# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1085 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1086 --- ## [Wikipedia and Research](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-and-research/724114)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-and-research/724114 "2015-07-06T10:15:49Z")
Hi SD, I’d love to know how teachers in this generation have worked around the use of Wikipedia in research papers for high school and junior high school. Obviously Wikipedia provides a pretty substantial trove of infor… --- ## [Animal metaphor for male masturbation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-metaphor-for-male-masturbation/724261)
**Author:** [@yslap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yslap)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-metaphor-for-male-masturbation/724261 "2015-07-06T07:43:07Z")
I am a writer and am looking for an appropriate animal metaphor for a receptacle for male masturbation. I’m thinking animal version of the Fleshlight. Ideally, a simple organism (perhaps a sea creature) with one hole, ca… --- ## [Any instance of burglars torturing to open indoor safes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-instance-of-burglars-torturing-to-open-indoor-safes/724367)
**Author:** [@Scholar\_Beardpig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scholar_Beardpig)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-instance-of-burglars-torturing-to-open-indoor-safes/724367 "2015-07-06T06:10:24Z")
To the most esteemed academicians and intellectissimas of the Straight Dope Message Board, I am once more in the United States, and once more staying with my mother while she convalesces from her latest bout of acute, t… --- ## [Eyes exposed to bright sunlight, but only one eye hurts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyes-exposed-to-bright-sunlight-but-only-one-eye-hurts/724381)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyes-exposed-to-bright-sunlight-but-only-one-eye-hurts/724381 "2015-07-06T04:44:04Z")
I was in bright sunlight for several hours today and now my left eye feels glaucoma-ish, hurts and feels pressure inside But my right eye was dealing with the same UV radiation and feels fine. What’s causing the pain, a… --- ## [what happens when a domain expires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-domain-expires/724366)
**Author:** [@AppleFanboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AppleFanboy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-domain-expires/724366 "2015-07-06T03:32:36Z")
Let say example youtube.com domain expires, is it possible then for me to buy the domain? What happens then if nobody renews the domain? What happens to all the records of the accounts,ip address, email addresses etc… --- ## [Problem with Sony DVP-SR370](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-sony-dvp-sr370/724280)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-sony-dvp-sr370/724280 "2015-07-06T00:57:06Z")
The SO wanted Wire In The Blood on DVD, and ordered the set. So I bought a Sony DVP-SR370 PAL-capable player so she could watch them. After watching some of the DVDs, she inserted the next one and it would not load. T… --- ## [When You Rent A Billboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-rent-a-billboard/724310)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-rent-a-billboard/724310 "2015-07-05T23:41:08Z")
Let’s say I rented a billboard along I-44 in Missouri to advertise my business (Homie’s Widgets). I see blank billboards with a phone number to call to rent the space; OK, but does the agent who rents the billboard do an… --- ## [How much steak and hamburger will be consumed this 4th of July?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-steak-and-hamburger-will-be-consumed-this-4th-of-july/724187)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-steak-and-hamburger-will-be-consumed-this-4th-of-july/724187 "2015-07-05T23:01:05Z")
It seems likely the meat packing industry make their preparations weeks ahead of time, and grocery stores stock up on meat days in advance of the 4th of July. Bread companies will bake more hamburger buns and deliver to … --- ## [Questions about food mold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-food-mold/724306)
**Author:** [@H3Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H3Knuckles)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-food-mold/724306 "2015-07-05T20:22:06Z")
Hey, just went to eat one of two muffins that where ~1 week old. One had a couple mold spots, so I threw it in the garbage; however, the other had no signs of mold at all, so I ate it. Looked, smelled, and tasted normal … --- ## [Did The "Merchants of Death" Help Bring on WWI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-merchants-of-death-help-bring-on-wwi/724281)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-merchants-of-death-help-bring-on-wwi/724281 "2015-07-05T20:21:50Z")
Upton Sinclair’s novel “Worlds End” is still a good read. the novel traces the life and boyhood experiences of one Lanny Budd, whose father was a salesman for a small Connecticut gun manufacturer. Lanny meets up with the… --- ## [Marriage, fatherhood, and the draft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-fatherhood-and-the-draft/724204)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-fatherhood-and-the-draft/724204 "2015-07-05T19:54:47Z")
One thing I’ve always wondered is when conscription took place in the U.S. is how the draft dealt with married men, especially those who had children. Was it ever common for married men with children to be drafted, and … --- ## [British copy of declaration of independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-copy-of-declaration-of-independence/724332)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-copy-of-declaration-of-independence/724332 "2015-07-05T19:09:07Z")
Was an official copy ever presented to King George? I’m imagining him lounging about in his throne room, and a messenger arrives. "Your majesty, a message from your rebellious colony. " “Which one?” “The yanks, my Lor… --- ## [US versus EURO style immunizations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-versus-euro-style-immunizations/724119)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-versus-euro-style-immunizations/724119 "2015-07-05T17:24:36Z")
My son’s pediatrician asked us whether we wanted US or EURO style immunizations for our son, then she said when we asked why the difference if I was from the US and planned to go back we should go with the US ones becaus… --- ## [Healing times for bullet injuries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healing-times-for-bullet-injuries/587305)
**Author:** [@History\_Monk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/History_Monk)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healing-times-for-bullet-injuries/587305 "2015-07-05T16:22:33Z")
(If this should go in IMHO, I apologize.) This is just me trying to make a cheesy story slightly less unrealistic: If a relatively healthy young person got shot with a rifle through the shoulder muscle without it hittin… --- ## [Practically speaking, how does California's Proposition 209 work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practically-speaking-how-does-californias-proposition-209-work/724290)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practically-speaking-how-does-californias-proposition-209-work/724290 "2015-07-05T15:00:18Z")
Even if race-based admissions to certain universities are “banned,” what prevents a university admissions administrator from seeing family surnames of applicants (i.e., “Cheng” is most likely Asian, “Hernandez” is most l… --- ## [LCD TV Failing: Repairable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-tv-failing-repairable/724140)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lcd-tv-failing-repairable/724140 "2015-07-05T15:00:17Z")
My aged MIL has a 36" Samsung LCD TV. It’s about 5 years old now. No, I don’t know the model # (yet). Recently it has started to have problems. After running for 5-10 minutes the darkest areas of the picture begin to tu… --- ## [What happened to the Declaration if Independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-declaration-if-independence/724220)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-declaration-if-independence/724220 "2015-07-05T08:14:11Z")
On this, the 239th anniversary of the announcement of the creation of the United States of America, I got to wondering. What happened to the one sent to George III? Unlike the “engrossed” copy we are all familiar with\*… --- ## [Credit Cards and "consumer fraud"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards-and-consumer-fraud/724064)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-cards-and-consumer-fraud/724064 "2015-07-05T04:34:23Z")
So, a friend took her kids to an amusement park, and wound up having to turn around and go home due to the fact they only accept Discover Card and Cash, and the ATM was broken. I checked their website and found the foll… --- ## [iPad file management--moving files from one app to another](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-file-management-moving-files-from-one-app-to-another/724278)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-file-management-moving-files-from-one-app-to-another/724278 "2015-07-05T00:13:12Z")
Although I’ve had my iPad for a couple of years, and appreciate many of the Apple design features vs. Windows, I still struggle with simple file management. There seems to be no concept of a central directory structure. … --- ## [Dimming/sporadically out HID headlight. How to tell if it's the bulb, ballast, or ignighter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimming-sporadically-out-hid-headlight-how-to-tell-if-its-the-bulb-ballast-or-ignighter/724234)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimming-sporadically-out-hid-headlight-how-to-tell-if-its-the-bulb-ballast-or-ignighter/724234 "2015-07-04T23:58:27Z")
1999 Acrua TL. The lowbeam of one headlamp is occasionally out. Turning the headlamps off then on again resuscitates them for a good while, but that’s going to stop working some day. Plus, when one is out it’s a magnet f… --- ## [Itunes compatible MP3 player](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itunes-compatible-mp3-player/724247)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itunes-compatible-mp3-player/724247 "2015-07-04T21:48:26Z")
I am looking for a 32 Gb mp3 player. My iphone and ipod are too small. Since everything I listen to is stored or accessed through iTunes I want to but an new player but since money is an object, I want something not ap… --- ## [Locksmiths: Can You Make Key from a Lock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locksmiths-can-you-make-key-from-a-lock/237732)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locksmiths-can-you-make-key-from-a-lock/237732 "2015-07-04T21:33:18Z")
If you have a lock without the key, can’t you use blanks to figure out how to cut the key? We need to replace a dead-bolt, if not. Seems to me it can be done, but I might be remembering wrong. - Jinx --- ## [Mixing soap with shampoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-soap-with-shampoo/724251)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-soap-with-shampoo/724251 "2015-07-04T21:11:14Z")
This isn’t advisable, but would mixing hand soap with shampoo still create a cleansing formula, or might it instead be counterproductive or harmful? What would it turn into? --- ## [Natural Gas and Power Backup Questions for Residence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-and-power-backup-questions-for-residence/723934)
**Author:** [@BrightNShiny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrightNShiny)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-and-power-backup-questions-for-residence/723934 "2015-07-04T18:47:59Z")
There’s a few different issues in this post, but here’s how it all started… The power at my parents’ house went out during the winter for a few days because of downed power lines. The have NG central heat/electric AC, … --- ## [A Question about Incompetent/Untrained Coroners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-incompetent-untrained-coroners/724174)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-incompetent-untrained-coroners/724174 "2015-07-04T17:03:04Z")
As i understand it, a coroner is a medical doctor trained in determining the cause of death. he/she autopsies a corpse, to determine if foul play was involved. The coroner’s work is vital in criminal investigations, a… --- ## [Would It have Been A Common Sight in 1930 (Civil War Vets Marching in Memorial Day Parades)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-have-been-a-common-sight-in-1930-civil-war-vets-marching-in-memorial-day-parades/724159)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-have-been-a-common-sight-in-1930-civil-war-vets-marching-in-memorial-day-parades/724159 "2015-07-04T15:17:47Z")
Several million men were mobilized in the Civil war; the majority Union forces. Assuming that many survived the war, the youngest vets would be about 80 in 1930. Given the state of health back then, would there be many … --- ## [Crankshaft pully bolt size for a Ram 5.7l hemi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crankshaft-pully-bolt-size-for-a-ram-5-7l-hemi/721209)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crankshaft-pully-bolt-size-for-a-ram-5-7l-hemi/721209 "2015-07-04T14:06:59Z")
I’ve a 2004 Ram 1500 with the 5.7l hemi. I need to try to turn the engine a few degrees. It’s difficult to get to the crank pulley bolt, and I sure as hell can’t see it. Can barely get my hand to it. Barely. Blind ma… --- ## [Automotive question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-question/723920)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-question/723920 "2015-07-04T13:48:53Z")
Yet another one from me. 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My Wifes car. Symptoms - Over the past few months, it’s become harder and harder to fill the gas tank. The gas pumps are turning off way before its full. To the poin… --- ## [diy display fridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-display-fridge/724213)
**Author:** [@multispastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/multispastic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-display-fridge/724213 "2015-07-04T10:06:22Z")
Hello…i am trying to make a cheap option display fridge(delhi counter style) i have seen them new @ 1700 which is way out of my budget...i was wondering if i can mske my own...i have found somewhere that makes custom un… --- ## [Interesting and excellent Hispanic names](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-and-excellent-hispanic-names/724190)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2015, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-and-excellent-hispanic-names/724190 "2015-07-04T04:52:07Z")
I’m a baseball fan, and in recent years I’ve noticed a spate of first names among Latin players I’ve never heard before. Yangervis, Rougned, Yasiel, Yonauris, Yoncarlos, and so on. Many seem to start with a Y, or so I … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1084) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1086)