Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers blog

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I recently moved into a new place, and the whole process was one disaster – I mean adventure – after another. With the aid of some good friends, we prepped, painted, demolished, and bonded in the way that only shared suffering brings. The whole event was a learning experience, simultaneously frustrating and empowering.

First, there were the ants that organised a march from the apple tree in the garden into the house. We pooled our knowledge from experience, and checked on Answers for other solutions. My family tries to live as green as we can (and I personally dislike toxic chemicals for pest control) for both our health and the health of our dogs. While looking around the Home and Garden category in Yahoo! Answers, I came across a question that dealt with our ant invasion and found some really useful remedies.

The next issue was the “Bathroom of Doom” (as we took to calling it). We scraped off all the wallpaper paste, cleaned the walls, painted them and the ceiling, and replaced the newly leaking toilet. Once that was done, we hooked up and balanced the washer and dryer, which was the easy part. We soon discovered that the pipes had sprung leaks that matched the enthusiasm of the sprinklers in the garden. A quick search on Answers and we were on our way to replacing the leaky pipes.

We also found suggestions for getting rid of the footprints on the walls – which I’m sure everyone has had an issue with at one time or another, haven’t they? When my ragtag team was done, the house looked completely different. New paint, new floors, new fixtures – the works! It was much tidier than we were. Fortunately, we also found a way to get paint off our clothes.

Once the dust had settled — literally and figuratively — I started thinking about the next round of improvements. So, if after reading this, you’ve been inspired to give your home a makeover too, check out the practical tips and advice in the Home and Garden category.

– Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers team

 Of late, who hasn’t come across one of those numerous – and lightly terrifying- articles about global warming, lack of vital resources, endangered animal species or deforestation? Whether they provide an answer to the problem or just relate actual facts, most of them contain the underlying message that we all need to go green to protect our planet.

Is there a solution? What does being “green” really mean? More importantly, how can you actually make a difference by engaging yourself and those around you in a greener way of life? Well, through the deep reservoir of content on Answers, we hope to demonstrate some simple, costless and near hassle-free steps.

We understand this is not an easy task and some of you might think that certain solutions or advice are just part of a big hoax. Well, you might be right, however, we don’t think you should give up. Because for us the big question is: what if you don’t do it? You might also be concerned about the goodwill of recycling and energy saving actions. Dee27 asks if a recycling reward system should be implemented. That might be a good idea Dee27. As mentioned by jillionsing, “the profits from recycling should benefit he community”.

You may not be aware of all the great things you can do to help the environment. This is where Answers comes in. Not only is green the main colour for Answers, but we also think eco-friendly solutions don’t have to be expensive or tedious. Many questions and answers tell you tips that will help make your life greener as well as cheaper, easier or healthier for you and your family. Since we like to make things easy, we’ve compiled a checklist of things you can start doing right now because every small action can help. Ready? We certainly hope so.

Tips on being ‘greener’:

• Recycle
• Unplug appliances when not in use
• Re-use shopping bags
• Where possible, travel by foot
• Compost your food waste
• Turn the lights off when leaving a room
• Buy products that are lightly packaged
• Try to avoid buying disposable items
• Shop at your local farmer’s market

 When Neil Armstrong first stepped on the Moon, it was hailed as one of the greatest achievements for mankind. Since then, the mysteries of the universe have continued to fascinate people, especially those on Answers. Luckily for us, Answers has a user who is more than ready to give us the answers we are looking for about the great unknown. Bruce Birchall, currently the top answerer in the Science & Mathematics category, has been using his in depth cosmos knowledge to build up over 27,000 points, with nearly half of his answers being chosen as the best answer.”

When Neil Armstrong first stepped on the Moon, it was hailed as one of the greatest achievements for mankind. Since then, the mysteries of the universe have continued to fascinate people, especially those on Answers. Luckily for us, Answers has a user who is more than ready to give us the answers we are looking for about the great unknown. Bruce Birchall, currently the top answerer in the Science & Mathematics category, has been using his in depth cosmos knowledge to build up over 27,000 points, with nearly half of his answers being chosen as the best answer.

A Londoner since 1975, Bruce says: “I was interested in astronomy as a teenager as it enabled me to lose myself in the wonder and vastness of the cosmos”. These interests lead him to read up on astronomy.

If you’ve ever wondered about which galaxies are the nearest to Earth, then wonder no more. According to our expert “the two large galaxies nearest to us are M31 (Andromeda Galaxy) at 2.56 million light years distance and M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) at 2.64 million light years distance.” From galaxies to stars, Bruce’s know-how has travelled around the universe and found the most luminous star in our galaxy, as well as the reason why some stars become red giants. While we’re on the subject of stars, it may be useful to know that he has also helped Answerers understand how we classify stars using Roman and Arabic numerals.

Bruce’s understanding of science doesn’t stop at astronomy and space though, as he points out: “I have several interests apart from astronomy…board games…performing arts…theatre and acting”. This is clear to see from the great answer he has given to a confusing chess conundrum: is it possible to put yourself in check while putting another player into checkmate? Even when it comes to other strange questions, such as why water is so heavy or what the gravitational lens effect is, this week’s featured user gives well researched and easy to understand answers.

When asked about what he finds appealing about Answers, Bruce says: “…it kick-starts my brain and means I can remain intellectually curious and re-immerse myself in the awe and wonder of the cosmos at a higher level than was possible as a teenager.” On an ending note, he says Answers reminds him of a quote by Carl Sagan:

“We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and by the depth of our answers.”

Your answers have definitely had depth in them Bruce Virchall, and we hope you continue to share your knowledge like this with us. We can’t promise that it’ll make you as famous as Galileo Galilei, but it’s surely made you a star on Answers. Congratulations once again.

–Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers team

 Before ‘Beatle-mania’ struck the world, there was one man who would change the face of popular music forever. From his humble roots in America’s deep south, Elvis Aaron Presley rose to become one of the worlds most iconic rock & roll megastars. Few other performer in the history of popular music have exuded such raw sex appeal and charisma. Sadly Elvis is no longer with us but today marks the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Elvis began his career at Sun Studios in Memphis under the watchful eye of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, and studio manager Sam Phillips. While Elvis was gaining in popularity with every appearance it wasn’t until Parker and Phillips negotiated a deal with RCA Records that his career truly sky rocketed. The deal – worth $40,000 – was the largest to date at the time and gave Elvis his first in a string of number ones with the re-release of his single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’.

Once the wheels of Elvis’ hit making machine began to turn the man could do no wrong. He became a symbol of American rock & roll and the good time attitude that went with it. The world over women loved him and the men wanted to be him. Even President Nixon couldn’t resist the charms of the lip quivering, hip swivelling Presley. Andrew1969 asked the answers community “How do you remember Elvis?” to which the responses were as imagined: varied yet heartfelt.

But why is Elvis still popular? Perhaps it’s because Elvis was one of the rare artists who was able to transcend notions of race and cultural background at a time when segregation was rife. His music is still popular today in its original format, and remixes of his songs in recent years have continued to keep his name alive.

The Answers community might not be able to agree on their favourite Elvis number, but just the fact that his name is still spoken in houses all over the world, and millions of fans are drawn to his Graceland mansion each year, is a testament to his success and achievements. 30 years on from Elvis’ death his music and performance is still just as relevant as when he first slipped on his blue suede shoes and conquered the world of rock & roll. Long live the King.

– Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answer team

Pets and their owners share a special relationship. Even if it means taking a dog for a walk in the rain, cleaning up after a messy rabbit or being woken up by a meowing cat in the night, everyone loves their pets. Of course, living with a furry companion everyday is sure to invoke the need for advice.

Luckily, much of this can be found on Answers as we have Julien Poublon, a veterinary surgeon asking and answering in the Pets category.

Julien, who runs his own website Vetstoria, currently specialises in working with small animals. Although he has been a qualified vet for six years, he worked at a farm as a teenager where he says his ‘interest in animal medicine started with sheer passion for any animal related business’. While working with as vet performing procedures on unwell animals, he realised how ‘varied, interesting and challenging the profession was’.

Since then, there hasn’t been any turning back. While devoting his attention to cats, dogs, rabbits or hamsters, Julien is also finding time to help out concerned users with a dogs that hasn’t visited the dentist or a troubled ferret that lost his sense of balance. Julien gave a well explained diagnosis for the little guy, saying that his poor balance may be because he is ‘he is suffering from a middle ear infection’.

Our vet’s ability to help doesn’t stop at dogs or ferrets though. Even though he may not treat them, he’s also knowledgeable about monkeys. One user was interested to know how large marmosets grow. About the ‘same size as cats,’ explains Julien.

 For any prospective first-time animal owners, if you’re thinking about entering a life full of paw prints or grubby fish tanks, it’s best to take on board some advice first. Caring for a pet is a big change for the owner. Cleaning, feeding, accommodating and entertaining – all these are needed to keep him/her happy. Julien thinks it’s good to balance out the pros and cons.

While ‘pet ownership is a beautiful thing which can bring pleasure and happiness’, he explains, it can also ‘become a nightmare if one isn’t ready to experience some difficulties/inconveniences’. Taking care of one helps teach responsibility but it can also be costly in terms of time and money. However if, like Julien, you simply love animals, you can easily find your ideal pet. If ‘you are ready to understand the needs of your pet and that you will take pleasure and joy in caring for him’, no problem should be too big.

As well as getting Julien’s help, you can also help him out with his questions. At the moment, he wants to know if your pet has ever disturbed your sleep. We’re sure that’s already got a lot of you nodding your weary, sleep-deprived heads, so go along and share your secrets to a good night’s sleep, or lack thereof.

Unfortunately even Answers can’t help you woof, chirp or meow to find out what is bothering your pet. And even though Julien can’t either, he is still here to offer his advice to any pet query you may have. So the next time your tailed housemate starts acting strange, why not pose your worries on Answers and perhaps Julien or one of our other experienced pet owners will have the purrfect solution.

– Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers team