http://www.wisegeek.com/ Clear Answers for Common Questions Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/KujnFhuRTf0/what-are-some-common-theatrical-superstitions.htm <p>Many theater patrons would be surprised to learn how many theatrical superstitions and backstage rituals still exist in modern acting companies. When actor Patrick Stewart took on the title role in a Broadway production of Shakespeare's tragedy <em>Macbeth</em>, for example, he had to learn not to mention the name of the play while within the walls of a theater. Using the euphemism "that Scottish play" in...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-common-theatrical-superstitions.htm?r'>What Are Some Common Theatrical Superstitions?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/KujnFhuRTf0" height="1" width="1"/> Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-some-common-theatrical-superstitions.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/aYNUn4Jlbbc/is-smiling-in-passport-photos-really-banned.htm <p>Smiling in passport photos has indeed been banned in a number of countries. In the United States, the State Department guidelines state that the subject of the photo must have a "neutral" expression, and the eyes must be fully open. Passport applicants may be asked to pose for a new photo if the first one is deemed too distorted by the act of smiling. </p> <p>The rules against...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/is-smiling-in-passport-photos-really-banned.htm?r'>Is Smiling In Passport Photos Really Banned?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/aYNUn4Jlbbc" height="1" width="1"/> Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/is-smiling-in-passport-photos-really-banned.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/DjX7htKdz6Q/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-something-should-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt.htm <p>When people say that something should be taken with a grain of salt, they mean that it is a very good idea to introduce a measure of skepticism into one's evaluation of a situation. The saying is a reminder that people often wear blinders and do not think things through thoroughly, especially when they sound too good to be true. This idiom has ancient roots, thanks to the...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-something-should-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt.htm?r'>What Do People Mean When They Say Something Should be "Taken With a Grain of Salt"?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/DjX7htKdz6Q" height="1" width="1"/> Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-do-people-mean-when-they-say-something-should-be-taken-with-a-grain-of-salt.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/XxuKus3ceyc/what-should-i-know-about-traveling-on-an-airplane.htm <p>Traveling on an airplane can be an intimidating prospect if you've never been before, or if it has been some time since your last trip. With added security regulations, and many airlines tightening down on how they handle carry-on and checked baggage, traveling on an airplane today is more complex than it was years ago. Still, with a few simple rules of thumb, and some basic inquiries...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-know-about-traveling-on-an-airplane.htm?r'>What Should I Know About Traveling on an Airplane?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/XxuKus3ceyc" height="1" width="1"/> Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-should-i-know-about-traveling-on-an-airplane.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/HpHWWJKyMgU/what-is-guerilla-filmmaking.htm <p>Guerilla filmmaking is a term used to describe low-budget films that do not meet the typical production values of a studio film. Films made in this process are usually made for less money, with a smaller crew and less equipment. Although many see the lack of resources as a detriment, supporters believe that freedom from oversight common to guerilla films is worth the hardships, at least on an...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-guerilla-filmmaking.htm?r'>What Is Guerilla Filmmaking?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/HpHWWJKyMgU" height="1" width="1"/> Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-guerilla-filmmaking.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/JH-n9fAjxW4/what-are-computer-cookies.htm <p>A computer cookie, also referred to as an "HTTP cookie," is a small text file that contains a unique ID tag, placed on the user's computer by a website. In this file, various information can be stored, from pages visited on the site, to information voluntarily given to the site. These tiny files provide practical benefits to both users and website operators, and generally make surfing the net...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-computer-cookies.htm?r'>What Are Computer Cookies?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/JH-n9fAjxW4" height="1" width="1"/> Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-computer-cookies.htm?r http://feeds.wisegeek.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~3/Scx_88rj0fI/what-are-antitrust-laws.htm <p>Antitrust laws, also known as competition laws, are legal rules to promote fair competition in the marketplace. These laws can apply to both businesses and individuals. Antitrust laws are designed to prevent actions that might hurt consumers or unfairly harm other businesses, such as the formation of monopolies, illegal cooperation between competing businesses, and certain mergers between companies. These types of laws are in effect in many countries, and...<br><br><a href='http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-antitrust-laws.htm?r'>What Are Antitrust Laws?</a><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/learn-something-new-every-day-rss/~4/Scx_88rj0fI" height="1" width="1"/> Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-antitrust-laws.htm?r