Why is there a camel in front of the chemistry building? Who donated it, what is its significance and why is there no plaque telling us this? Thank you for all your hard work, eh.
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Actually, the camel and friend are closer to BioSci. Appropriate positioning, as the statue honors physiologist Knut Schmidt-Nielsen. Get the whole story at http://www.dukemagazine.duke.edu/alumni/dm11/spotlight.html.
What is a poll tax? Is it related to voting?
I only know that margarent thatcher was unpopular for doing one and that it is somehow a regressive tax…
Cheers!
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Originally called “poll-money,” it was a tax levied against each individual–or head of cattle!–at the same rate. It later became a tax on each voter, again at the same rate, notorious for disenfranchising African Americans in the U.S. South. It is considered regressive because it does not differentiate by ability to pay or financial resources. Fortunately, in this country, this end run around the one person, one vote princple was outlawed by the 14th Amendment.
What are the roots of the initials i.e. and e.g.? Is it latin? What do they stand for, and what does it mean?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: “Id est” and “exempli gratia” are derived from their Latin roots. The first, “that is,” is used for “that is to say;” the latter is “by way of example,” used for “for example.” They are often confused, “i.e.,” people use them incorrectly; e.g., “i.e.” is sometimes used when what is really meant is “for example.” Got it?
What is the funniest web site on the internet? (aside from this one of course, whenever you let loose a real zinger!)
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: This is a very cutthroat business, with national rankings changing from week to week. Answer Person can’t afford to advertise the competition.
Please turn down the air conditioning in the libraries!! Please!
If it is t-shirt weather outside (seventies or even sixties), I don’t like having to put on a sweater to go into the library. Don’t you agree? It just makes us chilly and wastes energy, eh?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Answer Person has encountered this issue before, in shivered requests in the Perkins Library Lobby book. (I.e, 3051A in 2003, http://www.lib.duke.edu/suggest/sampler2003.htm.) Unfortunately, although AP also finds the place chilly–and AP is here hours longer than the average public user–the typical 72F is within federal quidelines. Once again, we in the real world suffer the dictates of the Wizards of Washington. And, to be fair, there are those who complain that the building is too hot if it creeps up a few degrees. So, yes, AP agrees, and will pass on your comment to the building manager, but don’t hold your breath.
Why did Vladimir I of the Rus adopt Byzantine Christianity and not a different religion for his kingdom and subjects?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Scientology was not yet an option. There were also political considerations, specifically that a marriage tied to a military pact, and tied as well to Vladimir’s conversion.
What is the best way to spend a million dollars?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Establish an endowed chair for Answer Person.
Why do Romania and Chad have the same flag? Was it intentional? It seems like it is too confusing to allow that kind of thing to happen, so why hasn’t some one stepped in to flip a coin or make one of them change to a different flag?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: There is no international treaty or convention granting rights of exclusivity for national flags. Chad and Romania are hardly unique in lacking cabinet ministers of advertising /design. The French flag seems to be all over the place–that imaginative three vertical blue-white-red stripes was adopted by virtually every former colony (perhaps they bought the line that you can’t top French culture and taste). The same is true for several former British Empire Pacific Ocean colonies. So, no, there was no plan that they be the same, and although there may be some confusion as they parade at the Olympics, they are not likely to change either flag.
What is the best way to prepare a black bean and cheese (no meat, that is)? I think a burrito is a good place to start, eh? What should be in it?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: There are a lot of good cookbooks out there, including plenty of recipe websites. One of Answer Person’s favorites is http://eat.epicurious.com/ (once you get past the annoying, optional ads and pop-ups). Just searching “black beans” meatless and cheese as limiters brought up an intriguing group of possibilities, including Tortillas in Black Bean Sauce, a Mexican Lasagna, and the staple veggie nachos. They also have a bunch of burrito recipes.
Why do other countries allow Russia to be apart of the Israel/Palestine peace process? Isn’t having the UN, US and EU involved enough? Does Russia matter or do they offer any valuable insight to the matter?
ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Russia does have a history with these countries, relationships which, though they may based on Cold War confrontations, still carry some weight in the region. And in case you haven’t noticed, the UN, US and EU have not been able to solve this one. Adding Russia to the mix may not help, but we need to be open to anything. It is too important.