# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=100 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 101 --- ## [Shouldn’t stock market record highs be commonplace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldn-t-stock-market-record-highs-be-commonplace/997990)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2024, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldn-t-stock-market-record-highs-be-commonplace/997990 "2024-02-26T14:21:04Z")
The news has been reporting that the stock market (or some indices) are at all-time highs. That’s great but in a healthy economy, shouldn’t this happen regularly or is this just trying to indicate that COVID is now firml… --- ## [What do retirees do with 401ks/IRAs that are too small to do much with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-retirees-do-with-401ks-iras-that-are-too-small-to-do-much-with/997872)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-retirees-do-with-401ks-iras-that-are-too-small-to-do-much-with/997872 "2024-02-25T17:42:56Z")
Read a source that the average American’s 401k/IRA is only about $70,000+ at the time of retirement, despite them typically needing it to be at least 10x larger. With that sort of small 401k, what do these retirees typi… --- ## [Difference between Grizzly and Brown bears](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-grizzly-and-brown-bears/997765)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-grizzly-and-brown-bears/997765 "2024-02-25T16:05:30Z")
I know they are the same species, and I’ve seen where grizzlies are considered a subspecies of brown bear. The main difference appears to be based on location…Brown bears are coastal, eat a salmon rich diet and are bigg… --- ## [Is my computer vulnerable if I don't have a browser open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-vulnerable-if-i-dont-have-a-browser-open/997949)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-computer-vulnerable-if-i-dont-have-a-browser-open/997949 "2024-02-25T15:42:50Z")
I was scammed a few weeks ago on my computer. I answered an email that contained a number that I called and it was downhill from there. (Please - I know! I know! Consider how stupid and ashamed I feel). But my questi… --- ## [How are the number of visitors to National Parks determined?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-number-of-visitors-to-national-parks-determined/998020)
**Author:** [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-number-of-visitors-to-national-parks-determined/998020 "2024-02-24T21:22:45Z")
I see that the latest statistics on the number of visitors to National Parks has come out, but I cannot find any reference to how a visitor is determined. Visits to National Parks For instance, there is a section of th… --- ## [Microwave oven now tripping GFCI daily, never did before](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-now-tripping-gfci-daily-never-did-before/997969)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-now-tripping-gfci-daily-never-did-before/997969 "2024-02-24T19:59:30Z")
The microwave oven has been tripping the GFCI that it’s plugged into almost daily, whereas it never has before unless the toaster oven was accidentally used at the same time. It’s a 1000-watt oven, probably 4 years old, … --- ## [The effectiveness of math teachers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-math-teachers/997723)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2024, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-math-teachers/997723 "2024-02-24T00:03:18Z")
I know some teachers are better than others, but I wonder if there are some teachers that are just much better than others. Has there been any studies that try to quantify this? Like having different teachers teach stud… --- ## [Electrical Engineers: some wall-wart advice, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineers-some-wall-wart-advice-please/997991)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineers-some-wall-wart-advice-please/997991 "2024-02-23T22:01:04Z")
Grab a snack: My wife was gifted a souped-up snow globe for Christmas. The base has a light bulb and a fan for circulating the “snow,” which is some tiny, shiny pieces that reflect the light, brightly. Sparkle, sparkle.… --- ## [Weird rule on Roth IRA contributions. See post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-rule-on-roth-ira-contributions-see-post/997948)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-rule-on-roth-ira-contributions-see-post/997948 "2024-02-23T16:53:36Z")
Not me but a coworker. She is married but they file separately for student loan purposes and they do live together (that’s important). Since she makes more than $10,000 / yr she is not allowed to contribute anything to… --- ## [Why did my doc prescribe multiple antibiotics at once?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-doc-prescribe-multiple-antibiotics-at-once/997938)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-doc-prescribe-multiple-antibiotics-at-once/997938 "2024-02-23T14:13:09Z")
Not seeking medical advice here, just a factual understanding of why my docs might have decided on the following treatment path. Been dealing with an infection around my eye for a couple of weeks now. Last week a doc p… --- ## [How does the bobbin thread in a sewing maching get around the spindle/axle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-bobbin-thread-in-a-sewing-maching-get-around-the-spindle-axle/997753)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2024, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-bobbin-thread-in-a-sewing-maching-get-around-the-spindle-axle/997753 "2024-02-23T03:25:25Z")
I’ve watched 4 animations and slow motion videos, and no one addresses this. I know I must be the problem, so to speak, in that obviously the machines work, but the explanations made by the videos are poor. One of the an… --- ## [Analog phone & fax and VoIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/analog-phone-fax-and-voip/997850)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/analog-phone-fax-and-voip/997850 "2024-02-22T17:12:18Z")
I use my landline and fax maybe twice a year and I don’t want to pay $30/mo for that usage so I’m going to put both the analog phone and fax on VoIP. What equipment do I need and how does the hookup go? --- ## [Computer architecture stack direction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-architecture-stack-direction/997887)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-architecture-stack-direction/997887 "2024-02-22T13:44:30Z")
Thought triggered by a recent Youtube video. ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2h\_hJ5MSpY&t=4s’ Has anyone ever come across an architecture in which the stack actually grows upwards in memory? I’ve worked in low level… --- ## [Non-US Dopers: What Do You Call This Device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-what-do-you-call-this-device/997728)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-what-do-you-call-this-device/997728 "2024-02-22T12:31:59Z")
https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-DRM00-Royal-Stepstool-Potty/dp/B01CK4ZYU4 We call it a “Potty Chair” or a “Potty Training Chair.” “Potty” is the diminutive/juvenile way of saying “pot,” referring (I assume) to the d… --- ## [IF() Statement in Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-statement-in-excel/997638)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-statement-in-excel/997638 "2024-02-22T03:48:38Z")
I need to know how to write the following IF() statement in Excel. Yes, I once knew Excel very well, but they HAD to change the syntax to something less logical. Now, I can’t write a simple ()IF statement! Here is what … --- ## [Stranded vs. solid house wiring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranded-vs-solid-house-wiring/997789)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranded-vs-solid-house-wiring/997789 "2024-02-22T02:13:49Z")
I worked on the 1956 wiring in the house again, replacing the garbage disposal. When did solid replace stranded wiring in house electrical systems? I hate that stuff, particularly when it is 70 years old. --- ## [Spotify - sharing an account](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-sharing-an-account/997879)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2024, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-sharing-an-account/997879 "2024-02-21T16:22:38Z")
I have a Spotify premium individual plan. If I am driving and listening in my vehicle, and my spouse loads Spotify at home, my music stops. I get that. A while ago I tried the family plan, but I could not figure out how… --- ## [500 entities that comprise Trump org](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/500-entities-that-comprise-trump-org/997787)
**Author:** [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2024, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/500-entities-that-comprise-trump-org/997787 "2024-02-21T12:44:51Z")
People with financial/business/legal/real estate expertise: is there a legitimate reason for having ~500 legal entities in Trump org. ? I can understand splitting some stuff to manage liabilities, but this looks more li… --- ## [Tracing a tripped outlet--Electrical Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracing-a-tripped-outlet-electrical-question/995247)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracing-a-tripped-outlet-electrical-question/995247 "2024-02-20T21:32:41Z")
As succinctly as possible: I have a dead circuit in my house but the breaker switches are not tripped–we are presuming there’s some GFCI upstream from the breaker but downstream from the known dead outlets that has tripp… --- ## [How long do you have to post a bond prior to an appeal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-you-have-to-post-a-bond-prior-to-an-appeal/996998)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-you-have-to-post-a-bond-prior-to-an-appeal/996998 "2024-02-20T17:16:59Z")
In the E. Jean Carroll case, the defendant was found liable by the jury and ordered to pay $83 million. He immediately announced that he would appeal the decision, but analysts have been pointing out that he would need … --- ## [Was Trump 'convicted' for defamin Jean Carroll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-trump-convicted-for-defamin-jean-carroll/997280)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-trump-convicted-for-defamin-jean-carroll/997280 "2024-02-20T14:48:09Z")
THis in not about politics or even Trump or not Trump. This is about the use of the word ‘conviction’ in characterizing the defamation case involving E.Jean Carroll. has the sentence: “Judge Lewis Kaplan on Wednesday … --- ## [Why are court reporters and sketch artists still needed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-court-reporters-and-sketch-artists-still-needed/996751)
**Author:** [@LegendHasit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LegendHasit)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2024, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-court-reporters-and-sketch-artists-still-needed/996751 "2024-02-20T03:17:29Z")
Watching a court reporter typing away during a an obviously filmed/recorded session why are court reporters and sketch artists still needed? In case the tech goes down? For media images (we rarely see artists sketches th… --- ## [Is there any risk that commercially resold smartphones are stolen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-risk-that-commercially-resold-smartphones-are-stolen/997726)
**Author:** [@Chelonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chelonaut)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-risk-that-commercially-resold-smartphones-are-stolen/997726 "2024-02-19T19:31:28Z")
I recently bought a cheap used s10 from an online retailer. When I told my parents, my dad became interested and wanted my help getting one for him too. But he was wary about possibly getting a stolen phone, so instead b… --- ## [If SCOTUS decides Jan 6 was a riot, not an insurrection, what happens to those convicted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-scotus-decides-jan-6-was-a-riot-not-an-insurrection-what-happens-to-those-convicted/997332)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-scotus-decides-jan-6-was-a-riot-not-an-insurrection-what-happens-to-those-convicted/997332 "2024-02-19T18:06:31Z")
SCOTUS heard arguments regarding You-know-who’s exclusion from the ballot in CO on 14th Amendment grounds. The plaintiff’s counsel stated that they didn’t concede that the actions of those involved in Jan 6 were engaged… --- ## [Questions on DirecTV Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-directv-stream/997702)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-directv-stream/997702 "2024-02-19T17:18:14Z")
Yay!! CenturyLink is finally in my neighborhood. I know most people hate CenturyLink but I’ve had them before and love their service and have never had issues with their customer service. But they don’t run their own… --- ## [\*What 2024 vehicles offer 5G hotspots from the factory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-2024-vehicles-offer-5g-hotspots-from-the-factory/997732)
**Author:** [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-2024-vehicles-offer-5g-hotspots-from-the-factory/997732 "2024-02-19T16:45:29Z")
Looking for a new compact or full size SUV for taking long trips and want to consider models that have 5G hotspots so people can have decent connectivity. Also, what other features would 5G be used for in a vehicle? --- ## [This was not a problem ideally suited to the methods of the committee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-was-not-a-problem-ideally-suited-to-the-methods-of-the-committee/997717)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-was-not-a-problem-ideally-suited-to-the-methods-of-the-committee/997717 "2024-02-19T15:59:07Z")
After the Falklands crisis, Haig, the then-mediator, said, The United Nations, with its vociferous anti-colonialist coalition of Third World and Marxist members, would probably not be able to act quickly enough to be ef… --- ## [How do deep-sea submersibles navigate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-deep-sea-submersibles-navigate/997735)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-deep-sea-submersibles-navigate/997735 "2024-02-19T00:19:49Z")
Subs dive to the Titanic and other sites of interest that are very deep in the ocean (and they mostly make it back. Mostly.). In those kinds of depths, GPS doesn’t work. Compasses may tell you north, but it’s hard to … --- ## [Open Apple Pix With Win 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-apple-pix-with-win-7/997736)
**Author:** [@Dandan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dandan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-apple-pix-with-win-7/997736 "2024-02-18T23:09:43Z")
I belong to a camera club; we share pictures, via flashdrives, at every meeting. This week, we discovered that drives generated on updated Apple machines won’t open on my Win7 laptop.Is there a workaround? Will Microsoft… --- ## [How do I diagnose this hard drive problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-diagnose-this-hard-drive-problem/997690)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-diagnose-this-hard-drive-problem/997690 "2024-02-18T16:28:56Z")
Although I would be delighted if we could solve this here, I suspect I may need specialized help. I welcome suggestions of sites I can go to get targeted advice for this situation. Windows 10 Home 4TB hard drive, 678GB… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=99) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=101)