Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with sun

JRE Switcher?

devnull — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:28:09 -0800

What's the easiest way to switch between different JVMs? I have some applications which unfortunately require specific versions of Java from different vendors - specifically IBM Java. I also need to use Sun Java.

Is there a way to define which version of Java an applet started from the browser calls? I looked for a Firefox extension but could find none.

Just to clarify: I'm not looking to switch between different versions of Sun Java, but between the Sun JRE, IBM JRE, etc.

Anything that makes the same easy for non-applets would also be useful (i.e. without creating custom .bat files)

Sun Type 6 Keyboard in Windows

gzimmer — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:35:11 -0800

I came into possession of a Sun type 6 keyboard and want to see how much use I can get out of it in Windows. Having dedicated cut,copy,paste keys is just awesome. After exhaustive googling, i've seen others asking about drivers come up empty. There was a half english half japanese website that I found that tried but only got about halfway.

Is there any software that I can use to see what keys windows is even seeing as a first step to using them in macros or such?

Easy Sun Protection for the Lazy

craichead — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:31:41 -0800

My dad was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and apparently that means I'm at increased risk. I guess I need to start thinking about sun protection. Problem: I am very, very lazy. I know I'm supposed to wear sunscreen every day. I tend to dawdle in the morning, though, and I don't want to be late for work, so most days it's all I can do to brush my teeth and slap on some mascara before I run out the door. I need some advice for sun protection that doesn't take a lot of time or effort. I know that this is important and I should be willing to sacrifice the time and make the effort, but the truth of the matter is that I won't do it unless it's very easy.

Vital stats: I'm female. I don't wear foundation, and I don't put on moisturizer in the morning. I ride my bike to work, and I wear a helmet. I work in a windowless indoor office. I don't participate in any outdoor activities, and I certainly don't intentionally sunbathe or use tanning beds, but I do tend to walk outside a lot.

Any ideas, hivemind?

Blood From A Stone

ryecatcher — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:41:04 -0800

Blood. Let's say...a bucket full of blood. Now pour that on a flat stone surface. Then put that under the hot sun. Go away. But come back in a week or two. What's left? Anything? Put aside wind conditions and all that. I just want to know how the heat affects the blood and whether or not you could determine if there was blood there at all after a few weeks time.

I could assume but we all know how that usually works out.

Asking for fictional purposes.

Thanks!

Will LED light therapy help reverse all over sun damaged skin?

Anonymous — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:35:33 -0800

Old sun-damaged skin all over my body--is it tilting at windmills to consider light therapy? I am older than most of you--I am 58. I used to live in Florida and I tanned a lot during my young adult years. I had always heard that sun damage was "cumlative" but I didn't really see the effects of all that tanning until last year when all my exposed skin turned wrinkly. It is kind of shocking. I feel like I only can look good now if I am covered practically head to toe. My hands are the worst, but the problem is everywhere on all exposed skin. My skin looks about 10-15 years older than I am...and I am serious that it accelerated during last year. I don't have a lot of money, but if there was any value in trying light therapy I would. In attempting to do an online search for correcting sun damage there are mountains of products and "advice" that I can't begin to determine as scam or hype. How can I find out the success rate on something like this?
http://www.light-therapy-led.com/products.htm

Great movie, awesome sunglasses

Groovytimes — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:18:01 -0800

Where can I find Ryan Gosling's sunglasses in Half Nelson? I just love the glasses that Ryan wears in this movie. I've searched high and low and can't seem to find a pair like it.

Here here here and here are some shots of them.

This is the closest pair I've found. I ordered them and they're coming in about a week, so I'll tell you guys if they're pretty close or not.

Berkel Aviator

Thanks!

What do you call the sun shining through clouds?

Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:17:57 -0800

What is the term for the depiction in art of the sun's rays shining through or behind clouds? This phenomenon. Sometimes believed to be a form of theophany. Wikipedia has an article about it, but I can't remember the name to look it up. Thank you.

Should I be happy when it comes to SAD lamps?

jhighmore — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:47:49 -0800

I know there have been some other questions on SAD lamps, but I'm more interested in whether they actually do make a difference. Anecdotal and empirical evidence are both sought after. Also, recommendations in the UK. I couldn't say for sure that I suffer from SAD, but I know for a fact that I feel bad when there's no sun. So I thought I might invest in a SAD lamp... but is it worth it? If you could recommend any that you have used to your advantage (UK only plz) it would be much appreciated.

Also, I've been tempted by ones that are a light/alarm clock combo. Would I really end up using this that much?

Best place to View a sunrise in/around Milwaukee, WI

niles — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:03:50 -0800

What is the best place to see a sunrise in/around Waukesha county, Wisconsin (just east of Milwaukee)? I had a few ideas (say, the Lapham Peak observation tower), but it turns out the State doesn't take kindly to park visitors at 5am.

For what it's worth, I'll take anything within an hour or so of the Waukesha area. Location-generic ideas (tall office buildings? I don't know) would be helpful as well.

Thanks!

What is a good, inexpensive option for light therapy in Scotland?

Mrs. Pterodactyl — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:47:20 -0800

Where can I find a sun lamp (or something similar) for a reasonable price that can be shipped to Edinburgh? My wonderful little brother is graduating from college very soon and will be spending his next year in Scotland. He's never been diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder but it's clear that he gets melancholy whenever the days are short and while he is very excited about living in Scotland he is worried about the lack of sun.

I'd really like to get him a sun lamp or something very much like it for his graduation present. My priorities are:

1) Ability to be shipped to Edinburgh -- he'll be moving from the US and he won't want to pack too much or bring anything that might get damaged or be heavy

2) Efficacy -- it doesn't have to be super amazing; my brother does still function during the winter, but he clearly suffers so I'm not concerned that it be medically certified or anything I just want it to work

3) Price -- this is a big one as I don't have a whole lot of money and I can find plenty of good sun lamps from the UK which are hundreds of pounds and my paltry dollars feel even sadder than usual but I don't know which if any of the items within my price range are reputable

If you or a loved one (or even a mere acquaintance) has any experience with UK versions of these types of lamps, especially budget models, I'd be very grateful. Thanks in advance for your help!

google only brings up the Toni Collette movie and the Goo Goo Dolls song

Lucinda — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:51:59 -0800

Black balloons in chilly, sunny weather. Will they pop? I'm marching a St. Patrick's Day parade tomorrow and we will have many green and many black balloons.

I remembered this afternoon that we had trouble with black balloons in the past in sunny weather; we used them for a "stomp the balloon" game at my son's birthday party and they started spontaneously popping almost immediately.

That was in June, though - it's March now and will be probably 25-30 degrees cooler, though probably the same amount of sun.

Do we need to worry about the black balloons popping in the sunlight, or will the colder temperature keep them okay?

Can we hear the sun?

Miss Otis' Egrets — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:47:51 -0800

A question from my five year old: What noise does the sun make? Ahh, the curiosity of small minds.

Assuming the sun were not in the near-vacuum of space, what sort of a sound would it make? Would it be in the range of our hearing, and if so, from how far away could you hear it? Could it be heard from say, Mercury? Venus?

Sun as electrical plasma

Tarn — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 03:59:00 -0800

Having watched Thunderbolts of the Gods, and found it quite eye-opening, I'm wondering if there are compelling reasons to accept or not to accept the possibility that the Sun is made of electrical plasma, rather than being a nuclear furnace.

Active Holiday end October?

beemsterman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:46:20 -0800

I'm looking for a holiday destination. Last weeks of October where I can hike (mountains), bike (atb) and learn diving (padi). No resorts or too much luxury, just basic accomodation. I'm alone so it would be nice to meet more travellers. Doe you have suggestions?

Where was Bitu from?

bookish — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:04:27 -0800

Before I knew anything about India, I dated an Indian guy named Bitu (long i, long u: bee-too). I remember him telling me that it wasn't his real name, that it was a nickname and it meant 'son' in his language (or, possibly, 'sun'). I neglected to ask what language that was... and now I really want to know.

I am getting rickets!

you're only jung once — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:58:27 -0800

The girlfriend and I cannot take another mm of rain in Scotland. We want to go somewhere hot (europe...anywhere!...hot!) for 4-5 nights (leaving tomorrow) but cannot find anywhere helpful to book a place to go. Please... help... somebody.... impulsive.. to find a website that'll help so WE CAN BE DRY!! As we are Scots we are also cheap. So no Lear jet recommendations. Cheers.

Somewhat stylish wide-brimmed hats for living on the surface of the sun?

TheManChild2000 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:51:45 -0800

Full-brimmed hats for sun protection of a male mid-30's scalp that aren't lame? Lame defined as fedoras, cowboy hats, 6 dollar buckets, or those floppy Vietnam combat things. I'm out and about a lot in Phoenix and need shade, but just don't know much about hats. Typical uniform is slim knee-length flat-front shorts, collared shirts with sleeves pushed to elbow, slides or espadrilles or white canvas low-tops.

The windows, they do nothing?

andoatnp — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:27:24 -0800

How much UV damage am I getting sitting in a classroom for 5 hours with a big window. I am taking a class in Jerusalem this summer and spend 5 hours a day sitting against the far wall facing a big window. It's not direct sun, just bright light coming in through the window.

Picture One
Picture Two

Anyone have any idea how much UV radiation is getting through there? Do I need to be putting on subblock every two hours? (Meaning 3 times for every single class?) Is there anything I can put on in the morning that would last for 5 hours?

Is the glass blocking enough of the UV rays that I don't have to worry?

need some reno sun at hotel pool

Liver Killer — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:44:56 -0800

(Reno filter) What hotels in Reno have a pool with good sun during the day? Every website I see mentions 'pool', however it doesn't state whether it's indoor or outdoor, and I can't figure out if it is optimal for catching good rays during the day. Looking at Sands and Silver Legacy... but heard that Silver Legacy's pool is shaded during the day?

Links to sites with this info would be helpful as well =)

Oh, and close to strip would be great!!

How to heal a sunburn?

alitorbati — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:05:18 -0800

How do I deal with a horrible sunburn? It's so bad that my shoulders have second degree burns and it hurts to move my arms. Is there a way to lessen the pain or somehow make my skin heal faster? I got the burn on Friday and have been applying aloe vera ever since.

Tattoos and Sun

unknowncommand — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:50:51 -0800

I have large, detailed, black-ink tattoos that take up my arm from elbow to shoulder. I like them very much and don't want them to fade (they're 2 years old). I walk around outside a lot (not to mention the beach and park), and I would like to keep my tattoos as protected from the sun as possible. At the same time, though, it's very hot to wear sleeves, and if I only wear half-sleeves then I get a stupid-looking tan (especially when I will be attending weddings where I will be wearing spaghetti straps). Not to mention the fact that I enjoy them being visible in public.

Does anyone else worry about this? What do you do about it? Just put on sunscreen and forget it, or can you recommend some sort of lightweight but opaque-enough cover up? I've considered fake tanning the upper part of my arms and shoulders, but I'm worried the color will be really different from my forearms.

morning or afternoon swims?

sparrows — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:32:00 -0800

When are the sun's UV rays weaker: from 10am to 11am, or from 5pm to 6pm? (East coast USA, this month.) Beach has strict swimming hours, 10am-6pm. I'm looking for which is the better hour to go swimming -- regularly over the course of June -- in a bathing suit, very-wide-brimmed solid straw hat, and sunglasses, but no sunscreen.

Should I use the blue or silver side of my car sun-shade?

boots77 — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:54:36 -0800

Car Sun Shade Question: I have a car sun-shade that is blue on one side and silverish on the other side. Which side should I face out to keep my car cooler? I know this is a silly question, but I think about it almost every time I use my sun-shade. I have been putting the silvery side out. Both sides have sort of a cloth texture, so it is not one of those fancy mirror sun-shades.

But also, just for my curiosity's sake, are the mirror sun-shades the best type to use? Wouldn't these reflect the light away from the car? Does this even matter where temperature is concerned? Just curious.

Help me find this mysterious (possibly non-US made) film!

littlerobothead — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:27:35 -0800

Old Movie Filter: This is the question I joined MeFi to ask. I remember seeing a movie, on actual reels, when I was about seven at school. It has haunted me for the last twenty-two years. The plot involved a school full of children who either a) could not go out in the sun or, b) it rained all the time in some post-apocalyptic scenario. I remember some images of black umbrellas, and the children having to wear dark Lennon-style glasses to protect them when they did go out. I vaguely remember a kindly teacher figure, and it might have been sub-titled. I also seem to remember a narrator, who may have been describing the onscreen action since it wasn't in English in lieu of actual sub-titles.

The film itself may not have been scary or eerie at all, but some of these images--no matter how fragmented--have been with me for ages. Hell, tupperware commercials can be scary when you're seven. I'd love to know. I hope I've given enough to go on.

Where can I find data on planetary positions and velocities?

deansfurniture5 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:33:41 -0800

I'm working on a computer simulation of the solar system, but I need data on the positions and velocities on planets and their moons. (more inside) For a class project, I'm working on a 3D simulation of the solar system. However, I need to get good data on the positions and velocities of planets and their moons. I've managed to find a lot of sites with information about planetary positions as viewed from earth, but the way I'm constructing it, I need to be able to locate them by x, y, and z coordinates with the Sun at the origin.

Any ideas where I might find any good data? Also, anywhere with an analytical solution to the position of a planet with respect to the Sun would be helpful as well.

Thanks!