User talk:A Quest For Knowledge

Talkback

Hello, A Quest For Knowledge. You have new messages at Jayjg's talk page.
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My stats

http://toolserver.org/~soxred93/count/index.php?name=A+Quest+For+Knowledge&lang=en&wiki=wikipedia

Talkback

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Smile

Hello A Quest For Knowledge, Viriditas has smiled at you! Smiles promote WikiLove and hopefully this one has made your day better. Spread the WikiLove by smiling at someone else, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past or a good friend. Go on, smile! Cheers, and happy editing!
Smile at others by adding {{subst:Smile}} to their talk page with a friendly message.

RfC disruption

Please stop adding your huge table to the RfC. A link to the data in your user space is appropriate, which is why I have refactored. You don't seem to respect discussion participants, as your table is disrupting the layout and presentation of the discussion. The reader comes first. Viriditas (talk) 12:45, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

I had it collapsed so it only takes up a single line. Do NOT edit my comments again. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:46, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Link it to your user space. You're causing a huge green bar to show up in the discussion. This is really distracting and disrupts the discussion. Link to your user space like everyone else, please. Viriditas (talk) 12:57, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

No, it doesn't. It's a single line, and I think this evidence is important because if we're going to change the name of the article, we have to be very careful about our sourcing. If I had posted this evidence without collapsing it, you might have a point. But I didn't and you don't. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:13, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

The evidence is linked appropriately to your user space. It does not belong in the RfC as it distracts the reader and disrupts the discussion. I would not have removed it if that were not the case. If you feel a compromise is in order, you are welcome to create a separate "evidence" section that does not interfere with the discussion section. I would not have a problem with that. Viriditas (talk) 13:20, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Look, it's my comment. It doesn't distract from the discussion at all. On the contrary, it adds a lot to it because editors can easily see the evidence I'm presenting. I don't go around editing your comments, don't go around editing my comments. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:48, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

I just said that it distracted from the discussion, and I couldn't follow the thread because of it. Is there a reason there's a collapsed list in an RfC instead of a linked list to your user space where it already resides? Viriditas (talk) 13:57, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

@Viriditas - This is skirting dangerously close to harassment. The material included is quite relevant to the discussion, and is included as a collapsed table. That convention is used ubiquitously in talk pages. Editing the comments of others is seriously frowned upon, and requires far more justification than you've supplied.--SPhilbrickT 13:51, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Refactoring a collapsed list and replacing it with a direct link for readability is not "harassment" in any way, shape or form. Viriditas (talk) 13:56, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Editing the comments of others once in an honest belief that they made a mistake, and would thank you for the correction is arguably acceptable, but even in this case, there was no rush, and would have been better handled by a suggestion on the talk page. Reverting after OP has affirmatively declared it wasn't a mistake crossed the border into edit-warring. Follow dispute resolution procedures rather than continuing to revert - but I suspect you will find that the community doesn't agree with your position.--SPhilbrickT 14:09, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Sorry, but the RfC doesn't belong to anyone. If someone is disrupting the discussion with layout that distracts from the discussion, there is nothing wrong with trying to remedy the situation. This user won't listen to anyone, and just doesn't care. I think that says a lot. Viriditas (talk) 14:15, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

You haven't presented any evidence that this commonly used approach was distracting. Do you really need a list of the thousands of places it has been used without complaint? Ironically, collapsing is exactly what is done when some complain that uncollapsed material is distracting. I've seen collapsed sections used at the help desk, at feedback forums, and at the Arbcom evidence page. I honestly don't recall an incidence of complaint. The burden is on you to explain why this is different than all other uses. And even if you can gather such evidence, the proper sequence is to obtain consensus before reverting again. You tried Bold, it got Reverted. Next is Discuss, not imposing your challenged revert yet again.--SPhilbrickT 14:42, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

You are hardly a neutral participant here. But sure, show me where a collapsed list duplicated from a user page has been injected into an RfC discussion on an article talk page. This isn't a noticeboard. Viriditas (talk) 14:51, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Well, I'm trying very hard to be neutral, but I haven't made any claim of neutrality so not sure what prompted that comment. As to your request, no thanks. The burden is on you to explain why it isn't warranted. Point me to a policy proscription on the inclusion of collapsed material in an RFC and I'll happily support you. However, this is a monumental time suck - surely you have better things to do? Your arguments about the title are cogent and useful. Your inexplicable desire to remove a single line of relevant material is puzzling to me. Only you can decide the best use of your time, but IMO, your time spent on explaining why ClimateGate is the wrong title is a better use of your time than edit warring over the precise way relevant material should be referenced.--SPhilbrickT 15:13, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

I think I finally see the point about harassment. You're right, it could be perceived that way. AQFK, if you're reading this, I apologize. I should have asked you first. Sorry. Viriditas (talk) 16:29, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Can you please self-revert and I'll withdraw my RfE? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 18:24, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

I'm restoring right now... Viriditas (talk) 23:54, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Restored minus the extra bullet point, which I'm assuming was an error. Viriditas (talk) 00:01, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

I have hat hab`d this guys per the deal here, is that ok? mark nutley (talk) 00:05, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

Yes, that's fine. I was about to close it myself, but it I see that you beat me to it. :) A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 01:54, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

Axis of Awesome - 4 Four Chord Song

If anyone's bored while waiting for ArbCom to announce their proposed decision, here's my current obsession.[1] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 01:35, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I-V-VIm-IV. Impressive, although they left out "Hallelujah", which explicitly calls out the 4-chord song in its lyrics ("It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, and the major lift...") Anyhow, if you like musical comedy acts from Oceania, you should watch Flight of the Conchords. Although it's a bit dry even for my taste. MastCell ^Talk 19:24, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I think what's amazing is how many different melodies people can come up using the same chord progression. In fact, I've used it myself. Love the Cohen song ever since I saw the Watchmen. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 02:34, 29 July 2010 (UTC)

It's just a permutation of I-vi-IV-V. Short Brigade Harvester Boris (talk) 14:15, 29 July 2010 (UTC)

I thoroughly enjoyed that! Might have guessed from my username that I am a fan of musical comedy (and music in general). Thanks for that. Minor4th 03:07, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

Doo Wop is also the name of an architectural style, quite common on certain parts of the Jersey Shore ++Lar: t/c 03:31, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

Re: IMDB discussion

Hello, A Quest For Knowledge. You have new messages at Wikipedia talk:Reliable sources/Noticeboard.
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Sound Familiar?

Check out this amazing excerpt from an interview with Judith Curry:

"The level of vitriol in the climate blogs reflects the last gasp of those who thought they could influence national and international energy policy through the power politics of climate science expertise. The politics of expertise is about how scientific information is used in the policy making process, including how diverging viewpoints are interpreted and how science is weighed relative to values and politics in the policy debate. The problem comes in when the “power” politics of expertise are played. Signals of the “power” play include: hiding uncertainties and never admitting a mistake; developing a consensus with a high level of confidence; demanding that the consensus receive extreme deference relative to other view points; insisting that that science demands a particular policy; discrediting scientists holding other view points by dismissing them as cranks, trivializing their credentials and say that they are not qualified to hold an opinion; and attacking the motives of anyone that challenges the consensus. Sound familiar?" A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:42, 4 August 2010 (UTC)

Voluntary CC article restriction

Please consider signing the CC restriction, as explained here. Cla68 (talk) 01:46, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, but I've already agreed to not edit CC articles 2-3 weeks ago.[2] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:23, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

You could put your name on the list pointing to that commitment, perhaps? LHvU did something sort of like that. Just musing. ++Lar: t/c 17:07, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

No, thanks. I honestly don't see this proposal going anywhere. I see it as a waste of time. There are several dozen editors who need to sign it and I doubt that we will get everyone to agree to it. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:15, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

Well, there is that. ++Lar: t/c 17:20, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

Notes to myself

These are notes to myself of things to do after after ArbCom announces their PD and/or tag restriction is lifted.

• Richard Lindzen - Replace "[Please help Wikipedia to complete this article]" with {{Expand section}} tags. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 00:49, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
• Andrew Montford - Change "to the tune of" to "in the amount of". Done. Seek consensus to remove {{Copyedit}} tag. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 00:57, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
• James Delingpole - Add cite to this article for the sentence beginning "Delingpole has also objected to what he perceives..." Done. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 09:17, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
• Judith Curry - Add WikiLinks to Georgia Institute of Technology, United States National Research Council, Northern Illinois University and University of Chicago. Add Category:Northern Illinois University alumni. Also, add Curry to List of Northern Illinois University people. Change "While she supports the scientific opinion on climate change, Curry has said she is troubled by" to "While not she is not skeptical about the anthropogenic cause of global warming, Curry breaks with her peers in that she is willing to engage climate change skeptics such as Stephen McIntyre. Curry has said she is troubled by..." Done by Minor4th. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 21:33, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

Done. Minor4th 22:01, 9 August 2010 (UTC)

• Anthony Watts (blogger) - Article should be named Anthony Watts (meteorologist). A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 00:58, 10 August 2010 (UTC)
• George Monbiot - "UK" in lede should be spelled out. Early life section should have Monbiot's first name. Done. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 22:28, 11 August 2010 (UTC)

Help desk query

Has been answered. Regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:18, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

• Some more editing suggestions await you at the Help Desk. Warm regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 17:24, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, I'm heading out for the afternoon but I'll take a look at it later. Thank you very much for your help. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 18:02, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

SA

This is a note to myself. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 23:09, 8 August 2010 (UTC)

biting new comers

A wonderful comment from Kingturtle.[20] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 23:51, 11 August 2010 (UTC)

Does anyone have access to this article by New Scientist?

The Spectator ran an article[21] referencing this article[22] by New Scientist but it's only available to subscribers. Does anyone have access to it? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:38, 13 August 2010 (UTC)

You might ask GregJackP -- I know he has access to most journals that are subscription only. Minor4th 07:29, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Notes to myself about Jennie Finch article

Extended content

According to Richard Deitsch, softball eliminated from the Olympic games by a single vote. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/writers/richard_deitsch/10/26/the.rant/ "It's a slap in our faces, boom it's gone," Finch said. "You don't know who to blame, you don't know what to blame but it's on our watch and its failure, it's a loss. "We take it personally because it is our lives and the future of our sport. We do take the blame, each and every one of us. What more could we have done?" http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/25/2314517.htm?site=olympics/2008/athletes Dropped from the roster along with baseball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2005, softball may be stepping up to the plate for the final time in Beijing. "We're going to do everything we can to prove that we belong in the Olympics and we plan to use Beijing as a platform to do this," said U.S. pitcher Jennie Finch. "In the U.S. millions of girls have the option of getting a scholarship and playing in college. "But in other countries the Olympics is the only place to pursue their dream. We want to continue that dream for the young girls in Croatia or China - that's what it's all about." While softball's Olympic future is confused, on the field the outcome is less in doubt. The U.S. are poised to continue their domination on the diamond by capturing a fourth consecutive gold medal. Since softball was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, only the U.S. has stood on top of the podium, posting an Olympic record of 24-4. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2480105/Beijing-Softball-Off-pitch-battle-more-important-than-fight-for-medals.html "It's a slap in our faces, boom it's gone," Finch said. "You don't know who to blame, you don't know what to blame but it's on our watch and its failure, it's a loss. "We take it personally because it is our lives and the future of our sport. We do take the blame, each and everyone of us - what more could we have done?" http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/2480242/Beijing-Softball-Jennie-Finch-fights-to-save-her-sport.html Picking up where they left off in the Athens Games, the U.S. team started its bid for a fourth straight gold medal with an 11-0 rout of Venezuela on Tuesday that set an Olympic record for runs scored in a game. Jennie Finch pitched four no-hit innings and Caitlin Lowe hit an inside-the-park homer as the U.S. won its 15th straight Olympic game and dispatched the Venezuelans in five innings due to the run-difference rule. Andrea Duran drove in three runs, and Natasha Watley contributed a two-run homer. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2008109556_olysoftball13.html They were so overwhelming at Athens in 2004 – winning nine consecutive games by a combined score of 51-1 – that their reward from the International Olympic Committee was getting the entire sport booted out of the lineup for the 2012 Games in London. Now, they’re back for one last overwhelming whirl around the dance floor as a send-off before taking up the game of politics to get softball reinstated onto the Olympic roster. “That is definitely in the back of our minds. It’s the ultimate goal, getting softball put back into the lineup for 2016,” said starting pitcher Jennie Finch, who threw four no-hit innings as the Americans opened the tournament with an 11-0 win over Venezuela. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5938064.html Already voted out of the 2012 London Games along with baseball, women's softball is trying to get itself reinstated for 2016, with a critical International Olympic Committee vote coming in February. At a time when her own athletic future is unclear -- she says she wants to have more kids, for one thing -- she remains a crusader for softball's reinstatement. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/12/AR2008081200956_2.html The face of an entire sport, the pretty one on all the magazine covers, was a mess. Jennie Finch stood on the medal stand, silver around her neck — yes, a silver for softball. She was shocked, down, wiping away tears. Before today, the U.S. had won all three Olympic golds in softball. The U.S. owned softball, winning 22 straight games in the Olympics. Now, on top of losing, softball may be gone for good: the International Olympic Committee purged it from the 2012 Olympic program three years ago. What was rushing though her mind? "So many things," Finch says, leaning against a fence outside the Fengtai Softball Stadium, teammates and their families consoling each other behind her. Some of her comrades had already talked about no regrets, giving their all, 110%, a cadre of painful clichés. But about two hours after the game, the most famous softball player in history was ready to share the true pain. "You know, I feel like we let USA softball down," she says. "Many women have worn this uniform, and accepted nothing but gold. So many thoughts. What more could I have done? And then, can this be the last time that softball players stand on the podium at the Olympic games? The unknown [future] of our sport, all those young girls watching us, and all the many people who've supported me. I haven't seen my son in a month and a half, I can't wait to see his little face when I get home . . . so many things." "It deserves to be an Olympic sport," she said. "I don't know if these games are going to matter, but it will help to spread the word [and] prove to the IOC we belong here." After the game, Finch, 27, makes one more pitch. "Over 140 countries play this game," she says. "You know, you don't have to be six-four [Finch is 6-ft. 1 in.] You don't have to be 200 pounds. We have all different shapes and sizes. The sport tests so many athletic abilities, from hand-eye coordination, to speed, to agility, to quickness. We're finally at the pinnacle, we've finally been established. Please don't take this away." Even before the game, Finch's mind was muddled. "We've fought it, we've fought it, we've fought it for so long," she says of softball's inevitable Olympic extinction. "But on the drive up, knowing this could be it, you can't fight it anymore." She never got a chance to fight for the gold. Candrea started lefty Cat Osterman to match up against Japan, which had seven southpaws in the starting lineup. Was Finch disappointed? "I would be lying if I said no," says Finch, before quickly adding that she supports Candrea. She won't go Solo on us. "As a pitcher, I think we all want the ball in our hands." She didn't throw, but the loss still stings. Plus, Finch is feeling guilty about U.S. softball's demise. Really? Finch, who has spent more time promoting her sport than anyone on the planet? She blames herself for some of this mess? "I do," she says. "I hold that responsibility. Being an Olympic softball player, what more can I do? Lisa Fernandez, Dot Richardson, the many greats, they've done so much, and now it's our turn. And what did we do with the torch? So yeah, you do feel let down. Those many girls, they don't look to the International Olympic Committee. They look to us." And they won't find her at the Olympics anymore. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1834867,00.html#ixzz0wXH3bR7P Losing for the first time since 2000, the U.S. softball team was denied a chance for a fourth straight gold medal Thursday, beaten 3-1 by Japan in the sport's last appearance in the Olympics for at least eight years -- and maybe for good. Andrea Duran, Jennie Finch and Caitlin Lowe receive their silver medals after a 3-1 loss to Japan during the women's gold-medal softball game. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121932673343060299.html?mod=rss_Beijing_Olympics BEIJING, China -- The U.S. women’s softball team struggled to find a silver lining to the silver medal earned Thursday night in Beijing, especially since this was the last year of Olympic softball. One theory as to why the sport was voted out of the 2012 Olympics — that team U.S.A. has been too dominant, almost never losing. Ironic now, as Japan ended up celebrating the 2008 gold. “How are you feeling this morning?” Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson asked the team on Friday. “I know it was a devastating loss for you ladies.” “Wearing this uniform, you’re used to winning,” star pitcher Jennie Finch responded. “That’s why — that’s why we did it. But you know in the end, yes, we have a silver medal and a lot of people would dream about that.” http://www.accesshollywood.com/u-s-womens-softball-finds-unity-in-loss-to-japan_article_10971 In 2008 in the lead up to the Olympics, the U.S. embarked on the Bound 4 Beijing Tour -- 46 stops over several months aimed at bringing the teammates closer together and fine-tuning their play. They zig-zagged across the country and Jennie took Ace on the road with her for most of it. She was, as ever, supported by her family throughout the tour. Her parents and Casey’s, as well as aunts and cousins and in-laws came along for different stretches to help out with Ace. It was a bittersweet time for teammates who had played together so long, knowing that a decision was pending with the International Olympic Committee about whether or not the sport they loved would continue as part of the Olympics. This could be their last Olympics together. Jennie and her teammates took every opportunity to lobby the public and powers-that-be for support. The trip to Beijing was a mix of familiar and new, and Ace and Casey stayed up late every night to watch from home. The faces that were so familiar to Ace – BooBoo (Crystal Bustos) and others – were on TV! But the long road ultimately ended up with a heartbreaking loss, first in the Olympics to Japan in the final game, and then with the vote to eliminate softball from future Olympics. http://www.jenniefinch.com/static_pages/bio/3

Thoughts...

Am I the only one wondering who's going to take longer to make a decision, ArbCom or the Blagojevich jury? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:17, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

Probably not! But no longer. The jury won that race. ++Lar: t/c 07:22, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Attention and participation

As you might know, The Signpost has been reporting on the Climate change case for the past several weeks. One of the drafting arbitrators is clearly unhappy with my reporting, and a couple of other users share a similar view. However, some users disagree (and on at least one occasion, one case participant disagreed with the objection raised (see this). Each user is obviously going to have their own opinion, but irrespective of the outcome, I think actual participants in the case (who are involved in the dispute or may be affected) should add their input. Therefore, I think your attention and participation is invited here. Ncmvocalist (talk) 09:37, 18 August 2010 (UTC)

For my fellow Star Wars geeks

Control Panel Shoots First A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 02:44, 20 August 2010 (UTC)

Hello, my apologies

Hello. Though I haven't forgotten, I have been incredibly busy; my non-Wikipedia life is not in the most orderly of states, to say the least. I will get to it as soon as I am able though, unless another reviewer decides to perform the review. Thank you for your patience! Adavis444 (talk) 07:20, 21 August 2010 (UTC)

OK, no problem. :) A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 15:50, 21 August 2010 (UTC)

FYI

Just thought you should be aware of my edit restoring your remark but replacing it with strikes, per User:Lar/Eeyore Policy. ++Lar: t/c 12:42, 22 August 2010 (UTC)

I'll be more careful not to post on your talk page again. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:48, 22 August 2010 (UTC)

No, my apologies for confusion... I think you misunderstood. You're exceedingly welcome to post there, just don't post stuff you aren't happy with having stay around (you can strike it if you like but I keep everything, and it all eventually gets archived). I welcome all who wish to share their views if they are not otherwise constrained from posting. (with one exception I need to go fix, and will, soon). ++Lar: t/c 07:21, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

No, I did not misunderstand anything. I decided to delete my post. End of story (or at least it should have been). Unfortunately, you decided to overrule my decision regarding my own post which I consider to be somewhat impolite but allowable under current policy. Your talk page has been removed from my watchlist. Anyway, there are bigger things afoot than this mini-issue. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 07:34, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Well, that's too bad, as your input will be missed but I understand... I'm not going to change my long standing policy though, I long ago decided that rather than the arbitrary and capricious removal by the talk page owner of comments they don't like that characterizes so many pages, I was going to run mine totally the other way, everything stays. Strikeouts or "I changed my mind and don't mean what I said" are fine, but not outright removal. It's not a style that everyone cares for. But it seems to work. No hard feelings I hope. ++Lar: t/c 12:17, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

comment location

Do you want comments here - at my talk page or below your proposed wording?--SPhilbrickT 15:07, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

It doesn't really matter, but the article talk page seems to make the most sense.[23] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 15:12, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

I've taken the liberty of copying and pasting the discussion on your talk page to my statement's talk page. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 15:13, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

I give you three options, and you pick a fourth. (j/k). If I were thinking more clearly, I would have realized that was the best option. I'll continue there.--SPhilbrickT 15:15, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

request

Per my stupid probation can you please ok the refs here please mark nutley (talk) 17:02, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

OK, I'll take a look at the article. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:05, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

I'm still reviewing it but so far, it looks OK. The one problem that I've found so far is that when I got to the sentence that reads, "Nova has had a five part debate on AGW with Dr Andrew Glikson, first on Quadrant Online, and continuing on her own blog", I noticed that it's cited to a third-party blog. Blogs shouldn't be used for claims about third-parties. I would remove this sentence or figure out another way to say this and only cite Nova's blog. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:40, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

OK, I'm done. Other than the issue above, I don't see any obvious sourcing issues. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:43, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Actually, I take that back. Are you sure she's a geneticist? Nova describes herself as a "science communicator".[24] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:47, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

That`s what she does now, she did her degree in genetics mark nutley (talk) 18:11, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Hmmm...she has her degree in Microbiology and Molecular Biology. I'm not sure that automatically qualifies her as a geneticist. OTOH, she did her honors research into DNA markers for use in Muscular Dystrophy trials. Perhaps some of my talk page lurkers would be willing to comment on this? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 18:19, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Added a ref saying she is a geneticist mark nutley (talk) 19:00, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

OK, looks good. There's still the issue of the debates with Glikson. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:06, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

(edit conflict) Has she published anything in the scholarly/peer-reviewed literature on genetics? Has she held any positions or faculty appointments as a geneticist? If the answer to either question is "yes", then I think it's a no-brainer to describe her as a geneticist. On the other hand, if she has an undergraduate/bachelor's degree in genetics (possibly with some undergrad-level research experience) but no professional work in the field, then I think it's a real reach to describe her as a "geneticist". MastCell ^Talk 19:08, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

I`d have thought a debate on Quadrant Magazine would pass WP:NEWSBLOG? Mastcell, i have not looked on google scholar but it is cited to The Age a RS. But that can always be dropped i suppose mark nutley (talk) 19:44, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Hmmm...I may not be the best person to ask about this since I tend to take a conservative approach on matters of sourcing. WP:NEWSBLOG says, "Some newspapers host interactive columns that they call blogs; these are acceptable as sources so long as the writers are professionals and the blog is subject to the newspaper's full editorial control." My typical response when faced with a blog hosted by a news source is to ask whether the blog is subject to the newspaper's full editorial control. Unless a news organization specifically makes a statement to this effect, I tend to argue that the source does not meet WP:RS. But perhaps this question should be taken to WP:RSN? BTW, you can omit the statement now and add it back later once this question has been resolved. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 20:27, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Thanks mate, i have asked another editor who is pretty hot on BLP`s to look at it, if he says ok i`ll go with that if he agrees with you i`ll remove it mark nutley (talk) 21:04, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Answer: How to delete a page from my user space

This is a note to myself for future reference. To delete a page from my user space, add {{db-u1}} to the top of the page.[25] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:21, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Or ask an admin. I take requests. :P MastCell ^Talk 22:51, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Taking ArbCom's Advice part II

Per my post dated July 19, 2010,[26] I have voluntarily agreed to step back from the CC topic area for a brief period while ArbCom worked on their proposed decision. I note that my agreement to honor ArbCom's request[27] came well before other editor's similar voluntary restriction[28] (which is dated beginning August 5, 2010). Now that I have fulfilled ArbCom's request, I am resuming my work to improve the CC articles. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 01:31, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Your comments

The way Carcharoth shuffled things around leaves your remark sounding rather odd. Since my comment appears on one page and yours is now on a completely different one, your comment now begins with a naked "Agreed." and nothing before it. Whether you want to take it up with him or just let it go is up to you, but I just want to say that if the solution involves moving my comment so that it's before yours (as it originally was) that's OK by me. Short Brigade Harvester Boris (talk) 04:00, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Opinion

Those aren't blogs, they are opinions by notable figures. Please consult the wp:NPOV policy and stop disrupting the editing process by misrepresenting what is and isn't a BLP violation. Every book represents the author's opinion. The only argument you might have is the notability of the criticisms, but since they are numerous they should at least be linked to even if they aren't detailed. Freakshownerd (talk) 14:34, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

If you want to see a clear BLP violation you should check William Dembski where editors strongly opposed to his viewpoints are removing information on his career cited to Time magazine. Freakshownerd (talk) 14:40, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Sorry, you can't use blogs as sources of information for contentious material in a BLP. This has been discussed at the WP:BLPN.[29] You've only just come off your last block today and apparently, you've decided to immediately resume your disruptive behavior. If you persist in this behavior, I will seek to have your block re-instated. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 14:42, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Note to my talk page lurkers, the above editor has been blocked for edit-warring on an unrelated article[30] and may also be a sockpuppet of a banned user.[31] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:56, 24 August 2010 (UTC)

Freakshownerd has been blocked indefinitely as a confirmed sockpuppet.[32] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 17:41, 27 August 2010 (UTC)

Reliable source search?

You mention a reliable sources search engine in connection with the discussion of whether there are sources for describing Anthony Watts as a climate change "denier". Is that available for others to use? Is it a specification or setting I can make on google? I've often wished I had such an option. Thanks, - Wikidemon (talk) 18:57, 25 August 2010 (UTC)

I sent you the URL. Check your e-mail. Unfortunately, Google Custom Search engines are blocked by Wikipedia. I've had an open request at WP:WHITELIST for the past month now[33] and am still trying get to an admin to approve it. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 21:19, 25 August 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the heads-up.

Thanks for the heads-up about the POV tag on Climatic Research Unit email controversy. Perhaps it's naive of me to try it, but I'm seeing what sort of progress can be made (if any) following the pause in tendentious editing. Your enumeration of supposed problems actually may be a start. Since it's nearly a year after the hacking incident and subsequent flood of mal fide "spin", it should be possible to switch over to secondary sources (this appears to have already started) and clear the matter up. Bkalafut (talk) 09:34, 27 August 2010 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Bernard Foing

The article Bernard Foing you nominated as a good article has failed ; see Talk:Bernard Foing for reasons why the nomination failed. If or when these points have been taken care of, you may apply for a new nomination of said article. If you oppose this decision, you may ask for a reassessment. Jezhotwells (talk) 15:41, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

Jezhotwells: Thank you for taking the time to review my article. As time permits, I will attempt to address the issues you've outlined. I don't think, however, I will be able to address the breadth of its coverage. There just doesn't seem to be enough information about this guy to do a real biography. I just tried to make do with what I had to work with. I'm not sure if you put my talk page on your watchlist so please respond if only to acknowledge you read my reply. Thanks A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:59, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Scjessey

I'm not sure how familiar you are with him, but do you think it might be worth proposing a sanction for Scjessey for baiting, personal attacks and the like? I've got some diffs from the past 24 hours and some others going back a ways, but by itself it isn't enough, and I don't really have the time to look up a lot of them. If you have a few from between a day ago and a week ago, I think we may have something here. Even the PD talk page has some examples. I think we might have a real good opportunity to help ArbCom consider another editor here. Please tell me what you think and whether you can help. I'm asking a few editors, and if you could reply on my talk page, I'd appreciate it. -- JohnWBarber (talk) 00:45, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Related

I just wanted to say something to you about the diffs you presented here. Although I don't think the diffs support your "incivility, failure to assume good faith and promotion of battleground atmosphere" charge, I will say it is refreshing to have somebody present evidence unsullied by "color commentary". You rightly let the diffs speak for themselves, even if different people are likely to hear them say different things. Kudos to you for that. -- Scjessey (talk) 16:12, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Talk:Loose Change (film)/GA1

I had some extra time earlier and I decided to help out with the GAN backlog. One of them, Loose Change (film), appears to be closer to your expertise, given your contribution history.[34] I wonder, if you can find the time to add a second opinion or point out any glaring issues. Or, just add comments to the review. Thanks. Viriditas (talk) 13:23, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Viriditas: Yes, I saw yesterday that you were going to tackle this one. Honestly, I'm not sure how much benefit I will be since my interest is more to keep the 9/11 conspiracy theorists from going overboard in promoting their theories, but I'll have a look. The article has been the subject of several edit wars and I fear that making changes (even good ones) will trigger new edit wars. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:45, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

You could always propose changes on the review page. Thanks. Viriditas (talk) 13:52, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Viriditas: Which section of the review page? Should I create a new section at the bottom of the page? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:55, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

You could, or you could just add comments to the sections. Totally up to you, and it doesn't really matter. One thing that I am concerned about is the use of sources. If you see any that are unreliable, please make mention of it. Viriditas (talk) 13:57, 1 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for taking a look and reviewing the sources. I'm not sure if adding maintenance tags is the best approach during a GA review, as that gives the impression that the article should have been quick failed. Instead, could you just remove the offensive material and place it on talk with a brief note? Thanks. Viriditas (talk) 00:19, 2 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm going to be away from my computer for most of the day. If you want, feel free to do it yourself as I probably won't get a chance to look at the article until tonight or tomorrow. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:00, 2 September 2010 (UTC)

OK, I moved the content to the talk page.[35][36] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 15:54, 3 September 2010 (UTC)

Keeping my sarcasm to myself

[37] Thank you for your extremely well-thought out and detailed explanation as to why this is wrong. Faced with such overwhelming arguments, I hope the editor will quickly see the error of their ways and apologize profusely. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:25, 3 September 2010 (UTC)

Stephen Hawking says answer to Life, the Universe and Everything isn't 42

[38] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 12:27, 3 September 2010 (UTC)

Your bogus warning.

The verifiable regret that Virginia Heffernan expressed needs mentioning if her recommendation is to be included at all. Anything else is a clear WP:BLP violation. Do not post tendetious and brain-dead noticed on my talkpage again. In fact, never post to my talk page ever again. Thanks. ScienceApologist (talk) 19:36, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

It's extremely sad that instead of acknowledging your mistake, you make false accusations against your fellow editors. In any case, if you continue to add contentious WP:BLP material without even bothering to cite your sources, I will have you blocked. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:43, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

You're the one making the mistake by trying to remove the verifiable statement of regret that Heffernan made about her recommendation. If you continue to defame Heffernan in this way, I will have you blocked. ScienceApologist (talk) 19:44, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

Posting nonsense just digs you deeper in the hole. I am filing an RfE against you. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:46, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

Good luck. ScienceApologist (talk) 19:48, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

[39] Can you please add some diffs to support your contention that I'm trying to defame Virginia Heffernan? Thanks! A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 20:22, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

BTW, this is completely off topic, but Virginia Heffernan is a cutie![40] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 22:12, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

[41]. I don't know whether you knew that this was how it was connected. The Twitter post was made on July 31 at 2:18 am. I'm on break from Wikipedia for the next eight days, so may not be around much. ScienceApologist (talk) 07:02, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

Banned from my talkpage

You are banned from my talkpage. Never post there again. ScienceApologist (talk) 20:19, 4 September 2010 (UTC)

Pound of flesh

If you are not after a pound of flesh, then stop behaving as if you are. Your lobbing for sanctions on ChrisO is unlikely to shed any light on the matter; it is only intensifying the dispute. I've noted this at User talk:Dougweller. Jehochman ^Talk 13:35, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

No, I will not stop lobbying for sanctions against editors who are repeatedly being disruptive. I've made no secret that I believe that editors who are more interested in advocacy than writing legitimate encyclopedic content should be shown the door. A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:39, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

Your opinions are clear, there's no need to keep repeating them on the discussion page, so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop. However, because I had to fix a problem caused by an erroneous request, NYB's comments on this at the decision page have been temporarily removed. When they are back you're welcome to comment on them - but try to make sure your full opinion is given in that comment. Thanks. Dougweller (talk) 13:51, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

I don't appreciate MastCell's comment that I am out for a "pound of flesh" when it's clear that I simply want to end the disruption. Rather than complain to me, perhaps you should talk to MastCell about his (perhaps unintentionally) inflammatory comment? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 13:53, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

I have to agree. MastCell's comment is highly inappropriate. It's not exactly behavior that should be modeled. ++Lar: t/c 16:02, 5 September 2010 (UTC)