Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2009 March 9

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March 9

Suze Who?

OK, I don't have cable, I've never heard her speak, (more importantly) have never heard her be spoken to, and I see no pronounciation guide in our article. So, how is Suze Orman's first name properly pronounced? Two options are: SOO-zee, like Susie with a trendy spelling; or one-syllable Sooz, like snooze without the N, which would tend toward "Sue Zorman"? --DaHorsesMouth (talk) 01:30, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

SOO-zee, according to YouTube and a video on her website — Matt Eason ^{(Talk • Contribs)} 01:42, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

And how about Suze Randall? —Tamfang (talk) 04:36, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

I don't know, but on Peepshow Big Suze is Big Sooz. TastyCakes (talk) 16:25, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

GFDL

I created the article Decretum de Judaeis from Nostra Aetate. What should I put in Talk:Decretum de Judaeis to indicate that the text is a licensed copy of GFDL material ? Thank you. ADM (talk) 07:48, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

You should check out Wikipedia:Help Desk for this. But what do you mean? If the content was taken from another source with a GFDL license, a link and mention in the talk page should be fine. The help desk would be able to give further advice. If the content is solely your own work, there's no need to do anything. By adding it to the article, you have already released it under the GFDL as the edit window says. Finally, if the content came from somewhere else where it is not released under the GFDL, what we really need is an email from the copyright holder confirming they've released it under the GFDL to WP:OTRS Nil Einne (talk) 10:06, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Ungraded school system

Are there any ungraded school systems in the USA?

From 1964 to 1970 Broadview, MT had an ungraded school system. Clifford Clyde Rylander (1922-1972) was the superintendent. Traditional grades 1-12 existed only in the form of a home room. Social activities occurred relative to the home room (age group). Academic activities occurred at the skill level of the student.

(Example: in 1967-68, a 21 year old student was accepted at Broadview, after being expelled from other schools in the county. He was offered the opportunity to complete high school on condition of good conduct and completion of courses assigned, which he did. Upon arrival at the school he could read only at the third grade level. At 6'5", he was seated in the third grade reading class. Before the end of the year he had progressed to the eigth grade reading class.)

(Example: 1968 high school graduation in MT required a minimum number of credit hours of instruction with a core set of classes - subject matter. A set of senior students had completed all core classes by the end of their junior year. To achieve the total number of credit hours, two college level classes had to be created for these students: spherical trig and Tudor lit).

The superintendent had noted as early as 1960 that schools were providing "social promotions" and many graduates could not read on an eigth grade level. Rather than complain, the adversity was turned into an opportunity to excel. The superintendent had learned this lesson while serving in the personal body guard company of General Douglas McArthur during WWII. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Buffalojmp (talk • contribs) 11:43, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

You might find something through Multiage education links. Rmhermen (talk) 17:19, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

SFNN

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING NETWORK! Would anybody be interested in submitting and receiving information.An exchange of information on any and every subject. Fluter —Preceding unsigned comment added by 170.86.15.15 (talk) 15:16, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

If you are attempting to promote your website or service on the Wikipedia reference desk, you should know that the Wikipedia Ninja's will sneak into your house at dead of night and stick {{fact}} tags on everything you own. Don't say we didn't warn you! SteveBaker (talk) 18:44, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

No web site,no service,just an exchange of free information submitted and received! Exactly what wikepedia is doing! P.S. I live in a tent! Fluter.

Further warning. Those {{fact}} tags are two faced. The other side says . I wish you luck trying to find a reliable source tht says that your toothbrush belongs to you - without using Original Research. Phil_burnstein (talk) 15:54, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

P.S. SteveBaker and I have just given you information worthy of the name of your NETWORK. What do we get? (Please answer on our talk pages.) Phil_burnstein (talk) 15:54, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Sad Panda

Is there a name for being sad all of the time, for never being content or happy with one's current situation and always having a bad outlook on life; to feel as though life is not worth living but not wanting to die either, and being trapped in a state of perpetual unhappiness? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 194.80.240.66 (talk) 15:34, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Yes, many millions suffer the same. Can't give medical advice, but my doctor sorted me out quite quickly. As I understand it most depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. Check with your doctor soon as.90.9.209.171 (talk) 15:38, 9 March 2009 (UTC)DT

You may wish to read about clinical depression, as the previous poster alludes to. We cannot give medical advice. BrainyBabe (talk) 15:56, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Also of interest is our article on dysthymia.--droptone (talk) 16:07, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Marriage? Zing! TastyCakes (talk) 16:22, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Stop sticking things in other pandas' ears! (Sorry, not helpful, I know.) Adam Bishop (talk) 17:06, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

I must be missing the cultural reference. What do pandas have to do with this? Why is it entitled "Sad Panda?" Bus stop (talk) 17:16, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

It's from South Park's Sexual Harassment Panda episode. Sexual harassment makes this mascot a "Sad Panda". Fribbler (talk) 17:43, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

OK, thanks for that. Bus stop (talk) 17:48, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

I've had / current have what you might call clinical depression, and while I can't give medical advice I would say that it does usually pass with time, but if you feel like there is absolutely no hope please do see a doctor as there are many treatments which may help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.43.88.87 (talk) 20:37, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Yes, it often does pass with time. A good hard workout stimulates the system and pumps lots of good things into the system. But, generally, the unassisted route is, I suggest, much harder than having help. And I have tried both. (If it is any consolation depression tends to be associated with intelligence.)86.200.4.246 (talk) 15:43, 10 March 2009 (UTC)DT

Realism. --79.79.129.5 (talk) 22:45, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

How many pens does it take?

I've just been watching President Barack Obama signing new legislation regarding stem cell research. When actually signing the bill, he appeared to use several different pens to sign his name. Why was it done in that way? Astronaut (talk) 16:21, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Product placement? (Just joking -- I hope.) BrainyBabe (talk) 16:22, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Have a look at the first question in this FAQ:[1]. It seems they give the pens away to supporters of the bill being signed. Fribbler (talk) 16:23, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

(ec) Here's another link discussing the topic. --LarryMac | Talk 16:24, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

I need help!

okay, what is the best way to ask a girl to prom? i have been trying for about a MONTH to try and have failed to do anything. I don't want to ask my mom cuz she'll give me a bunch of stuff i don't need to ask. What do i do? PS: Sorry if this is a weird question, but i REALLY don't want to ask my parents.  Buffered Input Output 16:50, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Is there a specific girl or girls you have in mind, or do you just want to ask any girl at all? The best way is to say "Hey ________. Do you want to go to the prom with me?" Be confident in it. Women don't really like it when guys look all sheepish and talk at their feet. Look her in the eye and ask her straight up. If she already has a date, she'll tell you. If she doesn't, she'll probably say yes. --Jayron32.talk.contribs 16:55, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Uh you wouldn't happen to be User:Pokegeek42's brother would you? In any case, I suggest you read the responses to Pokegeeks question above Nil Einne (talk) 17:59, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

This is getting to be far too common a line of questioning. Maybe it's time we created Wikipedia:Reference desk/Dating. DJ Clayworth (talk) 18:12, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

It really is a simple as walking up to her (preferably when she's alone, but this isn't essential) and saying "Do you want to go to the prom with me?" There is nothing more to it than that. If she says "no", then move on, it's not the end of the world. --Tango (talk) 18:39, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

That's right. If you're not yet even trying, but still at the stage of trying to try, it seems to me you have a strong fear of rejection. Put that to one side. It's not a personal rejection of you forever if she says "No, thanks". You'll feel much better after you've asked her, even if she does politely decline. If she's rude about it, then she was possibly never worth asking out in the first place, but at least you'll know. And she may just say "Oh, yes, I was hoping you'd ask me". -- JackofOz (talk) 19:22, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

Agreed. Additionally, being asked to the prom, even if its by someone you don't like, is the kind of thing that inflates most teenage girls' egos for anywhere between six months and eighty years. Just be polite, mature, and confident when you approach her, and even if she gives you an awkward "No," you'll have made her feel good about herself. --Fullobeans (talk) 19:37, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

The elaborate schemes some highschool guys come up with are usually reserved for very long term relationships, so don't feel like you have to one up guys that are getting "Go to the prom with me?" in skywriting or rose petals all over the girls bedroom with a teddy bear that asks the question. Most highschool girls will accept just a question, especially if you have shown interest in them before. Like everyone has said, be confident and don't fear the rejection. Livewireo (talk) 20:44, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

My advice would be to just ask. As a girl, I appreciate when people come forward and are themselves as appose to putting on an act, thinking up elaborate plans to "accidentally" bump into me in the hallway etc. The answer will either be yes or no (in my case I always answer no to guys, but I'm kind about it) but at least you tried. Of course, if you think you're going to get laughed at by her for even thinking you have a shot with her then she's probably not the one for you, and you should ask someone nicer. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.43.88.87 (talk) 20:54, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

As has already been mentioned, these questions often come up and I always want to know what happens. So (although I'm sure it's not proper RefDesk policy) it'd be great if you could post the result.91.111.86.221 (talk) 22:41, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

I agree - knowing how the story ends is always nice! --Tango (talk) 00:43, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Speaking as a former hopeless high school dweeb who has since figured out how to get hot chicks to go on dates with him, I'd like to emphasize that "would you like to go to the prom with me?" should probably not be the first words you ever speak to her. Laying the groundwork with "would you mind passing me the pickles?" and similar non-threatening banter that reassures her you're a reasonably normal fellow will go a long way towards putting you on her list of persons she wouldn't mind spending an evening with if asked. --Sean 01:29, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

There is likely a girl at your school who would agree to go to prom with you, if you simply said, "Hey, how's it going? Would you like to go to prom with me?" She may not be the very most popular, rich, and attractive girl at the school. You might find interesting "Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories: And Other Disasters" by Jean Shepherd, page 318.They talk about random stuff, like some friend or family member, then he asks if she is going, then she asks who he is going with, they both admit having no firm plans, then he up and asks her. You could do worse. [2] Edison (talk) 23:24, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Um, Edison, considering the outcome, I'm not sure that Shepherd's story is the best guide to the prom experience (though I have a similar story of my own, even though I had previously read Shepherd's work and should have known better, which I will spare the ref-desk readers). Deor (talk) 00:52, 11 March 2009 (UTC)

Not the least.you asking her this question as quickly is directly proportionate to her asking you (i mean quickly)" can i hold it please" not the hand i mean..so be quick or be dead... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 61.95.140.188 (talk) 18:27, 12 March 2009 (UTC)

If you can ask on the last day, you can ask a few days earlier. Pretend to yourself that it is the last day. Polypipe Wrangler (talk) 19:21, 12 March 2009 (UTC)

Aviation

What is TRAN (TRAN Aircraft, TRAN Crew)? And aviation acronym. --79.237.134.130 (talk) 19:03, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

The FAA website (http://www.gps.tc.faa.gov/glossary.html#sectT) lists TRANS as an acronym for Transition, although the commercial context (TranAir, etc.) suggests Transportation. Livewireo (talk) 20:25, 9 March 2009 (UTC)

(If so, that would be an abbreviation. An acronym is a kind of abbreviation in which each letter is the initial of several component words, not a shortened form of one word.) -- Deborahjay (talk) 16:25, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

This is right, thank you. Me no english gud. Livewireo (talk) 13:33, 11 March 2009 (UTC)