Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 September 8

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September 8

landscape page - directional face?

In a book or document, which is the correct direction for a landscape oriented page to face? Should it face to the right or to the left, please?75.101.23.231 (talk) 01:04, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

It should face with the top of the landscape page at the gutter, and the bottom at the outer edge of the book, either left or right. — Michael J 02:11, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

If facing pages both have sideways pictures or tables, they ought to be the same way, so that the lower-numbered page appears above the higher-numbered page. —Tamfang (talk) 17:28, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

I want to be president of Iceland

Icelandic presidential election, 2008 Looks easy.

But seriously, are most elected officials in Iceland paid? Cause judging by the listlessness of presidential elections you can just pluck some elected sinecure.

Lotsofissues 02:33, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

President of Iceland is almost certainly a full time job, so it is almost certainly paid. I don't know the details, but I would imagine the reason no-one stood is because the incumbent is so popular they knew they wouldn't win, so becoming president wouldn't be as easy as it looks (for anyone else)! --Tango (talk) 02:37, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

[1] gives the salary as ISK 1,807,000, which is EUR 14,388.44, GBP 11,557.32 or USD 20,726.88, which seems a surprisingly low salary for a president (that article has other MPs and civil servants earning less, so it's not just that President is a purely ceremonial role). Either that article is wrong or there are significant bonuses, allowances and perks as well that aren't included. --Tango (talk) 02:46, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I've worked as an election judge in Maryland, and I can tell you listlessness is not limited to Iceland. While I'm sure it's a terrific place, and while I've spent at least four hours in its charming airport, Iceland has a population roughly half that of Baltimore. Also, the president of Iceland does have a mainly ceremonial position, though he or she serves as the Grand Master of the Order of the Falcon. --- OtherDave (talk) 11:35, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

So the Grand Mastership isn't ceremonial? —Tamfang (talk) 21:55, 30 November 2018 (UTC)

I don't know about Iceland, but in the US, the perks, bonuses, and such include transportation, housing, and food, and in order to get elected, you need to already have a pretty decent wardrobe. Once you subtract those, $21,000 a year is plenty to live on. --Carnildo (talk) 00:43, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, but MPs don't get anywhere near the same perks as a president, they would expect a decent salary, but the article I link to says they make less than the president. (Is it possible those figures are monthly, not annual, salaries? Multiply everything by 12 and it's far more realistic...) --Tango (talk) 10:05, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps $20,000 is considered a decent wage in Iceland? By the way, I would take "Grand Master of the Order of the Falcon" as a title any day, for $20,000 a year!!! Fucking cool! — Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 10:16, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Seems like a fairly decent wage - especially because the last thing you would want to do would be to have a president who was in it for the money, rather than for the good of the country. Bradley10 (talk) 15:38, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

I know Olafur -- everyone's on a first-name basis in Iceland -- a few years back was restoring an old Packard FDR gave the country. (Here's a picture of it.) I don't know how many other heads of state get the time to restore a classic car. But then again, I don't know how many other heads of state would have to do their own auto repair. I wonder if he's listed in the phone book like a lot of mayors in the U.S.? -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:51, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

She may not have time any more, what with feeding the corgies and all that, but Queen Elizabeth used to fix trucks and whatnot. (I hadn't noticed before how young she was at the time -- she turned 18 in April, 1944.) --- OtherDave (talk) 16:35, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Guitar/Violin hybrid?

What is that guitar/violin-hybrid-like instrument at 1:27-1:34 in this video? --antilived^{T | C | G} 04:50, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

A Nyckelharpa --S.dedalus (talk) 05:55, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Dang. Too slow. The keyed version is a hurdy-gurdy. Steewi (talk) 06:21, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Wow those are some strange instruments... So really it's a keyboard fitted onto a violin and maybe use a wheel to strike the strings? I originally thought they used a cello for that part. --antilived^{T | C | G} 06:41, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

The nyckelharpa is bowed with a violin (viola?) bow, and that is the one in the video. The hurdy-gurdy doesn't feature in that clip, but that is the one that is played by the rotating wheel. Both use the keyed board to depress the strings. This youtube vid shows a hurdy gurdy being played. Steewi (talk) 03:46, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Advance Corporate Etiquite

what is Advance Corporate Etiquette? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.98.115.255 (talk) 07:28, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure there is a strict definition of advanced corporate etiquette, but it will be the advanced parts of the etiquette used in business situations, see Etiquette#Western business etiquette for some information on that. --Tango (talk) 07:51, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

education in kenya

1. why has educaton system in kenya failed to promote unity?

2.what are the challenges of free education in kenya? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.49.92.80 (talk) 10:18, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Do your own homework. — Twas Now ( talk • contribs • e-mail ) 10:23, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Was there really any need for the personal insult in the edit summary? But yes, please do your own homework, however you may find Education in Kenya useful TheGreatZorko (talk) 10:39, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I spent a year in secondary education in Kenya - if you have any specific questions, post 'em here and I'll be happy to answer them. SteveBaker (talk) 17:48, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

What is an impairment charge?

From the Daily Telegraph:

The deteriorating property market means the society will report an £11.5m impairment charge in the current year on a single secured commercial mortgage loan and an unaudited pre-tax loss of £10.5m.

What is an impairment charge and should Wikipedia have a page on it? -- Q Chris (talk) 11:30, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

This was third on the list when I googled "impairment charge." --- 11:37, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I believe it is the UK term for a writedown, which you do when you have an impaired asset. Franamax (talk) 15:56, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

After I sufficiently tortured Write-off to confess the truth, I have made the OP's red-link turn blue. (Tho' "impairment charge" might also refer to comments on my wiki-editing later in the day than it is now, 'tis true :) I'd welcome any review - where are the accounting-pedians when you need them? Franamax (talk) 22:42, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Personal advice

Chaela89 (talk) 14:15, 8 September 2008 (UTC)I dont really know how to use this.But me and my fiance moved down to mississippi at the end of july. my mom had to come get me and bring me back to iowa because my dogs couldnt take the heat. We had argued alot in the past and he was being so mean because i was leaving. Well the day i left he cried and begged me not to go. After i left,, on the phone he was so mean and never wanted to talk to me.at the end of august i went to visit him and he was mean but he made love to me and we cuddled and it was good, I felt love from him.but i also couldnt help but feel used.my heart says hes loyal but my head is being stupid making me think hes using me and making him mad at me. when i got back he was mean again. I yelled at him and told him that i had enough of this being mean crap and iw ould leave him if it didnt stop. Well he stopped and started telling me he loved me again. and now Its almost a month till i can be with him forever and i dont know if its worth it, we have two dogs that are our children and his dog is just waisting away for him and it breaks my heart. but is my fiances anger permanent or will is go away when im with him. I know i love him but somtimes i wonder if its truly worth it, please some advice.

Chaela89Chaela89 (talk) 14:15, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Generally speaking, you would do well not to take life-critical advice from strangers on the internet. Do you have trusted family or friends you can consult with instead? — Lomn 15:55, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Indeed. But nothing in your description suggests that he'll exhibit anything but the current pattern of behaviour. You need to decide if that's what you want. Many many people have married in haste and regretted it in leisure. --Tagishsimon (talk) 16:01, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Let me second the advice to ask your trusted friends for advice- they know you, they know him, and they are more likely to be able to judge what your wisest action would be. You probably already know which friends you can count on to tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 16:06, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

im 19 and hes 21 but i know i love him and need him. I cry when i think of leaving him although i think he would be better of without me complicating his life with my doubts and frustrations. and no i cant trust family and friends, they dont know that side of me. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Chaela89 (talk • contribs) 19:24, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I think he is being mean because he misses you so much and wants to be with you all the time. forget about the dogs, go back to him and you will both be happy forever. But maybe I am just a romantic male fool. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.115.175.247 (talk) 16:09, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Or maybe he's just always been a prick and you've been so consumed by love (or what you believe to be love) that you really made excuses for his actions in your mind. I'm sorry if I sound blunt, but you said yourself you guys have been arguing a lot. And if it was enough to make you move away and transplant your entire life, it must have been pretty significant. Can I ask how old you are? --Endlessdan and his problem 17:21, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Relationships take work. Go back to Mississippi - buy an airconditioner for the dog-house. SteveBaker (talk) 17:46, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I would advise caution like Tagishsimon and Endlessdan said, but even more than that I would agree with Lomn and FisherQueen. We're an outside perspective, but we're so far outside we don't have nearly enough to go on. There must be someone you can talk to, even if it's a professional or you have to dig deep and get an old acquaintance from high school who knows the two of you. - Lambajan 19:27, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I agree with everything LambaJan says. There are two sides to every story and as complete strangers, we're in no position to give you the best advice. Ask a friend or family member. --Endlessdan and his problem 20:06, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

While I don't know the whole story, I do want to add a few things that you need to ask yourself.

1. Is this love or lust you feel. It may only be lust, but it may be love. It's easy for the heart to be fooled; feelings change. That's why you need to be careful, and not follow your heart into something too hastily.

2. Love is not just about getting, it's about giving. It's great if you both give, but what is he willing to give? How did you two even meet? Iowa and Mississippi - I question the advice of those who think a person can know both of you, because I think it's possible you don't have mutual friends.

3. Would you still love him if you were 89 and 91? If he was elderly and all wrinkled? (A good test for love versus lust)

4. What do you two have in common? Anything beside sthe fact you like each other's looks? Yes, opposites can attract, but when they do, there is committment on each part fo grow closer to each toer so they are not as opposite anymore. In other words, x loves the great outdoors, y would rather stay at home and watch TV. Y might do some outdorosy stuff like go on long walks with X, or learn to ride a horse, but X will give up that dream of backpacking through the Rocky Mountains every year. Or, maybe Y will do it just once to surprise X for an anniversary, but not otherwise. X will watch TV with Y, but only the Discovery Channel. See what I mean by giving, and compromise? Don't give if he's not willing to give.

That last is why the others are saying they can't give advice; they dont' know his side of the story. Maybe he has given some stuff for you, maybe he hasn't. He can have his interests, even obsessions (see some sports fans, and so can you. But, it's the things you share that are important. You need to factor in what his personality is like, and the fact that he is probably not going to change, unless oemthing dramatic happens, as someone else said. 209.244.187.155 (talk) 20:44, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Not that this pedia is a personal advice forum ^{(hint hint)}, but there's always The Jerry Springer Show and Dr. Phil for hints and tips. Julia Rossi (talk) 12:44, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

The heading is "Personal advice" but the text requests validation 98.169.163.20 (talk) 00:42, 12 September 2008 (UTC)

Sunburn

I hope you had a big farm in the sunburn! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.213.141.241 (talk) 20:06, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

I had a dream with this quote. What does it mean? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.213.141.241 (talk) 20:10, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Probably nothing. - Lambajan 20:14, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Colorless green ideas sleep furiously ? SteveBaker (talk) 01:30, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Nice one Steve - Noam Chomsky! On the other hand buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo. Franamax (talk) 15:56, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Hmmm - you messed up the capitalisation of that sentence...see this: ====>

SteveBaker (talk) 17:26, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. Saintrain (talk) 21:16, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

...and Green flies like a lettuce. SteveBaker (talk) 17:14, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

Seen painted on the outside of a college building: "Do not if the when go to, but only as it very since." Edison (talk) 16:26, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

What's the difference between a chicken? The answer is as enigmatic as the question: "One of its legs is both the same". -- JackofOz (talk) 20:57, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

Well, if we're starting on the corny jokes, then I must ask: "What's green, sits in a cage and sings?"

→ A red herring.

(Not that I'm passing judgement on the quality of the answers here, of course.) Gwinva (talk) 21:13, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

I feel more like I do now than I did before I read this thread. Edison (talk) 04:37, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Once I dreamt that my domestic partner told me I stank of egg rinds. I woke up and asked whether "egg rinds" meant anything to her; she said no. Then I woke from that dream and asked her whether "egg rinds" meant anything ... Then finally I woke into the level of reality in which I'm writing this, and she still won't tell me what "egg rinds" are. —Tamfang (talk) 22:41, 14 September 2008 (UTC)

Backwards knee in humans

Hi. Are there any documented cases of humans with backwards knees, either congenital or as a result of abuse? I ask because I have heard rumours of young children kidnapped for the purpose of begging by various street gangs whose knees had been turned backwards in order to prevent them from running/escaping. What I mean by backwards is that they were facing opposite of the way normal human knees do, whereas everything else, such as the direction of the foot, remains the same. I have very early memories about two cases like these which I have seen on the street: A man with both knees turned backward (resulting in him walking on all fours; a rather gruesome sight), and a boy with just one of the knees turned backward, thus allowing him to stand upright, but also allowing him to flex his knees with a large rhomboid space in-between. I am only concerned that these are false memories or very vivid dreams, which is why I am looking for written or photographic evidence of such things being possible. Thanks in advance for any kind of info you may have.

P.S.: On an unrelated basis, how much of the lower body can be removed from a human being without endangering his life? Up to his thighs, hips or even abdomen (theoretically with removal or considerable replacing of his internal organs)? sfaefaol 20:32, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

There is a rare medical condition, congenital genu recurvatum, that can cause this; there is a photo of a young woman with the condition at this web site. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 22:03, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

In answer to your postscript, a hemicorporectomy is amputation at the waist. Needless to say, it's extremely rare and is quite complicated in terms of health effects, and rehabilitation afterwards, not to mention psychological effects. Gwinva (talk) 22:15, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

How does one urinate and defecate after a hemicorporectomy? Acceptable (talk) 00:25, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

This section of the article describes the answer to that problem. -FisherQueen (talk · contribs) 00:28, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

Adding pictures

Hi, I was wondering how to add pictures on wikipedia. On the Guildford Heat Nationals U'14's there is a image but it is copyright. How do I add that image to it?

Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Listen 2 (talk • contribs) 20:34, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Check out Help:Images and other uploaded files. Feel free to ask any questions you still have after reading it. --Tango (talk) 21:05, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

First of all, Wikipedia related questions should be directed to Wikipedia:Help desk. Second of all, you make an image by inserting the code [[Image:UPLOADEDIMAGENAME|thumb|CAPTION]]. The thumb parameter is optional, as specified in WP:IMAGE. Pie is good ^{(Apple is the best)} 21:13, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

If the image you want to upload is copyrighted, then it's probably unsuitable for Wikipedia (see Wikipedia:Non-free content). If you are unsure about its use, then ask at Wikipedia:Media copyright questions‎, where there are many helpful people who know about such things. Gwinva (talk) 22:33, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Cold Air "Funnel"

While I was on the Weather Channel website, tracking Ike, I went to the "Servere Weather alert" section, so I clicked on it, clicked on the regional area, clicked on Texas (where Ike might land at), and found two counties in Texas under some kind of Special Alert. So I clicked in these two counties, and found out that one of the two counties had a warning for cold air funnels.

What is a "Cold Air Funnel"? Is it some kind of tornado? 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:19, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

If you like, I'll show you what I've found. 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:22, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Before tornadoes reach the ground they are (cold) funnel clouds. Presumably that alert means that funnel clouds have been spotted and that therefore tornadoes are very likely. Plasticup ^T/C 21:23, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Seen what you're referring to. That pix is cool and unusual. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:27, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Forgot sig. Getting old —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:29, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Got caught in a Edit conflict. WHAT causes these? 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:31, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

(This should be moved to the science desk) Franamax (talk) 21:34, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried Funnel cloud#Cold-air funnel clouds?

Sure did. Cool pix. 65.163.117.163 (talk) 21:54, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

One other thing: Are these, tornadoes responsible for strange "fish falls" (when it rains fish), frogs falling out of the sky, that sort of thing? 65.163.117.163 (talk) 22:01, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

See Raining animals. --Tagishsimon (talk) 23:45, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

And Fortean phenomena. Julia Rossi (talk) 12:34, 11 September 2008 (UTC)