# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1138 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1139 --- ## [Speaker impedance and amplifier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-impedance-and-amplifier/716756)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-impedance-and-amplifier/716756 "2015-04-05T15:18:37Z")
My little blue-ray home theater 5.1 blew up and I bought a new home theater receiver thinking I could re-use the old speakers and sub-woofer. The specs on the receiver says that it supports speakers in the “Normal 6-16 … --- ## [How do I delete "phantom files" in Windows 7?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-delete-phantom-files-in-windows-7/716809)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-delete-phantom-files-in-windows-7/716809 "2015-04-05T15:01:40Z")
Here’s the problem: in my download folder for Firefox, there are some files which are remnants of aborted downloads. These files are named like the original files that were tried to download, but without extension, with … --- ## [Is lyme disease similar to polio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-lyme-disease-similar-to-polio/716855)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-lyme-disease-similar-to-polio/716855 "2015-04-05T12:11:19Z")
Do you think the two diseases are related or at least present similarly? --- ## [Why is ECC memory important, and how do normal computers not suffer visible consequences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-ecc-memory-important-and-how-do-normal-computers-not-suffer-visible-consequences/716818)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-ecc-memory-important-and-how-do-normal-computers-not-suffer-visible-consequences/716818 "2015-04-05T11:47:28Z")
If computer memory is subject to random bit flips from cosmic radiation and the such, how come that doesn’t manifest as random display glitches – letters changing here and there, random crashes when you’re not doing anyt… --- ## [What are minimum qualificatios for becomming a commercial pilot for an airline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-minimum-qualificatios-for-becomming-a-commercial-pilot-for-an-airline/716748)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 8:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-minimum-qualificatios-for-becomming-a-commercial-pilot-for-an-airline/716748 "2015-04-05T08:21:28Z")
When I started flying 50 years ago, I dreamed of becoming a pilot for an airline. However, there was a huge supply of others who wanted to become a commercial pilot, too. I never flew more than 800 hours before the fin… --- ## [The Five Second Rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-five-second-rule/716824)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-five-second-rule/716824 "2015-04-05T03:28:19Z")
I’ve always thought this was false justification to eat the food anyway, and I am sure I have read quite recently that studies show it is not true. However, I heard on PBS this morning (on a comedy quiz show) that the l… --- ## [Realtime transmittal of black box data?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realtime-transmittal-of-black-box-data/716788)
**Author:** [@kaltkalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaltkalt)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/realtime-transmittal-of-black-box-data/716788 "2015-04-05T03:25:15Z")
Why can’t commercial planes transmit flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder data to a central hub somewhere in real time? Seems like that wouldn’t be too difficult, i bet one passenger’s cellphone reading cnn.c… --- ## [Scales at the grocery store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scales-at-the-grocery-store/113865)
**Author:** [@pezpunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pezpunk)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scales-at-the-grocery-store/113865 "2015-04-05T03:00:40Z")
I apologize if this has been asked before but I was unable to locate a thread on the subject. I also could not find anything on google. Why do grocery stores have large scales located at the front? I have never seen th… --- ## [Re car shredding machine videos - How do they sort out that mixed up plastic, metal, glass scrap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-car-shredding-machine-videos-how-do-they-sort-out-that-mixed-up-plastic-metal-glass-scrap/716844)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-car-shredding-machine-videos-how-do-they-sort-out-that-mixed-up-plastic-metal-glass-scrap/716844 "2015-04-05T02:33:48Z")
So here is a machinethat shreds up a whole car in smaller pieces. Here’s another. it’s almost hypnotic watching them. How hard and powerful those jaws have to be to tear up those engine blocks at the end of the video is… --- ## [Gato class submarine museum ships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gato-class-submarine-museum-ships/716465)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gato-class-submarine-museum-ships/716465 "2015-04-05T01:10:40Z")
I went and saw the US Cobia today in mantiwoc WI. I was wondering if this is the same type of sub as the Silverslides in muskakeegen MI --- ## [Is there a name for this type of shelving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-type-of-shelving/716409)
**Author:** [@A.James](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.James)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-type-of-shelving/716409 "2015-04-04T23:40:10Z")
http://radcrafter.com/wp-content/gallery/floating-shelves/1.jpg I’m trying to find shelves very similar to this style but am having trouble. I was hoping this style had a specific name that would help me find what I nee… --- ## [How does a person remember and learn how to use every statement, method, class, library, OS of any t](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-person-remember-and-learn-how-to-use-every-statement-method-class-library-os-of-any-t/716568)
**Author:** [@Mr.Insaneo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Insaneo)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-person-remember-and-learn-how-to-use-every-statement-method-class-library-os-of-any-t/716568 "2015-04-04T23:26:54Z")
I’m currently learning Java, and I’m completely mind blown about all of the things you can use to create programs. What I don’t get is how do you learn a programming language if there’s so much you can learn? I’m not s… --- ## [Why are inverter generators so much more compact than regular generators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-inverter-generators-so-much-more-compact-than-regular-generators/693138)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-inverter-generators-so-much-more-compact-than-regular-generators/693138 "2015-04-04T23:19:54Z")
The small 900 - 5000 watt inverter generators that Honda and other manufactures have made popular throughout the last 10 years. Does the use of an inverter allow for a smaller ICE and generator that can make equivalent … --- ## [What are the origins of the word Tween?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-word-tween/463329)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-word-tween/463329 "2015-04-04T22:48:18Z")
Tween is a word used or perhaps even coined by J.R.R. Tolkien to describe Hobbits in their reckless twenties. This is because Hobbits were not considered adults until age 33 and live significantly longer than Men. The t… --- ## [Dopers, Name that car part, Cause mines broke.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-name-that-car-part-cause-mines-broke/716729)
**Author:** [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-name-that-car-part-cause-mines-broke/716729 "2015-04-04T21:39:01Z")
When you put gas in your car, you put the nozzle in the hole in the side of the car and squeeze the handle and gas pours through the hole into a tube that carries it into the tank…Does that tube have a name? --- ## [Are these buckles, clips or what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-buckles-clips-or-what/716742)
**Author:** [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-buckles-clips-or-what/716742 "2015-04-04T21:11:43Z")
I’m trying to figure out what these things are. I came across them in my late mother-in-law’s stuff. They are about 2" long and are marked as sterling silver. The square loops on the back make them look kind of like a s… --- ## [Pony Express Anniversary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pony-express-anniversary/716727)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pony-express-anniversary/716727 "2015-04-04T20:40:58Z")
Just wondering In this day and age with all the technology going on, are there still places (USA centric) where postal mail is delivered by horseback? --- ## [How to use the word "incursion".](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-the-word-incursion/716486)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-use-the-word-incursion/716486 "2015-04-04T20:07:57Z")
Hi, I’ve seen the word “incursion” used in terms of hostile incursions of foreign armies crossing national borders, but what about “incursion” on private property. Is that possible? Is it possible to use the word incurs… --- ## [When a military cannot take care of POWs, what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-military-cannot-take-care-of-pows-what-to-do/716732)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-military-cannot-take-care-of-pows-what-to-do/716732 "2015-04-04T16:50:11Z")
The Geneva Conventions call for prisoners of war to be taken care of and treated humanely, but what is a military supposed to do when it simply, logistically or circumstantially, can’t feed or take care of enemy POWs? R… --- ## [Cancel Comcast in person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-comcast-in-person/716645)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-comcast-in-person/716645 "2015-04-04T15:35:39Z")
I recently moved, and decided to go with FIOS at my new place. Now I have to close my Comcast account, which I’m dreading. I’m torn on whether I want to attempt it over the phone, or go to the local office in person. … --- ## [What happened to Dzhokhar Tsarnaev between the shootout and arrest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-dzhokhar-tsarnaev-between-the-shootout-and-arrest/715174)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-dzhokhar-tsarnaev-between-the-shootout-and-arrest/715174 "2015-04-04T15:29:54Z")
I read an article today that conflicted with my recollection of the events resulting in his capture. I thought he was injured in the shootout with his brother, hid in the boat, and was captured at gunpoint. The article I… --- ## [Creating a permanent copy of a surface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-a-permanent-copy-of-a-surface/716354)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-a-permanent-copy-of-a-surface/716354 "2015-04-04T14:49:45Z")
I want to make a physical copy of a surface, such as the face of a coin, so that I can keep it a long time and compare it to the surface later. I want to figure out of the surface is eroding over time. Maybe I could pre… --- ## [Question regarding the Nibelungensage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-nibelungensage/716786)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-nibelungensage/716786 "2015-04-04T13:17:24Z")
Hi, I’m reading the Nibelungensage in German. I wanted to verify is the “Burgunderland” mentioned in the saga is in present-day France or present-day Germany. I’m familiar with Bergundy in eastern France but sure where … --- ## [What's the biggest human skeleton ever found?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-biggest-human-skeleton-ever-found/716540)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-biggest-human-skeleton-ever-found/716540 "2015-04-04T13:08:40Z")
What is the biggest legitimate human skeleton ever verified? I know there have been plenty of hoaxes involving gigantic human remains; there are some ridiculous Youtube videos showing the “evidence” for biblical giants,… --- ## [Division of assets in a divorce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/division-of-assets-in-a-divorce/716744)
**Author:** [@purple\_haze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purple_haze)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/division-of-assets-in-a-divorce/716744 "2015-04-04T11:26:39Z")
How are the division of assets in a divorce determined in the state of Michigan? --- ## [What cold food is dangerous when reheated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cold-food-is-dangerous-when-reheated/716765)
**Author:** [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cold-food-is-dangerous-when-reheated/716765 "2015-04-04T08:29:26Z")
The online article lists mushrooms, chicken, potatoes, celery. In short, pretty much what I put in my stew. --- ## [So I just sprayed Raid all over my kitchen....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-just-sprayed-raid-all-over-my-kitchen/510723)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-just-sprayed-raid-all-over-my-kitchen/510723 "2015-04-04T06:14:59Z")
What do I do?! I came home from a weekend trip and grabbed my water cup off the counter. As I did that, I budged the cutting board and suddenly an unending stream of dozens of cockroaches scurried out from under it! They… --- ## [Different generations, different physical appearances?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-generations-different-physical-appearances/716621)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-generations-different-physical-appearances/716621 "2015-04-04T03:52:12Z")
Do you think different generations have their own unique sets of defining physical characteristics, in the same way that different ethnic groups do? Thinking of different celebrities, I find that people born in the 70s, … --- ## [Turning a laptop into an access point](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-a-laptop-into-an-access-point/716768)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-a-laptop-into-an-access-point/716768 "2015-04-04T01:35:57Z")
I’m taking a trip next month to Mexico and the hotel only allows one device to connect to their wifi. I’m trying to find a way around this restriction. At my disposal, I have a laptop with builtin wifi, a USB wifi conn… --- ## [new twist on malware popups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-twist-on-malware-popups/716682)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2015, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-twist-on-malware-popups/716682 "2015-04-04T01:03:39Z")
The crooks are getting smarter. A few minutes ago, I was browsing with Chrome, and my screen looked like this. Enlarge the text error message if you have to. It’s obvious that this is a scam message, not from Microsof… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1137) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1139)