Posts for Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Question #22983 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Housing

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Re Board Question #22869: Wyview. (Define "walking distance"...there is a bus stop.)

- good luck getting in by now...

Question #22969 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Comments

Writing/Publishing

Q:

Dear for example,

If you are looking to get your work published outside of the college arena, you should check out Writer's Market. It's got tons of ways to get your works published. There is the book, and there is also an online version as well, but there is a yearly subscription cost. I would recommend buying the book, as you get a free subscription to writersmarket.com with the purchase. You can get it on half.com for about $20. Make sure you get a new one, though, if you want to get the free subscription to website. There might not be a way to tell if the previous owner has already used the free gift.

- mistytsim, who's not peddling her friend's book, honest.

Question #22911 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Random

Q:

100 Hour Board,

Have you ever taken a vow of silence? Do you think doing so for one day would be ridiculous? And quite honestly, although I do value your opinions, nothing you say will stop me from not speaking for 24 straight hours sometime next week. I'm just curious what you think.

-The Freethinker

A: Dear Freethinker,

The closest I've ever come to taking a vow of silence was when I got really sick last Christmas and I couldn't talk very much or I'd start coughing uncontrollably. So I was pretty quiet for a few days.

Slate's Emily Yoffe actually did take a (brief) vow of silence, to much amusement.

- Katya

A: Supposed,

Yes. No. Good Luck

Happy Silence
-Motionite

A: Dear Freethinker,

Once when I was in middle school my sister paid me in Toblerone chocolate to go a whole day of school without talking. She wrote up an explanation and made me get all my teachers to sign it. Granted that's only about seven hours, not twenty-four, but it was pretty incredibly difficult. Closest I've ever come or ever will.

My own failings aside, I think this sounds like marvelous fun. In fact, Lent is coming up; maybe you could make a whole Lenten vow of silence. (Yes, good luck explaining that one to your teachers.)

-A. A. Melyngoch

A: Dear Katya,

I was going to link Emily Yoffe's article too! I'm glad to see she has other BYU fans. I love her stuff. Did you read the one about her competing in the Mrs. America pageant?

Dear Freethinker,

My roommate freshman year had some surgery done to her vocal cords and, as a result, when she used them too much, sometimes had to go without speaking for one or several days (or, when she was younger, about a whole month) without really speaking. It was a little frustrating for her sometimes when she couldn't communicate what she needed, but the majority of the time she said she didn't mind it at all - in fact, she enjoyed the quiet and just listening to other people and the world around her. I think it might be a neat experience to have, just to see what you miss while you're talking. I'd say go for it, as long as you don't have to talk to a boss or some emergency person that day and you refuse to. Not so good.

Nike

A: Dear Nike,

Yeah, the Mrs. America articles are probably my favorites. (The uninitiated can read them here and here.)

- Katya

A: Dear Freethinker,

One time, in middle school, one of my friends was really, really annoying me. He kept doing something and I'd asked him to stop like eleven times and finally, I warned him that if he didn't stop, I'd slap him. I know, I was a snob. Anyway, he didn't so I did. Even though I'd warned him he was so mad that he stopped talking to me for like... a day. Well, I kept apologizing and apologizing and nothing I was saying would make him happy. So what did I do? I told him that I wasn't talking to him anymore. It worked. Once he realized I was serious he started apologizing to me instead.

- Lavish

A: Dear Freethinker:

HA.

Mojoschmoe

Question #22910 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Literature - Classics

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Bored,

I have a problem. You see, I am into metalurgy and I worked really hard and put a lot of myself into a ring. Unfortunately some jocks took the ring from me, and now I can't get it back. I sent nine of my goth friends out to look for my precious ring, but you can't trust them. Just a bit of fire, a little trickle of water and they are running away like a bunch of scared little freshmen! What is an angry, fiery disembodied eye to do?

- S of Mordor

A: Dear Stan of Mordor,

It is Stan, right? I think I've read a book about you somewhere. Either that, or seen an epic trilogy about you. One or the other. Assuming that's you, I have some bits of advice for you.

The goth friends? They look really cool and all, but some unfortunate things are going to happen to them. Don't put too much stock in them. Also, don't get too confident when one of them tells you "no man can kill me." There's a way around that. Language is tricky like that. Exercise caution.

Also, orcs are a dime a dozen. Sure, you can get a lot of them, but the fact of the matter is that one guy with a sword can kill dozens of them at a time. Either invest some money in training them effectively, or look elsewhere for your grunt work.

You may see a couple of short guys wandering around in your land of shadows. You may be tempted to ignore them, as they pose no real threat, being essentially unarmed and guided by a schizophrenic pseudo-man creature. You may think that one or two of your orcs could dispatch them easily. You may be an idiot.

Honestly, I'd avoid anything epic at this point. Quietly putting out a want ad may be your best bet. I hear you only have to pay somewhere around $15 and you can have the ad run for three weeks or so. It sounds like a good deal. If that proves ineffective, perhaps taking out a billboard or something might work well.

Best of luck to you. Let us know how that all goes for you.

- Optimistic.

Question #22909 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Health

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I work really early in the morning at 5am. I know that the scent of lavendar is supposed to make one sleepy/drowsy. Is there a scent that makes a person perk/wake up?

~Really spaced out in the mornings

A: Dear Spacey,

Citrus. Orange and grapefruit especially. Besides smelling completely yummy, they're good for the wake up.

Nike

A: Dear Spaced out:

Also try peppermind or a strong mint of sorts. A lot of websites I looked into recommended mint. When I worked janitorial, I found that if I chewed cinnamon gum, I perked right up and stayed awake the whole time.

Mojoschmoe

Question #22908 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Products

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

As one of the thousands of accounting majors here at BYU, I find myself in need of one those cool green visors that accountants wear. On ebay I can find green visors for poker dealers..., but nothing for accountants. Where can I get a slick, green accounting visor?

Love,

Visorless Accountant

A: Dear visorless,

OK. I had a suspicion that the green visor might serve the same purpose for both accountants and poker dealers, although I wasn't sure exactly what that purpose might be. (Blocking the light? Resting the eyes?) After a bit of research, I came across the theory that poker dealers began wearing the visor because they were also in charge of handling the money and keeping track of player accounts, in the manner of an accountant.

So, the two types of visors are actually one and the same, only accountants don't wear them any more, so they're advertised as poker visors. But you can still buy a green "poker dealer" visor, and wear it as an accountant. (Even better, if people ask you if it's a poker visor, you can say "No, it's actually an accounting visor." And just let them wonder what the difference is.)

- Katya

Question #22907 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Fashion/Style

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

So every time I go out, everybody tells me that my 5-month-old baby is gorgeous, looks like a GAP baby, should be modeling, etc. I think it would be fun to have her do some modeling - nothing strenuous or serious, though.

Where do I begin?

- Queen Noor

A: Dear Queen Noor,

Funny you should ask that right now. There just happens to be a modeling competition in Orem this coming weekend. The Little Miss & Mister Hawaiian Tropic of the Mountain State Region competition is happening Saturday, February 11th at the University Mall.

You can get information and an entry application at their site (http://www.htmodelsearch.com/schedule.html). The schedule (also at that site) lists 5 other competition dates (all in the Salt Lake area) if this weekend doesn't work.

It will run you about $50 to enter your child. Good luck!

-Pa Grape

Question #22904 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Relationships

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,
Hurray, so I'm engaged. But there is a problem. My fiance's best friend (let's call him Sam) just got off his mission and came to BYU specifically to be around my fiance. He's a great guy, and we've quickly become good friends, but I'm afraid his single status compared to our blissfully engaged status is pretty problematic. That, and I'm 90% sure that Sam's attracted to me, just because he and my fiance have the same tastes in everything (oh, and he jokes about how perfect I am and how jealous he is all the time). Fiance and I are pretty openly affectionate, and everytime we even hold hands you can see Sam get a little mopey. On top of that, his other best friend is also freshly engaged, meaning he is often the lonely fifth wheel on dates.
I would love to see him find a girl of his own, but he's pretty overweight, and consequently has some pretty bad self esteem issues, plus some ubernerdy tendencies that girls tend to shy away from; I don't easily imagine any girls seeing past that.
What can I do for the poor guy? Like I said, we have become pretty good friends and I hate knowing how miserable he is because he is lonely. Should Fiance and I play down our romance around him, or should I start setting him up with random girls, or should I just hope he'll sort things out eventually? Any advice?

- Friend Stealer

A: Dear Happily Engaged,

Well, first of all, remember that you can only take care of you - you aren't in charge of your friend Sam's life. He has his choices, and he, as my incredibly wise and wonderful mother-in-law says, can choose how he feels. You can't choose for him. Okay, that said, let's move on.

I think you can be sensitive to the situation and not be overly affectionate in front of him. Don't feel like you need to sit on different couches, but don't make out, either. (I'm sure you wouldn't anyway in front of someone else, but for example's sake, I think you get the point.) Without making a big deal out of it (which would probably only make him feel worse), just be cool about it and be happy. Happiness is contagious! If you and he both desire it, you could probably set him up with a couple of your friends, but do it because he's your friend, not because it feels like a duty. Oh, and if he wants, I'd include him in the wedding plans. It might be touchy, but I think he might appreciate the gesture.

Just do your best. Remember that you are in control of you and that you probably have a good head on your shoulders and can discern what is good to do and what isn't around this sweet fellow. Use your best judgment and have fun planning your wedding!

Nike

A: Dear Engagged,

How quickly ye have forgotten. Being single is not the end of the world. In fact, the majority of single people are quite happy. Would they like to have a significant other? Sure they would, but life goes on without, and quite well at that.

So, let me get to the point I'm trying to make. Is married life great? Absolutely, but that doesn't mean single life isn't. Let your friend Sam live his own life, and don't fret.

-Phoenix

A: Friend Stealer

The answer to every relationship question that I have come across on the board can be answered in 5 words:

Tactful Open Communication with humility.

Or, in other words, talk with him.

If that doesn't work, ask us again.

Happy Times!
-Motionite

A: Dear Friend Stealer-

Don't worry about it. Seriously. Anything you do will make things worse. Leave the kid alone. I'm not kidding. Don't talk to him about it. Don't talk to your fiance about it. Don't talk to your friends about it.

-The Franchise

Question #22899 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

College/University

LDS - Seminary/Institute

College/University - University of Utah

Utah - University of Utah

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

How might one get a hold of a copy of the U of U institute schedule? I'm not a student there, and can't find it online, though it might be. If not, do you know where I can get a hard copy?

-Rhymeswithloser

A: Dear can't think of anything,

All institute schedules are available online... so long as the institute does its job to update it. You're in luck! The University of Utah's program is so big that they make sure they do.

For a quick link to this semester's classes you can go here .

However, I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day, or teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime." That being said, and being the philanthropist that I am, I'm going to teach you how to fish- so to speak anyway.

You would normally go to the Church Education System website. On the left hand side bar is the link for "Institute Locater." Click on that. When the page loads you'll see a huge map of the United States. You can either click on Utah or select Utah from the "Select a State" drop down thing (I'm also very good with computer lingo). When the new page loads, scroll down to "Salt Lake City UT University" for the University of Utah and select it. The website for the U of U's institute will load. On the left hand side again is the option "Register for Class" and you'll want to click on it. This next page will have two options. Pick the top one (Register for classes at the Salt Lake City UT University Institute). Obviously you'll next pick the semester you want and then it'll list the schedule.

Now you can eat for a lifetime. Enjoy your class.

- Lavish

Question #22897 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

LDS

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

My friends and i have had an ongoing conversation/contraversy for a while now....is the Godhead identical? i have heard talks over the pulpit saying yes and no, so i dont know which one it is. please help us, any talk/scripture refrences would be AMAZING. thanks a ton.

-dont think they look the same

A: Dear DTTLTS,

Next time you see them, let me know.
Reality-wise, though, "in the express image" doesn't mean perfectly identical, like a Xerox copy, though it doesn't mean "looks completely different, either." Referring to a previous Board question about Adam and Seth, Seth was in the expres image of his father, Adam, and Adam was a righteous man. So, personally it doesn't matter to me whether or not they look exactly alike, but I believe they look very similar, like a Father and His Son.

Sorry if this doesn't exactly answer your question, but I will leave it open for other writers to give you perfectly precise answers to this non-basic principles question.

Focusing inherently on the basics,
The Force

A: Dear don't think they look the same,

I have never heard doctrinal statements on the matter. However, there are some authoritative statements. Truman Madsen's "Joseph Smith the Prophet" has two points I thought might apply.

First, he notes that in the Wentworth letter, Joseph Smith says of seeing Christ and the Father in the First Vision, that they "exactly resembled each other in features, and likeness."

Can this be extended to the Holy Ghost as well? I don't believe so, as I believe that "family resemblance" may play a role in what the prophet saw.

Second, he talks of one of the prophet Joseph recounted visions. Let me just quote from Madsen's text:

It [referring to the first item I quoted] gives further confirmation of the Prophet's later vision of the Twelve while in Kirtland-a disparate group of men from a variety of backgrounds whom he saw in vision, through their flounderings and struggles, until he saw them glorified. He saw them welcomed by father Adam, ushered to the throne of God, greeted and embraced by the Master, and then crowned. "He saw that they all had beautiful heads of hair and all looked alike."

I think that the "identicalness" may be attributed, at least in part, to the glory that the Godhead has. Lacking any clear doctrinal backing, I can't say definitively, but that is my belief.

-Pa Grape

Question #22896 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Entertainment - Movies

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

What is your favorite Baz Luhrmann movie?

Oh, Ya know

A: Dear oh, ya know,

I've not seen all of his movies, so I can't offer any sort of an objective opinion. Of the ones I've seen, though, I think I liked William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet the best. Moulin Rouge was an excellent movie, and I really enjoyed it, but I think it's been a bit too hyped up for my taste. That's not to say that Romeo and Juliet didn't get its fair share of hype, though. I just thought the way Luhrmann modernized the setting was very clever. John Leguizamo is easily my favorite actor in the movie. He plays an extremely good Tybalt.

That, and two Radiohead songs appear in the movie ("Talk Show Host" and "Exit Music (for a film)"). I have nothing bad to say about a movie that features Radiohead's music.

- Optimistic.

A: Dear I'm knowing:

Agreed with Optimistic. I liked Romeo and Juliet a lot better. Baz Luhrmann has a tendency to do weird things with his shows, and at some moments in Moulin Rouge I was left wondering what in the heck he was trying to accomplish by the having the moment in the movie.

However, I thought that for a leading lady, Nicole did a better job than Claire.

Mojoschmoe

A: Dear OYK,

Strictly Ballroom will always hold a special place in my heart, if only for its sheer quotability. As for Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge, I've only seen them once each, but I liked them fine as well.

- Katya

A: Dear OYk,

Moulin Rouge, absolutely. I adore Strictly Ballroom and was shocked when I finally saw Romeo + Juliet at how much I liked it, since no matter how good Luhrmann is, he's working off of Shakespeare's worst play ever. But Moulin Rouge makes me want to live life to the fullest, write poetry in a garret, and maybe die of consumption. Nothing else gets me like it.

-A. A. Melyngoch

A: Dear Oh Ya know,

"Moulin Rouge". I like tragic endings and Moulin seemed more unjust than "Romeo and Juliet".

-la bamba

A: Dear oh,

Strictly Ballroom, hands down. Romeo + Juliet was better than expected, but I didn't love it, and Moulin Rouge just flat-out pissed me off. (Maybe the hype, maybe the melodrama, maybe the singing; who knows?) Strictly Ballroom, though, I've loved since I was a kid. I always associate it, pleasantly, with other similarly excellent films set in Australia, such as The Rage in Placid Lake and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Not, mind you, that I'm recommending either of the latter two to a general BYU audience. I'll keep my R-rated fare safely to myself.

-Petra

Question #22895 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Board - Writers

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Is Lavish dating anyone?

- Just Curious

A: Dear J.C.,

Normally, I think that any writer that saw a question like this would be flattered and, naturally, assume that the reader was actually interested and not "just curious." However, it occurred to me that there could be a number of conceivable reasons that a reader would ask if a writer is dating anyone and not just because he himself was interested. For that reason, I prepared an answer for more than one scenario. You can pick which answer best fits your needs and read it.

You're, as you said, just curious.
Perhaps you're wondering because you've read some of my "relationship advice" and wondered where it comes from- am I dating anyone? Have I ever dated anyone? Are my answers and opinions even valid?

If such is the case, then yes I have had enough experiences with relationships to know what I'm talking about but no, I'm not currently dating anyone.

You actually meant to ask if [insert other female writer's name here] was dating anyone.
I suppose it would depend which female writer since some are married, some are single, and some are dating. Resubmit your corrected question and we'll go from there.

You're someone I know be it friend, family member, other writer, etc.
This is the situation that all writers kind of brace themselves for and the reason I've waited so long to answer this question. If you are someone I know, all I have to say is shame on you.

You really are interested.
In that case, I'm not. Dating anyone, that is. And I am flattered. Might I suggest reading my blog and perhaps emailing me? To be completely honest, the blog isn't that exciting but I am a fairly decent at emailing.

I would direct you to the Application to Date a Female Writer but I am of the opinion that it needs some... revamping first. I tried to persuade Optimistic to do it but he said he simply doesn't have the time. I also thought about creating a "Mr. Lavish" application but ultimately decided that probably wouldn't be met with the greatest response since Lavish is an entirely feminine name.

I did come up with more scenarios but, these seemed the most reasonable so I decided to keep it at these. Thanks again!

- Lavish

Question #22892 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Music

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I've searched Google and Amazon to no avail, maybe you can help. I'm looking for a book, web page, or some other resource that explains the science and history behind music theory, preferably for the guitar player. I recently started taking guitar lessons and I've noticed that there seems to be a lot of inherent order or structure to music theory and I'd like to understand why that is. Some of the questions I'm looking for answers to:

Why are there only 7 natural notes?
Why does the same note played on two different instruments sound different?
In terms of the physics of waves (string vibration), what makes a note flat or sharp?
Why do scales follow the pattern of wwhwwwh (w = whole, h = half step)?
Why is the distance between E-F and B-C only a half step (again, in terms of the physics of vibration)?
I've been learning different types of scales (like pentatonic) and I've noticed (and this may be subjective) that they sound inherently right and that when you play a scale with one note out of place it just sounds wrong, even if I've never heard that particular scale before. Why is that?

- Ted "Theodore" Logan

A: Dear "Ted"

I'd try The Cambridge History of Western Music Theory.

I was going to go find the book myself and try to answer your questions, but de novo does such a lovely job of it below, I simply have nothing to add.

-A. A. Melyngoch

A: Dear Ted,

Ahhh, I knew my old Music History book would come in handy at some point. The questions you're asking took several music theory classes and a few music history classes to totally understand. I'll try to keep it succint and understandable at the same time.

Let's take your questions one at a time:

Why are there only 7 natural notes?
When you hear a note, you're not only hearing that note, but it's overtones as well. You can hear the octave above the base note, the fifth, and the fourth. There are weaker overtones there, too. They each sound out the diatonic seven notes of the scale we are used to. Diatonic means the standard scale in Western music. Check this link and this link out for more explanation. And this one, too.

Why does the same note played on two different instruments sound different?
That's called timbre (pronounced tam-bur), or "the combination of qualities of a sound that distinguishes it from other sounds of the same pitch and volume." Haromnic content, vibrato, and the attack and decay of a note contribute to the timbre of an intstrument. Read more about it here.

In terms of the physics of waves (string vibration), what makes a note flat or sharp?
Try not to think of notes as flat or sharp. Think of it as notes that are a half step apart that we decided to give letters to name them. All that really matters is if you take two notes an octave apart, and evenly put 11 notes in between, you get half steps, or a chromatic scale. We just assigned the flats and sharps and letters to them so we could tell them apart. I hope that makes sense. If you want Physics formulas, take a look at this.

Why do scales follow the pattern of wwhwwwh (w = whole, h = half step)?
This is related to your 7 natural notes question. That scale that you wrote out is called a diatonic scale. There are actually other scales that don't follow that pattern, but in popular music we stick to diatonic. It sounds better to us because we're used to it.

Why is the distance between E-F and B-C only a half step (again, in terms of the physics of vibration)?
Check out the question you asked about the physics of flats and sharps. It should answer this question, too.

I've been learning different types of scales (like pentatonic) and I've noticed (and this may be subjective) that they sound inherently right and that when you play a scale with one note out of place it just sounds wrong, even if I've never heard that particular scale before. Why is that?
We are used to the diatonic major and minor scales. Putting those half steps and whole steps in different places doesn't sound right. It's only because our ears are trained to hear things diatonically. Try listening to modal music. It doesn't sound right if you're not used to it, but if you listen to it more often, it will begin to sound natural.

I hope this was more helpful than confusing. Email me [denovo100 (at) gmail dot com] if you have more questions, or explore some of the sites that I linked. They have tons of information.

Thanks for the music question.

- de novo -

Editor's Choice

Question #22891 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Board

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I would just have Jeeves look, but he's being trained in England. Can you still ask anonymous questions by paper in the box in the Wilk?

- Royal Russ

A: Dear Royal Rusty,

Unfortunately, about a year ago, the physical Board ceased to be. The box in the WSC is no more. The Board exists only in that wonderful place that is the internet.

-Phoenix

Question #22890 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Health - Hygiene

Q:

Dear 20 Charles Darwins,

Okay so me's just 'eard that "mono" is wot me knows as Glandular Fever innit. And also me uncle dave told me that Pamela Anderson caught Hep C by kissing. My question be wot diseases and illnesses can be caught by kissing? Even if the disease be rare, if I'll catch it from em me wants to know boi!
Also, does snogging increase the list?

- Smiffy be just interested.

A: Dear Smiffy be nimble smiffy be quick, smiffy be curious,

To begin, there are different origins of possibility for a kissing transferred disease. The origin could be nasopharyngeal, throat related, saliva, or even blood. So the truth is there are just about any number of illnesses that could potentially be transmitted via kissing. Since bodily fluid transfer is not as likely during as simple kiss, "snogging" or making out, french kissing, etc. will exchange more bodily fluids. If there are nasopharyngral or throat washed pathogens, or blood in the saliva, this is the way to acquire the goodies they hold. I unfortuantely don't have a total list, but here are some of the more prevalent ones. I will post a comment on the total list when I find one (if I find one). If not I will have to make my own!

First of all, I looked it up about Hep C and found the following at http://www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles/hfile40a.stm

Infection can occur through:

* Illicit drug use including sharing drug snorting, smoking or injection equipment such as needles and syringes, straws and pipes;
* Exposure to blood and blood products including receiving a transfusion of blood or a blood product in a country where the blood supply is not tested for hepatitis C. In Canada, this applies to blood and blood products received before 1992;
* An accidental needle poke with a used needle or syringe;
* An infected mother passing it to her newborn infant (risk of about 5 - 6%);
* Sexual intercourse, especially for those who have multiple sexual partners;
* Sharing toothbrushes, dental floss, razors, nail files, or other items which could have tiny amounts of blood on them;
* Skin-piercing events such as tattoos, body piercing, acupuncture or electrolysis, if the equipment is not clean.

There is a very low but real risk of passing on the virus through other body fluids such as saliva, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk.

So yes, you can potentially get Hep C from saliva contact, especially if it has blood in it (which much saliva does).

I also found this article that talks about Hep G which is also found in saliva, moreso than Hep A, B or C, etc. So that's 5 then (Hep A,B,C&G, and Mono).

Other ones that I found are Meningitis (bacterial and viral), gingivitis - YUCK! , I found several articles suggesting that types of herpes are spread through saliva as well, I found and article that states Mutans Streptococci (responsible for some cavities in teeth) is another transmitted by saliva, also (in rapid list form), Cytomegalovirus, Mumps, Roseola Infantum, Hand foot and mouth disease, diptheria, influenza, measles, pertussis, rubella, streptococcus ("sore throat"), measles, (all of which are labled in http://www.health.qld.gov.au/phs/Documents/cdu/13954.pdf).

Also found were helicobacter pylori, and if there is blood in the saliva, there is the potential for bloodbourne diseases as well. (this could include HIV, but the evidence suggests it is unlikely, only one possible case was reported in the literiture I read, and it cast doubt on the saliva as being the real mode of transmission).

Here are a few tips to preventing kissing borne disease! (from least to most invasive).

1.) Abstinence! The easiest way to making sure that there is no way you can get those nasties. Avoid sharing water bottles, toothbrushes, etc.

2.) Monoamy! Kiss only one person on a regular basis and make sure they are mutually monogamous. This will limit your exposure to the pathogens.

3.) Hygiene! Make sure you and your kissing partner brush and floss regularly so as to prevent bleeding gums when you really do brush your teeth in anticipation of that upcoming kiss. Use of listerine can help in these cases.

4.) Although I find none exist, there may be a way to reproduce the "plastic lips" found in this "Get Smart" Episode 15 of Season 2 "Kiss of Death" here is the text quoted:

Tracey Dunhill has given Max her poison kiss. He clutched his throat and then fell to the ground.
Tracey - "I did it! I killed Maxwell Smart!"
Victor Slade - "My apologies. You are a true daughter of KAOS."
Tracey - "And that's the end of Maxwell Smart!"
Max pulls out a gun and stands up - "No, that's the end of Tracey Dunhill! I have your confession right here in my teansy weansy tape recorder."
Tracey - "You're supposed to be dead!"
Max - "Yes, I know."
Tracey - "But I was wearing poison lipstick when I kissed you. What saved you?"
Max - "Plastic Lips! Thanks to the boys in the lab I can kiss and tell."

Reference:http://www3.telus.net/public/almondx/Would%20You%20Beleive%20Get%20Smart%20Season%2002%20Episode%2015.htm

Here is a picture if you don't believe me:

Well, there you go, hope this helps.
-ygolohcysP

Question #22889 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Doctrine

Q:

dear 100 hour board,

first, a story.

during sacrament meeting, a baby was brought to the front of the chapel to be blessed. several men came forward and formed a circle around the infant and the blessing commenced. however, rather than give it a name and a blessing, as would normally occur at such a time, the man saying the blessing gave the baby the Mechizedek Priesthood. when he realized what he had done, he paused, then waved his hands over the child's head (think "wax on" and "wax off" simultaneously) and said, "UNDONE!"

i don't know if this story is true. it seems a little far-fetched to be anything but another mormon tall tale, especially since i heard it third- or fourth-hand. BUT if something like this were to happen, what are you supposed to do? is there some "oops-i-just-performed-the-wrong-kind-of-ordinance" fixer?

- lanada

A: Dear lanada,

That is an interesting story. Whether or not it is true, you bring up an interesting point. I know that similar mistakes happen more often than they should.

Melchizedek Priesthood holders are supposed to be well-trained and perform our ordinances correctly. That is why we have ordinance training sessions in Elders Quorum. An Ordinance is "a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood" (True to the Faith, 109). Those who perform that ordinance must always remember to keep it both sacred and formal.

Unfortunatly, some seem to be careless or forget and they make mistakes during an ordinance. If there is a mistake made in specific wording (like if the leader fails to give specific keys to a quorum president), generally all would wait until the end of the blessing. One of the bretheren would politely remind the one performing the ordinance that he needs to do something specific, then the operative part of the ordinance is repeated.

The same thing happens when a Priest stumbles saying the Sacrament Prayer. The bishop shakes his head, the other Priest quietly corrects his mistake, and the prayer is repeated.

I must emphasize that an ordinance is not valid unless the person has a right to recieve it. If someone is being ordained a Deacon and the person accidentally says Priest, the ordinance is simply repeated correctly. Every major ordinance performed in the church is done by proper authority, approved by the Bishop, Stake President or higher. Without that approval and worthiness, "Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man" (D&C 121:37). For example, I have the power to ordain my son an Elder. But, I do not have the authority to do so until the Stake President says I can.

So, an ordinance is never valid until performed properly and under the right authority. That said, there are relatively few SET rules in ordinances. There is no script (except for Baptism, Sacrament, and Temple Ordinances)... but there are guidelines that every Priesthood holder should know and review BEFORE beginning an ordinance.

If that story is true, I hope that father will try to pay more attention to the ordinances... and not try to give his baby the priesthood again.

Yours,

Bispo Pedro

Question #22888 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Relationships - Family - Parenting

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Bored (sort of),

Just speculation...for any writers out there even slightly familiar with the issue: if you had a child born deaf, how would you raise werf? Mainstreamed? Institutionalized (no, it probably doesn't mean what you think)? Oralism? Signed English (etc.)? ASL? I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts or opinions to be thrown out...

- queenlucy

A: Dear queenlucy,

This is something I feel very strongly about because of personal experience. My sister is profoundly deaf, meaning she cannot hear at all without her hearing aids. When they discovered she was deaf, my parents took her to a special school where they worked with her and taught her how to talk and use her hearing aids. My mom worked with her at home to help develop these skills. She's been to speech therapists and ear doctors throughout her life. It was a lot of work and expense, but was it worth it? Oh yes.

My sister did learn to talk and read, and she went to regular school her entire life. She was validictorian in high school and graduated with honors from college. She has said that she is so grateful she was given the chance to have the life that she does.

I realize this isn't possible for every deaf person. For some people, learning speech just isn't a valid option. And I know that it is a very personal choice. But for me, I'd want to give my child every chance to learn to speak and read so they can function more easily in the world and go to school and be able to learn and socialize with other kids.

--Mrs. Franchise

A: Dear Queen Lucy,

I agree with Mrs. Franchise. My aunt is deaf, though she was raised by parents who knew very little about how to do it... Definitely not institutionalized (how 19th century!), she went to a special school and graduated, though she never went to college... but no one in her family did, either. She is extremely talented, intelligent, and a good person, although she has that physical handicap. Also, she is incredibly pretty, even at 50 years old. So, in case you are wondering, its not exactly the same thing as raising hearing children, but a special task (akin to a calling IMO) and something to be respected instead of pigeon-hole categorized as "handicapped" in a derogatory sense.

The Line Has Spoken!
LLL

Question #22886 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Medical/Body

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

If a person is up ridiculously late (/early), is it better/healthier to sleep for 3 hours or so, or to just stay awake (& maybe catch up on some work)?

- sleepless in...provo

A: Dear sleepless,

I think sleeping is probably always healthier than not sleeping, at least in cases like yours (and, perpetually, mine) that involve already being severely sleep deprived.

However, I've found that not sleeping at all will inevitably leave me less tired than sleeping for just a few hours. If you let your body sleep a little, it will want to sleep enough, and it'll pester you all day with wanting to go back to sleep, throw tantrums, embarrass you in front of your friends, etc. etc. It's easier not to commit mortal sins if you don't give in to small temptations, and likewise not to eat the whole pan of brownies if you haven't eaten any of them. If you don't sleep at all, it will be easier not to fall over in your 1:00 class and go for the whole eight hours.

(yes, I did just compare sleeping to sinning, and no doubt Katya is already preparing her you-can't-be-a-good-person-if-you're-dead response. :) I look forward to it.)

(please note that I am not comparing eating brownies to sinning; eating brownies is a behavior of the highest virtue and should be rewarded in the only appropriate way, with more brownies.)

(mmmmm. I miss Brozy's brownies. sigh.)

-A. A. Melyngoch

A: Sleepless in a sleepy town,

I second the indomitable and veritably amazing Melyngoch

Happy Sleeping
-Motionite, who just learned Maslov's hierarchy of needs

A: Dear sleepless,

I believe that Miss Melyngoch is saying that it's easier to avoid doing a lot of something you really want to do (sinning, eating brownies or sleeping) if you don't do it at all. Which reasoning I generally agree with. But I would also like to point out that you can't be a good person if you're dead! Or something.

- Katya

Question #22884 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Writing/Publishing

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

In handwriting, are quotation marks supposed to point in towards what is being quoted like this,/ or to slant out away from the quote, /like this? (I hope that makes sense. Computer fonts aren't very reliable that way.)

- perpetually confused

A: Dear perpetually confused,
You're referring to American quotation usage, right? Quotation marks are supposed to curve in (towards the quote) like commas, except that commas are on the baseline of the text and quotes are obviously higher. The quote in front of whatever you're quoting is also curved in but it curves the other way.

You're probably confused because our keyboards, in addition to really ugly fonts like courier, produce what we call "straight quotes". Straight quotes look like inch symbols (actually they are inch symbols).

The top example illustrates how quotation marks should be drawn in America. Further detail from http://www.paratype.com/help/term/terms.asp?code=281:

There are two classes of quotation marks (Guillemots and single or double comma) used according to the national typographic tradition. In Latin, Cyrillic and Greek, single and double guillemots used as quotation marks in Europe, Asia and Africa. In French and Italian the guillemots always point «out», but in German they more frequently point »in«. In English and Spanish, common usage of quotation marks is ‘this' and "this"; in German, it is ‚diese‘ and „diese". In Russian, usage of quotation marks are like in French and German: the main quotation marks are double guillemots («òàê») and the second ones are double commas („òàê"). In some other countries, for example in Finland and Sweden, three kinds of of quotation marks are used at once ("this", »this», or 'this'), but there are no difference between the quotation mark before and after isolating word or phrase.

-Zantedeschia

Question #22883 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Science

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Why do hand driers (the ones in the bathrooms instead of paper towels) make your hands soft? It says right on the little machines that they "prevent chapping," but how does that work?

- queenlucy

A: Dear queenlucy,

So you're invested in keeping those little mits of yours soft, are you? Well, that's great. According to BelleMag, using a hand dryer frequently can actually chap your hands. The hand dryer hasn't promised to make your hands soft. It merely says it will prevent chapping. When compared with the rough treatment your skin gets from the abrasive paper towels commonly used in restrooms, the hand dryer will prevent chapping. Or it will make your hands chap less quickly.

If you're interested in reading more about handwashing, alternative sanitizing methods, and the effects of various drying methods, you can read about them in this study: Handwashing in Georgia's Public Schools.

Happy handwashing. Don't forget to wash for at least ten seconds and to dry your hands off on something clean (not your shirt, please) when you're done.

-Your Mom

Question #22882 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Science

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

how close have we come to absolute zero?

-disco stu

A: Dear disco stu,
It is very difficult to exactly measure how close we can get to absolute zero because the measuring equipment, by its very proximity to the cooled object, warms it up. Nevertheless, we have come close. Scientists at Notre Dame have built miniature coolers that can chill objects down to 0.1 degree Kelvin, which I estimate to be almost -273 C or -459.5 F. Other methods include "laser cooling" and "evaporative cooling," the latter of which has been reported to reach temperatures almost absolute zero. It gets within a few tenths of billionths of a degree above absolute zero. That's pretty close.

- de novo -

Question #22880 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Famous People

Folklore - LDS Rumors/Myths

LDS - LDS Rumors/Myths

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Is it true that Isaac Asimov's wife was LDS?

- Redoubt

A: Dear Redoubt,

Yes, his second wife, Janet Opal Jeppson, is Mormon. I was always under the impression that she was inactive, mostly because I think it would be hard for a highly active Mormon and a Jewish secular humanist to have a peaceful marriage, but also because in the three autobiographies of Asimov's that I've read, he never makes reference to her going to church . . . but then, she did get him to quit drinking coffee, for whatever that's worth.

-A. A. Melyngoch

Question #22879 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

BYU - Publications

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

In reading the BYU magazine from Winter 2006, Page 53, in the last paragraph on the page, they spell regarding, reguarding. Is that permissable, or are they just trying to prove that they dont have enough money to hire a proof reader, and thus deserve the funds they are asking for?

Love,

slybadger

A: Dear slybadger,
Unless they were trying to say that BYU monetary gifts have to be guarded on a regular basis, but in this case re-guarded, hence reguarded, they definitely spelled the word wrong.
However, being an editor myself, I do know that it is possible for a series of editors and proofreaders to miss a single word before someone catches it--if it is caught. Most of the interns do the editing and proofreading work, and it isn't easy to get on staff as an intern as it is.
-Zantedeschia

Question #22878 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Literature - Children's

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

In "The World of Pooh" published by EP Dutton & Co, NY, NY by AA Milne, in Chapter III, "In Which Pooh and Piglet go Hunting and Nearly Catch a Woozle," Pooh is wearing a shirt throughout the entire chapter, as indicated by the illustrations. However, throughout the rest of the book, and on the original doll of Pooh, he goes shirtless. Why does he wear a shirt to hunt Woozles, and does not otherwise?

Perceptive Badger

A: Dear Perceptive Badger,

As the book doesn't say, I am left to speculate. My guess is because it is cold outside, evidenced by Piglet wearing a scarf.

-Pa Grape

Question #22876 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Doctrine

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Noah was commanded to build an arc. The arc was about 500 feet long. He was also commanded to put two of each animal on the arc and even seven of some animals. How did he fit all of them on his arc?
- Miss B.

A: Dear Miss B,

My question for you- Did he ever say how tall the ship was? Actually, yes, he did. STILL- he didn't have to worry about fish, and other aquatic stuff, so that cuts out a lot of things. If you were to put every animal that can naturally hibernate by either being frozen or otherwise sealed underwater for a period of time in that state, and only kept out the animals that can't or couldn't do that... okay, enough theorizing! I am not here to preach false doctrine, and so... I will shut up after the following sentence, for now.

God makes miracles out of ordinary, every-day life and science, whether or not we understand it at the time.

Non-false doctrine lover,
The Force

A: Dear Miss B.,

The Force brings up good point that not all animals had to be on the ark. Further, many people theorize that not all types of animals had to be on the ark. For example, if Noah had brought on board two of every dog, he would have had 416 dogs on board, and that is just the AKC recognized breeds (there are a lot of other breeds, not to mention wild dogs such as wolves, coyotes, dingos, etc). It is much more likely that only a few breeds of dogs (if not just one breed) was brought on board and all other breeds came from those few pairs.

Just some thoughts.

-Pa Grape

Question #22874 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Culture

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Something I read recently has got me wondering. When a bishop extends a calling, is it ever the "right" decision to decline? I've always heard that a person should always say yes because the bishop (or whoever gave the bishop werf's name) has received revelation that werf is the appropriate person to call. The logic being that if Heavenly Father thinks it's best for werf, then werf should always accept. What sparked this question was a comment someone made claiming that we shouldn't assume that all callings should be accepted (citing Elder Ballard's book on church leadership as support). If not all callings should be accepted, does that mean that in some cases it would be wrong to say yes to a calling? Obviously the easiest answer is that werf should pray about the calling and get confirmation that it's right. That makes sense if it's a major time-consuming calling, like EQP. But sometimes it doesn't seem practical to tell the bishop you need time to pray about a calling to the compassionate service committee or (in BYU wards) the refreshments committee. Any thoughts you have on the matter would be appreciated.

- Heretical in Heritage

A: Dear Heretical in Heritage,

First, a bit about the process of issuing a calling. While, on occasion, the bishop may simply pray about a calling and be told who should occupy it, I have found it to be much more the exception than the rule. The Lord already outlined how we should seek knowledge from him in D&C 9:8-9:

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

Originally given to Oliver Cowdery as instruction on translating the plates of gold, it is applicable in any situation where we are supplicating the Lord in a decision. In calling a pianist, the bishop simply doesn't kneel down and ask to be lead to someone who can play the piano. He finds out who can play the piano, studies out those that could possibly fill that role, and then presents that name to the Lord for approval.

In this way, the Lord is not saying that this person absolutely has to fill the calling in question, but that the person is approved of by the Lord to fill the role. It is possible that they are the only one the Lord would approve of at that time, but more likely it is that they are one of several if not many that could fill the calling to the Lord's satisfaction.

Once the selection is approved by the Lord, the bishop or one of his counselors should sit down with the member and interview them in an effort to "determine worthiness and explore personal circumstances," as President Packer put it. He also points out that "no calling is more important . . . than parenthood," and that "leaders should use both judgment and inspiration to make certain that a call does not make it measurably difficult for parents to serve as parents." From there, if the member of the bishopric still feels good about the call, it should be extended and you should be given a chance to pray about it. Regardless of if you feel that it would be foolish to pray about a calling because it is not as time intensive as some other calling, you still have the right to do that and the member of the bishopric really should encourage you to take the time to receive your own answer.

Now, I am going to assume that you are referring to Elder Ballard's book entitled "Counseling With Our Councils."

For the benefit of those who haven't had a chance to go through this excellent book (highly recommended for every person in a leadership position, from stake, to ward, to auxiliary leadership), in Chapter 3, Elder Ballard relates a story of a new bishop tasked with selecting a Young Women's president. The new bishop is given inspiration on who he should select. He asks his counselors who they had in mind and both came back with one name, different from the one he had in mind. His counselors gave convincing explanations of why this woman should be called. The new bishop had more confidence in his counselors however and decided to go with their suggestion.

As he was going out of town, the bishop asked his counselor to issue the call. When following up with his counselor, the counselor explained that he had extended the call but that the sister was unsure about it. After taking a few days to consider it, she had explained to the counselor that she had never declined a calling in her life but did not feel right about this calling. She had asked that the counselor ask the bishop if he really felt she was the one for this calling. If he said yes, she said she would accept it and assume the problem was on her end. The bishop told the counselor to tell her that there was nothing wrong with her feelings. The bishop extended the call to the other woman, who indicated she felt this calling coming for two weeks.

In this situation, you will note that no one declined a calling. She asked for time to consider it before giving her decision. After taking the time and still coming up with a "not right" feeling, she still didn't decline it, but expressed the feelings she had about it and asked for the bishop to seek guidance to confirm the calling. If he had said yes, you are being called, she indicated that she was willing to defer to him, her priesthood leader, and accept his decision on whether she was being called to this position.

I personally think this is a great model of how it should work. The sister didn't refuse the call or accept it blindly. She took the time to consider it, pray about it, and express her concerns but remaining humble and submissive to the leadership she sustained.

To the best of my knowledge, the notion that you should never turn down a calling comes from a talk by Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. while he was a member of the presidency of the seventy. The talk was entitled Go Forth to Serve and was given as a devotional address here at BYU on March 25th, 1975. At one point, Elder Rector says the following:

The second criterion of service is, since the Lord does make the call, you don't turn down a call when it comes. You're not turning down the bishop or the stake president; you're turning down the Lord. You can't afford that. No one can. So accept those calls as they come to you, knowing that you're called to succeed and not to fail.

Further on, he says

Now, don't second-guess the Lord's anointed servants. Sometimes we get the idea that the bishop just doesn't recognize our ability or he wouldn't call us to such menial tasks.

Elder Rector makes some great statements. He asks us to remember who the call is coming from and reminds us of the debt we owe the Savior. Both of these quotes, however, seem to come from the idea of turning down a calling because we either feel inadequate or overqualified for the calling. At no point does Elder Rector say that we shouldn't seek confirmation of the call on our own.

All of that said, there are very few times that, in my opinion, it is appropriate to turn down a calling from the bishop. There is nothing wrong with seeking your own confirmation or asking, as the sister referenced above did, that the bishop make absolutely sure that you are the one that should be called. Humility and willingness to serve wherever one can should be the overriding attitude, though.

-Pa Grape

PS: You might also want to look at Board Question #22814 that posted a couple of days ago.

Question #22871 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Employment

Social Science - Government/Politics

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

How do I get a job working for the CIA? I am not American but know I am VERY qualified. Latro? Any clues?

-PBT

A: Dear PBT, who I think I know,

Um, apply?
http://www.cia.gov/employment/index.html

-CGNU Grad

Question #22870 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Health - Wellness/Exercise

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,
Ok, here's the deal- I am a girl, and I seem to attract fat right around the middle. This nice little pooch has been forming for quite sometime and I'd like to be rid of it. I don't have fatty legs, arms, face or other wise. Just too much around the middle. and no i'm not pregnant ;) how can i get rid of it? are sit-upscrunches the best idea, running, i'm up for the job!

Scallywag

A: Scallywag,

That's the hardest part to get rid of. Crunches with your legs in the air will work the underlying "poochy" muscles, but running may do the best for you.

But pooches are cute!

Writer Anon

A: Dear Scallywag,

I have the same problem myself, and it's only gotten worse after a few kids. Like Writer Anon says, crunches can help you build muscle tone. But to burn the fat, your best option is a nice aerobic workout. Running and swimming would work nicely. Watch what you eat--make sure you're not overeating, and that a good portion of your daily intake comes from fruits and vegetables. Cut back on the sweets.

You should also make sure you get enough sleep. You're more likely to eat when not hungry if you're tired. And don't skip meals. Skipping meals is a good way to tell your body to conserve calories.

I know it's easy to substitute caffeine for sleep and live off of vending machine food when you're in college. But make the time to live a healthy lifestyle and you'll find that it helps you to look your best, as well. Try it, dear. You'll feel better all around if you do.

-Your Mom

Question #22862 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Computers - Software

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I'm looking for some software that will help me organize my life. I want something with the following characteristics:

- It is a database that keeps track of events or tasks by two dates, a beginning date and due date.
- It may or may not have a feature that maps all of the tasks on a timeline, but that would be a plus.
- When you get on each day, it gives you a to-do list that lists all the tasks that have begun, in order of the date that they are due.

So, for example, I could enter all of my syllabi from all of my classes; each assignment, the day it's assigned, and the day it is due. And every day I would get on my computer and it will say something like:

Math HW problems 1,4,5 on page 345 due today at 2:00
Spanish personal essay due tomorrow at 3:00
Physics test due Tuesday, Feb. 6
Graphics project due Thursday, Feb. 16
Read Eng Novel due Wednesday, Feb. 22

I would of course prefer freeware, but I would be interested to know what else is out there.
If you can't find anything like this, how could I set up my own database to do this? I'm pretty sure MS Access could do something like that, but I don't really know how to use it. How could I quickly learn? Are there people that could teach me that in the HBLL or in a computer lab or something?
I know this is alot to ask. I really appreciate it!

- Too busy to do cool stuff like you guys do

A: Dear well, we're pretty much insanely busy too,

Mr. Nike uses Microsoft Outlook for those functions. The program uses pop-up windows with reminders for tasks and it has a calendar that you can look at by day, week or month view. That might work for you.

Nike

A: Dear Too busy,

Well, I have always used a Palm Pilot and like Due Yesterday to manage my schoolwork.

I'd do a search on download.com for homework in the software area. Read the reviews and you should find a pretty good solution.

-Rafe

Question #22858 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Health - Pregnancy

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

My husband and I just found out that we are pregnant! We are looking for a ob/gyn that I can go to during the pregnancy. We are on IHC's SelectMed plan, so I looked up doctors in the Provo area that are on our plan and got a long list of them. I looked in the archives and found a question similar to this that says that I should talk to other people who are pregnant or have had kids recently and ask them for their recommendations of doctors. The only problem is, my husband and I don't really want to go around telling people that we're pregnant right now since I'm only 5 weeks along. However, I need to go visit a doctor at around 8 weeks, right? So how am I supposed to ask people what doctor they went to without them finding out that I am pregnant? Another suggestion I have heard is to go visit a few doctor's offices and talk to the receptionists, check out the feel of the offices, ask questions about what services are offered, etc. This method just seems a bit vague to me. So my question is, how do you think I should go about finding an ob/gyn that is right for me? Any suggestions or personal experiences with doctors will be helpful. Thanks!

- Brunette

A: Dear Brunette,

Unless there are some extenuating circumstances (gestational diabetes, risk of ectopic pregnancy, etc), most OB's won't want to see you until you are ten weeks along (based on when the first day of your last period was). So you do have some time before you need to got an appointment.

When it comes to selecting a doctor, there are several criteria you need to look at. Insurances don't always cover every hospital. I would find out which hospitals near you your insurance covers. I'm taking a guess that you are in the Provo area. Don't just go to UVRMC. Many of the people I know how have delivered there were less than pleased with how they were treated. I'm not saying that is the case for everyone, but such an experience isn't uncommon. The up side to UVRMC is that they have the most extensive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in all of Utah Valley. So if you have a high risk pregnancy, you'll probably want to deliver there.

Ma Grape and I chose to deliver at Orem Community last time. It was a fantastic experience as the hospital doesn't handle much of anything besides OB and outpatient procedures. Plus, the OB we selected primarily delivered there. Since our OB's office was in the attached complex and the hospital has great reviews, we decided to deliver there. However, there is no NICU at that hospital and all babies that need intensive care are transported by helicopter to UVRMC.

With Baby Grape #2, we are looking at either Timpanogos Regional Medical Center or American Fork Hospital. Those are the two hospitals our OB will deliver at, so those are our choices. If we wanted to deliver at a different hospital, we'd need to select a different OB.

As for talking with other people, you don't have to tell them you are pregnant. If they ask, say you are OB shopping so you are prepared when you get pregnant.

The services you want to ask about can vary greatly. If you are a diabetic, you'll probably want to find an OB who specializes in diabetic pregnancies. Some OB's just don't pay enough attention to it and the patient consequently ends up with a huge baby. If you have had a cesarean section on a previous delivery (which probably doesn't apply to you), you'll want to find out if the doctor will perform a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). You may only want midwifery services. You may want to find a doctor who you can continue seeing as a gynecologist after delivery (not all OB's are OB/GYN's).

Here's my suggestion. First, get a complete listing of OB's that are covered by your insurance. Start by deciding whether you prefer a male or female OB. Cross off as appropriate. Decide whether you are willing to have a nurse practitioner as your OB. Cross off. Determine how far is too far to travel for appointments. Cross off. Some doctors are work as a team. You see both doctors and either may deliver your child when the time comes. Is this alright or do you want to be certain that you will have the same person seeing you every appointment and know that the same person will be delivering your baby? This is information that probably won't be included on the list of providers but that you'll want to ask about. If you do or don't like that and find out certain doctors are or aren't involved in it, cross them off.

Lastly, if you have narrowed it down to just a couple of doctors, (check your insurance first but) go see both of them. They may sound great but your personalities may clash horribly. The most important rule is that you need to be comfortable with the doctor who you select as your OB. If you have an appointment and don't really like the doctor, find a different one. While the doctor who delivered Toddler Grape was a great person and a competent doctor, she didn't really like him. So, she did some asking around, some calling around, and some research and has found an OB that she is much more happy with this time around.

Happy hunting. Don't let this stress you out too much. Every time you figure out one doctor isn't quite what you are looking for, count yourself lucky for figuring it out early and know that you are one closer to finding the right OB for you!

-Pa Grape

Editor's Choice

Question #22855 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Health

Money/Finance - Insurance

Medical/Body - Products

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Someone told me that at the Student Health Center there works a lady whose major purpose is to help students who can't afford their prescriptions to get them. Is this true? (I hope so!) If yes, what are the qualifications for such assistance, and how does one contact this magical lady?

-Starving Student wishing for affordable health care

A: Dear Starving Student who is wishing what I fear is impossible,

There is in face a woman at the Health Center who would be able to help you get your prescriptions using the prescription assistance program (although it is not her primary job function -- she is a nurse). Her name is Joan and be contacted at (801) 422-5147 or by going to the back nurses station at the health center. I sure hope this helps. Please don't hate me.

-- Brutus

Question #22830 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Famous People

Social Science - Government/Politics

Utah - Provo/Orem Community

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I hate to not let the dead dog lie but I was wondering if anybody has ever figured out the total loss/gain of both Sean Hannity and Michael Moore's visits to UVSC? Did they charge for admission to Hannity? I also heard said that tickets to Moore's speech would pay for his visit. Does anybody know the final score?

- (My name here)

A: Dear (My name here),

The article at http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595097892,00.html should answer all those questions.

In short, Hannity was much cheaper. Ignoring event security, (as in expenses the speakers had no control over) and factoring in donations and ticket sales (admission was charged for both events), UVSC made $150 dollars on Hannity's speech but is $14,000 in the hole on Moore. Taking into security costs, Hannity cost the college $8,851.25 and Moore cost $25,000.

-Rafe

Question #22789 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

BYU - Academics

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I heard a rumor that there was a class to learn how to throw a party. Is that true?

Truly in need of some help.

A: Dear Trudy N. Nead,

Oh yeah, and it is way cool! Lecture topics include "Don't Be a Dip: Doing Chips Right," "Totally Cheesy: Doing Dips Right," "How Balloons Can Lift Your Party," "Tuned In: Music Do's and Don'ts," and "I'm Game: What To Play." And that's just the first week of classes! You have to sign up quick. In AIM, it's under...oh...wait. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone about that class. It's totally invite only.

Ahem. No, there is no such class at BYU. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

-CGNU Grad

Question #22776 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

LDS - Doctrine

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

I finally realized that the Lord said he would come to dwell here for a millenium, but there are other worlds. Is he going to leave us after that and dwell with them for a millenium. Is Earth to become heaven-like and we become like the angels-always having his presence. Which obviously he has told us he would. But will he have to leave to dwell with other worlds when their end comes? Or do they have their own Gods that will dwell with them forever?

- Emetelai

A: Emetelia,

You asked a very good doctrinal question. These kind of questions always seem like a breath of fresh air, for though the answer may be long and ardous, yet, to find said answer is a wonderful experience.

Article of Faith 10:
We believe . . . that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

The Lord will be here, yes. He may not be here the entire time, and may visit other worlds who are in need of Him, but He is the Savior, and through him the ihabitants of the countless worlds are begotten children of God. It is His role to be the Redeemer, whether of worlds or of people, and one idea in redemption is that of renewel. Other earths that have fallen (implying of course, that worlds fall as we see from the Fall of Adam, rather than universes falling due to one world's transgression). They too will need redemption. See, as Lehi teaches in 2 Nephi 2, without the fall man cannot be, for children will not come forth. Any world that has not yet fallen still is in paradisical glory; however, their glory is empty without the children of God to populate the earth.

Application of this concept implies that any earth who is populated has gone through a Fall, unless there is some other way that mankind may be fruitful and replinish the earth (and we know there is no other way).

Now, remarking upon your question of Christ personally being here--He will be. As stated before, He may not be here permanently, but rather, come and go as He pleases, needs, and is commanded of the Father's will.

Those that remain on this earth will be those that live at least the terrestial law--that of abhorring sins of will or commision (e.g. lying, adultery, etc.). This has many implications. So long as people live up to the light of Christ they have received, they will be permitted to tarry on the earth. Any good person you know, providing they are living the best they can, will be here in the millineum. Now, they won't be resurrected beings, they will be people, same as you and I will be people should we be alive come the Advent.

So who gets resurrected when? The beginning of the millineum is defined as "the morning of the first resurrection," and I wouldn't be surprised if your patriarchal blessing says something special about that. This is when those who lived up to the Celestial law will be raised. The afternoon of the first resurrection, which we aren't sure exactly when this is save during the millineum, is when the terrestial law-abiders will be raised. When Final Judgement is here, then the telestial law-abiders and those who abide no law will be raised to receive their reward.

People that aren't resurrected at the start of the millineum? They will be mortal beings until they die, and if righteous, obedient, and covenant-making during their lives, they will be changed in the twinkling of an eye when they've lived as long as a tree.

This is all due to the paradisical glory the earth will receive because of the presence of the Lord.

In short, the mission of the Savior is something we may spend our entire lives seeking for understanding, and not completely accomplish.

Happy Scripture Reading,
-Motionite

P.S. If you are interested in sources for this information, email me with your specific requests and questions to the "About Us" page

Question #22470 posted on 02/07/2006 3:01 a.m.

Computers - Internet (general)

Q:

Dear 100 Hour Board,

Here at BYU, specifically in the dorms, how much does Big Brother see? Can the network administrators see my emails, running programs, etc? Or just websites visited? What's the extent of their powers?

- A Good Person, Who Just Happens To Be Asking A Really Seemingly Suspicious Question.

A: Dear A Good Person, [but are you really ... just kidding!],

Technically anyone with enough know-how or access can see emails that you send, some programs, websites visited, etc. The truth is that BYU chooses to be somewhat mysterious about what they monitor. Here are a few things that we know... that they know...

Whenever you get that screen that tells you that you can't access a page, then it is recorded somewhere. However, this information isn't linked to you unless someone suspects you of wrong-doing and looks up this information. So as long as you are not intentionally looking up these blocked sites, not to worry.

Also, in Open Access Labs, and on on campus networks, the system can tell which websites you have visited. This is only looked at in the same situation, where you are suspected and someone actually pulls up the information to look at it.

As for the emails, anyone with the know-how and enough time can read email, but the University doesn't keep tabs on this for the general usership, not worth it.

As for programs you're running, if you program uses the network (like sharing iTunes, p2p programs, etc) then yes, they can tell and they will use that information, if not to shut down your network access, than to block programs that eat up university bandwidth, such as p2p programming. Your IP address is easy to get from those programs, in fact a friend of mine had a movie company call the university and have them shut down his access because they detected his p2p programs and that he had tried to download things. That wasn't even BYU that nailed him, it was an outside company.

So, the network administrators can see things like websites visited and number of times you hit porn filters, but they only access that info when there is reason to suspect something.

There is not much cause for worry, as long as you are honest and true and don't go looking for porn, no problema!

Have Fun Storming the Castle,
-Il Guanaco