Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2010 June 15

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June 15

Formation date of Black Hand

I am currently editing this article: May Overthrow. In Wikipedia's article on the Black Hand secret society it claims the group was formed in 1911; however, Foreign Affairs correspondent and historian C. L. Sulzberger in his book The Fall of Eagles says they were behind the assassination of King Alexander I of Serbia and Queen Draga in 1903. Sulzberger was persoanlly acquainted with members of the assassination squad, so I would say his word carries weight. What do other editors know about this? If they didn't form until 1911, I'll have to change the wording on the May Overthrow article ASAP. Thank you.--Jeanne Boleyn (talk) 11:59, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

It sounds like you have a WP:RS in Fall of Eagles, and so I'd go with its dates. To the extent there are competing dates, and if possible, I'd suggest a structure such as "X says the Bh were formed in 1911, where as Y assets they were active as early as 1903". That presupposes we have a name for X. --Tagishsimon (talk) 14:22, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

Thank you. I'd have to agree that Sulzberger's work is more reliable than the sources which give a May 1911 date; howver, I have added both to the May Overthrow article, while I've included Sulzberger's assertion in the Black Hand article.--Jeanne Boleyn (talk) 16:59, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

There was a meeting 3 March, 1911 in the apartments of Major Velimir Vemic in Belgrade where oaths and a constitution were adopted. Five officers and two civilians were present including Apis and Jovanovic-Cupa. Other sources state: most of the founders were survivors of the 1903 coup.—eric 20:44, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

Yes, that's quite typical. Such organizations don't usually just spring into existence, they evolve from earlier stages. But, I suppose the oaths and constitution are the best "official date" to use. StuRat (talk) 17:35, 16 June 2010 (UTC)

Ralph Klein, Paul Martin and private healthcare

What was the issue between Alberta Premier Ralph Klein and Canadian PM Paul Martin when it came to private healthcare? What was the political significance about it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.64.53.242 (talk) 14:14, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

Dalton McGuinty, Stephen Harper, Senate Seats

What was the issue between Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and PM Stephen Harper when it came to Senate Seats? What was the political significance about it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.64.53.242 (talk) 14:17, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

Quebec Pension Plan

What was the issue of Quebec Pension Plan and what was the political significance about it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.64.53.242 (talk) 14:18, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

These look a lot like homework questions, and we usually don't like to help answer questions like this unless you've done some research yourself. Have you tried Health care in Canada, the "Controversies" section of the Ralph Klein article, the "Senators" section of Senate of Canada, and Quebec Pension Plan?

Yeah, but healcare canada, and quebec pension plan don't help at all. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.14.116.107 (talk) 16:07, 17 June 2010 (UTC)

Free Mesothelioma Information Packet.

On February 26th 2010, I submitted all information as requested on www.mesothelioma.com,per page No1 and todate, I have not received a reply. Please advise as to reason for delay. Thank you. Sincerely Norman James. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.124.163.74 (talk) 19:32, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

May I be the first to say, this has nothing to do with us. We're wikipedia. They're someone else. Ask them. --Tagishsimon (talk) 19:35, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

Lap dogs

Today the term lap dog is used for just about any small dog. But originally it referred to the dog's metabolism as well as size: the Chinese court bred dogs that didn't need any more exercise than hopping off your lap, walking to their food, coming back & hopping back up. That is, they weren't called lap dogs because they fit in your lap, but because they hardly needed to leave it. Perfect for the bedridden, elderly, or paraplegics who want a dog but can't walk it daily. Does anyone here know which breeds are "lap dogs" in this sense? — kwami (talk) 22:47, 15 June 2010 (UTC)

The classic Chinese lap dog is of course the Pekingese. They need less exercise than most other breeds but even Pekingese dogs need some exercise, especially when they're young. They suffer if they are confined to a small space and/or are not allowed to run or jump around, especially when they are young. Marco polo (talk) 13:59, 16 June 2010 (UTC)

Actually, their purpose was to keep Chinese royalty warm. All animals need exercise to maintain health; that they did not receive exercise was simply a reflection of their use. It's probably fair to say the historical Chinese view of dogs (hand warmers/food) is more utilitarian than ours (pets/companions). PЄTЄRS J VЄСRUМВА ►TALK 14:39, 16 June 2010 (UTC)

Saw a documentary years ago (PBS?) which described how these dogs would get tuckered out with more exercise than crossing the room and hopping in your lap. They weren't Pekingese, I would've recognized those. — kwami (talk) 04:27, 17 June 2010 (UTC)