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June 26

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Forearm lifting straps

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"Forearm Forklift" is a well known brand of these, at around $35. These ones[1] from Hobo Freight are $13 and look similar. Anyone know if there is a significant difference? I'd be an infrequent user. I just have a few not too horrendous pieces of furniture to move.

I'm also puzzled by the claim these things can lift 800 lb. It's a two person operation: do they think each person can lift 400?

At a later time I may want to move a 350 lb appliance and I sure can't lift 175. It's a little bit odd that there doesn't seem to be a 4 person version. I'd be interested to know if anyone has tried using two sets (either the forearm version or the shoulder dolly version) with 4 people. I heard somewhere that is possible, but I think the "person"* who said that may have been hallucinating.

* "Person" = Duckduckgo GPT-4o chatbot. I had never talked to one before and I'm halfway impressed, but meh.

Thanks. 2601:644:8581:75B0:105A:A885:CC85:24C4 (talk) 08:43, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

I see "700 lb. maximum capacity" for the HAUL-MASTER Forearm Lifting Straps, which means a promise that if the load is 700 lb, and some agent or combination of agents can deliver an upward force of more than 700 lbf, the straps will support the weight. Home Depot rates the Forearm Forklift FF000012 also at 700 lb and lists a price of $29.98.
People in good condition can support a substantially heavier weight from their shoulders, and there are also shoulder lifting straps on the market.[2] The risk of overloading one's shoulders or back, with ensuing physiological damage, should, however, not be taken lightly.
I expect that a group of 4 persons can use two 2-person sets, positioned orthogonally to each other () across the centre of mass.  ​‑‑Lambiam 09:48, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks, some commenters on Reddit said that while the shoulder style might be able to move more weight, the forearm ones are more maneuverable and flexible. Since the items I'm immediately trying to move are in the 100 lb range max, I think the forearm ones should be enough. Mostly I wanted to know if I should spend $30 instead of $13 getting the name brand instead of HFT. I think I will get the HFT ones and if they don't suffice, then either upgrade or get the shoulder type. For the 350 thing (later in the year, if it happens at all) maybe I can rent a stairclimber. 2601:644:8581:75B0:A5A0:D83B:8060:B185 (talk) 21:45, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
I got the HFT straps and they are fine as far as I can tell. I didn't get the FF ones so can't compare. 2601:644:8581:75B0:FE49:AD74:4737:68AE (talk) 03:03, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
When I got a new fridge two years ago, two men (of average build) brought it in on a strap on their shoulders. They made it look easy! —Tamfang (talk) 19:39, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Is "male as norm" the most common name for the concept it refers to?

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When I came across the Male as norm article, I thought to myself that the term (as it is used) is phrased weirdly and that Male normativity would be a better title for it, but I'm not sure if it's more commonly called that. If there is a more common name, I may make a talk page request asking for consensus as to whether or not the article should be moved to such a name. – MrPersonHumanGuy (talk) 13:28, 26 June 2025 (UTC) – MrPersonHumanGuy (talk) 13:28, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia articles are preferentially titled by the most commonly used name for the subject, rather than the most technically correct or official, to maximise success in searching for them (see WP:COMMONNAME).
If I were searching for an article about this subject, without knowing what it was actually called, I think I'd be more likely to guess something like 'Male as norm' than 'Male normativity'.
That said, a Talk page discussion would be a good way to proceed. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 94.6.41.216 (talk) 15:45, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
I know this as Male default, one of the redirects to male as norm. Generally I agree that starting a talk page discussion or a WP:RM once you have an idea what to do (and what the sources say) is the way to go. —Kusma (talk) 16:17, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
This should merge with Androcentrism.  Card Zero  (talk) 18:52, 26 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Male as norm is not a well-written encyclopedic article, but as it is, it is too bloated and focussing too specifically on the English language in modern society to be suitable for merging into the much higher quality Androcentrism. A better title for a better article might be something like "Generic use of masculine language", since it is solely about the use of masculine forms with an alleged generic sense.  ​‑‑Lambiam 07:33, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

June 28

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Deadliest single county for United States tornadoes?

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A bit of a morbid question here - which U.S. county has seen the most direct and/or indirect tornado-caused fatalities? I've asked around elsewhere but the only two counties we could come up with were Jackson County, Illinois and Hall County, Georgia, although the latter is probably wrong. — EF5 14:29, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Tornadoes only very, very rarely respect county lines. DOR (ex-HK) (talk) 18:38, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Well, yes, but fatalities within counties. EF5 19:21, 28 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The problem with answering this question is that there are very few tornado-caused deaths. It is small enough that a single deadly tornado can overshadow all other deaths in a year. As such, looking at extremely deadly tornados (the 1977 super cell) will give you a county that most likely has the most deaths, not because it is frequented by tornados, but because it had one very deadly tornado. 68.187.174.155 (talk) 14:27, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

June 29

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Educational programming aimed at younger audience

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I’m very curious about this media. Can you please explain on why educational programming, such as Nick Jr and Disney Jr are aimed at preschoolers and younger audiences, while TV shows and cartoons aimed at older audiences are primarily and mainly entertainment? What is the reason behind this? Why do shows like non-educational shows get more popularity and appeal than educational shows? 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 (talk) 10:32, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

My impression is that pre-schoolers are by definition not necessarily receiving any formal education, thought they are at a stage of development when they can absorb a great deal of knowledge, so shows that provide educational elements are thought to be important for them; those that are older and now in formal education are receiving it there, often quite intensively, so may be thought to have a greater need for entertainment as a relaxation from their efforts earlier in the day. Note however that educational shows require some degree of entertainment to retain viewers' interest, and 'non-educational' shows may include educational elements, even if disguised or unobvious.
Educational shows are mostly (though not entirely, see for example the Open University which formerly made extensive use of TV broadcasts) aimed at quite young audiences; non-educational shows are aimed at both older and broader age groups, to the extent that even adults enjoy them, so they have larger appreciative audiences. Since ultimately program(me) makers are in part driven by the ambition to maximise their viewing figures (which attracts greater institutional funding, or advertising revenue, or both), they actively seek to maximise their shows' appeal. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.192.251.148 (talk) 12:45, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
In the UK, some TV output is specifically designed for use in the school corriculum, see BBC Schools and Channel 4#Schools programming. Other programmes for older children mix education with entertainment, especially on the BBC with its public service ethos; Newsround (current affairs) and Deadly 60 (wildlife) are examples, while magazine programmes such as Blue Peter have a great deal of educational content. Alansplodge (talk) 11:41, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Naure and science shows are classified as educational and are usually aimed at older audiences. Overall, people don't want to learn. They want to be entertained. That is why the nature shows have to keep showing cute or silly animals to hide the educational value of the progam. Science shows have to blow stuff up to keep people tuned in. Any education is sneakily crammed beween the cute animal babies and big explosions. 68.187.174.155 (talk) 14:10, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
To me it would be PBS, a channel dedicated to educational programming and to serve all audiences. 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 (talk) 21:47, 2 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Native American nations not being independent countries

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I noticed the article about history of Native Americans and the present today. I’m motivated about their culture. Native Americans are diverse set of groups and have their own cultures. But would you please explain why do tribal nations or reservations, such as Navajo Nation, Pine Ridge Reservation, and Cherokee Nation not independent countries and are instead part of USA, despite having different cultures, languages, and traditions that are separate from each other and why would the USA won’t declare them independence? I know that the USA calls them domestic dependent nations. And I know that each of them can make laws. Don’t forget that they lasted for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. At least most can run casinos also. Additionally, why wouldn’t they have separate Olympics teams, engage in foreign relations, declare wars with each other, have their own passports, and issue currency? 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 (talk) 10:52, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Because they are de facto under the control of the USA, for whom this would be disadvantageous. Granting them full independent nation status (assuming they wanted it) would open possible legal claims for compensation at an international level, which would be more difficult for the USA to ignore: see the articles Native Americans in the United States and Native American civil rights for details of some of their potential grounds, and for links to further relevant articles.
Currently these tribal nations have a great many* lawsuits proceeding and outstanding against US State and federal administrations, but many of these have effectively been delayed or suspended for many decades because nothing can force the government to let them proceed. (* There is, deliberately, no central consolidated list, so actual numbers are hard to quantify.)
Hope this helps. Doubtless others will be able to make more informed contributions. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.192.251.148 (talk) 13:06, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Why would they be under US control, after conquering lands of native? When will they become countries in future? (Late 21st century/early 22nd century) 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 (talk) 22:25, 29 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
I mean they are under US control now: the USA wants to keep it that way, so will (probably) not agree to giving them independence in the foreseeable future. This is a legacy of the US principle of 'Manifest Destiny' (which as a non-American, I do not of course endorse) and a policy of political pragmatism.
As to "when they will become countries in the future?" – See the notice at the top of the this page: We don't answer requests for opinions, predictions or debate. No-one can give a realistic answer: my own wild guess would be 'not while the USA continues to exist.' {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.192.251.148 (talk) 00:38, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]
A classic case of shooting oneself in the foot while kicking an own goal. Guesses are disapproved of as much as predictions. -- Jack of Oz [pleasantries] 22:10, 30 June 2025 (UTC) [reply]
I called it "my own wild guess" to emphasise its lack of value, and phrased it in a way likely not to sound useful to the OP (or others). {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.192.251.148 (talk) 01:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Were they ever formally countries or just loose confederations of tribes/clans? Clarityfiend (talk) 06:43, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The European settlers (especially the European governments) did not recognize the Native American populations as being countries in any way. They were recognized as roaming bands of people, similar to the Roma. I am certain that some people have considered the populations to be countries (or even one large country), but there was no "formal" recognition. 68.187.174.155 (talk) 11:50, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The closest such situation is probably Nunavut, but it is no way separate from Canada. The creation of the territory did provide additional self-governance for the Inuit, however. You can learn more about its creation here. Matt Deres (talk) 23:28, 1 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
@Matt Deres @JackofOz I agree, but what about the Navajo Nation? They have an office in Washington D.C. And they have their own government and laws, too. Fact is they served as code talkers in WW2. This reservation is the largest and larger than West Virginia. 2600:387:F:5719:0:0:0:3 (talk) 21:46, 2 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The population of West Virginia is an order of magnitude larger than that of Navajo Nation. Is it obvious that a sovereign Navajo Nation will be economically viable and politically stable? What is in it for the population if Navajo Nation gains independence? Unless a majority sees an advantage, proposals for independence from the USA cannot be expected to get much support.  ​‑‑Lambiam 15:13, 4 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
The population and surface area of Navajo Nation are similar to that of Iceland, which clearly is a viable and stable country. Iceland does however have a few advantages compared to Navajo Nation. Iceland has direct access to the high seas, so it doesn't depend on anyone to move goods in and out and can do so cheaply, whilst Navajo Nation isn't only landlocked (forcing it to use more expensive road and rail transport), it's even an enclave. The US will have complete control over what goes in and out. There're also the matters of fishing rights, cheap hydro-electricity and a strategic position on the transatlantic route. PiusImpavidus (talk) 10:16, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Access to the sea also allows Iceland to have a major fishing industry, employing 7% of the workforce. Iceland has, moreover, an ample supply of geothermal power as well as hydropower, which makes it possible to operate no fewer than three aluminium smelting plants, also contributing significantly to the economy. The island has abundant fresh water, and, unlike Navajo Nation, is at no risk of desertification.  ​‑‑Lambiam 07:21, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

June 30

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Courtesy, thanks

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Can someone please fix the source, to the references section regarding Michael Keaton's date of birth? It is number 3. Thank you. 37.159.35.223 (talk) 19:03, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

 Done.  ​‑‑Lambiam 20:44, 30 June 2025 (UTC)[reply]

July 5

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Airport Retail thriving

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Hi everyone, while the malls in United States are struggling, retail stores in airports are very successful. Since I visited the retail stores in airport and they look clean and innovative to me for sure. Why is this a case? 216.9.110.11 (talk) 23:40, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

People who are in airports are, on average, wealthier than average (since poor people can't afford to fly).
Retail stores in airports generally sell costlier than average, even 'luxury' items (not everyday groceries and household supplies), charge higher than average prices (personal observations), and/or are able to sell items 'duty free', meaning they make higher profits.
Because they make higher profits, they can afford to spend more in good shop design and on keeping their stores clean. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 90.210.159.137 (talk) 00:47, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Airport shops have thousands of potential customers funneled past their front doors daily without any effort of their own. It's a retailer's delight. HiLo48 (talk) 01:08, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Even better: many of those potential customers are forced to wait for several hours near the shop's front door for their flight. They might visit the shop out of boredom. PiusImpavidus (talk) 18:01, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Tribal or Public Library

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Good day, according to this article on Seminole, as the culture section on libraries, this article says:

The idea of a tribal library originated in the 1940s at the Brighton Day School by William Boehmer and his wife with a book collection at the school.

What are the differences between tribal libraries and public libraries? Where could I visit tribal libraries? I know that Google Maps have an answer to this. 216.9.110.11 (talk) 23:48, 5 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

A tribal library is a public library maintained and operated by a tribe. It will, relatively, hold more material that relates to this tribe than can be expected in a general public library. For more, see What Is a Tribal Library?. The map on that page does not work – it is a static screenshot – but an interactive map hosted on openstreetmap is found here. For a few randomly selected specific tribes:
 ​‑‑Lambiam 06:51, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

July 6

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Humanities

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Hello, When I searched Wikipedia for "Vine Deloria, Jr.," your article stated that he graduated from Kent School in Kent, CT. But when I clicked on that link and read about Kent School, I notice it does not mention him as a distinguished alumnus. Just wondered, why is that? BirdGirl1 (talk) 16:39, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Link Vine Deloria Jr. Knitsey (talk) 16:42, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]
He's a;ready listed; see List of Kent School people#Writers, journalists and publishers, the sixth entry from the top. Alansplodge (talk) 18:00, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Soccer goal detail

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If you look at the goal, you can see the crossbar resting on the posts after the end of the game. But during the game, it was fixed to the field with a net attached. You can also see a sort of “groove” at the base of the field, where the crossbar was fixed, which corresponds exactly to the shape of the crossbar. How was this groove made? Thank you. https://assets.spox.com/images/v3/getty-2218005446/crop/MM5DKMBQGQ5DEOBRGU5G433XMU5DAORSGYYQ====/GettyImages-2218005446.jpg 93.147.230.221 (talk) 19:09, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

The actual crossbar is the upper round horizontal beam. The lower, square-section beam is part of a rectangular frame that during play lis mon the ground to hold the bottom of the net in place. This frame hinges up by 90 degrees to rest against the back of the posts when not in use, simply to keep it out of the way. The 'groove' or channel in the grass, which accommodates the frame when it is horizontal, is probably cut by a groundskeeper with a spade or similar implement if the pitch is 'natural', or built in to the pitch when it is layed if it is artificial turf. 90.210.159.137 (talk) 21:18, 6 July 2025 (UTC)[reply]

July 7

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