Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2010 May 15

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May 15[edit]

collapse left side of the page[edit]

An article on portfolio.com states that: "Items on the left side of the (Wikipedia) page, used for navigation, can be “collapsed,” or made to disappear."

How do I do that? I cannot find any instructions on how to collapse the left side of the Wikipedia page.

Thanx!

Bob O in Toronto —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.206.252.195 (talk) 00:58, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Bob, to collapse the various groups of links on the left side of the page you can click on their names -- "Interaction", "Toolbox" or "Languages" for example. Grey text and a downward pointing arrow indicates an uncollapsed group, while blue text and a rightward pointing arrow indicates a collapsed group. Xenon54 (talk) 01:11, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
If you want the article to fill the whole width of the window then you can log in to an account and change to a skin with a design where the things usually at the left are at the top or bottom instead. Wikipedia displayed in different skins: Chick, Classic, Cologne Blue, Modern, MonoBook, MySkin, Nostalgia, Simple, Vector. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:36, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Creating userbox problem[edit]

Hi, I'm trying to create another userbox "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Wolfdog406/UBX/judeochristiangod" but instead of letting me create the page, it goes to the "The page cannot be found" page.

Thanks

Wolfdog406 (talk) 01:09, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

To create the page, just visit it and click on "edit" tab located at the upper right, as you would do to edit any other article. You may then create the page from there. ~SuperHamster Talk Contribs 01:15, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Alternatively, here is a direct link to the edit box for that page.[1]. Jeffrey Mall (talk • contribs) - 01:17, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Lately some users have reported not getting to an edit page when they click a link to a non-existing page. Does the link by Jeffrey Mall work for you? If not then which browser do you have? PrimeHunter (talk) 01:40, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Personal font preferences[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 14:45, 16 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I had set my display font to a serif font just after the change to this as default. I find serif far easier to read and the default non-serif as a useful "not logged in" alert. This functionality has disappeared with the latest revisions (upper right search box, rather than left margin). I followed the instructions to create my page "User:Leonard G./monobook.js", but this had no effect. Can anyone suggest a method, or perhaps alert the technical staff to a loss of functionality? Thanks, Leonard G. (talk) 03:07, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The new skin is called "vector", the old one was monobook. Therefore, to change your preferences go to User:Leonard G./vector.js instead, and follow the instructions as for monobook. Cheers, {{Sonia|talk|simple}} 03:43, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
This is not about monobook/vector.js, but about monobook/vector.css. Leonard G. just copy the contents of User:Leonard G./monobook.css to User:Leonard G./vector.css and you should have your serif font back. --dapete 08:58, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you, this works. Perhaps the documentation needs some clarification - Leonard G. (talk) 21:49, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

submitted new word how long does it take to post[edit]

i submitted the word webicles for definition...how long does the process take?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Metro4g (talk • contribs) 03:41, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This is Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. If you're submitting a definition, you may be talking about Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Either way, there is no set time. Wikipedia and Wiktionary are staffed by volunteers, and things will happen when they do them. Will you join us? {{Sonia|talk|simple}} 03:43, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
You submitted Wikipedia talk:Articles for creation/Webicles or webicles, but the submission has been declined because Wikipedia is not a dictionary, and because "i came up with" is not an appropriate reliable source. Please see WP:FIRST for some guidelines.  Chzz  ►  04:33, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
It should process immediately. White Trillium (talk) 06:13, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Wikipedia:Wikipedia is not for things made up one day offers a further explanation of why we can't have an article at present on the topic you suggested. Karenjc 07:42, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Signing posts[edit]

Since the new software has been put into use it is impossible for me to sign posts due to a conflict with the internet server. Sometimes but not always my posts are autosigned. User Aldrasto11 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Aldrasto11 (talk • contribs) 04:37, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can (and should) sign your posts yourself by placing ~~~~ after your post. The changes to Wikipedia does not alter this in any way. The only relevant change is that the appearance of the "signature" button in the editing interface was changed. It is presently the pencil that is writing. Someguy1221 (talk) 04:51, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Read Wikipedia:Signatures for why and how you should sign. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ ―Œ ♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣ 05:29, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think that was the question.kcylsnavS {screech} 15:06, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, what do you mean by "a conflict with the internet server"? Are you getting some sort of error message, or are you unable to type a tilde (~)? Xenon54 (talk) 15:16, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

When I try to sign with the four tilds (as usual) now on my screen pops up a message from the internet explorer browser telling me that I am going to leave the page and the content will be lost. However this does not happen and simply my signature does not show, no matter I choose yes or no. What can be the cause of the problem? Aldrasto11

Link aliasing[edit]

When I looked on the recurring meta spam blacklist removal requests, it said that Media-Wiki supports link aliasing. What does this mean? - Talk to you later, Presidentman (talk) Random Picture of the Day 12:31, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It means you can change how the link displays in order to hide long links, therefore eliminating the need for sketchy URL shorteners. You can do this by typing [http://www.domain.tld/link/goes/here Title to be displayed]. Notice the space between the end of the link and the beginning of the title. Xenon54 (talk) 12:43, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Oh, okay. I didn't know if it was just another name for that, or something else. Thanks. - Talk to you later, Presidentman (talk) Random Picture of the Day 12:58, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

User successful XfD counter[edit]

Is there a tool that calculates the percentage of a user's deletion nominations which actually resulted in a deletion? I feel like I saw one recently, but cannot now find it on meta:Toolserver/Projects, WP:AFD or Wikipedia:WikiProject edit counters. Did I dream this? / edg ☺ ☭ 14:02, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

An article on Wikipedia referring to the Spanish diplomat Francisco Javier Ruperez Rubio.[edit]

I would like to make contact with this gentleman concerning a private matter. Could you please advise me if you can, on what would be an appropriate way for me to do so.

I would appreciate any assistance that you could offer me in this matter.

Thanking you John A Macintyre —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.76.21.156 (talk) 15:18, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This page is intended for questions about using Wikipedia - you could try asking at the reference desk, which deals with this sort of question. Alternatively, assuming you mean this person, you could try contacting them through the national newspapers to which he periodically contributes (the newspapers are listed in the article).
Good luck! TFOWRpropaganda 15:48, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

New format[edit]

New format : Pretty bad. Dang! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 174.58.56.98 (talk • contribs) 15:25, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you register an account you can choose to use the old format. TFOWRpropaganda 15:44, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Search Box location an inconvenience![edit]

please please can you shift the search box to the original position. the left side of the page. it's so inconvenient to locate it at the top right. i will definitely not get used to it too. this makes me want to use wikipedia LESS. my friends have also complained about the search box. can wikipedia move the search box to the left of the page? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 119.74.162.39 (talk) 18:11, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you register an account you can choose to use the old format. Incidentally, I feel your pain; I switched back to Monobook as fast as I could. --Teratornis (talk) 21:59, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

editing error[edit]

I tried to add the name "Stanley Babin" as a pupil of ISABELLE VENGEROVA - and botched the edit. I can't seem to fix it. How can one just add his name and delete the extra sentence and delete the entry duplication??? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Angebab (talk • contribs) 18:47, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I added Stanley Babin to the sentence for you and removed the duplication. You can see what I did to fix it here. Hope this helps. Winston365 (talk) 19:05, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Computer Meridian Diagnostics[edit]

About "Computer Meridian Diagnostics" no information not available in Wikipedia.

According to website- http://www.cmddiagnostics.com CMD(Computer Meridian Diagnostics)-CMD is a unique computer-aided system for conducting easy self-tests of one's health. It has been tested and proven in the Russian space program.

This state-of-the-art system, under the name of PROGNOS, has been used by cosmonauts to monitor their own health while in space and take remedial measures, if indicated. In this way it proved invaluable in helping to keep them healthy and active during long missions. Since 1999, doctors, dentists and naturopaths in Europe have used the program in alternative medical diagnostics with excellent results.

The above information is same as "Warfighter Physiological Status Monitor" (WPSM) which is under Future Combat System Project of US Army according to Wikipedia. The aforesaid site are claiming that this technology is available for general public for the first time.

My concern is that about CMD no information not available and is this technology really available for general people which is still use in several Russian & NASA space program and for Advance defense force and till under R&D.

Dibyendu Kolkata,INDIA —Preceding unsigned comment added by Dibsu2007gmat (talk • contribs) 20:21, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This page is for questions about using Wikipedia. Please consider asking this question at the Wikipedia:Reference desk. They specialize in knowledge questions and will try to answer any question in the universe (except how to use Wikipedia, since that is what this Help Desk is for). Just follow the link, select the relevant section, and ask away. You could always try searching Wikipedia for an article related to the topic you want to know more about. I hope this helps. Feinoha Talk, My master 20:30, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
  • You appear to be suggestion that an article should be created - there is no reason why you should not create an article yourself!

A Wizard is available to walk you through these steps. See the Article Wizard.

Thank you.

Before creating an article, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines with which all articles should comply. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.
Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.
If you still think an article is appropriate, see Wikipedia:Your first article. You might also look at Wikipedia:How to write a great article for guidance, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation. An Article Wizard is also available to walk you through creating an article. -- PhantomSteve/talk|contribs\ 14:35, 18 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Dave the Chameleon[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 16:21, 16 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_the_Chameleon reference 2 takes me to a Japanese website and I don't think it ti rwelated. Can seombody fix this? 76.229.218.70 (talk) 21:07, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, that's the site the link points to. If you have the correct site we could change it - or you could. kcylsnavS {screech} 21:18, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
If it is related or not, i dont know, but I can tell you the link seems to be entirely about black holes. wiooiw (talk) 21:23, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for your suggestion regarding Dave the Chameleon. When you feel an article needs improvement, please feel free to make those changes. Wikipedia is a wiki, so anyone can edit almost any article by simply following the edit this page link at the top. The Wikipedia community encourages you to be bold in updating pages. Don't worry too much about making honest mistakes — they're likely to be found and corrected quickly. If you're not sure how editing works, check out how to edit a page, or use the sandbox to try out your editing skills. New contributors are always welcome. You don't even need to log in (although there are many reasons why you might want to). Feinoha Talk, My master 21:29, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
According to the Licensing information with the picture, The Labour Party abandoned their campaign and sold the website. It seems the website is no longer related about the subject. Its probably best if you just remove the citation. wiooiw (talk) 21:38, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
The original content is available here on the Wayback Machine. Would that suffice as a reference? Winston365 (talk) 21:48, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
 Done Citation changed to point to the wayback version of the site. Feinoha Talk, My master 21:51, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Why was article about the Kruger Brothers deleted?[edit]

I have searched Wikipedia trying to find out why the Kruger Brothers article was deleted. I have heard and seen them via the internet and think they are interesting and talented. Is there not room on the site for a concise reason for the deletion? Please help me.1archie99 (talk) 22:07, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello I have looked, but I cannot seem to find any evidence the "Kruger Brothers" article was ever deleted from Wikipedia, nor that an article with the title was ever created. If you wish to create it you may but...

Please see Your first article. If you'd like help going through the steps below, try the Article Wizard.

  1. Ensure that you have an account and you are logged in. If you don't have an account, create one
  2. Make sure the subject is notable enough to have their own article
  3. Find references
  4. Make sure no article on the subject exists under a different title by typing the subject into the search box to the left (←) and clicking 'Search'
  5. Type the page name in the search box to the left (←) and click 'Go'
  6. Click 'Create this page'
  7. Create the article, including all your references, making sure you adhere to the Manual of Style and our article layout guidelines
  8. Be aware that Wikipedia deletes thousands of new articles for failing to adhere to our policies and guidelines. New articles by new users are at extra risk for deletion, due to new users' unfamiliarity with our rules. Consider gaining experience by editing existing articles before attempting to create new ones. Feinoha Talk, My master 22:17, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
After I entered the search term "Kruger Brothers" I got a reply that the article had received an AFD. There was talk about how recent editors were going to receive a notice that an AFD had been added to the article. I could find no reasons given for the AFD. I am going to search AFD when I finish this reply.1archie99 (talk) 15:38, 17 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I searched but entering AFD as a search term did not help. I find it uncomfortable to know an article about a subject I was following was deleted and not knowing why. The procedure lacks the transparency I had believed was a keystone of Wikipedia.1archie99 (talk) 16:10, 17 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Please note that I think that this notice that an AFD had been added was within the last two weeks. The entre article with the exception of the AFD had already been deleted. Inviting me to write an article under these circumstances appears to be counter productive.1archie99 (talk) 16:21, 17 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I don't know where you found that, but I have just searched the deletion logs for "Kruger", "Krueger" and "Krüger" and found no articles listed. – ukexpat (talk) 16:31, 17 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I found the following:
  • 17:48, 28 January 2008 Jon513 deleted "The Kruger Brothers" ‎ (Expired PROD, concern was: No assertion of notability.)
I didn't find *any* AfDs for articles about "Kruger", "Krueger" or "Krüger" that appear to be about the brothers, so I'm not sure what you saw.
Incidently, to search AfDs where you know a word in the title, in the search bar enter
intitle:<word(s) to search for> prefix:Wikipedia:Articles for deletion
eg: intitle:Krüger prefix:Wikipedia:Articles for deletion -- PhantomSteve/talk|contribs\ 14:59, 18 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Designations -[edit]

A small point :

Should not the "Discussion" tab lead to a page titled "Discussion", not a page named "Talk" ?

Consistency is a virtue, I think. . 65.55.67.210 (talk) 22:07, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello, this page is for help using Wikipedia. We neither make policy, or make adjustments to the MediaWiki software (what Wikipedia runs on) here. If you would like to suggest a change in technical features of the software, please post your inquiry to the Village pump. Feinoha Talk, My master 22:26, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I think the rationale behind this is that a label of "discussion" helps new users better understand where the link actually leads to. It was actually labeled "talk" in the old Monobook skin, and was only changed to "discussion" last week with the rollout of the (allegedly) new, user-friendly Vector skin. Xenon54 (talk) 00:18, 16 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Sugarloaf Mountain in New Brunswick, Canada[edit]

There are 2 white crosses on Sugarloaf Mountain in New Brunswick, Canada and I would like to know more about them. I heard that they are markers for a mother & baby that died there. I would appreciate more detailed information on this if possible. Thank you, J Noone —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.167.196.32 (talk) 22:21, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

This page is for questions about using Wikipedia. Please consider asking this question at the Humanities reference desk. They specialize in knowledge questions and will try to answer any question in the universe (except how to use Wikipedia, since that is what this Help Desk is for). Just follow the link and ask away. You could always try searching Wikipedia for an article related to the topic you want to know more about. I hope this helps. Feinoha Talk, My master 22:32, 15 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]
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