Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2007 March 28

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March 28

ann brashares

do you know how to write to ann brashares? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 66.211.211.115 (talk) 00:29, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

You can contact most authors via their publisher. In Ann's case I guess that would be:

Ann Brashares
c/o Publicity Department, Random House, 
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, 
London SW1V 2SA
ENGLAND

FiggyBee 04:26, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

marlin 9mm camp rifle

i am a marlin gun collector, one of my favorites is the camp 9 millimeter, recently i took it out shooting and the stock cracked and broke, is there anyway i can get marlin to replace it? because it is a factory default in the grain of the wood. <Personal info removed--Captain Wikify ^Argh! 01:21, 28 March 2007 (UTC)> —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 71.28.253.94 (talk) 00:49, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

You could check out this part of their website [1]--ChesterMarcol 03:02, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

1989

Who was the richest man in the world in 1989?

Yoshiaki Tsutsumi? --Wirbelwindヴィルヴェルヴィント (talk) 02:56, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I'm fairly certain we are looking for Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei, but i cannot find the Forbes 400 for that year.—eric 06:54, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Well, i was looking for the wrong list, but cannot find Forbes "The World's Richest People" for 1989 either.—eric 07:02, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Why do gold fish turn white?

I have a number of gold fish in separate tanks. One fish in each tank has turned white while the others are fine. I have tried 'medicine' for white spots disease and it is not that, I am not sure what is happening and if it is harmful to the fish or if there is anything I can do to prevent it.

Thank you,

Melissa —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 203.202.21.159 (talk) 05:05, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

If you leave your goldfish in the dark , it will turn almost white. Goldfish have pigment production in response to light, which is almost like our tanning in the sun. Fish have cells called chromatophores that produce pigments which reflects light, and gives coloration. -- from Goldfish --antilived^{T | C | G} 06:03, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Perhaps one of them is using the others as shade? V-Man - ^T/_C 03:46, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

probably totally wrong but the only thing I can come up with and you never know, maybe they are all male, and the white ones are female, and they can change if there aren't any females around :? HS7 19:14, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Anecdotal evidence, true, but my goldfish change colors sometimes in life. Sometimes it's their diet - one of my goldfish was fed only peas, and it turned a greenish hue!198.232.70.10 20:28, 2 April 2007 (UTC)

Scientific name of Hawaiian salad vegetable 'Mala Kin'?

Someone brought a piece of a vegetable to the garden nursery where I once worked. He said it is called "Mala Kin" and is eaten like lettuce in Hawaii; he wanted to know the scientific or English name. We didn't recognize it. I have been growing it--and still need the name. It grows sort of like a stout vine, with more or less ovate, 2-3" long, alternate leaves. This year it flowered, from which I know it is in the Composite (sunflower family); small heads of all disk flowers, yellow-ish orange.

Thanks! 4.246.21.162 06:09, 28 March 2007 (UTC)Martha.

Apparently the "Manoa" Lactuca sativa longifolia is very popular in Hawai'i, it's not that is it? FiggyBee 06:49, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Definitely this is not Lactuca longifolia; I would even doubt that it is a Lactuca. It has a distinct stem, dark green, which roots easily in water or soil. (You can never do this with the Lactuca's I know!) 4.246.18.49 06:19, 30 March 2007 (UTC)Martha

Could you take a photograph of it (and perhaps upload it to Wikimedia Commons)? Jobjörn (Talk ° contribs) 12:44, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

Translation of the "Zheng Chi Ge"?

In the Sung Dynasty (c. 1200) a man was unjustly emprisoned then executed. While in prison he wrote a famous essay that starts out, "Tian di you zheng chi", which roughly translates as "Heaven-earth-have- upright-vital energy/chi". This essay is called the "Zheng Chi Ge" (meaning the Song of the Upright Energy"), and the author's name is something like "Man Tin Cheung" (in Cantonese), which may be something like "Wen Tian Jiang" in Putonghua. I'd like to get an English translation of the entire essay, but have so far failed. Does anyboy know where I could find it? Also I'd be interested to know more of the biography of this man.

Thanks! 4.246.21.162 06:21, 28 March 2007 (UTC)Martha

See Wen Tianxiang. The poem itself is quite difficult to translate because Wen, as a top scholar of his time, used countless Chinese historical accounts to prove there really was justice and a righteous man shall sacrifice.

• Zheng Chi Ge full text in Chinese. My short and not very precise translation:

... I am jailed in a small and filthy room. ... It feels so unconfortable in the summer. HERE COMES SEVEN BAD THINGS ... However, I am a righteous man. The seven evils can never conquer my one righteous power. ... Here is my poem:

There is justice in heaven and earth. Justice is in everything. Above us are the stars. Under us there are mountains and rivers. Within a man it is called righteousness. ... When evil rises, we see people's righteousness. ... 12 HISTORICAL EVENTS ... This righteousness lasts forever. It is more than our own lives. ...

Wen was finally killed by the invaders. He lived on as a national hero. Based on Japanese Wikipedia, he was also highly praised in Japan in the 1800s when Japan was in conflict. -- Toytoy 11:58, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

If we're using Pinyin, that would be Zhèng Qì Gē.

Sunny Trouble

I am an Indian guy ,obviously brown and I hate my colour because it doesn't go well with my small eyes and large face.Due to this I started hating the sun.I want to know what S.P.F of sunscreen would be suitable for Indian tropical weather that too in south india.Can apply sunscreen even on my hands and fingers.210.212.215.141 09:14, 28 March 2007 (UTC)Prosemite

I don't think even totally avoiding the sun would make you much lighter color, as tanning seems to be mainly apparent in those with light skin. If you really want lighter colored skin there are bleaching methods to do that (Micheal Jackson is one celeb who used such methods). However, those can be expensive and potentially dangerous, so I recommend against them. Try to learn to be more accepting of your physical appearance and be assured that many people actually prefer your complexion (hence tanning beds). However, sunscreen/sunblock is still a good idea to avoid skin cancer (although you are less susceptible to this than fair skinned people, it's still a concern). You can put it on the back of your hands and fingers, but don't put it on the front, as it will just get on anything you touch, such as food. The front of the hands isn't normally exposed to much sunlight, so doesn't need the protection, anyway. StuRat 14:06, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

May I point out that this user's questions appear "borderline trollish"? See his/her contributions (and the question below as well). · AO ^Talk 00:06, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Does a "borderline troll" live under a bridge which spans a river that divides two nations ? :-) StuRat 02:05, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

Why not be pleased with who and what you are? Try not to worry about how you look, be bold and comfortable and you will get respect. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 88.109.206.48 (talk) 14:39, 30 March 2007 (UTC).

Mr.India

What should I do to become a Mr.India?It may sound funny but I must say that it has been my childhood dream to become one.My height is 5feet 10inches and my complexion is that of a tanned leather.Some say I look extremely handsome. But some say I look like an alien and strange.210.212.215.141 10:47, 28 March 2007 (UTC)Prosemite

There seem to be several Mr. India contests you can sign up for. Or you can start your own. Clarityfiend 20:00, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

May I point out that this user's questions appear "borderline trollish"? See his/her contributions (another one right above this). · AO ^Talk 00:07, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Well then he can try out for Mr. Schizoid Troll India. Clarityfiend 01:09, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Well,YOU ARE AT IT AGAIN!Bloody fool,do you think you are the only handsome guy in this world?I know you are that same guy who asked those questions titled 'beauty cosciosness','LOOKS'and all those girly questions.Sometimes you think you are handsome and sometimes you think you are a toad. What is the problem with you yaar?210.212.215.141 05:13, 30 March 2007 (UTC)Gerbil_fozzilised_in_lapizlazuli

Thanks

first i want to thank the guy who got me the anne hathaway answer for celebrity quote.am i to pay him or make the generous contribution directly to wikipedia.i own a radio station and i have a series of tapes which i ask my listeners but i lost their corresponding answer where i ask a quote and am to ask who said it.this is another one which female celeb saidafter they saw it they were like okay shiz dinah

There is no requirement to pay for answers given on the reference desk, but if you did give a donation to the wikimedia foundation, that would help ensure that someone will be here to answer your question next time! If you go here, you will find several ways you could donate. Skittle 21:47, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Googling "after they saw it they were like" tells us that the actual quote is ""after they saw it, they were like, 'okay, she is Deena'". The speaker is Beyonce. See this MTV News story for more. And, as Skittle suggests, feel free to donate if you're happy, but don't feel obliged. Jfarber 01:58, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

To me, one of the most powerful things about Wikipedia is how trustworthy something free can become. Depending on money brings biases. V-Man - ^T/_C 03:52, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Which is a nice thought, if only WP didn't cost about $100,000 a month to run... FiggyBee 11:26, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

currency

whats the difference between the 200 Kenyatta and 200 moi currency note.list all the difference viewable.this are Kenyan currencies,go to http://www.kcshop.com/imagegallery/Kenya.htm —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 212.49.87.156 (talk) 11:15, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

This sounds a lot like homework, and if it is the only answer I am supposed to give is to do it yourself :( HS7 18:55, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

The question is strange, because the unit of currency in Kenya is neither the Kenyatta nor the Moi, but the Kenyan shilling. Whether a 200-shilling bank note features the portrait of Jomo Kenyatta or Daniel arap Moi, it's value is the same: 200 Kenyan shillings. Marco polo 19:30, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

question (hock)

may i ask you if you could name a german white wine which shares its name with a joint of ham.

Hock

yes, you may but I don't know the answer :] HS7 15:20, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Hock (wine) would be the more correct link. · AO ^Talk 00:08, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Although hock also contains a disambiguating link to ham hock... 惑乱 分からん * \)/ (\ (< \) (2 /) /)/ * 01:28, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

I prefer Hock a loogie... What!! No article?? RDAC time... Oh, wait... V-Man - ^T/_C 03:56, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Pager Decoder

Is there a program i can download from the internet that i can use my scanner to decode pager signals? 75.54.61.158 14:21, 28 March 2007 (UTC)Aaron

Let's try to clarify... You'd like to use a computer program to use your image scanner to read pager signals? Are you referring to the radio signals they produce or receive, or the LCD readout they display? V-Man - ^T/_C 03:27, 30 March 2007 (UTC)

I think in this case it'd be a police scanner. Luigi30 (Taλk) 13:07, 3 April 2007 (UTC)

Not legally, if you're talking about what I think you're talking about. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 10:38, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

Inventions and Patents

Hi.

I recently came up with a very good idea that changes the way an existing product works. It really would revolutinize this existing product. The man who originally came up with the idea is now a multimillionaire and you can see his product every where. The change that I made to his design is fully patentable and no one else has thought of it. I recently contacted him via email with my idea. I mentioned to him that I have a provisional patent for the design. (Which I don't because it is beyond me.) But I took some bad advice because I thought it would protect my idea. Needless to say, I believe he sniffed it out and is now in the process of going over my idea. I can just imagine seeing the commercials on TV a month from now. I guess my question is... If I don't have the money or the expertise to develop a full patent. What can I do? Are there any companies (not the patent scam ones) that I can take my idea to? I know if I can find the right people, they will be highly interested. I can't afford a lawyer, but I need to cover myself and my idea. Any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.23.129.248 (talk) 17:20, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

This (http://www.bl.uk/collections/patents/faq.html) may help. Or perhaps (http://www.cipa.org.uk/pages/advice). I really don't understand patent law, but I think that you have to be very 'careful' about who you give your idea/key information to. I understand there is some controversy about the invention of the telephone that is to do with patents but I can't recall the details. Good luck, I hope you reap the rewards of revolutionising the product.ny156uk 17:32, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I also don't think getting a patent is as expensive as you think. If you absolutely have no money or credit, then I guess you need to trust somebody with the idea who you hope will lend you enough money to get the patent, and not steal your idea. StuRat 18:33, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Patent lawyers generally help you write a bulletproof claims section for the patent. If you don't word your claims well enough, someone can probably find a loophole to produce your device or use your method without violating your patent. A wonderful example of this relates to why almost all of those foam pool noodles have a hole in the middle (look it up, it's fascinating). There's no reason you cannot write and submit your own patent, but if you have no experience doing so you may very well leave a lot of loopholes. I would really recommend seeing a patent lawyer; this isn't an easy process to go at alone. What's more, your disclosure of your idea complicates things. You can still patent something after public disclosure (only in the US, though), but you have to apply within a year otherwise the idea is considered public domain. What exactly constitutes public disclosure is a little complex, but it was probably a poor idea to just give up your idea like that. With his means he could apply for his own patent, which you could possibly invalidate if you could demonstrate prior art (dated notebooks, prototypes, etc), but that would drag you into an even more complicated and costly legal process.

I reiterate, if you think this idea is really worth owning, see a patent lawyer as quickly as possible. I'm afraid that the patent system isn't something that you will likely successfully navigate on your own. -- mattb @ 2007-03-28T18:49Z

Thanks for all the good advice... I wish I had the money to patent this. I am only 26, still paying off student loans, just bought a house, and got married in Maui last week. As you can see I am a little short on funds! Are there any patent lawyers or companies who I can share this idea with who will help me out for a cut of the future business. I have not found any online.

FWIW, links to United States patenting would probably be a bit more useful than UK ones, if the person asking the question is from the US... (most other links in a Google search is from one of "the patent scam ones.") V-Man - ^T/_C 04:05, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Texas Lakes

Are there any natural lakes in the state of Texas. (Not man made) Gary —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Gmcgregordiamond (talk • contribs) 17:53, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

Lake Caddo is the only natural lake in Texas. Look here for more info from the Texas parks and wildlife department. [2]

Pro-Life Protest

Does anyone know how to find out about pro-life protests and where they are held? Does anyone know of any being held in the state of California?

-Pregnant Woman —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.79.76.151 (talk) 18:04, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

You could always go to one of the anti-choice sites. A few minutes on Google should get you whatever you need.

Atlant 22:27, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Is this a protest in favor of pro-life? "pro-life" California should help. V-Man - ^T/_C 04:14, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

how can i get the name by cell phone number no fee

?

Can you explain a bit? Do you mean the name of a person who owns a particular cell phone number without paying? If so, I'd like to know too :) [Mαc Δαvιs] (How's my driving?) ❖ 19:14, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

I'm really tempted to post a link, but I'll probably have people get all pissy on me if I did. Anyway, I don't think it's possible unless you're a law enforcement agency. I don't know of any cell phone providers that make this information public. -- mattb @ 2007-03-29T00:25Z

• Ask the cell phone provider, but unless you're law enforcement, it's unlikely they'll tell. It violates the privacy of the phone owner. - Mgm|^(talk) 09:49, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Thatcher's Falklands War vs Blair's Iran Saving Grace.

Question moved to Humanities. Clio the Muse 18:52, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

So why wasn't it there when I looked just now Clio???????????? 81.145.240.73 18:57, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, it's there now. Relocation takes a moment or two. Clio the Muse 19:12, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Hahahaha! I can feel the rage of 81.145.240.73 emanating from my monitor! − Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 20:40, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

Question marks = rage? Jfarber 20:50, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

For the record: I read 'em (in context) as an indication of aggrieved indignation, possibly verging on the aggravated. Let us hope that no true rage was provoked. -- Deborahjay 00:29, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

This question isn't even here anymore, and we're still discussing it

No we're not. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by JackofOz (talk • contribs) 03:50, 30 March 2007 (UTC).

c:) HS7 20:21, 1 April 2007 (UTC)

What percent of Electrical Engineering B.S. grads go on to get a masters or PhD?

What percent of Electrical Engineering B.S. grads go on to get a masters or PhD? Or you can help me find where I would look something like this up. Thanks. Iownatv 20:27, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

SPIDERS!

What is the largest spiders? Thank you —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 217.42.226.18 (talk) 21:44, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

Tarantula. Up to 9cm body and 25cm legs span! Some species hunt and kill birds and mice.

Specifically, the Goliath Bird Eating Spider-Theraphosa leblondi-to be found in South America. Despite its name, it does not in fact eat birds. Clio the Muse 22:10, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

As large as a dinner plate I heard. · AO ^Talk 00:11, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Here it is [3]. I came across a beauty in Brazil. Sweet dreams, now! Clio the Muse 00:17, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

This is of course, the largest KNOWN spider... Biodiversity and toxic waste dumps are big trump cards for the unknown. -- mattb @ 2007-03-29T00:27Z

So were rainforests, once. HA! Cernen Xanthine Katrena 11:37, 31 March 2007 (UTC)

How about this one ? [4]. :-) StuRat 01:53, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

I found a red-knee'd tarantula lurking in a coiled up garden hose when I was tidying up my garage - they are pretty common here in Texas. I'd guess it was about 10cm from leg-tip to leg-tip. Deeply scarey things. SteveBaker 04:17, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

I'm guessing it's knees were even redder once you doused it in gasoline and set it on fire. StuRat 19:38, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

MP3 player

Question moved to WP:RD/C. →EdGl 22:19, 28 March 2007 (UTC) ha ha!

Modern silly law?

I heard NYC has or is considering a bylaw banning iPods. Seems absurd to me. Does Apple have anything to say about this? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 209.53.180.84 (talk) 22:11, 28 March 2007 (UTC).

A New York state legislator has proposed legislation that would allow police to fine people listening to iPods (and similar devices) while in crosswalks. It's nowhere near the scope you've implied, and it's incredibly unlikely to pass (or even come to a vote). — Lomn 22:20, 28 March 2007 (UTC)

It is in response to a dramatic rise in fatalities caused by oblivious pedestrians walking into traffic. One of the most dramatic was a person who killed while people were yelling warnings which were obviously not heard because the person was listening to an iPod. It's really not that different from banning mobile phones while driving. Vespine 00:07, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

One diff is that the distracted driver kills innocent bystanders, while the oblivious pedestrian is only likely to kill himself, thus improving the gene pool, unless the driver swerves to avoid them. StuRat 01:09, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

I always wondered if that happened often; now at least I know it happens. :) · AO ^Talk 00:13, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Here is my favourite example of a silly law. JackofOz 01:04, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Haha, yeah actually came across that one doing my taxes too jack:) basically means, they reserve the right to make up whatever the hell they want, wish that one applied to us too:) Vespine 05:34, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

FTW?

They banned pinball until the 70s. And they've been trying to ban photography in the subway recently, which is just unutterably silly.--Pharos 01:17, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

• As far as I know you're not allowed to listen to a CD player or any device *with headphones* while taking part in traffic in the Netherlands and mobile phones are definitely banned while driving. Anyone who gets caught gets a serious lecture from the police and they may get a ticket for reckless endangerment. Whether it improves the gene pool isn't the issue, it's dangerous and a ban for people to use them while taking part in traffic seems entirely appropriate (at least it does to me). - Mgm|^(talk) 09:48, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Don't knock it until you've tried it. I drive with my earphones in and I'm sure I can hear what's going on around me MUCH better than I could if I had the windows up and the stereo going. FiggyBee 11:15, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Then why not just listen to the news on the radio instead? :-) · AO ^Talk 12:06, 29 March 2007 (UTC)

Same thing; if I have it up loud enough that I can actually hear what they're saying (my car is not very engine-soundproof), it's at least as loud and distracting as my earphones are. FiggyBee 12:17, 29 March 2007 (UTC)