Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 March 8

Welcome to the Wikipedia Miscellaneous Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

March 8

Funny photos

Can someone give me a website that shows some funny things like the picture in the this website? Btw its the spetsnaz one БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 00:03, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

you might want to check out [1] Furmanj (talk) 01:18, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks but i wanted more military ones then just general stuff like that. Thanks though. БοņёŠɓɤĭĠ₳₯є 03:34, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

You might like StumbleUpon - it learns your preferences pretty quickly. I've found countless funny image sites on this. The Evil Spartan (talk) 18:42, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Abaya and Jilbab

What is the difference between the terms Jilbab and Abaya? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Don Mustafa (talk • contribs) 04:45, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Have you seen the articles Jilbāb, Abaya and Hijab? They describe the difference as clothing and as meaning and function which you might like to compare as you go. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:04, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

There's a helpful comparison chart at List of types of sartorial hijab. In short, jilbab sometimes is a general term that can refer to any outer garment, so there's no easy way to compare. Mangostar (talk) 20:28, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

Over the rainbow

For some reason I used to be really into the American Hip-Hop and now I have started getting back into the Japanese music scene. According to my finances it costs a lot less money as well. I was wondering if it was more expensive to be into foreign music then music from your own country. What do you guys think?--SlaveofBetrayal (Talk) —Preceding comment was added at 05:06, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

C'mon it's the 21st century here! Just download them both for free! --124.254.77.148 (talk) 07:47, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Are you asking whether it is more expensive for you to (legally) buy foreign or domestic music, or whether it is more expensive for foreigners than locals to produce music? I think there will be national variations in both, but it will vary from country to country. I don't know the situation in Japan, but logic would suggest that local music would be cheaper to buy. Rockpocket 07:53, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

The situation in Japan is that domestic CDs are a lot more expensive than US CDs of American pops (even including the shipping cost the latter). What's particularly irritating is that [legal] CDs of good oldies (e.g. the best stuff by Eri Chiemi) are just as expensive as new CDs by this or that interchangeable brand new teen "sensation"; cf other markets (even before the arrival of boxes from Proper Records). -- Hoary (talk) 10:20, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Workplace rights

At the KFC I work at (in Australia) they don't pay us extra on Sundays. This is illegal right? Who do I complain about this to? --124.254.77.148 (talk) 13:26, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Talk to your union rep if you think you're not getting paid what you should. FiggyBee (talk) 14:23, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Whilst we cannot offer 'legal' advice there are plenty of places where Sunday working is not legally requiring 'extra' (or 'overtime') pay. Look over the contract you signed when you started - try to find the rules you agreed to it, it should state your 'normal' working hours. Lots of people with Saturday-jobs get paid no more on Sundays, but then some people work full-time and will get 'double time' on Sundays because it is not their normal-working-hours. I have no idea of the legal situation but it doesn't sound like something that would be legally required (what makes Sunday so special that it is deserving of increase wages one could ask) ny156uk (talk) 17:02, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

I doubt that someone working in the fast-food industry is unionised. A government website such as workplace.gov.au or The Citizens Advice Bureau (possibly here [2] or here [3]) might be a better bet. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 18:17, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow. Work must be very different in Australia. In the US, fast food people sure aren't unionized, the blue laws are all but dead, and everyone has to work Sunday like it or not (overtime is usually only paid on special occasions like holidays). The Evil Spartan (talk) 18:30, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Australian Workplace Agreement. Before this you always got extra on holidays and sundays, if you didnt a union would help you. I've just been paid for work I did in December. Note that striking is actually illegal. I have a strongly negative opinion of AWA's.Polypipe Wrangler (talk) 21:06, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

The Workplace Infoline is set up to deal with these sorts of queries and complaints. -- JackofOz (talk) 22:00, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Actually, retail and fast food workers in Australia are usually members of or at least covered by agreements negotiated by the SDA. I don't know how far AWAs penetrated into fast food. FiggyBee (talk) 03:05, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

I used to work for Pizza Hut, who are owned by the same corporation (Yum! Restaurants), and we had a constant rate, which had been negotiated by the union in exchange for having a rate that was higher than minimum wage, and IIRC time-and-a-half on public holidays. Rates of pay should all be detailed in your contract, AWA or collective agreement that you signed when you started work, and will dictate whether you get different rates on different days or not. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 05:59, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Dolphin or Parrot?

Just curious Is a dolphin smarter then a parrot (and I'm talking about African Grey)? Or is the parrot smarter then the dolphin?71.142.240.203 (talk) 18:29, 8 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

According to google answers the dolphin is "smarter". It has always been the case that the dolphin was way up there just behind the ape or chimp. Some argue that if the dolphin were land-based and had limbs, it would be the dominant species. Sandman30s (talk) 18:36, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't think the dolphin would dominate humans in that scenario, it'd have a lot harder time finding fish to eat. Useight (talk) 21:42, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

I think you missed the point. Their cortexes are 10% larger than humans so that would make them more intelligent in terms of reasoning and logic. If evolution had been kinder to them and given them hands to manipulate their environment, legs to move around on land, and more advanced vocal chords, they would have been the dominant species on the planet instead of us. It has nothing to do with eating fish or their diet; they would have been a different lifeform with terrestrial rather than aquatic dietary requirements. It must be incredibly frustrating for them having such intelligence and knowing such volumes about the oceans, but not having the physical attributes to advance. Every time you look at your fingers, thank evolution that they were given to you. Sandman30s (talk) 22:53, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

The fact that they have larger cortexes and may be better at reasoning and logic hardly makes them more intelligent. it's entirely possible that depite this they lack consciousness comparable with that of a human. Without the ability to reflect on their own thoughts and actions or form abstract concepts they would still probably be some way behind humans. Nothing has ever proven that dolphins are even approaching humans on any of the varying scales of intelligence. Surely if they were as intellectually capable as humans then they would demonstrate use of tools, or at least some form of meaningful interaction wih their envrionment, even despite their bodyshape. And then evolution would favour the development of superior means to use said tools, ensuring better ability to manipulate their environment. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 02:42, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

I think you missed my mark on the question. I wasn't comparing dolphins and humans. I was comparing super logical and abstract thinking with knowing how to say at least 300 to 400 human words. Being able to communicate and make sentences. A parrot or a dolphin. For me both have amazing talents. But which one? The one that can talk and understand. Or the one known to be able to learn faster.71.142.240.203 (talk) 04:11, 9 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Oh, sorry, I just disagreed with what Sandman was saying. I'd have to say a dolphin is much more intelligent than even the smartest African Grey (was his name Alex? The one that died?). Parrots can memorise words and even phrases, but there's no meaning for them, which is what language really is, a tool to express meaning. Dolphins are able to hunt in packs, solve problems and form social relationships, and have an apparently complex system of communication, while parrots will have a few calls for various purposes but are able to imitate human voices. The brain of a dolphin is just much larger than a parrots, so it is able to perform significantly more difficult intellectual tasks. But pound for pound, I reckon the parrot holds its own. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 04:48, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Yup, that was Alex (parrot). RIP. Clarityfiend (talk) 04:53, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

I can see were you are going with dolphin. They do have larger brains then a parrot. And I do agree a dolphin is smarter then a parrot. But lets explore this for a moment. We have a dolphin who can do numerous things. But the parrot can communicate to human language. Or at least when it is taught this behavior they can communicate. Dolphins can only talk through whistles and clicks, but they are still taught to communicate. We have already decided a dolphin is smarter then a parrot. The next question is which one is smarter in communication?71.142.240.203 (talk) 07:00, 9 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

The thing is that for a parrot, speaking English or any form of human language isn't communication in the same way as speaking is for humans. We have words which are specifically attached to meanings and concepts, whereas for the parrot the human words are essentially a performance. Have a look at Chinese room for some interesting stuff that sort of applies. When the parrot speaks our language, it is because it has been trained to do so, and no matter how big its vocabulary you could never hold a conversation with it, it can just tell you if it wants a cracker or if something is a square or a circle. It communicates through song/chirping, where different tones may mean "Hey, this is my tree, go away" or "Hey, how you doin'" or whatever. Parrot to parrot communication is very limited compared to human-human communciation, or even dolphin-dolphin. A dolphin may be able to convey the fact that there is a large shoal of fish a certain distance away in a certain direction to another dolphin, but a parrot couldn't get that specific.

The parrot is able to imitate the human voice and can be trained to 'parrot' words (sorry for the awful joke), but has nothing even close to the human capacity for learning language. The dolphin is unable to imitate our vocal chords but would probably come a lot closer if it could. I can be taught sentences is Swahili, and then repeat them, without knowing what they mean. The parrot gets slightly further than that by being able to name colours or shapes, but most two-year-olds can do that. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 08:04, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

My aunt's parrot can certainly associate certain sounds with actions - those who own parrots can attest to their intelligence. For example if the phone rings, it answers the phone in the same way she does; or if the room is too silent it immitates the phone ringing! However, studies into dolphins and cetaceans have found that their squeaks and whistles is an advanced form of communication and contain volumes of information across kilometres of ocean. I really haven't missed the mark, I was merely comparing dolphins to humans to show how far ahead of parrots they are. Also, just to stir a little, who knows what would have happened if the comet hadn't killed off the dinosaurs? They would have evolved to the dominant species - 65 million years is a long time. And those going *sigh* - yes these topics have been discussed extensively before. The original poster can certainly get a whole lot more authoritative commentary on the net or in books. Sandman30s (talk) 10:34, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, I see what you're saying about the whole dolphin/parot thing, I was just trying to make the point that there's a massive difference between demonstrable intelligence and consciousness. Dolphins are doubtless a highly intelligent species, much more so than parrots, but there is little evidence that they exibhit anywhere near human levels of self-awareness and meta-reflection. About the dinosaurs, we really know to little about them to speculate but I will anyway. I reckon that if it wasn't for the comet or whatever combination of things killed them off, they would have developed something close to the human mind. Intelligence provides an obvious evolutionary advantage, so I think that would have eventually evolved into consciousness and human thought. In a way, I think consciousness is an evolutionary given, really. It confers so many advantages with none of the stages of its evolution providing setbacks as far as I know, and I can't imagine a species able to manipulate its environment as capably as us being considered anything other than the dominant species. But I would truly fear a raptor with human intelligence levels. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 03:08, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

• Clearly the dolphin. --M@rēino 15:05, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, but the mice are even more intelligent than either of them 81.96.160.6 (talk) 11:51, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

AOL Instant Messager (AIM) won't let me sign in

This question has been removed; it's already posted on the Computing Reference Desk. Useight (talk) 21:43, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Spanish language telenovelas with English language dialouges

Sometines I watch Spanish language telenovelas and I hear some English language spoken in them. Is the English language coming from Mexican telenovela actors or their characters? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 20:16, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, Eric, characters are fictional people and can't actually speak, in any language. It is the actors that are speaking their words. Does this help? --ColinFine (talk) 22:16, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Power Glove Codes

Ok, I'm really desperate now. I looked all over the internet and can't find the codes you need to enter into the Power Glove for certain games. Can someone please direct me to a site that lists all of them? Thanks in advance. 98.206.10.80 (talk) 20:52, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Google that info. 65.173.104.12 (talk) 21:38, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

What part of "all over the internet" don't you understand. I've browsed through 15 pages of google results and none of them have it! 98.206.10.80 (talk) 21:47, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried www.gamefaqs.com? Maybe they have something. Useight (talk) 01:58, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

• It's usually much easier to look up the cheats for the game you have in mind, rather than for the peripheral. --M@rēino 15:07, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Are these legal?

1. Is it legal to shit outside in your own backyard?

2. Is it legal to wear a sheath over your cock as your only clothing in public?

3. Is it legal to fuck the line in a crowded bathroom and just barge into a stall?

--Singsafobri (talk) 21:14, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Legal where? 81.187.153.190 (talk) 21:29, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

America.--Singsafobri (talk) 21:31, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

NO to all, unless you want to go to prison or to a loony bin. 65.173.104.12 (talk) 21:36, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

1. Yes, as long as nobody can see you. 2. No, you have to cover your back side as well. 3. Yes, there's no law against cutting in line, but the others will probably get angry. Useight (talk) 21:40, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Re: #2, I'm pretty sure that public nudity/obscenity laws vary from state to state. I wouldn't do it outside of, say, the Gay Pride parade in San Francisco (where such displays of nudity are common). --98.217.18.109 (talk) 22:10, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Assuming that you are a pet canine or tomcat:

1 Depends on the tolerance and footwear of your owner.

2 Dogs and felines are legally entitled to public nudity. Indeed, they may indulge in procreative activities outside the confines of a private enclosure.

4 But then again, I know nothing about gay cats and dogs in California.

--Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 00:35, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

(2.) Yes, somtimes it's legal (or at least excepted.). See World Naked Bike Ride. --S.dedalus (talk) 02:28, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

If all you're wearing is a sheath, I don't think anyone will confront you for cutting in line. They'd probably be a little scared and confused. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 08:10, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Strange isn't it when someone clearly, obviously and unequivocally asks for legal advice about an offensive style of behaviour other people who have previously and piously claimed that "we are unable to give legal advice" get distracted by the crass idiocy of the question and gush with legal knowledge. Richard Avery (talk) 14:51, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Hey, there were swear words! That meant this was one of the cool kids. This could be our chance to hang out wearing cock-sheaths and crapping in gardens! 81.96.160.6 (talk) 19:51, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

 With or without a mask? hotclaws 21:15, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

It's known as anti-social behaviour even if it's not covered by penalties, if someone sees you and complains to the authorities, steps will be taken! And yeah Richard Avery, quite a hook, isn't it? Julia Rossi (talk) 07:04, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

little question

Hi all,

I'm not trying to seek any type of medical advice with the following question, I'm just curious:

How much of a person's intelligence quotient or mental capacity (or brain/brainpower) is lost when a person drinks alcohol?

I'm curious about this for various levels or intensities of drinking, like one glass a month, one glass a week, every other day, rabid alcoholic, etc.

Thanks mucho hombres —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.23.82.79 (talk) 21:39, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow. I've been searching for ages for the answer to this one, and I can't find anything. I'd assume that alcohol intake lowers your ability to do certain things like maths or problem solving, as well as hand-eye coordination, but no-one seems to have done a study or written anything guessing or anything. I don't think that pemanent abuse of alcohol would severely impair any of these functions, though, but while drunk there must be a measureable difference. I hope someone finds something. 81.96.160.6 (talk) 08:19, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Hmm, it's extreme, but have you looked at the article Korsakoff's Syndrome as a result of chronic alcoholism? It's more to do with alcoholism preventing absorption of Vitamin B in the stomach for various reasons. You could click here[4] and work your way up through the behaviours. oops forgot to sign Julia Rossi (talk) 10:54, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Also see fetal alcohol syndrome for the effects of maternal alcohol consumption on fetal development, especially of the brain. For adults, one of the ways that alcohol can lead to loss of brain function is to do something stupid while drunk, or even tipsy, such as driving under the influence, that leads to a nasty accident. BrainyBabe (talk) 11:30, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Note, though, that under normal circumstances you don't "lose" intelligence via alcohol consumption. It's not as if each drink kills off x number of brain cells or anything. I have never heard of any permanent mental effects whatsoever (unless you count alcoholism as a mental effect) except in very extreme cases of massive/long-term alcohol abuse. -Elmer Clark (talk) 08:21, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

See Long-term_effects_of_alcohol#Nervous_system for an overview. Mangostar (talk) 20:33, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

local control state

I need a definition to this, i cannot find it anywhere, and wonder if it is broad ranged, or limited to schools and the smoking ban......... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hargis4president (talk • contribs) 21:55, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

I have no idea what you're talking about. What part of the world are you in? What do you mean by "local control state"? --NellieBly (talk) 00:35, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Do you mean local authority as in local civic or town authority? In Australia it's the local council which makes ordinances (rules) about things like how rules such as not smoking in public places are applied. For schools eg, it's the State school authority, whatever that might be. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:01, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

change my clock

When do I change my clock this year for daylight saving time? I am in eastern time zone (New York). Do I move it up one hour or back one hour? Thanks !!!! Niyant (talk) 22:59, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

"Spring forward, fall back". So you go forward one hour. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 23:28, 8 March 2008 (UTC)

And you're supposed to change it at 2AM, I believe. Useight (talk) 01:56, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes, the time officially changes at 2 a.m. Although, you can change your clock before you go to bed Saturday night, assuming you aren't out partying and such past 2.... Dismas|^(talk) 02:39, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Or not bother to change it at all and just remember to add on the hour whenever you look at it. Or go out and buy a clock that changes itself automatically. HS7 (talk) 11:02, 10 March 2008 (UTC)