Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 March 18

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March 18

When is It Acceptable

I have a few um...peculiar questions. This will probably be some odd questions.

When is it acceptable...

To pee in the shower?

To use the middle finger?

To pull down your pants in front of public?

To burp as loud as you can in public or in a restaurant?

To run around town screaming your heart out?

To do all of the questions above without looking insane?

Thank you, Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 06:04, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Always, sometimes, never, never, never, never. But that's just one opinion.HYENASTE 06:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Amen--88.109.88.16 (talk) 07:27, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

"When on television"? --Masamage ♫ 07:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not on television. I'm talking real life. I should say where more then when. Cause I know some cultures find somethings more acceptable then we do.71.143.3.182 (talk) 07:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Rva

Shy John Safran ran naked through the streets of Jerusalem wearing only the scarf and beanie of his favourite football club, St Kilda. I think it was the second day he did it again to get his body on video and more people in the background that the police collared him. Otherwise, the loony bin. And you seem to be trying for something here CR, is this for your book? then Safran's a good study in breaking the fear barrier. (Ps, the middle finger is a must for driving in traffic in Australia. You wouldn't get by without it. ) Julia Rossi (talk) 08:13, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

See Saturnalia and Carnival. As to where, Berkely,California is my recommendation. Rhinoracer (talk) 10:27, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It depends on the circles you are in. When I was at University on a good night out all the above could happen. If I did it now I would be Send to Coventry by my neighbours and my wife. -- Q Chris (talk) 10:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Since you are a cardinal, assuming you're from the Vatican, I suggest asking the Pope. Neal (talk) 12:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

Yes, I am writing a book a book about freedom and society complexes of what is allowed and wasn't allowed.The naked thing I am exploring most because I see no real deal in nakedness. I'll check that guy out he seems to be of some good reference. Cardinal can mean red. I was going for Red Raven. But cardinal sounded much cooler. I'm not religious in any shape or form. I have my own views of how life had gotten started. Ha, Well I will have to do Middle Finger push ups before I go to Australia. 71.143.3.182 (talk) 16:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Mind you, and with all due respect to my highly esteemed countrywoman Julia Rossi, there are actually some Australian drivers who don't actually find it necessary to actually use the middle finger ... ever, actually. I'm sure she must be talking about other people. I have assessed her to be a gentlewoman of substance and integrity, she is as well-mannered as I am, and she would never allow herself to be provoked into such coarse behaviour. Then again, she may live in a metropolis, where God-knows-what goes on. I live in the real Australia. :) -- JackofOz (talk) 21:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I hope you know I was joking. I myself rarely use the middle finger. I find it highly rude. We are adults and we should be able to solve our problems with words. Not with violence or with fingers. Its a childish thing to do. That's my opinion on it as well. If you have nothing to say to me then sticking the finger in my face I will disregard you. Or that is my thinking.

How do you have a verbal discussion in different vehicles at 70 MPH? HYENASTE 01:15, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

My thoughts on nudity are that we see ourselves naked in the showers all the time and we see ourselves naked when we go to bed with our spouses. There should be no problem with being naked on television. Nudity shouldn't be censored. We have reduced the human body to something disgusting and something only used in a sexual manner. We have made the human body to be hidden behind our clothes. Yet, our ancestors when we were caveman or maybe even more primitive didn't wear clothes.

Peeing in the shower is just when I am lazy and I don't want to get out of the shower. Shoot it all goes down the same drain. In my view sometimes burping can be disrespectful, but most of the time its like saying "thanks I've been fed well." The only time you should have to pull down your pants in public is when you really need to go to the bathroom and can't find a toilet....then again you might get arrested. Sometimes you just need to run and let all the stress out. Running around and screaming isn't a big deal, but people might view you as crazy. Guess I'm just laid back. Thank you, Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 22:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Nice catch O Jackoz, how astute you are to assess me like that – I should have included that it is a gesture of the metropolitan culture and needs to be used selectively so as not to provoke road rage. Any visitor needs to be aware that it can't safely be used when stuck in traffic but only when making a clean getaway. If Cardinal Raven perfects the middle finger push-up and is ever dragged onto the bitumen in such a situation, merely demonstrating his pushup power would send the offender/s slinking away, using the respect gesture with the pinky and thumb oops, index of both hands. ; ) Julia Rossi (talk) 23:07, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

One for CardinalRaven more re Safran is here[1] an interview on ABC television. I didn't know cardinal meant red and makes sense of the cardinals flocking in that colour at Vatican get togethers. Thank you, and best with your book, Julia Rossi (talk) 23:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for more information on Safran. We learn something new everyday. colors deep red: a deep strong red color, like that of the robes of a cardinal. This is in my dictionary. Thank you for the good luck on my book. So I'm just trying to accomplish more with a book now. Yes, I'm perfecting that middle finger push up right at this moment. Its like playing piano keys. One, two, one two.lol!

Thank you,

Always Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 23:22, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

You're welcome, congrats and lol : )) Julia Rossi (talk) 23:58, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Since its has been all ready spilled on this field. Could you help me with a title I am really bad at that?71.143.3.182 (talk) 03:52, 19 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Can you sum up your proposal/content for some background or would something from Safran's point of view be helpful? Julia Rossi (talk) 06:14, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

While you;re working on that how about things like these for working titles, Choose an empty street (crossing the line and other issues in sociobiology), Naked dinner (towards a personal ethic in socio...), T-shirt warnings (and other clues to staying eccentric and safe in public). this is fun Julia Rossi (talk) 06:26, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Ha, Naked Dinner.71.143.3.182 (talk) 03:32, 20 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

I think it rather depends upon whether you intend to wear a mask whilst doing these things. 8-)

Never,Never,NEVER EVER!!(I'd call the police or sue) ,never,never,never. But that is only my opinion.--SlaveofBetrayal (Talk)

I believe they are all considered as rude or crude behavoir and should not be acceptable at all if you had any self-respect.

Shaved heads

For some time now, I've considered shaving my head. The reasoning being, I'm a middle aged guy with prematurely grey hair which, judging by the amount left in the shower tray, has now started to receed. It's quite a big step to take, so I have a some questions before I get out the scissors and razor:

1. Can anyone convince me the "style" looks good on middle-aged white guys like me?
2. How often would I need to re-shave (blade or electric?) to keep it looking smooth-ish?
3. How much other weekly (or daily, or monthly) maintenence is required?
4. Would my dandruff stop?
5. Is sunburn a major hazard?

Many thanks. Astronaut (talk) 09:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

welcome to the rest of the planet! Most 'middle aged guys' and some a lot younger go for a short shaved haircut eg military style -with the buzzing clippers at a hairdresser or whatever why not try that first. eg try crew cut or buzz cut that should be a lot less hassle that keeping your head shaved and shiny. Take a look around on the street - you'll see lots of middle-aged white guys who have done just that.

Someone else can advise you on total baldness - but yes apparently sunburn can be an issue.87.102.74.53 (talk) 11:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

But don't forget that many guys look really good with shaved heads, and are often, though clearly not always, advertisng their "gay" sexuality. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.145.241.167 (talk) 14:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Sure they are. Neal (talk) 14:51, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

You should try a shaved head. Many middle aged men look better with shaved head then some weird comb over or trying to save what's left of your hair *cough cough* Donald Trump. I think that its a wonderful style. Don't worry about sunburn just put some sunscreen on your bald head. It will keep your head shiny and smooth there is a plus to sunscreen. I can't help you on the rest though. I've never shaved my head and I don't think I will have to for a while. Since I'm in the age group of 18-29.

As always, Cardinal Raven71.143.3.182 (talk) 22:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Yeah, convinced of that!--88.109.88.16 (talk) 14:54, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Ask the barber/hairdresser for a number-one comb – the closest. A number-two comb gives a fuzzy finish. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Just about anything looks better than a comb-over, IMHO. Preserve your dignity and keep it short. Steewi (talk) 00:38, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

TRADE FAIRS

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A TRADE FAIR, TRADE SHOW,TRADE EXHIBITION AND TRADE MISSION —Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.113.72.74 (talk) 10:10, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

There's no need to shout (typing all in UPPERCASE is usually considered shouting).

Anyway, I think a "Trade Fair", "Trade Show" and "Trade Exhibition" are pretty much the same thing - an event where those employed in a certain type of industry get together to show off their new products to each other and to potential new customers. A "Trade Mission" is usually a group government and private sector employees sent to foreign country with the purpose of developing trade between the two countries; for example, here is the calendar of trade missions undertaken by the US dept of commerce. Astronaut (talk) 10:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

south east siberia

I wish to travel to Birobidzhan does it have an airport? how would I go about finding an english speaking person to show me around? are there hotels/b&b's and are there resteraunts? Thanks l'chiyem 193.115.175.247 (talk) 13:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)Dough

This article is very lacking in vital info. eg airports, hotels and places of interest. please help —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

As far as I can find out, the nearest large airport with international service is at Khabarovsk some 200 km to the east. You can probably use the Trans-Siberian Railway to take you the last bit of the journey (2 hrs). You might find it easier or more interesting to get to Vladivostok instead and spend a night on the train. Once in Birobidzhan, I would be very surprised if a city of nearly 80,000 people did not have hotels and restaurants - Google Earth has a photo of a Hotel Vostoc. The city's official site has a list of tourist businesses and some info in English. As for English speakers, I suspect you will easily find several people who do speak English, but take a Russian phrase book. Astronaut (talk) 15:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Airborne Bugs in Planes - NOT A MEDICAL ADVICE QUESTION!!!

Yet again, my wife has caught a serious head cold and URTI (breathing problem that exacerbates her normally controlled asthma). Yet again, she had to be hospitalised and nebulised with oxygen and ventalin after yet again, returning from a continental holiday by air. We are not seeking medical advice - we have that in buckets already - but does anyone here know of an effective face mask she could wear during future flights to prevent her breathing in other people's exhaled and distributed bugs? I understand that airlines only refresh a proportion of the used oxygen exhaled by those on board due to the pohibitive cost of refreshing it all and heating it up. So yet again, any preventative advice would be most welcome and gratefully received. Thanks in anticipation. 81.145.241.167 (talk) 14:40, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Try not to fly, ever.--88.109.88.16 (talk) 14:53, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Remember those flu masks some people wore when everyone was panicking about SARS? Try to find one of those. However, one with a filter would work better, but those are more expensive, need replacement filters, and draw looks from the ignorant. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 15:02, 18 March 2008 (UTC)206.252.74.48 (talk) 15:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't believe that the cold bacteria can just fly around by themselves—they are usually attached to things like saliva, etc. So a simple mask ought to work pretty well if all we're talking about here is your standard cold. But remember that if someone sneezes and it makes its way to, say, food you put in your mouth, that undoes any effect the mask might have. Lately I've started to feel like Howard Hughes when I'm on an airplane—I view children as disease vectors more horrific, I refuse to touch anything with my bare hands, I start to suspect the people next to me as being sources for all of my future misery! It's not entirely rational but after you get sick a few times on a plane it makes one pretty miserable, and there are times when I do a lot of flying. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 15:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Can anyone tell me if there is something better than GagaLive for an embedded, minimal Flash chat client? Without ads, cost free and supporting IRC.

(moved to Wikipedia:Reference desk/Computing)

Trolls

Without Pwning me too bad, im not really sure what a troll is in internet terms. I readWP:troll, and i still dont get it. the sentence "Trolling refers to deliberate and intentional attempts to disrupt the usability of Wikipedia for its editors, administrators, developers, and other people who work to create content for and help run Wikipedia" just sounds like a vandal to me.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 14:51, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

So you basically believe that a troll and a vandal are not the same? Neal (talk) 14:53, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

well no, they just sound like the same thing.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 14:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Right, take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29. Vandals don't talk, they just vandalize. Trolling involves conversing. Neal (talk) 14:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

(ec) A troll, in internet terms, is someone who is disruptive for the sake of being disruptive; they get their kicks from upsetting people and they post things in order to see the reactions it causes. Wikipedia vandals are not necessarily trolling; they may be bored, showing off to their mates, trying to prove a point, or have any one of a number of motives. Wikipedia mainspace isn't a very attractive environment for trolls because, as Neal said, it doesn't involve conversation; the trolls message will just be removed rather than being responded to. FiggyBee (talk) 14:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

oh. I see. thanks for clearing that up.the juggreserection ^IstKrieg! 15:24, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I am a troll hence, I feel that it is the wikipedians who find problems with the thought patterns of others that have the problem not the trolls, if a wikipedian gets upset at what some one else has written, they call him a troll, this is not the said trolls fault, but the fault of the wikipedian. please expand. lol —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 15:31, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not really. The purpose of a troll is to upset and disrupt, so it's their fault when they do so. If someone upsets and disrupts by accident, that's not trolling (though it may be mis-labelled as such). AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 15:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Agreed. A troll is defined by what their objective is. A troll isn't just someone in a minority view. Neal (talk) 15:47, 18 March 2008 (UTC).

A practiced troll doesn't even look like a troll at first—they throw out some sort of comment that looks genuine and then get people to pull their hair out trying to explain why it is wrong, stupid, whatever. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 15:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Of course stupidity, ignorance or naivety (see hanlon's razor yet again) is always an explanation. I believe the troll also gains benefit from wasting your time.87.102.47.176 (talk) 16:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

4 edits up starts I am a troll therefore... so all the answers under there, are VERY VERY FUNNY. people do tend to make arses of them selves on occasion. LMFAO! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 17:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh don't worry, I saw the "lol", but decided to inform anyway. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 00:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Trolling is essentially just the internet equivalent of prank calling. It can range from amusing for all involved to outright hate speech. --S.dedalus (talk) 03:16, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

And, hence the expression "don't feed the trolls" arose - which means that you shouldn't give the troll more food (don't respond) as he thrives off responses. Ignore him and hopefully he goes away. Sandman30s (talk) 10:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Saving a few seconds at a long red light via elaborate and questionably legal maneuvers...

The maneuver I am referring to is skipping a long red light (US driving system) by making a right turn on red, moving into the center lane, making a U turn, switching to the outermost lane, and then making a right turn. See a diagram here. I am looking for the name of this "turn." Thanks in advance, 152.3.44.183 (talk) 17:43, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I'd just call it "impatient", doubting that it has any particular well-recognized name (note that "well-recognized" is the key here). — Lomn 17:54, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I would have sworn there was a Wikipedia article on this at some point. I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. 152.3.44.183 (talk) 18:18, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Not quite the same, but you may be thinking of a Michigan left. Bovlb (talk) 19:17, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Any junction where you have to make that manoeuvre is called a Superstreet. Laïka 20:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It's called an xkcd, silly. Mac Davis (talk) 08:32, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Note that in some jurisdictions there are laws against "circumventing" traffic control devices. (The one I warned of when I learned to drive was skipping a red light by cutting through a parking lot.) Depending on where you are, it may be illegal to "skip" a red light by doing a Michigan left-type maneuver. -- 128.104.112.85 (talk) 14:56, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

You could plausibly claim you changed your mind about which direction you were going in. I've heard of this law before but it was always explained to me specifically with the example of cutting through a parking lot. If you stay on the street the whole time, would it still be illegal? Not sure how they're word a law like that. Friday (talk) 15:01, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I did this manoeuver some years ago when I was young and foolish. It was 2am, the London streets were deserted apart from me... and a police patrol car. They pulled me over and asked about my "interesting" manoeuver. I was rather embarrassed, but as I was clearly not drunk and had not done anything unsafe, (there were literally no other cars around and I'd not gone through any red lights) they let me go. As far as I recall, I didn't even turn the key in the ignition for about 10 more minutes, while I finished trembling, lol. --Dweller (talk) 15:35, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

presidents

i had asked a riddle he invented it and hated,and got a lot of un helpful answers.on my own research,i googled and found benjamin frankling invented bifocals because he hated wearing glasses.i was so clos i received a bonus clue..that the guys first name ryhmes with the current us presidents.so help... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 20:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

could it be gorge washington carver the inventor of peanuts...he hated the stuff —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.220.113.117 (talk) 20:49, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

The inventor of peanuts? -- JackofOz (talk) 20:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Apparently George Washington Carver invented stuff using peanuts. :) As to the riddle, I sure don't know. The first name rhymes with the current President's? What the heck rhymes with 'George'? --Masamage ♫ 21:01, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It has often been said he invented peanut butter (and many other things), though he didn't actually. Alas. --Captain Ref Desk (talk) 22:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

It should be noted that the answers you consider "unhelpful" are due to (as has been noted numerous times) the utter lack of rigor to these riddles. There exists no one unique solution to such vague clues, and I suspect your friend is playing some version of this game every time you come back with an answer. I recommend instead challenging him to explain why your answers are wrong. — Lomn 21:50, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

You also need to be more precise if you're going to get anywhere. Last time the 'riddle' was he discovered it but he hates it. Discovery and invention are not the same thing. Algebraist 22:19, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Could it possibly be Ascanio Sobrero who invented nitroglycerine and kept it a secret for a year because he was so disgusted and frightened by his discovery. Yes, I realise Ascanio doesn't rhyme with George or Walker, Richard Avery (talk) 08:31, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Neodymium Hook Magnets

Are these type of magnets good to be used on bathroom wall tile?--logger (talk) 22:12, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

As long as the magnets are coated in nickel, and no body gets their skin pinched, they're fine. Mac Davis (talk) 08:31, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Does magnet stick to tile - no. Unless it's a metal tile.?83.100.183.180 (talk) 14:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Grad

Where could I get a red tuxudo suitable for grad?Jwking (talk) 22:47, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Dunno - maybe a donut shop?87.102.47.176 (talk) 23:10, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Costume hire, wedding hire, somewhere theatrical? sounds creative so even asking around design students if you know any. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:39, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

The Junction? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.76.144.62 (talk) 02:54, 19 March 2008 (UTC)