QUESTION: I was looking at the Farmer's Almanac for April 2008 and noticed the sun rises and sets at different times for the northern and southern states. Why?
ANSWER: Okay, time to stop playing with the ball and write up this answer. It's the Earth's tilt. If it didn't tilt, sunrise and sunset would be at the same time along a given longitude line.
Use a ball for the Earth and draw a line of longitude between the poles. You are the sun. Hold the ball at eye level and tilt it away from you, simulating the winter solstice. Now rotate the ball on its axis (pole to pole) to the right and watch the line you drew. The top of the line will disappear before the bottom does. If you hold the ball straight, without tilting, all points along the line disappear at the same time.
The difference in sunrise and sunset times between two points on the same longitude is greatest on the summer and winter solstices. The difference is least on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. For an equinox view, keep the ball at its same tilt and move it to your left. Now rotate, and the top and bottom of the line will disappear closer to the same time.
Q: I have multiple sclerosis and have tried to donate blood but they wouldn't take it. When I die, can I donate my organs and be buried, but not donate my body for students to practice on?
A: Whether your organs are suitable for donation can only be determined by medical professionals upon your death. All persons with metastatic cancer and most with HIV cannot donate, but don't rule out donating, even with your disease. The organs may be used if someone is in dire need. While you do not want to donate your body for practice, perhaps you would consider donating your organs for research to increase understanding of MS.
The state has an organ donor registry at www.donatelifetexas.org. You fill out a form, they send you the paperwork for signature and you send it back. To read about organ donation, go to www.organdonored.com.
Q: I've read that current cell phone technology will not pinpoint the exact location of a user who calls 911. Is that so? If so, is technology coming that will do that?
A: The technology is available now, but the system in most areas still locates only the cell phone tower where the call came from. The new technology is expensive to acquire and to implement.
When an emergency call center does install and activate the equipment to pinpoint cell phones, known as "enhanced 911," then wireless carriers have six months to begin providing the latitude and longitude of the cell phone so the call center can pick it up. The Federal Communication Commission accuracy standards require technology that pinpoints the caller within 50 to 300 meters. The caller's location is not accurate for height, so in a tall building only the building is pinpointed.
Q: Can the Forever Stamps purchased at 41 cents continue to be used after the postage rate increase in early May, without adding an additional penny stamp?
A: Yes, and you can't lick that deal. The post office is making five billion Forever Stamps available just prior to the May 12 price increase. Thereafter, they will cost 42 cents, until the next price increase. And no, don't consider stocking up and selling them to friends, because your money could earn more interest in a money market account than tied up in stamps until the next rate increase.
Q: Approximately how many children have been bused by Longview ISD from Easton and Lakeport?
A: Nine buses transport approximately 300 students each day from the Lakeport and Easton areas, according to spokesman Brian Bowman.
Dip call: Could this be the secret recipe for the steak finger dip from Dairy Kreme? A caller said to mix one cup Miracle Whip and one cup Catalina dressing. She said it's as close as you're going to get.
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