Ask us: California home of Terminator

Web posted June 29, 1998

From Staff Reports

Q: Where does actor Arnold Schwarzenegger live?

A: The Austrian-born bodybuilder-turned-actor lives in Los Angeles with his wife, broadcast journalist Maria Shriver, and their three children: Katherine, Christina and Patrick.

Q: Where can I write or call to get my name off telemarketing and direct mail lists?

A: The best place to start is by writing Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct Mail Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale NY 11735-9008. Tell them you want your name, address and telephone number deleted from all mailing and marketing lists. They will keep your information for five years, at which time you should write again, renewing your request.

Good Advice Press publishes a 20-page booklet, Stop Junk Mail Forever, that explains how to stop junk mail you're already receiving and prevent new companies from getting your name. The booklet is available for $3 by writing to Good Advice Press, P.O. Box 78, Elizaville NY 12523.

Q: When will the Broadway musical Rent play in Atlanta?

A: According to Rent's official Web site, there is no Atlanta date planned for this year. The only Southeastern tour stop will be in Louisville, Ky., July 14-26 at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

Q: Where did the term ``Yankee Doodle'' come from?

A: From Dutch settlers in New York during the 18th century. The Dutch name for Johnny is Janke, pronounced Yankee. Doodle, in 17th-century English, was a derogatory term for a simpleton. The song Yankee Doodle was first sung by British troops in the Revolutionary War to make fun of Americans, but Americans soon adopted the song for themselves as an expression of patriotism.

Q: What are the different types of columns from Greek architecture?

A: There are three main types of columns, distinguished by the decorative top portion known as the capital. Doric columns have a plain capital. Ionic columns feature a scroll design at the top. Corinthian columns have ornate designs, usually of foliage.

Q: What does a barometer measure?

A: A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, the pressure caused by the weight of the air above a given point. When a barometer falls, that means air pressure has dropped and bad weather is approaching. A rising barometer indicates good weather on the way.

Q: What does the term ``Machiavellian'' mean?

A: It refers to someone who subordinates his morals to gain power. The term comes from an Italian Renaissance philosopher, Niccolo Machiavelli, who in The Prince advised rulers to retain power at all costs, no matter how ruthless.

Ever wonder why? Or how much? Or from where? The Augusta Chronicle invites you to Ask Us. Call INFOLINE at 442-4444. Punch in 4444 and you'll have 30 seconds to record a question. Including your name and telephone number will help, in the event we don't fully understand the question or cannot publish an answer for other reasons. We'll print the answers to as many questions as we can, as quickly as possible.