Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2006 November 7

= November 7 =

Shortest marriage
Can someone provide me with a list of the shortest marriages in history or recent history? Also, was Hitler's marriage shorter than Britney Spears marriage? Jamesino 00:35, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Um, Dennis Rodman was married to Carmen Electra for like six hours I think?? --Cody.Pope 01:09, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * It depends on how you define the length of a marriage. I'm sure that Rodman's and Electra's marriage continued beyond their 6-hour sojourn, because it would not have been possible to obtain a divorce that quickly.   They may have gone their separate ways after 6 hours, but they could not have married other people the next day because they were still legally married to each other.  Funnily enough, we have a List of people with the longest marriages, but not a List of people with the shortest marriages.  JackofOz 01:37, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I've heard that in the Middle East, prostitutes take advantage of a loophole in the law. Before the actual act takes place, the prostitute and her client are wed, and they are divorced immediately after the act. That must count as the shortest marriages in the world. J I P  | Talk 12:24, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * We have Short-term marriage and Nikah Mut‘ah on the Islamic tradition. See also Hollywood marriage. We also used to have List of people with the shortest marriages but it was deleted; google still has it in cache. Weregerbil 13:02, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

How long (in hours) was Hitler's marriage? Jamesino 23:45, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Based on our article Death of Adolf Hitler, that would have been about 15 hours. --Lambiam Talk  11:02, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Well, that depends on belief. If you believe that "death does they part," then their marriage would have ended, but surely some beliefs are that love continues in the afterlife.--Porsche997SBS 03:10, 9 November 2006 (UTC)
 * "death does them part", I think. :) JackofOz 03:32, 10 November 2006 (UTC)

dress
What is the name of a dress that worn by women which is half skirt and half tank-top? I want one of those.


 * I know them as a tank dress Dina 01:46, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * And is someone who wears them called a Tank Girl ? StuRat 05:14, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Why are they called 'tank tops'?--Light current 10:16, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * The article on tank tops says that it's because they resemble tank suits. Dismas|(talk) 10:20, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Tanks!

nude scenes in Shakespeare movies
How many Shakespeare's plays that have turn into movies that have nude scenes? I mean like how many of them have nude scenes from the first to last play?


 * Romeo and Juliet for one. Rmhermen 01:27, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Which version of Romeo and Juliet?
 * The 1968 version with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey certainly did, although it was tame by today's standards - no full frontal stuff, unless my memory's faulty. Whiting's bare butt (shock! horror!) attracted quite a bit of notice among reviewers in those stuffy times.  Some non-reviewers also noticed it ...  JackofOz 08:19, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I'm pretty sure hethat Hussey's breasts were exposed at one point in the film. Not the end of the world, but a bit more exciting that Whiting's bare butt. ;-) --Fastfission 11:53, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * That kinda depends on the viewer's tastes. I still remember Whiting's cute butt, but Hussey's breasts failed to make any permanent impact on my memory.  JackofOz 00:28, 9 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Or apparently all of them at once: [Live Nude Shakespeare. [[User:Rmhermen|Rmhermen]] 01:39, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Prospero's Books, an adaptation of The Tempest, had quite a bit of nudity. StuRat 05:11, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Roman Polanski's version of Macbeth had Lady Macbeth sleepwalking in the nude and had one of the witches flash Macbeth. JoshuaZ 05:16, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

The Macbeth shown at this year's Toronto International Film Festival did. Chuck 20:34, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

MidTerm Elections
I am an Intelligence analyst currently working in Iraq and it is very important that I find out (something I should know) when the results of the elections will / projected to be. Do you know the answer to this question? Please reply as soon as possible.


 * See "Election Day results" a few questons above for an answer. -THB 02:15, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * My projection of 06:00 UT translates to 09:00 Iraqi Standard Time Wednesday morning. Marco polo 02:37, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * If you're an intelligent analyst, why are you asking us? --Nelson Ricardo 05:20, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * The OP didn't claim to be an intelligent analyst, but an intelligence analyst. Such people have to get their information from somewhere, and we're obviously the best source of all possible information on all possible subjects, so why look elsewhere?  :)  JackofOz 08:14, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Timmy and Jimmy - Red Eared Sliders
A friend of mine told me about a story about 2 sliders...they lived to about 40 years of age. Do you know of this story and can you locate it for me? Thank you.

A turtle Mom.
 * I couldn't find the two you were asking about but the Red-eared slider article says that in captivity they can live for over 40 years. CambridgeBayWeather (Talk) 04:21, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Skid Marks
I have been hesitating to ask this question for fear of not being taken seriously! Any way: what is the best way of removing 'skid marks' from underwear? And dont say brake wind carfully! 8-)--Light current 10:14, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I would think that bleach would work fine for tighty whiteys. For colored briefs and boxers some sort of spray on stain treater should work.  Dismas|(talk) 10:19, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Bleach can rot the fabric very quickly 8-(--Light current 10:25, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

The standard stain sprays work well, and I always throw in an extra dollop of oxygen cleaner. --Zeizmic 12:42, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * You mean you just spray before tossing them in the washer? Does that get it all out?--Light current 13:55, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Yup. Add detergent and don't mix your colours! --Zeizmic 14:07, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I think it's time to throw out underwear when that happens. And it's also time to re-examine your personal hygiene habits if this happens on a regular basis (unless you have a medical problem, then it might be time to consider adult diapers).  StuRat 17:10, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Throwing out the underwear should not be necessary. After all I'm sure you (or your mom) dont. And I dont think its necessarily a personal hygene or health problem--Light current 03:42, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * There are stain removers, pre-wash treatments, and detergents that have enzymes that remove organic material. Bleach alternatives or oxygen bleaches or hydrogen peroxide may work as well.  There are also enzyme products especially designed to clean pet "accidents" that are very effective. -THB 02:05, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Well OK. But what did people do before these new pre wash treatments came out? Scrub or soak or something?--Light current 04:27, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Parents wash their babies' nappies with products specially made for this very purpose, eg. NapiSan. Forget you're not a baby and use some of that. Ever seen skid marks on a nappy? I haven't. JackofOz 08:12, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Sorry Im not allowed to comment here anymore on pain of blocking! See talk page 8-((--Light current 23:08, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Sound intensity?
In school we learn that the lowest sound we can hear is 0 dB, namely $$10^{-12} W/m^2$$, but my amplifier has a sound range of -60 dB to 45 dB, and at around -20 dB the sound is quite loud already, and I cannot stand listening to sound played at 0 dB on this amplifier. So, what's the deal here? Why do I think sound at -20 dB is loud when we're not supposed to hear sounds below 0 dB?

DarkPhoenix 10:22, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

See sound. dBs are only ratios and your amp has a different dB reference level from the 20uPa (equ to $$10^{-12} W/m^2$$ ). See Decibel for more on this--Light current 10:40, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

How hard is it to quit smoking
Is there any truth to the joke:

''' Quitting cigarettes is easy! I've done it hundreds of times. '''

211.28.178.86 10:24, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Yes--Light current 10:26, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * With apologies, I repeat a very recent entry on this same subject. And believe me - it's no joke.

I haven't smoked for over 20 years since I was told by a Consultant Cardiologist in Scotland that I could either smoke or live, but not both. And that was after having smoked 60 a day for the previous 20 years. The pain of giving up smoking was terrible, but I had only been married for a year or so and the choice was made for me by the doctor and my wife (and my conscience). The above responses do not begin to approach the torture of going without cigarettes. I cannot liken it to giving up anything else including sex, food or booze(I have never used any other recreational drugs by the way). Your behaviour changes to being angry, irrational and moody. Eating and drinking do not satisfy the craving - that's the word - craving. I would not go to bed without making sure I had a full pack of 20 cigarretes in the bedside locker. If I went to the swimming pool, I would have to get out and go to the lockers for a quick smoke. I would smoke in between each course of a three-course-meal and sometimes during the meal itself. I was disgusting, but even knowing that, wasn't enough to stop me smoking. I reckon that at today's prices here in the UK, by not smoking 60 a day of my favourite brand, I have saved over £135,000, around $270,000 over the last 20 years - but I am emphatic in saying that had anyone told me 20 years ago how much money I could save by giving up cigarrets, I would not have been motivated to stop - only my health did that. Finally, in trying to answer to the question posed above, I do not consider myself a non-smoker - I still suffer the most awful withdrawal symptoms, and still say quite sincerely, "I am dying for a smoke", and for that reason, I dare not go into any enclosed space where smoking is permitted. Thank God that Scotland has now banned smoking in public places. I can once again go into pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, restaurants and public transport without the temptation of smoke in the atmosphere.


 * At best, it's a half-joke. -THB 02:03, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Duckworth Lewis method of one day cricket
Can duckworthluis law be used without the completion of 25 over of second inning of the one day cricket match? if it can;then have it ever happened in any of odi?
 * A little clarification may be appropriate here - the questioner is referring to the Duckworth-Lewis method for deciding the target score for the side batting second in a rain-affected one-day match. 'ODI' is one-day international.  As for the answer, this link suggests that the method can be used at any stage of the match - it allows for any number of overs to have been completed.  I don't know if the specific scenario referred to by the questioner has ever happened. --Richardrj talkemail 11:59, 7 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Light Current, why did you make the change you did to the heading for this question? D/L isn't a law, it's a method.  You could, if you wanted, have corrected the whole heading to read "Duckworth-Lewis method in one-day cricket", but just correcting the spelling of the name on its own seems pointless.  --Richardrj talkemail 13:11, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

THe original post said law didnt it? I changed it now. THe point of spelling corrections is so that no one is tempted to make fun of the OP spelling errors. Discussed on the talk page. Sorry I know nothing about cricket as you may have guessed. 8-)--Light current 14:00, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Letters of reference
I am currently working on a motor yacht, privately owned. I have handed in my resignation and given the company a 1 month notice. They are now being funny in that they say they will not give me a writen letter of reference. The said that under a NEW BRITISH law it is either illegal or they cn be sued if any information is incorrect on it. Please advise me of this as i do not believe them and seen as i have worked for them for over a year feel it my right to get a written reference.

Kind Regards Michele Franco


 * This sounds like a legal question. IMO I dont think anyone has a right to a written reference. You could ask them if you could put them down as a referee on you application form for new jobs. THat way they will fill in a form sent by the new company (or maybe just phoned up)--Light current 12:32, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * AFAIK, ex-employers will no longer write a *bad* reference for someone - as they can be sued for libel if what they write prevents their ex-employee from getting a new job (instead, they simply state that they do not wish to write a reference for that particular person). A good reference shouldn't be a problem though. You weren't on the verge of getting sacked or done anything to really piss your boss off, have you? --Kurt Shaped Box 12:39, 7 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Sadly, a good reference could indeed be a problem. Many if not most British companies and institutions are adopting a cripplingly risk-averse attitude towards pretty much everything.  They are terrified of getting sued and will do everything they possibly can to avoid it.  In this case, if they write a good reference for someone, another company hires the person on the basis of that reference and the person turns out to be an idiot (not saying you are, Michele!), the hiring company could well sue the first company for negligence.  So the first company just prefers to protect its position by not giving any reference at all, beyond the bare facts of when the person worked for them and in what capacity.  So, in answer to the question, you will probably not get anything out of them. --Richardrj talkemail 13:05, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Of course, at my place, it was always standard practice to give a good reference to somebody really bad, in the hope that they would move to another department... --Zeizmic 13:24, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * All the above responses are very pertinent to what is happening in British employment nowadays. I worked for the UK Civil Service in a recruiting capacity and was specifically not allowed to offer a job unless a reference was forthcoming irrespective of the quality of the application form/CV/and Interview(s). And yes, you guessed it, I was not allowed to give anyone a reference when or after they left, for all those reasons listed above. The only person in the department allowed to supply a reference stating the bald facts only, was the Human Resources Director, again, irrespective of the outgoing employee's credentials and performance. In fact,if anyone junior to the HRD was found giving even a telephonic reference, it was treated as a serious breach of contract with the possible sanction of dismissal - without a reference of course.


 * I liked the letter of reference in the movie Bartleby, based on the book Bartleby the Scrivener, by Herman Melville of Moby Dick fame. In that movie, Bartleby, who stayed in the office 24 hours a day and stared at a vent in the ceiling, instead of working, was given a letter of reference in hopes that some other company would take him off their hands.  He was said to "always be the first one there in the morning and the last at night", "never wastes time in distracting conversation with coworkers", and had a "single-minded focus and attention to detail". :-) StuRat 17:04, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Reference letters are not as common as they once were because of the threat of lawsuit for bad references. It is standard in the US for a company to only confirm dates of employment and job titles.  However, references are still given informally, over the phone.  Ask your immediate supervisor (not someone in Human Resources) if it would be okay for a prospective employer to call him.  Unless you are sure you will get an absolutely "wonderful" recommendation, don't do this;  a "good" reference is considered bad. Also, do not give the reference until the final stages of the hiring process, when both you and the employer believe that you will be hired barring unknown problems. An alternative might be a peer reference. Good luck!  -THB 02:01, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I was told once that somewhere (in Germany?) a code had developed dressing negative meaning in positive verbiage, like a secret code. For example: "shows initiative" = "does something else than told to do"; "is socially gifted" = "keeps others from their work". It is easy to see how this can lead to miscommunication at both ends if one of the parties is not aware of the code. --Lambiam Talk  11:16, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

More song questions
Who sang an 80's sog that went...

Stop your fussing boy please stiop your fussing for your time will come.

And who sang the 80's song called another day in Eutopia.

Thanks


 * Toni Childs sang "Stop Your Fussing". Dismas|(talk) 14:14, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * There are no songs called "Another day in Eutopia" or "Another day in Utopia" referenced on the internet. -THB 01:55, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * There's an Alphaville album and song called Afternoons in Utopia, though... Also, Phil Collins sang Another Day in Paradise. 惑乱 分からん 07:55, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Posting a new article
Hello, I wrote a new article yesterday and saved the page. How long does it normally take for it to be published? I tried finding the article with the search function and no results appear. Is there something else I'm supposed to be doing in order for it to appear in the encyclopedia? Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by FileHawk (talk • contribs)


 * Err, do you mean the one you put on your userpage, at User:FileHawk ? -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 15:00, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * You don't appear to have succeeded in creating an article. Maybe you didn't click the "Save page" button after you wrote it? Otherwise your article might have been deleted if it wasn't appropriate. What was the title of the article?--Shantavira 15:35, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Oh, I see, maybe I wrote the article that I wanted to post as a Userpage? I went into my contributions tab and the it says User:FileHawk and the article is there. If I want to create an article, all I have to do is search for a term and then from there create the article? The title of the article I want to post is called FileHawk. It is a basic description of a software written in a neutral tone (I was careful about that, I also looked at other software descriptions that are posted). Sorry, I'm really new at the Wikipedia. I use it all of the time for information and research, I wanted to contribute but I'm having a bit of trouble. Thanks for your help. FileHawk 18:12, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * If you're the creator of the FileHawk software, you shouldn't be writing about it (WP:AUTO). Otherwise, follow FileHawk, start the article, sign up for a new user account, and mark the User:FileHawk page for deletion under WP:SPEEDY (using ). EdC 21:41, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Temple of the Vampire
Does anyone have more information about them besides what they say in their webpage? or will I need to buy the bible to find out more...? I read it's a state recognized religion...I think the whole idea is pretty cool, even if it is a hoax, which is the most likely, it's still fun...they did it nicely.--Cosmic girl 15:02, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I think questions about any religion that has half a claim to legitimacy belong at WP:RD/H.  Neon    Merlin   17:32, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

The main thing the Temple of the Vampire seems to be concerned with is maintaining copyright on the Vampire Bible. Thus, two takedown notices: one for Google and one for the Pirate Bay. They also strongly restate their position on their as-yet unused ebay seller's account. The following is a quote from David Kenworth's article The Socio-Religious Beliefs and Nature of the Contemporary Vampire Subculture (Journal of Contemporary Religion; Oct2002, Vol. 17 Issue 3, p355-370):


 * Another anarchical group is The Temple of the Vampire whose adherents also worship the 'undead vampire gods'. According to its Vampire Bible (n.d.), a very expensive 24-page paperback, the modem-day temple is a direct descendant of the Temple of the Vampire Dragon Goddess (the Hekel Tiamut) that supposedly existed in Dr of ancient Sumeria. To achieve the vampiric condition, the prospective vampire must aspire to become accepted into the company of the 'undead vampire gods' and worship them according to the prescribed rituals, undergo various grades of vampire occultism, renounce humanity, and strive to become a predator in every way. Apparently, the 'undead vampire gods' now dwell in some nether world, but once ruled Earth and enslaved mankind like cattle to be their source of nourishment. Religion was created in order to keep humanity docile. An approaching apocalypse and final harvest will see the ancient gods return from exile and in the process, they will destroy most of mankind in a carnage of violence, a massive culling of billions who in dying will feed the gods with their life energy. Hence, the great undead gods will return to Earth and their abodes of power and once again humanity shall bow down and serve them. Although The Temple of the Vampire renounces violence and criminal activity, paid-up members are told to prepare the way and are assured that when the vampire gods return, they will rule over mankind with them.
 * The Temple supposedly exists in the town of Lacey, although its presence there is doubtful (Guinn, 1996: 50-55). Given that the Temple is largely a mail-order organization like The Church of Satan, the lack of an official establishment is hardly a surprise; Lucas Martel, the founder of the Temple of the Vampire, was a member of LaVey's organization. Many contemporary vampires become involved with the Temple for a time, but few continue because they disagree with its brutal world-view and come to believe that it is little more than a money-making scam.

I hope this is some assistance to you. And should want to read the book, there are torrents available or you can buy a legal used copy cheap. Lowerarchy 02:52, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

questions need help.ian

 * 1) why does james bond like his drinks shaken not stirred
 * 2) which body part is the favourite to most women
 * 3) which fruit was not eaten by maya women
 * 4) i had earlier asked who put the first pre historic animal on a tv show n which animal was it.i was told its a dinosaur n by richard orwell..how is this so?

Im quite certain maya women never ate oranges, that is if you mean maya women before they meet europians othervise i suspect theyve eaten everything.


 * As for James Bond, I think that's just a way to show he has extremely discriminating taste, if he can actually tell the difference between the two. StuRat 16:48, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * AS for #2, If your talking about mens bodies, its the wallet area. 8-)--Light current 16:53, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * For #1, it was because the martini culture was being very anal about their martinis being stirred (and not shaken) so it doesn't bruise the liquor. James Bond's pop culture helped in disspelling that, since he likes it shaken, not stirred. --Wirbelwind ヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 17:33, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * You can also look at the shaken, not stirred page. --Wirbelwind ヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 17:36, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * No. 2 is eyes. -THB 01:52, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Pardon my scepticism, but how do you know that, THB? JackofOz 08:02, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I'm pretty sure I remember reading that "eyes" tops out most of the opinion polls run in women's magazines on "Best physical features in a man". GeeJo (t)⁄(c) &bull; 19:01, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * 1.Wikipedia's Martini (cocktail) article suggests that Bond liked his martini's shaken and not stirred because they were vodka martinis. Shaken martinis are shaken with crushed ice in a shaken, and then the ice is strained out so that all that's left is an ice-cold liquid.  "Stirred martinis" are served over ice, which frankly is not my personal preference either.  Apparently Bond and I agree, though I would order the drink as a "vodka martini, straight up, with an olive."  Saying "shaken not stirred" in a bar is pretty much like wearing a tv shirt that says "card me, I'm not legal to drink." 2.Women are generally less predictable when it comes to that sort of thing (IMHO) -- if you asked a man, you'd probably get 50/50 on butt or breasts.  My personal favorite part of a man is the lower back, if he's fit but not too muscular. ;)Dina 20:25, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

This is not a question - it's a big thankyou to you wonderful Wikipedians.

 * I suspect someone will give me short shrift for NOT posing a question here; whilst it is likely that someone else will tell me this should be on the Computing Question Page - but I have chosen to say thankyou here as I think it more a miscellaneous matter. I ordered a new desktop PC today and thought I had asked all the right questions before doing so. Only afterwards did I visit the supplier's website and discover he no longer fits parallel ports, using only USBs instead. And my printer and scanner are both quite old but still working perfectly, and of course, they are fitted with the former. So the supplier invited me to invest about £150 or $300 on new kit that would be fitted with USB ports and cables. But instead, I used Wikipedia and discovered I could buy a USB - Parallel adaptor. I just ordered one online, and spent £6 or $12. You saved me a load of dosh and for that, many thanks to each. Next time I shall be more careful and ask my questions here (or on the Computing page) first.


 * Yeah you could even use some of that saving to make a small donation (If you were so inclined) 8-)--Light current 16:40, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Also, don't do business with that company any more. Any company that would charge you $300 for a $12 fix is either incompetent or dishonest, and either reason is sufficient to shop elsewhere. I would also make a point of letting them know you won't be doing business with them in the future, and why, so they might actually change their ways. And why not "out" them here, so we know not to shop there, as well ? StuRat 16:45, 7 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Because they'd sue us! Or slap us with a DMCA Takedown Notice, because we used their name :) --Zeizmic 17:00, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I assume this is a US thing, so I'm not sure in how far ytou are joking, but if consumers can't tell each other about their experiences with products, then how is the free market system supposed to work? DirkvdM 04:32, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Account receivable and payable with same company
If OK Computer buys a desk from ABC Furniture for $1000 on account, and later sells a computer repair service to ABC Furniture for $1000 on account, it has both an account receivable and payable with the same company. Is there a standard accounting procedure in this case for OK and XYZ to agree that the two debts cancel each other out, with no exchange of cash? Neon   Merlin   17:21, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Note that, depending on the jurisdiction, they may, or may not, still owe taxes as if $2000 had been exchanged, and this may affect the accounting practice. StuRat 17:24, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Not only that, but both companies (in English Law at least) would be in Breach of their respective Contracts, each with the other, in having failed to conclude the essential elements of the contracts, namely, Offer, Unqualified Acceptance, and Consideration (Money). In such a Breach, the Law would not smile upon either of the parties who might subsequently claim the Goods they had received and accepted, and purportedly claimed Title to (but not paid for), were not fit for the purpose specified in the Contract. Fulfilling a Contract in its entirety allows both parties to enjoy the protection of the Law; failing to fulfil makes a mockery of it.


 * Set-off is a very common and accepted practice in English and commonwealth law. I disagree with the above poster's claim that setting-off debts in this way would invalidate a sale of goods agreement. OK Computer has given consideration for the furniture by agreeing to forgive ABC's $1,000 debt for the computer services supplied. Similarly ABC has given consideration for the services by forgiving the debt OK computer owed ABC for the furniture. As tot he accounting procedure you'd have to check the relevant accounting practices in your region. Lisiate 20:43, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * It's called Barter. The benefit is that both companies got something that was worth $1000 to them but both only gave something that was worth $700 (for example). Vespine 01:03, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * No this situation is slightly different. When things are bartered there is a direct exchange of thing A for B. A set-off involves the netting of debts between the two parties involved. The things are sold for a money price but the resulting debts are then netted off against each other. Lisiate 21:18, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Secret Ingredients
This is a topic of much interest for me. I am asking for dishes that employ a secret ingredient that make them incredible.


 * Most commercial food products have secret ingredients, hidden under "natural and artificial flavors". 17:39, 7 November 2006 (UTC)
 * "natural and artificial flavors" does not mean "secret ingredients". It usually means "synthesized flavors", or "chemicals which trigger certain flavor responses in humans", the natural/artificial distinction just refers to whether or not the flavorant is developed using artificial (chemical) means or not (the contents are the same in either case). --Fastfission 11:49, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * If the ingredients are secret, we're not going to tell you our recipies. ;-) --Maelwys 18:19, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * My favourite soft drink is Barr's Ir'n Bru', which is sold as "made from Girders", and also known as "Scotland's ither national drrink", and advertised blatantly as such. The secret recipe ingredient that gives it its livid orange colour and distinctive taste is reputedly known only to a very small clique within the family owners. And then in Yorkshire we have a firm of bakers named Allison who advertise their bread as being better because it is, "Allison's Bread --- the bread wi' nowt taken out."


 * Almost all commercial foods and drinks now have to list their ingredients by law, so there can be no secret ingredients.--Shantavira 19:25, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * That varies extremely from country to country. Most countries don't require any labels whatsoever on alcoholic drinks. Look at a French wine and see what the label says. It may mention that it contains sulfites (or it may not, depending on what country you are in), but it likely doesn't mention that it may contain raw egg white, dried and ground fish bladder, or ground shellfish shells (all fining ingredients, traces of which can't help but remain in the wine after bottling).
 * Dried ox blood was another fining agent (although banned in 1997) which briefly made the news. Our fining article really needs expanding. Rmhermen 05:04, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * When it comes to food, some countries have strict rules but don't have any enforcement. Right now there's a mess going on because about 25 brands of flavoured instant coffee from Asia contain milk not declared on the label and not obvious to the drinker (the products are supposed to contain soy milk powder, not real milk). The investigation began when a couple of people in Vancouver, BC ended up in hospital with anaphylaxis over it. This kind of stuff often happens with processed foods from east and southeast Asia, for some reason. Another problem is misstating the amount of sodium in processed foods like soup, which can be a huge problem for a person with CHF, for instance. -- Charlene 22:58, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * A particularly interesting story of an historic secret ingredient is that of mustard. The Colman's museum, located in Norwich (England) relates the story of Mrs Betty Keen, who in the 18th century devised the secret final ingredient for every batch of her mustard. By the time Colman's took over Keen & Son in 1903, Mrs Keen was long since dead and her secret died with her. Colman's claim the expression "as keen as mustard" derives from the Keen family and the secret ingredient(Some information on Unilever's Colman's page]), although some English language experts believe that the phrase predates this. It is possible that both are correct and that the Keens helped the phrase become popular. --Dweller 21:01, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * In most western countries things like the secret ingredient of Coca-Cola fall under a special law called Trade Secret and therefore are subjec to certain exemptions from other laws like ingredient listings and the like. There are still some things which can not be exempt, like peanuts and MSG and many others which MUST be listed because of health reasons. Vespine 00:45, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I think all the secret ingredient stuff is just marketing hype, but see Coca-Cola formula where all is revealed. (Or is it?...)--Shantavira 18:37, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * When I was growing up there was this brilliant cooldrink called "Crerar's" that was sold in Pietermaritzburg only. I swear it put all other international cooldrinks to shame, and everyone agreed. The legend goes that the only person who knew the secret ingredient was Mrs Crerar, the owner of the company, after her husband died. She would enter her factory with a bottle of the stuff and tell her workers to add a small quantity to each vat. She was told many times to take her product national if not further but she never listened. I wonder if Crerar's is still being sold? Would be interesting to know. Sandman30s 11:52, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

dreaming of things I've never seen or heard of
Hello: I had a curious dream about things I do not know about. I have tried to find answers but really I do not even know where to look. I was told that my dream was about Kabbalistic lessons. I am hoping you can give me some information to point me in the direction of a book or two etc. in order to gain understanding. In the dream I was given a project to do where I was to fix a film that was to have a nature theme but the producer had included women in very little clothing. I went to the book store to get info. and met a women who I somehow knew was Hesetic. I do not know how I knew she was Hesetic because as far as I know Hesetic women do not wear any type of religious clothing other than being modest. She was wearing a head dress that had ribbons that dangled of it, I believe the ribbons were black. In my life I have no knowledge of Hesetic women involved in religious teaching, beyond the raising of the children and the running of the home. In my dream, however; I seemed to know that she could help me or I was at least instantly ready for her to teach me. We sat at a low brass table where she had a gold object that is hard to discribe. This devise symbalized the solar system and she was teaching me nature/the nature of life by moving what I believed where the planets on the object. It looked like a ring on a stand that had rings and balls of different sizes on it (as best as I can remember). I do not remember any of her lessons but I do remember understanding and being surprised at the simplicity.

After I left I went to a old church that looked interesting. A priest let me in and as I entered the small room I noticed that the room was very dark and damp and I could barely differenciate between the stained and moldly status and people. I left! I could fly.

Went back to the book store and found another Hesetic women wearing the same head dress. There may have been a man there too, pretty sure there was. They had a collection of wooden objects that were tall and stood on the table (kind of looked like pepper mills) and I beleieve they represented the planets as well. They were teaching me again and I was thinking I could aford to purchase the wooden set vs. the gold set.

Long story I know but I did not want to leave out details as I do not know which details are necessary since the dream is crazy since I dreamt of things that I have no knowlegde of. That's why I have come to you. Can you help? I appreciate you time. Thank you Ellen Bengston


 * I doubt that Wikipedia editors are especially skilled at dream interpretation, so I'm not sure how much help we can be. I can tell you that I often dream about places I've never been or experiences I've never had. If you are interested in Hasidism, you might want to look at our articles Hasidic philosophy or Hasidic Judaism.  Marco polo 18:44, 7 November 2006 (UTC)
 * As far as science and oneirology is concerned there is no "meaning" or way to "interpret" dreams. I always love more intricate dreams like that. X [' Mac Davis '] ( DESK | How's my driving? ) 21:06, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * I believe that you should consult a Hasidic rabbi. G-d may be calling you to convert to Judaism. -THB 01:48, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

BSG Stick
In the original BattleStar Galatica series, whenever the control stick for the fighters (sorry, forgot what they were called) piloted by the humanlike race was shown, there were three buttons on the stick. One was for the laserlike weapons, and another was for the 'turbo' feature on the engines. What was the other for?

150.134.120.220 19:56, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Don't know about the button, but see Cylon (Battlestar Galactica) for the robots. StuRat 22:04, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * The third button was IM, probably for Inverse Maneuver. For reversing the engines, thereby stopping quickly and flying backwards. Weregerbil 10:49, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * And here I thought they were Instant Messaging each other. :-) StuRat 02:50, 10 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Thanks so much!

64.12.116.133 04:01, 9 November 2006 (UTC)

Is There A Flag Of The Cantonese Language? How About A Flag Of Guangdong?
Thanks.

Jeff.100110100 20:46, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

Chinese provinces seem not to have flags of their own. However, Hong Kong does have a flag. If you needed an icon for Cantonese, you might use that, since Cantonese is the predominant spoken language in Hong Kong. Marco polo 21:13, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * But there official languages are cantonese and english. Philc  TECI 22:50, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

You should also consider that using flags to represent languages is potentially very confusing, as many countries have several languages and many languages are spoken in several countries. See Why you should not use a flag as a symbol of language. Foolip 03:53, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Then there's the fact that Hong Kongers speak Hong Kong Cantonese, which is significantly different than standard Cantonese in some aspects, especially in writing. freshofftheufo  ΓΛĿЌ  01:41, 9 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Very few languages have their own official flags (The flags of the Francophone and Lusophone - i.e., French- and Portuguese-speaking - communities are the only ones I've heard of. There is no Guangdong flag listed at Flags of the World, which is pretty much the best source you're likely to find for such things online. Grutness...wha?  06:00, 10 November 2006 (UTC)

U.S. Navy uniform
my u.s navy uniform does not fit anymore. where do I go to buy a replacement uniform??? fred groehl

Sorry that I can't help you with your question. I did add a heading so that people will see it. You might want to add your own for any future questions. Marco polo 23:34, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Are you still IN the navy? And if not, should you still be wearing it? Perhsps try the costume shop? Wasn't there a sailor in The Village People ;)?? But seriously, if you are ex-navy and you are wearing a navy uniform, aren't you a member of a club or something where you could ask? Vespine 00:37, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * At the PX of course. -THB 01:44, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm guessing you're retired and want to wear it for Veteran's Day parades and such. I'd try a tailor first. They can let out the seams, then add new material, if needed. If you've really gained a lot of weight, then maybe you do need to get a new one. You could ask at a VA office if there is some way to get a replacement (be sure to tell them what it's for). If not, maybe a costume shop wouldn't be a bad idea. StuRat 03:00, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * What about looking through your yellow pages for a local Army/Navy surplus store? Dismas|(talk) 05:51, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Chemicals in Cigarettes
You posted in an earlier thread a link to show the chemicals in cigarettes. Where could I find the chemicals that are in an alternative cigarette? They (Herbal/alternative cigarette company)claim its all natural but wouldn't it be impossible or hard (to smoke)and for it to burn if there weren't chemicals added to the mixture inside? Even though the chemicals are probably in the papers they would still would be too difficult for dried leaves to burn without assistance of at least a couple chemicals wouldn't it?


 * Why do you say that? There are many 'natural' volatile substances that could be used instead of chemicals, saps, waxes and the like, perhaps it uses something like that? Also, don't kid yourself, just because natural substances are used doesn't mean they are less harmful then man made chemicals when you smoke them. Vespine 00:34, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

I don't doubt they are just as bad. Do you know or does anyone know of how to find out the real chemicals or whatever else is used in the alternative cigarettes? I know they were sued a while back for false claims of being healthier and all-natural. BTW, what kind of saps or waxes would make it possible to burn? I never heard of that before.


 * Tobbaco is the dried leaves of the tobbaco plant. One presumes that it wouldn't need anything to make it burn, true? Englishnerd 17:53, 9 November 2006 (UTC)


 * They add chemicals to make it burn evenly. The rings in the paper are for the same purpose. -THB 00:06, 11 November 2006 (UTC)

Natural hair colour
What is the natural hair colour of Iranian and Afghani people? Is it black only or other colour?

What is the natural hair colour of Chinese, Korean and Japanese people?


 * See Hair color —Mitaphane talk 23:58, 7 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Jet black for CJK countries, although I can tell you from experience that some young children in Korea have brown hair. Here's a photo of my hair taken before I was 9 years old. (My hair's black now.) --Kjoonlee 02:08, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * LOL, is it the custom in your country to take pics of each other's hair ? StuRat 02:54, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * The image title says "cropped". Is it a custom in your country to avoid photographing the hair, altogether? @_@ 惑乱 分からん 07:48, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

Your question seems to be about a certain age group. I'm certain that many older Iranians and Afghans have white or grey hair, achieved through the natural process of ageing. JackofOz 07:57, 8 November 2006 (UTC)

manga and anime differences
why are some anime different from the manga they originated from like Beyblade and B-Daman?The people make the characters look different and they change the characters stories and sometimes,they have characters the characters that existed in the anime but not and vice-versa!And im not talking about filler-arc characrters,im talkin bout main characters that appear throughout the story.Thanks for answering!


 * Like many fictional works that jump artforms, the people who work the manga aren't the same from the people who work on the anime(e.g. Rumiko Takahashi did not work on the Ranma ½ anime series). They are different artists with different visions. Furthermore, sometimes a direct translation between artforms isn't workable. For example, often times books that are turned into movies have to be altered to fit a 2 hour format. —Mitaphane talk 00:08, 8 November 2006 (UTC)
 * This was actually a question on one of AnimeNation's recent recent Ask John columns. See http://animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=1427 . Ironfrost 12:09, 8 November 2006 (UTC)