# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1149 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1150 --- ## [Is it illegal to impersonate a lawyer if you are representing yourself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-impersonate-a-lawyer-if-you-are-representing-yourself/509922)
**Author:** [@TheMadHun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMadHun)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-impersonate-a-lawyer-if-you-are-representing-yourself/509922 "2015-03-18T18:56:37Z")
I’m not talking about practicing law. Say I want a debtor to think I have turned his case over to a lawyer. Can I make up stationery with a random alias, with the word Esq at the end, and a lawyerly “company line” in t… --- ## [Celebrity assassinations other than John Lennon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrity-assassinations-other-than-john-lennon/262224)
**Author:** [@FlippyFly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlippyFly)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrity-assassinations-other-than-john-lennon/262224 "2015-03-18T18:47:29Z")
Other than John Lennon, what other non-political celebrities have been assassinated? --- ## [How to calculate the outer dimensions of an 90° turned rectangle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-calculate-the-outer-dimensions-of-an-90-turned-rectangle/715281)
**Author:** [@Whiskey\_Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whiskey_Dickens)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-calculate-the-outer-dimensions-of-an-90-turned-rectangle/715281 "2015-03-18T17:53:58Z")
It’s not a homework question, I promise! At my work, we make wire mesh. A customer wants this wire mesh installed 90° turned, so that the openings appear to be diamond shaped. The outside dimensions of the turned flat… --- ## [Two questions about Pi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-pi/715016)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-pi/715016 "2015-03-18T17:47:32Z")
'Cause you know, it’s Pi day and all… Would anything interesting happen if some day down the line some giant computer found that Pi repeats? As in, at the 13 trillionth place it starts over at 3145… Anything interestin… --- ## [Urban Bird Populations and Bird Feeders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-bird-populations-and-bird-feeders/715021)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-bird-populations-and-bird-feeders/715021 "2015-03-18T16:54:02Z")
My Neighborhood As you can see, not a lot of open space, but we do have front and back yards with trees. I’ve been running a bird feeder for years and I’ve always wondered about my effect on the local bird population. … --- ## [Tax for digital media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-for-digital-media/715257)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-for-digital-media/715257 "2015-03-18T16:24:58Z")
The web has an absolute mess of information on taxation of digital goods. Does anyone have a simple answer to whether I need to worry about sales tax if I’m selling digital media online (specifically, stock art images t… --- ## [Any way to track a stolen laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-track-a-stolen-laptop/715165)
**Author:** [@Blake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blake)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-track-a-stolen-laptop/715165 "2015-03-18T14:50:03Z")
I had my laptop “stolen” several months ago, in the sense that I forgot and left it at a table. When I went back a few minutes later it was gone. I hadn’t really thought about it before, but someone last night suggested… --- ## [How old were Jesus' disciples?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-were-jesus-disciples/715047)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-were-jesus-disciples/715047 "2015-03-18T14:07:58Z")
…during his own adult life in the Bible? --- ## [Frozen iPad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frozen-ipad/715196)
**Author:** [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frozen-ipad/715196 "2015-03-18T13:13:01Z")
Last night my iPad was reallllllly slow; it couldn’t sync my Nook library. So I turned it off and when I turned it on I got a picture of a cord with “iTunes” above it. I did a bit of searching on my laptop and found that… --- ## [How long can a sandwich be safely kept at room temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-a-sandwich-be-safely-kept-at-room-temperature/714656)
**Author:** [@Blunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blunt)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-a-sandwich-be-safely-kept-at-room-temperature/714656 "2015-03-18T09:57:34Z")
I’m planning on starting to pack a lunch for work and wondering if it’ll be ok to keep it at my desk unrefrigerated. If I make a sandwich from deli lunch meat (chicken or whatever), will it be safe to eat if it’s in a s… --- ## [If Jesus was really named "Yeshua"...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-jesus-was-really-named-yeshua/714954)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-jesus-was-really-named-yeshua/714954 "2015-03-18T07:53:07Z")
then why isn’t every instance of “Joshua” in the Bible translated the same way? --- ## [How did the very basics of Soviet Communism work at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-very-basics-of-soviet-communism-work-at-all/714978)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-very-basics-of-soviet-communism-work-at-all/714978 "2015-03-18T07:35:31Z")
Some professions take more labor and are harder, or require more talent, than others. Does this mean doctors were actually paid the same as bakers in Communist Russia? For that matter, how did money work? Assuming you… --- ## [Why were writers in prison allowed to keep their manuscripts that they wrote in prison?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-writers-in-prison-allowed-to-keep-their-manuscripts-that-they-wrote-in-prison/714983)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-writers-in-prison-allowed-to-keep-their-manuscripts-that-they-wrote-in-prison/714983 "2015-03-18T05:37:34Z")
I am not referring to incarceration in the United States, but rather, imprisonment in other countries in the past, some of them fairly repressive countries. Why were some political dissidents or other historical authors… --- ## [I'm willing to have my illusions destroyed \[how was this illusion done?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-willing-to-have-my-illusions-destroyed-how-was-this-illusion-done/715238)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-willing-to-have-my-illusions-destroyed-how-was-this-illusion-done/715238 "2015-03-18T01:06:38Z")
It must be so simple that I can’t see it, but how does this illusion work? What am I missing? I’m willing to have the illusion spoiled for the chance to understand what’s happening. Any help? --- ## [Turned off circuit breaker for Fridge; now buzzes when I turn it back on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turned-off-circuit-breaker-for-fridge-now-buzzes-when-i-turn-it-back-on/715239)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2015, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turned-off-circuit-breaker-for-fridge-now-buzzes-when-i-turn-it-back-on/715239 "2015-03-18T00:16:54Z")
Yesterday I was trying to replace the light bulb in my Smeg refrigerator; I can’t easily pull it out to unplug it so I turned off the circuit breaker thingy that feeds electricity to it; I unscrewed the old light bulb, b… --- ## [What parts of the human body do not feel pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-human-body-do-not-feel-pain/715025)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-human-body-do-not-feel-pain/715025 "2015-03-17T23:36:09Z")
I guess it depends on how you define parts. I don’t consider products the body makes in this question but which are not attached to the body (saliva, urine, feces), it has to be things physically attached to the body. P… --- ## [Radar questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radar-questions/714632)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radar-questions/714632 "2015-03-17T22:59:51Z")
Does a longer wavelength require a larger antenna for emission or reception or both? Radar uses specular reflection. Why not also diffuse reflection? How come stealthy aircraft like the F-35 still have round surfaces u… --- ## [Replacement Fridge Bulb in US: 220 or 110 volts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-fridge-bulb-in-us-220-or-110-volts/714909)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacement-fridge-bulb-in-us-220-or-110-volts/714909 "2015-03-17T22:38:56Z")
I have a Smeg refrigerator here in the US, and need to replace the bulb. The manual just says “E14 15w maximum”. The ones like that are on the internet seem to be “220 volts” or so. Is that ok to use? My fridge is plugge… --- ## [What's with Netanyahu's Scandinavian plot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-netanyahus-scandinavian-plot/715179)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-netanyahus-scandinavian-plot/715179 "2015-03-17T20:31:03Z")
It appears that in at least two separate interviews for Israeli radio, Netanyahu has accused the Scandinavians of conspiring against him: Alas, an Haaretz article on the matter seems to be behind a paywall. OK, so I k… --- ## [Why does the sum of all natural numbers equal -1/12?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sum-of-all-natural-numbers-equal-1-12/678452)
**Author:** [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-sum-of-all-natural-numbers-equal-1-12/678452 "2015-03-17T18:26:09Z")
OK, Numberphile just blew my mind. The sum of all natural numbers (from 1 to infinity) produces an “astounding” result. I can’t help feeling that it’s a bit of a parlor trick like “proving” 1 = 2 via mathe… --- ## [Demon core from Fat Man/Little Boy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demon-core-from-fat-man-little-boy/695548)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demon-core-from-fat-man-little-boy/695548 "2015-03-17T18:04:40Z")
In the film Fat Man and Little Boy, there is a fictionalized account of the Demon Core which was responsible for the death of two scientists in two different accidents. John Cusack’s character is conducting experiments… --- ## [Are prisoners allowed to play CDs / listen to audio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prisoners-allowed-to-play-cds-listen-to-audio/715213)
**Author:** [@aaelghat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaelghat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prisoners-allowed-to-play-cds-listen-to-audio/715213 "2015-03-17T18:03:45Z")
Hi - So I run a service that let’s people phone in stories, memories, and well-wishes for someone’s birthday or other special occasion. Those recordings can then be downloaded, out on a CD, or played on a speaker with a… --- ## [Can a large ship sail right through an oil slick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-large-ship-sail-right-through-an-oil-slick/714939)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-large-ship-sail-right-through-an-oil-slick/714939 "2015-03-17T17:52:18Z")
Can a large ship (think a modern freighter) simply plow right through an oil slick, or would it still foul up the propellers and ruin them? --- ## [Explain the health insurance penalty to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-health-insurance-penalty-to-me/714629)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-health-insurance-penalty-to-me/714629 "2015-03-17T17:41:34Z")
Went to get my taxes done today and the VERY first thing I was asked was to see my health insurance. I didn’t really ask, but I assumed it was to see if I would receive a penalty on my taxes. My question is, do people … --- ## ["Hazme caso" meaning in English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hazme-caso-meaning-in-english/715134)
**Author:** [@funky\_little\_lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/funky_little_lee)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hazme-caso-meaning-in-english/715134 "2015-03-17T17:41:12Z")
As part of my attempt to keep my Spanish up, I read short books and articles. In a book I’m reading, one character says to another, “Hazme caso, no quiero preocuparte.” I couldn’t find “Hazme caso” in any of my dictionar… --- ## [Flag at half-staff today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-at-half-staff-today/715214)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-at-half-staff-today/715214 "2015-03-17T17:32:17Z")
Today, March 17th, 2015. All day long, the flag at the local UAW hall across the street has been flying at half-staff. Nobody at my work has any idea why. Did somebody famous die? Was there a disater someplace? Did … --- ## [Hardiplank versus Aluminum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hardiplank-versus-aluminum/715145)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hardiplank-versus-aluminum/715145 "2015-03-17T16:54:14Z")
Our condo units are long overdue for new sidings. We have wood now, but the wood was installed “green” and despite much piece meal repairs, they are still defective in many respects. The buildings were constructed in 1… --- ## ["$5k Property Tax Exemption". What does that mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5k-property-tax-exemption-what-does-that-mean/714882)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5k-property-tax-exemption-what-does-that-mean/714882 "2015-03-17T16:48:06Z")
I’m a tax dummy. In FL a veteran with at least 10% disability rating qualifies for the following: “An ex-servicemember who was honorably discharged, is a resident of Florida, and who is disabled to a degree of 10% or m… --- ## ["When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-chuck-norris-does-a-pushup-he-isn-t-lifting-himself-up-he-s-pushing-the-earth-down/714737)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-chuck-norris-does-a-pushup-he-isn-t-lifting-himself-up-he-s-pushing-the-earth-down/714737 "2015-03-17T16:43:10Z")
See subject claim. Where are the forces and how are they described in differing gravitational reference frames when all of us mere mortals do push-ups? I believe this is a variation of the all-the-Chinese-on-Earth-jump… --- ## [In \*general\*, how do encryption algorithms prevent 0's mid-string?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-general-how-do-encryption-algorithms-prevent-0s-mid-string/713683)
**Author:** [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-general-how-do-encryption-algorithms-prevent-0s-mid-string/713683 "2015-03-17T16:10:10Z")
I’m trying to implement a string to string encryption. My understanding is that good encryptions must not be biased - any given byte in the encrypted result has an equal probability of being any value between 0 and 255. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1148) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1150)