Answerbag: Too Much Time On My Hands's answers

Answer to What is John Steinbeck's most famous work?

Tue, 17 May 2005 06:39:44 -0700

What is John Steinbeck's most famous work?

I think "The Grapes of Wrath" is probably his best-known novel, since it is often taught in high school English classes. It tells the story of a family who migrates from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression. "Of Mice and Men" and "East of Eden" are...

Answer to How did Canada get its name?

Mon, 09 May 2005 19:23:00 -0700

How did Canada get its name?

Well, since Kim's already done such a good job providing the serious answer, there's nothing left for me to do except offer up this joke etymology that you sometimes hear in the USA: The story goes that Canada was actually named by drawing letters at random out of a hat. The letters...

Answer to This girl has said she has strong feelings for me, but she refuses to leave her boyfriend of 3 years. Is she just leading me on?

Mon, 09 May 2005 18:06:36 -0700

This girl has said she has strong feelings for me, but she refuses to leave her boyfriend of 3 years. Is she just leading me on?

This depends on the specifics of what she told you. It is possible to be in a long-term, committed relationship and have "strong feelings" for someone else. One might choose to tell one's friend about the strong feelings simply in the interest of maintaining the friendship, since...

Answer to How do girls decide to approach a guy? I'd like to be that guy, but I don't want to wait around forever.

Mon, 09 May 2005 17:21:31 -0700

How do girls decide to approach a guy? I'd like to be that guy, but I don't want to wait around forever.

How do guys decide to approach a girl? If you don't want to wait, try making a move yourself! Okay, I'm sorry if that sounds mean or unhelpful. Frankly, I'm a girl who always had some idea that the guy was supposed to make the first move. So I spent eight months analyzing my...

Answer to In order to attract a girl, should I start liking the same stuff she likes?

Mon, 09 May 2005 17:09:23 -0700

In order to attract a girl, should I start liking the same stuff she likes?

Expressing a polite interest in things she likes is different from forcing yourself to like them too. You don't have to have all the same interests as another person to have a successful relationship. And if you try to force yourself, that's a recipe for resentment and conflict later...

Answer to If you have a bank account in a foreign country, can you transfer money to your account in the US?

Mon, 09 May 2005 14:24:48 -0700

If you have a bank account in a foreign country, can you transfer money to your account in the US?

Yes, but there are hefty fees involved for such a transfer. I'm not an expert, and I can't tell you about every country. You'll have to ask someone at your bank (both of them) to be sure. But I live and work in France, and will soon be returning to the USA with the money that...

Answer to Where would I be able to find the American School Terms/Semester dates for 2005?

Mon, 09 May 2005 06:18:34 -0700

Where would I be able to find the American School Terms/Semester dates for 2005?

If you're talking about university level, every school sets its own calendar. Some start the semester in late August, others in early September. Most have their first semester exams just before the Christmas break, but I went to a college where we had them in mid-January. But the good...

Answer to How can I petition to get a teacher fired?

Mon, 09 May 2005 06:12:27 -0700

How can I petition to get a teacher fired?

Probably not much. I'm both a graduate student and a teacher at the moment. It is very difficult for schools to force teachers out. There are certainly cases of bad teachers who benefit from this. Unfortunately, some people that just shouldn't be in the classroom are there and are...

Answer to Why do Greeks and Americans have different Easters?

Mon, 09 May 2005 05:43:31 -0700

Why do Greeks and Americans have different Easters?

It's not specifically a Greek/American difference. It is a difference between the Orthodox and Catholic churches, which do not use the same calendar. Most Greeks are Orthodox Christians, so they follow the calendar of the Orthodox Church. Russians, Syrians, and plenty of other...

Answer to How long can a person live on dialysis?

Mon, 09 May 2005 05:37:29 -0700

How long can a person live on dialysis?

I believe that a person with kidney failure can live pretty long with dialysis, which just takes over the work that a healthy kidney should be doing. I hesitate to say "indefinitely," though, when I can't prove it. There are likely other side effects of kidney disease, especially...

Answer to Was Shakespeare gay?

Mon, 09 May 2005 05:24:31 -0700

Was Shakespeare gay?

I don't think there are enough written sources about Shakespeare and his life to answer that question for sure. It is known that he had a wife and three children, one of whom died young (possibly the reason why he started putting ghosts in his plays). Because of his work, though, he...

Answer to How did the Spanish language lose its lisp and the informal plural when the Spaniards colonized America and taught Spanish to the Indians?

Mon, 09 May 2005 05:12:45 -0700

How did the Spanish language lose its lisp and the informal plural when the Spaniards colonized America and taught Spanish to the Indians?

It didn't exactly "lose" either of these things. I assume that what you mean by "lisp" is the tendency to pronounce soft "c" or "z" like a "th". This is not a uniform feature of Spanish. It is most common in the Andalusian (Southern...

Answer to Is there a holy city or site for the Islamic religion? Where is it?

Fri, 06 May 2005 09:16:57 -0700

Is there a holy city or site for the Islamic religion? Where is it?

There are a few. I'll try to explain why each is significant, as well as where it is located: 1. Mecca (Saudi Arabia) is by far the most important, and the site of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage), which all Muslims are expcted to undertake once if they are physically/financially capable of...

Answer to Our cat knows that I am the alpha female of the house, but she attacks my 8 year old daughter. What can I do about this?

Mon, 02 May 2005 04:40:26 -0700

Our cat knows that I am the alpha female of the house, but she attacks my 8 year old daughter. What can I do about this?

As mentioned by someone else, a quick squirt of water is usually the best deterrent. Stamping your foot on the floor not too far from where the cat is and saying "no" loudly and forcefully is also a short-term solution you can use when there's no water handy. But you might want...

Answer to Do all countries use Daylight Savings Time?

Sun, 01 May 2005 17:13:37 -0700

Do all countries use Daylight Savings Time?

Just for the record, countries do not always decide as a whole to use or not use DST. For example, the vast majority of the United States does, but some states choose not to. I know Hawaii doesn't, because I once had a Hawaiian college roommate who had never "turned the clock...

Answer to My 1 year old female cat randomly attacks my younger female cat, but just minutes later she'll be cuddling with her and grooming her. Why is she doing this?

Sun, 01 May 2005 17:02:32 -0700

My 1 year old female cat randomly attacks my younger female cat, but just minutes later she'll be cuddling with her and grooming her. Why is she doing this?

They're playing. Cats have natural predatory instincts, and this is how they "keep in shape". In a litter of kittens, for example, it's not uncommon for the kittens to play at attacking each other to practice their hunting skills. Mother cats will even encourage their...

Answer to What is "Grimm's Law"?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 20:11:33 -0700

What is "Grimm's Law"?

Grimm's Law (yes, formulated by one of the Grimm Brothers!) is a systematic explanation of how certain consonant sounds evolved in Germanic languages (including English). It accounts for some of the major differences between Germanic languages and other Indo-European languages. For...

Answer to What is morphology?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 19:42:38 -0700

What is morphology?

Morphology is the study of how words are put together. It all revolves around things called "morphemes," which I'll try to explain: Words are composed of morphemes. A morpheme is basically the smallest possible unit of meaning in a language. Words can consist of one...

Answer to Was one of the Titans on the Olympians' side during the fight to overthrow Cronos? If so, who was it?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 19:25:31 -0700

Was one of the Titans on the Olympians' side during the fight to overthrow Cronos? If so, who was it?

If I remember correctly, Rhea (wife of Cronos and also a Titan) sided with her children against her husband.

Answer to What is the religious significance of the Jewish "kosher" dietary laws?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 18:52:54 -0700

What is the religious significance of the Jewish "kosher" dietary laws?

As another answer states, observant Jews follow kosher laws "because God said so" in the Old Testament. I won't repeat what has already been said well, but I will mention that I heard a different account of why chicken and milk cannot be mixed even though chickens don't give...

Answer to When was Judaism founded?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 18:35:39 -0700

When was Judaism founded?

Something about the verb "founded" bothers me... mainly because I associate that word with things that men invent. And when you believe in a religion you either believe that it was always there or that it was given to you by a higher power, not that a person invented it. But I'll...

Answer to If a person doesn't go to church or have a religion, but still believes in God, will they go to heaven?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 17:17:02 -0700

If a person doesn't go to church or have a religion, but still believes in God, will they go to heaven?

From the general tone of the question, I'm assuming that even though you use the word "church" you are not necessarily talking only about Christianity. My apologies if it's an incorrect assumption. My inclination as a Muslim is to tell you "probably." But, as a...

Answer to What are some things a Baptist man can do to appeal to the parents of a Catholic woman he'd like to date?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 16:43:11 -0700

What are some things a Baptist man can do to appeal to the parents of a Catholic woman he'd like to date?

I know that when people recommend conversion they are trying to help. But conversion to please or accommodate others is conversion for the wrong reasons. I am Muslim and my boyfriend of four years is Jewish. We're both fairly religious people, so while my advice is not perfect for...

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

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 16:12:52 -0700

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

Along the lines Glenn and Kim mentioned: I know God exists, but HOW I know is a matter of personal faith. I could try to explain, but it's an understanding each person has to reach on their own. My personal feeling is that the very strength of God's presence lies in the fact that I...

Answer to Is there any sin you can commit and not be accepted into heaven?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 15:35:47 -0700

Is there any sin you can commit and not be accepted into heaven?

Well, I'll give the Muslim perspective because it's the one I know best and we already have some eloquent Christian explanations up. Muslims traditionally believe that certain acts are so good that they will carry you to heaven (especially dying in the middle of a religious act like...

Answer to Why does it matter which religion you are? Aren't most of them about being the best person you can, and helping others to the best of your ability?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 15:16:16 -0700

Why does it matter which religion you are? Aren't most of them about being the best person you can, and helping others to the best of your ability?

That is exactly what life is about. But being "the best you can" is subjective, and we all pursue that differently. I think that people who identify strongly with one religion will say that their religion is what helps them to be "the best they can". I'm Muslim. For...

Answer to Would a male Libra and female Sagittarius make a good match for a relationship?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 14:49:39 -0700

Would a male Libra and female Sagittarius make a good match for a relationship?

Neither I nor anyone else is in a place to "judge" a Libra-Sagittarius relationship. People who don't believe in astrology will say the whole question is irrelevant. People who do believe in astrology and have studied the subject in any depth will say that it's more...

Answer to What kind of jobs could I get if I were to major in languages (college)? What language is the most sought after by employers?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:16:35 -0700

What kind of jobs could I get if I were to major in languages (college)? What language is the most sought after by employers?

You can be lots of things. You can become a teacher (like me!), a translator, a guide or other worker in the tourist industry... there are too many possibilities to just make one list right here. You can be an etymology researcher for dictionaries (obscure, yes, but I always thought that...

Answer to What are some words that have multiple, opposite meanings?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:04:57 -0700

What are some words that have multiple, opposite meanings?

The word "inflammable" also comes to mind. I'm not sure if the dictionary authorities will ascribe multiple meanings to it, but history and common usage have. I believe the reason for the confusion has something to do with hydrogen being labeled "inflammable air" and...

Answer to Is there an Islamic version of God? Who or what is it?

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 04:24:13 -0700

Is there an Islamic version of God? Who or what is it?

Yes, there is one God that Muslims believe in. Many Muslims call Him "Allah" because that is the Arabic word for "God." But we believe that when Jews, Christians, and Muslims talk about "God" we're all talking about the same One. As an English-speaking...

Answer to What can help with constipation?

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 16:46:39 -0800

What can help with constipation?

Taking a tablespoon of mineral oil works wonders, although the stuff tastes absolutely disgusting. Coffee, as others have pointed out, seems to clean out your system, but I really wouldn't recommend medicating yourself with caffeine just because you're constipated. I would recommend...

Answer to Have the Red Sox ever won a World Series? If so, in what years?

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 16:31:52 -0800

Have the Red Sox ever won a World Series? If so, in what years?

Excuse me for this display of regional pride.... It's been a long time, as the other answer shows. We've been waiting for over 80 years, but finally in 2004 the Red Sox won their first World Series in quite a long time! And we the proud people of Boston will be walking on air for...

Answer to In general, who is more powerful/important/prestigous - a state governor or a US Senator if they belong to the same state?

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 16:27:15 -0800

In general, who is more powerful/important/prestigous - a state governor or a US Senator if they belong to the same state?

It's hard to say... it depends on what you consider to be "powerful/important/prestigious". I would say that the governor is more important to residents of a particular state; a senator is more important on the national scale. At the risk of repeating the obvious, a state...

Answer to Does Puritanism still exist?

Sun, 21 Nov 2004 16:17:41 -0800

Does Puritanism still exist?

Well, it would be difficult to find a group whose twenty-first century practitioners closely resemble the Puritans who went from Old England to New England in the seventeenth century. So, in that regard, no. One of the main characteristics of the Puritans was their opposition to the Church of...

Answer to Was Marilyn Manson an actor when he was younger?

Sun, 10 Oct 2004 15:00:30 -0700

Was Marilyn Manson an actor when he was younger?

I don't think so. At least, not according to http://www.imdb.com, which is the most reputable source of movie/actor information that I know. According to them, he is a musician, a writer, and a painter. They list all his movie and TV appearances, and it would seem that the vast majority...

Answer to Is it possible to safely lose 100 pounds in two months?

Sun, 10 Oct 2004 03:14:49 -0700

Is it possible to safely lose 100 pounds in two months?

No. Even removing the word "safely," I'm not sure if it's even physically possible. I'm no weight loss expert, but I've read my fair share of women's magazines, and whenever you see quotes from a doctor (as opposed to a ridiculous fad diet), they seem to...

Answer to What is the difference in meaning, if any, between "Israeli" and "Israelite"?

Sun, 10 Oct 2004 02:56:36 -0700

What is the difference in meaning, if any, between "Israeli" and "Israelite"?

Edit in response to comment: Actually, today's Jews are descendants of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi (who did not found his own "tribe," but some of whose descendants formed the hereditary Jewish priesthood line). These are the descendants of the inhabitants of Judea. The...

Answer to What is Ashura?

Thu, 07 Oct 2004 13:24:05 -0700

What is Ashura?

Ashura literally means "ten". It's a holiday that falls on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Muslim lunar calendar. This means that it will not always fall in January, February, etc. but rather move around relative to the Christian calendar. The explanation of...

Answer to Where and when did coffee drinking become popular?

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 11:46:16 -0700

Where and when did coffee drinking become popular?

Check out: http://www.koffeekorner.com/koffeehistory.htm for more information. The legend has it that the actual coffee beans were discovered c. 850 in Ethiopia, when goat herders noticed that goats got hyperactive upon eating them. The goat herders tried it themselves, and thus coffee was...

Answer to Why do you see ants carrying other dead ants around-- what do they do with them?

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 14:27:03 -0700

Why do you see ants carrying other dead ants around-- what do they do with them?

Ants are social insects, meaning they live in colonies where each ant has a certain social role to play, as well as specific chores to carry out. You wouldn't think ants were so interesting, but reading about them to answer this question was fascinating! Anyway, some ants just have the job...

Answer to Can chocolate harm cats?

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 14:09:18 -0700

Can chocolate harm cats?

Yes. Aside from the tooth decay and obesity problems that chocolate poses for all species, there is a serious risk here. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which acts as both a diuretic and a cardiac stimulant. It may not do much to humans, but it has a much stronger effect on...

Answer to If the Greeks call their country "Hellas", why do we call it "Greece"?

Mon, 04 Oct 2004 13:52:37 -0700

If the Greeks call their country "Hellas", why do we call it "Greece"?

The Latin name for Greece is Graecia. I'm not sure where the Romans got it from, but I'm almost positive that we got our modern "Greece" straight from them.

Answer to I find it difficult to meet girls who have my interests (video games, books/comics, anime... stuff some people consider 'geeky'.) Where can I meet a girl with those interests?

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 16:00:03 -0700

I find it difficult to meet girls who have my interests (video games, books/comics, anime... stuff some people consider 'geeky'.) Where can I meet a girl with those interests?

MP1116's advice is excellent and probably all you need, but I thought of a few other things, for what it's worth: -- You could meet people in the stores where people buy all that stuff, although it's not something you would set out to do intentionally. That could work if...

Answer to I think there are some girls in my school who fancy me but don't have the nerve to speak to me. How do I make myself more accessible?

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 15:23:50 -0700

I think there are some girls in my school who fancy me but don't have the nerve to speak to me. How do I make myself more accessible?

Good advice has already been posted, but let me add two things, from the point of view of one of those girls who was always too reserved to make the first move: 1. Are you interested in any of these girls who like you? It's great to be friendly to them all, but if they're already...

Answer to My friends have been advising me to break up with my new girlfriend because she is a "Princess." What exactly do they mean by that?

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 15:19:13 -0700

My friends have been advising me to break up with my new girlfriend because she is a "Princess." What exactly do they mean by that?

This could depend on the ethnic and religious makeup of your group of friends. There exists a term "Jewish American Princess" or "JAP," which is a negative term used to describe any Jewish girl who is somewhat spoiled, thinks highly of herself, and expects others to cater to...

Answer to I have been told that "in choosing a boyfriend, you should go for a guy who loves you more." Is this true?

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 15:05:40 -0700

I have been told that "in choosing a boyfriend, you should go for a guy who loves you more." Is this true?

Not necessarily. I have a friend who made this choice, but her relationship didn't last longer than a few months. It's hard to say what would have happened if she'd gone out with the guy she liked, instead of the guy she had lukewarm feelings for but who happened to really like...

Answer to Is it out of the question for a 17 year old to be interested in or fall in love with a 23 year old?

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 14:57:31 -0700

Is it out of the question for a 17 year old to be interested in or fall in love with a 23 year old?

Absolutely not, although sexual relations (even if completely consensual) would be illegal until the 17-year-old turns 18. There is nothing "wrong" with this. I will, however, repeat some cautionary words from my answer to a similar question. Age 18-21 is a period of incredible...

Answer to My kitten is afraid to use the litter box in the basement by herself. What can I do to help her not be afraid?

Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:44:39 -0700

My kitten is afraid to use the litter box in the basement by herself. What can I do to help her not be afraid?

When my younger sisters got bunk beds, they did train the cat to climb up and down the ladder, basically by holding her and guiding her less and less until she was doing it by herself. Frankly, though, I would just advise you to move the litter box somewhere more agreeable. Cats are picky in...

Answer to For how long was Russia a communist country?

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 13:00:14 -0700

For how long was Russia a communist country?

There's often a little window for debate when it comes to history, but I would say 1917-1991. 1917 is the year of the Russian Revolution, which overthrew the Tsar and brought Vladimir Lenin and his followers to power. As for the end of Russian communism and the Soviet Union . . . Boris...

Answer to Did anyone speak English in The Passion of the Christ?

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 12:53:19 -0700

Did anyone speak English in The Passion of the Christ?

As far as languages spoken by the characters, no. The Romans were speaking Latin (albeit with "Church Latin" pronunciation) and the Jews were speaking Aramaic, an ancient Semitic language. Most of the Old Testament of the Bible is written in Hebrew, although there are some bits in...

Answer to What is the origin of the surname Haddad?

Tue, 28 Sep 2004 12:47:01 -0700

What is the origin of the surname Haddad?

"Haddad" is Arabic for "blacksmith". So, in a nutshell, it's like our last name "Smith".

Answer to What is the largest land mass on earth?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 22:23:13 -0700

What is the largest land mass on earth?

The largest land mass is the supercontinent of Africa-Eurasia (i.e. all the land comprising continental Europe, Asia, and Africa). To break it down, Asia is the largest of the seven continents even without taking into account the fact that it is connected to Europe. Africa is the second...

Answer to Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 20:24:17 -0700

Why do some people consider Mormonism a cult?

"Cult" is a loaded word, and it's too subjective to have one definition. People love to use it as a pejorative term for any religion that they dislike, especially if it's a minority group compared to that of the person using the word. My college roommate was Mormon, and we...

Answer to Why do Orthodox Jews (men) dress in black and wear their hair in long strands in the front?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 19:39:01 -0700

Why do Orthodox Jews (men) dress in black and wear their hair in long strands in the front?

I should point out that not all Orthodox Jewish men dress like that. The black suits and side curls are specifically associated with Hasidic Jews. Then there are some other Orthodox groups who dress similarly, but their names escape me at the moment (it's awfully hard to remember Hebrew...

Answer to Red and green are the traditional colors of Christmas. What are the traditional colors of Hanukkah?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 19:31:11 -0700

Red and green are the traditional colors of Christmas. What are the traditional colors of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah does not have traditional colors in and of itself. But if you were to buy Hanukkah decorations you would see lots of blue and white (the colors of the Israeli flag and thus "traditional colors" for Judaism as a whole). Maybe some gold, especially regarding representations of...

Answer to When I type in a number, how can I set it so it doesn't move to the right?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 18:57:53 -0700

When I type in a number, how can I set it so it doesn't move to the right?

Aligning numbers to the right is the default setting for Excel. If you would rather have them aligned to either the left or the center, you have two options. The easiest is to go to the formatting toolbar. Next to those buttons with B, I, and U (bold, italics, and underline) are three buttons...

Answer to Do the fingernails of your left hand and your right hand grow equally fast?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 18:51:15 -0700

Do the fingernails of your left hand and your right hand grow equally fast?

Based on my personal experience, yes. But sometimes it seems like certain nails grow faster than others because they just don't break as often and it's easier for them to get to a longer length. For example, I'm left-handed. The index finger on my left hand gets a lot of use,...

Answer to How do you type a forward accent (ex: over the e in resume)?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 18:42:46 -0700

How do you type a forward accent (ex: over the e in resume)?

If you're using Microsoft Word, go to the "insert" menu and select "symbol". You'll get a lovely chart with every accent mark and foreign character you can imagine. In addition to the "traditional" accent marks of western European languages, you can get...

Answer to What is a curriculum vitae? How does one differ from a traditional resume? What types of careers would you use a CV instead of a resume?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 17:21:51 -0700

What is a curriculum vitae? How does one differ from a traditional resume? What types of careers would you use a CV instead of a resume?

Edit: I wrote this answer before spending a year abroad as a teacher. I realize now that my answer is correct for the USA, but it may not hold true for other countries. Other answers to round out our knowledge with international perspectives are welcomed! A curriculum vitae is longer and...

Answer to What the difference between a bacteria and a virus?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 17:00:47 -0700

What the difference between a bacteria and a virus?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms, capable of reproducing on their own. Different kinds of bacteria thrive in a variety of different environments (our bodies being just one of many examples), but they are all "alive" by anyone's definition of the word. Because they are alive,...

Answer to Does it really take more muscles to frown than it does to smile?

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 16:34:31 -0700

Does it really take more muscles to frown than it does to smile?

Actually... (oh dear, this isn't going to be a popular answer!), the jury's still out on this one. It's a saying that has been around for so long and penetrated our culture to the extent that everyone assumes it's true without remembering specific details or sources. You...

Answer to What verses in the Qu'ran (Koran) deal specifically with Muhhamad's flight from Mecca to Medina (the Hijira/Hijra)? What do they say?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 16:18:31 -0700

What verses in the Qu'ran (Koran) deal specifically with Muhhamad's flight from Mecca to Medina (the Hijira/Hijra)? What do they say?

I didn't want to reply that there aren't any such verses until I had checked several English translations... but having been through four of them without finding anything I do think it's safe to say that there just aren't any. There are occasional references to the cities...

Answer to What are the risks involved with breast reduction? Are the risks greater for teens?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 15:35:34 -0700

What are the risks involved with breast reduction? Are the risks greater for teens?

No surgery is risk-free... anesthesia-related complications are always possible. But that's all I can think of in this case. I've never heard of breast reduction being dangerous in itself. And there are benefits to breast reduction surgery that speak in its favor. Whereas breast...

Answer to Are there any proven non-surgical ways to enlarge breasts?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 15:16:08 -0700

Are there any proven non-surgical ways to enlarge breasts?

Aside from surgery and altering your hormone balance (e.g. birth control pills), neither of which I recommend, I don't know of any way to enlarge breasts. However, there are exercises that in the past were recommended for breast enlargement. Basically, you lift your arms and thrust your...

Answer to Are female swimmers attacked more often by sharks than male swimmers?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 15:02:50 -0700

Are female swimmers attacked more often by sharks than male swimmers?

Apparently they are, according to this answer that was posted to a different question. As I'm just reporting another poster's information, if you found this answer helpful and would like to rate it please head over to the section on women's health/menstruation and give credit...

Answer to What's the difference between American soccer and British football?

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 11:22:09 -0700

What's the difference between American soccer and British football?

What Americans call soccer is called football everywhere else in the world (football in British English and French, futbol in Spanish, fussball in German, etc.). There is in an international body governing this sport, so it's safe to say that American soccer and British football are exactly...

Answer to What is the difference between the religious and commercial definitions of halal meats?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 21:58:48 -0700

What is the difference between the religious and commercial definitions of halal meats?

This is complicated, even more complicated than it seemed when I first started reading up on it. So I'll do my best, but I expect not all Muslims will agree with everything. I'm going to deal specifically with land animals, although bear in mind that the Qur'an mentions in...

Answer to What percentage of the population of Utah is Mormon?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 21:21:51 -0700

What percentage of the population of Utah is Mormon?

According to a Time Magazine article about the 2002 Olympics, 73%, showing a slight decrease from 77% in 1990. So, assuming no drastic changes in the past two years it should still be somewhere in the low 70s.

Answer to I know this question isn't specific to Aoife, but what is the meaning of "Ni" as the middle name of many Irish women?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 21:07:34 -0700

I know this question isn't specific to Aoife, but what is the meaning of "Ni" as the middle name of many Irish women?

It's not really a middle name. "Ni" basically means "daughter of" and precedes the name of a girl's father. Similarly, "Mc" or "Mac" (I can never remember which one is Irish and which one is Scottish!) goes before the name of a boy's...

Answer to I've just joined a Masters course at a new college, and I have friends whom I really like, but there are guys and girls who won't talk to me. What can I do to become more popular?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 17:51:52 -0700

I've just joined a Masters course at a new college, and I have friends whom I really like, but there are guys and girls who won't talk to me. What can I do to become more popular?

I was in your shoes a few months ago. To make matters worse, I had just graduated froma college that I really loved and was sure I'd never find friends who could come close to the standard set by my college crowd. So, in my case, if it was hard to meet people, I probably deserve a good...

Answer to Is there a home remedy to reduce the itch from mosquito bites besides calamine lotion?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 16:54:40 -0700

Is there a home remedy to reduce the itch from mosquito bites besides calamine lotion?

Baking soda! Mix baking soda with water until you have a plaster that you can apply to the itchy area. It will dry on. After it's been on for too long, though, it starts to crumble... so keep track of children if you don't want baking soda all over the furniture! I've also...

Answer to Why do some people's mosquito bites not itch?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 16:49:26 -0700

Why do some people's mosquito bites not itch?

If people take steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs for various health problems, then they will not experience the normal swelling/itching reaction if bitten by a mosquito. An example that I'm familiar with from family experience is organ transplant patients, who take prednisone as part of...

Answer to What will happen if impacted wisdom teeth aren't removed?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 16:35:07 -0700

What will happen if impacted wisdom teeth aren't removed?

Not all impacted wisdom teeth are the same. I was lucky that mine were only touching soft tissue... it made their removal easier, and they weren't causing any immediate damage to the rest of my mouth. Some wisdom teeth are tilted to the point where they are at risk of burrowing straight...

Answer to Where does the name Atkins originate from and what does it mean?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 14:02:27 -0700

Where does the name Atkins originate from and what does it mean?

From http://www.last-names.net "At" is an abbreviated form of Arthur "kins", analagous to German "kind" refers to "children of" (they provide Wilkins as another example) So: children of Arthur. A fine, old English name. You must have had an...

Answer to What was Congo's previous name?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 13:42:39 -0700

What was Congo's previous name?

Kim's right, but just in case anyone needed clarification on this: There are two separate countries: 1. The current Republic of Congo, more commonly known as Congo. This one's on the southwestern coast of Africa. 2. The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire, even more...

Answer to Which African countries used to be Belgian colonies?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 13:34:13 -0700

Which African countries used to be Belgian colonies?

And for those young people who never heard of Belgian Congo, it's that country that was called Zaire for a little while and recently become the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It's in south-central Africa, so don't confuse it with the country further west that also has...

Answer to What is the relationship between China and Hong Kong?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 13:28:18 -0700

What is the relationship between China and Hong Kong?

Hong Kong was colonized by the British, but it was returned to China in 1997 (as agreed in a 1984 treaty between China and the UK). It is now part of China. Many residents of Hong Kong were apprehensive about this move (I know some who immigrated to the USA because of it), but in general...

Answer to How did Saddam Hussein come to power in Iraq?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 13:20:47 -0700

How did Saddam Hussein come to power in Iraq?

Response to rating: Yeah, you can take it as a given that Americans have had a hand in just about everything in the Middle East for several decades. So that probably includes Saddam Hussein's rise to power... but I think it would have happened on its own regardless. I don't like...

Answer to What American colleges or Canadian universities are considered to be good for a degree majoring in physics?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 12:48:23 -0700

What American colleges or Canadian universities are considered to be good for a degree majoring in physics?

There are just too many for me to give you a comprehensive answer. There are big-name science institutions like CalTech, MIT, and Harvey Mudd, but you can also get a good physics education at a liberal arts college (of which there are many!). Head to a bookstore or your local library and check...

Answer to Why does Rome have so many cats roaming about?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 12:35:29 -0700

Why does Rome have so many cats roaming about?

Stray cats are very well-protected in Rome. Italy has a no-kill law, meaning no euthanasia for stray animals. Combine that with the fact that spaying and neutering are less common in Europe than in the USA, and you get . . . lots of stray cats! Apparently, the cats hang around tourist...

Answer to At what age should a cat be declawed? Are there alternatives to declawing (I can't be at home 24/7 to catch her and train her not to claw the furniture)?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 12:19:24 -0700

At what age should a cat be declawed? Are there alternatives to declawing (I can't be at home 24/7 to catch her and train her not to claw the furniture)?

My family chose to declaw a destructive cat once. We have always regretted it. I would never do it again and would discourage anyone else from doing it. For the most eloquent explanation I know of, see http://declawing.com. For convenience sake, though, I'll give you the high points of...

Answer to Do cats get high or stoned on catnip?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 12:07:05 -0700

Do cats get high or stoned on catnip?

Check out http://science.howstuffworks.com for more specific information. I'm just going to paraphrase what I found from the site and a few links that it mentions, in case you can't access it yourself. I don't think cats actually get high in the way a marijuana smoker gets...

Answer to What type of cat is a "lipicat"? Where do they come from?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 11:54:11 -0700

What type of cat is a "lipicat"? Where do they come from?

Wow... let me just say that I tried very hard to research this question, and I still haven't got a very satisfactory answer. But I've done all I can, so here goes: Lipicats are Asian cats. The fact that they are from Asia is the only solid piece of information that I have....

Answer to Some states call themselves a "commonwealth." What is the difference between a state and a commonwealth?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 11:30:07 -0700

Some states call themselves a "commonwealth." What is the difference between a state and a commonwealth?

All of the fifty states are "states", as defined in the federal Constitution. Massachusetts, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are also commonwealths, because this is the official name used in their state Constitutions. So the simple answer is that commonwealths are commonwealths...

Answer to My best friend who is 16 just started dating my cousin who is 26. I'm very concerned about this... am I over-reacting?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 04:25:47 -0700

My best friend who is 16 just started dating my cousin who is 26. I'm very concerned about this... am I over-reacting?

In general, age differences become less important as both parties get older. A relationship between a 56-year old and a 66-year old seems fine, but it would be completely ridiculous (not to mention disturbing!) for a 20-year old and a 10-year old. This particular relationship falls into the...

Answer to How old should a cat be before it is spayed / neutered?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 04:13:00 -0700

How old should a cat be before it is spayed / neutered?

Our veterinarian told us to wait until the cat was six months old. If you adopt a cat from an animal shelter, the exact date of birth is often not known. In this case, the shelter and/or a veterinarian can often estimate a kitten's age within a range of 2-3 weeks, and you should assume the...

Answer to What's the difference between American "fries" and English "chips"?

Sat, 18 Sep 2004 04:06:03 -0700

What's the difference between American "fries" and English "chips"?

What Americans call "fries" or "French fries" (even though they really come from Belgium!) are referred to as "chips" in British English. What Americans call "chips" or "potato chips" are called "crisps" in Britain.

Answer to My cat likes to lick the walls and eat toilet paper off the roll. Is she missing something from her diet or just bored?

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 13:29:58 -0700

My cat likes to lick the walls and eat toilet paper off the roll. Is she missing something from her diet or just bored?

If she's licking the walls and toilet paper, I don't think it's a nutrition question, because those won't be helping her much. Outdoor cats often eat grass, which some say is because cats have a very meat/protein-oriented diet and don't take in very much fiber. And...

Answer to My cat attacks me (only me) violently and without provocation. His pupils dilate and he latches onto my arm or leg. Why does he do this and how can I get him to stop?

Wed, 15 Sep 2004 17:57:50 -0700

My cat attacks me (only me) violently and without provocation. His pupils dilate and he latches onto my arm or leg. Why does he do this and how can I get him to stop?

Cats often jump people or things that, to the average human observer, do not necessarily deserve such an attack. Often they think they're playing. Cats have thicker skin than humans, and they don't realize how much their claws hurt. My cat has fairly regular periods of hyperactivity...

Answer to Besides "what's your sign?", what are some good pick-up lines that appeal to either men or women?

Wed, 15 Sep 2004 09:42:07 -0700

Besides "what's your sign?", what are some good pick-up lines that appeal to either men or women?

An easier question to answer would be what pick-up lines don't appeal to me. The answer would be every pick-up line that anyone has ever tried on me. And I've had them in four languages. What appeals to me most, as a woman, is a man who has already proven himself to be a good...

Answer to I am about to meet my girlfriend's young daughter for the first time, and I am a little apprehensive on how to relate to her. Any advice?

Wed, 15 Sep 2004 09:28:50 -0700

I am about to meet my girlfriend's young daughter for the first time, and I am a little apprehensive on how to relate to her. Any advice?

It depends on how old a "young daughter" is. If you're talking about a toddler or a pre-schooler, things might be easier. Really young children might be harder to relate to if you've never had any of your own, but they're also less likely to judge or resent you. She...

Answer to What does it mean to be a "born-again" Christian?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 19:47:27 -0700

What does it mean to be a "born-again" Christian?

I find all these answers interesting, because none of them refer to the way I have always heard "born-again Christian." Every time that I have heard the term used, it was to describe someone who either (a) was nominally Christian but did not practice the religion or believe strongly,...

Answer to Is there any doctrinal basis for Christian boys being circumcised?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 19:37:40 -0700

Is there any doctrinal basis for Christian boys being circumcised?

Jews and Muslims continue the practice of circumcision because both religions emphasize their direct descent from Abraham. Abraham had both his sons Isaac (progenitor of the Jews) and Ishmael (progenitor of the Arabs and thus the first Muslims) circumcised as a symbol of their covenant with God....

Answer to I really like this girl, we're together all the time and her and her boyfriend are on the verge of breaking up, but everytime it's about to happen, they find another reason to stay together. Should I just give up?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 18:56:35 -0700

I really like this girl, we're together all the time and her and her boyfriend are on the verge of breaking up, but everytime it's about to happen, they find another reason to stay together. Should I just give up?

Well, I don't know you, the girl, or the boyfriend but this far from being a new and unheard-of situation. I wholeheartedly agree with the advice not to interfere with the girl and her boyfriend. I'm not telling you to give up or to declare your feelings right away, but I am telling...

Answer to How often should a boyfriend call you?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 18:22:22 -0700

How often should a boyfriend call you?

This depends on a lot of factors. Case in point: my boyfriend and I attended the same college. That meant that we saw each other in person almost every day, and we usually talked on the phone every day, either to make plans to see each other or to make up for not having been able to see each...

Answer to The guy I am with has invited me on a vacation that is seven months away! Is this his way of telling me that we are serious?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 18:09:36 -0700

The guy I am with has invited me on a vacation that is seven months away! Is this his way of telling me that we are serious?

Well, what kind of a vacation is it? Did he intend for just the two of you to go on vacation? Or is he inviting you on a family vacation? If there are other people involved, his family might just want to know if you're coming because it will influence their planning. Your host might need...

Answer to How can I spend time with a possible girlfriend if our only meeting time is in school, and neither of us can go out until we're older?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:58:35 -0700

How can I spend time with a possible girlfriend if our only meeting time is in school, and neither of us can go out until we're older?

It sounds like you had time to meet this girl in school, so you probably can find time to get to know her better and build up a friendship in school. If you're really serious about looking for ways to spend more time together (and she feels the same way), you could ask for permission to...

Answer to Is it wrong for a girl that is 16 to be seriously thinking about marriage when she knows she loves the boy she is with?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:43:04 -0700

Is it wrong for a girl that is 16 to be seriously thinking about marriage when she knows she loves the boy she is with?

Depends on the girl. Depends on the kind of upbringing the girl had. Before anyone jumps on me for that response, I will say that I have never met a sixteen-year-old girl in the United States who seems ready for marriage. American society doesn't expect women to be wives or mothers at...

Answer to What qualities do most people consider "good" when choosing a mate?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:25:02 -0700

What qualities do most people consider "good" when choosing a mate?

Well, I tend to think "would I want to raise children with this man?" before anything else. But we all have different cultural and religious backgrounds, so after the rest of you finish laughing at me we'll move on to the serious part of my answer. Everyone has their own...

Answer to I like a girl who used to like me, but now she's into the popular guys in school and I'm not really popular. What can I do to get her attention again?

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 17:07:37 -0700

I like a girl who used to like me, but now she's into the popular guys in school and I'm not really popular. What can I do to get her attention again?

I agree with the advice to wait it out and see if she comes around. And that if it just doesn't happen, then you should move on because you surely deserve (and can find) better. I won't make any guesses about your age because of the embarrassment that it will cause both you and me...