Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2011 September 25

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September 25

How long it is good to stay in an organiation??

Hi, I am in a MNC organization for last one and half year. I want to know how much time is neither too less nor too much in an organization. I mean what is the duration which will have a positvive impression on an interviewer while changing a job. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 220.225.96.217 (talk) 04:48, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Please explain, what is an MNC organization? — Michael J 10:12, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

They might mean a multinational corporation. In which case, it would seem that they want to know how long they should stay at a company so that they don't seem like they are either A) job hopping or B) complacent. Dismas|^(talk) 10:46, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

My WP:OR answer with no references from the US is that if I see a resume with a series of jobs that last for only one year each, that is a "red flag" indicating that the person might not work well on teams, or might be a slacker or have other problems working, such that they get fired, laid off, or pressured to leave the job. Any job lasting under 2 years indicates a possible problem to me. At a minimum I have to ask about it. A resume that's actually full of 1-year jobs usually means I will toss the resume aside. Now, this is very culturally based. My understanding in India, for example, is that people move around in jobs much more rapidly, so shorter job durations (if this is correct) would be more normal. Comet Tuttle (talk) 16:50, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

There could be a number of factors. I might expect an early-20s individual to have job-hopped a bit. And if someone is a contractor, at any age, I would expect to see them at a number of different organizations for relatively short intervals. But if someone is in their 40s or 50s and is still job-hopping for a year or two, that may not be a good sign. I would think at least 3 to 5 years at each job would give a pretty good impression to a potential future employer: That your willing to give your best effort for a reasonable commitment, but you don't want to get boxed in, but rather want to expand your knowledge and experience base. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 00:00, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Easy. Stay with your current job until you get a new one. μηδείς (talk) 21:11, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Best way to sleep in one's sukkah

So, Sukkot (festival of Jew huts for you goyim out there) is on its way and I feel like both building and sleeping in my wonderful 8' x 12' wood and SukkahScreen sukkah. Only problem is this is the first year I actually have the damn thing fully prepared. I want to sleep in it and it will be on our deck which is made of wood planks (painted and weather-treated). What is the best way for me to get a decent night's sleep? Get a cot? Sleep on top of some blankets? Put some cushions under me? Bring out a mattress? What's best? I guess another way to put it would be, what's the comfiest way to camp out on my deck? :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 04:55, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Do they not sell camp beds where you live? --TammyMoet (talk) 12:03, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

A camp bed or air mattress are the best you can do with devices portable enough to carry with you while camping, but you can do a lot better on your deck. I'd go with bringing out a mattress (hopefully a single size). No need to bring out the bedspring or frame, though. A mattress alone is usually more comfortable than a portable cot, which often has a support bar jabbing you in the back, much like a fold-out bed in a couch. StuRat (talk) 14:48, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Well, it is New England so yep we do, but I don't think a cot from Old England would do me that much good. :p They also look a bit uncomfy I'm afraid You raised a very good point my good rodent, I've no desire to sleep on something uncomfy (in fact you are not supposed to be in the sukkah if it causes you discomfort) and there's nothing against bringing a mattress out to your sukkah. Also have no desir to spend extra money on a cot. Hope it doesn't rain though. Need to find some way to get by that without violating halactic law; rainproof my sukkah with something clear and organic so I can stay dry and see the stars (even though you're supposed to get wet if it rains, I don't want my electronics to short-out suddenly). :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 15:42, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Oh those "cots" as you refer to them are surprisingly comfortable, I've spent weeks using them as beds in the past! You can get ones with mattresses too, which are even more comfortable. Why don't you go to a camping shop and try some? --TammyMoet (talk) 16:32, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

'Cause a mattress I own already is free! ^-^ Maybe I'll try one later though; I already spent a good deal of cash on stuff like the fancy lemon and fronds. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 17:09, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Something as simple as an air mattress of the type carried by backpackers is surprisingly good at insulating you from the cold ground. Possibly even better than an indoors mattress.(Which is thicker, but not air-tight) A wooden deck will be pretty cold, so just putting down a blanket won't really be comfortable. APL (talk) 21:18, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Maybe, but I like the cold air. I sometimes sleep with the window open in winter (which is only bad when the injury in my trapazeal muscles (or w/e they're called, back neck muscles) acts up and immobilises me painfully) The concern with an air mattress as well is that my pusscat will dig her claws into it. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 21:29, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Don't get me wrong! I'm with you! I'll happily open my windows in the dead of winter until my bed-room is near freezing. But sleeping on a cold surface is miserable. It sucks the heat out of your body like being wet on a windy day. You really want some insulation between you and the cold ground. More than just a simple blanket. (Though I guess if you're dragging your indoor mattress out there, that'll probably work too. I'm not really sure. I've never tried that.) APL (talk) 22:07, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Ya, I will be using the mattress most likely, that way I am comfy and will cover myself in many blankets. It's more a matter of throwing the mattress off the stone stairway and then lifting it up and plopping it on the ground in the sukkah which will probably also have a rug in it. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 00:35, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

It is one night a year and you are supposedly doing it for spiritual, not comfort reasons, no? What is wrong with you, man? Put up with the suffering or consider yourself fully Hellenized. μηδείς (talk) 21:08, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

No no no, it's a seven day thing (plus an eighth really, which is outside the sukkah. Hellenised?! Oh my word, no! Judah Maccabee didn't fight off the forces of the Seleukids and Ptolemaoi to have that happen. :p Though I think you might have this confused with Khanukkah, which is also an eight night thing. Sukkot is supposed to commemorate Jews wandering in the desert with Moshe and living in little huts, etc (a story which I do not believe because archaeological evidence says something else entirely). Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 21:19, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

I have always admired the Jewish sense of humor, and I think only a Jew would refer to an object connected with his own religion as "the damn thing". :) ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 23:53, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

I dunno, you ever try taking down a Christmas tree? APL (talk) 00:25, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Gevalt! However, a Christmas tree (aka Hanukah Bush) is technically not a religious symbol. :) ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 01:01, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

He's right, it's mostly a secular thing now. I will decorate it with Christmasy stuff, but I think also enter it into a covenant with God. I shall put a kippa on top of the star and find something to snip. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Well we're an interfaith family anyway, so we have both (plus Khanukkah). I get to decorate two things this year. ^-^ Though I think Bugs APL is talking about first finding a tree and then setting it up without letting it fall. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 00:35, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

You have to get it a few days ahead, put it in its stand, and let it "settle" (with minor adjustments as needed) before decorating it. And dump it right after January 1, to lessen the chance of it becoming a mini-brush-fire in your living room. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 01:03, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

My dad is the buy the tree the night before kind of guy. I have no idea why.... We usually keep it around for a long time for whatever reason. Last one was till May. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 01:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Holy moly! There's an old joke about knowing when it's springtime because that's when the old Scotsman in town finally throws out his Christmas tree. You've got him beat by a couple of months! However, getting it the night before is kind of neat, especially if the kids are asleep and they wake up to a decorated tree. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 02:29, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

And which member of my family do you think actually does the decoration? :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I thought it was longer than just one day (I was thinking three) but the article doesn't make that clear in the first sentence, which it should. In any case, my answer stands. Is this for fun, or merit in the eyes of God? μηδείς (talk) 01:01, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Indeed it should be there. It's a fun cultural tradition which I am doing as part of a celebration of my ancestral Jewish heritage (though I am a Refrom Jew). I don't really believe in the idea of trying to earn points with God through rituals, and truth be told neither Sukkot or the earlier and much more solemn Yom Kippur are about that from what I have been told (the Day of Atonement is to atone for your sins against others; ie. ask forgiveness from your fellow man (and woman)). I believe in the helping of others as being the way that one pleases God (though it shouldn't be one's only motivation). Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 01:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Possible shortcut: if you have a full-size sofa, pull the cushions off and chuck them in the hut. Easier than moving a standard size mattress, I'd think -- easy enough so you can bring them back in each morning, too.

--DaHorsesMouth (talk) 02:03, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I've tried that. Without the sofa frame, they tend to move overnight, so you wake with some of them out of place, which can be quite uncomfortable. StuRat (talk) 02:13, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Indeed, both my dad and I can attest to that. I normally sleep on the couch at our countryhouse (I don't usually trust that mattress), but the few times I slept on just the cushions or he has, both of us have woken up feeling like a little kid has been whacking our heads with a tiny mallet all night. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

• Given that your motivation for the practice is a celebration of your culture, have you considered peering against your local cultural community? Also, from our article, it appears that popping over to each other's sukkahs seems to be something people do: that might be a perfect time to ask. (This obviously isn't helpful advice if your cultural community for this is virtual, or geographically dispersed, or comprised of people with radically different living environments). Fifelfoo (talk) 03:56, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I am afraid I'm not familiar with this idea of peering against something. Ah yes, the practice of Ushpizin (which is also the name of a very funny Israeli film about the same topic). I don't think anyone else in the Town of Greenwich is going to be building a sukkah (I also generally do not get along well with other Ashkenazi Jews with the exception of my girlfriend), so I am just going to invite over our goy relatives. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Peering against your local cultural community means dropping in on your neighbors, lol. μηδείς (talk) 15:55, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Ah, nope, they're all goyim as far as I know. I'm also fairly certain some of them are antisemites ('least that's what my mum said). Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 18:14, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Clear organic cover to place of the shakh in the event of rain

I am somewhat concerned about my electronics getting wet in the event it suddenly starts raining. So, I figure it is best to put a cover over the shakh (bamboo roll roof) which will protect it. The only problem is that it must be clear (so that the stars can be observed) and organic so it's kosher. What can be used? Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:22, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I dunno... Is cellophane considered organic under the kosher laws? Other than that, I'm afraid that isinglass might be your only other option. 67.169.177.176 (talk) 05:18, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Cellophane is no good. Your best bet is to find a tree or bush that offers boughs with many large waxy leaves, cut off loads of them and then heap em up on the roof - they'll offer rain protection for a good long time and nearly 100% if it's just drizzling. Contrary to popular conception, the idea of being able to see the stars is a minor issue and in fact the opposite is kind of the case, as a minimum, there must be more shade than light. As a maximum, the rain penetration is the actual criterion ([1]) - it must let the rain in, but no-one says it has to be instantly permeable. In the UK, laurel is a good and popular choice. Bamboo in the form of a mat, unless it's been made specifically for schach is likely not to be kosher. [ibid] Even if it was made for that purpose, it is rubbish at keeping the rain out. Sorry, pandas. --Dweller (talk) 10:54, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Well I'm covering it with bamboo סכך that is certified kosher so it's pretty well shaded really. I know you're supposed to let the rain in, but I don't want my electronics to get wet. :p It's not 100% kosher anyway as I left the bamboo סכך out after my last failed sukkot and there's a tree over the deck partly. :( Well I could partly cover the sukkah in panda hides as well. :p

In case anyone's puzzled about what we're talking about, we don't have a Wikipedia article about it! I'd spell it "schach" and our article Sukkah#Roof_covering opts for "s'chach", but these words are hard to transliterate. Schach is currently a disambig. I'll create a new article at S'chach and then look into whether it's the right or best spelling for it. --Dweller (talk) 13:19, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Well I don't know how to spell it in Hebrew, so transliterating it would be difficult. I also find that a lot of transliterations here are useless given that the letters used would make any English speaker say the word the wrong way (like transliterating va'av to waw, which would be useful for a German audience). No offence to AnonMoos intended as I know he does some of them. UPDATE: I think it might be סכך, which I would transliterate as schach as well actually (It's like the sound when you say Christmas in a certain way, or the greek chi). Hmm, if it has a shovah under it then it might be best to also put the apostrophe to show lack of a separate sound. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 28 Elul 5771 21:57, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

This made me wonder: is Shack etymologically related to Schach? Our Shack article currently suggests that the word is from a Nahuatl (Aztec) word via Spanish - but the 'source' provided seems not to exist. AndyTheGrump (talk) 13:30, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

The answer is probably no then. Ancient Israelites in the New World was disproved by err... who was it that dug all the Mississippian mounds? Sucks because I need that name for an exam on Monday in NA Archaeology! xD Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 28 Elul 5771 21:57, 27 September 2011 (UTC) Edit: And yes, I know you're smart enough to have not been referring to that possibility. 21:59, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

A bit of Googleology reveals that the Aztec origin of 'shack' is dubious - it is more likely derived from ramshackle, which in turn seems to derive from ransack - which is from Old Norse (though then again, they got around a bit...) . Ah well. Enjoy your nights under the stars, and good luck with the exam... 22:06, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

What can motivate a student....

My brother is doing mechanical engineering and he is in final year of his graduation. He is little more than an averate student in studies. Recently he has been placed in an organization by close campus recruitment.

The problem is he is content with this acheivement even when he knows this is not his dream organization.

Please suggest me at this point what will motivate him ... so that he will try passionately for a higher goal. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 220.225.96.217 (talk) 05:05, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Money, earnings?--85.211.209.246 (talk) 06:29, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Does he have a girlfriend? The strongest influence can often come from that direction. HiLo48 (talk) 06:32, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Yep, my girl persuaded me to take the medical path (along with archaeology). She said someone with access to what I have should not let it go to waste and many people would kill to have my oppurtunities, etc. She also reminded that it is a secure and often well-paying field; and you want to have secure and steady income when you have a family (the cold slap in the face you need to think logically). What this guy needs is a hefty dose of unfiltered, uncensored reality. And none of that "oh it's just money" shit out of him. I may have grown up in a wealthy family, but I still have enough sense to know that a person can say that now, but that when they need to provide for others and make a real living the consequences in the form of reality will give you a swift and hard boot in the ass. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 06:42, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Excuse me, but why do you think he needs motivating? If he is happy and content, surely that's wonderful? Too many people are neither these days. You should be pleased for him! --TammyMoet (talk) 09:31, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

He isn't going to be so content when bills start piling up. He'll be happy now, but feeling regret later in life. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 15:25, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Does this mean that he has a graduate-level job immediately after graduating? In which case he should count himself lucky. When he has got some relevant experience then he can start looking for a better job. Itsmejudith (talk) 15:40, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

I'm with Itsmejudith on this one. A post-graduation job is a major achievement in itself. However, motivation and life long learning are essential elements of the Graduate Engineer as I understand it (ObBias: my data set is Australian Graduate and Diplomate Professional Engineers from 1920–1970, who engaged in professional association organising). Your family member could be motivated towards the life-long learning of the professional engineer based on the many advantages that membership of a professional association or trade union brings. AFAIK the Australian professional association which is registered as an industrial organisation (ie: effectively a trade union) offers a wide variety of member services in the areas of further education and social peer groups. Joining the relevant organisations may motivate your family member to perform better as an engineer, even as a student engineer. Fifelfoo (talk) 04:01, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

This guy has a placement with a good organisation. Why do you think he will get any more money if he puts in any more effort? Effort does not bring extra pay. Luck and being in the right place at the right time probably counts for more. He's already doing something which will make sure he has the chance to earn more than your average Joe - being a degree student. What evidence is there that doing anything more will bring him extra money? --TammyMoet (talk) 16:30, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Ice surfaces

How likely or unlikely will NHL widen their ice surfaces like the ones seen in other countries HL (Hockey Leagues)? That includes the worlds and olympics ones. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mybodymyself (talk • contribs) 17:27, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

This seems dependent on the whims of the owners' organization, so there's probably no way to tell. 69.171.160.138 (talk) 17:58, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

In many arenas in the U.S. and Canada, widening the ice surface could require significant renovation, as the arenas are designed with seats right up to the boards. — Michael J 20:51, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

The width is the same for both teams, so who cares? μηδείς (talk) 21:02, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

The OP apparently cares, as evidenced by their asking a question about this very topic. -- Jack of Oz ^{[your turn]} 23:09, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

The obvious answer is, "Unlikely, unless there's a reason to do so." ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 23:34, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

It's also worth pointing out that some NHL arenas are, or at least used to be, of varying size. There were absolutes, especially the distance from the goal line to the blue line, but there were variations in some of the other dimensions. With all or most of the old NHL arenas now demolished, they might all be uniform by now. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 23:37, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Apparently all NHL rinks are now the regulation size (200 x 85). This item[2] lists a few that whose size varied and which were probably "grandfathered in" when the rink size rules were established. There's an article called Ice hockey rink which discusses the subject in general. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 23:48, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

--Jessica A Bruno 00:22, 26 September 2011 (UTC) Thank you for all of your answers to my question here. Most of them weren't what I was looking for. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mybodymyself (talk • contribs) 00:22, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I think it would be very unlikely, because international tournaments played in North America already use the smaller surface (the 2010 Olympics, as one of many examples). Adam Bishop (talk) 06:55, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Suffocation when buried alive

How long would it take for a person to die of suffocation, if buried alive in a mausoleum? In reference to this question the person would presumably be a male, physically fit, of a healthy nature, and middle aged. Tab newm (talk) 18:20, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

What kind of 'mausoleum'? A mausoleum can refer to anything from a small palace like the Taj Mahal or a small underground room just enough to slide a coffin in. Anyway, effects of asphyxia in confined spaces are outlined here.

The formula for amount of time a person can survive in a sealed room from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the following (it does not take into account carbon dioxide buildup, so death might be sooner):

T= {V(r) - 12n}{21 - L} / 100nC

Where:

T = estimated residence time in minutes

V(r) = volume of enclosure in cubic feet

L = lower acceptable limit of atmospheric concentration of oxygen in percent (OSHA Standard is 19.5%, 12% minimum before loss of consciousness likely, 15 % to account for people with medical conditions)

n = number of people in enclosure

C = oxygen requirement in cubic feet per minute (0.007 ft³ min-1 for a 70 kg male at rest) . This is a constant for persons at rest. It varies by source though. This source says 0.013 ft³ per person per minute (normal daily activity + rest)

Let's assume the mausoleum is 7 ft x 10 ft x 5 ft

V(r) = 350 ft³

L = 12% (healthy guy)

n = 1

C = 0.007

T = {350- (12 x 1)}{21 - 12} / 100 x 1 x 0.007

That gives you more or less 4346 minutes maximum = 72 hours or 3 days, if he's not doing anything.

If we use the second oxygen cfm requirement: T = {350- (12 x 1)}{21 - 12} / 100 x 1 x 0.013 gives you 2340 minutes = 39 hours.-- Obsidi♠n Soul 19:37, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Several TV shows (such as Mythbusters) dealing with people in confined spaces (a wooden submarine reconstruction, a coffin) have stated that the carbon dioxide buildup would knock you out long befoire the low oxygen level. Why would we use a formula which ignores the carbon dioxide buildup? For the large mausoleum chamber described, in real life the seams might not be sealed absolutely airtight, and there would likely be air infiltration around the door, at least, if not other seams, as between the walls and roof. Some mausoleums with individual coffin crypts do seal the door airtight with high quality caulk, to prevent any unpleasant odors from emerging into the public walkway. Edison (talk) 21:24, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Because it's the only one available? :P If you know of one which does take into consideration CO₂ buildup, do share.-- Obsidi♠n Soul 22:01, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Not a chemist, but the moles of O₂ removed from the air have to go somewhere, so why wouldn't each mole of O₂ depleted by respiration become a mole of CO₂? If the oxygen concentration decreased by 1% of total air volume, wouldn't the carbon dioxide increase by 1%? The article on carbon dioxide says "Breathing produces approximately 2.3 pounds (1 kg) of carbon dioxide per day per person," and the increase in air concentration in the crypt could be calculated from this as well. Here is an answer from Google Answers which deals with CO₂ buildup. Edison (talk) 19:19, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Discussed it with my better half. Perhaps some of the O₂, after respiration, winds up as H₂O? Then the oxygen depletion would not turn exactly into carbon dioxide buildup. Edison (talk) 00:53, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Closest thing I can find: "Death from suffocation may result when carbon dioxide levels are 30 percent or greater." CO₂ is heavier as well, so it will presumably stay near the floor, delaying death longer. Can't find anything on the rate of CO₂ buildup in confined spaces due to respiration though. But here's a safety pamphlet with examples of a lot of very quick deaths from entering oxygen-deficient atmospheres in confined spaces. People who attempted rescue all died as well. But meh. Dunno really. .-- Obsidi♠n Soul 01:40, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

So it seems that while standing up for a couple of days sounds tiring, sleeping on the floor would hasten death - unless you went in and immediately took a long nap, before standing up. Assuming there's no beds or shelves to nap on. Enclosure in a coffin sounds like it gives a neater answer, given the narrower parameters! --Dweller (talk) 10:42, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Submariners and Apollo astronauts all use chemicals such as lithium hydroxide or sodalime to absorb carbon dioxide. That ref says that US Navy/German sub research found that 1% was the highest carbon dioxide level allowed in subs, since 10% would cause unconsciousness. Science fiction by Edgar Rice Burroughs described "oxygen candles" which could be burned in an enclosed space to generate oxygen, The Royal Navy experimented with them in 1944 and they became part of the equipment on some subs. I remember a TV drama where scientists were sealed into a cave by an accident, and they calculated how long before they suffocated, then killed some of the more expendable of their group. The authorities were not amused when the survivors were rescued, and questioned both the legality of the "lifeboat ethic" and the accuracy of the calculations. Edison (talk) 20:09, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

List of Founding Dates of Colleges and Universities

I would like to find lists of the founding dates of colleges and universitites in the US. If I search by "list of colleges and universities in maine wikipedia" there is a table with a column for "Founded" ... there are 11 other states (AL, MD, NE, NH, NV, OH, OR, RI, VT, VA & WY) with a similar format ... for all of the other states it lists the institutions but does not contain founding date information. Searches of "Oldeest ... in a state" were a little help. There are other locations with similar information, but limited or not correct (eg. list when accredited which ususally different than year of founding) Any help will be most appreciated ... Thanks, Bob — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.2.181.90 (talk) 18:22, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

hmm i dont know if this is the right section but

wich insect is the loudest flying insect? i know that hornets are loudd but wich one is the loudest — Preceding unsigned comment added by Saludacymbals (talk • contribs) 19:59, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

If you meant in insects which make the loudest sounds and have the ability to fly: cicadas and mole crickets are pretty loud.

If you meant insects which make the loudest sounds while flying. I don't know. I don't think anyone's bothered to measure that, heh. :P -- Obsidi♠n Soul 20:38, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

I guess you probably mean which insect has the loudest wing-beats, I'm not aware of any list that catalogs that.

However, just for loudness, the Bombardier beetle is interesting. APL (talk) 20:47, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Humblebees are named for the sound they make flying.μηδείς (talk) 21:00, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

These things Madagascar hissing cockroach are pretty loud when flying, I remember the first time I encountered them in NOLA they freaked me out. But then again, who wouldn't be freaked out by 3" long flying hissing cockroaches. Heiro 22:13, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Errr, had thought these were the ones in New Orleans, but apparently these dont fly and the ones in NOLA definitely do. So, anyone know what they are? Had always heard they were the Madagascar ones, but apparently that was incorrect. Err, maybe its this Periplaneta Americana. Heiro 22:18, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

In the American South, the really big cucarachas are usually called palmetto bugs, which are known in Wikipedia as the Florida woods cockroach. However, those don't fly either. Male Oriental cockroachs do fly a bit, apparently, and those can be found in the south as well. --Jayron32 01:16, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Tipping etiquette question

Does one tip the AAA mechanic for jumping you/changing your tire? If so, what for a tire change? five bucks? Ten?--71.183.170.96 (talk) 23:28, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Common courtesy would say that you tip anyone when they do something like that for you. Ten or twenty would be good. Btw, jumpstarting you or jumping you? No sense in tipping for the latter. :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 26 Elul 5771 23:32, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

That's crazy. Even as a USA citizen I'm sure I've ever heard of that. Tipping is generally reserved for either certain specific underpaid professions (Waiter, bellboy, etc.) or for superlative service.

Besides the aforementioned waiters and bellboys, I wouldn't tip someone for just doing their job. There is no "Common courtesy" that demands that you tip every service professional who does work for you. In fact, tipping someone who is well paid is often considered an insult, even here in USA where people tip a lot.

To answer the specific question : No. These people contacted AAA to find out if tipping were customary and they replied that " 'You don't need to tip,' the representative told us. Auto service personnel are paid for their work and tips do not make up part of their compensation. 'Tipping is not expected and it's a rare person who tips.' "

They go on to say that you might tip if you got good service in very bad weather like a blizzard or something. Which makes sense. APL (talk) 00:37, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

"Common courtesy would say that you tip anyone when they do something like that for you." Seriously? Reminds me of Dwight Shrute who claimed he never tipped someone for doing something he could do himself. Since he could serve his own food he never tipped waiters, but since he couldn't pulverize his own kidney stones he tipped his urologist. --Daniel 00:44, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Maybe it's just something well-off people do if they're not the stingy type, idk? :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 00:52, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

And that's exactly the attitude the comes across when you tip where it's not appropriate. Of course, it's possible to both be insulted, and take the money. :-) APL (talk) 01:06, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Well, if they've been insulted, that seems to be the case then that they take it and don't show it. Maybe it's a Northeast US or NY metro area thing? :p

I guess it could well be a regional thing. I'm speaking as someone who grew up in MA. APL (talk) 01:53, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Mass is not part of the Empire of the Empire City (made up the name) now is it? :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:59, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I've had AAA for about twenty years, and as a service industry person myself I go out of my way to make sure I tip when it is warranted. That being said, in all the time I've had AAA I've only tipped the tow driver once. In that case I was having trouble finding anyone to sell me a cheap/used tire at about nine o'clock on a Saturday. I called AAA because my car was on the side of a major interstate highway and would be impounded if I couldn't get it moving. The driver went into a particular shop he had previous dealings with and told them if he didn't sell me a used tire he could forget about any more stranded motorists being sent his way. For that, I tipped. For straight up towing of a car, I don't. Beeblebrox (talk) 00:48, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Well I wouldn't tip someone like a computer technician, I'd just thank them a lot. Someone who does a lot of physical labour or who likely gets shit from a crappy boss and performs a non-retail service for me, sure enough. My pops and I always do that, but that might just be us. :p What is considered well-paid btw? Salary-range please. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 00:48, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

If he is not the owner of the truck, or goes out of his way, about $10. μηδείς (talk) 00:56, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

If you're really, really appreciative, give the guy something that feels like the right amount, perhaps 10 bucks, and it will likely be unexpected and will be appreciated in return. (Although it might also be politely refused, if it's expressly against policy.) Accompany it with some praising comments. If it were me, I would give the guy 10 bucks and say, "Here, have lunch on me." Also, the expression "give me a jump" is pretty common in America, and it's assumed that it's the car that's being jumped, not its driver. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 00:58, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Jeeezus! It's no wonder that as a foreigner I have so much trouble trying to figure out when and how much to tip when in America. Americans can't even agree! HiLo48 (talk) 01:43, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

It often depends on the level of service. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 01:49, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Yeah, but when one is away from one's home culture, it's difficult to know what one should treat as normal or great service. The standard certainly varies from one culture to another. HiLo48 (talk) 04:56, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Indeed, in say, Egypt. You have to tip anyone who performs a service for you except for say, a shopkeeper or hotel receptionist; they call it bakshish. In Israel, well I only tip the restau staff and cabbies who have been very nice and have not attempted to rip off in any way, oh and US expat cabbies (Israelis themselves only tip the restau staff, because oftentimes they are the only ones who deserve it). Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:59, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I've worked in the auto service industry and would certainly be insulted by a tip for just doing my job. To me it would say "it's just something well-off people do" for you unfortunate blue collar folks. In these situations a gift is much better. I helped out people and occasionally they would come back with cookies or beer. I appreciated that, but a ten dollar bill would leave me feeling weird (I never got one). --Daniel 04:27, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

In my experience tipping is something you pretty much always do in a sit-down restaurant or a bar. Servers and bartenders are paid less on the basis of the idea that tipping them is expected, so I always do unless the service was exceptionally poor. Many people also tip cab drivers, hotel housekeepers, pizza or other take-out delivery persons, or baristas. I've also heard of people tipping a hairdresser or manicurist. Other service jobs generally do not receive tips. (in the US anyway, according to Tip (gratuity) standards vary around the globe) As the above poster mentioned, small gifts are better if someone went above and beyond at a non-tip job. Referrals to your friends are also something you can do that costs nothing and directly benefits the business or individual. Beeblebrox (talk) 04:43, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

If totally in doubt, you can ask, "What's your policy on tipping?" That's kind of a polite or indirect way of raising the issue. ←baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 06:57, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Very good point Bugs, it indicates a wish to compensate someone for their service which can be politely refused thus showing the appreciation of the customer without communicating anything that could be construed as insulting by the person who has performed the service. Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:59, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

It never occurred to me to tip for routine AAA service. Okay, maybe if the guy came out on a weekend in the middle of a snowstorm or something. But AAA service, I think, does not fall within the category of work requiring automatic tipping in the United States. Flinders Petrie may be right that it's different in New York. It didn't use to be different in New York, when I grew up there 30-40 years ago, but attitudes toward money in metro New York have changed since then with the concentration of wealth and the financialization of the economy. (Incidentally, I live in Massachusetts now.) Marco polo (talk) 15:37, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

New York back then was a much worse city filled with squeegee people from what I have heard (they're making a comeback btw). I'm 21 and so I have experienced the city for the past errr... I guess 13 years of clear memory and that's always been the practice of myself and my dad at least (who is very nice and charming so it might be another reason no one gets offended). Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 27 Elul 5771 15:59, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Sorry, but we really need a citation from a reputable source to confirm your hitherto baseless assertion that your Dad is very nice and charming. Without these sorts of security measures, people could come along here and make the most extravagant claims and we'd have no option but to believe them. And then where would we be!  :) -- Jack of Oz ^{[your turn]} 19:30, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Israeli gfs never lie. :p Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 29 Elul 5771 01:26, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

Well I'll report back that I did tip ten dollars (and at that time I had not seen all the follow-ups) and the guy didn't even say thank you. Maybe he was insulted like some indicated above, but on the other hand, he certainly didn't refuse the money. The reason I asked the question is because AAA seems like a gray area. You don't pay them and all you pay only one twenty-five dollar fee (or something like that) per year, so it's just not clear. To make it more clear, if I called up a garage to come and change my tire, they'd come out, do the task, and charge me $45 or so, and there would be no question in that situation that I would not be tipping in addition to the direct payment. I also had no idea what the pay structure was for AAA. I even mused, without the benefit of the posts above, that they might depend on tips, like waiters and cabbies do.--108.46.107.181 (talk) 01:21, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

Cabbies depend on tips, ha. At least in NYC I know they usually don't (except when they are part of a cab company which many are not). Well he could have been insulted (and too polite to refused) or just rude, who knows? At least the info was helpful to you. How do we mark this resolved? Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie | ^{Say Shalom!} 29 Elul 5771 01:26, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

I live in New York City, and have my entire life. Most taxi drivers work 60-80 hours (or more) per week and live below the poverty level. Without tips they wouldn't even cover their gas and car rental fees. What are you talking about?--108.46.107.181 (talk) 12:27, 28 September 2011 (UTC)

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

I used to work for A.T.T. between 1979 and 1982. I was approached to do a piece on doing the weather on the air. For A.T.T.'s WE-6-1212. People used to say they wanted me to do the weather all the time, I would get calls, and letters to the company on a regular basis. The article I am trying to find was in section "B" of the paper. (to make sure everone saw it, she hung it in the bathroom), I think it ran on a Tuesday. It started with the phrase, "A man named Wayne Got a Letter the other Day" It went on to ask (at the end), "who is your favorite TV weatherman"? I replied, "Why Jim O Brien" "You see, he's from Texas, and I Came from Texas Myself." My photo with a co worker is on the cover of the page, I am leaning on a doorway to the teletype room. Anyway I can find this? It may have been 1980, or 1981.

Thanks for your time. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.46.27.0 (talk) 23:53, 25 September 2011 (UTC)

Jim O'Brien. μηδείς (talk) 00:54, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

Do a google serach on "PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER archive". This will provide several links to databases of old issues you can search. You might also look in a recent issue to see where to email an inquiry to them directly. μηδείς (talk) 15:33, 26 September 2011 (UTC)

I didn't see it on their web archives, which only go back to 1981. (I searched for "Wayne", "O'Brien" and "weather", which I figured would probably work in case there was an error anywhere else.) This probably means that it is earlier than that, or the web archive is incomplete. In my previous experience, the only way to find Philadelphia Inquirer articles from that old was on microfilm at a library. It is time consuming and hard work to go through all of those issues looking for one article, but it's probably the only way. It seems unlikely they would have indexed that particular exchange. --Mr.98 (talk) 17:51, 27 September 2011 (UTC)