# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=129 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 130 --- ## [Did DeJoy create the USPS slow down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dejoy-create-the-usps-slow-down/931135)
**Author:** [@Krispy\_Original](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Krispy_Original)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dejoy-create-the-usps-slow-down/931135 "2023-08-14T22:58:50Z")
I have nothing more than anecdotal evidence that USPS mail delivery is more slow now than prior to Louis DeJoy’s appointment in June 2020…but…is it true that USPS service is degraded, and if so, did Louis DeJoy create th… --- ## [Can an employer force employees to work from home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-employer-force-employees-to-work-from-home/988340)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-employer-force-employees-to-work-from-home/988340 "2023-08-14T21:38:54Z")
So now that the Covid19 pandemic has officially ended and so have any restrictions can employers force employees to continue working from home? Can they also force employees to provide the company with free internet serv… --- ## [Turnbuckle belt tensioner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turnbuckle-belt-tensioner/988496)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turnbuckle-belt-tensioner/988496 "2023-08-14T19:13:16Z")
This image came across in my FB feed. It’s a turnbuckle between the engine block and the alternator. Is there anything wrong with this setup? --- ## [Old OS from 1993](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-os-from-1993/988403)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-os-from-1993/988403 "2023-08-14T02:24:36Z")
Way back in 1993, a friend of mine got himself a computer but instead of going with Windows or Linux, he was using some OS whose name started with a G. I’ve no idea why it came to mind about a week ago, but I can’t dismi… --- ## [Trying to print instructions for online purchase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-print-instructions-for-online-purchase/988536)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-print-instructions-for-online-purchase/988536 "2023-08-14T01:46:20Z")
IWe bought a punching bag online and it didn’t come with instructions for wall mount. I found the instructions on line, but i can’t figure out how to print them off. Can any of you folks help? Here’s the link: --- ## [I found a Kindle Fire. How do I find the owner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-kindle-fire-how-do-i-find-the-owner/988112)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2023, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-kindle-fire-how-do-i-find-the-owner/988112 "2023-08-14T00:56:15Z")
For a couple of weeks, I noticed a Kindle Fire propped up on a mailbox in a bank of mailboxes. I finally decided to see if I could find the owner. I know nothing about Kindles. The front is glossy, completely black, a… --- ## [Can someone explain proton pump inhibitors to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-proton-pump-inhibitors-to-me/773615)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2023, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-proton-pump-inhibitors-to-me/773615 "2023-08-13T22:10:23Z")
I have to take Omeprazole pretty much every day because of a chronic stomach condition. When reading about the long term effects of this I see a lot of conflicting information. Some sources say that it prevents secretio… --- ## [Where do plastic surgeons get the skin needed for breast augmentation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-plastic-surgeons-get-the-skin-needed-for-breast-augmentation/988481)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2023, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-plastic-surgeons-get-the-skin-needed-for-breast-augmentation/988481 "2023-08-13T01:42:18Z")
Forgive me for asking such an oddball (and potentially prurient) question, but it recently occurred to me: Suppose a woman has very small breasts, and goes to a plastic surgeon to have breast augmentation. She asks for… --- ## [Need lightweight rod to span 30 inches supported on both ends to hold 20 lbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-lightweight-rod-to-span-30-inches-supported-on-both-ends-to-hold-20-lbs/988418)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2023, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-lightweight-rod-to-span-30-inches-supported-on-both-ends-to-hold-20-lbs/988418 "2023-08-12T17:34:02Z")
I have a 20 lb canoe, and want to make a lightweight yoke for it. The yoke will need to be 30 inches across. I’ll also drill holes in it to mount the shoulder pads. I’d like to shape it in a curve around my neck inste… --- ## [Is it true that most casino employees in Vegas are Mormons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-most-casino-employees-in-vegas-are-mormons/988430)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2023, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-most-casino-employees-in-vegas-are-mormons/988430 "2023-08-12T14:27:02Z")
A friend dropped this nugget on me at a party. Apparently it’s because they’re a pretty strait-laced and moral lot and therefore ideal employees. My Google-fu isn’t great today. --- ## [Intergalactic Voids and Repulsive Gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intergalactic-voids-and-repulsive-gravity/988378)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2023, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intergalactic-voids-and-repulsive-gravity/988378 "2023-08-12T13:08:13Z")
There is astronomic evidence of vast stretches of mostly massless space on cosmically large scales known as Voids. Void (astronomy) - Wikipedia Under certain conditions, gravity can be repulsive (apparently, responsibl… --- ## [Scam e-mails about antivirus software: Why always McAfee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-e-mails-about-antivirus-software-why-always-mcafee/988375)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2023, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-e-mails-about-antivirus-software-why-always-mcafee/988375 "2023-08-12T12:14:14Z")
I regularly get e-mails about the upcoming expiry of my antivirus software, urging me to take action to stay protected. The e-mails are easily recognisable as scam or at least phishing attempts. But one thing that puzzle… --- ## [If A Credible Person Confesses To Murder, But There's No Evidence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-credible-person-confesses-to-murder-but-theres-no-evidence/987933)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2023, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-credible-person-confesses-to-murder-but-theres-no-evidence/987933 "2023-08-12T12:11:13Z")
In an audiobook I’m listening to, a middle-aged, well-respected family man admits that, when he was 17, he murdered his girlfriend in a fit of rage. He got away with it (there was no physical evidence at the crime scene,… --- ## [Anyone heard this theory on Jimmy Hoffa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-heard-this-theory-on-jimmy-hoffa/514943)
**Author:** [@TNWPsycho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TNWPsycho)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-heard-this-theory-on-jimmy-hoffa/514943 "2023-08-11T21:08:05Z")
There is a town by where i work that is home to a cheese factory, F&A Dairy This area of Wisconsin is notorious for being home to rum runners in the 30s and being home to many gangsters later on, and this cheese factory… --- ## [What was the relationship between Siward and Sweyn Forkbeard and their dealings with Scotland under King Macbethad mac Findláech?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-relationship-between-siward-and-sweyn-forkbeard-and-their-dealings-with-scotland-under-king-macbethad-mac-findlaech/988413)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-relationship-between-siward-and-sweyn-forkbeard-and-their-dealings-with-scotland-under-king-macbethad-mac-findlaech/988413 "2023-08-11T20:06:42Z")
What was the relationship between Siward and Sweyn Forkbeard and their dealings with Scotland under King Macbethad mac Findláech ? --- ## [How are houses numbered in US residential streets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-houses-numbered-in-us-residential-streets/983911)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 134\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-houses-numbered-in-us-residential-streets/983911 "2023-08-11T19:46:02Z")
Simple question, inspired by watching US shows and movies that depict houses that are numbered in four and sometimes 5 figures. In Aus, for a very long road, you might get up to the high hundreds (eg 898 Warrigal Rd, War… --- ## [How to remove a fireplace mesh curtain rod?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-a-fireplace-mesh-curtain-rod/988377)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2023, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-a-fireplace-mesh-curtain-rod/988377 "2023-08-11T03:10:20Z")
Our wood-burning fireplace is about 20 years old, and the mesh curtain that stops sparks from shooting out is the worse for wear. I’d like to replace it with something like this. However, I can’t figure out how to remov… --- ## [Is there an easy way to drain the soap out of a dishwasher without completing the cycle? Need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-drain-the-soap-out-of-a-dishwasher-without-completing-the-cycle-need-answer-fast/988285)
**Author:** [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-drain-the-soap-out-of-a-dishwasher-without-completing-the-cycle-need-answer-fast/988285 "2023-08-10T23:29:15Z")
My son has learned what happens when you put liquid Dawn in the dishwasher. I have turned off the cycle. It sounds like the water is draining. What now? Thanks. --- ## [How does the cause of death on a death certificate work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-cause-of-death-on-a-death-certificate-work/986827)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-cause-of-death-on-a-death-certificate-work/986827 "2023-08-10T21:07:49Z")
My father died a few weeks ago, and without question, the gigantic malignant abdominal tumor was what set his demise in motion. However, he died nearly a year after the original tumor removal surgery, and as far as I kno… --- ## [Are vintage cars exempt from seat belt laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vintage-cars-exempt-from-seat-belt-laws/988134)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2023, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vintage-cars-exempt-from-seat-belt-laws/988134 "2023-08-10T07:50:46Z")
I’m not sure when seat belts became standard equipment. I remember my dad installing them in his new cars. He actually removed the old seat belts before trading in the old car. The old belts got installed in his new car. … --- ## [If Trump wins before trial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-wins-before-trial/987437)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-wins-before-trial/987437 "2023-08-09T22:52:29Z")
If Trump were to win election before he’s tried for his current federal indictments, and for whatever reason doesn’t pardon himself, could the trial resume on Jan 20,2029? The statute of limitations doesn’t apply to som… --- ## [iPhone - Can you add one person to an existing text thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-can-you-add-one-person-to-an-existing-text-thread/988310)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-can-you-add-one-person-to-an-existing-text-thread/988310 "2023-08-09T17:17:09Z")
This should not be difficult but I sure cannot find the solution. You have a two-way text conversation in progress. You want to add Aunt Tillie to it. Can you do this without creating a new group text? Every innertube … --- ## [Convert floor plan to actual ft X ft real world dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-floor-plan-to-actual-ft-x-ft-real-world-dimensions/988202)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-floor-plan-to-actual-ft-x-ft-real-world-dimensions/988202 "2023-08-09T17:01:08Z")
Here is the floor plan of a house. The scale says “1/4” = 1’0" I don’t have the original paper document so how do I know what 1/4" looks like. I opened the jpg in Photoshop and looked at the ruler. Was that a good thing… --- ## [What does "pH" stand for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-ph-stand-for/988085)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-ph-stand-for/988085 "2023-08-09T14:28:28Z")
When it comes to terms in chemistry, what does “pH” stand for? --- ## [Using a radio receiver to find a lost key](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-radio-receiver-to-find-a-lost-key/988221)
**Author:** [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-a-radio-receiver-to-find-a-lost-key/988221 "2023-08-09T01:13:15Z")
My neighbor was commenting that his wife lost his spare key somewhere in their house. It’s one of those newfangled wireless keyfob keyless ignition systems. I jokingly said that all he needs is one of those teenagers who… --- ## [Homemade Roach Powder: Do you know its secrets? Can you share them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-roach-powder-do-you-know-its-secrets-can-you-share-them/466126)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2023, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-roach-powder-do-you-know-its-secrets-can-you-share-them/466126 "2023-08-09T00:51:08Z")
Not long ago, I read something somewhere about how you can make bug bait powder that’s reliably fatal, safer than the commercial varieties made with unpronounceable synthetic toxins, and specifically effective against t… --- ## [How clean is condensation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-clean-is-condensation/988256)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-clean-is-condensation/988256 "2023-08-08T17:44:04Z")
If I have a cold drink outside on a humid day, I get a lot of condensation on the can. If the can were thoroughly cleaned beforehand, would the collected condensation be potable? --- ## [Why do I feel colder in winter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-colder-in-winter/988124)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-colder-in-winter/988124 "2023-08-08T17:26:52Z")
So where I’m at it’s August and there’s a high of about 72F here daily. When I woke up today it was 64 in my house and I was comfortable with perhaps an overshirt. I took a shower later that morning and my bathroom was 6… --- ## [Educate me about outhouses, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-outhouses-please/987958)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-outhouses-please/987958 "2023-08-08T17:02:06Z")
I was born in a city, and pretty much always lived in suburbs. My only exposure to rural/country life has been on media or while driving through it on the way to another city/suburb, and as a result I’ve never seen an o… --- ## [Strobe candles - manufacture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strobe-candles-manufacture/516744)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2023, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strobe-candles-manufacture/516744 "2023-08-08T16:44:28Z")
Years ago I had some strobe candles that would flicker up and down in a fairly slow, steady pattern. I have been trying to find some but I can’t locate them on any sites. I am wondering if anybody knows where I can buy… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=128) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=130)