Answerbag: Scoundral's answers

Answer to What were the core beliefs of Friedrich Nietzsche?

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 10:26:54 -0800

What were the core beliefs of Friedrich Nietzsche?

Nietzsche's beliefs are based on the writings of Schopenhaeur (who is most likely based upon Kant, so on, so forth, back to eastern philosophy) that the driving force of the universe is greed. Most philosophies teach us that the highest value is morality, or resisting our greed, and helping...

Answer to What is the origin of the name "Skunk Works" ?

Mon, 08 Aug 2005 07:20:59 -0700

What is the origin of the name "Skunk Works" ?

It's from the Lil Abner comic strips. It was the name of the place where they brewed moonshine from dead skunks. The name was adopted by Lockheed for their operating team perhaps as a result of the look and smell of their "factory" during the shooting star project, 1943. Hope this...

Answer to Why don't human beings have tails?

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 16:38:42 -0700

Why don't human beings have tails?

We do have tails, all mammals have tails. The coccyx is your tailbone, it's what's left of the human tail and it's just too small to poke out behind us. The simplest answer is because we dont need it anymore. Tails are primarily for balancing a quadrapedal animal (seeing as their...

Answer to Because of evolution, will humans one day be completely hairless?

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 16:28:13 -0700

Because of evolution, will humans one day be completely hairless?

Most likely not. Humans, at this point, have already gotten rid of just about all the hair we ever will, and the reason we still retain some is that it serves a purpose. Eyebrows serve as a guard for your eyes, collecting dust before it has a chance to fall into your eye. Hair on your...

Answer to Is their any reliable, independent evidence for the existence of Jesus of the new testament as a historical figure?

Sun, 31 Jul 2005 20:38:14 -0700

Is their any reliable, independent evidence for the existence of Jesus of the new testament as a historical figure?

No. The only "evidence" of his existance is religious, and therefore biased, unreliable, and dependant. Unfortunatally, for mankind, the two sides of this debate have an unusual connection. In most debates, evidence is pulled to-and-fro between the opposing parties until one side...

Answer to What is anarchy like on the Internet?

Sun, 31 Jul 2005 20:17:26 -0700

What is anarchy like on the Internet?

The internet is probably the house for modern Anarchy. Being able to connect to virtually any other computer, this day in age (when everything seems to be kept on computer) drops the natural illusion that someone capable enough could get access to whatever he or she wanted. Anarchy is...

Answer to Is each generation of humans becoming taller than the last? If so, why?

Sun, 31 Jul 2005 19:58:05 -0700

Is each generation of humans becoming taller than the last? If so, why?

According to numerous national surveys, Americans today are an average of 1 inch taller than they were in 1960 (last generation, apprx). According to "1001 nights" (bka "Arabian Nights"), which were written circa 1200 ce, a woman was considered tall if she reached a height of...

Answer to What do you call the hat that Jewish men wear?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:26:20 -0700

What do you call the hat that Jewish men wear?

I call it a beanie. They call it a yamulke. I'm not jewish but as far as I know it has a connection between god's radience entering the top of one's head or the like.

Answer to What are the reasons for the endurance of Rastafarianism?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:14:56 -0700

What are the reasons for the endurance of Rastafarianism?

1) It's differant 2) It appeals to rebellious youth 3) It's active... encourages action vs. prayer/etc 4) It encourages the use of marijuana, thus further appealing to youth edit: No, I'm not a Rasta, but if you must ask me a question, you can find my email address under...

Answer to Who is the leader for the Confucian religion?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:10:14 -0700

Who is the leader for the Confucian religion?

Confucious, originally.

Answer to Why do some Christians reject evolution?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:08:05 -0700

Why do some Christians reject evolution?

Christian beliefs were founded long, long before evolution was ever conceived. For a religion to be as strong as Christianity is, it must convince it's followers of dogma (that the religion is infallible). To embrace a new concept, however logical it may be, would be to cast doubt on...

Answer to How did the tradition of calling "shotgun" in order to secure your position in the front passenger seat of a vehicle originate?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:40:37 -0700

How did the tradition of calling "shotgun" in order to secure your position in the front passenger seat of a vehicle originate?

The phrase "riding shotgun" originated in 1963 from old west movies in which wagons would oft have the passenger using a shotgun to fend off potential attackers, leaving the driver to worry about the reins. However, calling "shotgun" is much more contemporary, likely not...

Answer to What are the basic rules for calling "shotgun"?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:25:56 -0700

What are the basic rules for calling "shotgun"?

My basic rules: 1) Have pity on the sad fool that thinks saying "shotgun" means they get to sit in the front 2) proceed to sit in the front seat and ignore their whining "but I called it" like a pre-schooler 3) If I know them, deny it. If I dont know them... I...

Answer to Why would anyone "row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream..." when you really need to row upstream only?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:33:09 -0700

Why would anyone "row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream..." when you really need to row upstream only?

You dont need to drive downhill, either, but that doesn't mean that nobody had the crazy idea to do it.

Answer to What does the phrase mean, "benefit of the doubt" or "give the benefit of the doubt" and how was that originated?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:29:57 -0700

What does the phrase mean, "benefit of the doubt" or "give the benefit of the doubt" and how was that originated?

The phrase is quite literal, "benefit"... something given as a gift "doubt"... disbelief I'll give you the gift of not believing. Which sounds perhaps like an oxymoron when not used in context. Say someone is shot and you find your friend with a...

Answer to What does the phrase "fair enough" mean? What is the origin?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 20:17:41 -0700

What does the phrase "fair enough" mean? What is the origin?

It means that (whatever happens to be the subject at hand) is fair enough that you agree. It's rather hard to explain because this isn't an expression but a legitimate use of two words in the language. It originated in the early 1900s America, as a colloquialism. Examples: ...

Answer to How did the the term "had a wild hair" originate?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 19:52:40 -0700

How did the the term "had a wild hair" originate?

It's actually "had a wild hare", as in a rabbit. It's an American expression meaning to do something at the spur of the moment without really thinking, spontaneity. It originated from "had a wild hare up my <insert rated "G" synonym>". If you had...

Answer to What does it mean when you have "book smarts" or "street smarts"?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 19:37:01 -0700

What does it mean when you have "book smarts" or "street smarts"?

It's Intellegence vs. Wisdom One can be learnt from a book, the other can only be taught by experiencing life. A scientist is intellegent (book smart). A philosipher is wise ("street" smart). It's low slang for words that already existed but were, I guess, too hard to...

Answer to What is the etymology of "dog" ?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 19:16:14 -0700

What is the etymology of "dog" ?

From middle english "dogge", from Old English "docga". It's the male term for a canine, a female is a bitch.

Answer to What is the origin of "Pros and cons"? Are the words abbreviations?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 19:01:15 -0700

What is the origin of "Pros and cons"? Are the words abbreviations?

They are not abbreviations- they are the latin words for "for" and "against" respectively, and can often be found in modern english words in the form of prefixes. Amusing enough, "Congress" is kinda the opposite of "Progress" :P

Answer to Is there any difference between the two sentences "I met my friend" and "I met with my friend" ?

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 20:33:37 -0700

Is there any difference between the two sentences "I met my friend" and "I met with my friend" ?

[Just a forenote: If you are new to English it should be mentioned that English conversationalism requires either of these statements (while both technically correct) to include more information, vis-r-vis prepositions. Hence why all my examples will include them, because either of the sentences...

Answer to Following the Moore's Law of 18 Months per Doubling, what year do we expect to reach 2.89*10^90 Flops, whose amount is, by the way, the amount of sand grains needed to pack the observable universe solid with sand?

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 09:48:10 -0700

Following the Moore's Law of 18 Months per Doubling, what year do we expect to reach 2.89*10^90 Flops, whose amount is, by the way, the amount of sand grains needed to pack the observable universe solid with sand?

We dont expect to. Moore's "law" was proven false, just a few weeks ago, when somebody got it into their head that "hey- chips can only get SO small", and thus the trend dies. However, I think it's a pretty narrow assessment, because frankly humans aren't...

Answer to Many of my toenails have been curling for several months. I am advancing in year, and am wondering if this could be caused by a vitamin deficiency?

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 20:14:16 -0700

Many of my toenails have been curling for several months. I am advancing in year, and am wondering if this could be caused by a vitamin deficiency?

This is a very common condition with aging. Vitamin C is a good bet for general nail health, but your condition specifically is usually a result of B12 deficciency. Other nail conditions resulting from deficiencies include: Dry / Brittle - Vitamin A deficiency Cuts / cracks -...

Answer to I get these tiny little bubbles of liquid on my toes, that are not blisters. It is possible to pop them, but then my toes hurt. What are these and how do I prevent them?

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 19:56:51 -0700

I get these tiny little bubbles of liquid on my toes, that are not blisters. It is possible to pop them, but then my toes hurt. What are these and how do I prevent them?

If by tiny, you mean they are the size of, say, a grain of salt? Then it is technically a blister, but it has nothing to do with your shoes. It is a common result of Athlete's Foot, a fungal growth. If the sides of your feet itch a lot, or your toes burn- you probably have athlete's...

Answer to How do you grow dreadlocks?

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 19:38:57 -0700

How do you grow dreadlocks?

Most people's hair will never grow into dreadlocks by simply "not washing" it, not in their lifetime, anyway. Not washing your hair, for many people, will result in very greasy hair and little more. Some people, genetically, can grow dreadlocks as such, but alternatively one needs...

Answer to What is "All your base are belong to us"? Where did it come from?

Sun, 26 Jun 2005 18:05:17 -0700

What is "All your base are belong to us"? Where did it come from?

It's Engrish (poor japanese-english translation) for "We now control your entire base". It comes from the 1989 space-ship shooter Zero Wing (Toaplan). The game was your typical run-o-the-mill Gradius knock-off, however... for the Europeon release, they added a special intro to the...

Answer to How did the words 'john' and 'trick' come to describe men who pay for prostitutes?

Sat, 25 Jun 2005 21:34:07 -0700

How did the words 'john' and 'trick' come to describe men who pay for prostitutes?

Both of these words are Cant (that is to say, codewords used to disguise one's shady business). "John", like most cant words, was probably chosen specifically to be a code and agreed upon by most in the business, thusly passed on to next generations of prostitutes. Also, like most...

Answer to Why do people who speak two languages speak in a mixture of both during normal conversation?

Sat, 25 Jun 2005 09:55:20 -0700

Why do people who speak two languages speak in a mixture of both during normal conversation?

Most of them don't, most of the time. Sometimes when a child has a family that speaks one language at home, and they go to school and people speak a differant language- they become confused and probably dont even know there is more than one language in the world. They will speak the words...

Answer to Why do we say uhhhh, or ummm when speaking?

Sat, 25 Jun 2005 09:42:00 -0700

Why do we say uhhhh, or ummm when speaking?

They are interjections, used primarily in a vocal sense, to fill a pause when uncertain of what you will next say. It is also used a lot in internet-teletype, in which IMers and the lot try to mimic colloquilisms. The origin is elusive, but it can be assumed that the use of a vowel is the natural...

Answer to Can the new Xbox 360 play regular Xbox games?

Fri, 24 Jun 2005 23:16:50 -0700

Can the new Xbox 360 play regular Xbox games?

While the official announcement is "We'll make an announcement about that later", the general thinking is that... no, it will not. While I'm rather TOed about "next-gen" consoles coming out already (with little in the way of innovation)- I personally think they...

Answer to Why is carrying someone on your back called a "piggy-back ride"?

Sun, 19 Jun 2005 04:53:53 -0700

Why is carrying someone on your back called a "piggy-back ride"?

It's a collaquial alteration of "pickaback" ride, with pick meaning "to throw" (as in pitch). So a pick-a-back ride meant to throw something on your back, and thus the origin of piggy-back.

Answer to Is there a facial expression that signifies envy?

Sat, 18 Jun 2005 21:01:51 -0700

Is there a facial expression that signifies envy?

Yes and No. In truth, when one is feeling envy, their face is usually blank. Their face reacts (if one is smiling and then turns a corner to see their love in another's arms, their face drops to a blank) but there is no "expression" more the unexpression. This is typically how you...

Answer to What is the origin of the word "OK"?

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 23:57:27 -0700

What is the origin of the word "OK"?

The definitive answer is, according to Columbia University's Dr. Allen Walker Read, the "oll korrect" one, but allow me to further elaborate. It is often linked to Andrew Jackson in his infamy with mispelling (I must be related), he did not coin the term "oll...

Answer to Where is a good place to buy original NES games online?

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:44:06 -0700

Where is a good place to buy original NES games online?

Ebay is always the best answer, you can pick up bulks of games for great prices. However, you can access just about any NES game you want for free at http://www.consoleclassix.com as well as Atari 2600 games. And for $5 a month, also get unlimited access to the site which includes SNES and...

Answer to Are there any "virtual girlfriend" games (like the ones in Japan) available in the US in English?

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 21:35:01 -0700

Are there any "virtual girlfriend" games (like the ones in Japan) available in the US in English?

http://www.newgrounds.com/collections/datingsims.html there is a good link to some online web-based sim dates. Hope that helps.

Answer to How did the different punctuation marks get their names?

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 23:58:39 -0700

How did the different punctuation marks get their names?

notmrjohn's answer was great and very imformitive. I'd just like to add some info regarding "&" ampersand. According to Imponderibles, the name comes from old school houses, in which children learning their letters would find this above their blackboard "A B C D E F G...

Answer to Does 'an' precede a word beginning with 'h'? Or is it 'a'?

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 23:41:32 -0700

Does 'an' precede a word beginning with 'h'? Or is it 'a'?

This varies moslty on wether you're British or American. A lot of words with silent "h"s (In America) are unsilent in Britain, and visa-versa. Such as "herb", which the Americans pronounce 'erb and the British, herb. The converse is true of here, which the...

Answer to Why do most Christians find Wicca holy icons to be Demonic, such as pentagrams, etc.?

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 21:29:20 -0700

Why do most Christians find Wicca holy icons to be Demonic, such as pentagrams, etc.?

The first, and most obvious answer, is fear. Wiccan practices come from primitive cultures and thus their rituals and icons are something of a throw-back to modern civilisation. Dancing around a fire, naked- while at one time would be nothing more than a spirited celebration, is now-a-days...

Answer to I am 12, alot of muscle and a little fat.and that is bothering me and i want to get a 6 pack before hockey season. what is the best diet.

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 15:25:32 -0700

I am 12, alot of muscle and a little fat.and that is bothering me and i want to get a 6 pack before hockey season. what is the best diet.

If by diet you mean weight loss diet, than none. A 12 year old should never try to lose weight, nor should anyone who is still growing. The best diet is naturally a healthy diet, so it's more a matter of balancing things than restricting yourself. The goal in mind is to tone your body, and...

Answer to If Star Wars happened "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away," how can it have humans in it?

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 08:25:48 -0700

If Star Wars happened "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away," how can it have humans in it?

While jenniferprofit's answer is sufficient, I think it could have been better. First off, the word "Terran" is a product of science-fiction, and while I like the notion of classifying our race as something other than the tired "earthling" the fact is that we're...

Answer to Where does "Polly want a cracker?" come from and what does it mean?

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 19:31:22 -0700

Where does "Polly want a cracker?" come from and what does it mean?

It is a common saying to parrots. It literally means what it says... do you want a cracker? This is often used in training a parrot's unique ability to "speak". It's the common command, much like "sit", "stay", "roll-over", etc are the norms for...

Answer to Where can I find a full list of Cockney rhyming slang phrases, including their meanings?

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 18:00:08 -0700

Where can I find a full list of Cockney rhyming slang phrases, including their meanings?

http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/cockney/letter/A.aspx Blimey! Seems ter be da most extensive collecshun I've seen. Nuff said, yeah?

Answer to Where can I learn to do voodoo?

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 20:28:14 -0700

Where can I learn to do voodoo?

First off, voodoo isn't something you do, it's a religion. This would be the equivalent of a non-christian reading stories about Jesus walking on water and saying "how can I do christianity?". Voodoo (Vodoun, Houdun, Hoodoo, etc) is a hybrid of Catholicism and Africian...

Answer to Are men technically still needed for the survival of the human race?

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 16:18:38 -0700

Are men technically still needed for the survival of the human race?

No. The human race could probably survive a few hundred years without men. But long term survival most definatally requires men. How, pray, would we reproduce without them? Artificial Insemination requires semen, which comes from males. Cloning is far from adanced enough to allow the cloning of...

Answer to Will men and women ever be able to compete as equals in a sports? Or are mens' and womens' physiques so different that this will never be possible?

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 12:11:48 -0700

Will men and women ever be able to compete as equals in a sports? Or are mens' and womens' physiques so different that this will never be possible?

If you mean- will men and women ever be equally matched physically? no, they wont. Men, as a whole, tend to excell in activities that require large exersions of strength at given times; where women tend to excell in activities that require endurance and extended periods of muscle activity. As a...

Answer to How do you know if a star fruit is ripe and how is star fruit eaten?

Sat, 11 Jun 2005 11:19:19 -0700

How do you know if a star fruit is ripe and how is star fruit eaten?

A starfruit begins green and as it grows becomes yellow at the center, and eventually orange. The tips of each prong will stay green for quite some time until eventually the fruit becomes very soft and almost soggy in which it's tips become a deep orange as well. I would consider a star...

Answer to Besides meat, what other foods can harm you if eaten raw?

Sat, 11 Jun 2005 10:54:44 -0700

Besides meat, what other foods can harm you if eaten raw?

Most foods, in general, are perfectly edible raw, including meat. It's the presence of bacteria that warrent caution, and cooking kills most bacteria- hence the reason we do it. It just so happens meat is a natural choice for bacteria to inhabit because they eat it like we do, thus is should...

Answer to Is there anything I can do to reduce the heat in chili that is too hot?

Sat, 11 Jun 2005 10:43:41 -0700

Is there anything I can do to reduce the heat in chili that is too hot?

Take it off the burner and let it cool in an airy room. It will cool faster uncovered than covered. Stir occasionally to release heat from within. If you must eat it right away (lord knows cooking chili makes you hungry) use plastic silverware and blow on each bite before enjoying.

Answer to My Xbox Mad-Catz wireless controller does not work. How can I fix it?

Sat, 11 Jun 2005 01:29:25 -0700

My Xbox Mad-Catz wireless controller does not work. How can I fix it?

Step 1) Figure out what's wrong with it or have someone look at it and tell you. Step 2) Repost the question with more information :) You're better off returning the controller to the store you bought it from, you'd only waste time and money getting it repaired. You should...

Answer to I am a black woman and I am involved with a Hindu. I know he likes me a lot but he is so dedicated to his belief system that he is hesitant to move forward with me. What makes him so dedicated his beliefs?

Sat, 11 Jun 2005 01:22:43 -0700

I am a black woman and I am involved with a Hindu. I know he likes me a lot but he is so dedicated to his belief system that he is hesitant to move forward with me. What makes him so dedicated his beliefs?

Fear and insecurity are the things that make any religious person devout of their beliefs. His grasp of life is limited only to what Hinduism has taught him and it has taught him that anything else is a lie. His fear of the afterlife ensures he will devote his life to the teachings.

Answer to Is it true that most runway models are anorexic?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 23:03:22 -0700

Is it true that most runway models are anorexic?

Yes and no. While I doubt there are any statistics about the personal lives of countless models, our best guess is that a large number of them are anorexic (starve themselves) or bulemic (bing food then vomit it up). In a career revolved around beauty, and with models getting skinnier and...

Answer to My PS2 has been unplayed for about 3 months. I tried to use it and I get sound but no picture. What could be wrong?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:54:11 -0700

My PS2 has been unplayed for about 3 months. I tried to use it and I get sound but no picture. What could be wrong?

Starting with the most obvious, perhaps the A/V cord has been pulled loose over the 3 months, check the connection, the video cord is the yellow one. If you have a coaxial cable (screws in, has a prong) or its not loose, perhaps it needs replacing. You can contact yourlocal distributor, go to...

Answer to Why won't Answerbag put up messageboards and chatrooms?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:46:50 -0700

Why won't Answerbag put up messageboards and chatrooms?

Because they (answerbags and chatrooms) would encourage the useless blog that Answerbag tries to avoid. In essence this whole website is a messageboard, just a strictly regulated one that is only allowed to be questions and answers. So by asking AB to "add a message board" you'd...

Answer to What is a Johnny-come-lately?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:42:32 -0700

What is a Johnny-come-lately?

-=Original (wrong) answer=- It comes from a song.... called "Johnny Come Lately" (by Steve Earl and the Pogues) It's about a man named Johnny who's never there when he needs him, so they dub him Johnny-come-lately. It's someone who's gone when you need them...

Answer to When stating a time, such as 3 a.m., is it necessary to add "in the morning"?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:28:08 -0700

When stating a time, such as 3 a.m., is it necessary to add "in the morning"?

If you say "3 am", not at all... because "a.m." (technically "anti meridian") means in the morning, on it's own. Saying "3 a.m. in the morning" is redundant and while it's not incorrect, it comes off strange. It's not a matter of correct...

Answer to What is the difference between "first" and "first ever"?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:23:18 -0700

What is the difference between "first" and "first ever"?

Nothing, technically. However, because "first" can be used in shortterm, speakers often add "ever" to emphasis the extreme that it's never happened before. For example: "That's the first time I've seen him, today" It's not the...

Answer to What is the difference between "new" and "all new"?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 22:14:55 -0700

What is the difference between "new" and "all new"?

Nothing other than emphasis. They are synonymous but used in different context, with "All new" being exclamitory. "The new super-vac vaccuum cleaner" would be telling your friends about it "The all new super-vac vaccuum cleaner" would be pitching a sale

Answer to Why do kids/teens sometimes hide food under their beds?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 11:52:04 -0700

Why do kids/teens sometimes hide food under their beds?

Because hiding it on top of their beds would be silly, not to mention uncomfortable :P No, this is something me and my brother did at a time, when we were around 11. We stole food from our grandmother's refridgerator and hid it in a wicker basket. There was no real logical reason for...

Answer to From where does the name "Immo" originate, and what is its history and meaning?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 11:02:58 -0700

From where does the name "Immo" originate, and what is its history and meaning?

It is most likely a male form of Imma, or just a general variation. Imma (or Ima) is a low German form of Irma, which means "universal". It has since been adapted into Spanish, Hungarian, Finnish, and Italian.

Answer to What is the origin and/or meaning of the name Emrich?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:57:05 -0700

What is the origin and/or meaning of the name Emrich?

A variation (possibly Jewish or Polish) of the German Emmerich, or Emeric, which means "work rule" in Germanic.

Answer to What is the meaning and origin of the last name Balsley?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:49:10 -0700

What is the meaning and origin of the last name Balsley?

Possibly from the Polish "Boleslaw" which means "large" (bole) "glory" (slav). A name of kings, Boleslaw the Brave was the first king of Poland.

Answer to What nationality does the surname Cesar come from?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:46:40 -0700

What nationality does the surname Cesar come from?

France, Spain, and Portugal Their variation of the Ancient Roman, Caesar It means "hairy"

Answer to Where does the surname "Surla" originate from and what does it mean?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:40:25 -0700

Where does the surname "Surla" originate from and what does it mean?

While I find no Surla, it is possibly a variation of Sharla, which is a variation of Charle, which is a female equivalent of Charles, which is a westernized version of Karl, which originally meant "man" in German. However, since it's gone a long way from Karl, and it's...

Answer to What does the name 'Westin' mean

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:34:35 -0700

What does the name 'Westin' mean

It is a variation of Weston, which is a place-name for western England. It was commonly used in place of a surname at one time, as most people took on the name of their father or the name of their home.

Answer to Where does the surname "Serrano" originate from and what is the meaning?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 10:26:58 -0700

Where does the surname "Serrano" originate from and what is the meaning?

Serrano means "from the Sierra", in short. It's commonly used as an adjective, i.e Serrano Ham, an expensive meat from the highlands of spain.

Answer to Could somebody establish a base on an uncharted island in international waters and declare it to be their own country? Would other nations recognize its sovereignity?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 00:55:04 -0700

Could somebody establish a base on an uncharted island in international waters and declare it to be their own country? Would other nations recognize its sovereignity?

Assuming you did find an island that wasn't possessed by another country, you could theoretically, but you cant. As most countries own islands they dont even know exist and nobody exer sets foot on. Aside from Antartica, the world is pretty much owned. And as for the southern icecube-...

Answer to Where does the custom of calling grandmothers Nana come from?

Fri, 10 Jun 2005 00:04:02 -0700

Where does the custom of calling grandmothers Nana come from?

It's a mock of baby-talk. Grandmother, long winded as the word is for a name, has a good half dozen abbreviations. Somewhere along the lines, it was naturally shortened to "Granny". With the undeveloped mouth of a toddler, shaping a "G" is much more difficult than an...

Answer to Where does the word "Cajun" come from?

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 23:39:20 -0700

Where does the word "Cajun" come from?

It comes from the word "Acadian", of pertaining to the Acadian immigrants from Nova Scotia that settled in the Luisiana area. Knowing the Cajun's infamous accent (they can turn "New Orleans" into the one sylable 'nawlns") it's not hard to see how it went...

Answer to In Japanese culture, what's the meaning of maru on the names? I.e., Semimaru.

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 23:34:51 -0700

In Japanese culture, what's the meaning of maru on the names? I.e., Semimaru.

In context, nothing. It's just part of a name like "son" has become to Western surnames- Thompson, Wilson, Johnson. Of course, at one time, "son" was used in place of a surname in a time when most people didn't have one, it literally meant you were the son of...

Answer to Why is the word "Honky" not as offensive to white people as the word "Nigger" is to black people?

Mon, 30 May 2005 19:45:33 -0700

Why is the word "Honky" not as offensive to white people as the word "Nigger" is to black people?

Essentially the same reason blacks can make racist remarks in movies, TV, radio, etc and nobody minds, but a white person doing the same is condemned. White people dont pay enough attention to what blacks think to care. The white race has never been the underdog, so as a whole it's too...

Answer to What is the origin and meaning of the phrase, "Who's your daddy?"

Mon, 30 May 2005 19:20:22 -0700

What is the origin and meaning of the phrase, "Who's your daddy?"

"Who's your daddy?" is originally a sexual referance regarding Submission. When a man and a woman.... get together, it's not uncommon for her to refer to him as "daddy" or "papi", she is basically being obedient to him and stroking the male's dominant...

Answer to What are some unique or unusual things to do with the cremated remains of a loved one?

Sun, 29 May 2005 21:16:53 -0700

What are some unique or unusual things to do with the cremated remains of a loved one?

Put them in an etch-a-sketch and play with them forever

Answer to Who gave Santa's reindeer their names?

Sun, 29 May 2005 20:54:27 -0700

Who gave Santa's reindeer their names?

The first record of santa's reindeer having any names is from "A Visit from Saint Nicholas", an anonymously submitted poem in the December 23, 1823 edition of Troy Sentinel newspaper, New York. The poem was widely spread and very popular, you know it today as "The Night Before...

Answer to Did the Founding Fathers (and Mothers) speak with an English accent? When did the American 'dialect' emerge?

Sun, 29 May 2005 01:19:35 -0700

Did the Founding Fathers (and Mothers) speak with an English accent? When did the American 'dialect' emerge?

If there were a recipe for a dialect, one of the key ingredients would be isolation. Keep in mind, the English language as we know it today is an evolution of Anglo-germanic languages of German conquerer tribes (i.e. the hutts, the goths) but due to the fact that the island of England is isolated...

Answer to Is it possible to actually have a mask like Darth Vader's that breathes for you?

Sat, 28 May 2005 23:14:26 -0700

Is it possible to actually have a mask like Darth Vader's that breathes for you?

In a manner of speaking, yes. They use them in the ER all the time, it's basically a plastic bubble with a mouthpeice- you squeeze the bubble and air is forced into your mouth and your lungs expand. Basically mechanical CPR. They aren't as cool looking nor do they make that cool scuba...

Answer to What is the meaning of life?

Sun, 22 May 2005 19:46:30 -0700

What is the meaning of life?

n. pl. lives (lvz) 1. 1. The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the...

Answer to Why don't people in Heaven come back to Earth to visit?

Sun, 22 May 2005 19:44:03 -0700

Why don't people in Heaven come back to Earth to visit?

All depends on what you consider "development". America is superiour to Ethiopia's development in every way, technologicially, but try emailing them and see what happens. Sure, we could go over there and talk to them in person, but we're just too advanced to bother, if they...

Answer to Did Jesus establish his kingdom?

Sun, 22 May 2005 19:19:20 -0700

Did Jesus establish his kingdom?

The fact that there is a christian discussion board on this website I believe is proof enough that Jesus established a kingdom of god onto the earth. The fact that American money states "In god we trust" is evidence (weather or not it should be removed is not the point) that there is a...

Answer to I heard that prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, the human life span was approximately 800 years. Could this be true?

Sun, 22 May 2005 19:13:37 -0700

I heard that prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, the human life span was approximately 800 years. Could this be true?

Edit Moronos, forgive me... it was unbeknownst to me that you had read every revision and edition of the bible enough to say that I did not read what I'm holding in my hands right now. Yes, many Christians beleive the bible is inerrible but that does not make them right, I'm looking...

Answer to What is the difference between the Xbox and the Xbox 2?

Fri, 20 May 2005 22:47:40 -0700

What is the difference between the Xbox and the Xbox 2?

The Xbox 360 was finally unveiled at E3 2005, so the answers are official, now! :) The first, most noticable differance is the appearance. If the original Xbox was a Hum-V, than the Xbox 360 is a Ferrari. Microsoft's sales in Japan were never phenomenal, so they've redesigned it for...

Answer to Can a Pagan/Wiccan call themselves sorcerer or sorceress as opposed to witch?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:59:27 -0700

Can a Pagan/Wiccan call themselves sorcerer or sorceress as opposed to witch?

They can call themself whatever they want.. but it's important not to get fixated on names. Wicca is a religion, not a D&D expansion.. we're not in this to be "cool" or have spiffy titles like Wizard or Warlock. If you must call yourself a sorcerer, there is no harm in...

Answer to What does marijuana smoke smell like? How can I identify it?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:33:45 -0700

What does marijuana smoke smell like? How can I identify it?

The easiest, legal way you could find out would be to burn some sage.... can be found in grocery stores if you dont already have some on the spice rack. It smells very similar. In fact, be sure to burn it outside and shower afterwords... or someone might make assumptions O.o Also be careful about...

Answer to Are there health risks associated with smoking marijuana out of metal?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:23:31 -0700

Are there health risks associated with smoking marijuana out of metal?

I can guarantee there are health risks involved. No matter how you slice it, there are health risks involved in smoking marihuana out of anything. Getting shot in the brain by a bullet laced with cyonide has simaler health risks to getting shot in the brain with an ordinary bullet.

Answer to Can you die from smoking marijuana?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:17:08 -0700

Can you die from smoking marijuana?

Most definatally. You can also die from eating a steak, driving a car, or lighting a match.

Answer to Does smoking marijuana really kill brain cells?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 23:12:24 -0700

Does smoking marijuana really kill brain cells?

While there is a definative answer, I think this question is as futile as asking "Was it right for the U.S to enter the Vietnam War?". While I'm sure there are statistics that can answer the question, the real question is... who do you believe? Side A says they've done...

Answer to Where, when, and how was cream cheese invented?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:43:09 -0700

Where, when, and how was cream cheese invented?

According to about.com, cream cheese was invented in 1872 in New York state. It was soon distributed en masse via Philidelphia Brand Cream Cheese, which would later become a subsidiary of Kraft foods, in 1928. Cream Cheese, as we know it, is not to be confused with the French Neufchatel,...

Answer to What is worm cheese?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:18:47 -0700

What is worm cheese?

Yes, it's as gross as it sounds... worm cheese is basically cheese filled with worms. Ok, they're not technically worms- they're maggots, but equally yummy, nontheless. While we might stick our noses up at it, the people of the Sardinian region of Italy hold the treat in high...

Answer to How much money is there in the world?

Sun, 24 Apr 2005 21:55:08 -0700

How much money is there in the world?

"Money" is an etheral concept based solely on worth. The question, as it is, would be like asking how much the world is worth- because it brings up the question "to whom?". An economy is an accidental creation of man, based on human instinct. If we have something of value,...

Answer to In a melee battle between Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Cat Woman, The Hulk, Solid Snake, The Vampire Lestat, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mario, the $6 Million Man, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, who would win?

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 21:04:13 -0700

In a melee battle between Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Cat Woman, The Hulk, Solid Snake, The Vampire Lestat, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mario, the $6 Million Man, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, who would win?

I would say Superman. He was kinda the original superhero so he was never really balanced. He kinda has every power and his only weakness is a substance that cant even be found on earth O.o Nobody can really compete with that, which is why we're all glad Superman is on our side. ...

Answer to Which controller is better, the regular one or the "J"?

Wed, 06 Apr 2005 22:57:34 -0700

Which controller is better, the regular one or the "J"?

X-box was released with big, clumsy controllers that were not only cumbersome but of poor quality and design. These controllers (dubbed 'Duke' or type-D) were eventually replaced by the smaller and redesigned type-S. A sleeker design, it tends to fit the human hand a little better...

Answer to Which cheeses have the worst smell?

Fri, 25 Mar 2005 19:06:10 -0800

Which cheeses have the worst smell?

Completely subjective, of course, but Limburger cheese has a reputation for it's smell.

Answer to How does orange cheese get its color?

Fri, 25 Mar 2005 19:00:28 -0800

How does orange cheese get its color?

Specifically, the orange colour normally comes from ground Annato seeds, which produce a deep red, tasteless dust which, combined with the white turns the cheese orange. There is no practical reason for this colouring other than the fact that many customers prefer it over white which might be...

Answer to My girlfriend walked on a guy friend of hers who has a foot fetish. She says he got erect from it but they didn't have sex. Is this cheating?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 22:31:08 -0800

My girlfriend walked on a guy friend of hers who has a foot fetish. She says he got erect from it but they didn't have sex. Is this cheating?

If you have to ask if it's cheating, clearly your boundrys are not set with your girlfriend. Sometimes women do things because simply "why not?" and it seems harmless. If she got pleasure out of making getting him off, there might be a problem. But as long as she told you about it,...

Answer to Can a question truly be an answer?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 22:15:22 -0800

Can a question truly be an answer?

No. Assuming there is an answer to every question, wether we know it or not, some questions only lead to more questions which help to find an eventual answer. i.e. Who is that? - Question Who is who? - Response, not answer Although you have responded with a question, you are not...

Answer to How can I burn Xbox games to CDs or DVDs?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 19:35:18 -0800

How can I burn Xbox games to CDs or DVDs?

After the explosion in popularity of CD burning, most major game developers began encrypting files and making certain "hidden caches" to prevent games from being burnt into illegal copies. I'm willing to bet that any burnt games would not work- you'd probably get a message...

Answer to Will the bodies have ragdoll physics?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 15:04:16 -0800

Will the bodies have ragdoll physics?

Bungie has added the Havok physics system to Halo 2, meaning if you run into a grunt with a warthog, his body might fly into a barrel and knock it over. The body effects are not dissimaler to ragdoll, their limbs will flail and fall realistically if you throw a grende next to them, for example,...

Answer to Is there a way to unlock other races?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:57:15 -0800

Is there a way to unlock other races?

No, the races they allow you to be are the only races Tamriel (with the exception of differant breeds of Kahjiit). This is not including monsters or Aedra/Daedra (gods, demi-gods, and divine spirits) which you can not be. Edit: Grrr, thank you for posting that insightful comment about the PC...

Answer to How do I join more than one guild?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:51:41 -0800

How do I join more than one guild?

The three main Imperial Guilds (Fighters' Guild, Mages' Guild, Thieves' Guild) will let you join any or all of them. However, the Dunmer Houses (House Redoran, House Telvanni, House Hlaalu) are more strict in their memberships and will only allow you to be in one of the three. ...

Answer to How do you stop the alarm from going off at the last door before entering the courtyard?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:40:26 -0800

How do you stop the alarm from going off at the last door before entering the courtyard?

When in the dining room (where two guards search for you) there is a balcony over the door, take the balcony rather than the door and you should come out above the ambush and sneak out quietly to the ending credits. :)

Answer to In Pulp Fiction, is it true that the case owned by Mr. Wallace contained gold needed to buy back his soul from the devil?

Wed, 09 Feb 2005 14:31:25 -0800

In Pulp Fiction, is it true that the case owned by Mr. Wallace contained gold needed to buy back his soul from the devil?

I'm not sure about gold needed to buy his soul back, but the popular theory is that it is his soul itself. Apparently the bandaid on the back of his neck is where the devil removed his soul (claims say this is supported by the bible, but it is not- nowhere in the bible does it describe the...