Answerbag: neoepiphany's answers

Answer to How did our modern languages evolve?

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 14:52:29 -0800

How did our modern languages evolve?

Since this is a general question, I'll give a general answer. Many of my examples will come from English, because the history of English is one with which I am familiar. General answer: Modern lanuages evolved due to interaction with other languages, development of dialect,...

Answer to Do some women think that if a man cries, or expresses his emotions, that he is weak and unattractive?

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:32:04 -0800

Do some women think that if a man cries, or expresses his emotions, that he is weak and unattractive?

I'm sure there are some women that feel that way, but, if they do, then they are demonstrating themselves to be so emotionally stunted and crippled by unrealistic stereotypes that the man should count himself lucky to have escaped her. Men cry. Men get happy, angry, sad, and depressed...

Answer to Why do some men buy flowers and gifts, but some don't do that at all?

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:20:00 -0800

Why do some men buy flowers and gifts, but some don't do that at all?

Every person has a unique way of expressing love to their partner. According to Gary Chapman, in his book "The Five Love Languages," people have 5 basic ways of expressing love. One of these ways is through Gift Giving--such as flowers, small gifts, etc. A man who feels loved when...

Answer to How long is the average engagement?

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 12:05:33 -0800

How long is the average engagement?

I have an old issue of Modern Bride which mentions in an article that an "average engagement" lasts one or two years. (That's a pretty wide scale for an average!) The Knot.com suggests in several places that one year is pretty standard (such as here:...

Answer to How do companies make money selling items with full price mail-in rebates?

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 11:50:30 -0800

How do companies make money selling items with full price mail-in rebates?

They're making a wager. The companies are betting that a significant number of people will purchase the "free" product, and then either forget or decide it's not worth it to fill out the rebate information. That way, it's like they sold it to you for full price....

Answer to How can a person find a relationship if s/he only works and does house work?

Mon, 03 Oct 2005 09:37:59 -0700

How can a person find a relationship if s/he only works and does house work?

Unless the perfect person for you happens to transfer into your workplace, and neither of you or your employer have any qualms against employees dating... it isn't going to happen. I know--I was in your situation not that long ago. I had just moved back to the US from a long stint...

Answer to What home remedies are there for vomitting and nausea?

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 07:48:29 -0700

What home remedies are there for vomitting and nausea?

As one prone to a middle-of-the-night upset stomach, I think I can help. Besides the ever popular saltines and ginger ale (the saltines help neutralize stomach acid, and the ginger ale helps re-hydrate you while settling your stomach), there are a few. Personally, I find that mint does...

Answer to If an anti-gravity machine was invented, what practical uses could it be put to?

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 09:22:18 -0700

If an anti-gravity machine was invented, what practical uses could it be put to?

I can imagine lots of benefits. Besides the already-stated frictionless vehicles--which would make travel a lot easier--how about medical uses? Imagine if instead of being confined to a hot, sweaty bed when sick, you could recoup in a comfy anti-grav pod? No more uncomfortable beds after...

Answer to My parents and my sister are drug addicts. They disrespect me and my parents have disowned me. Should I leave them and get on with my life?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 12:04:55 -0700

My parents and my sister are drug addicts. They disrespect me and my parents have disowned me. Should I leave them and get on with my life?

Sad as it is, yes. Your family is obviously causing you pain. They disrespect you because you don't fit into their world with drugs, and, so lomg as you avoid such self-destructive behavior, you never will. So long as you are suffering from this relationship, it will be impossible for...

Answer to My very good looking boyfriend constantly asks me about where we are in our relationship, how I feel about him, etc. Why would a hot guy want to be reassured all the time?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 11:23:22 -0700

My very good looking boyfriend constantly asks me about where we are in our relationship, how I feel about him, etc. Why would a hot guy want to be reassured all the time?

Hmm. I notice that you pointed out how attractive this guy is twice... and refered to him as a "hot guy" rather than just a guy. I'm getting a strong vibe that the #1 reason you like this guy is for his heart-throb looks, and if so, that's your problem. Perhaps he's...

Answer to What is a pastor?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 10:59:02 -0700

What is a pastor?

While the etymological answer is interesting, I thought you might want to know what the word means in a modern context. Some Protestant denominations use the word Pastor to indicate members of the clergy (used by United Methodists, for example). The term is gaining favor over other...

Answer to Is it possible to never use curse words?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 10:30:08 -0700

Is it possible to never use curse words?

Yes, it is possible. In many cultures swearing is considered a sign that one is too thick to make oneself understood in any other way, and therefore almost unheard of. Swearing usually doesn't become a habit until around puberty (when it becomes cool to use those words, instead of reason...

Answer to I'm repeatedly being rejected by girls left and right. What am I doing wrong?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 08:04:09 -0700

I'm repeatedly being rejected by girls left and right. What am I doing wrong?

You might be looking at the wrong type of girls. A lot of guys--and especially teenagers--are unable to grasp the concept that they aren't innately entitled to date supermodels. They fantasize and chase after girls with perfect bodies, beautiful faces, and terrible personalities, and...

Answer to What would you need to do in order to change your legal first, middle, and last name (if you're male)?

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 10:07:08 -0700

What would you need to do in order to change your legal first, middle, and last name (if you're male)?

The process isn't much different for males or females, friend. In the USA, in most states you can change your name just by common usage. That is, just use the new name all the time, and it's yours! But you want to do it legally. In that case, you'll need to go through a...

Answer to The Imjin and one other river flows into South Korea. What keeps North Koreans from escaping the country by just jumping in and swimming downstream?

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 09:45:48 -0700

The Imjin and one other river flows into South Korea. What keeps North Koreans from escaping the country by just jumping in and swimming downstream?

I saw a documentary recently ("North Korean Crisis" was the name, I think) where they discussed this very thing. As a matter of fact, a few people have done it. But you ask what stops most of them? The answer is armed guards. The border around these rivers is often patrolled, and...

Answer to I attend a public high school but I wish to attend the school in the next district. Is there anyway I could get transfered to another public school in a different district?

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 09:32:56 -0700

I attend a public high school but I wish to attend the school in the next district. Is there anyway I could get transfered to another public school in a different district?

States have different rules about this, so you'll need to find out how things work in yours. I switched Junior High Schools in the state of Texas, moving to a district in a different city, and here's some of what worked. It helps if you know someone at the other district. A...

Answer to Why do some churches not recognize Justice of the Peace marriages?

Tue, 19 Jul 2005 08:30:27 -0700

Why do some churches not recognize Justice of the Peace marriages?

Some religions and churches (Catholicism, most famously) consider marriage a sacrament--that is, something sacred to God. Therefore, where marriage is a sacrament of the church, in order to be done properly, it must be done by an official of the church in order to maintain its holiness. Since...

Answer to Whenever I move a user made family into a house in SIMS 2, the house gets all choppy with its graphics. What can be done to avoid this?

Tue, 12 Jul 2005 09:55:26 -0700

Whenever I move a user made family into a house in SIMS 2, the house gets all choppy with its graphics. What can be done to avoid this?

It would help if we knew more about your system, but I'll hazard a guess. It's probably your graphics card. I had a similar problem with user-created families until I upgraded mine. A few questions: Are you seeing all the cinematic scenes and transitions? Can you see reflections...

Answer to What is a foodie?

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 09:44:23 -0700

What is a foodie?

A foodie is someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about food. A foodie demands the best quality food in their diet, and enjoys new and unusual taste sensations. A foodie probably relishes different dishes and cuisines, enjoys shopping at specialty grocery stores and fresh produce...

Answer to What's the difference between a duck and a goose?

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 10:26:52 -0700

What's the difference between a duck and a goose?

Both birds belong to the family Anatidae, but are have distinct characteristics. The goose (male--gander) is a medium to large bird and makes a honking call. ("True geese" belong to the subfamily Anserinae.) Non-domesticated geese are very migratory, flying from far north to far...

Answer to Since the SNES is out of date now, how can I obtain a new controller for it these days?

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 09:58:13 -0700

Since the SNES is out of date now, how can I obtain a new controller for it these days?

If you're not fond of ebay shopping--as I'm not--try game shops. They often have SNES and even NES controllers at my local Game Stop. You might call ahead--if they don't have them, they might be able to tell you where you can get one.

Answer to How do I get to the Tower of Hera?

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 09:56:43 -0700

How do I get to the Tower of Hera?

It's at the top of the mountain. Go in through the caves west of the sanctuary. Before you leave, you'll meet an old man--let him follow you. When you exit the cave, he'll thank you with the gift of an old mirror. Be careful of the rocks--climb the ladders to the top of the...

Answer to What is the difference between a lingo, cant, ergot, pidgin, and slang?

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 12:15:41 -0700

What is the difference between a lingo, cant, ergot, pidgin, and slang?

While all of them refer to methods of communication, they are each unique and not interchangeable. Lingo: the way a certain speech community speaks. A speech community is a group of people who use language the same way among themselves. So, for example, there could be a sort of lingo used by...

Answer to Why is Uranus the only planet in our solar system that's named after a Greek god and not a Roman god?

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 11:40:22 -0700

Why is Uranus the only planet in our solar system that's named after a Greek god and not a Roman god?

Sir William Herschel, who discovered the planet, wanted to call it the Georgium Sidis (the Georgian Planet), after King George III who was his patron. The name never really took off with the astronomical community. Most called it Herschel, or Herschel's planet. Later, another German...

Answer to When was Uranus discovered and by whom?

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 11:11:40 -0700

When was Uranus discovered and by whom?

Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1781 by Sir William Herschel. Herschel was born in Hanover, Germany in 1738. He was one of the most noted astronomers of the 18th century. Besides discovering Uranus, he also built the largest telescope of his era, discovered the 6th and 7th satellites of...

Answer to Can I use my microwave oven to dry my clothes?

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 10:51:45 -0700

Can I use my microwave oven to dry my clothes?

Yes, you can. You SHOULDN'T, but you can. I've done it... but I don't recommend it. (It was an hour of desperation--cold winter and me without any warm dry socks!) It's really just a bad, bad idea. I set one sock on fire. Another one warped into an interesting,...

Answer to Is it true that a hospital won't try as hard to save someone who has signed up to be an organ donor?

Wed, 22 Jun 2005 08:45:52 -0700

Is it true that a hospital won't try as hard to save someone who has signed up to be an organ donor?

Putting aside opinions and television shows, let's look at the reality of the situation. Firstly, if you are injured or suddenly critically ill, there's a strong chance the doctors working on you won't even know if you're an organ donor. They'll be too busy devoting...

Answer to What would it take to build a lightsaber, as seen in the Star Wars movies?

Mon, 20 Jun 2005 12:05:41 -0700

What would it take to build a lightsaber, as seen in the Star Wars movies?

It would take a few advances in technology. A lightsaber is essentially a laser. While we can make lasers--without too much difficulty--we can't make them do the things that lightsabers do. For one, we can't make them abruptly stop at sword-length. In a few years, though, who...

Answer to I recently dyed my hair from blonde to medium brown and it is too dark is there anything I can do to lighten it?

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 08:54:55 -0700

I recently dyed my hair from blonde to medium brown and it is too dark is there anything I can do to lighten it?

At your local beauty supply shop (Sally's, Ulta, etc.) there should be a dye remover product, which you can use to get a lot of the pigment out of your hair. Be very careful when using these. Alternatively, you could try using a hair dye similar in color to your natural hair color. Be...

Answer to Will making cookies with melted butter make my cookies turn out different than using room temperature butter?

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 08:47:56 -0700

Will making cookies with melted butter make my cookies turn out different than using room temperature butter?

Yes. My dad (award winning chocolate-chip cookie master) advocates using room-temperature, soft but not melted butter because cookies made with melted butter tend to be less moist and are more runny while baking, which makes them lose their round shape. Also, melted butter cookies seem to burn...

Answer to Why is it considered bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 14:15:15 -0700

Why is it considered bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?

Open an umbrella indoors and bad luck will "rain" on you. But why? There are two schools of thought: The most common stems from the days when umbrellas were used mainly as protection against the sun. To open one indoors would be to insult the local sun god (especially Ra) and...

Answer to Why is it considered bad luck to bring peacock feathers indoors?

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 13:52:43 -0700

Why is it considered bad luck to bring peacock feathers indoors?

It has to do with the beautiful, eye-shaped markings on the peacock feathers. Many cultures associate them with the evil eye, and to bring the evil eye into your home is to invite trouble and sorrow. The association between peacocks and the evil eye is illustrated by the Greek myth of Argus,...

Answer to Why are horseshoes considered to be lucky?

Sat, 04 Jun 2005 13:35:36 -0700

Why are horseshoes considered to be lucky?

In many places throughout the world, horseshoes are nailed above the doorway or carried about as a lucky charm. There are a number of their supposed properties: -The horseshoe invokes the crescent moon or 'sacred vulva' shape of pagan moon goddesses (Artemis, Diana, etc.), and so...

Answer to Are there any books or otherwise fictional literary works about what would happen if all adults 13 and over disappeared, leaving kids 12 and under to run the world themselves?

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 11:37:47 -0700

Are there any books or otherwise fictional literary works about what would happen if all adults 13 and over disappeared, leaving kids 12 and under to run the world themselves?

This is also the premise of the graphic novel and television series Jeremiah. Everyone above the age of innocence (puberty) was wiped out by a plague, leaving just children behind. The story takes place ten years later and follows a young man named Jermiah and his friend Kurdy as they travel...

Answer to Which book has these words, "Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself"?

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 11:27:08 -0700

Which book has these words, "Fear of the name only increases fear of the thing itself"?

It's from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 17. It is said by Dumbledore, and the full and correct quote is "Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself." I believe in...

Answer to Why don't human beings have tails?

Thu, 02 Jun 2005 09:41:29 -0700

Why don't human beings have tails?

Since we are in the Evolution FAQ, let's take this from a purely evolutionary point of view. Evolution is a process of mutation over generation. Useful mutations become common; non-useful mutations vanish over time. If a trait is not useful to us as a species, we lose it. Therefore,...

Answer to I have a lot of hair and my hair is wavy, so whenever I leave it down, it gets really puffy. My hair is natural right now, with no coloring or anything. I want to get it straightened by a perm, is it a good idea? Or will it damage my hair?

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 08:23:41 -0700

I have a lot of hair and my hair is wavy, so whenever I leave it down, it gets really puffy. My hair is natural right now, with no coloring or anything. I want to get it straightened by a perm, is it a good idea? Or will it damage my hair?

Any kind of chemical treatment on your hair can (and probably will) damage it, but you should be able to manage it. Since your hair is not currently color treated, you should be able to minimize the amount of damage done to your hair. You can probably do it without any lasting ill-effect on...

Answer to The University of Oklahoma's mascot is the "Sooner". What is a Sooner?

Fri, 27 May 2005 12:10:41 -0700

The University of Oklahoma's mascot is the "Sooner". What is a Sooner?

Before Oklahoma was a state, it was considered Indian Territory, and was occupied by a number of tribes who had been pushed west. However, the expansionist white folks pressured the government to open the area to settlement, which they did in 1889. Land was claimed via the famous Land Runs that...

Answer to How can I be certain that the universe isn't merely a figment of my imagination?

Fri, 27 May 2005 11:37:08 -0700

How can I be certain that the universe isn't merely a figment of my imagination?

You can't. This is the very question that led to Descartes' famous pronouncement: Cogito Ergo Sum. I think, therefore I am. The logic is this, much simplified: I am aware of the universe because I perceive it with my senses. However, my senses could be deceived. If I cannot...

Answer to Can you be arrested for cursing at a police officer?

Thu, 26 May 2005 12:09:17 -0700

Can you be arrested for cursing at a police officer?

Yes, you can! In most states, there are still laws on the books forbidding the use of foul language in public. Although these laws are seldom enforced, if you've irritated an officer enough, it would give him an excuse for the satisfaction of hauling your dirty mouth downtown. If you...

Answer to My cat goes nuts whenever I put on vicks vapo rub or carmex. She goes all wacky on me. She's even tried to bite me. Why does the smell of those things do that to her?

Thu, 26 May 2005 10:45:52 -0700

My cat goes nuts whenever I put on vicks vapo rub or carmex. She goes all wacky on me. She's even tried to bite me. Why does the smell of those things do that to her?

A cat's nose is much more sensitive than yours or mine. My cat used to have a similar reaction to Vicks Vapo Rub, and our vet said that it was probably because the strong odor hurt her nose (in the same way a particularly loud sound hurts your ears). She "goes wacky" because she...

Answer to Which is correct, "this is a TV" or "it is a TV"?

Fri, 20 May 2005 11:29:44 -0700

Which is correct, "this is a TV" or "it is a TV"?

Both are grammatically correct. When you would use them depends on context. "This" implies that you have the specific appliance in front of you. ("What is this strange box you are standing on?" "This? This is a TV.") "It" does not imply any specific...

Answer to I'm moving to a new town and a new high school next September, how do I go about making new friends and making a good impression?

Fri, 20 May 2005 11:21:50 -0700

I'm moving to a new town and a new high school next September, how do I go about making new friends and making a good impression?

As one who moved extensively growing up, I think I can help you. The trick to making new friends is finding people who are the kind of people you want to be friends with. (Shared interests and values are a good thing!) A good way to do this is by joining clubs at school, at your place of...

Answer to Is it possible for someone who had corneal transplants to remember someone that the corneal donor knew?

Fri, 20 May 2005 10:59:23 -0700

Is it possible for someone who had corneal transplants to remember someone that the corneal donor knew?

Some say yes, some say no. According to most medical professionals (and the official US organ donation website's urban legend page at http://www.organdonor.gov/myth.html) the answer is no. They say that memories are stored in the brain, and the brain alone. If you were to have, say, a...

Answer to Should you do your regular gym workout during your monthly period?

Fri, 20 May 2005 10:24:06 -0700

Should you do your regular gym workout during your monthly period?

Why not? The changes that take place in your body during your monthly aren't sufficient to necessitate stopping your workout. You may feel a little worse than usual, but mild-moderate exercise actually helps alleviate some PMS symptoms. (Running on an elliptical trainer works wonders for...

Answer to Why are blondes considered to be stupid by some people? What's the history behind this stereotype?

Thu, 19 May 2005 09:57:07 -0700

Why are blondes considered to be stupid by some people? What's the history behind this stereotype?

The blonde stereotype has changed dramatically over the centuries, and the latest incarnation is the "stupid" image. The short answer to your question would be that it's a combination of historical stereotype, bad press, and human nature. The long answer is more interesting. ...

Answer to In the movie Chicago, Hunyak (the Hungarian murderess) explains why she's in jail in another language. What does she say?

Fri, 13 May 2005 11:04:49 -0700

In the movie Chicago, Hunyak (the Hungarian murderess) explains why she's in jail in another language. What does she say?

She says, "What am I doing here? They say my famous tenant held down my husband and I chopped his head off. But it's not true. I am innocent. I don't know why Uncle Sam says I did it. I tried to explain at the police station but they didn't understand." If you listen...

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

Fri, 13 May 2005 09:24:18 -0700

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

Some young people also like to eat alone because it gives them a sense of control. You may have absolute authority over them all day, they think, but by golly, they're gonna eat this bag of oreos in dark of night! (Particularly in households where healthy eating is strongly emphasized,...

Answer to Who or what is the Sandman? What is his origin?

Thu, 12 May 2005 10:38:59 -0700

Who or what is the Sandman? What is his origin?

The sandman is a fantasy or folk figure associated with sleep and dreaming. The story my mother told me is that the Sandman is a very small man who wears a long nightcap, and if you've been very good, he comes in the night and makes you sleepy by sprinkling sand in your eyes, which will...

Answer to What is psycholinguistics?

Tue, 10 May 2005 11:22:46 -0700

What is psycholinguistics?

Psycholinguistics is the study of how psychology and language are related. Wikipedia describes it as "the study of the psychological and neurological factors that enable humans to acquire, use and understand language." It studies, for example, how language skills develop, how we...

Answer to What is an apronym?

Tue, 10 May 2005 11:12:37 -0700

What is an apronym?

Courtesy our friends at Wikipedia: "An apronym is an acronym or backronym which is also a real word - or a homophone for a real word - meaning something relevant to the expanded term it stands for. SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) and SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness Group) is a real-word...

Answer to Why do hard-working students sometimes get lower grades than students who put in less effort?

Tue, 10 May 2005 10:26:56 -0700

Why do hard-working students sometimes get lower grades than students who put in less effort?

Because most hard-working students don't know how to study, and a lot of "less-effort" students do. Ok, sure, there are differences in natural academic proclivity, intelligence levels, etc. But as a certified study-skills tutor, I can assure you that very few students actually...

Answer to Is there something I can spray on furniture to keep cats off, and stop them from scratching it?

Mon, 09 May 2005 10:34:14 -0700

Is there something I can spray on furniture to keep cats off, and stop them from scratching it?

My veterinarian sells a citrus-scented spray that can be spritzed on a towel and placed on a sofa or chair to keep all our animals away. It works fairly well, repels both dogs and cats, and doesn't stain the upholstery. It also has a strong but harmless bitter taste, so we can spritz a bit...

Answer to In what ways can anti-semitism negatively affect those who are not Jewish?

Fri, 06 May 2005 12:43:36 -0700

In what ways can anti-semitism negatively affect those who are not Jewish?

All hatred begets hatred. That should be enough of an answer. I'll spare you pointing out the obvious things, like that any kind of arbitrary hatred generally stems from insecurity and self-hatred being projected outward, and non-Jews who share anti-semitism are just further cementing...

Answer to Has a woman ever been nominated for a directing Oscar?

Fri, 06 May 2005 11:44:24 -0700

Has a woman ever been nominated for a directing Oscar?

To update, Sofia Coppola, daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, was nominated in 2004 for directing Lost in Translation. Although she didn't win, she did take home the Oscar for Best Screenplay.