Question of the Day

What is numerology?

Numerology is the study of numbers and how the occult may influence them. Numerology is to numbers what astrology is to stars. A numerologist will believe that each person has a numerological "reading" that can be deduced from his or her birth date, and the resulting reading means something, much like a star sign is said to influence a person born under it. In numerology, a reading of 8, for example, means that person will be self-sacrificing, among other things.

Last 7 Days

Friday, March 19, 2010

How can I get the lacquer off my brass lamp bases?

Try soaking it in hot soapy water about 15 minutes. Rinse and then rub with a soft cloth. The lacquer should begin peeling away. If that doesn't work, try rubbing it with a soft cloth that has been soaked in denatured alcohol.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

What is a good substitute for cannellini (white kidney) beans in a recipe?

Great Northern or navy beans may be substituted for cannellini beans. The black and white calypso beans, which take less cooking time than the cannellini beans, are also a good choice.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

In regard to wind velocity, how long must it be sustained until it is no longer called a gust?

"Gust" is rather vague; winds can "gust" up to 40 miles an hour. However, according to the Beaufort scale of wind speeds, a "strong breeze" is 25 to 31 statute mph, a "moderate gale" 32 to 38 mph, a "fresh gale" 39 to 46 mph, a "whole gale" 55 to 63 mph, a "storm" 64 to 72 mph, and a "hurricane" greater than 72 mph.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Do people who are blind from birth dream?

Yes, dream researchers believe that blind people have auditory dreams -- all sound!

Monday, March 15, 2010

How many bones does a newborn human baby have versus an adult?

A human baby is born with 176 true bones, but its skull is actually three bones that have not yet fused. (This is a nice feature since it allows for easier delivery when the baby is born.) As a baby grows, the three bones fuse into one. Some of a baby's other bones are called cartilaginous bones, which means they have not yet calcified. By the time a baby reaches adulthood, bones will total 206 in his or her body.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

How many gallons of oil are in a barrel?

A barrel of oil contains 42 gallons.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Is it true that Mount Washington, New Hampshire, is the windiest location in the world? What was the highest gust ever recorded?

The windiest place in the world is Commonwealth Bay, George V Coast, Antarctica, where winds reach 200 mph. The highest surface wind speed, 231 mph, was recorded on top of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, on April 12, 1934.