Miscellaneous desk
< March 4	<< Feb \| March \| Apr >>	March 6 >

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

March 5

Flying disc

A few days ago I saw what looked like a flying disc in the sky. At first, it looked like a greyish-coloured balloon, but it started to list and I could see that it was flat. The object appeared to be stationary as well. I looked away for about 20-40 seconds at it vanished. What could this have been? JetLover (talk) (Report a mistake) 00:58, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I suppose it could have been a variety of things: a weather tool, a frisbee, a UFO, a balloon, a cloud, etc. Useight (talk) 01:59, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It could also have been a kite or a remote-controlled blimp. Or a real blimp. --Masamage ♫ 03:39, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry to be pedantic, but given that JetLover couldn't identify it, it was unquestionably a UFO... —Steve Summit (talk) 05:16, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think more information would be helpful. Where was this incident? What time of day? About how high did it appear to be? What was the weather like? Did other people see it? How did it vanish? Surprisingly small amount of info from such an accomplished user. Richard Avery (talk) 08:06, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Was it windblown laundry? Come in JetLover, do you hear us? Could it be you've been taken? Julia Rossi (talk) 10:30, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

An unhealthy and undernourished airborne swine? --Dweller (talk) 16:12, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I hate it when people make fun of people who have seen UFOs. I personally have seen 3 of them and I know they aren't any of those ridiculous things people say they are in order to make me look like an idiot. But when I tell anyone my story to someone they laugh it off, call me a liar, and think it is some silly joke. Skeptism of certain explanations is acceptable, but mocking anyone who has had a sighting is not (especially if they are frightened by their first sighting, as I was). You can submit theories of what it actually was, that is fine. But don't mock people who have seen things in the sky that defy explanation (which is one of my many pet peeves...). 206.252.74.48 (talk) 20:06, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Good job nobody's making fun of the questioner then. Currently, nobody has mocked. --Dweller (talk) 07:42, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What about your comment on flying pigs? Although quite comical, I'd put that on the borderline. The comment about him being "taken", however, really irks me. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:46, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This link may help. It is very similar to what I saw. JetLover (talk) (Report a mistake) 00:34, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The connection to the server was reset while the page was loading. *sigh* HYENASTE 05:25, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Absolutely too high for laundry. Glad you're stilll with us. Nice pic. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:32, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It could have been a drone, about which, unsurprisingly, it's difficult to get up to date information. --Dweller (talk) 11:40, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

African American author Daniel Asamota

I tried your search and could not find anything on African American author Daniel Asamota. He has a book out in London called 'Mound Bayou' about an African American village in the American state of Mississippi. A lot of people seemed to like the book and talked about it often. I've found scarce information on him and would like to know more about this author and if he has anymore books out or if he's putting anymore books out. The name of the publisher of his current book is AuthorHouse in the American state of Indiana. They didn't seem to have very much info on him either. I'd appreciate your help.

Three quick sites turned up by Google: this might be his blog; and this Amazon link and his blog suggest this was his first book, perhaps, or first to get published maybe. Be aware his blog turns out to be small, and somewhat sexually explicit, before clicking. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 04:46, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Just FYI, AuthorHouse is a vanity press, meaning his book is self published. Although such books do occasionally garner significant attention they generally sell very few copies outside the author himself and his family and friends. -Elmer Clark (talk) 12:47, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Pascal's Wager vs. the Problem of Hell

What is Pascal's Wager? What is the Problem of Hell? What's the difference between Pascal's Wager and the Problem of Hell? Are there any similarities between the two of them? If so, then what are they?

Start with Pascal's Wager and Problem of Hell. --Masamage ♫ 04:11, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What about comparing Pascal's Wager with the Problem of Hell? Are they the opposite of each other? If so, then why and how? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 60.242.166.196 (talk) 23:16, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Pascal's Wager is the theory that, in general, the results of believing in God are more beneficial than the results of not believing in god. The Problem of Hell is not a theory at all, but a question: if God loves his children, why does he send them to eternal punishment? The two have very little to do with each other because they're not the same kind of thing. They have the same protagonist (the Christian God), but that's about it. --Masamage ♫ 18:02, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Special interest group self-propagation

I’ve noticed a disturbing trend… certain special interest groups go to the state capital where they find jobs in food service inspection and state employment office. Before long there is an opening in the town they came from for local jobs within the state employment agency and food service inspection. Next thing you know a food service establishment has an opening and the state employment office is notified. Coincidently a reference is made by the person in the food inspection office for a person in the same special interest to the person in the state employment office. Before long the opening is filed with a person in the special interest group although they may not be as qualified. The person that fills the position then hires only persons who belong to the same special interest group except for token hirings. Is this practice a common trend everywhere or in every state or just my imagination?

It's a variation on a common trend: Patronage#Politics. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 14:52, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately this is happening within the very system intended to stop patronage, the Civil Service System. How? The Civil Service System is based on an employee/supervisor hierarchy. While you may have to pass a job skills test that does not prevent one special interest group from ruling and the special interest can be race. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.100.169.86 (talk) 19:16, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This does not happen in the British civil service, where the supervisor has no say in who works under her or him, as you imply above. One the other hand I've seen this sort of thing happen in Universities. 80.0.102.233 (talk) 00:01, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Tim Cahill (4)

What charity things has Cahill ever done? 220.233.83.26 (talk) 08:00, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You could start with Tim Cahill.Then the Everton FC website should have some information on him.I'm sure that Everton would even have an information pack or something similar they could send you if you contacted them.There must be an official fan club that would be able to help with all these questions you seem to have about him. Lemon martini (talk) 13:07, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Subwoofer Problem

Hi. I was in the middle of listening to Back In Black yesterday right. All of a sudden for no reason whatsoever, my subwoofer turned right off. It's still plugged in, ON, andstill nothing. What happened?Jwking (talk) 16:10, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Try it now; I had the switch off down here. But seriously, the possibilities that occur to me are trouble in the amplifier, bad connection or wire to the speaker, or, most likely, trouble in the speaker. Visual inspection should reveal any trouble with the wire or connection, and testing the speaker should do the rest: disconnect the subwoofer wire at the amplifier, and stroke the two ends on the two poles of a 9V battery. If you don't hear anything from the speaker, it's probably blown. Make sure the speaker wire is OK by substituting it, if possible. Unplug the subwoofer, and check to see if there is a fuse you can replace. If the battery makes sound, the trouble is in the amp. Your description of the failure suggests component death, either speaker or transistor. AC/DC will do that. --Milkbreath (talk) 16:35, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thank-you for that...description of how to electrecuting oneself. But yeah u think it's possible to order JUST a subwoofer on panasonic?Jwking (talk) 16:42, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

So it's broken.. Was it actively powered (ie has it's own power supply)? Is there a fuse you can replace - try that. Can you check that it's not the input that's broken - ie plug the input to the sub into another amp - does that work..

Once you've gone through all that - if it doesn't still work then you can either learn electronics quick, buy a new one, or take it somewhere for repair - subwoofers can be quite simple and repair might be cost effective. But check the fuses first - fingers crossed for you.87.102.85.28 (talk) 17:47, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Curious

What's the record for Merseyside-based-Australian-footballer-related questions on one desk in one week? --Dweller (talk) 16:20, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wouldn't a better question be about gull questions instead? 206.252.74.48 (talk) 16:24, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Interstate Highway System

Does anyone know what town or city in the "lower 48" states is located farthest from an Interstate Highway? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.25.68.91 (talk) 16:50, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I have no reliable information to offer, but just from eyeballing the map of interstates, I'd say that Round Mountain, Nevada might be a good guess. Deor (talk) 17:14, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, Saco, Montana is farther from an interstate than Round Mountain, Nevada. Round Mountain is about 120 miles in a direct line from Interstate 80 near Fernley, Nevada, but 154 miles by road to the nearest exit onto Interstate 80 in Battle Mountain, Nevada. Saco is about 160 miles in a direct line from Interstate 94 near Glendive, Montana, and 189 miles by road from the nearest exit onto that highway in West Glendive. I think that Saco, Montana, is the farthest incorporated city or town from an interstate in the lower 48 states. A point on the Canadian border north of Saco would be the farthest point in the lower 48 states from an interstate. Marco polo (talk) 17:27, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Valleytown, Montana is about 20 miles north of Saco and about 25 miles south of the Saskatchewan border. --NellieBly (talk) 05:30, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I should add that Malta, Montana, while about 5 miles closer to Interstate 94 in a direct line than Saco, is 4 miles farther from the nearest interstate by road, namely Interstate 15 at Shelby, Montana. Marco polo (talk) 02:46, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Soundtrack

Why is the Terminator Soundtrack so expensive?Jwking (talk) 16:58, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

tried LimeWire yet? West Brom 4ever (talk) 17:31, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If you ask an economist, supply and demand. The greater the demand, the higher the price until supply catches up with demand and the price reaches equilibrium. It could already be at equilibrium and still be relatively expensive according to what you want to spend, but if enough consumers are willing to pay the premium price, it'll never drop. Useight (talk) 17:33, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Blood

This question has been removed. Per the reference desk guidelines, the reference desk is not an appropriate place to request medical, legal or other professional advice, including any kind of medical diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment recommendations. For such advice, please see a qualified professional. If you don't believe this is such a request, please explain what you meant to ask, either here or on the Reference Desk's talk page.

Really, it's not our place to speculate how, why, or wherefrom you might be bleeding. If it's worrying you, the best person to speak to is your doctor. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 17:42, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Resort developer in mexico

Resort developer in mexico —Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.172.5.151 (talk) 17:30, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What is the question, please? SaundersW (talk) 17:34, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think I figured out there strange posts. Some people think this is some sort of search engine. But how can anyone be that ignorant? You have to click a link on the bottom that explicitly explains what the RD is for, then you have to click a catagory where it says even more explicitly what to do or not to do. And then they see the question dialogue (which obviously isn't a search engine) and enter the same thing in both fields expecting a Google-like result. As hard as I try, I can't put myself into the mindset - what are these people THINKING? It literally drives me insane! 206.252.74.48 (talk) 19:50, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If your last sentence is "literally" true, then how can we place any store in the preceding sentences? :) -- JackofOz (talk) 22:25, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps it hadn't driven him insane until the last sentence, so all preceeding sentences should be fine. I'd be more worried about his following sentences. :) Useight (talk) 23:41, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Particularly amusing perhaps when you then view their next post. Or maybe that's just me. Skittle (talk) 00:35, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That would only mean that I've always been insane. Which I think is true. But if I know I'm insane I'm not really insane, am I? No getting out of the military for me then. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 14:31, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You know, this could be a reference to a previous question. Clarityfiend (talk) 06:25, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm insane too, what's wrong with that? But then half of what I've said here is useless nonsense. HS7 (talk) 19:46, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

ISKA

It says on the ISKA website that you can be a junior and compete. Does that count for the tournament in the Czech Republic in August? What do you win if you're a junior? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.216.78.220 (talk) 17:43, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you get a belt? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.216.78.220 (talk) 18:00, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I would suggest asking those questions of the ISKA itself - there are some contact addresses here on the website. Tony Fox (arf!) 23:53, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Why does my new Samsung LCD HDTV make a whistling sound?

I just bought a new Samsung LCD HDTV Model: LN T3253H. It worked fine for the first couple of days, but after that, it has begun to emit a high pitched whistle/buzz around 2 hours into normal operation. I asked the tech people at samsung and no one has any idea whats wrong. The sound is not so load, but its annoying. Another interesting observation: the sound become louder when there is more black on the screen. Could someone tell me what is wrong with this device? Is it a manufacturing defect? This is the third LN T3253H that im using (after having returned the first 2 for similar reasons). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.9.243.111 (talk) 19:11, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Of course the classic answer to "why is something whistling?" is "because it doesn't know the words." But seriously, sometimes a bad power supply will make a noise like that. The reviews on Amazon seem to indicate that this is not an unheard of problem for this model. I'd see if the shop will let you select a different model/manufacturer. --LarryMac | Talk 19:32, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you think this is a serious problem that must be fixed or is it something that can just be ignored? coz if it is, then im throwing this baby back at futureshop. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.9.243.111 (talk) 19:49, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I can only say that I, personally, would not be able to ignore it. Near the bottom of that Amazon page I linked is a discussion forum, and the "high pitched noise" topic is right at the top. From scanning through that, it looks like a certain manufacturing run from November 2007 exhibits this problem. In my inexpert opinion, the noise is only the first symptom of greater failures to come. Take it back. --LarryMac | Talk 20:01, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I have had the same thing happen with my TV set (2000 make Grundig, if I remember correctly), depending on the level of whiteness. Very annoying with time, especially what with fluctuating. So if you do find out within a few days, do update this. :) 81.93.102.185 (talk) 20:03, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Books

This actually has to do with Wikipedia itself. When would this website actually publish text books of all their articles in the English language?Jwking (talk) 19:59, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I doubt this is going to happen ever - see right for an idea of what it would look like. Hut 8.5 20:20, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There have been plans to release CD/DVD versions in English (Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team) that could be used where there isn't internet access. A full print edition isn't going to happen though. — Laura Scudder ☎ 20:57, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Part of the problem is conceptual. To put something into print you've got to "freeze it" at a good version. But who decides when an article is "complete"? On Wikipedia, articles are usually in quite a lot of flux. "Freezing" article content, though often discussed, has never really taken off, as it seems very un-wiki in nature, and it's very hard to decide upon when it is right to do such a thing. --140.247.243.230 (talk) 21:55, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Blind Mystic/New-age teacher

I'm trying to remember/work out the name of a guy I read about, or listened to an interview with, or whatever. Here's what I rather shakily remember: he was a regularish joe, had an accident and lost his sight (maybe welding??), then after some hardship (or maybe i'm my memory is just hallmarkifying) he regained a form of vision (that is, visualisation, mental images not percieved through the eyes) and had some associated religious/mystical experience(s), and subsequently became some kind of teacher/inspirational author/guru. For some reason, I think his surname might be Powers (which makes it practically impossible to search for without knowing the forename). Can anyone score some major moonpoints and help me out? Many thanks, 85.194.245.82 (talk) 20:17, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Google alludes to Ted Gwin from San Antonio, Texas but no profiles as such and very few hits. He looks pretty regular. Then there's Shoko Asahara who runs communes in Japan.[1] Julia Rossi (talk) 22:17, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Old Organ

I've been trying to figure this out for quite a while. What is the name of the organs used in radio dramas made around the 1930s-1940s? They are usually played when the scene transitions or something shocking is revealed. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 21:42, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know, but perhaps a Hammond organ with a Leslie speaker. --Milkbreath (talk) 21:57, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

(ec) :Hammond organ with a Leslie speaker? Think Steppenwolf, Magic Carpet Ride. --140.247.243.230 (talk) 21:59, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wurlitzer? -- Hoary (talk) 08:24, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

My band carried a Hammond and a Leslie to gigs in the 1960's. A pain to load and unload, but the sound made it worth it. The radio dramas probably just used the mighty Wurlitzer. Edison (talk) 20:12, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

From the Leslie speaker article - Soon afterwards, Mitchell became an organist with the Mutual Broadcasting System, and played a Hammond with the Leslie on its shows. The national exposure was swift and sure. Organists, professional and amateur alike, wanted to have "that sound". --LarryMac | Talk 20:17, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Black Belt

What degree black belt is Chuck Norris? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.216.78.220 (talk) 21:50, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

According to our article, Chuck is an eighth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, awarded in 1997. He also apparently has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tang Soo Do. Note to self: never make Chuck cranky. Tony Fox (arf!) 23:47, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Treaty Of waitangi

Just aftre some help, have an assignment that asks how an aspect of " the treaty of waitangi" relates to the building industry. cant find anything to help! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.57.82.114 (talk) 23:21, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Have you had a chance to read our article on the Treaty of Waitangi? TenOfAllTrades(talk) 23:24, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

yeah i have read that, but its quite hard to understand and to relate it some how to the building industry is beyond me. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.57.82.114 (talk) 23:26, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Your assignment might be based on the idea that the Waitangi Treaty limits the places where the building industry can be active, and the differences between the Maori and English versions leads to problems of interpretation. This means that before things can be built, in many places there must be consultation with the Maori community as to whether permission is needed. Steewi (talk) 00:42, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]