Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2012 April 7

= April 7 =

President Banda and Vice-President Banda
What relation is Joyce Banda to Hastings Banda? Or are they unrelated? I found only one webpage that discusses the topic, and it's subscription-based. Nyttend (talk) 04:30, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * In the absence of specific information to the contrary, I would assume no relation -- "Banda" is an incredibly common surname in Malawi and the rest of that portion of Africa, probably due to British colonial influence causing a sudden and comparatively recent introduction of surnames in any form. Note also that our Hastings Banda article suggests he had no surviving heirs. &mdash; Lomn 14:02, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * This article definitively states that there is no relation between Joyce and Hastings Banda - although I can't vouch for the reliability of the source. However, Joyce Banda takes her surname from her husband, Richard Banda, so she is definitely not a blood relation of the former ruler. It seems likely that Richard Banda and Hastings Banda are also not related - as noted, Banda is a common surname. - Cucumber Mike (talk) 15:32, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Two unrelated Banda's as national figures in Malawi ? Next thing you know you'll be telling me there were two unrelated Gandhi's as national figures in India or two unrelated Johnson's in the White House. StuRat (talk) 22:16, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * What is that crap relation? sarcastic? Hard to tell but if its not sarcastic then thats a crap comparisonLihaas (talk) 11:10, 10 April 2012 (UTC)


 * What's your problem ? I'm just pointing out how common it is to have unrelated national leaders with the same name. StuRat (talk) 17:39, 10 April 2012 (UTC)

Was Frank Glasgow Tinker a member of the Yankee Squadron ?
Hello learned ones ! Tinker is not listed in the article (only in the "See also : " chapter); do we have to infer that he was not on the same foot as the others US airmen ? Seems he went back home earlier, after more brillant exploits... And BTW, since Tinker knew Ernest Hemingway in Spain, do you think he also met André Malraux, who was a Republican Air Force executive ? Does he mention Malraux in his book ? Thank you kindly beforehand for your answers.Arapaima (talk) 14:33, 7 April 2012 (UTC)

What was the average US neurosurgeon pay in 2009?
The local newspaper printed the salaries of the five highest-paid physicians at the local hospital (which to my knowledge isn't one of the major medical centers in the country), and the #1 spot was a neurosurgeon who got $924,074 (figure including a $100,000 bonus). Is this on par with the average for an established specialist in this field, way more, or actually less than average? 69.243.220.115 (talk) 16:56, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * I don't know how accurate their figures are, but salary.com says that's higher than average: the US mean for a "surgeon - neurology" is $488,207 and the 90th percentile $733,630. But if they have additional responsibilities or are world-class it doesn't seem too surprising a figure. --Colapeninsula (talk) 21:10, 7 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Not exactly rocket science though is it-- Jac 16888 Talk 22:36, 7 April 2012 (UTC)
 * According to Howard Gardner, a neurosurgeon needs only two qualities - kinesthetic skill and spatial intelligence, their intelligence is not so different from that of a carpenter, a bricklayer, an electrician, or a sculptor. -- Supernova Explosion   Talk  14:45, 9 April 2012 (UTC)
 * If we were all paid strictly on intelligence alone, the world would likely be a different place. I doubt that Howard Gardner would allow a bricklayer to stick a knife into his brain. Orange Suede Sofa  (talk) 16:40, 9 April 2012 (UTC)
 * Using the same argument, it can be said Gardner would not allow a neurosurgeon to build his home. Regarding intelligence and pay scale, I agree intelligence is not a determining factor in earning money. A person who has more demand in the market will earn more, no matter what their intelligence is. This is the reason a supermodel earns far more than a logician or an ethicist. -- Supernova Explosion   Talk  20:06, 9 April 2012 (UTC)
 * They also need all the knowledge and intelligence of any other kind of doctor. They need to know anatomy, biochemisty, pharamcology, etc.. They need to be able to diagnose and devise treatments. The actual surgery itself may just need a steady hand, but there's a lot more to being a neurosurgeon than that. --Tango (talk) 18:46, 9 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Looking into it more, maybe being on Oprah increases the number you can successfully demand. Like it or not, celebrity status counts. People across the country with money might say "I want him to operate on my brain," bringing money to MWH. 69.243.220.115 (talk) 21:47, 9 April 2012 (UTC)

parents and sexuality-advice wanted
I'm not sure this is entirely within the remit of this site, so I'll try and keep things as objective as possible. Pretty much, a friend of mine from america has been thrown out of his parents' house when they found out he was bisexual, after reading messages sent to another friend of his. We have no idea what to do or where to turn for help, so I came here.

Are there any organisations over there that can help in cases like this? Does anyone have any advice on what to do in situations like this? Anyone know of good debating advice to talk irrational people around again? Basically anything anyone can offer that might help here...

Thanks in advance, I'm really worried about him now.

79.66.100.14 (talk) 21:48, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * This runs the risk of getting into legal advice, which we are forbidden to give. One thing that could make a major difference is how old he his. The laws governing the control of minors vs. adult children could be significantly different (and also vary significantly from state to state). In short, contact a lawyer and see what legal recourse he has, if any. As far as debating advice, forget it. You're not going to cure bigotry by debate. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 21:59, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Don't think this is the right forum and you haven't stated were in the world you are but as a guess (from you grammar and syntax) you could try here for starters at London Friend: --Aspro (talk) 22:03, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * They said "a friend of mine from america", which I take to mean the US. StuRat (talk) 22:07, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Contact PFLAG, they might have some good advice. And just giving it time might help.  We could also use more info.  Is he an adult ?  If not, then the authorities might have something to say about them kicking him out.  Is your concern that he is now homeless ?   Can he stay with a friend for a bit ?  Are you worried he might attempt suicide ?  Each of these problems have different solutions.  StuRat (talk) 22:05, 7 April 2012 (UTC)

He's not quite 18, can't go to the authorities or he risks having his little brother taken into care as well, appanrently, and he's in missouri. I'm not sure about staying with a friend, I'm hoping that's an option, but I've heard nothing to suggest it is. meanwhile, he did promise me not to try suicide again after last time. 79.66.100.14 (talk) 22:19, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * This is not the right forum for this. However, the 'first' thing 'you' need if you’re  to help, is good information. Contact one of the above mentioned organizations. The complications can be sorted out latter – don't let them blind you for now. So, first things first. You can be sure that these organizations  deal with similar situations all the time. Your friend is not the first to find themselves in this position  and will not be the last.--Aspro (talk) 22:28, 7 April 2012 (UTC)

I know, that's why I'm here really, to find where to go. 79.66.100.14 (talk) 22:45, 7 April 2012 (UTC)


 * I AM NOT A LAWYER, but I know that there are laws against that sort of thing in many US jurisdictions. I would contact an American attorney on the subject, if possible, or one of the organizations mentioned above. I AM NOT A LAWYER. Evanh2008 (talk) (contribs) 01:18, 8 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Since he's "not quite 18", he's still a minor and the state Department of Children and Family Services (some states have different names for this same department) should be able to help. Again, PFLAG might be able to help.  I know here in Vermont we have a local organization that helps kids out who are going through the exact same thing that your friend is.  I'm sorry that I don't recall the name of the organization.  They may be of help with information even though your friend is nowhere near Vermont.  Dismas |(talk) 01:33, 8 April 2012 (UTC)
 * This is very similar to Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2012 February 28. CambridgeBayWeather (talk) 01:50, 8 April 2012 (UTC)


 * Someone there suggested it wasn't the first time too. Nil Einne (talk) 16:18, 9 April 2012 (UTC)