Miscellaneous desk
< December 12	<< Nov \| December \| Jan >>	December 14 >

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.

December 13

1999 Euro Coin

I have a 2 Euro euro coin from France i think and it is dated 1999. But per Euro, physical coins and bills were only released in 2002. Can someone explain this? Thanks. Jamesino 00:11, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I cannot explain the discrepancy but there are plenty of 1999 Euro coins: [1]. -THB 00:26, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The article Euro coins states:

The year featured in the coins can date back to 1999, when the currency was formally established (only on French, Spanish, Belgian, Finnish and Dutch coins). These countries traditionally put on the coin the year when it was minted rather than the year in which it was put into circulation.

惑乱分からん 01:03, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Indeed. Note that three of those countries are monarchies which traditionally put their monarch on their coins. They started minting euro coins several years before they were put into circulation, and it would have been embarrassing to have coins put into circulation dated "2002" if the depicted monarch had died a few years earlier. -- Arwel (talk) 23:16, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

According to this site the Euro was a valid currency from jan 1, 1999. http://www.24carat.co.uk/eurocoinsframe.html Joneleth 01:09, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but the coins and banknotes hadn't yet entered public circulation. 惑乱分からん 03:16, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The euro was a notional currency from 1.1.99, with the old currencies being formally defined as odd multiples of it, however the physical notes and coins were not put into circulation until 1.1.02. -- Arwel (talk) 23:16, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

finding a website

Anyone know the name of the site that is like this: -In the site, there was a message that said to the user of the site think about a thing. -then the site ask questions like this thing is yellow, and there are answers to you choose, like yes, no, almost... -then he maked another question, and then another and sometime he would discover what you was thinking what is the name of this site??

20q.net. (Apperas to have been updated since I was there...) 惑乱分からん 01:09, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Has anyone ever had Wikipedia for their object in mind when playing 20 questions? Bonus points if you have. Also: We could have turned the OP's question into a game of 20q, lol. "Is it a website?" "Yes." "Does this website feature an interactive format asking questions about something that you think about?" etc. 64.90.198.6 00:09, 15 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I tried it on 20q.net. 20q failed miserably... @_@ 惑乱分からん 02:13, 15 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Dungeons & Dragons for academic credit?!

I read in a book from the 1980s that a version of Dungeons & Dragons has been played for academic credit in some US high schools. I'm intrigued. Is this true? For what subject, and as what proportion of the course? Where can I find out more? Is it done in Canada? Neon Merlin 01:41, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know about high school, but you might be interested in a program at Oberlin College called the Experimental College. Students and community members can teach and take for credit courses on just about anything. Recent courses include a course on Super Smash Bros. and one on competitive Scrabble, which I will be teaching in the upcoming spring semester.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 03:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Looks good, but at 557 km away from me, it would be quite the commute! :-) I hope Wikiversity starts something similar. Neon Merlin 21:10, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In high school in Canada, a bunch of us played wargames for a math class...until the teacher wised up and realized we weren't learning anything. Clarityfiend 07:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

When I was in high school (also in Canada) there was a group of us that regularily played Euchre in our Finite class once the teacher was done with the lesson. We convinced him that we were studying the probabilities of drawing certain good hands, and things like that... ;-) --Maelwys 13:12, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Heh, I know people in Canada who play board games in Consumer Math class. Man, why don't they just go home? --JDitto 03:38, 15 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's quite possible; a lot of high schools offer credit for intramural activity participation. I know mine did, but it was only for sports-type stuff. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 13:49, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Image problem

The image above won't load, at least not on my computer.

However this works.

Is there something I did wrong? I traced a image (to produce above image) in Portace in Inkscape. --hello, i'm a member | talk to me! 03:49, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I've fixed the image. It may have been the original GIF you forgot to remove from the SVG. –mysid ☎ 05:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oh yeah...thanks! --hello, i'm a member | talk to me! 01:32, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Paul McCartney

I've heard many rumors about many people being dead or some other ridiculous, untrue facts. But one I happened upon a few days ago was that Paul McCartney was dead! Now I'm a huge Beatles fan and now for a fact that he's been performing forever! That person said that he died after they first got their success in the U.S. in a terrible car accident. They said that his close family tried to cover it up and quickly replaced him with a look-a-like. They claim to see another guy's name on the back of the CD, and he said, just listen to Come Together. All those words do make sense to say that one of their members died, and I know it was recorded before Lennon got shot. Please help me tell this guy he's nuts! Is it really true? What is the evidence? Thanks so much guys!

See Paul is dead. Rockpocket 04:26, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I just read the lyrics to "Come Together", man they must have had some great drugs!Vespine 05:41, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Since when has he been "dead"? | AndonicO ^{Talk | Sign Here} 19:42, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

information about advertisement industry

I need some informations about advertisement indutry in India and also the details about opportunities in this field

Review our article on India, Advertisements and Employment. Hipocrite - «Talk» 13:14, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That would be a start, but the Wikipedia articles do not specifically cover the advertising industry in India. You might want to explore the links on this Yahoo page. Marco polo 14:11, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Extraterrestrials in different cultures

Our article on "greys" (a supposed kind of extraterrestrial being) says that the greys "make up approximately 75% of all aliens reported in the US, 20% of all aliens reported in Mainland Europe, and 12% of all aliens reported in Britain." So, this begs the question: What is the most common type of extraterrestrial being seen in continental Europe and in Britain? What about other parts of the world? — BrianSmithson 13:25, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Without reliable data, we can't provide an answer. Since there haven't been any verifiable sightings of extraterrestrials, making a determination on the racial breakdown of the invaders is tricky. Usually, Census data would be useful in determining this type of information, but the success at collecting relevant data for alien visitors has been spotty at best. - CHAIRBOY (☎) 16:01, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Chairboy, it is clear they are asking about what people report seeing, not what aliens there actually are... Skittle 17:47, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Do people actually believe this stuff? L(aughing)O(ut)L(oud)! | AndonicO ^{Talk | Sign Here} 19:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It is not implausible Sandman30s 13:12, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I see now why people have been complaining about the Reference Desk being too prone to flip and sarcastic answers. Of course I was asking about what types of "aliens" are being reported. This data probably exists (in police reports, etc.). So who are the ETs the Europeans are seeing? The Japanese? Brazilians? -- BrianSmithson 02:30, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Although I don't know this answer, I will be happy to have a serious discussion about aliens at my talk page. Sandman30s 13:12, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What about Black triangles? | AndonicO ^{Talk | Sign Here} 18:17, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Alien sightings ?

Is it true that the number of reported alien sightings has decreased since the widespread use of camera phones ? StuRat 04:29, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now that would be funny. The same way the number of incarnations of god have decreased. Sandman30s 13:12, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Australia's military dependence on the USA

It's common knowledge that Australia is greatly dependent on the USA to help defend Australia in the event of an invasion, but I can't seem to find a specific quote for that. Google and Wikipedia have failed to turn anything up. Can anyone help me? Battle Ape 14:00, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Review ANZUS specifically, Australia#Foreign_relations_and_the_military, Australian_Defence_Force as additional points of info. Hipocrite - «Talk» 14:04, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Mmm...lessee here. This may help. While it doesn't make SPECIFIC mention, it does dance around a bit. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 14:06, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know how far I trust some guys blog. I'd definently read our articles and the sources they cite before relying on a blog. Hipocrite - «Talk» 14:10, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now now. Blogs are an important part of political commentary. Without blogs, CNN would have nothing to run in the spare time they often end up with. (Har har.) In all seriousness, though, he's a university student, and this may be something he is doing for an essay, so it's a good idea to have something to either try to prove or refute. I'm not saying trust it, I'm saying it might help. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 14:15, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The US is the only remaining superpower with a major high-seas navy, so everybody either depends on them, or lives in fear of them. The exact actions in various war-planning scenarios (China vs. Taiwan, etc) probably change from day to day, and are only known to a select few. --Zeizmic 17:39, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

For people that know nothing about secret high-level war planning (with scenarios), here is a nice document. [2] This is a bit general, the specific bits about what to do exactly if North Korea launches nuclear missles, is always secret, and cannot be referenced. --Zeizmic 03:28, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Unjust Reservist Salaries

I am writing in regards to a television report that I viewed over the summer. It suggested that there are over 30,000 reservist who were paid monthly salaries to report to their tour of duty and did not report but yet collected their pay as if they were on active duty.

I am aware of such a person. He was to report to Puerto Rico in Jan. of 2004 along with his entire barrack. He did not report as the others had and yet collected his monthly salary for the following two years. I would like to know if there is a department that would actually follow this up. I find it awlful that people would do this (collect money and not report) especially at a time like this when our country is in such need for military assistance and our soldiers are overseas earning their pay. Any information that you could give me is greatly appreciated.

Thank you Cynthia Querry

Sounds like you could probably contact his commanding officer and report him AWOL, but that would probably get him put in jail. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 15:08, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would guess his commanding officer is probably well aware that he is AWOL. There could be many ways in which this info fails to make it to the payroll department (or equivalent in military-speak). The CO may be a friend and unwilling to report him, there may be somebody in the chain that has failed to do their job and pass on the info, or, perhaps, a hearing must be held to determine the soldier's status, and there is a backlog. StuRat 04:24, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, yes. Good old bureaucrazy. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 14:05, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Something needs to be sorted out in his barracks if one of their soldiers has been missing since 2004! and no-one's noticed.... Lemon martini 14:13, 15 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Piles

I heard that excessive coughing can cause 'piles'. can anyone confirm or deny that?

Review our articles on Hemorrhoid for some causes. Hipocrite - «Talk» 17:25, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Our article does not mention coughing. But this one does.

Heavy lifting or a chronic cough from asthma, smoking or any chronic lung disease causes hemorrhoids because of increased intraabdominal pressure. This increased pressure is just like straining at stool in that the pressure obstructs the flow of blood through the veins causing them to swell.

--Justanother 17:50, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Departments

Who are the (current) secerataries of Justice, Agriculture, and Interior in the U.S.? Thanks. 209.81.119.178 17:53, 13 December 2006 (UTC).[reply]

See United States Federal Executive Departments. Яussiaп F 18:00, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Australian culture

The aussie culture is primarily dominated by what culture? Are the ancestors primarily british? 17:55, 13 December 2006 (UTC)~

You may wish to review our article on Australia. Hipocrite - «Talk» 17:59, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

These days, aussie culture is mostly dominated by aussie culture.--Shantavira 18:23, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, the ancestors are primarily British...and many of the aborigines still roo the day they arrived. StuRat 04:18, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Secretary of labor

Who is the secretary of labor and health and human services?—Preceding unsigned comment added by Jjohnson 55 (talk • contribs)

Our articles on United States Secretary of Labor and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services should prove helpful. Hipocrite - «Talk» 17:58, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

.. always assuming you mean in the United States...--Shantavira 18:19, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Where is Saddam now?

Where and when will Saddam be hanged? Is there going to be public viewing? I would doubt it but a friend says it may.

You may wish to review our article on Saddam Hussein, which states that "According to the New York Times, Saddam Hussein's verdict and sentence would "come under review by the nine-judge appellate chamber of the trial court. There is no time limit for the appeal court's review, but Iraqi and American officials who work with the court said that the earliest realistic date for Saddam Hussein's execution, assuming it stood up to review, would be next spring." [3] Iraqi law requires executions to take place within 30 days of the end of the appeal process; however it also forbids the executions of people aged over 70 years old, a status Saddam Hussein acquires on 28 April 2006. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hipocrite (talk • contribs)

Dragging the process along until his birthday would be a legal tour de force by his defense team. But hanging him before then would eliminate the bringing out of his many other alleged crimes in public trials. It is amazing this ticking clock issue has not been discussed in the media, since this is the first I've heard of it. Many countries have a lower limit on the age of criminals for capital punishment, but an upper limit of only 70 seems wierd. Many dictators have ruled far beyond that age, and they would have no fear of capital punishment for crimes they committed in office. Edison 21:17, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would hedge my bets that a video will show up on YouTube no matter what. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 14:04, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

The Salem Witch Trials

Question moved to Humanities Reference Desk by User:Hipocrite. See link at top of page. -THB 18:39, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Abuser

Russian F keeps putting different pictures on my page? How do i report him?—Preceding unsigned comment added by Jjohnson 55 (talk • contribs)

Try WP:AIV. -THB 18:32, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Animal Face Off

In a theoretical battle, would a male leopard in his prime be able to kill a male rottweiler in his prime?

You may wish to review Bait (dogs) for a history of animal fighting. One of the listed references may discuss such a fight - you should probably go to the library and check them out. Hipocrite - «Talk» 19:05, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

According to the article on leopards, they prey on wild pigs. From my personal experience with rotweilers and wild pigs, I would have to say yes, it would not be a difficult task for a leopard to be able to kill a rottweiler. Wild pigs can be quite large and viscious. -THB 19:44, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You've had personal experience with rottweilers and wild pigs?? :) According to the articles, male leopard in his prime can be up to 90kg, male rottweilers max out at about 60kg. Now I know weight isn't everything, but I think the leopard would have the upper hand.Vespine 00:29, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

A rotty is nothing more than a wolf that's been mutated, ruined, and made subserviant to man. A leopard would likely dispatch a wolf (with slashes to the head, forepaws, and flank), but would surely sustain injuries in the process. So, a leopard would either humilate, injury, or kill a rotty, I would bet. That said, beautiful animsls like leopards are not going to engage another animal with teeth and claws unless it has good reason to. They value being unmaimed. And, as a leopard wouldn't likely dine on dead rotty, you'd have to come up with some very exotic situation to get the rotty to march to its doom towards a cornered leopard. Vranak 00:36, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't even think the leopard would get injured. AFAIK all the big cats are capable of breaking an animal's neck with one bite. That would make it a pretty quick fight. Anchoress 01:48, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well, leopards will do that to an animal that they've been chasing. Face-to-face with a wolf (or rotty), they can't simply pounce-and-bite the neck with one fell swoop. A suicidal wolf or dog would face down the jaguar, and eventually get slashed to ribbons. That's how I could see it going down, anyway. Cheers. Vranak

I doubt the fight would last long (the leopard would win). | AndonicO ^{Talk | Sign Here} 01:18, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My guess is that most dogs are only really problematic against major predators like big cats when they are in packs. --24.147.86.187 02:13, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

One-on-one, a feline will kill a canine of equal weight. The dog only fights with its teeth, the cat uses teeth and claws. Leopards are especially nasty because they use all four paws and move MUCH faster than any canine. They are also immensely strog, capable of carrying animals 2 or 3 times their own weight up trees. A 90-kg leopard would have a 60-kg dog for lunch. Even if the weights were switched, I'd still bet on the leopard. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Vultur (talk • contribs) 22:57, 16 December 2006 (UTC).[reply]

websense

Can you guys give me a list of websites that allows me to play games that are not blocked by websense, besides uneekonline.com or giosphere.com? Thanks.

I'd try the Computer Ref Desk for this one. StuRat 04:12, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you are playing during work, and your boss put on websense so you won't waste your (his?) time, please consider if you should stop because it is Dishonest. Jon513 13:30, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Not that this justifies anything, but it may be a high school student. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 14:01, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No, i'm just a fourteen year old that is looking for something to do in school this week since i am exempt from all of my exams.

Hanukkah/Epiphany

Why is Epiphany thought of as the fulfillment of Hanukkah?

I see your problem. In the article Epiphany (Christian) it is stated that "The feast was initially based on, and viewed as a fulfillment of, the Jewish Feast of Lights." This reads like a statement of fact, but one has to ask: Is this true, or likely to be true? What is the evidence for this statement? Now having expanded the question (correctly, I hope) I have to admit that I have no idea as to the reason for this claim. I hope some of the other editors have information on this. --Seejyb 23:20, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To the best of my knowledge Hanukkah is not called "Feast of Light" (it is called festival of lights). In fact there is no feast on Hanukkah at all. The only think done on Hanukkah is light candles. I don't see how the can be based on Hanukkah, but I don't really know. Jon513 13:21, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That's too literal. "Feast" and "festival" can be used interchangably, if your language is a little stilted and archaic. They're both inadequate translations of the word "chag", which has meanings about enjoying oneself. Furthermore, as usual in Judaism, there is indeed a food element (although no stipulation of a formal meal as with other festivals). There are well-founded traditions of eating oily foods, in commemoration of the miracle of the oil. Latkes and doughnuts are two of the most common manifestations of this tradition. --Dweller 13:36, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like our article might have it wrong (tell me it ain't true, Joe). It may be that both Epiphany and Hanukkah are termed the Feast of Lights and yet not be related. See this rather "flowerly" article.

JANUARY the 6th is recorded in the annals of the Christian Church as an ancient celebration of an event in the life of Jesus Christ which is considered as the beginning of His official dedication to His Divine Mission in the presence and manifestation of the Triune Christian God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. This celebration is called Epiphany, a combined Greek word which is derived from epi: to and phainein: to show, to show forth, to shine upon; the noun is epiphaneia, meaning appearance, manifestation.

Also see this definition of Hannukah:

Judaism: An eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, commemorating the victory in 165 b.c. of the Maccabees over Antiochus Epiphanes (c. 215–164 b.c.) and the rededication of the Temple at Jerusalem. Also called Feast of Dedication, Feast of Lights.

I am not that familiar with Christianity but perhaps I will address the article but it might be better if someone more knowledgable did. --Justanother 13:48, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I've removed the statement in question, which to me appears utterly implausible. --Lambiam ^Talk 17:32, 16 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Frisbee ?

What'[s the best way to throw a frisbee? 20:48, 13 December 2006 (UTC)20:48, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

There is no "best," (depends on the situation) but there certainly are quite a few mentioned at Disc throws, along with reasons you might use each and illustrations. Hipocrite - «Talk» 20:50, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

64.81.114.117 17:45, 16 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Many Movies,Many Laughs

What do you think are some of the funniest movies of all time.

That movie Mr. Bean did was funny. I don't think many movies are very funny. -THB

It all depends on your humour. Films such as airplane, or Naked Gun are funny if you like the slapstick/play on words humour. the goat by Buster Keaton is a classic short film highlighting just why black and white silent movies can still be highly amusing. Romantic comedies produce a series of 'classics' if you like that sort of comedy. I enjoy the frat-party humour of films like Old Skool and Wedding Crashers, American Pie and Anchorman. That sort of recent film does a good job of catching the current mood/generation but maybe doesn't transfer to history too well. Others prefer black comedies that are quite unusual such as the secretary which is plain weird if you ask me (though a good watch nonetheless). I would have to say that my favourite 'comedy' films include...Coming To America with Eddie Murphy, the goat with Buster Keaton, Groundhog Day with Bill Murray (comical if not rip-rawingly so) and I am a sucker for Home Alone around christmas time. Mr Bean was, personally, the worst work that Rowan Atkinson did, but I understand it was tremendously popular. ny156uk 00:04, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Monty Python's Life of Brian, and The Holy Grail
Being John Malkovich, and Adaptation (film)
There's Something About Mary, Me, Myself, and Irene, Dumb and Dumber
Austin Powers (the first two)
Kung Fu Hustle, God of Cookery, Shaolin Soccer
Best in Show
TV DVDs: The Office (UK and US versions), People Like Us, Seinfeld, The Simpsons (mid-90s), Golden Boy (anime), Saturday Night Live –Vranak

Again, countless experts and lay people have weighed in on this topic, happy reading. Anchoress 00:31, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Snakes on a Plane. Sashafklein 05:59, 14 December 2006 (UTC) The Big Lebowski Sashafklein 06:00, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Aside from maybe Dracula, I would say:

Those are my personal favorites. Now around Christmas, you might want to try Jingle All the Way as well. | AndonicO ^{Talk | Sign Here} 11:34, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"I liked The Money Pit. That is my answer to that question." --Peter Griffin; As for me, Layer Cake and Snatch were pretty hilarious. Cernen Xanthine Katrena 12:52, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would recommend Scary Movie one through four, if you like that kind of humor. I would also recommend Liar, Liar" one of the funniest movies i have ever seen.

I also love The Money Pit. I recently saw It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World for the first time in 20 years and laughed myself sick. JackofOz 23:27, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Young Frankenstein was great --Shuttlebug 00:34, 15 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What about the Hallelujah Trail, Dr.Strangelove, The Fortune Cookie, The Russians are coming the Russians are coming, The Great Race.64.81.114.117 17:50, 16 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Historian

How can you obtain your employment as a historian?

See: Academia. -THB 23:05, 13 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Pretty much. There are non-academic historians (i.e. a historian of a company or a government office) and a few private-practice historians (rare), but they all are from the same general academic track (PhD or MA in history). Of course the term is often used to describe popular writers of history with little or no advanced historical training, but that's usually a somewhat different breed of historian (though they usually write quite better than the academics). But most historians are employed as professors in universities. --24.147.86.187 02:09, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Some historic places, like Colonial Williamsburg, could use a few on staff to keep things realistic. Also, historians can sometimes make good book authors. StuRat 04:09, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You might try whatever government agency administers historic sites in your country. They use a lot of historians, as researchers, writers, exhibitors and the like. (I don't know if every country has such an agency or what it is called. In the United States it is the National Park Service; in Canada it is Parks Canada in Australia it is the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Those are the only ones I am certain of.) — Michael J 15:06, 16 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How to keep cat hair etc. from "sticking" to black clothing

How do I keep cat hair, dust etc. from "sticking" to black clothing?

It sticks to other colors too, but it's not so visible. Try deionizing spray, also marketed as anti-cling or anti-static spray. --⁪froth^{T C} 00:16, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I daresay that such a thing is impractical, if not impossible. Cat hair sticks to just about everything. You could try such sprays as Froth mentioned above, but really, why not seek to reduce the amount of shedding your cat does in the first place, instead of going all high-tech (and money-spending)? This can be addressed by such means as letting outside occassionally (or often), to feeding it better food, and most importantly, grooming it yourself, and getting rid of the hair and dander afterwards. Vranak 00:22, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Awesome answer, Vranak. Also, original poster, there are commercial products (lint rollers) that will remove hair, lint, fur, etc from clothing. You can make one yourself by wrapping tape sticky side out around your hand. Wow, Wikipedia has an article on pretty much everything. Anchoress 00:34, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Some cats like to be rubbed with a "love glove": [4]. -THB 00:38, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You could always get a cat to match each outfit, so the fur won't show. :-) StuRat 04:05, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now we know why witches always had black cats, because the black fur wouldn't show on their black clothes and hats. :-) StuRat 04:05, 14 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

well, i heard that a rubber glove can rub off the cat fur off of furniture, i'm not to sure about clothes though.