Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2009 November 17

= November 17 =

PSA
Recently read that one's PSA was in the 'hundreds". If true, what effect would that have? Nail —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.212.190.229 (talk) 11:13, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * That depends on what you consider PSA to stand for. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 13:01, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * If it's Prostate-specific antigen, one should ask one's doctor. FiggyBee (talk) 13:49, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Which of these are you talking about? Cuddlyable3 (talk) 14:00, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Criticism
I am getting too judgemental on my co- workers and often critcize everything and every one. I understand that it is not good, but I seem to relapse to the same behaviour after few days of abstinence. What is the way out? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.93.201.46 (talk) 11:19, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * A vacation might help. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 13:02, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Hard to do I know but try gathering those folk you tend to criticise around a cup of coffee and a tin of biscuits that you will buy, and explain how you feel and ask them how it affects them and how they feel about you. You may get a very rude awakening but I guess people will be impressed at your readiness to listen. But as I said, it's hard laying yourself bare in such circumstances. Good luck. 92.9.156.61 (talk) 13:38, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Try working on your social-skills, your compassion and your empathy. Remember that you are not perfect yourself. Remember that (depending on your job and the people) it's possible some of your co-workers are not really bothered about their work, they just want to do enough to keep the job and get paid. That 'half hearted' approach is not always the case, but it's out there. Similarly laern to understand that just because you have (for instance) a preferred way of doing something doesn't make it the only way, or the (necessarily) the right way. Most jobs have multiple ways of doing the same thing, with pros and cons to each - people will have preferences. Basically, stop being a grumpy person and try to look at things in a positive light, or try to overcome frustrations by accepting them and moving on (assuming you've tried and failed to eradicate/overcome them). 194.221.133.226 (talk) 13:50, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Being open with your feelings is the best way to go. Go ahead and criticize, and see how they respond. Sooner or later you'll work out the kinks in yourself and get to a better place. Vranak (talk) 17:12, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * That's a rather mixed message, Vranak. Being open with your feelings is fine, generally speaking.  But there's more than one way of expressing feelings of irritation, frustration etc other than just criticising its source.  Explaining to them how you feel and why, is preferable to just criticising them.  The idea is that they can be brought in to an understanding of how their behaviour affects you, but in a safe way, where they're more likely to start to see it from your perspective and modify their behaviour.  --  JackofOz (talk) 19:31, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The path of excess leads to the palace of wisdom. So I would recommend being a little coarse and unpleasant for a time so that you get feedback. Eventually, with enough feedback, a person gets their head straight. But there's no feedback if you self-censor your hostile feelings. Vranak (talk) 21:06, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * In the real world, a co-worker who continues to narcissistically impose his coarseness and unpleasantness on everyone else is liable to find himself in an H.R. situation due to creating a hostile work environment, which if uncorrected will eventually lead to dismissal. Doing what you feel like is not the right way to do things. Working as a team requires compromising that stuff. If one is not able to do so, he should seek professional help, which wikipedians are not qualified to give. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 22:34, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Well if somebody is so messed-up that it ends up with HR, or they end up unemployed, so much the better. The chickens eventually come home to roost, and whatever demons possess you must be expunged sooner or later. Living comfortably is not conducive to exorcisms. Vranak (talk) 22:46, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * I (JackofOz) never suggested one should censor one's feelings of hostility. They should be expressed (otherwise they'll stick around), but there are ways of doing that that work better than just lashing out.  Lashing out, believe it or not, puts you in the position of victim (i.e. not in control, i.e. lose, i.e. lose-lose), whereas if you communicate whatever your feelings are, while keeping the other party engaged and on side, then you stay in control and everyone wins. --  202.142.129.66 (talk) 01:37, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Yeah Vranak - I have worked for bosses who espoused your stance - but not nearly as effectively as I would have done had they been more conducive to knowing how to get the best out of me. Funny thing though - in every case I can recall - they always left under a cloud whilst my star kept on ascending and I was promoted to their job and beyond. Whenever I see one of them in the street now that they and I are retired I am happy to greet their weasel "Hello's" with expletives beginning with "F". 92.9.156.61 (talk) 00:00, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Stance? What stance? That people should reveal their inner feelings, even if they are ugly? I don't think that's a stance so much as being an emotionally-valid human being. But what do I know! I have no wealth to my name, so my opinion can't possibly be worth a second thought! Vranak (talk) 00:05, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * You're missing the point. Work is about doing work, not about being an emotional baby-sitter. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 00:25, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Work is never just about the work. The actual activities of pushing pencils and calculating various things of dubious importance is largely window-dressing to the social interplay between persons who would otherwise be bored and alone. Vranak (talk) 02:32, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Excruciating boredom in the workplace can lead to all sorts of aberrant behavior. Bus stop (talk) 02:46, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Excruciating boredom at work, home and school can lead to people editing wikipedia. That the secret of our "success", and also all the vandalism. :-) Abecedare (talk) 02:49, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Without being specific to any unnecessary degree, what are you being "judgmental" about? Is there any theme? Are they (your coworkers) of equal status, or above or below you in any hierarchy that may apply in the work setting? Please do not reveal personal information but can you provide us with any clues as to the nature of the worlplace? Are your concerns only personal, or do they have ultimate consequences beyond you or even your coworkers? Bus stop (talk) 01:56, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Comment: This being a reference desk, I think it would be most helpful if we could provide the OP with links to books, articles or groups that provide advise on office interpersonal relationship. Abecedare (talk) 02:03, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

OP, here are some books I found that address the topic of your question: If you search Google Books for keywords such as "workpace" and "criticism", you'll be able to find many more references. I personally cannot make a recommendation, since I have not read anything in the area, but perhaps someone else on the board can (although caveat emptor always applies when taking advise and recommendations from anonymous persons on the web, so you should search for book reviews too!). Hope that helps. Abecedare (talk) 02:14, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Toxic criticism: break the cycle with friends, family, coworkers, and yourself
 * The Cooperative Workplace
 * Managing workplace negativity


 * Start with How to Win Friends and Influnce People by Dale Carnegie, the godfather of the self-help books. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 02:39, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

NRA Pro Bono Lawyer in Illinois
I'm going to be restricted from my collage courses, and further education on collage campuses, due to an unauthorized search of my vehicle on campus grounds. Where can I find a good pro bono lawyer who represents the NRA, or one who is a firm believer in second amendment rights, in Illinois, preferably in or around Cook County? --HitmanNumber86 (talk) 15:19, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The ACLU is always a good starting point.Chief41074 (talk) 15:27, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Actually, in this case the local NRA chapter might be a good starting point. Is this collage to be made of cartridge cases? PhGustaf (talk) 15:43, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * You don't want a lawyer "who represents the NRA", you want a lawyer who represents you. A "firm believer in second amendment rights" might be great if you want someone to chat with about how you did nothing wrong, but they're not necessarily going to be the best person to present your case to the college or to a judge.  Incidentally, the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution (which guarantees against unreasonable searches, not "unauthorised" ones), like the rest of the Bill of Rights, applies only to the actions of the government and to criminal cases, not to private organisations (like campus security) and civil cases or non-legal penalties. Good luck! FiggyBee (talk) 15:58, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Their is no "campus security." They are real police officers, working out of a real police department, on campus. I'm not sure if I need a lawyer yet. I was charged with traffic violations, and will pay my dues for them. I just don't want the unlawful search of my vehicle to hamper my education, especially when campus policy is made unclear. If all colleges had the same policy, gunsmithing courses would have a lot of trouble holding classes. I want to have a lawyer at the ready to represent my standing in not knowing that campus policy overrules county, state, and federal law. I don't want to sue the campus, due to the fact that they have never had a successful lawsuit against them (they've spent 100,000 USD to save 2,000 USD). I only need someone to help present my case, if needed. --HitmanNumber86 (talk) 17:57, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * See motor vehicle exception, and also consider that the college is not a court, so even if the search was "unlawful" that doesn't mean the college can't act on it. I don't know if you'd be able to get a pro bono lawyer if you're not actually going through the legal system. Is there any kind of student advocacy body you can ask for help? Otherwise, all I can suggest is be apologetic and polite rather than combative - you broke the rules, you know better now, and you're asking for forgiveness. FiggyBee (talk) 18:09, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Inferentially, we understand you've been caught with a gun on campus and you write under the pseudonym HitmanNumber86. Nope, I can't see a problem with any of that... --Tagishsimon (talk) 18:26, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * And I can see no problem with you wanting to know: "Is a 12 gauge sabot shotgun round traceable?". SteveBaker (talk) 13:36, 19 November 2009 (UTC)
 * If this is a Fourth Amendment (search and seizure) more than a Second Amendment (right to bear arms) issue, then the ACLU might not be a bad place to get a referral. Much might depend on whether the college is a state one (like the University of Illinois) or a private one (like DePaul University). UI's actions would be those of the State of Illinois, while Northwestern's or DePaul's would not. Jose Canseco got in trouble taking his wife to the University of California San Francisco medical center many years ago because he had a gun in his car (I think in plain view). The National Student Association might also be able to help you, as might your local legal-services organization (like the one Barack Obama worked for) or (to know about experience and specialties, rather than for recommendations about quality) the Cook County Bar Association. —— Shakescene (talk) 20:15, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * You might find additional related information in the Gun laws in the United States (by state) article]]. However, considering the number of murders carried out by disaffected students at US schools and colleges, why on Earth do you think it is remotely acceptable to take a gun to school (or anywhere else for that matter)?  I'm surprised they didn't throw you out of school, permanently.  Astronaut (talk) 04:09, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I suspect the OP will argue that precisely because of the murders they feel they need the gun. While I don't agree with this view, this clearly isn't the place for such discussions as the header says, no soapboxing or debates please Nil Einne (talk) 08:12, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * You may try contacting your local chapter of the ACLU or the NRA; be aware that both organizations have finite resources, and may also have goals that differ from your own. Is your aim here to be a widely-cited legal precedent, provoke debate among pundits, and spend a significant part of the next few years in court appearances and preparation &mdash; or do you just want to put the matter behind you quickly and quietly and go back to being an ordinary student?  (That said, it can't hurt to ask.  Be aware of proposed legal strategy and likely outcomes before you get started.  Is this a problem that can be solved by a couple of messages on legal firm letterhead, will there be meetings for mediation, or is there going to be a trial of some sort?)
 * Another option is that universities with law schools often operate free or steeply-discounted legal aid clinics. By their nature, these organizations generally have extensive experience in resolving disputes between students and the university administration.  TenOfAllTrades(talk) 14:30, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Even though I personally lean far closer to Handgun Control's position than the NRA's—and blame Virginia's laxness for flooding the Northeast with illegal guns that have killed hundreds of young people in the Northeast—I have to point out that Hitman's position wouldn't be considered at all absurd in Virginia, which declined to ban guns on campus even after an armed student's massacre at Virginia Tech. —— Shakescene (talk) 07:38, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

authentic Katana
iv always been fascinated by the katana, and would love to own a authentic one. i dont mean like an antique, just one made by one of the few licensed smiths that still make them. only thing is i dont know where to look, or how to be sure there actualy an authentic Tamahagane and nabe-gane steel sword.

so any info on where to look or just who to buy one from would help. thanks --Talk Shugoːː 18:41, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * I also would love to own an authentic sword one day. I was in Japan about seven years ago and visited a store called Japan Sword in Tokyo. The website is a bit dated and crappy. They had both old and new traditionally crafted swords. I was weak at the knees after walking around the store for a few minutes.. From memory I believe the starting price was about US$7000 back then for a newly crafted blade, don't know what it is now. If I was going to seriously consider purchasing one then I would start by contacting the store directly and asking if they had an English speaking agent. Apart from that, you would have to familiarise your self with your local laws regarding owning and importing such a weapon. I live in Australia where importing a sword is actually not very easy. I believe it is easier in the states but if you don't follow the law to the letter you risk having your precious investment confiscated or worse even being charged for importing illegal goods.  The alternative to tide you over, is look up local blacksmiths in your area who are making swords. I was surprised that there are a few people who are reviving the art and take it quite seriously as a hobby, and actually make quite good stuff. Sure it's not authentic but for a tiny fraction of the price you can have something you can still be proud to own, not a cheap moulded fake, is quite practical and nice, will fool most people hanging on the wall and you'll be supporting a local crafts person. Vespine (talk) 05:30, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * An antique may actually be cheaper than a high-quality modern sword (and, imo, will be more "authentic" since it was actually made as a weapon, not as an art piece). Many thousands of Japanese shin gunto were exported to the United States after WWII, including many older blades in the officers' versions. FiggyBee (talk) 10:31, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

well i have to thank you both, im actualy an intermediate swordsmen and so far my faverite to use is the katana. it just feels right, problem is i dont own one and im dieing to one day. as for a local smith, i dont think anyone here in the states makes them the way i want it. if im going to pay for somthing i may have to use, i want the realy thing. but a WWII model98 i think its called would be realy cool too :)--Talk Shugoːː 18:54, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

How can I develop two more personalities?
So I was reading Deadpool and it looks like he has a lot of fun, so I'd like to develop some more personalities, but I'm not sure where to begin? I read your article, but it doesn't mention how to develop split personalities, only how to cure it. 150.182.174.111 (talk) 20:08, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I would imagine (though don't know from personal experience) that hallucinogenic drugs might speed up the process. *** ╟─ Treasury Tag ►  Not-content  ─╢ 20:14, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Deadpool is a work of fiction. You may wish to read some genuine accounts of people with multiple personality disorder because deciding to try and induce it. --Tango (talk) 20:20, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

screw around with some demonic stuff like wika or some conjuring book and you'll get some personalitys, although you might not like what you get lol --Talk Shugoːː 20:25, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I tend to agree with both TreasuryTag and Tango, but I believe that attempting to cause yourself severe head trauma would help your goal but would be completely inadvisable as it could also kill you. -- Friend or Foe?! Declare or Die!! - KillergruntRGNL 20:29, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Generally (and perhaps universally) speaking, one does not develop psychological eccentricities out of preference or whimsy. They develop when your mind cannot bear a particular aspect of reality. And that sort of situation is forced upon you by malefactors and oppressors. Can you oppress yourself? Can you coax others into doing it? Of course not. Vranak (talk) 22:45, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

If you've followed it long enough you would know, Wade Wilson is not really happy,more sort of manic.He got that way for taking part in a secret military project so there you go..hotclaws 23:58, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * I'm not sure there is an evidence that head trauma or hallucinogenic substances can induce multiple personality disorder. Long term use of hallucinogenic drugs have been known to apparently trigger mental problems, but only after a long use, and those don't appear to be the kinds of changes desired. --Mr.98 (talk) 02:18, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Some noted Wikipedians have developed multiple personalities, with different user names as well, although this is forbidden. Some are "bad hand" versions of an otherwise respectable user. They are called "sockpuppets." Some bad users have even become administrators or high ranking functionaries by maintaining socks which do "good edits." Edison (talk) 16:33, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

i actualy have a multiple personalite, and its actualy not as fun as you think. in my openion your best bet is to just injoy the fictional story. —Preceding unsigned comment added by DanielTrox (talk • contribs) 18:59, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

How can I get a picture in a userbox?
How can I get a picture in a userbox? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kyle Sheik Dark (talk • contribs) 21:03, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Given a separate header by 86.142.231.220 (talk) 22:51, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Addiction and a cure
Dealing with Addiction (to either drugs, drink, sex, or anything), searching for a cure has been a vexing problem, for often the cure is not adequite and "back-sliding" occurs.

Is there anything on this? Or does anyone have thoughts on this?

I have been following the Conversion History of Saint Augustine in the various Article page and found they did not cover the subject adequitely. I re-studied the Confessions and discovered he found the key to a complete cure! He went from being an addict, to some backsliding, to a complete cure. And discovered his process had a number of key steps.

Am I alone on this?

MacOfJesus (talk) 21:36, 17 November 2009 (UTC) I don't quite understand your question.Are you asking are you alone in finding a key to the cure for addiction in St.Augustins Confessions?...hotclaws 00:01, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

CA 11 to I-110 and CA 7 to I-710
When did the Long Beach Freeway and the Harbor Freeway actually change from CA 7/11 to I-710/110 completely post signs. Is 1981 the actual time when CA 11 sign post change up to i-110 because some maps still have Harbor Fwy as CA 11. What about Long Beach Frwy because some 1984 map still ahve them as CA 7. Could I-710 been fully change up in 1986 or late 1985? When highways change name how long it usulaly take to completely process? Just few weeks or up to a year to fully upgrade?--209.129.85.4 (talk) 21:47, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The articles you've linked give the dates when the signage was changed, at least on the highways themselves. I imagine that it might have taken a year or more to update all signs on all roads that intersect with these freeways.  Map publishers may be slower to reflect the change for at least two reasons:  1) to save money, they fail to revise their maps completely, and/or 2) they leave old route numbers on maps thinking that their audience may be more familiar with those route numbers, especially if they are still used in conversation, traffic broadcasts, and so on.  Marco polo (talk) 21:54, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * There can also be cultural and social resistance to adopting a new highway number. The state of Massachusetts has been trying to make Massachusetts Route 128 disappear for years.  Most of the route has been absorbed by I-95 and I-93, and the state has intentionally worked hard to minimize signage to encourage people to call it "I-95" instead of 128.  Still, locals invariably call the road "128" (or wun-twunny-eh') even though it has become hard to find a "128" sign on or around it.  It make giving directions to non-New Englanders tough; people looking for the 128 exit off of I-93 will miss it, since it isn't labeled, but locals stubbornly refuse to call it I-95.  -- Jayron  32  00:06, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Many people either don't know or refuse to acknowledge that the storied U.S. Route 66 no longer exists (don't forget Winona!) Hell, try telling any New Englander that the Boston Post Road, usually referred to as the "Old Post Road" or just "Post Road", has long been more a series of disjointed local fragments than a continuous road between major cities. (On the other hand, some of England's great roads, still in use, were first built by the Romans.) —— Shakescene (talk) 04:49, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * Funny, when I wrote my comment above, I was thinking of Route 128 in Massachusetts, which I travel quite often. Marco polo (talk) 16:37, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Flagstaff to Tuba City
Hello everybody! I wanna travel from Flagstaff, AZ to Tuba City, AZ but I didn't found flights and (Greyhound) buses. Can you help me, how can I travel? Thanks, Keldvi (talk) 20:08, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The Navaho Transit System offers service between Flagstaff and Tuba City. I've linked you to the schedule.  Here is their home page in case you need any other information from them. Marco polo (talk) 21:58, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * The distance between Flagstaff, AZ and Tuba City, AZ is only about 70 miles; scheduled flights that short do exist in the world, but not generally between places so small. FiggyBee (talk) 10:22, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * I once flew across country where the final leg of the many stops was San Jose to San Francisco. The actual stops were Washington DC - Atlanta - New Orleans - Dallas - San Jose - San Francisco.  99.166.95.142 (talk) 16:52, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Way back when I flew regularly from Oakland, CA, to Orange County. There was an intermediate stop at San Jose — the plane never got above 3'000 feet or so.  More recently, there was a "non-stop" flight from San Jose to Tokyo.  But the runway at San Jose that time couldn't handle a fully loaded and fueled 747.  The plane took off half-gassed, trundled the 30 or so miles to SFO, filled up, and was off to Japan.  PhGustaf (talk) 17:08, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


 * SF and SJ each have a population 100 times that of Tuba City, hence my point. Most short scheduled flights are either between major cities, or between islands where other transport is impractical. FiggyBee (talk) 17:27, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

To get from Abiding Savior Lutheran School in Lake For to orange lutheran high school
To get from Abiding Savior in El Toro to orange lutheran would average driving be 30 minutes. Is it possible to average 45 minutes to orange lutheran. Becasue when my dad once drove this took him 40 minutes to orange lutheran. But to Santa Margarita Catholic High School would the drive be 20 minutes on average? Because the computer teacher said was 25 minutes commute average wise. When map online give time do the time is only accurate when all the lights is green? Mapquest said 14 minutes from ASLS to SMCHS but would actual dirving be 20 minutes?--209.129.85.4 (talk) 22:06, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * I believe that programs like mapquest use an algorithm based on average speed of the type of road being traveled to calculate average drive times; thus it may assume that one can average 65 mph on a freeway and 55 mph on a divided highway but only 30 mph on a city street. Of course, since they cannot possibly know what the specific driving conditions are on the specific time you plan to be travelling, YMMV.  Some mapping programs and GPS-enabled devices also have the possibility of encorporating real-time traffic information to adjust travel times on-the-fly; however a piece of paper printed off of mapquest does not usually have this functionality.  -- Jayron  32  23:15, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


 * In my experience, estimates of driving time from mapping programs like Mapquest assume that there will be no traffic-related delays. They also don't take into account the density of traffic lights.  As Jayron32 says, they may assume the same average speed for all roads of a given category anywhere in the world.  However, at least for Google Mpas in the United States, I think that the quoted speed is related to the speed limit.  In fact, travel times may be based exclusively on the speed limit, since they don't seem to take into account the frequency of traffic lights.  So, I think that they assume that you will be the only car on the road, that you will always have green lights, but also that you will never exceed the speed limit.  For that reason, travel time estimates tend to be too low for urban driving but are often conservative for longer drives on which you may exceed the speed limit (but don't tell anyone) on the open highway.  Marco polo (talk) 20:59, 18 November 2009 (UTC)