Jan
31
2009
1

When was the last reading of the Riot Act on mainland UK?

Modern Liverpool and the Mersey Ferry (photo by by dean_dave CC-BY)

According to the BBC it was in Glasgow on the 31 January 1919, 90 years ago. However, we here at Quezi like to check our facts and have found what we believe to be a later reading of the Riot Act. In 1918 and 1919 the Police twice went on strike in Britain. The second strike [more...]

Written by answerfinder | 438 views | Tags: , , | 1 Comment
Jan
31
2009
0

What is a map measurer?

Map Measurer (photo by ndrwfgg - CC-BY)

A map measurer is also known as a map wheel, an opisometer, or a meliograph. It is used to measure the length of routes or features on a map. You use a map measurer by dragging the small wheel along the surface of the map, following carefully the path of the line that you wish to [more...]

Written by eiffel | 793 views | Tags: , , , | 0 Comments
Jan
30
2009
0

How do you convert between degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (Centigrade), and Kelvin?

Thermometer (photo by bucklava - CC-BY)

Fahrenheit, Celsius, Centigrade, Kelvin and Rankine are all units of measurement for temperature scales, but some of them have unusual characteristics. Here’s what they mean and how to convert between them. We can easily deal with the degree Centigrade (abbreviation °C) because the unit is no longer in use. Since 1948 the equivalent term degree Celsius [more...]

Jan
30
2009
0

What was Window Tax?

The owner of Basildon Park could easily afford to pay this unequal tax (photo by Dave Hamster CC-BY)

First imposed in England in 1696, Window Tax was repealed in 1851 after campaigners argued that it was a ‘tax on health‘, and a tax on ‘light and air’, as well as being an unequal tax with the greatest burden on the middle and lower classes. Originally introduced to make up for losses caused by clipping [more...]

Written by answerfinder | 725 views | Tags: , , , | 0 Comments
Jan
30
2009
1

What is ethical banking?

Ethical Banking (photo by laurenatclemson - CC-BY)

Ethical banking is a sector of the banking industry which takes ethical considerations into account when making business decisions. Sometimes it represents little more than a marketing catchphrase, but at the other end of the spectrum there are financial institutions whose entire reason for existence is to further a particular ethical goal. Ethical concerns may include [more...]

Jan
30
2009
0

What happened to the cast of My Favorite Martian?

Mars (photo by jasonb42882 - CC-BY)

My Favorite Martian was a sitcom that ran from 1963 to 1966. Tim O’Hara, newspaper reporter, rescued a martian from his crashed spaceship and pretended to the world that it was his “Uncle Martin”. This led to many awkward situations, which formed the backbone of the show’s episodes. Tim O’Hara was played by Bill Bixby. After [more...]

Jan
30
2009
0

Who are the Comanche Indians?

Chief Quana Parker

Comanche Indians, the “Lords of the Plains.” The Comanche Indians, once part of the northern Shoshone tribe of Wyoming, split off from them and moved to their modern location in the Southern Plains. This break-away coincided with their acquisition of horses, which allowed them greater freedom in their search for better hunting.  The Comanches were probably [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Can diet and exercise help prevent breast cancer?

Run4Cure341 (Photo by Dawn - Pink Chick - CC-BY)

It appears that women have another very good reason to stay in shape! Researchers have found that women of all ages may be able to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by participating in physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for developing breast cancer after menopause.  [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Is the Great Wall of China really the only man made object that can be seen from the moon?

The Great Wall of China, near Badaling - courtesy Paul Mannix - CC-BY

Many of us have heard the claim that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from outer space space, or even from the Moon, with the naked eye. The Great Wall certainly seems large enough? The Great Wall is a actually a series of stone and earthen fortifications built between the 5th century [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Is the law different in England and Scotland?

Court room in Edinburgh, Scotland - photo by www.theedinburghblog.co.uk - CC-BY

Yes, there are many differences between Scots law and English law. It’s not just a question of small details for lawyers to worry about, but of two separate legal systems. Anyone moving from one side of the border to the other should bear this in mind. Common legal issues that lead many people to consult a [more...]

Written by leli | 2,176 views | Tags: , , , | 0 Comments
Jan
29
2009
1

Why is a blatantly unfair legal proceeding called a kangaroo court?

Picture of kangaroo resting at petting zoo

According to various authorities, including West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, the term “kangaroo court” came from the American frontier of the 19th century. In those days it was common for judges to go from town to town to hold trials, and they gained a reputation of being biased, as their pay sometimes depended on how [more...]

Written by mvguy | 527 views | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment
Jan
29
2009
0

What is Luxor Temple?

Luxor temple at night - courtesy Argenberg - CC-BY

The earliest remains found at Luxor Temple date to the 13th dynasty and it is possible that there was a shrine or temple on this site during the Middle Kingdom.  However, it did not come into prominance till the time of empire in the 18th dynasty.  Hatshepsut first began the overland processional way which linked [more...]

Written by digs | 310 views | Tags: , , | 0 Comments
Jan
29
2009
0

What is the Temple of Karnak?

Columns of Hypostyle Hall in Karnak - courtesy ninahale - CC-BY

The Temple of Karnak is the largest temple site in Egypt.  Karnak Temple is actually composed of three main temples, several smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. The temple complex was built and enlarged over a a span of 1300 years and stands on 247 acres of land. Around thirty different kings contributed to [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Is deflation bad, and why?

Deflationary Spiral (photo by FireChickenTA99 - CC-BY)

Deflation is the opposite of inflation. Deflation is what we call it when things get cheaper. What could possibly be wrong with that? And yet some people argue that deflation is one of the worst things that could happen. How can that be? Suppose flat panel TVs keep getting cheaper. Some people will spend less on [more...]

Written by eiffel | 731 views | Tags: , , , , , | 0 Comments
Jan
29
2009
2

Can loud noises start an avalanche?

Avalanche created by an explosion, Roger's Pass, British Columbia (photo by showmeone CC-BY)

I have seen this many times on films and cartoons. A group of characters trudging through snow covered mountains insisting that they must all be silent in case of starting an avalanche, only for one of them to sneeze or shout out and start the feared avalanche. Does this really happen? A search of reliable websites [more...]

Written by answerfinder | 596 views | Tags: , , , , | 2 Comments
Jan
29
2009
1

Why vacation in Kansas?

Courthouse Covington Falls Kansas - courtesy amanderson2 - CC-BY

Kansas, known as the ‘Sunflower State.’ is part of the American Midwestern heartland. While in Kansas you can check out places such as ‘wild west’ famous Dodge City, tour Fort Leavenworth or visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. You can choose your own way in Kansas.  You may choose camping, hunting, fishing or hiking [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Where can I find information on a company in Ireland?

Monument of Light, Dublin (photo by Daveybot CC-BY)

If you are thinking of conducting business in the Republic of Ireland, you may need to check out your potential customers, or if entering into partnership or other business with them, their previous commercial experience. In the Republic of Ireland the Companies Registration Office houses the Register of Companies and Business Names (An Oifig um Chlárú [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

What foods are rich in iron?

Eating iron, wartime satire (photo by Smabs Sputzer - CC-BY)

Plenty of foods are high in iron, but there are some complications. Iron in foods comes in two forms, and one form is more easily absorbed than the other. Also, some foods can help or hinder the body’s absorption of iron. The two forms of iron in food are heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is [more...]

Jan
29
2009
0

Why Vacation in a Monastery?

strahovlibrary

It is no secret that modern life is stressful. Long hours at work, financial worries, family obligations, community concerns, and an overbooked social calendar can all add up to an overly busy life devoid of proper rest and sleep, full of worry and weariness. Resorts, cruise ships and travel agents all beckon with promises of [more...]

Jan
28
2009
1

How Do I Overcome a Fear of Flying?

fearofflying

What’s to be afraid of? Flying is safer than driving they say. Statistics prove it. Even so, many people suffer from a fear of flying. For some, it might only amount to a “butterflies in the stomach” attack of nerves, or a case of white knuckles at worst. For others, however, the fear can become [more...]

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