Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2009 May 30

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May 30

How is a photo like this taken?

How is a photo like this taken? That is, with the solid white background and no evidence of a sheet or anything (except a little shadow)? Bubba73 (talk), 00:46, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Well, there are really three possibilities - one is that they really are using a very flat, white surface and very bright lighting. Another is that they used a fairly normal white background and then went in with a computer and painted out all of the imperfections - the third is that this is a computer model. It's really almost impossible to tell which of those things it is. However - because this is Wikipedia - we can scroll down a little and discover that: "(w:Audio-Technica w:shotgun microphone from the 1990's. Camera: Canon EOS 300D with Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 lens. Created by User:PJ and User:Piko.)" - so we know it's not computer graphics. We even know what camera and lens were used! However, the picture was 'created' by two people? That suggests that one person photographed it and the other cleaned up the image on a computer. But you don't have to guess - you can leave a question on User:PJ's talk page and just ask! SteveBaker (talk) 02:04, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Thanks - PJ hasn't edited for more than 6 months, so may not be around anymore. I think PJ and Piko are likely to be the same person. Bubba73 (talk), 02:33, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Why do you think there isn't a sheet? A lot of photos like these are shot with a similar set-up to this, with a diffuse light and maybe slight over-exposure to blow out the background. With a small enough object you can even do it with a piece of A3 and a bounced flash. --antilived^{T | C | G} 03:06, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

When I said "sheet" I meant "bed sheet". If I tried that with a bed sheet, it wouldn't come out that way. The type of setup you linked to was probably used. Bubba73 (talk), 03:18, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

The image says it was taken with an f-number of 2.8, now I'm not much of a photographer but I think that is on the low side, meaning there would be a low depth of field. Whatever was used for the background is going to be completely out of focus, so as long as it is mostly white and well lit, it's going to look like a completely white field. --Tango (talk) 13:02, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Using a Light box. I made one myself - you just need the right type of bulb and paper/fabric. Bristol board is what I was told to use. ny156uk (talk) 08:20, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

My wife, a professional photographer, confirmed that was indeed done with diffused lighting and a seamless sheet or piece of paper. Dismas|^(talk) 15:28, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Thanks. Bubba73 (talk), 15:30, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I think the trick is not to use cloth because at these magnifications it's fluffy and textured. Good quality paper or art board is probably the best bet. But you can fix a lot of imperfections with GIMP/Photoshop/whatever after the fact. SteveBaker (talk) 16:27, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Yes, texture in cloth shows up, see File:StauntonPawn2.jpg. Bubba73 (talk), 16:01, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

Buying a Bike

Where would be a likely place to buy a cheap adult bike (50 dollars or less)? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.45.232.112 (talk) 03:09, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

A garage sale Graeme Bartlett (talk) 03:35, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

A police auction? Clarityfiend (talk) 03:43, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Craigslist? Freecycle? Thrift store (Goodwill/St. Vincent de Paul's/Salvation Army)? A local used bike shop?-- 76.204.101.11 (talk) 04:14, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

A bike thief. AllanHainey (talk) 16:05, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

I presume the OP is looking for legal options. Otherwise, skip the bike thief and do it yourself. 65.121.141.34 (talk) 16:15, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

6E (triple wide) steel-toed leather work boots

My husband has had no success searching for this product, no longer in stock from Dunham (acquired by New Balance) and apparently unavailable through any other vendor found via Google. It's hard to believe there's no market for such a standard item in triple width. (He wears an 11-1/2, hardly a giant size.) Any advice on where to seek further? -- Thanks, Deborahjay (talk) 10:33, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Would these work? They come in 6E. // BL \\ (talk) 11:14, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Fixed link. Jørgen (talk) 23:23, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

self-discipline for the lazy and uninspired?

I am a procastinator to the core. Sometimes I don't get things done due to the lack of mental energy or resources. Sometimes i am just lazy. Websites that help such individuals teach different methods. To be honest I have not tried any of them. Do you know any solution that is universally applicable to lazy people such as myself?. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.220.46.22 (talk) 10:46, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

There is no one solution that works for everyone, but some that work for lots of people include working/studying/whatevering with others, so that you have a peer pressure to continue and not let them down. For example if you sign up to a gym, and agree to meet a friend there every week to work out statistically you will have a better chance of keeping joining. Also you could try making lists of jobs you have to do, and not allowing yourself certain privaledges until you have finished the list (this requires personal self-discipline though). Good luck. Prokhorovka (talk) 11:11, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

My old studio master said, when I was faced with something that I was reluctant to do, "DO IT, get on with it, it's GOT to be done, do it NOW!" It worked for me 50 years ago and I still remember it and get it done, if it has to be done, whether I like it or not. Lovely feeling when its done too!--88.109.68.129 (talk) 12:41, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I can personally speak for the effectiveness of "just do a little bit". Procrastination (at least for me) is inertia; it's the reluctance to start something (and the bigger the something, the greater the reluctance. The procrastinator part of me says "you can put this all off until tomorrow; it's not due for ages". The solution is to say to yourself "just do a little bit now, and put the rest off until tomorrow". So say I have to prepare my taxes, which involves sorting and inputting lots of receipts, calculating which (and to what extent) are valid business expenses, collecting a bunch of other info, and then filling out the forms. I'll say "I'll just put the receipts into month twelve envelopes, one per month, and stop then". That little task only takes maybe 20 or 30 minutes. Some of the time I really do stop then, but often that's gotten me into doing the task (and I remind myself that it's actually not that unpleasant a task, or that daunting) and I do a bunch more then and there. 87.114.167.162 (talk) 16:51, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I agree. Promise yourself to do say 20 minutes work on something a day. Use a timer. Then when the 20 minutes are up, you can enjoy the remainder of the day without guilt. Or more likely you will continue what you are doing for longer. When reluctantly studying, such as revising for exams, at first do a cycle of ten minutes work then 10 minutes break, repeat. Then when you are accustomed to this do 20/10 and repeat. You can also give yourself a pre-planned reward of some kind in return for yourself doing X amount of work. What I find difficult is to start some large detailed project which is not urgent, which may have unhappy associations for me - which in fact if I was prepared to be a feckless person I would never even start or think about. 78.144.254.133 (talk) 19:36, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I was going to write a really good answer - but...Meh...maybe tomorrow. SteveBaker (talk) 18:34, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

'Tomorrow' never comes.--88.109.68.129 (talk) 19:41, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

The suggestion about setting a timer and working for a defined period is a great one and is likely break the deadlock. I am going to write a book about overcoming the tendency to procrastination. Any time now.Edison (talk) 01:33, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

MySpace

Does someone know how I can add Amy Winehouse (official profile) on MySpace? I tried to add her but I have to put in the last name or the e-mail address. Does someone know the word(s) for “last name” which I have to put in? — PsY.cHo, 13:54, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I know next to nothing about MySpace, but does the last name "Winehouse" not work? That is her last name... --Tango (talk) 17:40, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

somehow advising anyone whose user name is "psycho" how to add a celebrity on MySpace rings loud bells with me...--88.108.222.231 (talk) 19:39, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I was assuming it was short for 'psychotherapist'...WP:AGF and all! SteveBaker (talk) 01:53, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

@Tango: “Winehouse” is not correct.
@88.108.222.231 and SteveBaker: I do not understand your messages. — PsY.cHo, 08:56, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

They're just joking about psychopaths stalking celebrities, don't worry about it! You're probably better off asking your question on MySpace, I don't think we have many MySpace experts here. --Tango (talk) 13:19, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

Mostly, when Ref Desk folks write things in small letters - we are joking in some way. Don't worry about it - it keeps us sane! Well, as sane as any group of people who answer questions from random strangers for no reward! SteveBaker (talk) 18:33, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

It is rewarding in itself! --Tango (talk) 19:04, 31 May 2009 (UTC)

Privacy of A-Level module results

Just wondering if British A-Level results for non-certificated modules (results from individual exams, not cashed in as part of a full qualification) can be looked up by third parties. Most importantly universities, and prospective employers. I failed several modules a few years ago which I am now repeating, and if possible I'd rather not mention in future that I ever took the failed exams. I am a mature student, taking exams as a private candidate, and it wouldn't be obvious from my employment history that I took exams before.

Will universities ask for my UCI number when I apply, so they can check previous results?

Can I also choose not to mention exams that I passed and certificated, but with a bad grade? Many thanks. 81.132.218.238 (talk) 14:48, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

In terms of what you mention on the forms, you don't have to put down your UCI number or any qualifications/exams taken which you don't want to disclose. Whether they can find out individual marks through some name search, however, I'm not sure - they couldn't until a couple of years ago, but some universities. I'm not sure whether:

• They ask you for them, or whether they can find out without your permission.
• Since they couldn't until a couple of years ago, whether they can find out the results of modules taken before this restriction was lifted, as yours seem to be.

--Joth (talk) 18:09, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

If you are applying for an undergraduate course in the UK, you will need to apply through UCAS, who state that you "must include all schools, colleges and universities that you have attended since the age of 11, even if you withdrew from your course" and that you must include "All qualifications for which you are currently studying or for which you are awaiting results". UCAS will check your qualifications with the awarding body - I don't know whether they will search to see whether you have omitted anything. Universities rely on the information which they receive from UCAS, and will not check these details themselves.

But bear in mind that almost any university will be interested in your latest grades (and your employment history), and will put little or no weight on grades from some years ago, provided you've made the grades now. If you're still concerned that previous poor marks may reflect badly on you, you can put a positive spin on it in your personal statement (you've decided this course is your future, you've shown the drive to retake these qualifications as a mature student, and your results/predicted results in them show your potential). Warofdreams talk 20:17, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

Eaten by boa constrictor

Are there any documented cases of a person being attacked and killed by a boa constrictor? Would a person of normal physical strength be able to fight off a boa, or would they likely be crushed to death? If the latter, would the boa be able to consume the unfortunate individual? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 15:19, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

[1] says that an 8 to 10 foot Boa can kill an adult human. They don't so much crush as suffocate by wrapping tightly around neck, stomach and rib-cage. Every time you exhale - it tightens so you can't inhale again - so bit by bit you suffocate and don't have breath to shout for help...nasty! (for example) Many other sites say that there is no record of a human being eaten by a boa because their jaws are not large enough to accomodate our shoulders. But they certainly can and do kill people. There are a couple of sites that purport to show people who've been cut out of Boa's stomachs - but as far as I can tell, they are all faked. SteveBaker (talk) 16:13, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I think adults being killed by boas is rare, but I've heard plenty of stories of children being killed by them. The advice I've heard regarding being attacked by a constrictor is to try and grab hold of either the head or the tail and uncoil them. Just pushing outwards isn't going to work, they are too strong, you have to start at one end and gradually free yourself. --Tango (talk) 17:29, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

This farm labourer fought off a python with his phone [2]! BrainyBabe (talk) 22:42, 30 May 2009 (UTC)

I think I missed the part about him fighting it off with his phone. He made a phone call, yes, but I didn't see where he hit the snake with the phone. Dismas|^(talk) 02:53, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

Yep, I used to work with a guy who had a pet 3+ metre boa (which he bought as a baby without realizing that she was going to grow that big - there's a life lesson there!) that tried to constrict his neck when he was sat on the floor drunk one night and trying to play with her/stroke her/whatever you do with snakes. That's how he managed to get her off of him. It seems that snakes do not readily subscribe to the master-pet dynamic. --Kurt Shaped Box (talk) 14:23, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

Shel Silverstein says yes. jeffjon (talk) 13:58, 1 June 2009 (UTC)

Hm, some sources say farm worker, some say manager. But we have an article about Ben Nyaumbe. (Whether we should or not is another matter.) BrainyBabe (talk) 11:31, 2 June 2009 (UTC)