Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2011 June 28

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June 28

Step sister

im trying to find out what degree of relationship would a step sister fall under ? 1st degree relative, 2nd degree relative would they fall under or above cousions

any help in this matter would be helpful — Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.146.129.141 (talk) 06:50, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Unless you have an identifiable common ancestor, you are no blood relation to a stepsister. However, the law in your state might consider her to be the same as if she were an actual blood sister. If in doubt, contact an attorney. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 07:31, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Or, of course, a clergyman. According to the Book of Common Prayer, a marriage to one's stepsister (father's daughter or mother's daughter) would be consanguinious. Tevildo (talk) 22:17, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

The question is interesting. See the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs of our Cousin article. If you want to be technically, scientifically correct, like if a doctor asks you the question because they're wondering if you can donate a kidney to her, then Bugs is correct; you would be considered "unrelated" by blood. If you want to be socially correct and consider her to be a member of the family, as everyone expects you to, then she is of course a sibling which is a more close relation than any cousin. Comet Tuttle (talk) 03:53, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Reading about Woody Allen's situation may be of interest. ←Baseball Bugs ^{What's up, Doc?} carrots→ 04:56, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia says Letty Aronson is Woody Allen's sister. Cuddlyable3 (talk) 11:19, 30 June 2011 (UTC)

Please be aware that "half-sister" is a blood relative, while "stepsister" is not. Collect (talk) 19:14, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

... so the Book of Common Prayer is referring to a half-sister, not a step-sister? Dbfirs 07:48, 1 July 2011 (UTC)

Old McGregor

Old McDonald had a farm. What did Old McGregor have? 86.150.125.219 (talk) 11:45, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

It may be a zoo, depending on your context. Try searching for "Old McGregor zoo". --Frumpo (talk) 11:56, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

That kind of makes sense, I guess. I should really explain further. There's an ad on Internet radio in which someone is asked this question, but I've never caught the answer. I Googled the question and came up with answers as diverse as "golf clubs" and "a hoe". I also thought of Mr McGregor's garden from whatever kid's story that is, but I think you've probably hit the nail on the head, so to speak, so thank you. 86.150.125.219 (talk) 12:08, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Mr McGregor had Peter Rabbit's father in a pie. DuncanHill (talk) 12:11, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Ah yes, that was it, but it's been a long time since I read that story. :) 86.150.125.219 (talk) 12:12, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

According to the Netflix commercial, Labradoodle is also a valid answer. Googlemeister (talk) 14:19, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Jack. (video) Cuddlyable3 (talk) 16:08, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

57.80.7.81 (talk) 16:59, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Yes it is the Netflix ad. I've just heard it again and caught the answer this time, and it IS labradoodle - a cross between a labrador and a poodle for those who were wondering. 86.135.43.53 (talk) 14:46, 8 July 2011 (UTC)

Miss a connecting flight on purpose

Hello thar, I'm planning on flying out of state for the holiday weekend. I have two-legged journey and due to a change of plans, I'd like to disembark at the first stop and not take the secoind flight. Is this at all possible? I was supposed to change planes at the midpoint anyway, and I don't see why the airline should care since I'm only bringing a carry-on. Should I speak to the airline before hand? Is this at all a common practice? Thanks in advance.57.80.7.81 (talk) 12:04, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

I'd say you should definitely speak to the airline. If you don't want to catch the second flight then you may be able to get a refund, and someone else can take the seat on a last booking. That's just my opinion, so speak to them. 86.150.125.219 (talk) 12:11, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

You should notify the airline if only as a courtesy for the poor airline employees who may be stressed by having to page you on the airport's intercom at the gate for your second flight and asking people who come late to the gate if they are you. Also as 86.150... says, you might be able to get a refund, or at least a credit toward the cost of a future flight. Marco polo (talk) 14:37, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

What you're doing is called "hidden-city ticketing". While there is nothing that physically prevents you from disembarking at the midpoint with your carry-on (definitely don't try this trick with checked luggage) you may have some issues on your return flight. The terms and conditions of your connecting ticket may specify that it is only valid if you complete the entire journey (most airlines explicitly forbid hidden-city travel). These discussions and articles – [1], [[2], [3], [4] – note that some airlines may deem you to have forfeited the entire remainder of your ticket – including the entire return trip – if you don't go all the way to your original destination. You almost certainly won't be allowed to board in the 'middle' of your return ticket without paying a hefty penalty. This article discusses a way you might be able to get around this with an 'open jaw' ticket, though your mileage may vary. This recent New York Times column suggests that the way to go is with two one-way tickets, so that the leg you're flying is always the first flight on the ticket, and so that if the remainder of the outgoing ticket is cancelled it doesn't affect your return flight. Don't call the airline in advance to tell them you're pulling this trick, as they may charge you the full fare for the actual journey or cancel your ticket. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 14:44, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Ooh, thanks for that, Ten. Airlines sure are cunning. I do indeed have a return ticket so I guess I won't pull this stunt. 57.80.7.81 (talk) 15:05, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

That said, if you're fully prepared to take the original itinerary, there might not be anything to lose from contacting the airline. Was it your intent to return from the middle airport or from the final destination? They might be willing to accommodate a change, though they may still want you to pay handsomely for the privilege. The worst they can do is say "no", in which case you can still take your original flights as booked. TenOfAllTrades(talk) 15:24, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Due to the reasons listed above, the only time it makes sense to "jump ship" is to skip the last leg of the last flight. And, if you do so, don't notify them ahead of time, but do let them know when you do so. Also, you probably don't want to pay with a credit card, as they might feel free to charge you a penalty. StuRat (talk) 15:47, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

I've already purchased the round-trip ticket. I wanted to start the return journey from the middle airport (which meant only using the 1st and 4th legs, and skipping ht etwo middle ones). Having already spent more than I should have, I'm not prepared to pay any more. But I guess there's no harm in talking to the airline about it; I'm sure they'll say no. Thanks for your help everyone. 57.80.7.81 (talk) 16:59, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Why are you so sure they'll say no?? You're not asking for free travel, you're offering to forfeit your seat. If you ask far enough in advance (and they can fill your seat between the middle airport and the original-destination airport) they may well say yes. Remember the golden rule from Dale Carnegie - pose your request as being in their interest, not just yours. I dunno if they'd give you any refund or credit for the now-skipped part, but I see no reason for them to otherwise refuse your request.

Also, if they do say no, and you plan to take the full original jorney, you can offer to get "bumped" (or even forfeit your flight - you might as well try) if they overbook (quite likely over holiday weekends). Approach the staff at the gate at the middle airport, and make your offer (as early as possible). They'll usually appreciate it, compensate you with a free flight, and you can spend at least some time in the middle city. I'm no expert on travel, so if I'm missing something, please point it out). Eliyohub (talk) 11:13, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

What you're missing is that airlines often have seemingly irrational pricing policies where a flight from airport A to B costs more than a flight from A to B to C. Why ? Perhaps a competitor has a direct flight from A to C and thus they've slashed their price on that route to compete, while they have the exclusive direct flight from A to B, and can therefore charge a premium. Or maybe a large portion of business travelers, who presumably are willing to pay more, fly from A to B, but not on to C. In any case, once such a pricing policy is established, the airline will want to defend it against "cheaters" trying to get the discount price on the premium route. StuRat (talk) 14:03, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

David Kim birth date

I'm working on the David Kim (violinist) article, and I'm trying to find his date of birth. All the sources says his birth date was sometime in 1963, but I can't figure out which day it was. Can someone help find his birth date? Thanks! Hurricanefan25 (talk) 17:42, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

The Philadelphia Inquirer gives his date of birth as 24 May 1963 here. --Antiquary (talk) 18:22, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Pinhey & Woods Compass Corrector

Hello, I have a Pinhey & Woods Compass Corrector (search shows Pincey). I’ve been unsuccessful in finding any information about the Compass. The Compass was owned by my Grandmother’s father or Grandfather who was a shipbuilder in New York in the 1800’s. I am not sure of the last name I think it was Defflinson. The Compass is mounted in a portable wooden box which has a removable top. The information located on the face of the compass is: Pinhey & Woods Compass Corrector Patent Compass Corrector Sole Manufactor THO’s C. Sargent Rotherhithe, London Information from the sighting instrument located on top of Compass is printed inside of an oval: By Royal Letters Pattent Pinhey & Woods

Compass Corrector

58 High St South Hampton

Information located directly below oval:

T.C. Sargent London 239 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.247.198.22 (talk) 18:06, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

According to this article from 1859, Mr Pinhey was the first officer on the SS Alhambra of P&O, and invented (although I'm not sure if he patented) a portable deviation table, an example of which you now possess. Tevildo (talk) 21:59, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

It's obvious that he _did_ patent it from your description of the device. ;) Tevildo (talk) 22:02, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

German chocolate

Hallo friends. Germany's renowned for its chocolate, and I'm lucky enough to be in Berlin for two days for business, before going home to Oslo (I won't be really going home to Seattle for six months, but of course you don't care for my life story). Can anybody recommend a place (or places) where I can buy good German chocolate- the bar kind- here in Berlin, but more important, relatively cheap? It should be pretty close to the attractions of Berlin because that's where I'll be spending most of my free time. THanks (Or Dank :) 79.197.211.109 (talk) 20:38, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

If you want to buy things cheaply, avoid gift shops that cater to tourists. Perhaps a regular grocery store would do. Does a discount grocery store like Aldi stock decent chocolates there ? (You might want to try a bite before you buy a lot, in case they aren't quite up to par.) StuRat (talk) 20:46, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

I am sure Germany makes fine chocolate, but I have never heard of it as being one of the specialities of that country. Switzerland and Belgium yes, but not Germany. --Saddhiyama (talk) 20:58, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

You're not familiar with Ritter Sport or Choco Leibniz? Something worth familiarizing oneself with if one has the opportunity. :) Tevildo (talk) 22:25, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Yes I am familiar with those, but to me that is more like standard massproduced chocolate than the exclusive high cocoa content chocolate of Switzerland and Belgium. --Saddhiyama (talk) 17:58, 30 June 2011 (UTC)

You could visit "Ritter Sport BUNTE SCHOKOWELT BERLIN" homepage (in German), scroll down for address - from what my sister told me (she lives in Berlin) it's quite nice (with a "museum" part) and they have special flavours at their shop you won't get in supermarkets like "real" and "Kaufland" (which probably is where you can buy brand-name chocolate at the lowest price). I'm not sure about the prices at the Ritter Sport store, but they shouldn't be much more expensive than in the supermarket. I prefer Ritter Sport, but Stollwerck also makes "German chocolate" - "Sarotti" (tastes quite nice) and "Alpia" (not so great IMHO). If you want good but inexpensive chocolate visit discounters like "ALDI" (rumour has it their own-brand is produced by Stollwerck), "LIDL", "PENNY" or "NETTO" - their own-brand 200 g bars are really delicious and only cost about 80 ct each. 84.177.25.254 (talk) 22:27, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

I'd say the "default" German chocolate is Milka (despite its nominal Swiss origin) and Ritter Sport, followed by (overpriced) de:Merci. You won't get the brands at Aldi, but I think Penny, another discount chain, has them. Expect to pay 59-79 Eurocent for a 100g bar. If you want to go a bit upmarket, de:Rausch Schokoladen is a relatively recent, but excellent new product. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 22:42, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Wait. There is German chocolate that isn't filled with liqueur? That's the first thing I think of. Rmhermen (talk) 23:39, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Ritter Sport was one of my favorite treats when I was staying in southern germany, they sold it at the school store even. Aldi has Lindl bars if I recall and those are good enough for me, I brought back a few kilos from my latest trip in 2008. They even had some fun stuff like bars with pepper in (intensifies the chocolate flavor). They also had my favorite, very-high-cacao-content dark chocolate that seems to be higher concentration than anything I've seen in the US (85% cacao). HominidMachinae (talk) 09:00, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Not hard to find at most U.S. supermarkets. Dark is trendy right now. See[5] for some brands. (Although I would like to know exactly how adding milk and sugar destroys antioxidants?) Rmhermen (talk) 15:31, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

It doesn't strictly destroy them, but it does lower their concentration. Eating 100 grams of a 15% cacao chocolate bar would have 1/4th the antioxidant amount as eating 100 grams of a 60% cacao chocolate bar. The diference in active ingredients is being replaced by fat and sugar, or empty calories. So, you don't destroy the antioxidants, but you do lower their effectiveness by simply having less of them; low-cacao chocolate may have so little antioxidant amounts as to be insignificant compared to comparitive effects of eating more fats and sugars on your overall health. --Jayron32 17:45, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

The link I provided claimed it destroyed them, which is dubious. Rmhermen (talk) 18:09, 30 June 2011 (UTC)

Also note that sugar is an oxidant, thus a chocolate bar with lots of sugar and very little or no cacao may do more harm than good. StuRat (talk) 14:10, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

I just like very-high-cacao for the taste. I was also giving some as a gift to my diabetic stepdaughter, and it had something like 2.7g of carbs per serving as opposed to 20 or more grams for a bar of milk chocolate. HominidMachinae (talk) 23:37, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Anent not much: "German's Sweet Chocolate" is an American chocolate developed by Samuel German. [6] Collect (talk) 18:44, 30 June 2011 (UTC)

396 SS Chevy El Camino

1. What year did Chevy begin making the swevel seat option in the SS 396 El Camino?

2. What year did Chevy discontinue making the swevel seat option in the SS 396 El Camino?

3. Were there any years (in between) when the swevel option in the SS 396 was not offered in the El Camino?

Thank you! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.189.32.54 (talk) 21:30, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Not an answer, but it's spelled "swivel", in case you do any searches with that term.

Bible text

how many does the word man appear in the bible — Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.155.24.238 (talk) 22:39, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

What you need to find is a bible concordance which is an index of words used in the bible. However, (as you should be aware) there are literally dozens of common English-language translations of the Bible, so you are going to need to know which translation you are working from, and have an appropriate concordance for that version. Nearly all of the major English translations (King James Version, New King James Version, New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, etc.) have extensive concordances, either published as an addendum in the same book, or as a seperate volume. Also, many of these translations have different protestant, orthodox, and catholic versions (based upon how they treat the deuterocanonical books for example). Each translation is going to be somewhat different, and so will include different numbers of the word "man" (for example, some translations may make a distinction between the use of the word "man" to refer to "humankind" and to refer to the male gender, while others may not). However, if you have a specific version in mind, you can find the concordance in question and probably answer the question. Any major library should have all of the major bible translations and concordances. My smallish Southern Baptist church has a library which has all of these versions, and concordances, in several copies. --Jayron32 22:50, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

Also note that some more modern translations may substitute "people" or "humanity" or such for "man", where appropriate. StuRat (talk) 23:14, 28 June 2011 (UTC)

FWIW the KJ version on my hard drive has the word "man" 2735 times (197 of those are "son of man"). "Woman" gets 364 hits.--Shantavira|^{feed me} 07:29, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Various websites claim to let you search the King James Version and count the number of occurrences of a word. Blue Letter[7] says "man" occurs 2737 times. godsview.com[8] says "man" occurs 2142 times and "man's" 122 times. King James Bible Online[9] gives 2036. Bible Gateway's search[10] gives 3323 results, but it doesn't promise to give the exact count. Some of these may include "man" if it occurs inside another word or in compound words or forms like "man's". Some may use different or corrupt texts, or even omit the New Testament. --Colapeninsula (talk) 10:53, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

Your question is problematic. First, what do you mean by "Bible"? This may sound a silly question, but there are many definitions. Do you mean the Pentateuch only? Do you mean the New Testament only? Both? Something else? And then, which books do you accept or not accept as being part of the Bible - is, for example, the Book of Maccabees in or out? Our article Biblical canon lists a whole host of different definitions of what the Bible is. Then, what do you mean by "the word man"? Do you mean, in English translations, the word "man"? Or, in English translations, words including the word "man", like say "mankind"? Or do you mean literally the word "man", which occurs in Exodus 16:15 and is translated as "What" and is the origins what comes to be known in English asMannah? --Dweller (talk) 11:07, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

In other words, the word 'man' appears in the bible 0 times, because 'man' is an English word and the bible is not written in English. An English translation is never necessarily going to be objectively authoritative. But, like suggested above, a concordance would help you with getting a rough estimate. DRosenbach ^{(Talk | Contribs)} 13:09, 1 July 2011 (UTC)