# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1130 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1131 --- ## [Can someone explain computer clock speeds to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-computer-clock-speeds-to-me/717981)
**Author:** [@Random\_Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_Design)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2015, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-computer-clock-speeds-to-me/717981 "2015-04-19T01:25:57Z")
It seems my understanding is out the window. I’m currently on the hunt for a laptop. My budget puts me in Core i3 territory, which seems to involve clock speeds of 2.1 to 2.6GHz. My 5+ year old desktop is a Celeron D wit… --- ## [Brian Keith, American WWII veteran: his letter to Dave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-keith-american-wwii-veteran-his-letter-to-dave/717813)
**Author:** [@YawningDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YawningDog)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2015, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-keith-american-wwii-veteran-his-letter-to-dave/717813 "2015-04-19T01:25:03Z")
There are lots of other links to this letter I could include, but I’ve read through many of them and followed their links to more links and more links… and still no verification or resolution to the story. I was going … --- ## [Vikings in India?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vikings-in-india/202259)
**Author:** [@WaryEri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WaryEri)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2015, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vikings-in-india/202259 "2015-04-19T00:32:58Z")
My SO’s roomate and his friends have a pet theory that the Vikings landed frequently in India, hundreds of years before the passage around Africa was managed by other Europeans. They mentioned “viking runes” written on s… --- ## [Efficacy of Rat Poison](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficacy-of-rat-poison/718010)
**Author:** [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficacy-of-rat-poison/718010 "2015-04-18T22:48:14Z")
My yard is a five acre hay field leading to a swamp and all the other sides are bounded by young pine forest. When the weather starts to get cool in the winter I always start to get little guests that invite themselves … --- ## [Running naked through the streets shouting, "Eureka!" So?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-naked-through-the-streets-shouting-eureka-so/717849)
**Author:** [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-naked-through-the-streets-shouting-eureka-so/717849 "2015-04-18T21:02:06Z")
If Archimedes ran through the streets shouting, “eureka”, would there be much eyebrow raising? What was the Greek attitude to public nudity circa 250 BC? --- ## [Canned bear meat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canned-bear-meat/717921)
**Author:** [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canned-bear-meat/717921 "2015-04-18T19:33:32Z")
In this post, Cicero claims (and others seem to confirm) that… I’m wondering about the logics of this. Are the bears bought from hunters? That doesn’t seem like a reliable enough method for commercial production. Do th… --- ## [Is "extrovert" bad latin (as opposed to extravert)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-extrovert-bad-latin-as-opposed-to-extravert/613281)
**Author:** [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-extrovert-bad-latin-as-opposed-to-extravert/613281 "2015-04-18T18:02:24Z")
This is for the Latin experts of the dope. Extroverted/extraverted and introverted are from the writings of Carl Gustav Jung. Extrovert is much more used than extraverted. It definitely seems like extroverted is used by … --- ## [Speed vs. velocity (from a "Jeopardy!" clue)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-vs-velocity-from-a-jeopardy-clue/717874)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-vs-velocity-from-a-jeopardy-clue/717874 "2015-04-18T13:12:49Z")
On \*Jeopardy! \*of April 10, in the category “Dictionary of Science,” was the clue: “‘V’ is for this, defined as the speed & direction of motion of a moving body.” I guessed “vector.” The correct response was “velocity.” … --- ## [How do Chinese neologisms work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-chinese-neologisms-work/717926)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-chinese-neologisms-work/717926 "2015-04-18T11:06:08Z")
I don’t speak or write any of the Chinese languages. But my understanding is that Chinese words are written as logograms rather than phonograms. And the meaning of spoken words depends on the tone in which it’s pronounce… --- ## [Well? Is the engine ruined? 6.1 miles w/o oil pressure...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-is-the-engine-ruined-6-1-miles-w-o-oil-pressure/717827)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-is-the-engine-ruined-6-1-miles-w-o-oil-pressure/717827 "2015-04-18T11:04:31Z")
Mrs. Napier tells me the car started acting funny and lights started flashing and something started beeping, and yet she drove another 6.1 miles to work before calling me. So I find it takes 3 liters of oil to put the l… --- ## [Did England Actively Support the Breakup of the USA (in the Civil War)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-england-actively-support-the-breakup-of-the-usa-in-the-civil-war/717824)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-england-actively-support-the-breakup-of-the-usa-in-the-civil-war/717824 "2015-04-18T07:12:57Z")
I have read references to this-England long suspected that the USA would want to annex Canada, and so, when the Civil War broke out, the British policy was to aid the Confederates, short of stepping on the USA Federal … --- ## [Even though Hernandez has been convicted for the murder...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-though-hernandez-has-been-convicted-for-the-murder/717785)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-though-hernandez-has-been-convicted-for-the-murder/717785 "2015-04-18T04:11:47Z")
Can the other two also be found to be principals in the crime and therefore also guilty of murder in the first? Just because he was convicted of being the shooter, that doesn’t mean the others are automatically downgrad… --- ## [Heart murmur in Dark Side of the Moon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-murmur-in-dark-side-of-the-moon/716856)
**Author:** [@core](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/core)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-murmur-in-dark-side-of-the-moon/716856 "2015-04-18T03:02:45Z")
My father is an M.D. and we were listening to Dark Side of the Moon. During the heartbeat at the very beginning of the album (before “Speak to Me”) he heard a heart murmur which he describes as “mid” (rather than early/… --- ## [Brazilian Prank Shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazilian-prank-shows/717920)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2015, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazilian-prank-shows/717920 "2015-04-18T00:41:01Z")
There’s a video going around Facebook right now that seems to come from a Brazilian TV show. The setup: at a bus stop is an ad for Child’s Play. Then, an actor dressed as Chucky (either a child or a little person) emerge… --- ## [Recognize this mineral? (Picture)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recognize-this-mineral-picture/717906)
**Author:** [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recognize-this-mineral-picture/717906 "2015-04-17T21:29:04Z")
I know it looks like something the cat brought up/excreted, but apparently it’s a chunk of rock my friend found. He’s wondering what it is, and I’m no help. I submit his question, therefore, to the collective genius of … --- ## [Guys selling computers on Craigslist. What's going on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-selling-computers-on-craigslist-whats-going-on/716537)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guys-selling-computers-on-craigslist-whats-going-on/716537 "2015-04-17T21:21:02Z")
As many of you are aware, I’ve had a zillion problems with my computer. Time to get a new one but in the last year I spent 20 grand cash remodeling my house, bought a new corvette, and am in litigation with a crooked re… --- ## [Why would a large planet with high surface pressure make water solid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-large-planet-with-high-surface-pressure-make-water-solid/717645)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-large-planet-with-high-surface-pressure-make-water-solid/717645 "2015-04-17T21:08:01Z")
From this article talking about how creationists are afraid we’ll find life on other planets. Its talking about how the earth seems perfect for sustaining life (as we know it). Does it mean that large mass and high gr… --- ## [Do any other countries' militaries use personalized callsigns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-other-countries-militaries-use-personalized-callsigns/717747)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-other-countries-militaries-use-personalized-callsigns/717747 "2015-04-17T20:06:19Z")
That is, of the “Maverick” and “Goose” variety? --- ## [How many saw Lincoln's funeral train?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-saw-lincolns-funeral-train/717671)
**Author:** [@norvalnormal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norvalnormal)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-saw-lincolns-funeral-train/717671 "2015-04-17T19:42:43Z")
In the YA version of Killing Lincoln, it’s stated that some 30 million citizens saw the funeral train. I had assumed that this figure must be in error, as the 1860 Census total U.S. population figure is a bit over 31 mil… --- ## [Beverages warmer when using a straw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beverages-warmer-when-using-a-straw/717681)
**Author:** [@Gretchion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gretchion)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beverages-warmer-when-using-a-straw/717681 "2015-04-17T19:22:57Z")
For as long as I can remember, my mom has never used a straw with her drink, insisting that the drink warms up on the way up. She admits it’s irrational, and has no basis for this. I was wondering if there was anything … --- ## [Band Saw Blade seeks the Crown. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/band-saw-blade-seeks-the-crown-why/717772)
**Author:** [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/band-saw-blade-seeks-the-crown-why/717772 "2015-04-17T18:10:57Z")
I think it’s pretty much agreed upon that a band saw blade automatically moves towards the crown the pulley. Why is this? When I first suggested that it might be centrifugal force pushing the band outward, I was told I … --- ## [Do Russians really use first & last names to speak of or to people so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-russians-really-use-first-last-names-to-speak-of-or-to-people-so-much/717879)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-russians-really-use-first-last-names-to-speak-of-or-to-people-so-much/717879 "2015-04-17T17:28:22Z")
I’m watching “the Americans” (GREAT show if you aren’t already watching), and they portray Russians as frequently using people’s first and last names in the same way we would use a first name or a surname: “You are good… --- ## [Computer help - can't connect to Netflix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-cant-connect-to-netflix/717792)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-cant-connect-to-netflix/717792 "2015-04-17T17:27:26Z")
I’m not having trouble connecting to any other website, but Netflix just won’t connect. My current computer is an old, refurbed HP running Win 7. It’s not that I can connect to the main page but not stream content - it w… --- ## [Did Hitler murder any Muslims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-murder-any-muslims/717739)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hitler-murder-any-muslims/717739 "2015-04-17T15:31:14Z")
We know he went after the Jews and Christians and gypsies, but I wonder what he thought of the Muslims? --- ## [Are there respected MS Office qualifications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-respected-ms-office-qualifications/717797)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-respected-ms-office-qualifications/717797 "2015-04-17T15:14:33Z")
I would be willing to take a shot at qualifying as “Expert” in Excel, even if it took me another week of heavy study. What tests carry actual weight with employers? I might throw in Word, too. I’m pretty much Intermediat… --- ## [Where are the weapons in the middle east coming from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-weapons-in-the-middle-east-coming-from/717834)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-weapons-in-the-middle-east-coming-from/717834 "2015-04-17T11:36:08Z")
Wars, skirmishes, and armed conflicts seem to be just about everywhere in the middle east. Weapons from pistols to fighter jets and bombs appear to be in the hands of anyone who wants them. Is the U.S. still the major … --- ## [Company impersonating Microsoft? (Australian victim)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/company-impersonating-microsoft-australian-victim/717719)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/company-impersonating-microsoft-australian-victim/717719 "2015-04-17T09:14:57Z")
Hi my friend told me she bought Microsoft Office over the phone with a recurring credit card payment. She received a suspicious looking tax invoice in the mail. It said Office 365 Home was AU$119 even though at Officewo… --- ## [Rotate video 90 degrees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotate-video-90-degrees/305598)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotate-video-90-degrees/305598 "2005-05-26T23:22:26Z")
I have a potentially-embarrasing video question… My co-worker gave me a segment of video in Quicktime format. When played, it’s on its side, and it needs to be rotated 90 degrees on the screen. This is easy to do for a … --- ## [How is the chemical composition of water on other planets different from our own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-chemical-composition-of-water-on-other-planets-different-from-our-own/690614)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-chemical-composition-of-water-on-other-planets-different-from-our-own/690614 "2015-04-17T07:34:52Z")
Hi How is the chemical composition of water on other planets different from our own? I haven’t been able to find out anything on the chemical composition of water that exists elsewhere in our galaxy and beyond. Is it li… --- ## [How come X-ray can see through matter if its wavelength is shorter than visible light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-x-ray-can-see-through-matter-if-its-wavelength-is-shorter-than-visible-light/717577)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-x-ray-can-see-through-matter-if-its-wavelength-is-shorter-than-visible-light/717577 "2015-04-17T04:03:39Z")
The shorter the wavelength, the more easily it’s attenuated, right? The shorter the wavelength, the more easily it’s blocked by matter. X-ray uses shorter wavelength than visible light. Yet X-ray can be used to see thro… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1129) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1131)