
 * https://epaper.tribuneindia.com/m5/3335683/Himachal-Edition/HE-30-December-2021#page/6/1
 * (2) Middle- Daily World- 15 May 2020-Divinity in 'divine proportion '
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=75445&boxid=78438&uid=&dat=2020-05-15
 * (3) Middle- Daily World- 24 April 2020- Naming and shaming
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=75142&boxid=79321&uid=&dat=2020-04-24
 * (04) Spice of Life- Hindustan Times- 14 April 2020- Summer vacation and flu pandemic of 1957
 * https://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Home/MShareArticle?OrgId=771a0ab1&imageview=0
 * (05) Article- Daily World-13 November 2019- The defence of Lucknow
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=79907&boxid=77778&uid=&dat=2019-11-13
 * (06 ) Article- Daily World- 13 February 2019- CBI and the Kolkata Police confrontation
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=75657&boxid=78507&uid=&dat=2019-02-13
 * (07) Article-Daily World-17 Dec 2018-Crisis in the CBI
 * http://epaper.dailyworld.in/Details.aspx?id=74495&boxid=78038&uid=&dat=2018-12-17
 * (08) Middle-The Tribune- 08 September 2012-The cart before the horse
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120908/edit.htm#5
 * (09) Middle- The Tribune-18 April 2012-Benign, complex and inspired
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120418/edit.htm#5
 * (10) Middle- The Tribune- 01 February 2012-Corrupt and clever
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120201/edit.htm#5
 * (11) Middle- The Tribune- 09 December 2011-Fudging the DNA
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111209/edit.htm#5
 * (12) Middle- The Tribune- 01 October 2011- The second class
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2011/20111001/edit.htm#5
 * (13) Middle- The Tribune- 22 July 2011- Travails of the Lokpal to be
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110722/edit.htm#5
 * (14) Middle- The Tribune- 25 May 2011-The babu and the bureaucrat
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110525/edit.htm#5
 * (15) Middle -The Tribune-01 April 2011- March of time
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110401/edit.htm#5
 * (16) Middle- The Tribune- 20 December 2010- The British way
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101220/edit.htm#5
 * (17) Middle- The Tribune- 03 November 2010- Divali dreams
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101103/edit.htm#5
 * (18) Middle- The Tribune- 29 September 2010- Where customer is the king
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100929/edit.htm#5
 * (19) Article- The Tribune-Spectrum- 07 May 2006- Blue Marvel Down Under
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060507/spectrum/main3.htm
 * (20) Middle- The Tribune- 28 February 2006- Thank you, Air New Zealand!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060228/edit.htm#5
 * (21) Middle- The Tribune- 17 May 2005- Copped out
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050517/edit.htm#5
 * (22) Middle- The Tribune- 26 July 2004- The business of business management
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040726/edit.htm#5
 * (23) Middle- The Tribune- 10 May 2004- The cost of a cuppa tea
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040510/edit.htm#6
 * (24) Middle-The Tribune- 07 April 2004-The empty bottles of .....
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040407/edit.htm#6
 * (25) Middle- The Tribune- 23 February 2004- Remembering Atwal
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040223/edit.htm#6
 * (26) Middle- The Tribune- 24 December 2003- The "middle" connoisseurs
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031224/edit.htm#6
 * (27) Middle- The Tribune- 11 October 2003- The civic sense
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031011/edit.htm#6
 * (28) Middle- The Tribune 08 August 2003- The bygone mango days
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030808/edit.htm#6
 * (29) Middle- The Tribune- 08 March 2003- Money makes the cops go...
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030308/edit.htm#5
 * (30 Article- The Tribune- 13 January 2002-Does science point to the existence of God?
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020113/spectrum/main4.htm
 * (31) Middle- The Tribune- 25 December 2002- The complaints game!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021225/edit.htm#5
 * (32) Middle- The Tribune- 11 October 2002- When I saw Kiran cry!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021011/edit.htm#4
 * (33) Middle- The Tribune -02 September 2002- The lure of the IAS!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020902/edit.htm#4
 * (34) Middle- The Tribune- 10 July 2002- Urgent, most urgent and immediate
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020710/edit.htm#5
 * (35) Middle- The Tribune- 31 May 2002-The willy Pandit
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020531/edit.htm#4
 * (36) Middle- The Tribune- 06 March 2002- The mystery remains
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020306/edit.htm#5
 * (37) Article- The Tribune- 24 February 2001- The katha of Kayasthas
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010224/windows/slice.htm
 * (38) Middle- The Tribune - 07 December 2001
 * Passing the test!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011207/edit.htm#4
 * (39) Middle- The Tribune- 06 October 2001- Comedy of errors
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20011006/edit.htm#5
 * (40) Middle- The Tribune- 07 July 2001- When in Paris, do as ....
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010717/edit.htm#5
 * (41) Middle- The Tribune - 09 June 2001- " Kothi, makaan and quarter"
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010609/edit.htm#5
 * (42) Middle- The Tribune- 10 March 2001- "Holi Milan" that wasn't
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010310/edit.htm#4
 * (43) Middle- The Tribune- 30 January 2001- The daunting doubt that vanished!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010130/edit.htm#4
 * (44) Middle- The Tribune- 18 November 2000- The Blue Book and the honeybees
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001118/edit.htm#5
 * (45) Article- The Tribune- 15 October 2000- Taking corruption by its horns
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2000/20001015/spectrum/main5.htm
 * (46) Article- The Tribune- 12 March 2000- What a devious way to kill!
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000312/spectrum/main4.htm
 * (47) Article- The Tribune - 16 January 2000- Playing host to many a ghost
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000116/spectrum/main11.htm
 * (48) Article- The Tribune- 19 September 1998- The Fat Man and the Little Boy
 * https://m.tribuneindia.com/1998/98sep19/saturday/head3.htm
 * (49) TV discussion on MH1 News in the wake of terror attack in Bangladesh- 09 July 2016
 * https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RhQnobNkp0U
 * (50) In the Rising Kayastha Stars- Programme-06 December 2020- reference at about 1.30 hours in the 3-hour programme
 * https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g_mVuKZU6DM&feature=youtu.be 103.87.26.156 (talk) 07:15, 25 May 2022 (UTC)
 * (50) In the Rising Kayastha Stars- Programme-06 December 2020- reference at about 1.30 hours in the 3-hour programme
 * https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g_mVuKZU6DM&feature=youtu.be 103.87.26.156 (talk) 07:15, 25 May 2022 (UTC)


 * Mr. Lal, I've examined the the three sources which you say are the best and it is my view that they do not suffice as the basis of an article about you. is a very short book review which is about your book, not about you.  is the same but even shorter.  is not an independent source since it is by an organization to which you belong. In view of this, I decline to restore your article. Regards,   Sandstein   10:34, 26 May 2022 (UTC)