# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1025 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1026 --- ## [Strange file modification time on a Mac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-file-modification-time-on-a-mac/734095)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2015, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-file-modification-time-on-a-mac/734095 "2015-10-11T11:24:05Z")
I just moved some files from my desktop to a laptop via a thumb drive. The copy that arrived on my laptop showed the most recently modified item as a folder containing some documents and a PDF. The documents/PDF show t… --- ## [Connecting my DVD player to my soundbar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-my-dvd-player-to-my-soundbar/734190)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2015, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecting-my-dvd-player-to-my-soundbar/734190 "2015-10-11T10:57:11Z")
I’m trying to connect my DVD player to my soundbar. The DVD player has an HDMI out, but that goes to the projector. The only other output from the player is digital coax. My soundbar, however, doesn’t have a digital coa… --- ## [Did Chrisann Brennan the mother of Steve Jobs' child Lisa ever get any kind of settlement from him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-chrisann-brennan-the-mother-of-steve-jobs-child-lisa-ever-get-any-kind-of-settlement-from-him/734002)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2015, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-chrisann-brennan-the-mother-of-steve-jobs-child-lisa-ever-get-any-kind-of-settlement-from-him/734002 "2015-10-11T03:24:14Z")
Her Wiki is hereand assuming it’s true Steve Jobs comes off as just an incredibly huge bag of shit. In reading the wiki I don’t see anything about any kind of a settlement with her just him finally, grudgingly paying h… --- ## [What IS The Word For Believing Your Own Statements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-word-for-believing-your-own-statements/734016)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-word-for-believing-your-own-statements/734016 "2015-10-10T23:52:18Z")
I came here to ask this and was immediately derailed by three threads. However, there is a specific word for convincing your self what you have said is true- even though it may be a lie. Just one word and it is driving … --- ## [Would This save Energy? (Zero caster, Zero Toe-In ) On Cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-save-energy-zero-caster-zero-toe-in-on-cars/734138)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-save-energy-zero-caster-zero-toe-in-on-cars/734138 "2015-10-10T22:42:11Z")
My latest idea-caster angle and toe-in are the reason your car self-centers after a turn, and will keep moving in a straight line if you take your hand off the wheel. However, caster angle and toe-in cause a minute amoun… --- ## [Do some cats not see lasers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-cats-not-see-lasers/733454)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-cats-not-see-lasers/733454 "2015-10-10T21:57:05Z")
I have two cats. Recently, I bought a small laser pointer to entertain us all. One of them chases it everywhere. The other doesn’t even ignore it. He acts as if it isn’t happening. He watches my hand move, the other cat … --- ## [Is it a fact that animal behavior is somewhat governed by genetics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-fact-that-animal-behavior-is-somewhat-governed-by-genetics/733801)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-fact-that-animal-behavior-is-somewhat-governed-by-genetics/733801 "2015-10-10T20:56:18Z")
I keep hearing anecdotal stories that particular dog breeds have particular behaviors. Sheep dogs do better than other breeds at herding. Other varieties are better at learning, or pointing, or protection. Its the same … --- ## [not worth a tinker's dam(n)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-worth-a-tinkers-dam-n/97623)
**Author:** [@booklover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/booklover)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-worth-a-tinkers-dam-n/97623 "2015-10-10T19:45:35Z")
I’ve heard this expression used to basically mean “worthless”. My question: What the heck is a tinker’s dam? I’ve seen it without the “n” at the end of dam(n) most often. I know a tinker is essentially a tradesman de… --- ## [Batteries: AG13 vs LR44](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batteries-ag13-vs-lr44/734127)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batteries-ag13-vs-lr44/734127 "2015-10-10T18:12:38Z")
I have an LED light up necklace, just a bunch of LED, no voltage regulator; that takes three AG13 batteries. The batteries it came with were labeled “AG13”, and lasted about 6 hours. I bought some generic LR44, which wer… --- ## [Why isn't the Byzantine Empire considered the "Roman Empire"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-byzantine-empire-considered-the-roman-empire/702585)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-byzantine-empire-considered-the-roman-empire/702585 "2015-10-10T17:23:11Z")
When you mention the fall of the Roman Empire, most consider the fall of Rome in 476 as the end of the Empire. But during its existence, the Byzantine Empire (aka the Eastern Roman Empire) was simply designated the “Rom… --- ## [How Did Hitler Wind Up In The German Army?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-hitler-wind-up-in-the-german-army/733942)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-hitler-wind-up-in-the-german-army/733942 "2015-10-10T17:12:54Z")
Hitler served during WWI, as a private in the German Army. however, he was Austrian, and as a subject of the Austrian Emperor, shouldn’t he have served in the Austro-Hungarian Army? I also read that he was never promot… --- ## [Monsieur Puante](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monsieur-puante/734090)
**Author:** [@Deflagration](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deflagration)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monsieur-puante/734090 "2015-10-10T14:47:14Z")
I have a close friend who is a smoker. We call him “Mr Stinky” (because he smells). He is quite happy with his moniker as he himself admits he reeks of tobacco. And as an aside he calls me something equally offensive … --- ## [One Third](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-third/342885)
**Author:** [@Paradise\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paradise_Pete)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-third/342885 "2015-10-10T12:37:01Z")
We have the prefixes semi and hemi for things that are one-half of the whole, as in semi-annual and hemisphere. Is there a prefix for one-third? Thanks in advance, Thirdless in Theattle P.S. I notice they can smoothl… --- ## [1000 year storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1000-year-storm/733713)
**Author:** [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1000-year-storm/733713 "2015-10-10T12:06:34Z")
Many events are measured in terms of probability of 5 year, 10 year, 100 year etc. My parents homestead went thru that tropical storm Irene 4 years ago and that was more than a 50 year event, but not a 100 year event as … --- ## [What are the origins of the phrase hat in hand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-phrase-hat-in-hand/734105)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-phrase-hat-in-hand/734105 "2015-10-10T07:49:08Z")
I don’t hear this used much anymore. I heard it often within my older family. possible origins? Webster only says 1851 My WAG This seems visual to me. Maybe a sketch or political cartoon of some politician apologizing… --- ## [Has there ever been a real life Mansion Murder Mystery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-real-life-mansion-murder-mystery/733941)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-real-life-mansion-murder-mystery/733941 "2015-10-10T06:56:23Z")
You know the old trope. A bunch of rich guests are invited to a dinner party. One of the guests is murdered (usually with a flash of lightning and the lights going out). Any of the guests could be the real murderer! My … --- ## [Has Anyone Used "Plasticote" To Paint A Car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-used-plasticote-to-paint-a-car/734036)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-used-plasticote-to-paint-a-car/734036 "2015-10-10T06:39:35Z")
The results (youtube) look great. i would like to try it-it seems too good to be true. If you have done this, were you happy with the results? Is this something for a professional? --- ## [Life at the Top? \[Cost of a luxurious life style\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-at-the-top-cost-of-a-luxurious-life-style/732435)
**Author:** [@Sc0undrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sc0undrel)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-at-the-top-cost-of-a-luxurious-life-style/732435 "2015-10-10T06:19:15Z")
With all the talk about income inequality, I’ve become curious. Just how much does life at the top of American society cost? I know there are stupid excesses, like houses so big the owner drives a car from room to room… --- ## [How much water weight can you lose in a week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-weight-can-you-lose-in-a-week/553078)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-weight-can-you-lose-in-a-week/553078 "2015-10-10T05:59:11Z")
A coworker ordered some tuna without the bread, which struck me as odd. He said that he’s trying to lose 20 lbs in a week. Now, he understands that he WILL fail in this goal. He knows he won’t actually be able to get … --- ## [passports on layover portions of international flights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passports-on-layover-portions-of-international-flights/733204)
**Author:** [@Loopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopus)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passports-on-layover-portions-of-international-flights/733204 "2015-10-10T05:18:33Z")
I have kind of a strange question. If you have an international flight with a domestic layover (say, San Diego to LA to Rio de Janeiro), during which you change planes, is there any reason you would need to be in possess… --- ## [Why do magstripe credit cards still work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-magstripe-credit-cards-still-work/733981)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-magstripe-credit-cards-still-work/733981 "2015-10-10T05:15:51Z")
I know about the recent requirements for chip card readers. Many of them also have the traditional magstripe readers. Which completely defeats the purpose of the chips and is a major security risk. Putting a chip and s… --- ## [Are those that claim the US has defaulted on its debts simply misinformed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-those-that-claim-the-us-has-defaulted-on-its-debts-simply-misinformed/733882)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-those-that-claim-the-us-has-defaulted-on-its-debts-simply-misinformed/733882 "2015-10-10T05:10:26Z")
Hi, After seeing so many article stating that the US government has never defaulted on its debts, and then to see just as many articles stating the opposite, I’m curious to know who is telling the truth. I had assumed … --- ## [What happened to the market value of slaves as the Civil War progressed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-market-value-of-slaves-as-the-civil-war-progressed/733664)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-market-value-of-slaves-as-the-civil-war-progressed/733664 "2015-10-10T04:19:20Z")
Just curious. Are there any studies have been done as to what happened to the market value of slaves as the Civil War progressed? My guess is it would have taken a nosedive as people could not be assured of the value of … --- ## [Size of government](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-government/734073)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-government/734073 "2015-10-10T03:55:07Z")
Has any president or congress ever shrunk the size of government? Other than shrinking the military after a war, which we seemed to have stopped doing after WWII, has it ever happened in American history? --- ## [Military MOS : In wars, how often do soldiers get shoved into infantry instead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-mos-in-wars-how-often-do-soldiers-get-shoved-into-infantry-instead/733233)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-mos-in-wars-how-often-do-soldiers-get-shoved-into-infantry-instead/733233 "2015-10-10T00:16:00Z")
So, in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, if you joined the army as a tank crewmember, enlisted artillery soldier, or MP, as I understand it, it was extremely common to end up having to fight on the streets of Iraq or Afghan… --- ## [Does a dictator know the mind of the population ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-dictator-know-the-mind-of-the-population/733985)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2015, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-dictator-know-the-mind-of-the-population/733985 "2015-10-10T00:13:24Z")
Given that opposition views tend to be kept secret from a dictator for obvious reasons, how does a dictatorial government determine the views of it’s population ? --- ## [Apollo's trajectory to the moon taking orbiting the sun into account](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollos-trajectory-to-the-moon-taking-orbiting-the-sun-into-account/734076)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2015, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollos-trajectory-to-the-moon-taking-orbiting-the-sun-into-account/734076 "2015-10-09T23:21:47Z")
I’ve been reading up on the trajectory that the Apollo missions took to the moon. There’s lots of images out there that show the path relative to the Earth and the Moon. (E.g., this here.). What I’m curious about is w… --- ## [Do other animals really have advantages in terms of healing, strength and endurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-animals-really-have-advantages-in-terms-of-healing-strength-and-endurance/733948)
**Author:** [@Katylar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katylar)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2015, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-animals-really-have-advantages-in-terms-of-healing-strength-and-endurance/733948 "2015-10-09T20:46:12Z")
Hi! Let me start by saying that I am aware that some animals which are not human obviously have adaptations which give them significant advantages, like the canine nose, the raptor’s eyes, etc. What I’m asking for is t… --- ## [Global warming and atmosphere thickness.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-and-atmosphere-thickness/733833)
**Author:** [@szabrocki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/szabrocki)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2015, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-and-atmosphere-thickness/733833 "2015-10-09T19:24:33Z")
Hi All, I have a question about how or if our atmosphere might thicken assuming any predictions about Global Warming. This is not a discussion on whether it happens or not or how fast it happens. If the surface or the… --- ## [Did Gaddafi have majority or minority support ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-gaddafi-have-majority-or-minority-support/734008)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-gaddafi-have-majority-or-minority-support/734008 "2015-10-09T16:58:27Z")
Did Gaddafi have majority support during his rule, did that change to minority support ? If so, at which point did that happen ? And have we got reliable sources for any of this ? I refer to support from within Libyan p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1024) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1026)