Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Entertainment/2016 July 15

= July 15 =

mistake correction
Regarding my last question, I made a mistake. It was in a rerun of Rizzoli & Isles that a young girl's mother was murdered before she fell down a flight of stairs. The stepfather did it. Please forgive my mistake. But who was the starlet who played the girl?2604:2000:7113:9D00:B81E:C008:E611:FADF (talk) 08:57, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * Well, in List of Rizzoli & Isles episodes, the only one where stairs are mentioned is "Shadow of Doubt". Looking at the IMDB's cast list for that episode, your answer appears to be Lexi Ainsworth, who does indeed bear some resemblance to Troian Bellisario. --69.159.60.163 (talk) 09:59, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * Thank you so much.2604:2000:7113:9D00:B81E:C008:E611:FADF (talk) 02:49, 16 July 2016 (UTC)

Long distance Online Learning of Stage Fencing
I am a Swiss citizen and live in a remote part of my country. I would very much love to learn stage fencing, because I have always been enthusiastic about it since I first saw movies than included fencing scenes (I do realize however, that these are not the traditional techniques and methods our ancestors used in actual combat). I searched for a teacher who could teach me theatrical fencing, yet the only one that I could found is located in Zürich, which is very far away from my home place and it would be too expensive for me to travel there just to get one lesson in a week (I do not own a car) that is around one hour long. I recently made an online diploma, because the schools around here don’t offer such opportunities (in astrophysics for example). Although the only martial art I have ever studied in my life was Jiu-Jitsu (and some basics of Kenjutsu), I was wondering whether it would be possible to learn stage fencing online. I have searched on Google, but was unable to find an online course. My question to you is as follows: is it possible to make an online course when it comes to stage fencing? And do you have a link for me?

Thank you for your kind responses

I wish you all the very best--2A02:120B:7FE:4300:719B:CB3D:D9F7:E0CB (talk) 13:37, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * Well, the technical aspects could certainly be taught online, like the difference between a parry and a thrust. However, without a sparring partner, you would seem to be limited to fencing with a dummy.  That might do for a while, but ultimately you will need somebody to practice with.  One option might be to learn all you can without a partner, from books, movies, etc., then go to an actual class just for the practice (and hopefully you can find an intensive training class, not just an hour a week, at that point, to limit travel costs).  Another option is to find somebody willing to practice with you where you are.  Note that when practicing with a partner, you will need the full equipment, for safety.  As far as how to find somebody willing to practice with you, you could try posting an online ad, hopefully in a place people interested in fencing, or at least in the martial arts, in your area, will read. StuRat (talk) 21:37, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * It has been several months (at least) but this is the editor from Switzerland who has asked numerous questions about fencing over the years. Thanks for answering them StuRat. MarnetteD&#124;Talk 22:26, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * Thanks. Internet videos might be another source of training, again for the early stages, with live instruction needed later on. StuRat (talk) 17:46, 16 July 2016 (UTC)


 * For general convenience, the article Stage combat might be of interest. I presume the OP is aware that Stage fencing is usually closely choregraphed for the purpose of a particular performance, and is not intended for free-form competitive combat – indeed it would be quite dangerous to use its techniques without the moves being carefully rehearsed. An acquaintance of mine, who as a fantasy writer had a parallel interest in competitive "fantasy/re-enactment" type combat, helped to develop a technique that could be used for unrehearsed competitive bouts for this precise reason. (I'm not giving her name here because her Article makes no mention of it.) {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 2.123.26.60 (talk) 20:05, 16 July 2016 (UTC)

Doctor Who - Changing sex/gender
Why have fans of Doctor Who suggested that Regeneration could change sex or gender? I don't like the idea of men becoming women and I certainly don't like the idea of a female Doctor. I don't mind skin colour, but I don't like the idea of a black Doctor. 86.156.141.210 (talk) 14:25, 15 July 2016 (UTC)
 * Why do you keep asking that require mind-reading to answer? Ian.thomson (talk) 14:32, 15 July 2016 (UTC)


 * The Master has already regenerated as a different gender. It isn't just fans. It is the writers. The doctor can regenerate however the writers like. The doctor could even regenerate into the form of a previous doctor. If you don't like it, you aren't being forced to watch it. 209.149.113.4 (talk) 16:57, 15 July 2016 (UTC)

Well, why have the writers suggested the idea, then? 86.156.141.210 (talk) 18:08, 15 July 2016 (UTC)
 * I don't think anyone other than the writers themselves can answer that question. clpo13(talk) 18:11, 15 July 2016 (UTC)

Does this hand thing have a name?
One example is how these people stand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEY_wR_ZIZE, another is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1dy44jV8EM&t=72. Is it meant to be a neutral pose? Joepnl (talk) 22:31, 15 July 2016 (UTC)
 * There are some answers here though, since it is reddit, they need to be taken with a grain of salt. That is the only item that I can find at the moment so, hopefully, others will find more info. MarnetteD&#124;Talk 22:54, 15 July 2016 (UTC)
 * The only link on Reddit happens to be about, out of millions of songs, the Major General Song! (my second example). Maybe Gilbert and Sullivan simply invented it? Joepnl (talk) 00:09, 16 July 2016 (UTC)


 * I can't confirm this yet, but my sense is that it was originally a way of choral singers having a uniform look, rather than having some with arms by their sides and others elsewhere. Then it caught on for solo singers, not least because it opens up the ribcage and allows the lungs to expand.  It would still have that benefit today, but it became outdated a long time ago except in ironic performances (although I still observed the practice used in earnest in my younger days).  --   Jack of Oz   [pleasantries]  00:20, 16 July 2016 (UTC)


 * Hah I had missed that coincidence :-) That clip sparked my memory of this delight. Ms Mulvey has in hands in several poses including the one in question. I look forward to what others will find to post here. MarnetteD&#124;Talk 00:22, 16 July 2016 (UTC)
 * Oh good. I was hoping you would add what you know Jack. Many thanks. MarnetteD&#124;Talk 00:22, 16 July 2016 (UTC)

Now you've got me curious. This hand gesture surely must have a name. My mind's eye can see it in opera parodies/spoofs, probably including What's Opera, Doc?. I wonder if this desk is influential enough to 'coin a word' -- how about "opera hands" (cf: "jazz hands"). --2606:A000:4C0C:E200:A1FA:194E:E841:B585 (talk) 18:08, 17 July 2016 (UTC)
 * ...Here's an opera parody example from a commercial featuring "opera hands" (@16+ sec.):. [same poster, different IP] :2606:A000:4C0C:E200:8558:6C31:688B:8595 (talk) 02:18, 19 July 2016 (UTC)