Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2009 July 23

= July 23 =

Font of Adler cars' logo
What is name of the font used at Adler's advertisement, for example here: http://www.cartype.com/pics/174/small/adler_stromform_brochure.jpg --85.23.6.84 (talk) 08:02, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * You may like to try this site or one of many others you will find by Googling 'font identifier'. I haven't tried it, so I don't know how good/bad it is, but you can give it a go. --KageTora - (영호 (影虎)) (talk) 10:11, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * It's bad and most sites like that are bad. They do a horrible job. Avoid them! You are better off answering somewhere like this where people who know fonts or are willing to wade through them reside. The automatic ones just don't do a good job at all. --98.217.14.211 (talk) 12:53, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Wow "economical, fast, roomy, economical (again) and streamlined" - I must get one of those. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:36, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Try Futura Eugenia. Fribbulus Xax (talk) 11:57, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * It's Futura Black. (Futura Eugenia is a re-styled version of Futura Black done in the 1980s). --98.217.14.211 (talk) 12:57, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

BBC iPlayer
Is it possible to watch BBC iPlayer from outside the UK using a UK-based proxy, and if so, how? --KageTora - (영호 (影虎)) (talk) 10:08, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Yes, I know people who do it. But I don't know how, sorry. Vimescarrot (talk) 10:56, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Subscribe to a UK proxy and set it up in your webbrowser? You can also use a VPN or something similar although that would usually affect your entire connection. I would only sign up for a month at first so you can try it Nil Einne (talk) 12:43, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

where is 62n 43w
tbc —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mobilemickey (talk • contribs) 13:58, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Greenland. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 14:03, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

Height of mountains
If sea levels rise by hundreds of feet in the next century due to global warming, will all of the world's peaks be officially shortened by a like amount? Wouldn't the air pressure at the top increase slightly, making ascents easier? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.55.214.92 (talk) 16:04, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * The current sea level rise is measured in millimeters per year; if the sea level rises by "hundreds" of feet in the next century then I don't think anybody will be in a state to care about the fluctuation of this measurement. I don't have any math to back this up, but the air pressure at the top would indeed rise slightly, though the rise would be so slight that it would not be significant with regards to your ease of ascent.  If the seas were to rise by 200 feet and you're at the altitude formerly known as 20,000 feet, then the air pressure would approximate what it used to be at 19,800 feet.  Actually it would be less, because of the volume increase needed to fill the larger space of a larger sphere.  (It takes more atoms to cover the sphere that is the outside of an orange /than/ to cover the sphere that is the inside of the orange's peel.)  Tempshill (talk) 16:55, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * According to our article on sea level rise, the IPCC currently estimates a maximum sea level rise of 880mm, or about 3 feet by 2100. So the atmospheric pressure increase on top of mt everest will be minuscule.  Googlemeister (talk) 16:56, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * By then they will have built a paved road to the top of Everest, which ought to make things easier. Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots 23:29, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Maybe not, since we are likely to run out of asphalt. Marco polo (talk) 00:19, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * And it is not too likely that your standard car would have the ability to run at such low air pressure and oxygen. Googlemeister (talk) 14:41, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * The IPCC's estimates are rather conservative; more recent estimates have produced figures of 2 metres of sea level rise or more possible by 2100, especially if places like West Antarctic Ice Sheet start melting. Likewise, melting of glaciers could cause some mountain peaks to become "lower". ~ A H  1 (TCU) 04:04, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

Need knowledge about car repairs
92 Pontiac Bonneville - the SES light was on and he said that it can be two things: 1 - "loose connector" 2 - "camshaft position sensor magnet" If the magnet is fine, then he will charge me $220 including labor. If the magnet is not fine, he will charge me $550 including labor.

The mechanic says that if I don't replace magnet if it is broken, he said that it could go into "stall condition".

Please Help! He is talking Greek to me and I don't know what this means! --Reticuli88 (talk) 17:38, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * We've got some excellent car people here, and I hope they're able to help out, but here are my two cents: ask the mechanic to explain. He's the one you'll be paying and he's got the most knowledge about the situation.  Get him to walk you through why the costs are what they are (is it a $300 part or is there additional labor, for instance).  Have him explain what the consequence of a "stall condition" is.  And if he won't, go to a mechanic who will.  Getting an independent opinion is never a bad plan, but a good mechanic won't leave you in the dark. &mdash; Lomn 18:12, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Whilst seconding Lomn's advice, here's a useful article on the meaning of an SES light. In short the SES light illuminates when the onboard computer gets out-of-range data from a sensor. The car will do one of two things in such a situation: continue to work whilst illuminating the Service Engine Soon (SES) light; or else in addition to the SES lamp illumination, behave erratically - such as by running roughly or stalling - as a result of the out-of-range data. The "stall position" to which the mechanic refers is a condition in which the engine literally stalls as a result of, for instance, ignition timing being affected by bad data coming from the crankshaft (so that, for instance, the ignition system is being led to believe that the piston is in position A, ready for ignition, when in fact it is in position B, not ready for ignition.) By way of example, here is a General Motors recall notice discussing this very issue. As to the costs, other than doing the work yourself, your only option is to shop around. At first glance the costs do not seem to be wildly unreasonable; a loose connection should take less work and fewer parts than having to open up the crank case to get at the internals, and/or replace the entire sensor. --Tagishsimon (talk) 18:33, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * One thing you can do by yourself is to disconnect the battery for a minute or two to reset and then start the engine to see if the light comes back on. Works not on all cars and models but you could give it a shot.If it stays on I would follow Tagishsimon's advise. --The Magnificent Clean-keeper (talk) 20:52, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

Going to America from England
Assuming I've never left England since birth, what would I have to do to get to America for a visit? I don't necessarily want you to give me all the info (though that would be great!); if you don't want to, could you tell me who I'd ask or where I'd go to find out how to do this? Vimescarrot (talk) 18:04, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

You'll need a current Uk Passport, you'll need to go here (http://www.visabureau.com/america/esta-visa.aspx) and complete a Electronic System for Travel Authorization as the UK is in the 'visa waiver program' for the US. All this assumes you mean the USA when you say America - if you want to go beyond the borders of the US (e.g. Canada, Mexico, any of South America) you'll need to check the requirements for those countries. Essentially go to the 'tourist info' website of the country you want to visit they'll detail what you need to do to gain entry to the country. The US doesn't (or didn't last time I went) charge for entry to the country - unlike places such as Turkey (at least when I went) and Mexico. ny156uk (talk) 18:11, 23 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Sorry, yes, USA. Thank you. Vimescarrot (talk) 18:24, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * You also need to be able to persuade the immigration officer that you're really there to visit, and not planning on staying forever, making yourself a financial burden on the state, and working illegally. Mostly that just entails a return ticket, a credit card, and enough currency or travellers cheques to support yourself. In practice if you have a valid (for a year or so) passport, a return ticket, and don't look like a drug addict you'll find entry into the US entirely routine. That visa waiver program that Ny156uk mentioned (wherein you fill out an I-94W form on the plane) gives you 90 days; if you need more then you do need to apply for a US visa (which can be done by post; your local AA shop or travel agent can help a lot) and does cost (but not very much). 87.114.144.52 (talk) 19:40, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * On a side note, (if not outdated and I don't believe so) you should be able to give a destination where you will stay (at least initially) if possible. Can be a hotel reservation or private address like from a friend or family.--The Magnificent Clean-keeper (talk) 19:59, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * I second the Magnificent Clean-keeper. When I went to Florida a few months ago, I was blindsided when customs asked for my destination address. I had to call my dad to look it up for me, and as it was 6:30am, he wasn't too pleased. Make sure you have it written down and handy. Cherry Red Toenails (talk) 21:01, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Border officials almost always ask "What is the purpose of your visit?" Assuming that you want to have a look around, the best answer is "sightseeing" or "a holiday"  (the American word is "vacation", but I'm sure they understand "holiday").  What they do not want to hear, and what could cause you trouble, would be to say that you want to look for work or are thinking of living here.  (I'm in the States.)  For those purposes, you would need a residence visa.  The next question is usually "How long will you be here?"  If it's a week or less, they may ask to see your return ticket and will probably move right on to "Where will you be staying?"  They will want the address and the nature of the establishment, for example a hotel or a friend's house.  If you are staying longer than a week or so, they will want to know how you are going to pay for your visit and maybe want to see some evidence that you have enough money to cover it.  (Couldn't hurt to bring a bank statement if you plan to use ATMs.)  They may also ask if there will be any other stops on your trip.  Those are the usual questions.  When you get through the border officials (officially known as "Immigration"), your next stop will be the customs desk.  Unless you are bringing in alcohol, tobacco, thousands in cash, or valuables that you intend to sell or give away, you have "nothing to declare" to customs.  They still might select you for a spot check and pull you aside to look through your luggage.  Don't worry about it unless you are carrying something you don't want them to see (which is a bad idea in the first place.)


 * Obviously, you will also have to purchase a ticket (typically a plane ticket) to get across the ocean. You will need to show your passport to the staff before boarding the plane (or ship).  Marco polo (talk) 22:57, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * (Edit conflict) I can reiterate the importance of having an exact destination address, or at least a hotel name, for the immigration form you fill out on the plane. I read a newspaper column written by a Canadian who didn't have the exact address of the house he was to stay at in New York. The immigration officer got all fussy, he snapped back and the next thing he knew he was in a holding cell being threatened with arrest or a permanent ban from the U.S. That's another thing -- don't talk back to the immigration officers. Oh, and remember that in the U.S., you're supposed to tip waiters 15-20%, and if you don't, people will think you're a real jerk. The waiters are paid less than minimum wage because the law assumes people will tip them 15-20%. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 23:01, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * One more point: the US (like many countries) will not let you bring a range of foodstuffs into the country. Bovril is banned, for instance, whilst Marmite is fine. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:37, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Yes, Bovril is a meat product, and those are pretty much out. You can't bring in haggis, for example.  Marmite is OK, because there are no special regulations about adhesives.  PhGustaf (talk) 23:44, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * About tipping waiters, what Mwalcoff says is basically true. The same is true for cab drivers and barbers, by the way.  There is an exception, though.  If service is poor, you can tip less, like 10%.  If service is terrible (they forget your order or spill things on you and don't apologize) you are entitled not to tip at all.  Marco polo (talk) 00:16, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Um, let's be a little careful here. You tip cabbies and barbers -- but not 15%.  Knowing just how much to tip is tricky, but they don't usually get tipped at waiter rates. I usually tip the barber a buck or two on an $18 haircut, and I'm always just guessing in cabs because I don't take them much. --Trovatore (talk) 10:00, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * I never tip nothing at all. If I think the service is abominable, I leave a penny, so they know I didn't just forget.  Who then was a gentleman? (talk) 01:47, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * So long as you're coming on a well-planned holiday trip - you have money and passport, some place to stay and a plane ticked home with a firm return date - they're going to let you in.  You can make the entry easy on yourself by having all of that information written down and tucked into your passport (you're going to be tired, confused and jetlagged).  For don't attempt humor with the customs and immigration people - they don't seem to like it.  For chrissakes NEVER tell them you plan to work here...even if it is obviously a business trip, tell them you're going to a sales conference or something where you aren't earning money.


 * Don't bring food or anything in any way "iffy" through customs/immigration. There are some things that are allowed - but a confusing and complicated list of things that aren't - so bring nothing.   I once came over on a business trip on which my boss brought a sandwich with him in his briefcase because he doesn't like airline food - and didn't eat it on the plane.   When the sniffer dog got excited about it - I sailed through immigration and customs - then had to sit in the arrivals hall for 90 minutes while my boss as pulled out of line and left sitting around alone in a windowless room for an hour for no readily apparent reason!  There are worse horror stories - but they are very VERY rare.


 * Just be polite and as helpful as you can be - and it'll go smooth as silk.


 * Strong advice: Bring credit cards - most UK cards work OK here and they are the only way to pay for hotel and rental car - they literally won't take a cheque - they won't even take cash! Visa and Mastercard credit cards work in cash dispensers - everywhere takes them.  I almost never use cash anymore. SteveBaker (talk) 02:08, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Probably best to avoid certain topics when talking to Mr. Customs Man; such as your recent release from prison; your side business as a drug smuggler; and your "friend" who knows Osama bin Laden personally. Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots 05:47, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Or the fact that you were a Nazi spy between 1933 and 1945? AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 07:27, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * And don't make jokes with the officials, they (officially) don't have a sense of humour. -- SGBailey (talk) 08:29, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * There are often signs to that effect. Both at customs and at airport security. APL (talk) 13:14, 24 July 2009 (UTC)

Thanks. You're all epic. If you've got more to add feel free, but I won't continue to respond unless I have questions. Thanks again! Vimescarrot (talk) 09:21, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Another notable point: if you're visiting the big cities of the east, or San Francisco, or (maybe) Las Vegas then you don't need a car, and one is mostly a liability. For the rest of the country, cities included, a car is essentially mandatory. -- 87.114.144.52 (talk) 10:52, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * The situation for many non-USA nationals is 1) You are refused an entry visa to the US until you have proven that you don't intend to enter the US illegally 2) You must do this by attending an interview at the US embassy in your own country, and you pay $100 for the interview 3) The burden of proof is on you and the instructions to interviewers are to treat everyone initially as intending to enter the US illegally 4) This applies even if your only purpose in entering the US is to change flights and you show prepaid air tickets as evidence 5) Signed statements from people that support you, including US citizen(s) who promise to provide you with money and housing, and who vouch for your travel plan are to be ignored 6) The interviewer's decision is final. You never get your $100 back and if refused you can only request another interview which will incur a long delay and another $100 from you... (and so it goes on but by then your prepaid flight is long gone) 7) One US embassy (Oslo) says you will get a visa refusal in writing with a reason and another US embassy (Guatemala) takes $100 and gives refusals (twice) but nothing in writing. Proviso I don't wish to give misleading information so I am willing to redact with apology any error found in what I posted. I am not a Guatemalan but anyone can see this US policy makes it almost impossible for a normal wage earning Guatemalan to visit N. Europe because the affordable flights all change in the US.Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:27, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * User:Vimescarrot claims to be British - and has never left that country. None of the things you describe are necessary because there is a bilateral treaty to allow Brit's to go to the USA on short vacation trips without a visa or a visit to the embassy or $100 and Americans to have the same privilage when entering the UK.  There are a few exceptions to that - which I think relate to people who have recently been in jail or something like that.  It's worth checking the Visa Waiver stuff online - but 99% of Brit's don't need a Visa to come to the USA on vacation.  However, not all countries have that agreement - and for them, yeah - expect a lot of messing around with embassies, interviews, money and fingerprinting.


 * I came here to the USA to work for a year (which has since turned into 16 years and counting!) - so the Visa Waiver thing didn't apply - and the grief I got at the US embassy in London was quite impressive! When I came back to the UK in a hurry because my father had died - I stayed in the UK for just barely a week and then returned to the USA - I didn't realise that I had to check back with the embassy in London again - and I was held up at DFW airport for an hour and fined over $100 before they eventually let me go home to my house in Dallas. SteveBaker (talk) 01:08, 25 July 2009 (UTC)


 * ''If you go to american city
 * ''You will find it very pretty
 * ''Just two things you must beware
 * Don't drink the water and don't breathe the air -- Tom Lehrer
 * Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:27, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * That was true in 1965, but thanks to the EPA, it's much different now. That might be more applicable to industrial cities in China, for example. Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots 13:53, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * "That" being the whole paragraph, or the poem at the end? Vimescarrot (talk) 14:54, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * The poem. The situation for Britons is quite different from the situation for Guatemalans though, as Britons visiting America are likely to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 15:04, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * There was a mention above about not making jokes. Some airports do even have NO JOKES signs near the security screening points.  The specific reason for this is people making jokes about bombs or planes exploding.  If someone says "Haw, haw, yeah, like my cigarette lighter is going to make the plane EXPLODE!  Haw," then the security screeners are supposedly obligated to treat this as a threat, and you get dragged off for special interrogation.  This is probably not as bad as walking through Heathrow, dropping your satchel on the ground, and running away at top speed; but you should try to remember NO JOKES in the humorless American airports.  Tempshill (talk) 18:09, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Joking at the airport. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 22:16, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * (Post crash, some of this may be double) You don't need a private address.  The address of a hotel will suffice.  You also don't need to hand in your entire travel itinerary.  One address will do.  The ESTA thing has teething troubles and you'll probably still be asked to fill in a green visa waiver form .  To avoid having to rummage around put a ballpoint pen and a scrap of paper with the following information in a place that you can easily access during the flight:   Your passport number.  The flight number and the date when you intend to leave the US.  The last you won't need to fill in the forms, but the immigration officer will ask you that.  There are variations of "how long", "how many days" and "till what date" with that question.  Also keep a list of contact phone numbers handy.  Avoid having any business cards in your passport. That almost guarantees you'll be singled out for additional questioning if the agent finds it.  If you are visiting relatives/friends you can bring in gifts for them. You'll have to fill in this form .  The description can be general and you are permitted to buy your gifts at dollar stores and outlets. The maximum amount you can declare without hassle is $100.  (Surprisingly many gift lists add up to $99.95 as one customs official once remarked. Clearly coincidence :-)  A tad over is usually not a problem.  If it's a lot more it depends on the item whether they'll ask you to pay customs.  It's entirely up to the agent, but they'll then charge customs on all items you listed.  If you want to bring in any foods check this out first .  Trying to bring in plants or seeds is a pain you don't need.  So leave floral bouquets at home.  If you are taking medication bring a prescription from your doc.  It's best to bring a sufficient supply for the duration of your trip from home.  Alcohol laws are many and vary by county (i.e. small local areas).  In general a closed bottle carried packed as a gift should not be a problem, but there are places that are quite what you'd call "pissy" about it. Kinder surprise eggs are another surprising no-no  Check this site for more information.   Not listing things you bring in can get you into a lot of trouble.  They do spot checks and you'll face a lot of delay, nasty remarks and possibly other trouble if they find something.  On the flight wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off.  You'll have to go through scanners in your socks.  (Take a pair of in-shoe socks to slip on/take off if you are squeamish.)  Make sure all metal on your body is easy to remove or don't wear it for the flight.  (Don't forget your belt buckle and things like that.)  What IP 87 said above about the immigrations officer trying to make sure you're not entering to work and can support yourself is true.  Remember that that includes non-paid and charity work (strangely enough).  However, a visa for more than 90 days can not be obtained by mail.  You file an application by mail and then get an appointment for an interview at the consulate for your area.  It takes time and isn't cheap.  There are companies that offer to assist you for a fee.  IMHO that's a scam.  At best they'll help you filling in the forms and tell you what documents to bring to the interview.  (Which is every sheet of paper that will support the case you are trying to make.)  At worst all they do is stuff your application in an envelope and charge you an arm and a leg.  Some of the visa application procedures (e.g. invoicin


 * Yeah - I agree 100% about the traveller's cheque thing - they are a waste of time and an incredible pain to deal with. As a fairly experienced US traveller, when my dumb-ass UK company travel office gave me $1000 in traveller's cheques to use as a deposit on an apartment over here in the US - I wisely cashed them at my local bank in the UK and put all the money into my credit card account!


 * I don't mess around with Taxis in the US - unless you're in a really dense city (NewYork maybe), you're better off grabbing a rental car with a sat-nav unit at the airport. They are incredibly cheap to rent compared to the UK and for all the whining Americans do about gas prices - they are practically giving the stuff away compared to UK petrol prices!


 * Since you may well find that it's impossible to cross the street outside your hotel on foot (I'm not kidding!) - a car is very useful (and if you haven't driven on the "wrong" side of the road in a car with the size (and handling) of the QE2 - it's worth doing just to say you did!). Plus, you haven't experienced America unless you've driven here.


 * If you haven't yet decided where to go yet - consider San Francisco. It's an amazing place - probably the most beautiful city in America with amazing scenery just outside the city on the other side of the Golden Gate bridge for when you get sick of ridiculously steep hills and trolley cars (which are actually quite entertaining!).  Highway 1 is the other reason to rent a car by the way...get a convertible...just trust me on this one!  We splurged on a hotel right in the center of the city - spent three weeks there and never ran short of things to do (although it wasn't exactly cheap!).  On the other hand - avoid Vegas like the plague.  It doesn't suit the English mentality at all...it sucked all the life out of me - I found it to be one of the most utterly depressing places on the planet.  So lacking in soul or ideas of their own that they've resorted to faking 'real' cities like Paris and Venice and COMPLETELY missing the point in the way they did so.  You can see all there is to see in Vegas in a day.  The fountains at the Bellagio - the pyramid of Luxor - the StarTrek ride at the Hilton was OK - but I think that's closed now...and you're done!  Then you are honor-bound to spend another day at the grand canyon (an amazing thing - but a heck of a pain to get to, expect four to six hours of driving and two hours at the lip of a hole that is so deep that you mind simply cannot wrap itself around the concept of what it's seeing) - but then you're done - you've seen everything you need to see there.  The week I was there was horrible...hell on earth...never again!  Boston is really quite nice - but it has a very English feel about it - and to be honest - it's hardly worth coming all that way to see it.  Los Angeles - well, if you don't mind spending your entire vacation on a freeway creeping along at 20 mph - you'll be OK.  Otherwise - don't bother.  New York - it's another amazing place - but the stereotype of the people who live there is spot-on...and for me, it's another one like Vegas - you can see everything you need to see in two days - then it's just a big, nasty city and you wind up in 'survival mode', not enjoying yourself at all. SteveBaker (talk) 01:47, 25 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Re my favorite city: I can see how Los Angeles could be an annoying place to visit, if you don't know the place.  Perhaps surprisingly, it's a wonderful place to live.  I miss it. --Trovatore (talk) 19:38, 25 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the advice, Steve, but...I can't drive and I'm going to visit a friend in Michigan. But I'll bear it in mind for future visits in six years or so, when I can afford them again ;-) Vimescarrot (talk) 09:02, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

When you return home you can rightfully say something that will sound like "I've just come from a chicken". Cuddlyable3 (talk) 12:48, 28 July 2009 (UTC)


 * you haven't experienced America unless you've driven here. I was once driving along the north edge of LA on a highway with my Dad. I commented to him, "I've never really seen LA, I've only driven along the edge like this." He replied, "To drive a highway in LA is to see the soul of the city--you've done it." (I know I know, it is easy to joke about any big city). Pfly (talk) 05:50, 29 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Assuming this is a simple holiday... Fill out the I-94W form on the plane, including the smaller tear-off bit. Name, address, passport number, flight number, address in USA - so you'll need all that info and a pen in your carry-on bag.  Answer the questions about are you a crook, terrorist, pervert, convicted of "moral turpitude" (whatever that is), drug smuggler, and so on. If you have a shady past, I would go straight to the embassy and get a visa.
 * On arrival, those security people at the airport really have no sense of humour; so never try strike up a conversation and absolutely never crack a joke with them. I usually smile and say hello, but otherwise volunteer the absolute minimum to get me into the country... Purpose of your trip: "Vacation".  How long you staying: "2 weeks". Where are you staying: "A friends house" (point at the address on the I-94W form).  Show them your return ticket if asked.  Wipe your finger on the fingerprint thingy and a grim smile for the webcam. "Welcome to the USA"...  Grab your bag at baggage reclaim, and hope customs don't pull you over.  You're in - enjoy your holiday.
 * The same thing applies when coming home... Don't lose the other half of the I-94W stapled into your passport, don't get chatty or crack jokes. At the x-ray machine, take everything out of your pockets and take off everything that they ask you to take off (shoes, belt, jewellery, jacket, etc.)  In my experience, if that metal detector make a beep, they'll get you to stand around in one spot for ages until the checker guy comes over with his half finished donut and coffee.  He'll than take a very slow look through your pockets and all your carry-on stuff, leaving you to repack and run the length of the terminal building to be in time for your departure.  Oh yes, if you had a rental car, it takes a lot longer than you imagine dropping it off and getting to the terminal; so get to the airport with plenty of spare time.  Astronaut (talk) 09:37, 31 July 2009 (UTC)

totl 6min eclipse
What effect did the 6 min total eclipse have on (a) on the moon and (b) on the earth. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.53.133.230 (talk) 23:16, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Nil effect on the moon; for that celestial body it was just another day. As to the earth, it shielded a small portion of the planet from the sun for a very short time, probably diminishing the energy received on that day by a very very very very small percentage. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:33, 23 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Possibly a slightly higher tide than usual. Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots 00:40, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * And (in other places) a slightly lower low tide. The tides when the sun and moon are close together but not eclipsing are pretty much the same as during an eclipse - it's hardly earth-shattering.  Mostly, a total solar eclipse is nothing more than the moon's shadow passing across the earth.  It's quite a big shadow...but there are cloud banks that cast bigger shadows.
 * Are you affected when your shadow lands on something? No?  Well, that's how it is with the moon - it isn't affected by what happens to its shadow.
 * In a total eclipse - when you get several minutes of near total darkness, as the sun emerges from behind the moon - the birds will perform their 'dawn chorus' - so I guess they are microscopically affected. Scientists can do some significant observations during an eclipse - that's how Einsteins theory of special relativity was eventually confirmed.
 * Aside from the "Wow!" factor - it's not really a huge deal in the grand scheme of things. SteveBaker (talk) 01:32, 24 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Don't you mean general relativity? —Tamfang (talk) 07:13, 2 August 2009 (UTC)


 * See spring tide for why the tides are most affected during an eclipse. It's very marginal compared to non-eclipse periods, though -- just another spot on the continuum towards neap tide.  --Sean 14:40, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Yep. The eccentricity of the Moon's orbit (a difference of 40000 km from apogee to perigee, some 10% of the average distance) plays a far greater role in the variations of a spring tide than does the Moon's orbital inclination (5.1%, corresponding to about a 1500 km variation).  For that matter, even the distance between the Earth and the Sun has a larger tidal impact than does the presence of an eclipse.  Note that all of this is considering "spring tide with an eclipse" versus "spring tide without an eclipse".  The spring tide phenomenon is very real; the impact of the eclipse is likely immeasurable.  Note also that the situation is identical for lunar eclipses. &mdash; Lomn 18:03, 24 July 2009 (UTC)
 * b) on earth: Amaze quite a few humans. Scare the bits out of quite a few animals for about 6 min, and some ill-informed humans for a lot longer. 71.236.26.74 (talk) 01:27, 25 July 2009 (UTC)