Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2009 March 19

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March 19

diet

it's diet enhances it's defence mechanism. what is it and what is it's defence mechanism. it's a question i need assistance to. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 196.1.26.36 (talk) 00:42, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Quite a few non-poisonous bugs eat poisonous plants in order to become poisonous themselves in order that birds and other predators learn not to eat them. Milkweed butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves of the (poisonous) Milkweed plant - storing the poisons in their gut. If a bird should eat such a caterpillar, it will get very sick and (presumably) leave the caterpillars alone thereafter. But this is just one example - there are others. SteveBaker (talk) 02:08, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

i always look at questions like this and think 'nasty pub quiz question'. as such i reckon it's japan. and that the defence mechanism is the japanese armed forces. --Monomath (talk) 13:15, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

It could be - but if so, they have a problem because there are plenty of non-tricky answers to this that make a whole lot more sense. But even if that is the intended use of the word 'diet' - it could also be Finland. (Both Japan and Finland call their governing bodies a 'diet') - so it's still not anything like a unique answer. I suspect that is NOT the intended meaning in this case because of the follow-on part: "what is it's defence mechanism". SteveBaker (talk) 04:24, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

minor conflict on wikipedia here, and i can't get any other internet sites here at work to establish the truth, but one page points out that the diet of finland ran until 1906, and you seem to think it current. might be worth someone looking into. --Monomath (talk) 17:05, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

The Japanese armed forces are called the Japanese Self Defense Force I think, and they seem to qualify. 65.121.141.34 (talk) 19:13, 25 March 2009 (UTC)

new jacket

hello, i bought a new jacket today and I have a question about it. There are two white stitches on my all black jacket at the bottom of it on the back that appear to be holding the flaps together. Are these to be removed, or is it some style thing I'm unaware of?

[jacket photo on imageshack|http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/45/jacketw.jpg]

sorry if this is a dumb question, I rarely buy new clothing, especially jackets, and i have a date this friday and i'd rather not appear to be ignorant (even though I clearly am..) thanx! -johnn —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.30.14.113 (talk) 01:55, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I don't know for sure, but they don't look like style elements to me. In fact they look like they might be simply holding the two vents at the back closed so that the jacket doesn't get creased/damaged in the store (like the way the pockets are often sewn shut on new jackets). So what else will come undone if you were to remove the stitches? Maybe you could ask at the store where you bought it. Astronaut (talk)02:38, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

My view: they should certainly be removed. They hold the thing together after manufacture, during pressing & transport. They are not a style element. (That said, I went into work this morning with a label attached to the leg of my new chinos, looking like an idiot or member of Coldplay. Perhaps not a person to take sartorial advice from). --Tagishsimon (talk) 02:43, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

It depends on the quality of the stitches. If they are there merely to hold the material during storage then they will be just two long loops and easy to remove. If they are a style feature they will be composed of many small stitches and will not be easy to remove. The decision is yours! Richard Avery (talk) 08:05, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

They appear to be the type of stitches used to attach size and price tags to the garment. They may be removed. B00P (talk) 09:54, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I agree with Tagishsimon. Kittybrewster ☎ 15:17, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I used to work in a men's clothing shop.We would tack together vents because they would start to curl up or get caught up when returning the jacket to a rack.hotclaws 17:31, 21 March 2009 (UTC)

Coffee substitutes and the recession

If the late 2000s recession becomes as severe as the Great Depression, will significant numbers of people have to switch to coffee and tea substitutes as they did during the 1930s? If so, are the substitutes likely to be of better quality and to include caffeine? NeonMerlin 04:11, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Cheap coffee is bordering on free in most cases (not of course, Starbucks, but the standard freeze-dried stuff), especially relative to most people's income. Shit will have to get a LOT worse before we start drinking ersatz coffee of any sorts (unless its done for taste, ala Chicory in New Orleans). Coffee is just far more availible today than in the 1930's, and much less of a "luxury". --Jayron32.talk.contribs 04:59, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Coffee, much like diamonds, seems to have a price that's kept absurdly high relative to the cost of production of the raw materials (pennies per pound in the case of coffee). If the economy declined, presumably the companies which sell coffee would just need to improve efficiency and lower their profit margins to bring the final price down to something people could afford. StuRat (talk) 15:39, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

But the cost of a cup of home brewed instant is microscopic in relation to developed world incomes. We're talking less than tenth of the cost of soft drinks, a twentieth of the cost of cheap fruit juice. I would have thought it is more likely that people will switch from other beverages to coffee. Mowsbury (talk) 18:13, 23 March 2009 (UTC)

Paranormal : Is it true that the Spirits or the Souls exist?

If yes the can i get to know that how can somebody contact someone who is not there anymore in this world by doing nothing destructive or by hurting anyone at all. Can somebody tell me that if something called souls do exist then do they see us and be around us. Or should i just simply convince myself that there is nothing that sort and when somebody is gone, he can't comeback ever. Its just nothing left now. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Prinkajoinsarmy (talk • contribs) 13:16, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Firstly, assuming that you are talking from personal experience, I am sorry for your loss. You may like to read our article on the soul, which discusses various philosophical and religious views on whether souls exist, and what their nature is. There is also a brief section in the article on scientific views; there is no scientific evidence for the existence of souls. Most of the viewpoints which consider souls exist do not consider that it is possible for the living to contact people who have died, and believe that it is necessary to accept that they have gone. Spiritualism discusses the opposing view, that contact is possible. Again, there is no scientific evidence for this, and many supposed mediums have been exposed as frauds. Warofdreams talk 13:25, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

No, there's no evidence to suggest that any part of what makes us "us" continues to exist after death, at least in the sense that you're using. My own opinion is that the very idea of souls and the afterlife was invented for just such times as these, to help us come to grips with the loss of a loved one. The fact that they're gone does not, however, mean that they have to be forgotten. I've weathered quite a few losses over the last few years and have noticed that constructive memorial services can be very helpful at times like these. I'm using "constructive" in a very literal sense there, as one of the best things we've done has been to make up memorial books using services like shutterfly. Picking out and arranging the pictures was a very helpful process in providing a sense of balance; "Yes, they're gone, but look at all the good times we had...". Keep the memory of the good times alive. Matt Deres (talk) 13:49, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Reply :Thanks

Thanks for the quick response. But yes i m not able to get over this thought that i do need to talk to my Love who is not thier anymore in this world. I have tried that a lot but still, everytime its the same thing comes in mind. I have checked out all the Forums on Wikipedia,and for the Psychics as well mentioned in it. but i do not think that i can contact them ever and yes m again not sure about their credibility. Don know what to do, but watching these TV serials which talks about the paranormal and Ghosts it comes in my mind that if something is possible like this.

It would be Ok with me if u can just help me know that his soul would be there watching me always. I would be very relaxed and would be able to concentrate on my work. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Prinkajoinsarmy (talk • contribs) 13:54, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Hello and firstly may I say I sympathise with your loss. It was a great comfort to me to know that my loved ones live on, if not as an external "soul", then definitely as my memories and internal dialogue with them. While you remember them, they surely still exist. --TammyMoet (talk) 14:13, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

First, my deepest sympathies for your loss.

There is some evidence that loved ones live on after they are gone, in the nature of heart transplant patients. It has been reported that such recipients sometimes gain the interests of the departed. So, there may be something there, perhaps, though I don't have any sources in frotn of me.

• I don't know of any evidence regarding these recipients of organs gaining a part of the personality of the donor. However, some works of fiction consider it to be true. --Mr.K. (talk) 17:21, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

As to the way you are describing, however, as a practicing Christian I have great faith that I will see my loved ones again. And, perhaps this is what you need to look i nto - faith. Because, the Bible has a definition that you might appreciate - "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) However, this same book of the Bible reminds us that we are "once to die, then the judgment." So, this faith is not for us to be able to talk to our loved ones once they die. It *might* mean they can see us (I think it does). It certainly does mean that we have a personal relationship with God, who promises peace, comfort, and solace in times like this. Indeed, the shortest verse in the Bible, at a time of great sorrow for His friend, speaks multitudes - "Jesus wept." (From John chapter 11.)209.244.187.155 (talk) 17:05, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Have you heard of patron saints? According to the theology, these are people who have died and gone to Heaven. Millions of people pray to them, asking for their help. And millions of people over many centuries have claimed to have received such help. There are also many claims of visitations of these saints to people on Earth (Joan of Arc being one of the best known examples. She claimed to have been visited by Sts Catherine and Margaret, as well as the Archangel Michael, although these days these claims are more likely to be considered evidence of epilepsy or schizophrenia, but there's no scientific consensus about that). The belief is that souls who've got to Heaven are sometimes able to intercede in wordly affairs. That assumes that communication via prayer is possible with dead people, but it's usually one-way in terms of conversation. Just something to think about. -- JackofOz (talk) 20:54, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I understand that you are grieving and are reaching out for any kind of help. We are good people here, but there is only so much we can do to assist. I would recommend you seek out professional assistance from a grief counselor, or try to find a support group in your area or on the Internet where you can share your feelings and your questions with others in a similar situation. - Eron^Talk 00:35, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

People who claim to have paranormal abilities often prey on grieving people in situations like yours. Be aware, at least, that you'll be more vulnerable to scams than usual unless you take special care not to be. I recommend reading about the work of the James Randi Educational Foundation and also about cold reading before spending any money. NeonMerlin 02:44, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

NeonMerlin 02:44, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

Reply To All From prinkajoinsarmy

Thanks everyone for the support and these quick responses. I would try and consider all these things. I just had a word with one of my friend yesterday and she asked me to meditate so that i can relax my mind. She does believe in spirits and all and she had some experiences where in she coould communicate with them but she told me not to think that at all because its very painfull for souls to come on our request and contact us. She advised me to meditate rather and relax my mind. And i also think that i don't want to give my love any kind of pain as he already went thru an immense pain which nobody can imagine when he was alive. M going to practice meditation now and just pray good for him wherever he is. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Prinkajoinsarmy (talk • contribs) 18:15, 20 March 2009 (UTC) I moved your reply from a new section to avoid confusion. Hope you won't mind (Lisa4edit) 76.97.245.5 (talk) 22:02, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

Funds Raised for No on 8

I was just curious if anyone knew how much money the No on Prop 8 side had raise prior to the election? I know Steven Spielberg gave a million or two? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.137.254.135 (talk) 16:01, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Our article on Proposition 8 states, "the campaigns for and against Proposition 8 raised $39.9 million and $43.3 million, respectively." Tomdobb (talk) 16:14, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Ideas for a mission statement?

For a food container company. Please? 117.0.8.223 (talk) 16:29, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

A mission statement should be brief and state what the company's goal is. Do you want to convey that the product is durable? trustworthy? Efficient? Long lasting? Since I'm not in Marketing, or anything like that, I don't know. But, I would recommend thinking of some of the mottos of people or companies that you admire, and ask yourself, "What makes me look at that and say, 'Yes, I like that brand'?"

You should probably be able to lead from that missions statement into an ad slogan, too. I don't know what Bob Evans Restaurants mission statement is, but to use it as an example, it's probably something to do with homemade quality, as that ties in with the "down on the farm" and " breakfast served all day" slogans.209.244.187.155 (talk) 17:16, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Think of who will read your mission statement and what you'd like to tell them. I'll just throw out a couple of key words and leave the rest up to you

• Investors, bankers: stability, growth, expansion, innovation, strong financial base, market
• Employees. applicants: work environment, career path, training, benefits, pay, location
• Consumers: product safety, product reliability, "easy to use", features, design ideas, convenience, green/biodegradable, affordability, availability
• Media: Social conscience, global awareness

That should give you enough to get started. Go from there. Good luck.76.97.245.5 (talk) 17:22, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

^{I like it! I might save that list. - Jarry1250 (t, c) 21:01, 19 March 2009 (UTC)}

Bob Evans: There's a bulleted list at [1] under "About us" but it's VERY hard to read because their site design sucks. That's another idea for OP: Go to your competitors' websites and see what they say. The see what you want to do different, better, too. 76.97.245.5 (talk) 17:28, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

How about if we start with "First, do no harm" ? This should cover nasty additives in the plastics that contaminate the food, for example. Then you can go on to "keeping the food fresh for an economical price while not damaging the environment". I doubt if many people buy food because of it's container, but there are those which avoid foods because of the containers. StuRat (talk) 19:18, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Just once I want to see a company with a three-word mission statement: "To make money." -- Mwalcoff (talk) 22:29, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Well, it's only the comics, but if you write Scott Adams with the idea there's always a possibility. :-)209.244.187.155 (talk) 00:29, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

"Our mission, as the executives of this company, is to screw over our competitors, suppliers, customers, employees, stockholders, and the citizens of the world, as much as humanly possible, paying off enough politicians and regulatory agencies along the way to allow us to continue this unabated rape of the planet, so as to maximize profits for ourselves at the expense of everyone else." StuRat (talk) 07:02, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

Hot or Cold?

When I injure myself sometimes I apply a cold pack to the affected area, sometimes I take a warm shower to feel better. Is there a general rule as to which I should do? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.36.209.121 (talk) 20:07, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I'm no expert, but ice/cold would be better for reducing swelling - a tangiable problem - whereas a warm shower helps you to feel better, which is still important (see Acute stress reaction) and helps prevent a bacterial infection, I would imagine. - Jarry1250 ^{(t, c)} 20:33, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

I'm afraid we can't give medical advice. I suggest you speak to a doctor. --Tango (talk) 21:04, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Medical advice discussion moved to talk page – 74  15:13, 23 March 2009 (UTC)

IcyHot? I'm not trying to give advice, though. ~AH1^(TCU) 01:49, 20 March 2009 (UTC)

Although Wikipedia does not offer medical advice, Googling ice or heat injury returns plenty of pages with opinions on the question you asked. 152.16.16.75 (talk) 01:30, 22 March 2009 (UTC)

H&R Block article

Why does it say H&R Block is a hair salon? I thought it was a tax preparation company.168.137.100.28 (talk) 20:09, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

It is. That was a bit of vandalism; I've fixed it. - Eron^Talk 20:14, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Hmmm, is Jackson Hewitt responsible ? :-) StuRat (talk) 20:21, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Don't rule out those computer savvy people over at TurboTax. :-) 10draftsdeep (talk) 21:24, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

help-

Greetings, Thank you so much DJ CLAYWORTH & TAGISHIMON.Thank you for the sympathy.I will search for this superintendent again. Thank you, Thank you again. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.87.198.94 (talk) 22:20, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Aide

Do they have integration aides outside of Australia? More specifically, what is the job of integration aide called outside of Australia? JCI (talk) 23:50, 19 March 2009 (UTC)

Seems to be what we (in Canada) would call a special education teacher or perhaps a teaching assistant. - Eron^Talk 00:14, 20 March 2009 (UTC)