Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2006 November 29

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November 29

Possible Plagiarized Content Found

Hi! I was looking over the wikipedia summary of the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Interface and noticed that it seems to borrow more than a few word-for-word passages from the episode description on the Trek fan site, Memory Alpha. It's possible that the same person wrote both descriptions, but I'm not sure. Also, how do I go about reporting this sort of thing in the future? --Gabeb83

It looks like contributions to Memory Alpha are licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License and/or the Creative Commons license. Thus reproducing them on Wikipedia would be ok, although credit should've been give in the original edit. It's also possible the text was on Wikipedia first, and they ported it over. In any case, you should bring this and similar incidents up at Wikipedia:Copyright problems. -- SCZenz 02:14, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Actually, it isn't ok. Memory alpha is under a CC-BY-NC license (Attribution-Noncommercial). As such, its content isn't free enough to backport onto Wikipedia. I believe they had this in mind when they chose the license, as they didn't want to become just another Wikipedia fork. GeeJo ^(t)⁄_(c) • 21:46, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I thought creative commons was more "free" than gfdl.. --froth^{T C} 04:35, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

That really depends - there are several different variants of CC. Some of them are more permissive, some are not. There are even variants that are more permissive in some aspects and less in others. TERdON 17:24, 4 December 2006 (UTC)

You'd also have to check to see which came first. DJ Clayworth 23:54, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Photoshop Splice tool

Is the main/orignal objective of the Adobe Photoshop Splice Tool to cut the picture up to make for webpages? Jamesino 00:51, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Jameesino, I think the answer is yes. The "Splice" tool allows you to take a single image and export it as multiple images; usually this is for web purposes (and if you "Save for Web" it will splice it up for you and even generate the HTML to hold it all together again). If you use the "Splice" tool with ImageReady you can assign rollovers to the individual "splices" and other effects. Personally I think it is an almost worthless tool and a bad way to do any of those things, but that's not really what the question was about, was it? ;-) --24.147.86.187 02:02, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Splice tool worthless for websites? Far from it. It is the best and fastest way to make up an interface for a website. Drawing it in PhotoShop, you splice it up, and then let ImageReady come up with the HTML for the table. I have done this on almost all my websites which don't feature flash navigation or the likes, because writing the HTML table for yourself is painful, you get one "colspan = 2" or so wrong, or just move a pixel too much, the whole interface is screwed up. Aetherfukz 10:23, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

The code it makes is clunky and ugly, and I'm pretty sure making websites based on multiple interspliced images is neither efficient nor recommended. Using tables for HTML image layout is totally deprecated. That's why I said I thought it was almost worthless. --24.147.86.187 15:02, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Using tables for HTML image layout is totally deprecated. - Aha, since when exactly? Tables are 10 times better for image layout than using the div tag or such things, because every browser is capable of showing tables, which isn't true for the div tag. Aetherfukz 20:01, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

He means deprecated as in, the W3C really frowns upon it, and the current web design ideology doesn't like tables either. Sure, if you want cross-browser support without work, go for it, but just be warned you won't have any web design fans anytime soon. :) Stale Fries 04:14, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Toys and prams

Why do small babies sometimes throw their toys out of the pram?--Light current 01:42, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Most likely "because they can". Babies enjoy using their hands and feet to learn about the world and objects (textures and so forth) and how to grasp and release objects. Developmentally, this serves an important function. To a baby, it's just fun. --Wooty Woot? contribs 01:48, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Hmm! reminds me of another group of people! 8-)--Light current 01:51, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I doubt there's any intention to throw the toy out of the pram per se. It's just a random throwing action, and sometimes the trajectory just goes that way. Below a certain age, babies don't even have a concept of themselves as separate from their toys (or the rest of the universe) - which explains why our memories don't go back to Day 1. JackofOz 01:55, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Babies also enjoy affecting their environment. Drool-machine throws the toy down, parent picks it up, hands it back, drool-machine throws the toy down. Repeat indefinitely. Also see child development. -THB 01:56, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Yes random actions! and affecting their environment. That could explain a lot. Hmm Im getting parallels forming in my mind! Lateral thinking!--Light current 01:58, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Per psychology of operant conditioning, an action by the baby which produces an outcome pleasurable to the baby (mommy picks up the toy and momentarily gives attention to the baby) increases the probability of the baby performing the action. Young babies have poor motor control, and have trouble both looking at an object and reaching for it. They are also likely to open the hand accidentally while shaking, say, a noisemaker. Operant conditioning techniques such as shaping work on newborn humans. Intentionality is clear when an older child repeatedly drops something and says "Oh oh, dop it!" Edison 18:36, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Yes that all makes sense. Esp on WP! I think I must have been a toy thrower!--Light current 04:49, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Custom MSN color

(moved to Computer/IT Desk--see link at top of page. -THB 02:00, 29 November 2006 (UTC))

Prince of Persia

In Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame, I'm stuck on about the third level. There's a bridge with a skeleton on it. How am I supposed to get the door at the end to stay open? The only walkthrough I can find (well, I can find several, but they're all copies of the same one) claims that if I stand on the leftmost edge of the bridge and poke at the skeleton the bridge will eventually fall apart (which somehow solves the problem), but I've tried several times and it doesn't collapse. Black Carrot 23:22, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

(moved from Misc. Desk -THB 01:35, 29 November 2006 (UTC))

(moved back to misc desk -froth^{T C} 02:41, 29 November 2006 (UTC))

You guys are weird.

Update: I've gotten the bridge to collapse, and I've caught the side and pulled myself up (apparently losing my sword in the process), but the door is still closed. Any suggestions? Black Carrot 03:47, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Since you're going to lose your sword anyway, throw it at the door before the bridge collapses. -THB 04:33, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

For all your walkthrough needs, try GameFAQs - just type the name of the game in the search box and then click on the appropriate link that says FAQs. This resource is a lifesaver! -sthomson 15:24, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Pairalell

How is it spelt 'pairalell'?

Do you mean parallel?? Downunda 02:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

You could have typed that into Google and gotten the answer much faster. —Keenan Pepper 05:24, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Are you accusing people who fail to look up parallel on Google of being paralax ? :-) StuRat 13:43, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Or nonpareil? --Justanother 16:31, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Okay, I got StuRat's pun, but not yours. Please explain. —Keenan Pepper 21:04, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Oh boy, if I have to explain it then I probably should not have bothered- it is really not much of anything. I just got the other; lax. Good one. Mine means "without equal". Take it however way you prefer. --Justanother 23:45, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm surprised we haven't had hundreds and thousands of responses to this question. Maybe in time ...  :) JackofOz 01:34, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

One from each parallel universe ? StuRat 07:37, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

It's a pity they're parallel. We'll never get to meet our counterparts. Are there any non-parallel universes, and where would they intersect? JackofOz 23:44, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

It the universes weren't parallel, then things might get all skewed up. StuRat 17:06, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

Elaine Maxwell

I have a quotation from a person named Elaine Maxwell. I found it here. [1] I'm planning on using it in a project for class, but I can't quite figure out who this Elaine Maxwell person is. Does anyone know who Elaine Maxwell is? Google returned few relevent hits. Thanks. --Anakata 03:25, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I got a bit closer for you - the source is shown here along with an Amazon link. You might could contact the author or publisher of the book. --Justanother 03:36, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Which place in the world has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan?

Hi! Do you know the answer to this? Thanks.

-Deb-

If I had to guess: Taiwan, the Kurile islands, and/or California. Raul654 04:05, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

According to Japanese people#Japanese living abroad, it's São Paulo (state). --Maelwys 04:06, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Thanks I've found my answer it's Brazil.

I would have guessed Peru, due to their former President, Alberto Fujimori. StuRat 13:38, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

He turned out to be a colossal ratfink (sorry if he was a relation of yours, Stu), so I'd counter-guess that many Japanese Peruvians might have left Peru in order to avoid anti-Japanese bias. JackofOz 01:32, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

The Population capacity of a Blue whale

Hiya all! Now, this may seem like an odd question, but I'd appreciate it if you answered to the best of your knowledge. If you got a fully-grown Blue whale, of average maximum size, covered it in metal and cut out the insides before buildg decks, rooms, etc. How many people do you think could comfortably live in there? Cheers! Lenadi 04:43, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Well, a blue whale is about 25m long (although the few meters towards the tail are probably too narrow to do much with, other than perhaps storage space), and I would estimate about four meters in diameter. They are very slender animals, so the interior volume isn't all that great, you won't have space for more than one 'storey' inside a whale-sized structure. How many people would 'comfortably' live there strongly depends on your definition of 'comfortable' (an often used example is the difference between an apartment in downtown Tokyo and a suburban American house - both considered 'comfortable' by their inhabitants, yet of vastly different sizes). My very rough estimate give you about 120 m² of living space (with reasonable headroom!) inside your whale-structure, which probably translates to between three and six people (say, four). Note that a whale-shape is not a particularly efficient structure for living in, as the rooms will all be long and thin. Does that help?

On a side note, I would love to know how you came up with this question! :) — QuantumEleven 12:37, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

If one is to look at the how many people can you fit in a mini/phone booth ect i would say you could get one hell of alot of people into a blue whale.81.144.161.223 16:20, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

TheH. L. Hunley (submarine), built in the 1860's, was 12 meters long and about 1.2 meters wide, and held 7 men during a mission which might last several hours. They were not especially comfortable, but neither were they in agony (except during the several sinkings.) With the same degree of comfort, lots more could fit in your metal whale. In space, far more could be accomodated. Edison 18:46, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

A 25 meters sailboat is confortable for up to 12 people but then you can go on deck and aren't forced to stay inside. Keria 22:50, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for your help. And for the record, I was writing a book and was trying to decide how big one of the ships is. Apparently, a Blue Whale is far too small. Thanks anyway! Lenadi 09:19, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Reseach Paper

I am writing a paper and have to cite my sources, Wikipedia being one of them. I can't find a date, though, that the page was created. Could you help me?

Sure. Please see Wikipedia:Citing Wikipedia. -- SCZenz 04:55, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• The menu on the left also has a nifty "Cite this article" link. - Mgm|^(talk) 10:53, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

energy

while i was shopping on the internet, i came across a company that claims to be self sufficient on energy. i assume they mean their business has its own source of power, in the background it showed wind turbines. i did not save the name of the company. it is located in our country USA.can someone identify that business for me?66.227.187.209 05:54, 29 November 2006 (UTC)gene

Specifically, I don't know. What sort of company was it? Many firms, farms, and individuals are off-the-grid. Check out sustainability or sustainable energy. Here is one site on the internet and here is the gubmint. --Justanother 06:02, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• "our country USA"? Wikipedia is an international project and a lot of active contributors are not Americans at all. The world is our country! - Mgm|^(talk) 10:52, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

the company i came across indicated that it was self sustained, i was looking for ice cleats, the fact that the company is using alternate means for power and heat has developed an interest in this area of independence. gene

I did some quick searching but no luck. Unless someone else can do better, your best bet is to try to retrace your steps; i.e. how did you find the site and try to duplicate that. --Justanother 14:41, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

thanks for suggestion. i did try to retrace my previous web browsing but could not find it. i know it was a fairly prominent company , like ed bauer's, campmor, kohl's, but none of those claim independent energy.

Sorry, found lots of interesting stuff but not what you described. Have you checked your browser history (Ctrl-H)? --Justanother 17:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

First we accuse the IP user of being U.S. centric and now display OS/browser bias as well. Macintosh users don't use Ctrl as a shortcut; they use ⌘. In Firefox history is shift-⌘-H. Let's try to be neutral, or at the very least explain ourselves. If we don't, we get miscommunication.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 23:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

You will perhaps excuse me if I do not care to be browser PC. If ctrl-H does not bring up his history then he likely knows what does. --Justanother 00:54, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

hey thanks for trying to help out. i only mentioned USA because the company i found is located in the US. i still haven't found it, i tried to bring up the history in my pc but i did a good job of eliminating that data. it was quite stupid of me to do that but i didn't figure on trying to do some detective work to locate this neat company. i really didn't expect to receive any help by going to this page, but (justanother) has been trying to help and WAvegetarian is defending my poor grammer, i do thank the both of you for giving this subject matter your time. gene (quagmirevictor)

You are very welcome. Sorry we couldn't pin it down for you. Good luck. --Justanother 05:19, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Random Article for Specific Categories or Portals?

I use the random link that is located on the left toolbar almost daily to learn about things I would never even think to look up. Is there a way to browse artices randomly within a portal, such as the science portal, or from within a specific category like biology for instance? -greensasquatch —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.146.121.224 (talk • contribs)

No, I'm afraid not. Sorry! — QuantumEleven 12:27, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

All I can suggest is to click on one of the categories at the bottom of an article, then see what grabs you from the list of other articles in that category. I actually do that quite often.--Shantavira 13:29, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Indeed reading an article and then opening one of the 'blue words' in another tab on your browser is how i do random (yet joined up) browsing. Works a treat. ny156uk 17:24, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

web site for gerrald mcrainy home use

dear sir or ma"am i would like to e-mail him dirrect to thank him for his work please could you provide his e-mail abbreass thank you bruce —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.42.116.52 (talk • contribs)

You would have to write to Gerald McRaney through CBS. -THB 07:32, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

What environmental factors have affected the structure of Ford in the past and future

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• We're not in the business of answering homework questions. If this isn't one, you're going to have to give some indication of what you tried to answer your question. Also, have already read the relevant Ford article? - Mgm|^(talk) 10:49, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

On the assumption this isn't a homework question...from the top of my head- the government pushed switch from leaded petrol to unleaded petrol. If environment doesn't mean climate-environment and just means the marketplace then there would be safety features such as the Airbag which have become a requirement on modern cars, there is the changing consumer demand from larger vehicles to smaller more fuel efficient vehicles (not sure how much in the US but in Uk/Europe). In the future there are potentially higher taxes on low-efficiency cars, and there are also (unfortunately some might say) people pushing for taxes on 4x4 vehicles rather than cars by fuel efficiency. There is the impending problem of potentially long term expensive oil, potentially a major upheaval while the milliions of drivers worldwide switch from a petrol/diesel based engine to another fuel. All this affects how they design, develop and market their vehicles. Really they face as many big challenges as any other firm. ny156uk 17:23, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Bellhops in films

I've often seen midgets playing the role of bellhops in films which depict the '20s and '30s. Was this a common thing? Or is it mostly a Hollywood thing? Dismas|^(talk) 10:50, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Since no one else has responded, I'll have a stab at this and suggest that midgets would not have made very good bellhops as they were required to carry heavy luggage. I can't recall any such film characters myself, but since in reality bellhops were often teenage boys, midgets might have been employed as they would look like youngsters but be better actors. Alternatively, it might be that a "cheeky chappie" was required for the part, and since midgets were associated with clowns in those days, they were more likely to come across as amusing. Can you cite some examples?--Shantavira 18:15, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• Did the stereotype exist before Call For Philip Morris!? --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 20:48, 29 November 2006 (UTC)
  • Hm. It appears that Johnny Roventini was working as a bellhop, touted as "the smallest bellboy in the world", in 1933 when Milton Biow (who deserves an article, I think -- an icon of advertising) discovered him at the New Yorker Hotel. --jpgordon^∇∆∇∆ 20:53, 29 November 2006 (UTC)
    • The only example I can cite right now is The Untouchables. If I think of more, I'll let you know. The guy is only on screen for a few seconds but he's shown coming out of a hotel to get a stack of newspapers that have been dropped off by the news truck. Dismas|^(talk) 21:58, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• Were they really bellboys, or uniformed message boys? User:Zoe|(talk) 19:37, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

contact address of hulk hogan

please help me with the contact address of Hulk Hogan.

Please sign your posts with 4 Tildes like this ~~~~. Anyway, steveswrestling.com lists his adress as: Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan); 130 Willadel Dr.; Belleair, FL 34616. Aetherfukz 15:34, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• Addresses listed on websites are often out of date or incorrect. Even if it's correct, he's not likely going to open fanmail send to his home. Your best bet is going through his managment agency. - Mgm|^(talk) 09:49, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Speed record for sailboat

Water speed record unfortunately doesn't cover this, and some Googling didn't turn up much, so I was hoping someone here might know the answer. What is the current speed record for a wind-powered (ie sailing) boat? — QuantumEleven 12:25, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

That is a tough call since sailboat speed is partly a function of wind speed and partly a function of design (with boat handling thrown in for luck). The racing catamaran and the racing scow are the fastest sailboats, the former for its light weight and low wetted area in relation to sail area and the latter for its ability to get up on plane. Both suffer in their ability to tack effectively and sail upwind in relation to a keeled sailboat. --Justanother 14:32, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Good bit here.

The World Speed Sailing Record Council confirmed that, in June, Club Med set a new world Atlantic crossing record, from Cadiz, Spain, to San Salvador, Bahamas, in 10 days, 14 hours, 54 minutes and 43 seconds. Club Med also set a 24-hour speed record, making it the world’s fastest sailboat for the greatest distance sailed in 24 hours—625 nautical miles at an average speed of 26 knots. Dalton says Club Med has achieved 35 knots—2 1/2 times faster than an America’s Cup boat. He expects to hit 40 knots (45 mph).

Club Med can go about 30 percent faster than the wind speed. An America’s Cup boat can better wind speed by up to 15 percent.

--Justanother 15:19, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

And finally, the Monofoil promises speeds of 100 knots but is more glider than sailboat? --Justanother 15:55, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

The outright record is held by a windsurf: Finian Maynard on a Windsurfer at 48.70 knots (90km/h or +- 60mph)(2005). Sailrocket are trying to break that record with a boat that looks like a heavily modified windsurf with added hydrofoils. here is their website.

The design of SAILROCKET is based around a unique concept. Unlike all conventional yachts, the forces at work are aligned in such a way that it has no tendency to tip over. There is no heeling moment. This is achieved by setting the rig off to one side and angling it so the force of the sail pulls directly on the opposing force of the underwater foil, not above it. The result is simply MORE SPEED! This means that SAILROCKET can just be pointed down the course and held in a straight line at the optimum angle to the optimum wind and the only things that will set the limit will be the aerodynamics and the efficiency of the underwater foil. According to them

Here is a picture of the previous record holder “Yellow Pages”, quite special! They too use hydrofoils that lift the hull out of the water to reduce drag. I think the last "route du rhum" race saw the winner cross the atlantic at an average of 33knots on a catamaran. *edit* sorry that was a mere 19,11 knots - Keria 15:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Combining Keria's finds and mine, it pretty much all comes down to this site. --Justanother 16:21, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Great! - Keria 16:26, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Note that if you really want to go fast in a wind-powered vessel on water, you need an iceboat. Sure, the water's frozen, but the record speed over a measured mile (from our article on ice yachting) is about 72 miles per hour; top speeds in excess of ninety miles an hour are reported. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 21:14, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Clogged drain and possible means of unclogging

I have a showerdrain which is absolutely horribly designed. I have near zero ability to unclog it properly. Now, I live in Norway, and my local store may not have what YOU have, but what can be used to actually clear the drain of any hair or similar? I was thinking about those typical pipecleaners that you use on kitchen sinks, but I've yet to try it on the showerdrain. A good idea? 81.93.102.185 14:48, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Three techniques: 1) try to push the clog through with a plunger or an attachment to a garden hose that expands to plug the drain and then pressurizes it. 2) Dissolve the clog with muriatic acid (must know the composition of the pipes and be very careful) or commercial drain cleaner (Drano or the like here). 3) Remove said clog with a plumber's snake (or even a metal coat hanger). Again being careful not to puncture the drain pipe. --Justanother 14:58, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Many commercial drain cleaners are very basic rather than acidic. They tend to convert greasy clogs to soluble soaps. I don't know how well they work on hair, though. Also, as Justanother implied, if you use a plumber's snake, be a little cautious in how you use it; very exuberant use can actually break plastic or old, corroded metal plumbing.

Atlant 18:14, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Yes, most commercial cleaners are lye-based. Do not use an alkaline cleaner and an acid on the same clog - bad idea (poisonous vapors). --Justanother 18:20, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

And, since it's difficult to remove clogs once formed, you might want to take actions to prevent clogs from forming in the first place. For example, a rubber drain cover can be added with a fine filter to prevent most hair from getting into the drain. StuRat 23:17, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

• Strong bleach will sometimes break down the hair a bit and make it more porous, and thus easier to shift.hotclaws**== 16:59, 30 November 2006 (UTC).

I recently had to help my parents with a particularly bad drain. We picked out the gunk from the sink with a bent paperclip and a pair of chopsticks, and then we poured clorox down it. That pretty much cleaned it out, but we followed up with boiling water just in case.

Sugar Substitutes

Hi, does anyone know of a spice or anything else that would help sweeten certain dishes without using sugar or the sugar substitute? Any ideas?

I'm thinking cinnamon? --Justanother 15:21, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Cardamom? User:Zoe|(talk) 16:59, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Not spices as such and contain some sugar but fresh or dried fruits are great in all kinds of dishes. Things like raisins, dried apricot pieces, hard peach slices, plums, cranberries, etc. - Keria 17:02, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Honey--Light current 17:41, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Honey is loaded with sugar. It is 79% sugars (fructose, sucrose, etc). Sugars other than sucrose are still sugar. People avoiding sugar may well be trying to avoid more than table sugar (diabetics, for instance). Edison 18:52, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

If you use it to sweeten food (and it's not sugar), then it's a sugar substitute, by definition. What exactly are you looking for? Try Stevia. —Keenan Pepper 21:02, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

If you're just looking to avoid white powders, grated carrots can work well. If you're actually trying to eliminate all sugars and sugar substitutes, I'm not sure that anyone can help you, as explained above. Skittle 22:29, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Some people like to use stevia as a natural alternative to cane, beet, or corn sugar.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 22:51, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

...just noticed the link tacked on to the end of Keenan's post. Don't mind me.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 22:52, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

SONY USA Marketing

Could you help me find the contact details for SONY USA's Marketing Department? I'm not much of a research buff. Thanks --71.211.188.179 16:44, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

For what?

U.S. Businesses

Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Entertainment Inc.

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony BMG Music Entertainment (50% ownership)

Sony/ATV Music Publishing (50% ownership)

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony DADC and Sony Entertainment Distribution

Sony Plaza Public Arcade and Sony Wonder Technology Lab (New York)

--Justanother 16:49, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Sony Electronics Inc. --71.211.188.179 17:17, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Actually, I think Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. is more correct, as they market the PSP --71.211.188.179 17:20, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I found this link, which may be good enough. A direct contact for SCEA Marketing would be great though. --71.211.188.179 17:26, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Sorry, but our filter here won't let me see the SCEA sites. Anyway, here is a name for you: "Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, SCEA." You should be able to track down his office's number. --Justanother 17:44, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Well thanks for the help and the name! --71.211.188.179 18:37, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

you are very welcome - Good luck. --Justanother 18:39, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

generator to motor

How can a generator be rewired externally (everything except the windings) and made to run alternately as a motor? Adaptron 21:07, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I am not sure but I do not think rewiring is needed at all; just feed DC current to the unit and it will spin (for generator, not alternator). See Electric motor. --Justanother 21:10, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

See electric motor and electrical generator Many generators through history have been motors as well. Thomas Edison's DC generators at Pearl Street, the first central power generating station in the US, had that characteristic, so that the speed governors had to be mechanically linked to keep one from running increasingly fast (being a motor) while the other ran increasingly slow (being a generator) when they were first connected in parallel. In todays AC power system, a generator whose steam supply is retired (like in a closed nuclear plant) can be run up to synchronous speed with a small pony engine, then paralleled to the AC system bus. It will run as a motor powered by the AC network, and by adjusting the field current, it can be a synchronous condensor, correcting the power factor and raising the system voltage to a desired level like a bank of capacitors. A simple permanent magnet DC motor, such as found in a toy, will generate DC if spun rapidly. A more complicated AC or DC motor may need rewiring of the field coil electric supply, which takes the place of the permanent magnets in a small toy motor. An AC generator needs some way to get up to near synchronous speed, such as a start winding which is disconected when it is up to speed or the aforementioned pony engine which can be mounted on the generator shaft. If full line voltage AC were connected to a stationary AC generator which was unmodified, it might draw heavy current and present a locked rotor condition and burn out. Edison 22:57, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

I generally agree with the above comments, but I think you need to know a bit more to get the results you are looking for and avoid burning something. You need some means of controlling the voltage and current applied to the generator/motor. I assume you are talking about a DC generator and not an AC generator or alternator. The easiest and perhaps the only way to deal with the field is to connect it to a separate power supply. Probably the simplest way to get the motor started is to put several resistors in series with the armature and progressively short them out as the motor comes up to speed. With an assortment of resistors and a voltmeter and an ammeter or two, you can probably figure out quite a bit, but you really need a textbook. --C J Cowie 01:03, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Now that you mention it the generator is more likely an AC altenator since it outputs line volatge at 120v and 240v. The current rating is ~33 amps and ~16.5 amps respectively. I do not have a circuit diagram and I have not opened it up yet so I can't be sure until I do. Since the length of the housing is relatively short like an alternator versus say a DC starter motor it is most likely an alternator. Becasue it is powered by a one cylinder gasoline engine which has a rope starter I was hoping to be able to wire the generator/alternator so that it would start the gasoline engine and the switch over to being a generator again. Since this is an obvious means of starting a gasoline motor I figure it has not already been done by the factory due to the generator being an AC alternator rather than a DC generator. Since the flywheel does not have any teeth (the replacement flywheels with teeth are no longer available) I can't incorporate a conventional starter. However, the rope housing can be remove exposing the clutch assembly to which I could possibly attach a belt driveand then use a conventional 12v DC starter motor. Any suggestions thanks. Adaptron 02:05, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Alright! Sounds like Scrapheap Challenge. Yes, I think you could bodge (that is the British term they use, do I have it right? Oh, I see it is a pejorative - sorry); bodge on a starter from a small motorcycle with a belt and pulley. You will need some sort of movable idler pulley or tensioner so the belt does not keep turning after it starts or you could mount the starter on a pivot. Good luck!

Remember now I said when the rope housing is removed it exposes a clutch. since the shaft is keyed as a square rather than a slot making a pully for the belt or chain drive should be easy and without the need for a release. Thanks. Adaptron 02:21, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Great. Let us know how it turns out. --Justanother 02:28, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

There are many ways in which homebrew wiring of electrical equipment can cause property damage, injury or death, so I strongly advise you not to attempt modification of motors and generators if you do not have expertise in electrical technology and the safety precautions necessary therefor. Edison 16:48, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Agreed, he should not mess with the AC gen part without knowing what he is doing. I doubt he will hurt himself cobbling up a 12-volt starter; or at least there is no danger more severe than the normal danger a handyman risks. --Justanother 16:53, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

For the benefit of all... Its a matter of cost. I can't afford to risk a $500 generator without knowing what I'm doing, hence the question in the first place. A practical mechanical alternative is merely followup and incidental to the question. Thanks for your responses and concern. Adaptron 18:52, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

American Dairy Association -- nothing here

I'd like to see even a small article on the American Dairy Association, but no Wikipedia information exists as of now. Boozerker 22:31, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

If you know a little bit about it you could start the article by clicking on the link above. You could also request it at Wikipedia:Requested articles.—WAvegetarian•(talk) 22:46, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

No real knowledge of it. Thanks for the tip though.

How difficult would it be to build one of these given the right equipment?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_ring_gun I want to build one of these as a hobby project, perhaps a less powerfull one that can just nock things about, would it be difficult? what would be a good substitute for blank grenage launcher shells, as they may be hard to get hold of? Roge

Start with a Spud gun, leave out the potato, and work upwards. --Zeizmic 23:41, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

EH, hmm i meant the funnel that creates the vortex ring, if i can get a high powered spud gun launcher and attach a nozzle such as the one used on vortex ring guns, but high stability, out of steel etc, would that work? Roge

Does Airzooka help? Skittle 23:43, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Try an old airhorn from a car and put rather a large pulse of air into it.--Light current 23:58, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Mexican beast

I'm trying to get some information for my ten-year-old English language learners, who are doing a monster project, about 'La Chukabra' - or something like that. Apparently it's a wolf-like monster which appears in Mexican folklore but also has contemporary accounts. As far as I know it kills sheep and sucks them dry of blood!

Many thanks for your help. Milliedor.

Chupacabra --Justanother 23:34, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Just a thought I have had about this creature. Maybe the accounts mught be skewed when it comes to sucking the blood but there might be a possibilty that it was brought over from another continet such as Africa (such was the case in Brazil to bring Kola trees over and why they have Kola trees to this day growing in Brazil) where they have certain animals that the physical shape may be similar to a wolf or dog but are more ferocious and attack other animals in Mexico's case where sheep are available they attack them. I can't think of the name of one breed in particular that presently presides in Africa but in the dark their shape could be confused with a wolf and they are a vicious breed.

When I started reading your post I thought you were going to say that perhaps the legend came over from Africa. That might be more likely than the beast itself. Caribbean and Latin nations have a lot of African folk tradition; just look at Santeria, Voodoo, and traditions in music, dance, etc. --Justanother 23:53, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Chupacabra - Goatsucker, not sheepsucker. Although accounts in the last decade or two seem to indicate it does not focus on goats. This is a great story which deserves at least a little respect. Puerto Rico was having a major problem with it in the 90's, and then it leaped to the North American mainland. There is a certain alien aspect to the whole thing, kind of like cattle mutilation. Your very best source of information is the archives of Fortean Times, http://www.forteantimes.com. They have lots and lots of Chupacabra stories. In fact, I think they devoted almost one whole issue to it back in the 90's. And there was a great rewrite of Barry Manilow's Copacabana song to go with the tale, somewhere on-line. Mothperson cocoon 20:39, 1 December 2006 (UTC)

El Chupacabra is also the rather disrespectful nickname of Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez's husband. I don't see why. --Charlene 10:08, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

So off-topic. Unless - he's an alien? Mothperson cocoon 14:17, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

Minisubs

Hello. I had always been wondering how scientists on submersibles such as the DSV Alvin use the bathroom. The trips down to the ocean floor usually take more than 6 hours, and no one can hold it that long. Do they wear diapers or something like astronauts do? Thanks.

I'm sure the 'long drive' pee bottle can work here. :) --Zeizmic 23:39, 29 November 2006 (UTC)

Not to mention a low residue diet. It worked for astronauts: the later Apollo moon landing missions lasted for several days. 192.168.1.1 10:30pm, 29 November 2006 (PST)

Yes, I suspect they have arrangements for urinating (which are a lot easier for men), but none for defecating, which would be a horrid experience in such a confined space. Diapers might be a good idea as an emergency backup, though, in case timing the meals and altering the content fails to work. Also, many mini-subs are now remote controlled, to eliminate this problem and the danger involved. Robert Ballard has announced his intentions to take this route in the future. StuRat 07:26, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

How many hours are they stuck in the vessel? I wonder if the menu eliminates beans, cabbage, onions, and other problematic foods. Edison 03:10, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

I would expect so. StuRat 12:37, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Website Sponsors

Hi, I was thinking of creating a website. Does anyone know how I could find sponsors, or how do you find sponsors for websites?

Try Google AdSense, maybe . Marnanel 01:42, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

freewebs.