Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2008 March 4

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March 4

Funeral flowers (Germany).

I have to attend a funeral tomorrow; the family that's now one person short is German, and I think I remember reading that they have different symbolisms for flowers than us. What (if any) flowers would it be appropriate for me to take, according to the German tradition? Or should I stick with poppies/lilies? Thanks in advance. · AndonicO ^Hail! 01:47, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Just to clarify for future answerers, when you say 'German' do you mean 'people with German nationality living in Germany' or do you mean that American thing where it's people whose ancestors were German? I would imagine this affects the answers quite a bit. Skittle (talk) 03:01, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

If the first, it might carry over to the second, so here's "Germany – Incorporating small decorations is always appreciated. The little pig and chimney sweep figurines signify good luck. Wreaths with ribbons are the most common tribute to the service, arrangements are sent to the family's home." here[1] and somewhere on google it mentioned white flowers for funerals in Germany but not as a dinner guest. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:19, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I've never seen a small pig or chimney sweep figurines, and wreaths are hard to find here, so I think I'll go with the white flowers. Thanks Julia. · AndonicO ^Hail! 13:07, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

You're welcome! Julia Rossi (talk) 22:48, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Piglets and chimney sweeps are good luck charms for New Years Eve / Day and clearly not meant for funerals.

As you (and presumably the family of Germanic descent) are living in Florida or in some other state of the US you should stick to what your local florists can provide. In any case, time does not permit you to locate an artisan who may have the knowledge and materials to provide you with a German style wreath.

The specific traditions would also depend highly on the area of their origin. In Hamburg, Lower Saxony an interment is conducted quite differently from a funeral in an Alpine village in Bavaria.

In any case. it seems less important that the symbols fit the ethnicity of the mourning family than that they feel supported by their local community. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 20:22, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

lichtenstein is growing very fast

It's a rich country but also one of the fastest growing economies, expanding at a neck breaking 10%+. WTF is going on? 128.54.77.37 (talk) 04:49, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

When a country's population is low (like Lichtenstein's) it's easier to grow at a faster rate, at least percentage-wise. Same with the economy, it's small, so when it does grow, it is a higher percentage growth rate than it would be for a larger country with a bigger economy. Useight (talk) 06:32, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

And also it is a country with a tax efficient economy. That is, one of the ways some small countries fund themselves is by using their size and relative flexibility, to provide a favorable tax climate, to attract people to domicile there. FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 04:52, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

this country is growing due to a bet, from a Heath ledger movie about what would happen if the name of a small country was used in one of his movies.......

The Mark Of The Beast 666

On this subject, no mention or credit is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls which are presently(to my knowledge)the oldest known complete Biblical Texts (30 to 50 A.D. approximately). These Scrolls predate any other known complete Biblical (Bible) Text(s. Various notable scholars have confirmed the contents of these scrolls to be complete and accurate (within 97%) when compared to the other known early complete Bible reference Text(s.

Ironically enough, the other 3% represents the missing Dead Sea Scroll segment pieces that have not been found or have not been able to be translated as well as the odd Scripture that has been omitted in certain early complete Bibles such as the story about Ruth.

My question is quite simple - what is the Beast's number written in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Is it 666 or 616?. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.230.28.239 (talk) 05:16, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Well put. Have you seen our article, Mark of the Beast? Each variant is discussed early in the piece. Julia Rossi (talk) 06:20, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

The Dead Sea Scrolls contain primarily texts from the Hebrew Bible and other Jewish and particularly Essene writings. The Mark of the Beast was first mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation. New Testament manuscripts among the Dead Sea Scrolls were rare at best. One fragment found there, 7Q5, has been claimed to be the oldest known fragment of the New Testament, but it is so small that it only contains a few (mostly partial) words on a single scrap of papyrus. So the Dead Sea Scrolls probably do not address the Number of the Beast. --Metropolitan90 (talk) 10:06, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Particularly with the commonly accepted date of Revelation (ca 95 AD) being well after the newest scrolls among the Dead Sea collection (ca 50 AD), there's no point of commonality between them. The DSS not only do not but cannot reference the number of the beast. — Lomn 22:03, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Hi Hi!

Hi! Hi! I'm about to kill myself(not literally). I have seborrheic dermatitis on the back my head. It feels dry and I've been using my special shampoo. But its so damn itchy. Its frustrating thats why I said I was going to kill myself. Why does it itch? I just wanted to know. It itches like freak. Thank you very much. Rem Nightfall (talk) 06:06, 4 March 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

See your doctor, no, really – our article is Seborrhoeic dermatitis though it may be incomplete for you. Julia Rossi (talk) 06:17, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

The articles doesn't tell you much. I've seen my doctor all ready. I just wanted to know what caused the itching? I always found it interesting to learn about my own conditions. Can seborrheic dermatitis become resistant to the type of shampoo you are using?Rem Nightfall (talk) 06:25, 4 March 2008 (UTC)Rem Nightfall

(Medical advice reverted.) --S.dedalus (talk) 06:46, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

It says in the article that the cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown. However, it has been suggested that the condition is caused by Malassezia or possibly by genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors. --S.dedalus (talk) 06:50, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Pleez pleez Sdedalus let me say this: Like that cute little chipmunk in the next articles. Did you ask your doctor that question? I take it you know what's causing it and you just want to know about the mechanism of itching and scratching. Meanwhile, there's the article Contact dermatitis under medical care if you get bored with the sensation and want it fixed. Hint: allergens and irritants cause inflammation and that affects the nerves in the area. On many pharmaceutical products they say if it isn't working, "discontinue use". Any more than that and I'm busted per the instruction box at the top of this page against giving medical advice. Julia Rossi (talk) 06:52, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Let me tell you of my experience. I suffered from this all my life, ever since puberty (too many years ago to reveal). I was the greatest head scratcher in history, and my shoulders were often covered in snow. I tried all the creams, lotions and shampoos known to mankind. Nothing ever worked completely. If it seemed to clear up for a little while, it always came back. Then last year I spent a month in Sri Lanka, where because of the climate the private homes don't generally have hot water in the showers, only cold. I don't care for cold showers, even on the hottest days, but I had no choice. My scalp improved immediately and the flaking and itching just stopped dead. I haven't seen snow for over 6 months. I've attributed the problem to the water I always showered under being far too hot, which irritated my scalp. Since coming home, I've resumed having warm showers, but the dermatitis hasn't returned. I also now wash my head with Sri Lankan coconut oil, which is the traditional remedy over there for any scalp problems; it leaves my scalp and my hair smelling naturally great as well. Once a week is more than enough. I can't give medical advice and so I can't claim this would work for you. -- JackofOz (talk) 09:18, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank goodness Steve Baker is not around anymore, the last time I gave "medical advice" like the above I was shot down for being a charlatan, a troll and a promoter, as well as words that I cannot reproduce here. Sandman30s (talk) 14:40, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Is Steve Baker dead??? He never told me.81.145.242.85 (talk) 18:12, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

lightning safety

what do i do in a lightning storm to reduce the risk of being hit because i am doing a school project on this topic —Preceding unsigned comment added by 58.107.32.134 (talk) 06:56, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Have we got an article for you! Lightning safety – enjoy! Julia Rossi (talk) 07:03, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

And there's a nice link to a suitable site – hope it helps your project. By the way, staying in a car (all metal) is usually recommended because of the rubber tyres though they don't mention that bit. Rubber is good. Julia Rossi (talk) 07:07, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Actually the rubber tyres don't help at all; a voltage which can jump the distance from a cloud to your car will have no trouble at all jumping the few inches from your car to the ground. The car is a safe place because it's a Faraday cage. FiggyBee (talk) 07:39, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Does that mean a car could have no rubber tyres and still be a faraday cage? And all this time I thought they were a form of insulation. Which raises my next query, are there records of cars being struck by lightning? Julia Rossi (talk) 07:50, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

It would work without tyres, I believe, and it certainly does happen; a google search will turn up plenty. Also the article mentions that they tried it out on Top Gear, you can probably find a youtube of the segment. FiggyBee (talk) 08:11, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I love having my misconceptions busted, thanks FiggyBee. : ) Julia Rossi (talk) 10:09, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Oh, and while staying in the car is a good idea, getting into the car, not so much. By touching the car with your feet on the ground you can create a low-resistance pathway which actually increases your chances of getting struck. FiggyBee (talk) 12:57, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I've had my car struck by lightning while I was inside it multiple times, and it truly is safe. Just don't hold the key while it's in the ignition or touch any metal part of the car. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 13:40, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I wonder how long this thread will last before someone deletes it for supposedly proffering medical advice? --Richardrj ^{talk email} 14:40, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

This is more along the lines of safety advice. Also, it is a school project. I should have done such a project way back when - the death of a student by lightning happened at my school which prompted the entire state of Illinois to construct many lightning detection systems. 206.252.74.48 (talk) 16:28, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

A car, if made of metal, is a sort of Faraday Cage, but I have read of a person inside a car being killed when the car was struck by lightning. Edison (talk) 16:38, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Maybe they touched the rearview or had a flat tyre? Just kidding. Julia Rossi (talk) 22:57, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

It can be dangerous to touch metal parts connected to the outside (gear levers, doorhandles, ignition etc). Also the car won't be an effective cage if you're not completely enclosed in metal, so convertibles or fiberglass vehicles won't offer the same protection. FiggyBee (talk) 23:16, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Articles That May Help and Assist

I need some articles that can assist me. As I have stated before I am an author of sorts. Now I'm writing a story about a character who: Labels his food containers Monday-Sunday. Has anxiety attacks. Claims we need to keep the world to at least 1% germ and the 99% germ free. Stresses out on little issues. Overworks. Makes his meals the night before (example Sunday Night he makes Monday's lunch) Some more labeling with clothes in his closet (Summer-winter).

I need articles to assist me because I was thinking maybe Compulsive Disorder or Obsessive-compulsive disorder. But I am not sure. Could you maybe help me asses my own creations sanity? Thank you. As always Cardinal Raven71.142.242.233 (talk) 08:17, 4 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Monk (TV series)? Addition: I've made some of your key words into wiki links and recommend the list that appears when you put "anxiety attack" into the search box. Take your pick. Julia Rossi (talk) 08:40, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Afterthought is that the lunch containers sounds appro, but night before prep is not so extreme and can point to simple anticipation, but labelling shelves in the kitchen from A to Z and filing all the food alphabetically is a more likely syndromey thing. If you've seen Monk, he has some counting or tics that he must do before he progresses to a car or through a door for instance. That's compulsion level. You could take out the DVDs if they have them. I'm letting go of this nowwww. Julia Rossi (talk) 10:14, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Also, our article on Mysophobia (fear of dirt and germs) may be useful. Laïka 13:14, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure if the article on Nero Wolfe will help -- your character's eccentricities reminded me of his, somewhat -- but if you are going to write about a character with quirks, I promise that reading a few of the books will help. Rex Stout did a wonderful job of taking a character, giving him a lot of really quirky characteristics, but tying them all together and making them all make sense in the context of the character. If you aren't careful, you can wind up with a character who always walks on the left-hand side of the street and gives flowers to nuns for no good reason whatsoever, and it can alienate a reader, rather than engross... Faithfully, Deltopia (talk) 18:27, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Good point. It reminds me of Poirot's signatures and how it made him different from those around him. I don't mind the Woody Allen brand of self-preoccupation and quirkiness, but I stopped watching Monk because it seemed painful and creeped me out. Still I guess it's the author's art to make the afflicted character work. Julia Rossi (talk) 23:04, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I wasn't trying to make my character like Monk or other quirks. See those characters outwardly show their quirks. My character has secret quirks. Like a closet obsessive compulsive person. Kinda like a closet pervert. Everything is behind closed doors. But I think I rather not. Its not a very good idea. Thanks for all your help and info.71.142.210.56 (talk) 08:19, 6 March 2008 (UTC)Cardinal Raven

Texas Hold 'em

is A♣ 2♣ 3♥ 4♠ 5♦ considered as straight in Texas Hold 'em? West Brom 4ever (talk) 13:29, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes. At least it would be on the little Hold 'em game I have on my cellphone. It's a straight in most variations of poker that I know of. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 14:16, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

what about serious play on a tournament (such as European Poker Tour) with classic rules? to be honest, either i have not seen or must have missed a straight consisting of 2♣ 3♥ 4♠ 5♦ and A♣. West Brom 4ever (talk) 15:05, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

See also Rank of hands (poker). You might want to look at some of the links returned when googling "ace low straight"; I can't do so from this computer. --LarryMac | Talk 15:42, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Keep in mind that almost always, rules about poker hands are not particular to a specific style of poker. The rank article linked to above tells the whole story. Friday (talk) 15:46, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

A "wheel" is a legitimate straight in just about every standard poker game, except for certain versions of lowball. Clarityfiend (talk) 18:37, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

thanks :) West Brom 4ever (talk) 21:01, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

One more thing that might be helpful: a straight where they're all in the same suit is called a straight flush (or, if you're really lucky, a royal flush). --Masamage ♫ 04:15, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

i guess we all know that, but thanks for mentioning. my mate's sister who works in casino told me she dealt only two royal flushes in couple of years of work.. West Brom 4ever (talk) 14:56, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Even that seems rather suspicious to me. The odds are massively in favor of any other hand. It's practically a miracle to get one. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 23:32, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Not necessarily. Remember that in Texas Hold'em, you get seven cards to work with, in Omaha, nine, so that increases the odds of getting a straight flush considerably. Clarityfiend (talk) 06:17, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

Well, we're talking Royal Flushes specifically. Still increases the odds, but not as much. --Masamage ♫ 06:55, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

Kidney $$$.

I'm writing a novel. How much would a kidney cost on the black market? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 125.238.244.40 (talk) 14:38, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Depends on where you ask. I looked at Gurgaon kidney scandal and put the figure at ca. 800 USD (crude math here). But I believe you'd have to pay at least an order of magnitude more in the US if you'd want one. --Ouro (blah blah) 16:03, 4 March 2008 (UTC) Strike that - too rough answer, sorry, after rethinking it's better stricken out. --Ouro (blah blah) 16:09, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure why you think you need to sell a kidney to get your novel written. If the topic seems too outlandish to be fiction, just market it as a memoir. Seriously, it depends on where and when your character lives. For the current Indian organ buying scandal, google Amit Kumar. --NellieBly (talk) 05:49, 6 March 2008 (UTC)

Creating articles about My Beloved Girlfriend

Would y'all help me in creating articles about my soap opera, My Beloved Girlfriend, please? Ericthebrainiac (talk) 20:32, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

When you start it add the template {{stub}} - this adds the new article to a list of articles that are not yet finished, and is intended to encourage others to add to it.87.102.44.156 (talk) 20:36, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

What makes you think you'll have any more success with your newest non-notable creation than you had with the last, Eric? --LarryMac | Talk 21:07, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow. --Ouzo (talk) 21:43, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I really am surprised Eric has never been blocked or even seriously warned. Is it just that no-one has the heart? FiggyBee (talk) 23:13, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Verse 3 of the beatitudes is often applied liberally, even by apatheists like me. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 00:27, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

I will help you Eric, only I have never heard of your beloved girlfriend, and knowledge about a subject is generally a prerequisite for writing about it. HYENASTE 00:42, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Cookatoozoom are you claiming the fifth? Julia Rossi (talk) 01:34, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Worldsplayer

For once I actually have a challenging question. Worldsplayer is a major chatting program. Where would one go to find where they get their music on there. This excludes any Aerosmith or David Bowie or anything else like those artists. When one plays it, they hear weird ambient music...I don't know. Anyways can someone please find out where they get music for me? Thanx.Jwking (talk) 20:46, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Email them? Say you like the background, can they say what it is? Or ask on a music fan site maybe, too? FT2 ^{(Talk | email)} 04:48, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Bible vs Skeptics: Skeptics to be condemned to Hell

The Book of Revealation states that unbelievers will burn in the "Lake of Fire". Does this mean that SKEPTICS will all end up in HELL ? You ought to hear some of these preachers. 65.173.104.52 (talk) 23:11, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

Is that a yell hell or a hell, hell? Julia Rossi (talk) 23:25, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

HELL yelled as loudly as possible to people who don't want to hear it. HYENASTE 01:13, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

No the Bible just means that skeptics will just go groove out to Nervana! --S.dedalus (talk) 23:29, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

No, everyone goes to heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Timothy 4:10, and 1 John 2:2. So continue to question, dear thinker. HYENASTE 00:49, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Consider this (assuming one is a believer):

• God rewards faith
• God rewards the seeking for truth...

If the former: sceptics are in hell

If the latter: sceptics are in heaven

On second thoughts, this may be medical advice. Please see your doctor about precautions pertaining to post mortal inflammation. --Cookatoo.ergo.ZooM (talk) 01:02, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Or your local priest. HYENASTE 01:13, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

It's a pretty fun crowd, for the most part. --98.217.18.109 (talk) 01:38, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

If we ask the Book of James, 2:20, it says, "Faith without works is dead." I think it takes more than faith (good works are also required) to get into Heaven. I also think that nobody has perfect faith and is, therefore, somewhat skeptical. I say that there will be some "skeptics" in Heaven and some in Hell. And by "Hell", I don't think the inhabitants will actually reside in a "lake of fire and brimestone" but instead are cast out from the presense of God. But what do I know? Useight (talk) 02:04, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

I always thought that just meant that those that don't believe in Christ go to hell, not all skeptics in general. Paragon12321 (talk) 03:05, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Please reread the top of the page, where is says "Do not start debates." Because, yes, there are some people who staunchly believe that everyone up to and including themselves is going to hell, for any number of reasons. There are also some people who do not believe that. But this isn't really a "reference desk" sort of issue; there's absolutely no way we're going to be able to give a universally satisfactory answer. --Masamage ♫ 03:41, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

people that believe go to heaven, people that don't would go to hell, but they don't believe in hell, so they can't. problem solved. HS7 (talk) 11:25, 10 March 2008 (UTC)