Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 May 24

= May 24 =

observation
How can I be more observant? sumal (talk) 00:41, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * You might take study carefully the writings of Sherlock Holmes (as reported, of course, in the stories of Dr. Watson) on Holmesian deduction and observation. Assuming this is the sort of observation you mean. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 03:20, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Mormon Dress Code
If I become a Mormon will I have to wear a tie? 71.231.121.77 (talk) 02:10, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * All the time? Of course not. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 03:21, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * However, see Temple garment.  Corvus cornix  talk  03:29, 24 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Not all the time, of course, but I suspect you would be expected to a wear a tie at least some of the time, maybe even a lot of the time. Here in Berlin I can recognize the Mormon missionaries 100 feet away because they are probably the only young men in the entire city wearing slacks, suit jackets, white button-down shirts, and ties. At a distance of 2 feet away my suspicions are confirmed when I see their nametags reading "Elder Johnson" or "Elder Smith", which I find amusing because these kids look about 20 years old and I can't help but think, "elder than who"? —Angr 08:17, 25 May 2008 (UTC)
 * No, no, Angr, it means they all have the same first name, ; )  Julia Rossi (talk) 10:24, 25 May 2008 (UTC)
 * There are other subtribes who are all named Pine, Elm and so on. —Tamfang (talk) 05:39, 29 May 2008 (UTC)


 * You can generally tell Mormon missionaries because they're young men, travelling in pairs, riding bicycles, in white shirts and black pants with black ties, wearing bicycle helmets.  Corvus cornix  talk  04:45, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

I feel a distinction should be made between a member OF the LDS (Mormon) Church and a full-time missionary FOR the LDS Church. (Not all members are full-time missionaries.) Members essentially dress like any other person, although we strive for modesty in our dress and appearance. We are encouraged to wear our "Sunday Best" when attending church meetings or visiting the temple. LDS Missionaries, on the other hand, are considered ambassadors of the Church, and as such, wear "Sunday Best" every day. This would mean shirts and ties for the boys and dresses (or blouses and skirts) for the girls. Also, as you probably have already inferred, "Elder" is a reference to an office in the priesthood (like Bishop, Priest, or Deacon) rather than an assertion of age or seniority. (I performed my missionary service in Spain.) Kingsfold (talk) 19:35, 15 October 2009 (UTC)

Ipod Touch Downgrading
When I try to downgrade my ipod touch it comes up with "an unknown error has occured (5)"I am trying to downgrade my ipod touch from firmware 1.1.4 to firmware 1.1.1 and it comes up with that error. I have downloaded the 1.1.1 software. What I am doing is when I am in Itunes with the Ipod summary I click restore (while holding shift), select the 1.1.1 firmware and then it comes up with that error!! Is there something I'm doing wrong? PLEASE HELP!!!!!! 220.233.83.26 (talk) 09:23, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

What does rooibos tea taste like?
Hi, what does rooibos tea taste like? Can it be minty? Is it sweet? Thanks in advance. :) --Kjoonlee 09:25, 24 May 2008 (UTC)
 * OR: I drink it quite often and it's not minty but slightly sweeter than ordinary tea. Zain Ebrahim (talk) 09:54, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Personally, I find it a little less -- I want to say bitter, but I'm not sure if that's the right word. I'm gonna say it anyway. A little less bitter than black tea. It's definitely got less bite; it's a softer taste. -- Captain Disdain (talk) 11:43, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Milder than normal black tea. I get a hint of the smell of cardboard or paper. William Avery (talk) 12:22, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Actually I find it softer, bitter, and a bit sweet. Its very good morning tea. Especially for those groggy mornings. Have good day. I hope that I have been of some help.Rem Nightfall (talk) 16:45, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * Sweet, soft, somewhat fruity. Not minty. Not bitter, unless you prepared it incorrectly. --98.217.8.46 (talk) 17:21, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

sports medicine in karate
I learn karate in India.Please help me What I do and do not physicial training —Preceding unsigned comment added by 121.247.131.199 (talk) 11:28, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Good day sir or madam. Would it be kind of you to please specify what you are trying to say. I know that you are from India and it may be a bit hard, but I have patience and I am willing to help you. I hope I can help.Rem Nightfall (talk) 16:43, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * Nightfall: "I have patients" = "I am a medical practitioner", or "I have patience" = "I can wait without becoming agitated"? SaundersW (talk) 17:16, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Sorry. My mistake I didn't mean to do that. Patience, I meant patience. lol! Sorry about the screw up. Now I confused the whole world. Thank you for pointing that out though. I appreciate it greatly.Rem Nightfall (talk) 17:25, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * See karate. You should only learn this art from a qualified professional. They will tell you what type of physical training you need.--Shantavira|feed me 18:49, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * According to this [] you should work slowly at developing calluses without cutting your skin. Your trainer should know how to do that.  If not you may have to look for a more qualified place, maybe. --Lisa4edit (talk) 04:44, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

Cure the Disease Doctor
Good day ladies and gents.I have watched and read many articles about how we are going to cure disease and everyone will stay in healthy condition. About how our lives will be extended and disease will not ravish us. But disease is life and life always find a way. There is no way that we will be able to cure all disease and even if we cure all disease, disease will find a way. Won't it? And if that is the case then why aren't the scientist, that are looking to cure all disease, looking far into the future? Why aren't they saying that the disease might come back? Why aren't they looking into that scenario as well? What if disease came back. Why aren't they looking into those questions? Thank you all for your time in answering this question. And have a good day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 15:55, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall
 * Well it is scientists' endeavor to fight and minimize the effect of diseases. Already improvements in medical science have made life less disease-prone for people and increased life-spans. May be we will never be completely disease-free, but that shouldn't hamper our endeavour to fight disease. I hope that answers your question. ReluctantPhilosopher (talk) 16:55, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * I believe that your assumption that doctors aren't concerned about the possibility of eradicated diseases coming back is quite simply false. That said, "life will always find a way" isn't a very accurate way of looking at it either -- if we look at something like smallpox, which has been completely eradicated from nature, it's gone. It will not suddenly "find a way" to come back, any more than dodos will. That's not to say that smallpox couldn't be encountered in the form of a biological attack, of course, and the virus itself still exists in laboratory conditions for research purposes. But there's effectively no chance of it suddenly popping up somewhere in the world just by itself. Also, I think the assumption that all diseases are going to be destroyed is also false. It's unlikely that this will ever happen, and if it did, it wouldn't do us any favors. A little disease is a good thing; it keeps our immune systems healthy and active. There's a big difference between learning to control diseases and eradicating them. -- Captain Disdain (talk) 17:19, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Thank you all for the clearing up of the situation. I understand what you mean and the smallpox example was helpful. I guess sometimes I misunderstand things. I appreciate the information greatly. Have a wonderfully positive day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 17:32, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

Electric lawn mower
Any suggestions for a electric lawn mower? I'm thinking of a medium-price tool, around $300, maybe. --76.197.29.29 (talk) 16:31, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Good day sir or madam. A quick search of my own and I found two reasonably priced electric lawn mowers or I should say something that fits your budget. They have at Amazon.com a Black and Decker Lawn Hog 18-inch 12 amp for 214.89. At Tyler Tool Co. they have a Black and Decker LM175 18" Electric lawn mower for 168.95. I hope I have provided you with some help. Have a positively wonderful day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 16:42, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * Thanks for your help, but I was seeking personal opinion. Better yet, an evaluation of the "pro-and-con" effects of an electric mower would be better. A great day to you, too. :) --76.197.29.29 (talk) 16:51, 24 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Personal opinion; buy a petrol lawnmower. Unless you have a very small lawn, an electric mower is a pain in the grass. Fribbler (talk) 17:22, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Oh I see,then if you want opinion. I agree with Fribbler. My only concern is that gas has gotten pricer over the years. Well I am off now. Hope I helped a little.Rem Nightfall (talk) 17:29, 24 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * Unless your lawn extends a great deal from any outlets, an electric weed eater with a long extension cord can be nice. Using one can almost feel like painting.  I can't really give any advice about brand, but I suspect there aren't major differences between manufacturers.  Maybe try Consumer Reports.  --Prestidigitator (talk) 19:20, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * I've used a 1.4 kW, 12.5kg electric lawnmower (Victa I think) with 50m of extension cords. After years of petrol ones I prefer it; of course I wasnt cutting huge lawns. The 24cm cutting width means more going back and forth. It provides continuous power wherever the blades are not just on the power stroke. The only maintainance has been sharpening the blades and unjamming after going into wild long grass. The really good bit that I hadn't realised before trying one is stopping and starting the mower; I stop the mower when pedestrians pass or to move junk out the way. Also, you can transport and store it without petrol fumes. I still use earmuffs even though I used the quietest model.  In Australia "Choice" magazine had a trial of various types.  Overall I much prefer the electric mower. Polypipe Wrangler (talk) 22:42, 24 May 2008 (UTC)


 * With the rising price of gasoline, my wife has been more and more strongly urging us to get a grass-powered lawnmower. In particular, she's looking at this model or this model. But I'm a bit concerned about what our suburban neighbors will think. ;-). Personally, I'll buy a battery-powered electric when they have enough power to properly bag the clippings (and the autumn leaves).


 * Atlant (talk) 16:30, 27 May 2008 (UTC)