Frequently Asked Reference Questions Index: A-C
Section Index
Content Body
Question:
What are the age limits under Wisconsin law?
Answer:
Driving: regular license: age 16/18 juvenile license: 14 (State Statute 343.135)
Drinking: age 21 (State Statute125.o1 (8m)
Marriage: with consent: age 16; without consent 18 (State Statute 765.02)
Voting: age 18 (U.S. Constitution, 26th Amendment)
Purchasing Tobacco: age 18 (State Statute 134.66 (2))
Source:
Wisconsin State Statutes
Answer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference, living one day at a time, accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Let me take, as he (Jesus) did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting he will make all things right if I surrender to his will. May I be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with him forever in the next."
Original Form:
O God, give us serenity to accept what cannot be changed, courage to change what should be changed, and wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.
Source:
Catholic Herald, May 16, 2002, p. 10.
Note:
This prayer was composed by Reinhold Niebuhr in 1934 when he occasionally preached in the small church near his summer home in Heath, Massachusetts. After the service, Howard Chandler Robbins, a summer neighbor, asked for a copy. He is reported to have been handed the original, with words to the following effect, "Here, take the prayer. I have no further use for it." Other people, it is clear, have felt differently. Roberts published it as part of a pamphlet the following year. Since then it has been adopted as the motto of Alcoholics Anonymous; the U SO distributed millions of copies to servicemen during World War II; the National Council of Churches has reprinted it…"
--from Bingham, June. Courage to change: an introduction.
Question:
What is the frequency of use of the letters of the alphabet in printed material in English?
Answer:
1 – e, 2 – t, 3 – a, 4 – o, 5 – n, 6 – r, 7 – I, 8 – s, 9 – h, 10 – d,
11 – l, 12 – u, 13 – c, 14 – m, 15 –f, 16 – g, 17 – y, 18 –p, 19 – w,
20 – b, 21 –v, 22 – k, 23 –x, 24 – j, 25 –q, 26 –z
Source:
World Book Encyclopedia, 1982 edition.
Question:
What is the recipe for angel food candy? (Also known as sponge candy or fairy food)
Answer:
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 T. vinegar
1 T. baking soda
1 6-oz. Package semisweet chocolate bits, melted
Mix sugar, syrup, and vinegar in a 3-quart saucepan. Cook at hard-crack stage (300 degrees on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat. Add baking soda and mix quickly. Pour into a greased 1 x 7 x 1.5 inch pan. Cool. Invert on a tray and spread with melted chocolate. Break into chunks. Makes 1 pound.
Source:
The Ideals Christmas book.
Answer:
The Norway rat, the principal rat species in the United States, is considered to be the most destructive mammal on earth by many scientists.
Source
Mead Public Library Information File
Answer:
Contact:
Sheboygan County Humane Society
3107 North 20th Street
920-458-2012
OR
Pine View Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Jean Lord
W4953 Highway H
Little Kohler, WI 53021
262-692-9021
pineview@execpc.co
www.pineviewwrc.org
Question:
What are some names for anniversary celebrations for years starting at 100?
Answer:
100 year - Centennial
125 year - Quasquicentennial
150 year - Sesquicentennial
200 year - Bicentennial
250 year - Quartimilennial or Quarter Milennial
300 year – Tercentennial
400 year – Quadricentennial
500 year - Quincentennial
Source:
World Book Dictionary.
Question:
What are the traditional and modern gifts for wedding anniversaries?
Answer:
Traditional/MODERN
1st: paper/CLOCKS
2nd: cotton/CHINA
3rd: leather/CRYSTAL
4th: linen(Silk)/ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
5th: wood/SILVERWARE
6th: iron/WOOD
7th: wood(copper)/ DESK SETS
8th: bronze/LINENS, LACES
9th: pottery (China)/LEATHER
10th: tin (Aluminum)/DIAMOND JEWELRY
11th: steel/FASHION JEWELRY
12th: silk/PEARLS or COLORED GEMS
13th: lace/TEXTILES & FURS
14th: ivory/GOLD JEWELRY
15th: crystal/WATCHES
16th: SILVER HOLLOW WARE
17th: FURNITURE
18th: PORCELAIN
19th: BRONZE
20th: china/PLATINUM
21st: brass or nickel
22nd: copper
23rd: silver plate
24th: musical instruments
25th: silver/STERLING SILVER
26th: original pictures
27th: sculpture
28th: orchids
29th: new furniture
30th: pearls/DIAMONDS
31th: timepieces
32nd: conveyances (automobiles)
33rd: amethyst
34th: opal
35th: coral/JADE
36th: bone china
37th: alabaster
38th: beryl and tourmaline
39th: lace
40th: ruby
41st: land
42nd: improved real estate
43rd: trips
44th: groceries
45th: SAPPHIRE
46th: original poetry tributes
47th: books
48th: optical items ( glasses, telescopes)
49th: luxuries of any kind
50th: GOLD
55th: EMERALDS
60th: DIAMOND
75th: Diamond
80th: DIAMOND and PEARL
85th: DIAMOND and SAPPHIRE
90th: DIAMOND and EMERALD
100th: 10 CARAT DIAMOND
Source:
The Hostess Book, RQ, Winter 1985, The Chicago Public Library.
Question:
What is the origin of April Fools' Day?
Answer:
The exact origin of April Fools' Day is uncertain, although it seems to have originated in France when the country adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1582. As part of the change, New Year was moved from March 25 to January 1. Gifts and visits had been exchanged during the New Year season, which ended on April 1. Thus, the first April fools may have been those who failed to make the proper adjustment.
Source:
Santino, Jack. All around the year: holidays and celebrations in American life. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1994.
Question:
Could you give me the names of reputable appraisers for art, collectibles, etc?
Answer:
American Society of Appraisers
P. O. Box 17265
Washington, D. C. 20041
1-800-272-8258
Appraisers Association of America, Inc.
60 E. 42nd Street
New York, NY 10165
1-212-867-9775
Delind Fine Art Appraisals
801 North Jefferson Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Source: Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
When is Arbor Day celebrated in Wisconsin?
Answer:
Arbor Day in Wisconsin is observed on the last Friday in April unless the governor proclaims another day for the celebration.
Source:
Wisconsin State Statute 14.16 (1)
Question:
Where can one go to determine if stolen pieces of art and antiques have been recovered by the proper authorities?
Answer:
The Art Loss Register
Question:
Who are the top ten most published authors of all time?
Answer:
1. William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
2. Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
3. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
4. Johann Goethe (1749-1832)
5. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)
6. Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870)
7. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
8. Mark Twain (1835-1910)
9. M. Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.)
10. Honore de Balzac (1799-1850)
Source:
Ash, Russell. The top 10 of everything. New York: DK Publishing, 1996.
Question:
Is there a source that lists award winners for such achievements as the Nobel Prize
or Pulitzer Prizes?
Answer:
Amazon.com offers a detailed page, which presents winners of 58 awards, including those for the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes. The searcher may examine the alphabetical list of the various awards that are listed.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/542942/ref=b_bh_l_b_aw/002-5438619-8217623
Source:
Amazon.com Award Winners
Question:
Why are barns red?
Answer:
At the end of the 18th century, farmers discovered that red oxide of iron and skim milk, with lime added, made a plastic-like coating that hardened quickly and lasted for many years, giving birth to the famous American red barn.
Source:
American barns and covered bridges, by Eric Sloane, p. 65.
Question:
Why is New York City called the Big Apple?
Answer:
The term originated with jazz musicians in the 1930s, after the name of a nightclub in Harlem called "The Big Apple."
Source:
Safire’s new political dictionary.
Question:
What are the birthstones and flowers for each month of the year?
Answer
January - Garnet & Carnation
February - Amethyst & Violet
March - Aquamarine & Jonquil
April - Diamond & Sweet Pea
May - Emerald & Lili of the Valley
June - Pearl & Rose
July - Ruby & Larkspur
August - Peridot & Gladiolus
September - Sapphire & Aster
October - Opal & Calendula
November - Topaz & Crysanthemum
December - Turquoise & Narcissus
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
Is there any way that the blind or visually impaired can have access to newspapers?
Answer:
National Federation of the Blind NEWSLINE® is a toll-free service that uses synthesized speech to deliver an audio version of newspaper text through the telephone to those who are blind or visually impaired. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is changing the name of the service to NFBNEWSLINE and expanding the service nationwide. If you are interested in signing up for the service, please fill out an Application/Registration Form.
Source:
Channel Weekly, February 28, 2002
Question:
What is the legal measurement of a block?
Answer:
There is no standard measurement for a city block. A handy estimate is 16 blocks per Mile. In the central area of Sheboygan, where blocks are uniformly laid out, they measure 300 feet by 360 feet, with the alley in each bringing this measure to 318 feet by 360 feet.
Source:
City of Sheboygan Planning Office
Question:
What are the percentages of the world’s population according to blood types?
Answer:
Genotypes Phenotypes Percent
AA, AO A 41%
BB, BO B 11%
AB AB 3%
OO O 45%
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
What is the formula for calculating my BMI?
Answer:
Calculate Your Body Mass Index
Answer:
Brooking, Oregon, September 9, 1942
Source:
New Yorker Magazine, October 7, 1944, p. 42.
Question:
How many bones in the human body are unconnected?
Answer:
The hyoid bone, which supports the tongue and its muscles, is the only freestanding bone in the human body.
Source:
Berliner, Barbara. The book of answers: the New York Public library telephone reference service’s most unusual and entertaining questions. Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall, 1980.
Question:
How can a musty smell be removed from a book?
Answer:
Sprinkle one of these substances on the book: cedar chips, potpourri and silica gel, talcum powder, or baking powder. Let sit, then brush off when the smell is gone.
Source:
OWLS Tip Sheet, June 1990
Question:
Are there any rare book appraisers in the Milwaukee area?
Answer:
Gary Meagher
3416 N. Oakland
Milwaukee, WI 53211
1-414-963-8633
Michael Hatcher
2521 N. Downer
Milwaukee, WI 53211
1-414-962-2756
Hartwin Just
Just Books
845 N. Marshall
Milwaukee, WI 53202
1-414-278-8478
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
How should a wet book be dried?
Answer:
Follow these steps:
1. Insert paper towels every 50 pages.
2. Stand the book on end.
3. Open only the covers.
4. Frequently turn the book over.
5. Frequently change the paper towels.
6. Ventilate well, with a fan if possible.
7. After dry, use a weight to flatten the book.
Source:
Milwaukee County Library System Memo, January 1993.
Question:
Does Broadway have a service that allows customers to find out what’s playing and how to order tickets?
Answer:
Customers can obtain show times, plot synopses and tickets from The Broadway Line. The toll-free number is 1-888-411-2929.
Source:
Parade Magazine
Question:
Are there any toll-free numbers for information on starting a business in Wisconsin, state tourism, and information from the Department of Development?
Answer:
1-800-HELPBUS (Wisconsin Department of Development)
1-800-432-TRIP (Tourism)
1-800-XPORTWI (1-800-976-7894) (Wis DoD Technology Clearinghouse provides a wide range of tech-related assistance to businesses)
Question:
Is there a local source for regional business statistics?
Answer:
Consult Employers’ Resource Council
709 Buffalo
Manitowoc, WI 54220
1-920-684-6936
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Answer:
The Sheboygan Press, July 11, 1993, p. A3.
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
Who are the members of President Barack Obama’s cabinet?
Answer:
The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidency itself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office.
The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments — the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.
In order of succession to the Presidency:
Vice President of the United States
Joseph Biden, Jr
Department of State
Secretary: Hillary R. Clinton
www.state.gov
Department of the Treasury
Secretary: Timothy F. Geithner
www.treasury.gov
Department of Defense
Secretary: Robert M. Gates
www.defenselink.mil
Department of Justice
Attorney General: Eric H. Holder
www.usdoj.gov
Department of the Interior
Secretary: Ken L. Salazar
www.doi.gov
Department of Agriculture
Secretary: Tom J. Vilsack
www.usda.gov
Department of Commerce
Secretary: Gary F. Locke
www.commerce.gov
Department of Labor
Secretary: Hilda L. Solis
www.dol.gov
Department of Health and Human Services
Secretary: Kathleen Sebelius
www.hhs.gov
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary: Shaun Donovan
www.hud.gov
Department of Transportation
Secretary: Ray L. LaHood
www.dot.gov
Department of Energy
Secretary: Steven Chu
www.energy.gov
Department of Education
Secretary: Arne Duncan
www.ed.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary: Eric K. Shinseki
www.va.gov
Department of Homeland Security
Secretary: Janet Napolitano
www.dhs.gov
Source:
The White House Web Site
http://www.whitehouse.gov/
The following positions have the status of Cabinet-rank:
Council of Economic Advisers
Chair Christina Romer
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/cea/
Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
http://www.epa.gov
Office of Management & Budget
Director Peter R. Orszag
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb
United States Trade Representative
Ambassador Ronald Kirk
http://www.ustr.gov
United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Ambassador Susan Rice
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/120486.htm
White House Chief of Staff
Rahm I. Emanuel
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/staff/rahm_emanuel/
Question:
When can I use this year's calendar again?
Question:
What is the toll-free telephone number to secure Wisconsin campsite reservations?
Answer:
1-888-947-2757
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Note: Call early!
Question:
Where was Al Capone’s Wisconsin hideout?
Answer:
Couderay, Wisconsin
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
Could you give me the locations of all of the Wisconsin Indian casinos?
Answer:
Bad River Casino, Odanah 715-682-7121
Lac Courte Oreilles Casino, Hayward 800-472-6307
Grand Royale Casino, Crandon 800-236-9466
Ho Chunk Golden Nickel Casino, Lake Delton 608-356-0279
Hole In The Wall Casino, Danbury 715-656-3444
Isle Vista Casino, Bayfield 715-779-3712
Lake of the Torches Casino, Lac de Flambeau 800-25-TORCH
Majestic Pines Casino, Black River Falls 800-657-4621
Menominee Nation Casino, Keshena 715-799-4592
Mohican North Star Casino, Bowler 715-793-4090
Northern Lights Casino, Carter 800-487-9522
Oneida Bingo and Casino, Green Bay 800-238-4263
Regency Resort Casino, Crandon 800-236-WINN
St. Croix Casino, Turtle Lake 800-846-8946
Rainbow Bingo Casino, Nekoosa 715-886-4560
Potawatomi Bingo, Milwaukee 800-729-7244
Source:
Milwaukee Sentinel, April 16, 1993
Question:
Who are the top-earning dead celebrities of 2005?
Answer:
Forbes Magazine
Question:
Where can I obtain information about Wisconsin censuses for the years 1840-1990?
Answer:
Demographic Services Center
Division of Budget and Planning
Department of Administration
101 S. Webster St., 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53702
Ask for Bob Mailor (1-608-266-1927) or Judy (1-608-266-5465)
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
When did the 21st century begin?
Answer:
With apologies to The New York Times, the 21st century began on January 1, 2001. A century begins with the beginning of the first day of its first year and does not end until the close of the last day of its 100th year. The 1st century A.D. consisted of the years 1 through 100. The 20th century consisted of the years 1901 through 2000 and ended on December 31, 2000.
Source:
The world almanac and book of facts 1999. Mahwah, New Jersey: World Almanac
Books, 1998.
Question:
Please explain the details about the new federal Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, also known as "Check 21."
Answer:
Questions and Answers about the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, "Check 21.
Answer:
1 quart vodka or brandy (vodka is better – very smooth)
1 cup sugar
2 quarts Wisconsin cherries (sour cherries)
Chocolate covered cherry bounce cherries are a special treat. Be sure to pit the cherries before you use them in the cherry bounce if you are going to use them in candy later. There is no need to pit cherries if you do not plan to use them in cooking later.
Source:
Recipe from Susan Mathews.
Answer:
Please refer to "The cost of children" in U. S. News & World Report, March 30, 1998.
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about
them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
The following is a shorter version approved by the author
If children live with criticism,
They learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility,
They learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule,
They learn to be shy.
If children live with shame,
They learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement,
They learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance,
They learn to be patient.
If children live with praise,
They learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance,
They learn to love.
If children live with approval,
They learn to like themselves
If children live with honesty,
They learn truthfulness.
If children live with security,
They learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness,
They learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
When does the Chinese New Year occur and what are the names of the years?
Answer:
The traditional Chinese lunar year falls on the first day of the first lunar month; it follows the winter solstice. The New Year can begin any time from January 10 through February 19. The names of the years are repeated in 12 year cycles:
Horse 2002
Sheep 2003
Monkey 2004
Cock (rooster) 2005
Dog 2006
Boar (pig) 2007
Rat 2008
Ox 2009
Tiger 2010
Hare 2011
Dragon 2012
Snake 2013
Horse 2014
Etc.
Source:
Chase’s calendar of events, 2002.
Question:
What are the instructions for making a coal plant? (Also called "Chemical Garden" or "Depression Flower")
Answer:
It’s a mixture of chemicals that "grows" before your eyes. Mix 6 tablespoons each of water, slat, blueing, and ammonia with 2 teaspoons of red food coloring. Pour the mixture over a piece of coal in a shallow dish. As the water evaporates, you will see an amazing "plant" grow.
Recipe #2 – Place a medium size lump of coal in a bowl and sprinkle one tablespoon of salt over the coal. Carefully pour two tablespoons of water over salt. In the same manner, pour on two tablespoons of laundry blueing. Then add two or three drops of mercurochrome. Repeat with food coloring. After several days, you should have a colorful moss-like-growth. If not, add a few more drops of water.
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Answer:
Virginia Dare was the first English child born in America. She was born on August 18, 1587, to Ananias Dare and Eleanor Wite, who had settled on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina.
Source:
The World Book Encyclopedia, 1997 edition, s.v. "Virginia Dare," by Kathryn Kish.
Question:
What is the toll-free number for the consumer complaint hotline?
Answer:
1-800-422-7128
Source:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection
Question:
What is the "cooling off" period?
Answer:
See Wisconsin State Statute 423.201-205 or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection fact sheets 3 day right to cancel and return and refund policies.
Source:
Wisconsin State Statutes
Question:
Are there any covered bridges in Wisconsin?
Answer:
Only one remains in Wisconsin, the Cedar Creek bridge which spans Cedar Creek north of Cedarburg. (Covered Bridge park, on Covered Bridge Road, near the intersection of Highway 143 & Highway 60, north of Cedarburg)
Source:
Mead Public Library Information File
Question:
How do I obtain a copy of my own credit report?
Answer:
One may contact:
EQUIFAX - 1-800-685-1111 (www.equifax.com)
Experian - 1-888-397-3742 (www.experian.com)
TransUnion - 1-800-888-4213 (www.transunion.com)
Source:
Howards Grove Bank, February 2003
Question:
What are the odds for a perfect hand in cribbage, and what is the total number of different hands possible in cribbage?
Answer:
The odds for a perfect hand are "once in a million games." (Sheboygan Press, July 20, 1976), and the total number of different hands possible in cribbage is 2,598,960 (Manitowoc Public Library)
Source:
See above.
Question:
How can one determine if U. S. currency is legitimate or counterfeit?
