Answerbag: James Beatty's answers

Answer to Is there a way to skip levels? I'm having particular trouble with the helicopter level.

Sun, 02 May 2004 20:52:40 -0700

Is there a way to skip levels? I'm having particular trouble with the helicopter level.

All the missions from a particular person (Cortez, Diaz, etc.) must be done in sequence. It is not possible to skip them.

Answer to Can dark side/light side points be gained by all of the characters?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 21:18:17 -0700

Can dark side/light side points be gained by all of the characters?

No, only the main character can gain or lose light side or dark side point. Of course, Bastila changes her alignment, but other than that, every other character will never change.

Answer to How is Taiwan related to China?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 21:15:33 -0700

How is Taiwan related to China?

The island of Taiwan has been under Chinese rule since the 17th century, when Han dynasty traders and seasonal workers settled on the island. In 1949, when the Nationalist Chinese forces lost the civil war to the Communists, they relocated to Taiwan. Chiang Kai-shek, the general in charge of the...

Answer to Where can I find an FAQ for Zelda a Link to the Past?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:31:02 -0700

Where can I find an FAQ for Zelda a Link to the Past?

For the GBA version: http://www.gamefaqs.com/portable/gbadvance/game/33050.html For the SNES version: http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/snes/game/9107.html

Answer to Is "International Law" a true law?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:27:13 -0700

Is "International Law" a true law?

Yes. "International law" usually refers to legal agreements--treaties--entered into by governments, on behalf of their citizens. In most countries they theoretically have the force of "actual" law. For instance, the US Constitution stipulates that any treaties that the federal...

Answer to What is C#?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:21:33 -0700

What is C#?

C# (pronounced see-sharp) is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of their .NET initiative. Microsoft based C# on C++ and the Java programming language. C# was designed to balance power (the C++ influence) with rapid development (the Visual BASIC and Java...

Answer to What maintenance should I do on my skis?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:18:28 -0700

What maintenance should I do on my skis?

You should wax them often, and also grind the edges to keep them sharp.

Answer to What do all the force powers do?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 17:16:41 -0700

What do all the force powers do?

CURE/HEAL Cure - Heals entire party for five health points and plus one for every Wisdom and Charisma modifier, as well as the level of the character casting the Force Power. Heal - Heals entire party for ten health points and plus one for every Wisdom and Charisma modifier, as well as...

Answer to What are the pros and cons to choosing a hybrid car (gas and electric powered) over a gas-only car?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 13:39:31 -0700

What are the pros and cons to choosing a hybrid car (gas and electric powered) over a gas-only car?

The biggest pro of cars like the Prius and Civic Hybrid is obviously their fuel economy. Also, the driving experience can be much quieter as the engine isn't buring gas constantly. The cons are basically twofold. First, hybrids generally have lower horsepower than comparable cars. The...

Answer to Can a previously-elected president serve as a vice president in a different administration?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 13:28:39 -0700

Can a previously-elected president serve as a vice president in a different administration?

Yes. The 22nd amendment, which created presidential term limits, makes no reference to a former president holding any other office in the federal government.

Answer to Is President George W. Bush following Keyne's theories to overcome the U.S. recession?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 13:22:09 -0700

Is President George W. Bush following Keyne's theories to overcome the U.S. recession?

Yes, he is. Keynesian economics, at its most basic level, is the government putting money into an economy during recessions. In the Great Depression, FDR followed this by creating public works projects. Currently, Bush has cut taxes, miminizing money taken out of the economy by government, and he...

Answer to Can you die from the radiation that is in the foods we eat?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 00:39:22 -0700

Can you die from the radiation that is in the foods we eat?

I'm not sure what radiation you are referring to, but food is considered radiation free. The only way that one could possibly be killed by radiation "in" food is if someone ate something grown in Chernobyl -- and even then I don't know if that would hurt someone.

Answer to Can you die from being exposed to radiation from microwaves, televisions, and computers?

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 00:36:58 -0700

Can you die from being exposed to radiation from microwaves, televisions, and computers?

No. It is a common misconception that the "radiation" from microwaves etc. is harmful to humans. There are two meanings of radiation. The first is the one must people know: nuclear radiation. Nuclear radiation is stray protons and neutrons being ejected from a decaying element. This...

Answer to What is the Catholic Church's stance on gay marriage?

Wed, 28 Apr 2004 20:10:44 -0700

What is the Catholic Church's stance on gay marriage?

The Roman Catholic Church has long held that the sole purpose of the sexual act is to procreate, and that the sexual act is only legitimate within a marriage. Thus, marriage is a holy bond between a man and a woman for the purpose of having children and raising a family. As homosexuals cannot...

Answer to How is gold formed in nature?

Wed, 28 Apr 2004 15:24:51 -0700

How is gold formed in nature?

Gold, like all other elements in the universe heavier than lithium, is created in stars, by the process of nuclear fusion. However, the formation of different elements varies according to their atomic number. Elements lighter than iron are formed by "helium capture" fusion, where...

Answer to My PC is sending out RF signals that are interfering with my AM radio stations. How can I fix this?

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 21:49:52 -0700

My PC is sending out RF signals that are interfering with my AM radio stations. How can I fix this?

This actually shouldn't be a problem, as skydog (kind of) pointed out. Most computers have a metal case and are connected to a ground (the third prong on the electrical wire). If you have an acrylic or wood case, both of which are rather exotic, you might have problems. But make sure that...

Answer to What are the major factors in determining how fast a PC is?

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 21:43:22 -0700

What are the major factors in determining how fast a PC is?

There are four factors: 1) How fast a computer can recieve input and decipher it 2) How fast a computer can access the data it needs to process 3) How fast it can process said data 4) How fast it can display or otherwise output the result Number 1 and 4 are rarely a large issue in modern...

Answer to What are the Sacraments Catholics receive during a lifetime?

Mon, 26 Apr 2004 20:05:52 -0700

What are the Sacraments Catholics receive during a lifetime?

There are seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church: 1) Baptism 2) Communion 3) Confirmation 4) Confession 5) Extreme Unction (Last Rites) 6) Marriage 7) Holy Orders Of these, all Catholics are expected to take part in the first five. Baptism is usually performed on infants, the...

Answer to What is calculus useful for?

Sun, 25 Apr 2004 14:12:56 -0700

What is calculus useful for?

Basically, calculus is the single most useful branch of mathematics developed. It has been proposed by some historians of science that the development of calculus will prove to have as great an important to humanity as the development of writing. Calculus is used in physics, engineering,...

Answer to What is a ECC?

Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:15:45 -0700

What is a ECC?

ECC (Error Checking Chip) RAM is standard RAM with an extra chip that verifies that an error has not been made in a read or write operation. It is usually used by servers and mainframes.

Answer to When I start my computer I get this message: Extended Pre Boot Services Menu. 0. Normal boot. 1. Hard drive integrity check. Why does this message appear?

Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:12:37 -0700

When I start my computer I get this message: Extended Pre Boot Services Menu. 0. Normal boot. 1. Hard drive integrity check. Why does this message appear?

Without more information, it is hard to say. What kind of computer do you have? How old is it? Has it always done this? If not, when did it start? Do you have any idea why? Does your computer still boot up normally after showing this message? Does it stop? Is it asking you to choose between 0 and...

Answer to What is meant by "absolute zero"? Has it ever been this cold?

Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:06:44 -0700

What is meant by "absolute zero"? Has it ever been this cold?

It can never be at absolute zero. Basically, the reason is that in order to cool something down, you have to have an object that is colder, to move the heat to. As it is (by definition) impossible to get colder than absolute zero, it can never be reached.

Answer to What is kinetic energy?

Sat, 24 Apr 2004 00:03:51 -0700

What is kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy, measured in joules, is mathematically defined as (1/2)* m * v^2 , where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity. It is basically the "energy of motion" of an object.

Answer to Is it possible for humans to travel faster than the speed of light?

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 23:56:08 -0700

Is it possible for humans to travel faster than the speed of light?

No. Nothing can go faster than the speed of light. This is a basic precept of the theory of relativity. As an object accelerates, two important things happen. First, the mass of the object increases and second, to any observers in the object the outside world seems to be going slower. As the...

Answer to Is it possible to transfer files from my PC's hard drive to my friend's PC over the Internet?

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 15:31:47 -0700

Is it possible to transfer files from my PC's hard drive to my friend's PC over the Internet?

If you are more technically inclined, you could put your files onto a server and then your friend can download them. One way to do this would be to buy hosting space for a website and then just put your files there. There are also places, like geocities, that offer free space. Of course, you...

Answer to Is there going to be another Ice Age, and if so, when?

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 13:50:47 -0700

Is there going to be another Ice Age, and if so, when?

Ice ages -- severe coolings of the Earth's surface, causing the appearance of glaciers on the Earth's surface -- appear to happen on a cycle. The reasons for this cycle are unknown, but speculation includes eccentricity in Earth's orbit and fluctuations in ocean currents. The...

Answer to Why is the sky blue? (no joke)

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 13:28:16 -0700

Why is the sky blue? (no joke)

To clarify: when you look directly at the Sun, you see white light, which is caused by light of all colors hitting your eyes. Most visible light from the Sun passes through the atmosphere without being effected. Blue light, however, is scattered when it passes through water vapor in the...

Answer to What is the meaning for "Vicarius Filii Dei"?

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 13:14:59 -0700

What is the meaning for "Vicarius Filii Dei"?

The Latin phrase "Vicarius Filii Dei" means "Vicar of the Son of God." This phrase is in the Donation of Constantine, in which it is used as a title of St. Peter. Some people have claimed that it is still used as a title for the Pope, but the RCC vigorously denies this. ...

Answer to Who was the Pope after Peter?

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 12:54:03 -0700

Who was the Pope after Peter?

The Pope -- then called the Bishop of Rome -- after Peter was Saint Linus. Linus was likely from Volterra in Tuscany. Depending on the source, Linus became pope in 55, 56, 64, 67, or 69. The most likely reason for this wide spread of dates is that Linus began assuming some of the duties of...

Answer to Is there a god, and either way, how do we know?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 21:26:11 -0700

Is there a god, and either way, how do we know?

A couple thousand years of philosophers trying to prove conclusively that God exists -- and failing -- leads me to conlcude that such a proof is not possible. Clearly, proving that God doesn't exist is basically impossible as well. But I also feel that a huge, omnipotent entity...

Answer to What is the meaning of life?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 21:16:34 -0700

What is the meaning of life?

I'd like to answer this with another question; Why do you assume that there is a meaning of life?

Answer to Where are most computers and computer parts made?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:31:41 -0700

Where are most computers and computer parts made?

AMD runs processor fabrication plants (fabs) in Dresden, Germany. Intel runs fabs somewhere in the southwest, and possibly in California. IBM runs a big fab in upstate NY where the chips for the next generation of consoles (the PS3, X-Box Next and whatever Nintendo's making) are going to be...

Answer to My computer just started making a loud humming noise. Could this be a serious problem?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:28:17 -0700

My computer just started making a loud humming noise. Could this be a serious problem?

My computer has been humming for two years and it's never been a problem. Do, however, check that wires aren't getting in the way of any fans and that screws are tight enough (but not too tight!).

Answer to In general, how long can you leave a computer on until it breaks down?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:24:17 -0700

In general, how long can you leave a computer on until it breaks down?

There are, right now, mainframes that have been running continuously since the late 1970's. In terms of a standard desktop computer, it really depends on what kind of equipment you have and also on pure luck. In general, if you leave your computer running for longer than 24 hours,...

Answer to Am I better off just buying a totally new computer with everything included rather than updating individual components of my existing one?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:15:08 -0700

Am I better off just buying a totally new computer with everything included rather than updating individual components of my existing one?

Redpen's answer is good, but here's a simple way to look at it: right now, if you went to the local computer store (or online), could you buy a faster processor for your current motherboard? One that isn't used? If the answer is no, and you are noticing slowness and lag in your...

Answer to I have a ten year-old computer - what can I do to make it run faster?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 18:00:22 -0700

I have a ten year-old computer - what can I do to make it run faster?

There are several possible methods for doing so: 1) Especially if you are running Windows, formatting your hard drive and re-installing everything will go a long way to stopping your computer from crashing often. Of course if you have ten-year old software, it may be difficult to find a way to...

Answer to How can I create a magnet?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 17:24:46 -0700

How can I create a magnet?

The easiest way to create a magnet would be to get a piece of iron or other ferro-magnetic material and expose to a strong magnetic field. The strength of the resulting magnet would be directly proportional to both the strength of the original field and the period of exposure. Note that the newly...

Answer to What is the difference between transexuals and transvestites?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 13:51:43 -0700

What is the difference between transexuals and transvestites?

Transexuals is a broad category, and usually refers to people who consider themselves to be a man in a woman's body or vice-versa. Most of the psychological community considers this to have a biological cause, and in some cases a sex change operation is advised. Transvestites are people...

Answer to Is the title "Pope" mentioned in the Bible?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 13:43:29 -0700

Is the title "Pope" mentioned in the Bible?

No, "pope" is from the Greek "pappas" meaning "father", which was a commonly used way to address priests and bishops. It is still used in that sense in most parts of the Orthodox Church, but in the 4th and 5th centuries AD its use in the western Church became...

Answer to When was Catholicism established?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 13:38:03 -0700

When was Catholicism established?

Catholics trace the beginning of their Church to Jesus' resurrection and appearence to his apostles. They would include St. Peter as the first bishop of Rome, or Pope, and take Matthew 18: 18-19 ("...on this rock I will build My Church....") to support this view. The Catholic...

Answer to Why do Catholics perform infant baptism when it isn't mentioned in the Bible?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 13:29:09 -0700

Why do Catholics perform infant baptism when it isn't mentioned in the Bible?

Baptism is a development of the teachings and works of John the Baptist, who taught that by being dunked in the river Jordan, one could be cleansed of sins. At some point in the early church, this was taken to mean that baptism in the name of Christ could "wash away" original sin and...

Answer to Can a non-Catholic receive Holy Communion?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 13:23:15 -0700

Can a non-Catholic receive Holy Communion?

Someone who has not been baptised into the Catholic Church is not supposed to receive the Eucharist. Although no one asks for proof of baptism if someone is receiving Communion, it is looked down on by Catholics, and most would find it offensive.

Answer to If the moon was destroyed, what would be the consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:42:05 -0700

If the moon was destroyed, what would be the consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants?

If siginifcant mass from the moon crashed into the Earth, it could well destroy all multi-cellular life on the planet. Barring that, the absence of the moon would result in no tides, ruining many coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, species that coordinate their activites with the rise of a full moon...

Answer to What is the biggest meteorite crater on earth?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:38:53 -0700

What is the biggest meteorite crater on earth?

Note that some geologists think the gulf of Mexico is the crater from the impact that killed the dinosaurs. Some scientists speculate that the Pacific Basin is the result of a huge impact early in Earth's history, and the material ejected into orbit by said impact formed into the Moon. This...

Answer to Which way does water rotate as it goes down the drain if it's at the equator?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:29:04 -0700

Which way does water rotate as it goes down the drain if it's at the equator?

In a practical setting, the rotation is random, due to surface winds, disturbances in the water, etc. Also note that contrary to popular opinion, water doesn't rotate different ways as it goes down drains in the northern or southern hemisphere. The Coriolis effect, the supposed cause, is...

Answer to Would a red-colored light appear to be a different color if you were traveling towards it at the speed of light?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:26:38 -0700

Would a red-colored light appear to be a different color if you were traveling towards it at the speed of light?

You can't travel at the speed of light unless you're a photon, in which case you have no eyes. If you were moving very fast, like 99% of the speed of light, a red-light would be "blue-shifted" due to the doppler effect. The magnitude of the effect would depend on your...

Answer to Does gravity travel at the speed of light?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:23:05 -0700

Does gravity travel at the speed of light?

Observations of Jupiter's moons have shown that gravity travels at c...plus or minus (1/4)*c. Most scientists would agree that it likely travels at c, but there is no hard evidence to support that.

Answer to If photons have no mass, why are they affected by gravity?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:16:34 -0700

If photons have no mass, why are they affected by gravity?

To clarify: according to relativity, E= MC^2. Photons have an energy, E, ergo they have a mass M = E/C^2. Also, according to the theory of relativity, gravitational fields actually curve the space-time around them: photons always go in a straight line, but on a curved surface, this means...

Answer to Is the speed of light constant?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:13:19 -0700

Is the speed of light constant?

Yes. The speed of light is always 3*10 ^ 8 m/s. However, it appears to take longer to move through matter (like glass, or air, or water) because it is absorbed and re-emitted by atoms, meaning it effectively has to travel a longer distance. But the photons themselves are always moving at c.

Answer to What is "escape velocity"?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 03:10:46 -0700

What is "escape velocity"?

"Escape velocity" is a misnomer, because it doesn't refer to a velocity, but rather a speed. It is properly "escape speed". The escape speed for a mass is the speed required to travel an infinite distance from said object. In other words (and taking Re to be the radius...

Answer to If I fire a rifle straight up into the air, what happens to the bullet?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 02:51:35 -0700

If I fire a rifle straight up into the air, what happens to the bullet?

On a body with no atmosphere, such as the moon, the rifle bullet would go straight up, reach a peak determined by the muzzle velocity and the strength of the gravitional field, and then begin to fall to the ground. When it passed by the muzzle, it would be moving at it's muzzle velocity, but...

Answer to What were the key reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:41:09 -0700

What were the key reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire?

Hordes of barbarians were pouring out of the Caucas mountains into Central Europe and displacing the tribe that had historically lived there into Roman territory. The Eastern half managed to survived the barabarians, but was destroyed by Muslim Turks in 1492.

Answer to How did the United States get involved in World War I?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:36:57 -0700

How did the United States get involved in World War I?

Also involved in the American desicion to fight the Central Powers was the Zimmerman telegram, an intercepted message from Germany to Mexico, stating that if Mexico would join with the Central Powers and attack America, they would have the territories taken from them in the Mexican-American War...

Answer to What was the Grand Army of the Republic?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:34:20 -0700

What was the Grand Army of the Republic?

The Grand Army of the Republic is another name for the Union army during the Civil War.

Answer to What other groups of people were killed or persecuted by the Nazis besides Jews? Were they kept in concentration camps as well? How many were killed?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:32:28 -0700

What other groups of people were killed or persecuted by the Nazis besides Jews? Were they kept in concentration camps as well? How many were killed?

Other groups persecuted and killed by the Germans include Gypsies, homosexuals, communists, trade unionists, the handicapped and mentally disabled, Jehovah's Witnesses, Poles, Soviet POWs, and political dissidents. They were also kept in concentration camps. The current symbol for the gay...

Answer to Why does the government have to create money?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:20:14 -0700

Why does the government have to create money?

Governments haven't always created their own money: in the past, and in some poorer countries today, banks would issue private currencies, backed by their gold reserves. In modern countries, the government issues money, usually through a central bank, to be able to control inflation and...

Answer to Does the World Trade Organization have the power to sanction countries?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:18:10 -0700

Does the World Trade Organization have the power to sanction countries?

The WTO by itself has no real power. It commands no army and has a rather limited budget. It is more like a referee for international trade: if WTO member country A's tariffs are held to be in violation of WTO regulations, then other member countries are permitted to levy retaliatory tariffs...

Answer to What is the meaning of "jihad" in Islam?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:14:55 -0700

What is the meaning of "jihad" in Islam?

A useful comparison is the use of the word "crusade" in English. Although the Crusades were a brutal holy war against Muslims in the 11th to 15th centuries AD, it is commonly used today as a striving for moral goodness: a crusade against drugs, or a crusade against corruption....

Answer to The fourth commandment states we are to remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. The Sabbath is a Saturday. Why do we worship on Sunday? Are we exempt from this commandment?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:10:12 -0700

The fourth commandment states we are to remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. The Sabbath is a Saturday. Why do we worship on Sunday? Are we exempt from this commandment?

No, but Jesus' death is commonly held to have created a "new and everlasting covenant" with humanity, supplementing and in some aspects -- eating kosher foods and circumsicion -- overriding the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament. As part of this new covenant, Christians hold the...

Answer to Are all Christian denominations considered to have branched off from Catholicism?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:06:03 -0700

Are all Christian denominations considered to have branched off from Catholicism?

No. There are many obscure churches in the Middle East that have evolved seperately. Mormons don't consider themselves to be descended from Catholicism in any meaningful sense, although the views of others may differ. Orthodox Christians would argue that Catholicism broke off from them in...

Answer to How many books are in the Bible?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:59:33 -0700

How many books are in the Bible?

There are also parts of the New Testament, such as the Gospel of Thomas, that are accepted by a small minority of Christians as legitimate and dismissed by the rest. There is no "official" count kept that all Christians accept.

Answer to Did Jesus' teachings replace the Ten Commandments?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:56:39 -0700

Did Jesus' teachings replace the Ten Commandments?

It is also worth noting that the two commandments mentioned in another answer also appear in the sixth chapter of Deutueronomy and the nineteenth chapter of Leviticus, respectively. Most Christians view Jesus' teachings as supplementing and clarifying the Ten Commandments, not as overriding...

Answer to How can I approach God in my sinful condition? Wouldn't it be better for me to have a priest or minister pray for me?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:52:50 -0700

How can I approach God in my sinful condition? Wouldn't it be better for me to have a priest or minister pray for me?

According to most Protestant Churches, especially evangelical ones, although ministers can help an individual acheive salvation, it is up to the individual him- or herself to accept Jesus Christ as one's personal savior. Furthermore, most of these religions hold that God is willing to...

Answer to What is the difference between agnosticism and atheism?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:40:34 -0700

What is the difference between agnosticism and atheism?

The above is true, and here's some more information: Most philosophers hold there to be two kinds of atheism: positive atheism and negative atheism. Postive atheists believe that there is no God. Negative atheists don't believe that there is a God. The difference between the two...

Answer to What does the term purgatory mean?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:26:06 -0700

What does the term purgatory mean?

The Roman Catholic Church no longer believes purgatory to exist, but it was Church dogma until the Second Vatican Council. Purgatory was a kind of "way station" on the way to heaven, where people were punished for their sins until they were fit to enter Heaven. The difference between...

Answer to What is Gnosticism?

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 21:16:14 -0700

What is Gnosticism?

Gnosticism was the belief that the world people perceive is a huge illusion, made by a powerful entitiy called the Demiurge, also known as "the Great Deceiver" -- this means that Gnostics believed that the God of the Old Testament was in fact evil. Humans, although made of physical...