Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 May 27

= May 27 =

Missing Monsters
Things like bigfoot, the skunk ape, and sasquatch, if they live in the USA, why don't the Pentagon and Congress get involved? JeanLatore (talk) 01:42, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Why would they? Nobody has even been able to prove that they exist, so it's a moot point.  Dismas |(talk) 02:51, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Or a moo point, as Joey would say 125.21.243.66 (talk) 06:24, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Even if they do exist, they don't seem to be causing any threat to national security. Why would the Pentagon care about some extremely rare primate?


 * Perhaps if they could be proved to exist the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife would be interested in protecting them as an endangered species? APL (talk) 13:02, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Unless they all vote for Ralph Nader to secure their biotope they will cryptically but zoologically survive, as they have done for millennia on the remote Island of woMan. I believe that the US census sheets have no checkboxes for ethnicities of skunk simians, even if the current president...  However, I seem to digress.  --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 18:18, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Haven't you ever seen The_X-Files? The Pentagon have been involved for years! Mike 87.113.106.125 (talk) 18:32, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Good evening sir or madam. Creatures such as Bigfoot and Chucabra(spelled wrong I think) I believe are part of town folk hoaxes. To get more tourist or something like that. At least that is what I've heard from articles and documentaries. Now I don't believe them. I watched maybe a little to much science fiction, but I believe they are real and the government is hiding them in Area 51. Just like I don't believe Area 51 is really testing new planes out like they say. I think the planes are decoy for what is underneath. Like I said don't take my word to much science fiction. Have a positively wonderful evening. I hope I have at least entertained you and helped maybe just a little. Cause life like that needs a little imagination. :) Rem Nightfall (talk) 01:21, 28 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

last will and testaments
How do I get a copy of my great uncles last will and testament from 1967 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.3.165.17 (talk) 01:59, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Ask a lawyer. --hydnjo talk 02:42, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * If you are in the UK your local Probate Office may be a good starting point. They do nothing but checking the validity and execution of wills. Richard Avery (talk) 16:05, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * This does not constitute legal advice: If you mean he died in 1967 (as opposed to drew up the will in 1967 and is still alive) and he was a U.S. resident, then the will is typically produced after he dies, and in states I am familiar with it is filed at that time at the county records office. Edison (talk) 23:46, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

Book of stories printed on cardboard - history
I have in front of me a book entitled "ADVENTURE CALLING! Action on Land and Sea, 18 complete stories". This book was printed by the Johnston Cardboard Box Co of Auckland, New Zealand.

My query is not only do I not know what year it was printed (I am assuming sometime WWII-ish), but also I was wondering if there is any history about the company available. Having searched the net quite extensively, I can't find any cardboard box company that did any book printing during the 1940's/1950's.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Cheers

Twyla Burt (Second Hand Book Dealer in Napier, New Zealand) email address removed —Preceding unsigned comment added by 218.101.45.166 (talk) 04:57, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I've removed the email address; it is not advisable to display your email address on these pages. Moreover, we supply answers on this page, and do not reply personally. If you wish to have email options, then you can always set up an account. Gwinva (talk) 05:13, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Many older books were published without a date. The abbreviation n.d. (no date) was invented specifically to indicate this in citations. Unfortunately the Internet has relatively little information about defunct companies. I suggest you trawl the local history archives in Auckland library, or give them a call.--Shantavira|feed me 08:35, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * I second that, the Auckland Research Centre at the Central Library is very good, they may have info on the publications of the company, they certainly have business directories from the period that would show address, period of operation and perhaps more info on the company or its advertisements Mhicaoidh (talk) 09:34, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Passenger Car Tyres
I want to know the height of the threads of a brand new passenger car tyre —Preceding unsigned comment added by 118.92.119.178 (talk) 06:46, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * I think what you might be looking for is a "tread depth gauge". Like this one, for example . If you don't want to go to the trouble of buying a gadget, you can also DIY a makeshift gauge.  If you are talking of the actual thickness of the rubber tread, asking the tire manufacturer would be your best bet.  --71.236.23.111 (talk) 07:33, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Different cars have different 'profile' tyres, which will also alter the amount of tread they have. The depth of the tread will vary from tyre model to tyre model but according to this site usually new tyres are around 9mm in depth, while the minimum level for road-use is 1.6mm (in the UK) http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/tread_depth.asp 194.221.133.226 (talk) 10:10, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Since you're asking about brand new tires, it should be easy to get the answer. The initial tread depth is a standard tire specification.  It should be listed on the manufacturer's web site (wherever they keep the detailed specs), or on a good retailer's web site (like Tire Rack).  Here in the U.S., tread depth is usually quoted in units of 1/32 of an inch.  (And 1.6mm, as cited by the IP above, is 2/32 inch, exactly the legal limit in many U.S. states.)  -- Coneslayer (talk) 12:30, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Question
What's the name of that fuzzy/baggy feeling that your leg gets if you sit at a computer for too long? Interactive Fiction Expert/Talk to me 08:03, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Pins and needles, I call it, although that link is a redirect to the proper medical term. --Richardrj talkemail 08:39, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Paresthesia or "heavy legs" or "circulation to the leg cut-off". When describing the situation to someone else, one might say "My leg fell asleep." --71.236.23.111 (talk) 08:51, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Formication maybe? Or the feeling of insects crawling on the skin. WTucker (talk) 17:50, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

>The cat? 200.127.59.151 (talk) 22:35, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * That explains the "pins and needles" effect very nicely. Reinforced feline service request! --71.236.23.111 (talk) 23:43, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

An environmental studies related question
Why were the nilgiris in South India selected by the government to be the first National Bioreserve? 220.224.98.54 (Talk)
 * The article The Nilgiris District gives a few reasons as to why they would have chosen the area, particularly in terms of its flora and fauna. Fribbler (talk) 20:04, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Hold water
Could the hypothesis that the Count of St. Germain, Napoleon, and hitler are all the same person. Furthermore, has anyone written such a book, or any book, fact or fiction, that proposes that various people in history were in fact the same person? Thanks 82.3.147.16 (talk) 16:58, 27 May 2008 (UTC)Zionist
 * I suppose that reincarnation would let you advance that thesis, though you shouldn't expect to be taken at all seriously. As for the book, throwing in "fact or fiction" made me chuckle.  There's a knuckleheaded book about nearly anything you care to imagine, and this is probably no different. &mdash; Lomn 17:59, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Yes but Lomm, if you read count of Saint Germain or wandering Jew you will see why i wish to make this conection without reincarnation —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.3.147.16 (talk) 18:09, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * You're right, I should have read more carefully. Napoleon and the Count lived concurrently, so it's definitely a load of hogwash. &mdash; Lomn 21:13, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * The death of Napoleon is pretty well attested, and his body still around. It's hard to come up with a plausible scenario that allowed him to be also Hitler, even if old-age wasn't an issue. DJ Clayworth (talk) 20:10, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Hitler falls quite a bit short of Napoleon's military genius. Plus if former had been the reincarnation of the latter, you'd think he'd remember his prior venture into Russia. Clarityfiend (talk) 20:50, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Chevrolet Blazer auto repair
I have an '94 S10 Chevy Blazer 4 wheel drive and I need to replace the speedometer cable. I cannot find where the cable attaches to the transmission. Can you help?68.22.255.4 (talk) 17:19, 27 May 2008 (UTC)Ray
 * My suggestion would be to get a factory service manual. They cover everything as far as maintenance is concerned.  They run about $100+.  If you don't feel like spending that much, I'd try either a Haynes or Chiltons manual which you can pick up at most any auto parts store for about $10.  They may even be available at your local library, depending on the size of the library of course...  Dismas |(talk) 18:01, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Naive question: has this vehicle definitely got a speedometer cable? 1994 is already into the period where mechanically-driven speedometers were becoming passe; my 1991 Audi 200 TQ already had an electronically-driven speedometer. One clue that the drive isn't mechanical is that the speedometer (and odometer) will still give you a valid reading when you are driving in reverse gear.


 * Atlant (talk) 18:05, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * This link which describes how to change the clutch on a '97 S10 mentions removing the cable. So it's probable that the '94 has one as well.  Dismas |(talk) 18:43, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Blind the Facts
Good day gents and ladies. I have a curious thought itching at my toes. Its about blindness. I've read the article blindness first to see if my curiosity would be cured, but it wasn't. Why do those who suffer from blindness have their eyes closed? Do all of those who suffer from blindness have their eyes closed? Thank you for taking your time to answer my question. I greatly appreciate it. I hope you have wonderfully joyful and positive day.Rem Nightfall (talk) 21:04, 27 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * Nope. A blind friend of mine keeps his open for social purposes, but says that the natural tendency goes toward closed.  There are some that have lost the ability in the course of what caused their blindness, though. --Lisa4edit (talk) 21:23, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. I would like to ask, why is that the natural tendency toward close?Rem Nightfall (talk) 22:06, 27 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * I'd assume it's simply because keeping the eye open requires muscle tension to pull the eyelid up. If you let the levator palpebrae superioris muscle relax (and if you're completely blind, there's little to remind you not to), the eyelid falls down.  —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 00:56, 28 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Blind persons tend to close their eyelids.
 * Popes tend to have their fly zipped up.
 * The reason is identical: They can´t deploy the organ for its natural purpose.
 * The difference seems to be that popes don´t wear trousers, but as this was not part of the question, it qualifies as a bonus morsel from the collected wisdom of the reference desk. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 23:32, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

I'm not following your answer Cookatoo. I understand it, but with the bits of pope jokes I'm not following it very well. Is there a better way of answering the question without pope jokes? Even so why does it happen?Rem Nightfall (talk) 00:39, 28 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall


 * If an organ, for whatever reason, is dysfunctional it - and the associated cerebral infrastructure - atrophies. The brain does not service millions of neurons which are dormant.  This applies, inter alia, to the organs of reproduction after menopause.
 * My papal simile was simply a hyperbolic tool. I apologise for any irritation it may have caused.
 * May the night not fall on you, Rem. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 01:10, 28 May 2008 (UTC)


 * A closed eye is less likely to get dry and itch. —Tamfang (talk) 07:18, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the clearing that up. Now I understand some more. It didn't cause me any irritation I mind you. I was merely confused. You'll find that I am a good natured person it takes me a very long time to get me irritated. And my name is like a person name. :) Though I enjoy May the night not fall on you. Rem is the first name and Nightfall is the last name. Its my pen name when I write my comics, of course comics are for hobby =D Rem Nightfall (talk) 01:16, 28 May 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

bamboo
I was given a bamboo plant for mothers day and I would like to replant it in a different pot how do I do this. what potting soil do I use or someone told me just rock and water. help! wizardsmom —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wizardsmom (talk • contribs) 21:33, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Here is a short little article on growing bamboo indoors. . hope this helps --Nick910 (talk) 21:51, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Did you get real bamboo or lucky bamboo? If you got lucky bamboo, then water and marbles in a vase/jar would be the way to go. --Wirbelwind ヴィルヴェルヴィント  (talk) 02:30, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Wood Burning Vehicle
Is there a vehicle or ever been a vehicle that uses wood as fuel besides steam engines? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.119.61.7 (talk) 22:25, 27 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Steam cars & steamboats (assuming that by steam engines, you mean steam railway locomotives). And they normally use coal, presumably because its energy density exceeds that of wood. --Tagishsimon (talk) 22:27, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * This article is about a Serbian man who converted his Yugo to run on the gas produced from partial combustion of wood. Fribbler (talk) 22:42, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * We also have an article on wood gas generators. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 01:08, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Loans
When one takes out a loan online, you usually have to select an option from a "purpose" form. If one receives the loan and later decides to use it for a different purpose, is this illegal? Do banks follow up on such things? (I took one out for a car, but I realised I'd rather spend the money on doing up the house...) 86.137.57.37 (talk) 22:58, 27 May 2008 (UTC)
 * You should check then terms of the loan. Whether criminal or not, the lender could perhaps have cause for a civil suit.  --Nricardo (talk) 00:17, 28 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Agreed. It is not a question of legal/illegal in a criminal sense, it is a question of whether you are honouring the terms of the contract between you and the lender. You should check the terms and conditions of the loan and, if in any doubt, ask the lender. The purpose of the loan is often a factor in determining how much a lender will lend to you and at what rate. An application for an unsercured loan is more likely to be successful if you intend to use the money to purchase a specific transferrable asset. This is because if you default, it is easier for the lender to repossses your new car than to repossess your Caribbean cruise. Using the loan for different purpose than the one you declared without letting the lender know could be construed as withholding material information. Even if you have good reasons for changing your mind, this could still lead to the lender increasing your interest rate or withdrawing the loan completely if it came to light. Gandalf61 (talk) 15:16, 28 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Original research: when I recently completed paperwork for a loan, said paperwork included signing a statement acknowledging that the FBI investigates and prosecutes mortgage fraud. I would not consider it safe to assume that what you've suggested is not a criminal matter.  Rather, consult with a mortgage professional and ask.  Learning whether or not such behavior is grounds for trouble is certainly not prohibited behavior. &mdash; Lomn 19:36, 28 May 2008 (UTC)