fat duncan

Having just attended an annual resuscitation training session we were talking about defibrillators and their output. This is always measured in joules i.e 200,300,360 joules but I can't relate to joules as a measure of energy. I know that there is a danger of electric shock from these machines, but does anybody know what their output is in terms of volts and amps? I have asked this before at these sessions, but the trainers always just shrug and scratch their heads and admit that they don't know.

I have several home brewing books which quote the alpha acid content of Hallertau hops as 7.5%. However, when I have bought some over the last 3 years I have never seen the figure on the label above 3.6%.

My question is, do I assume that the figure is wrong, and use the amount of hops quoted in the recipe, or should I go by the figure on the label and increase the weight of hops used to get the bitterness up to the level expected for 7.5% alpha acid?

I have been brewing for many years, and tried both ways; the results have always been excellent but wonder if anyone else has any opinions.

(the books in question are all by Graham Wheeler)

Why can't we give a thumbs down (or up) to questions which we find REALLY annoying? (I know it wouldn't leave much to go on with, but, hey!)

If I want to find out if a business (home security / alarm systems) has gone into liquidation (UK) where on the internet is the best place to search?

Why do so many people make their previous questions and answers private?

If you are willing to voice your opinion in public when you post a question or an answer, then why do you hide your Q & A history in your profile?

I have no secrets, nor do I care what others think of me!

With less than a week before they are due to perform in Manchester, they announce that the whole European leg of their tour has been "postponed indefinitely" with no clue as to why, although they are going ahead in the USA as scheduled. Does anyone know why? Their website gives no clues.

Is this just another example of "sod Europe, we don't want to go abroad?" or could there be a legitimate reason?

Has this happened to anyone else?

I recently answered a question, and about 5 hours later an identical (and I do mean "copy and paste" identical) answer appeared, posted by a so-called "top contributor". The person asking voted the other answer as best, not mine!

Has this ever happened to you?

Any thoughts, people?

Is this favouritism?

Makes you wonder how some "top contributors" get their status, doesn't it?

Does is really piss you off when people ask amusing questions and most of the replies are so bloody serious? (Sir Marmalade...is a good example)

You know the old faithful riddle about the hunter and the bear (1 mile south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north. What colour was the bear). My question is;

where else on this planet could you go and do the same movements ( 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north) and end up exactly where you started?

North or South pole is not acceptable as an answer; neither is "down a mineshaft" - that is not travelling South, it's falling.

First correct answer gets the points

You know the old faithful riddle about the hunter and the bear (1 mile south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north. What colour was the bear). My question is;

where else on this planet could you go and do the same movements ( 1 mile south, 1 mile east, 1 mile north) and end up exactly where you started?

North or South pole is not acceptable as an answer; neither is "down a mineshaft" - that is not travelling South, it's falling.

First correct answer gets the points!

I know everyone knows the reasoning behind the obvious answer, but where ELSE on this planet can you do the same manoeuvre and and up EXACTLY where you started from?

(I.E. 1 mile south, 1mile east or west, 1 mile north)