Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2012 February 13

= February 13 =

What's THIS thing?
My wife found this down at the bottom of the dishwasher and we don't know where it came from. Nothing is noticeably missing from the diswasher, and it's working fine. Anyone know what it is?  Kingsfold  (Quack quack!)  00:09, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Could it be the spindle upon which the spinny arm thing rotates (the one with the funnel on top that skooshes water over the lower tier dishes). If so, that arm may now either not spin properly, or may be about to fall off. A Google search for your model of washer may find a repair schematic for this, as this is a common thing to need removed (often to remove accumulated food gunk that has evaded the filter) and/or replaced. -- Finlay McWalterჷTalk 00:15, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Spinny arm thing? Skooshes? Gunk?  Please, please... You've lost me in all the technical talk!  ;)  - Dismas |(talk) 00:30, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Skoosh is a perfectly cromulent word - 'tis a common word 'round our way. -- Finlay McWalterჷTalk 00:33, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * It's a Whirlpool DU930, and I couldn't find any parts that resemble the one in the photo, so I guess I'll just toss it in the junk drawer for now, and if I end up needing it, I'll know where it is. Ha. If anyone else has any other ideas, please let me know.  Thanks!   Kingsfold   (Quack quack!)  01:18, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * That is to say, I checked my owner's manual and online schematics, but didn't see anything like it.  Kingsfold  (Quack quack!)  12:38, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Do you have any kids, especially small ones ? They might pick something like that up from outside and chuck it in the dishwasher, if it's dirty. StuRat (talk) 03:43, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * I do have young kids, and one in particular seems to be obsessed with the dishwasher. Ha.  The concern then becomes how and where he got this thing.  Kingsfold   (Quack quack!)  12:38, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Is he old enough to ask ? If so, make sure he knows he's not in trouble, you're just curious. StuRat (talk) 22:21, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * I remember days as a kid when I used to collect interesting junk like this. They were "treasure".-- O BSIDIAN  †  S OUL  11:26, 15 February 2012 (UTC)
 * The caption in the photo describes it as "threaded". It is hard to see the threading, but I assume that would be at the slimmed-down end. Does the other end—the end opposite the threaded end—show signs of having been inserted in a drill-bit type of mechanism? Perhaps the threaded end held something which when spun could perform a function. A cutting disc or a grinding disc or a polishing wheel are possibilities. That would not explain how it got in the dishwasher, but it is just a thought. Here is the sort of thing I have in mind. Or something vaguely like this. Bus stop (talk) 05:00, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Right. Good thoughts, and the threading is (in the photo) on the left/upper end.  The opposite end shows no sign of being used as a drill bit (contact marks with a chuck, etc.).  It's pretty wear-free, except for a few bits of rust.  The threaded end really looks like it screws into something, but I have no idea what.  Maybe I'll stop by an appliance place on my way home tonight and see if they know.  Kingsfold   (Quack quack!)  12:46, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * I would check the dishwasher carefully. The mystery object could be a part of a hinge, or a pushrod that controls some function of the dishwasher depending whether the door is shut or some other piece is in place.  Astronaut (talk) 12:21, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Absolutely logical assumption-- I just haven't been able to figure out where it would have come from, and the diswasher is working OK.  Kingsfold  (Quack quack!)  12:46, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Here is a parts diagram for the Whirlpool DU930. Maybe it will help you narrow it down?   → Michael J Ⓣ Ⓒ Ⓜ 03:24, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * It's not part of a flute, but it's the same technology used on a flute to hold groups of keys on the axle and allow them to rotate. Is there a slot in the end opposite from the threading, which would fit a very small screwdriver?  If so, this is a very long, narrow (and headless) screw, which threads through something hollow -- probably for a similar purpose, to allow something to rotate on a shaft.
 * --67.6.112.5 (talk) 03:56, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Consider also the things you wash. Anything with a hinge (garlic press, potato ricer), boxes with hinged lids, knives and such that might have a handle attached by a screw, ... Also the kids' toys they may have thought needed washing. Captain Hindsight (talk) 09:12, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Looking at my dishwasher there is a rod/pin something like this in the hinge on the dish washing powder dispenser. It screws in on the left side and is un-attached on the right. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 09:43, 18 February 2012 (UTC)

Muscles used in Closing of hand vs flexing of hand
Are different muscles used when one closes one hand in a grip vs. when one flexes the entire hand (like in a slapping motion)? Will using a grip strengthener (a device that provides resistance against closing grip) help improve the size of one's forearms? From bodybuilding articles, most of their recommended forearms exercises seems to target the extension/flexion of the hand, rather than the closing and opening of the grip. Acceptable (talk) 01:33, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Anatomically speaking flexion = closing the hand, extension = opening the hand, so what you're asking for is what are the muscles used for tensing the hand while keeping it opened? If so then the muscles are the same, just like you can flex your bicep or just tense it up. There are many muscles that will help with this in the hand/wrist/forearm, and improving your grip will work them. I would recommend this site for more info as it is comprehensive and well researched.AerobicFox (talk) 02:21, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * I don't think the muscles are the same. The muscles involved in flexion are on the underside of the forearm, whereas those involved in extension are on the top of the forearm (viewed with hand extended, palm down).  Marco polo (talk) 21:37, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Agree with Marco polo. I think the OP's question is about the flexion of the fingers ("grip") as opposed to flexion of the wrist ("slapping motion"). See Forearm which says (if I'm reading it correctly) that finger flexion is done by the Flexor digitorum superficialis muscle and the Flexor digitorum profundus muscle with the Flexor pollicis longus muscle working the thumb. Flexion of the wrist is by the Flexor carpi radialis muscle and the Flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. Perhaps someone who knows more about anatomy can confirm that I've got it right? Alansplodge (talk) 18:35, 14 February 2012 (UTC)

Travel to Hungary
I'm going to Hungary in three weeks, and I am wondering about the best way to get to the place I want to go to - Szombathely. It is about 40km from the border with Austria, and I was thinking of flying to Vienna rather than Budapest, which is 500km away (and apparently - according to my contact - the trains are not incredibly reliable). In light of this, I was wondering how I would go about getting a train to Szombathely. Are there any websites which have train timetables and prices? KägeTorä - (影虎) ( TALK )  12:58, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * The Hungarian State Railways website MAV.hu (English version) has a timetable and fare search option. If you're going from Vienna, Swiss Federal Railways also has a timetable search. Travelling from Vienna seems to be quicker generally, although there are some InterCity (IC) services from Budapest straight to Szombathely. However, the train from Vienna is complicated by the fact you use both Swiss and Hungarian trains on the way there, and neither website will tell you how much it costs (this is generally a pain when you make any international journey in Europe). Also, it looks like the buying process for Hungarian Railways has to be done in Hungarian... Once you find a journey you like, I'd recommend booking tickets through a travel agent of some sort. In Germany, you'd buy the tickets from a travel centre at any major station - similar arrangements probably exist in Switzerland and Hungary. Not sure how you'd book in advance if you're not in the country, I'm afraid - perhaps you could ring Hungarian Railways, although if you don't know Hungarian there's no guarantee you'll reach an English speaker. Smurrayinchester 13:54, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Actually, come to think it's also worth asking at your local railway station ticket office. A lot of railway companies have reciprocal arrangements with companies around the world. A British ticket office could probably sell you the tickets. Smurrayinchester 14:09, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Ah, thanks for the information. As I don't speak Hungarian - another major issue in travelling from Budapest - this is another reason Austria would be a better bet to travel from. I will ask at my local major station here in the UK and see if they can help. If not, I might have to get one from Vienna when I get there. The only problem with that is, I wouldn't know what time I'd be arriving until I get the ticket on the day.  KägeTorä - (影虎)  ( TALK )  14:25, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * As Vienna is in Austria not Switzerland, the website of Austrian Federal Railways at http://www.oebb.at/en/ may be more use! Valiantis (talk) 14:40, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Bloody hell, that was stupid of me. Smurrayinchester 15:00, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * I thought you were telling me the train starts in Switzerland, and then travels through Austria to Hungary. I was a bit bemused as to why I couldn't just get a ticket in Austria, though :)  KägeTorä - (影虎)  ( TALK )  16:01, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * I think I must have read it as Geneva instead of Vienna. I thought it seemed like a roundabout route to Hungary... Smurrayinchester 16:52, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * The Austrian Railways site will give you timetable info from a straightforward search for the above journey but won't sell you an online ticket, although it does direct you to a phone number or offer the ability to book by email. I haven't done this, so I don't know how easy it is. Journey time appears to be 2 to 3 hours with one or two changes dependent on which exact service you take. Valiantis (talk) 14:47, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * If it is of any help, I read somewhere that more Hungarians speak some German than English. I also find Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) very useful for journey planning all over Europe, though it cannot provide fare information outside Germany. Astronaut (talk) 14:42, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Thanks for that. I suppose I don't have to book online. I'm sure the train will have seats available for me when I get there. I'd just be more interested in knowing how much it costs and what the timetables are. Also, 2-3 hours is splendid. And as for German, last time I was in Hungary four months ago, I did actually get by in German, so you are right there. Anyway, thanks for your help. I'll look into that!  KägeTorä - (影虎)  ( TALK )  15:58, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Concur with Astronaut - for historic reasons German is the second language for elder Hungarians (who are very friendly people), while the youth generally speaks some English, some of them quite well in fact. Do not hesitate to ask young people for help on train stations inside Hungary, I did and got just the tickets I needed. And I'm envious, because I like Hungary very much, but then again I'm starting my own holidays in four weeks, so there :) --Ouro (blah blah) 16:26, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * For fares, the Czech Railways' international tariff calculator at www.jizdenka.cz quotes a 2nd class one-way fare from Vienna Westbahnhof to Szombathely, routed via Wiener Neustadt and Sopron, at approximately 28.20 euro (surcharges and suchlike make international fares a bit fiddly, but at least it gives an idea). Similarly, Budapest to Szombathely via Gyor is priced at 26.20 euro. Regarding the advice above to try to buy tickets in the UK, unfortunately since rail privatisation it has become virtually impossible to buy rail tickets in countries beyond the reach of Eurostar from UK stations - you'ld have to try a specialist travel agent, e.g. Festiniog Travel in Blaenau Ffestiniog has a very good reputation for arranging rail tickets. -- Arwel Parry (talk) 18:49, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * As per the Austrian Railway (see link given above) site: There is a direct train at 7 AM / duration 2:00h which leaves from Wien / Meidling, easily accessible by CAT (city airport train) plus subway.  All other trains require a change in either Györ or Sopron and take about to 3:00h.  Going via Wr. Neustadt takes around 2:30 but you have to switch trains twice.  --Incognito.ergo.possum (talk) 12:01, 14 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Thanks a lot for that. That could be an option, as I have been toying with the idea of staying a night in Vienna, as I have never been there before. Cheers.  KägeTorä - (影虎)  ( TALK )  12:10, 14 February 2012 (UTC)

Other fast food restaurants with presence inside Walmarts besides McDonald's and Subway
Are there Walmarts in the world which have inside a Burger King, Wendy's, or anything else as far as fast food establishments are concerned besides McDonald's and Subway? 20.137.18.53 (talk) 15:56, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Seems not old chap. "When opening new stores, Wal-Mart provides McDonald's and Subway with a list of possible locations, but the sites don't overlap and the two brands cannot bid against each other for a specific location." - see . Quintessential British Gentleman (talk) 19:27, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Steady on QBG. Walmart own Asda in the UK; Asda stores often have a cafe run AFAIK by local Asda staff. That would fit the "or anything else" element of the original question. --Tagishsimon (talk) 21:41, 13 February 2012 (UTC)
 * Only in some stores. The one in Widnes, Cheshire, has a McDonalds in it, whereas the one in Huyton, Knowsley has the cafe.  KägeTorä - (影虎)  ( TALK )  22:07, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * The new Walmart in Tunkhannock PA (USA) has a Subway in it, and it is only a quarter mile from the Subway we already have.   → Michael J Ⓣ Ⓒ Ⓜ 02:35, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Perfect spacing...just enough time for me to finish one sub when I get to the next Subway. StuRat (talk) 02:56, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * So if Asda is part of Walmart, so far from the responses given, it appears that the set of fast food restaurants not owned by Walmart that have one of their restaurants in at least one Walmart is {McDonald's, Subway} 20.137.18.53 (talk) 20:19, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * In China it's common for supermarkets have a mini shopping mall attached, with quite a lot of restaurants as well as other small stores. I'm not sure if you would consider it as "in" WalMart, because it's outside the checkouts - if you've got items you haven't paid for yet, you can't take them into the restaurant - but my local WalMart has perhaps 10 different restaurants in it's building. Three I can think of off-hand are 康师傅 (Master Kang Beef Noodles, a well-known chain in China), 得一福包子 (a baozi restaurant) and the American(?) pizza chain Papa John. I think there's a Western fast food chain too, but I can't remember which one it is (I think KFC, but I'm not sure) 59.108.42.46 (talk) 11:23, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

There's at least one here with a Blimpie inside the Walmart. Quick google search, there's also places with Wendy's, Taco Bell, or Pizza Hut inside a Walmart. --Wirbelwind ヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 22:11, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

Pur Faucet mounted water filter
I have a Pur Faucet mounted filter. I also use a second Brita filter before I drink the water. There is a lot of charcoal in the top reservoir of the Brita each time I use the Pur Filter. I let it run for 30 to 40 seconds prior to filling the Brita and still has a lot of charcoal in it. Is this dangerous to health? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 184.1.151.100 (talk) 17:35, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * Somebody overzealous removed this as if it was a request for a medical diagnosis. Basic food and beverage safety questions are not medical advice, so I've restored it.


 * No, small bits of charcoal aren't harmful. Charcoal has even been given as an antidote, in some cases.  See Charcoal. StuRat (talk) 22:17, 13 February 2012 (UTC)


 * The filter element is most likely overdue for replacement if it's disintegrating. Roger (talk) 16:24, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * It's unclear to me if the charcoal is coming from the first filter or the second. If it's coming out of the faucet filter, I agree with Roger above, it probably needs replaced. If it's coming out of the pitcher's filter, I've found that the charcoal can come out of the brita filter even when new. The problem is much reduced if I fill the top portion slowly, with the stream of water directed into a corner, not the filter entrance. SemanticMantis (talk) 20:09, 14 February 2012 (UTC)


 * This is just the dust, which is why the instruction tell you to discard the first filtration. You can buy over the counter activated charcoal capsules. The Germans love these to study how long it takes food to pass through their gut and even have their toilet pans designed to facilitate the examination of their motions. It has proven to be pretty harmless stuff (the charcoal not their motions).--Aspro (talk) 02:42, 15 February 2012 (UTC)