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May 12

Graphic Claculators

Hey, I've never used a graphic calculator before but I really need one because I'm not understanding maths and need to learn a lot really quickly and so hopefully it'll be able to help learn, and in the exams soon. Any calculator is allowed. Hopefully some of you are students, or use calculators, and can help. I need a calcualtor that I can put equasions in, in forms y=mx+c, y=ax^2+bc+c and that kind of stuff, and use to solve equasions, and normal calculatory stuff. Which is best? There are so many! So which is best TI-84 Plus series, TI-89 series, TI-Nspire, HP-50G, Sharp EL9900, or any other? Also on Wikipedia:Reference_desk/Mathematics. Thanks for any help you can provide. 86.178.214.25 (talk) 00:17, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The best calculator wont help you if you don't know the material. Study the material (I hope you mean y=ax²+bx+c) and just buy the cheapest graphing calculator (they're all pretty much the same). 68.248.230.97 (talk) 00:21, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Okay, thanks. Yea, I'm tying to study the material but i've left it a bit late - 17 exams (7 maths) starting in 17 days and I only started revising today (and still got distracted after 3 hours! Oh well. Thanks. 86.178.214.25 (talk) 00:25, 12 May 2010 (UTC) Oh, and yeah, that's what I meant. Getting tired now. Goodnight. 86.178.214.25 (talk) 00:27, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The "best" is whatever will do what you want it to in a way that you understand. If all of your instructors use TIs and you have an HP, then it adds that much more frustration. Also, it's a minor thing but they are graphing calculators because they draw graphs. Not graphic calculators. Dismas|^(talk) 00:29, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

From now I've just taken early study leave so I have no teachers effectivly, I think maybe a EL9900 or FX-9860GII SD (the SD one is the only one of that type in stock), but I'll sgo in tomorrow and see what they say. What's the difference between graphing and graphic - i thought it was synonymous because the article appears to use it that way, but manufacturers call them grapic calculators - confusing! Ugh, it's late, must sleep. 86.178.214.25 (talk) 00:52, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The graphing calculator article (which graphic calculator redirects to) does seem to switch between the two rather chaotically. Although, HP, TI, and Sharp all refer to them as "graphing". Maybe it's a regional thing? Either way, this isn't helping you get to an answer to your original question. I had a TI-84 in high school and college. My wife had a TI-89. Both, IMO, were very easy to use and understand. The HP that you have as an option uses reverse polish notation which takes some getting used to. So, unless you're already comfortable with it, I wouldn't start learning it now. Dismas|^(talk) 01:13, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

One key point is checking which calculators are allowed for your exam, since at least some of the ones you mentioned may well be considered too powerful. 131.111.248.99 (talk) 02:10, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The TI-89 and HP-50G, among others, have a built in computer algebra system, while the TI-84 (and others) do not. I have an TI-89, and I think that this is very useful. However, you must be careful, in that some tests don't allow calculators with this functionality. For me, as an American student, this was sort of a big deal on the ACT: I couldn't use the calculator that I was most familiar with [1] (although oddly I could use it on my SAT). I see that your IP address is in London, so I'm not sure what tests that you might take will or won't allow calculators with different features. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Buddy431 (talk • contribs) 05:34, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The difference between graphic and graphing calculators is just the name, it's British English vs. American English; Sharp here call it a graphic calculator. No, I don't know reverse polish notation so I won't get an HP. Any calculators are allowed in the exams, they don't check and there's no guidance rules. Okay, hanks, I'll look at the TI-89 too. 86.178.214.25 (talk) 06:25, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

had withdrawal method on 5th & 6th May at 6 pm no previous nor ejaculation at that time took I PILL 7th May at 4 pm Am I Pregnant?

I have period on 25 of every month which lasts 7-8 days .this time too i Had period 25th April-2nd May had withdrawal method on 5th & 6th May at 6 pm no previous nor ejaculation at that time took I PILL 7th May at 4 pm Am I Pregnant? If all well when should i get my period for month of May i.e this month. Else what. When must i take blood test (I have found my bf jeculating only once a year ago that too outside in my four year relation) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ppktension (talk • contribs) 04:31, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia Reference Desk never provides medical advice. Your doctor would be a better adviser than random anonymous people of uncertain qualifications and uncertain motivations on the internet. Edison (talk) 04:34, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

A period on the 25th of each month? sounds trollish to me. 86.4.186.107 (talk) 06:47, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If not a doctor, then a nurse at a local family planning clinic should be able to advise. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 11:12, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you want to know if you are pregnant, take a pregnancy test. A pharmacist will be able to advise you on when to do that and whether you should get the result confirmed with a blood test. There is no way we can tell you if you are pregnant - there is a large random element involved. --Tango (talk) 14:28, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Tango is right. Pregnancy tests are only useful at certain times of your month (read packet). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 114.74.169.238 (talk) 12:32, 14 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Learning and intelligence preservation

Learning here refers to largely theoretical knowledge obtained by reading books or from the internet. Iam using the term intelligence as a layman would use it.Is there a maximum hours or amount of information one can learn in a given day?. Because, as per the law of diminishing returns, beyond certain threshold results / effort ratio is not favourable. Also, does overlearning has any negative influence on intelligence?. Practical aspect of learning here is preparing documents in order to horne the writing skills.

Another aim of learning is to delay intellectual deterioration. Iam already 30 and read somewhere that intellectual functions begin their decay somewhere in the mid 30s. Please give me any tips so that i can learn effectively, preserve (or perhaps increase!) my intelligence.

No expert, but have been learning for over 20 years now. For the first: depends largely a) on the speed at which you can read/take notes/understand spoken information and b) the amount of time you can effectively concentrate. That being said, think about extramural students who have to sit in lecture halls from 8 am to 9 pm (sic!) and pay for this torture. To me, this is a prime example of time being wasted.

As for the second: I believe that if you continue using Your brain (reading, writing, talking, exploring) then you should slow down the process of deterioration. Come on, I'm sure You know someone in their 60s or 70s who's as bright as they ever were! --Ouro (blah blah) 11:58, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There's no hard-wired limit to these things of course -- it depends on your receptivity to learning. Vranak (talk) 13:59, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

What's blue and yellow?

In Germany, coalitions often have catchy names for the colours of the parties, such as Traffic light coalition and Jamaica coalition. Given the new situation in Westminster, what's blue and yellow and could have a British coalition named after it? A "Blue-and-yellow Macaw coalition" isn't really very catchy. AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 11:10, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Ikea coalition? Mikenorton (talk) 11:12, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Seems very appropriate. Hard to put together, and soon falls apart? Ghmyrtle (talk) 12:24, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Wolverine coalition? ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 12:12, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Or the Wolverine coalition? --Sean 13:32, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Maybe they're supporting the Ukraine? --Ouro (blah blah) 12:09, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I thought the Lib Dem colour was orange rather than yellow. According to our article, the Blorenge "is composed in layer-cake fashion of a number of different rock types," which is apt. It also has lofty aspirations, looks down on Wales, and is infertile and not very pretty. Ghmyrtle (talk) 12:31, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It's yellow according to our article. Doesn't Chelsea have blue and yellow uniforms? Adam Bishop (talk) 12:34, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Orange was the Liberal colour, LibDems adopted yellow (but it's usually an orangey-yellow on constituency flyers). DuncanHill (talk) 13:00, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Pantone 1235c to be precise, apparently. Ghmyrtle (talk) 13:08, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ooh, ooh, I have a good protest sign: "Blue + Yellow Doesn't Equal Green!" ;-) --Mr.98 (talk) 14:40, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hahahaha! So you're saying that this is an additive mixing rather than subtractive ? That would make them the "White party"...well, I guess there could be some truth to that! :-) SteveBaker (talk) 15:11, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is it a little obvious to point out that there's already a White party? FiggyBee (talk) 11:59, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Not everyone agrees [2] [3] [4] Nil Einne (talk) 15:14, 16 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

British Rail. Mainly blue with a bit of yellow stuck on the end. Formed as an unwieldy coalition; soon involved in massive cuts; never profitable; eventually broken up and its component parts sold off to the highest bidder. Ka renjc 18:21, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The logo for the Human Rights Campaign is a blue square with a yellow equal sign. Dismas|^(talk) 17:59, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks folks, those are some good suggestions (and some apt comments). AlmostReadytoFly (talk) 07:40, 14 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

what is the present status of vinayak mission's research foundation, salem

what is the present status of vinayaka mission's research foundation, salem —Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.204.91.217 (talk) 13:00, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It has apparently been renamed Vinayaka Missions University. Marco polo (talk) 14:29, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Microlight aircraft insurance.

I live in Scotland UK near to a farm where a field has recently been getting used as the base for several microlight aircraft to be stored, used for take-off and landing and to fly regular jaunts over my house which is in a semi built-up area with several hundreds of homes hereabouts - no problems with any of that. But I am curious on several fronts - firstly, does anyone here know how frequently these single-engined, solo-crew aircraft fail due to mechanical and/or pilot error, and if so what happens to the aircraft? Does it glide to ground and land intact? Or if it lands on a house, how much damage is likely to be caused (to the house and its occupants), remembering that there will likely be a significant amount of combustible fuel on board. And secondly, are the owners of such aircraft required to carry sufficient insurance so as to be able to financially compensate any victims of said failure, without needing to be sued through the courts? Just curious. Thanks. 92.30.48.193 (talk) 16:15, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations 2005 requires that the operator of a regulated aircraft be able to show "an insurance certificate or any other evidence of insurance relating to the aircraft for aviation-specific liability in respect of passengers, baggage, cargo or third parties". I'm not sure how much insurance is mandatory - this page says £250,000, whereas this BMAA thing says £750,000. -- Finlay McWalter • Talk 16:39, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

As to the damage level, ultralight aviation and specs like this suggest a microlight has roughly the same mass, speed, and fuel capacity as a Mazda MX5, so you can infer maximum damage level from that. Predicting the mode of an incident is difficult: if the engine conks out you'd glide, under some control, for a bit; a structural failure or serious loss of control would result in an uncontrolled plummet. It's often said (but I can't immediately find a reliable source to support it) that the great majority of aviation accidents happen at takeoff or landing - this summary of civil aviation crashes would mostly support that. -- Finlay McWalter • Talk 16:52, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Correction: for weight, up to about half that of a Mazda MX5. -- Finlay McWalter • Talk 16:56, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

And microlights have a lot more drag than an MX5. Ultralights glide very well, and there aren't many mechanical failures that will cause one to crash dangerously (as opposed to landing safely but badly). Without malice it would be very hard for an ultralight to cause significant damage. --203.202.43.53 (talk) 06:24, 14 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

New UK coalition government and the Democratic Unionist Party

Nate Silver suggests that the DUP will be supporting the new Conservative-LibDem government. This is the first I've heard of it. Have the parties been negotiating? Are the DUP getting something in return? 86.41.61.203 (talk) 19:12, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Well, he doesn't source his statement, and he does only claim that the DUP will back the coalition "on matters of government confidence and budget". Meanwhile the DUP make it abundantly clear they won't jump into bed with anyone without an incentive [5], and that they are fighting the possibility of "£200million worth of cuts to our block grant allocation". No doubt they will be seeking to persuade the new government to keep its trimming knife away from the finances of Northern Ireland, but I can't find any indication that a deal has been made yet. Ka renjc 20:00, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks Karen, very helpful. Yeah that's what puzzles me; the govt doesn't need the DUP for numbers, so there is no reason to give concessions to the DUP, so what incentive would the DUP have to support the coalition on confidence and budgets? Does it make them look responsible to the NI public or something, or do they want to be seen as part of the team? 86.41.61.203 (talk) 20:14, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Conservatives need to work with those tiny parties because there may come a day when some or all of the Liberal Democrats decide they don't want to play ball anymore - and at that point, every vote you can get becomes important. This paper describes the various combinations that would work. For example, the Conservatives could retain a majority without the LibDems if they could get support from the Democratic Unionists (8 votes), the Scottish Nationalists (6 votes), Plaid Cymri (3 votes), the Greens (1), the Alliance Party (1) and one independent MP who won in Northern Ireland. There are more than 20 different combinations of minor parties that would keep the Conservatives in power without the LibDems. This is all greatly complicated by the fact that Sinn Fein took five districts but are unable to vote using them because their members refuse to take the oath of loyalty to the Queen that is required before they can take their seats in the House of Commons...so an actual majority isn't required to form an effective government. SteveBaker (talk) 20:42, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Aha, I see, very good. Although if the Lib Dem leadership couldn't guarantee a majority for budgets and confidence, I imagine Cameron would have to call an election even if he could mop up enough smaller parties. 86.41.61.203 (talk) 21:37, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Not if he gets approval for a 5-year standard term. Everard Proudfoot (talk) 22:55, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Ooh, I see. But surely the govt still has to fall if it can't muster majorities for its bills on a reliable basis? 86.41.61.203 (talk) 00:24, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That never happens in the US when Congress votes down the Government's programs. Everard Proudfoot (talk) 04:49, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

In practice it would be the case in the UK though, the obvious example being the United Kingdom general election, October 1974. The Conservative/LibDem coalition now has a sufficient majority to get government policy through provided each MP votes with his/her party, but if the coalition frayed or folded, Mr Cameron would require the support of other blocs, which might be possible (see SteveBaker's handy link above). He'd be vulnerable on the confidence issue, which is why it's interesting to read Nate Silver's speculation that the DUP might offer that at least. A minority government that lost a vote of confidence would be unsustainable, like the situation that led to the 1979 general election; one that can't get its bills through Parliament without horse-trading with small parties on a case-by-case basis is unlikely to survive unless the end of its term is in sight and it can just limp along ineffectually for a few weeks or months, like John Major's government in 1997. Ka renjc 12:20, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If Cameron gets his way with changing the rules so that a PM serves for a standard 5 years, does the no confidence vote even matter any more? Everard Proudfoot (talk) 19:33, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Seems like there's something missing here, isn't there: who puts a govt out of it's misery if the PM can't – the Queen? 86.41.61.203 (talk) 19:43, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The proposal is to allow dissolution before the five year limit if a vote of no confidence passes with a 55% supermajority. AlexTiefling (talk) 20:21, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Cameron supports a fixed-term parliament of 5 years, rather than the current system where it can be dissolved at any point within 5 years at the whim of the Prime Minister. This is not the same as limiting the term of a Prime Minister to 5 years (in the sense of the US President being limited to 2 full terms). Within a single parliament there could be multiple PMs (this could include a change of government without an election, if the government lost a vote of confidence in the Commons). Or, a single PM could serve during an unlimited number of different parliaments. -- Jack of Oz ... speak! ... 21:25, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The way a failing minority government is removed in the UK is either by them voluntarily calling an election (which they can do at any time) - or if they get stubborn about it, via a "vote of no confidence". If a majority of the House of Commons support such a vote then the government is required to either resign or call an election. This happened in the UK in 1979 and that resulted in Maggie Thatcher coming to power. There is no such thing as a "fixed" 5 year term in the UK. 5 years is the maximum amount of time a party can govern before another election must be called - but the government can (and frequently does) call them at much shorter intervals. This system is a mixed blessing, it means that you don't have to struggle on with a lame-duck government who can't get anything done (as you so often do with the US system) - but it also means that the party in power has a somewhat unfair advantage in being able to call an election when public opinion happens to be swinging their way. SteveBaker (talk) 04:20, 14 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There is no such thing as a fixed term now, but Cameron wants to change that: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8683149.stm Everard Proudfoot (talk) 20:51, 14 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks all, I understand the situation much better now. 86.41.61.203 (talk) 21:37, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Present for 20 year old girl

My sister's birthday is coming up soon and I have no idea what to get. Books are out, she buys all she wants as soon as they go on sale, I wouldn't want to get her any sort of cosmetics stuff, and wouldn't have the slightest clue what she would want, only other things I can think of she likes doing is writing books and doing quizzes on the internet, neither of which i can buy her.

148.197.114.158 (talk) 21:22, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

bookshelf, fancy pen, chocolates, a car service, (being close to her you should be in a position to see something she is missing). Graeme Bartlett (talk) 21:44, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Vouchers usually go down well - favourite clothes shop, iTunes, etc. Or cash. Ghmyrtle (talk) 21:47, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Does she write books on a word processor or does she do any stage of her writing by hand (planning, outlining, keeping a journal etc.)? If she does some of it by hand how about a nice pen (possibly a fountain pen) or a notebook such as a moleskine. Talking of moleskines, and noticing that your sister sounds like a bit of a bibliophile how about this http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Passions-Book-Journal/dp/8862933193 . I have also found these: http://lifehacker.com/225288/stuff-we-like--book-darts really good if you do a lot of reading. It would be quite good as well if you gave us some idea of what you are planning to spend. I presume you have also asked around other family members and friends to see if they have any ideas. 131.111.185.68 (talk) 21:54, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

When I'm not sure about what to give someone and they don't live in the same house as me, I sometimes opt for a fire extinguisher. It's something people don't often think to buy for themselves, isn't "cheap", and underlines your concern for their welfare. And it might save their life. Matt Deres (talk) 23:04, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I can hear in the back of my head a Stephen Fry routine about giving someone a fire extinguisher as a gift... "Oh, here's a fire extinguisher, because I was just thinking about how you might die in a fire in the next two years. Oh, I want you to be able to put it out! But like I said, make sure it's in the next two years because after that it's no good anymore. Anyway, good luck with the fire!" Sorry, I just had to. --Jmeden2000 (talk) 17:42, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, and if you're short of cash, I'll bet she'd appreciate a certificate signed by you saying that you won't refer to her as a "girl" anymore now that she's no longer a teenager. Just a thought! Matt Deres (talk) 23:05, 12 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I too am difficult to buy presents for - and make sure that anyone who might want to buy me a gift knows it, so telling them not to bother. So far, I have had helicopter rides; a jet-ski ride; a trip to Las Vegas (from UK); a towed paraglide in Spain; best seats at the theatre, a very very expensive collector's bottle of old Scotch Malt Whisky; but best of all, a simple card that said I was loved. Simply the best! 92.30.2.148 (talk) 00:06, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

As she is of a literary bent, bookplates may be appropriate. Reading lights are also appreciated by us bookish types. Book tokens allow her to choose her own reading matter. Casting further afield, alcohol is always a popular present, a bottle of a decent wine, perhaps one with some literary connexion - for example, the blessed Oscar enjoyed Perrier-Jouët champagne (but don't we all), or absinthe to give her inspiration for her writing. DuncanHill (talk) 00:47, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Gift certificate for a spa? Dismas|^(talk) 03:14, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

For a twenty-year-old, cash is always going to be a safe bet. Vranak (talk) 04:56, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Or any age. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 09:05, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

For a 1 year old? The parents may appreciate it, the infant probably won't (directly) particularly if it's the boring old green US stuff. Nil Einne (talk) 17:17, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned making a donation to charity in her name. Might get her thinking about what she's got, what others don't have and how she feels about it. DOR (HK) (talk) 09:25, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No offence intended as I'm sure to some people this is probably a nice gesture - but I would get VERY angry if someone did this for my birthday... Birthdays IMO are an excuse to be pampered by your mates and family and treated... Donations to charities can be made any time of the year - I can't get given cash or vouchers or presents whenever I want to... PLUS what if I dissagree with the charity or given the choice would not be interested in them? Just my opinion... Gazhiley (talk) 10:49, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Agreed. To me, this amounts to an insult, not a gift. Vranak (talk) 16:07, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Phew - thank god for that... Thought I was a miserable bastard! And even if I am, at least I'm not alone! ;-) Gazhiley (talk) 16:45, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can get given gifts at any time of the year if the giver so desires. There's no legal requirement that gifts may only be given on birthdays. And it seems unlikely anyone is going to give a gift to charity in the name of someone else except at some time when they would normally give a gift to the person. In other words giving a donation to charity in the name of someone else can ultimately be just a gift even if you don't not receive anything directly personally if the receiver appreciates it. (There are some similarities for example, if you give a gift of a spa to say a man who you know won't use it but has wanted to treat his partner for a while but can't afford it, in such cases cash may be better and some may not appreciate it, e.g. preferring to save the money themselves but other may be happy even though they won't actually be using the gift themselves.) Yes the receiver could just give money to charity themselves if they could afford it, but they could buy whatever gift themselves too if it's a bought gift. This doesn't mean it's a good gift that will depend on a lot of factors. Clearly if the person thinks they must receive something personally for a gift then they won't appreciate it. The only real issue is it's true that there's little that can be done if the person doesn't like the charity (if the person doesn't like a normal gift, there may be the option for an exchange). However if it's someone you know well like a sibling, you'll hopefully only have limited chance of this. Nil Einne (talk) 17:08, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I agree that the charity thing, while it sounds nice, is really not all that altruistic. The giver feels good but the "receiver" gets nothing from it. So it's in their name, so what? "Giving" a charity "gift" is just a way for the giver to justify spending the money. If they wanted to give to a charity, they would have done it already without the pretense of a birthday. Dismas|^(talk) 17:55, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

But the same could be said about any other gift they could afford (if they had wanted that gift, they could just have bought it themselves, in fact depending on how much you give you may give more then they would feel they could afford to give to charity anyway)... Note that as in all gift giving, the givers feelings or desires shouldn't really come in to it much or at all. You don't give a gift to charity on behalf of another person because it makes you feel good. While you are the one actually paying the money, it's effectively money you're gifted to someone else who you're paying to charity on their behalf. In other words the giver didn't give money to charity, the receiver did. (If the giver is simply giving money to charity they would have always given then they're not really giving a gift, but I don't think most givers do this.) The only thing the giver should feel good about is that they've given a gift to a friend/family member not that they gave to charity (as they didn't). From the receivers POV, they should feel the same as if they've given to charity (as they did). If they don't think giving to charity is a good idea or they don't feel like they wanted to give to charity then clearly the giver should have chosen a different gift. Note however that even if they may not have given to charity if they you had given them money, this doesn't definitely mean it's a bad idea. Again, it really depends on the receiver. Again it's not that dissimilar from the way a receiver may not have bought whatever you gave them had you given the cash, but they may still deeply appreciate whatever you did give them. Nil Einne (talk) 18:23, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'm afraid this is a reference desk, where we help by providing information. As you should have seen from the notice at the top of the page, "if you need advice or opinions, it's better to ask elsewhere." ╟─Treasury Tag►Not-content─╢ 17:17, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This is however a good place for people to get ideas for this sort of thing. The OP may have nobody else better to ask and, if I get the gist of it, knows very little about wants of a 20 y.o. girl. Dismas|^(talk) 17:55, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is not a good place for people to come and get ideas, hence the clear instruction, "if you need advice or opinions, it's better to ask elsewhere." ╟─Treasury Tag►co-prince─╢ 19:06, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Buy her a new laptop. That's what I want 82.44.55.254 (talk) 17:54, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You're a 20 year old girl? Never knew that... Nil Einne (talk) 18:39, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, because we all know that there are no girls on the internet. Pacific Coast Highway ^{{talk • contribs}} 19:52, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There's only one person who knows the answer to this question, and it's hard to guarantee that your sister will check the reference desk. I suggest you buy her a dozen boxes of tampons- most girls use tampons, so she will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Don't forget to wrap each of them in its own pretty wrapping paper, with a little bow! -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 21:49, 13 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Since she likes doing quizzes on the internet, she might like a nice new Mousepad. 195.35.160.133 (talk) 12:45, 14 May 2010 (UTC) Martin.[reply]