# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=253 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 254 --- ## [Car electronics issue. Small but weird](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-electronics-issue-small-but-weird/951211)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2021, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-electronics-issue-small-but-weird/951211 "2021-09-24T01:58:54Z")
On my 2005 GMC Envoy Denali, have two issues that are impossible to find on the internet. The seat warmer lights - y’know the LEDs that indicate the heater is on - doesn’t come on. But the heater seems to work just fi… --- ## [Can a valve compress air in water flow to reduce one's water bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-valve-compress-air-in-water-flow-to-reduce-ones-water-bill/951122)
**Author:** [@pyromyte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pyromyte)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-valve-compress-air-in-water-flow-to-reduce-ones-water-bill/951122 "2021-09-23T20:22:50Z")
I think my employer is falling for a scam, or at least is being misled. Our corporate dept. wants us to install a water valve just downstream of our main water meter. The valve maker claims this device (in their words) … --- ## [Overtime pay law question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overtime-pay-law-question/950932)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overtime-pay-law-question/950932 "2021-09-23T20:16:01Z")
Not seeking advice of what to do about this, just clarification on the law if possible. My sister has been working 80+ hours/week without an overtime bump. Her boss tells her she can stop at 40 hours if she wants to, bu… --- ## [Can submarines be refuelled or resupplied under water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-submarines-be-refuelled-or-resupplied-under-water/951109)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-submarines-be-refuelled-or-resupplied-under-water/951109 "2021-09-23T18:21:31Z")
I know that some kinds of military airplanes can be refuelled while still in the air. Are there any submarines that can be refuelled and/or resupplied while still under water? I suppose this feature might be important … --- ## [What does this POWERSHELL command do? (malware)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-powershell-command-do-malware/837585)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-powershell-command-do-malware/837585 "2021-09-23T13:59:39Z")
I received a Word file that is probably malware. It has a macro that runs on opening, but I disabled it. I ran the macro up to the line where it executes a Run command. The command is POWERSHELL -Enc IAAoACAALgAoACcAbgB… --- ## [Can you print from Collabora on Chrome OS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-print-from-collabora-on-chrome-os/951149)
**Author:** [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-print-from-collabora-on-chrome-os/951149 "2021-09-23T13:05:29Z")
I talked my mother into getting a Chromebook to replace her old Windows 7 laptop and I’m trying to set it up for her. Had a hard time getting it to work with her printer which is too old to work off the network. I got it… --- ## [Slaughtering pigs: CO2 suffocation from burning gasoline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slaughtering-pigs-co2-suffocation-from-burning-gasoline/951162)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2021, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slaughtering-pigs-co2-suffocation-from-burning-gasoline/951162 "2021-09-23T11:08:30Z")
There was a small article in today’s newspaper about how they’re having a problem in the UK regarding pigs. It seems pigs are slaughtered by suffocation with CO2, but the price of gas (er petrol) is too high, so they sto… --- ## [Strange computer behavior; overheating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-computer-behavior-overheating/951016)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-computer-behavior-overheating/951016 "2021-09-22T20:08:12Z")
Please help me figure out what’s wrong with my computer. I have a Windows 10 with i9-9900, 64GB RAM and an RTX 2080. Whenever I play Oxygen Not Included, my CPU produces heat much faster than the AIO cooler can remove it… --- ## [Social Security example - Am I missing something?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-example-am-i-missing-something/941680)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-example-am-i-missing-something/941680 "2021-09-22T19:03:05Z")
I just started reading a book about planning for retirement. Link Early on, the author explains that it is best to delay taking Social Security as long as possible, even waiting until after you have been retired for a … --- ## [Do engineered hardwood floors expand if they are nailed down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-engineered-hardwood-floors-expand-if-they-are-nailed-down/950962)
**Author:** [@Aceospades](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aceospades)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-engineered-hardwood-floors-expand-if-they-are-nailed-down/950962 "2021-09-22T16:29:54Z")
My question is regarding engineered hardwood floor installation and expansion. If you are nailing down an engineered hardwood floor, how much does it really expand. Every single piece is nailed into a subfloor. I would p… --- ## [Why am I getting calls from a familiar contact name with fake number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-getting-calls-from-a-familiar-contact-name-with-fake-number/951060)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-getting-calls-from-a-familiar-contact-name-with-fake-number/951060 "2021-09-22T13:18:58Z")
Just as an example, I call John Smith regularly. He’s in my contacts. I get a call and my phone displays John Smith is calling. It stops ringing before I can answer. I press redial or (call back or whatever that button … --- ## [How does Netflix prevent screen shots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-netflix-prevent-screen-shots/951064)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-netflix-prevent-screen-shots/951064 "2021-09-22T13:17:45Z")
I am not asking about how to circumvent their protection of their IP or do anything else that even has a whiff of anything illegal. I am just wondering from a technical perspective how they do this. Context is the Netf… --- ## [How would our political parties kick out a member who wasn't following the party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-our-political-parties-kick-out-a-member-who-wasnt-following-the-party/951018)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-our-political-parties-kick-out-a-member-who-wasnt-following-the-party/951018 "2021-09-22T04:47:11Z")
right now there’s a certain ruling party member who has taken it upon himself to be a “right pain in the ass” and seemingly obstructs everything they do in congress What recourse do they have in punting him on his way… --- ## [Are no-contact thermometers "totally inaccurate" with "no science" to back them up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-no-contact-thermometers-totally-inaccurate-with-no-science-to-back-them-up/950995)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2021, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-no-contact-thermometers-totally-inaccurate-with-no-science-to-back-them-up/950995 "2021-09-22T02:52:19Z")
Continuing the discussion from Accuracy of no touch thermometers: Exergen Corp.'s latest radio ad claims no-contact thermometers are totally inaccurate and have no science supporting their use. Is it true? I don’t thin… --- ## [ID this worm-looking thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-worm-looking-thing/951062)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-worm-looking-thing/951062 "2021-09-21T20:24:28Z")
Found in my house. I did not measure but it is in the range of 1-2". Shown on a Bounty paper towel. --- ## [What is the origin of the irritating habit of starting every reply with So,....?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-irritating-habit-of-starting-every-reply-with-so/950775)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-irritating-habit-of-starting-every-reply-with-so/950775 "2021-09-21T19:00:30Z")
What is the origin of the irritating habit of starting every reply with So,…? I hear it among anchors a lot and now it seems just about everyone is doing it. Is is a Mid-Western regional phrase ? I’ve only started to not… --- ## [Roku Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012)
**Author:** [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012 "2021-09-21T18:45:16Z")
I recently bought a Roku speaker w/subwoofer and built in Roku. Sounds great. However, when I switch to the antenna (football games) and DVD, I lose the Roku speakers. It has an HDMI and Optical outlet. Can I use bo… --- ## [Question about slander (U.S. legal system)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-slander-u-s-legal-system/951033)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-slander-u-s-legal-system/951033 "2021-09-21T16:18:12Z")
Hypothetical situation. Let’s say there’s a town hall-style meeting with candidates for an election where the public were allowed to ask questions. If someone asked one of the candidates “Is it true that the rumors of yo… --- ## [Does Law Enforcement Ever Use This Method Of Nabbing Suspects? (Better explained in OP, not asking how to break the law)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-law-enforcement-ever-use-this-method-of-nabbing-suspects-better-explained-in-op-not-asking-how-to-break-the-law/950941)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-law-enforcement-ever-use-this-method-of-nabbing-suspects-better-explained-in-op-not-asking-how-to-break-the-law/950941 "2021-09-21T15:41:51Z")
This thought popped into my head last night as I was falling asleep. I’m sure the FBI has thought of it. Anyway, imagine an undercover officer is hanging out in a message board or other means where, say, wannabe domestic… --- ## [Why no iceplant in the green waste bins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-iceplant-in-the-green-waste-bins/950944)
**Author:** [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-iceplant-in-the-green-waste-bins/950944 "2021-09-21T09:42:15Z")
I’ve been clearing the neighbor’s iceplant from a slope in my yard (it crept into my yard through the fence) for several months, just filling my green waste bin with however much will fit each week. This week I had a not… --- ## [Can the US bar the entrance of a US citizen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-us-bar-the-entrance-of-a-us-citizen/950772)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2021, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-us-bar-the-entrance-of-a-us-citizen/950772 "2021-09-21T02:52:20Z")
Two incidences prompted this question. Once when returning from Canada ten years ago, the Border Patrol officer was a complete asshole and if he could, I’m sure he would have denied me entrance if he could but after a f… --- ## [What happens to ants or bees who don't do any work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-ants-or-bees-who-dont-do-any-work/950502)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-ants-or-bees-who-dont-do-any-work/950502 "2021-09-20T22:51:24Z")
This question is, obviously, a human projecting his human attitudes and thoughts onto non-human insects. But if a worker bee or worker ant just sat there and did nothing, lazing and getting fat off the labor of others, h… --- ## [Why did American fighter-jet designers never go for canards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-american-fighter-jet-designers-never-go-for-canards/950734)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-american-fighter-jet-designers-never-go-for-canards/950734 "2021-09-20T19:18:21Z")
Starting in the 1970s-2000s, canards really caught on in Europe, Russia and China. The Rafale, Eurofighter, Gripen, Viggen, Jian-10, Jian-20, Jian-31, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, Su-35 and Su-37 all featured canards near the no… --- ## [Why are most people right-handed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-people-right-handed/950824)
**Author:** [@turtlescanfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turtlescanfly)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-people-right-handed/950824 "2021-09-20T17:20:02Z")
I know that approximately 10% of people are left-handed. But why? I cant think of any environmental selective pressure for this. I would think it would be more or less evenly split. Also (related), is handedness heritar… --- ## [Why is my unopened16.9 oz bottle of Diet Pepsi compressed and won't open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-unopened16-9-oz-bottle-of-diet-pepsi-compressed-and-wont-open/950856)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-unopened16-9-oz-bottle-of-diet-pepsi-compressed-and-wont-open/950856 "2021-09-20T11:57:35Z")
Also the cap appears to be installed slightly crooked. It looks like too much air was sucked out when it was sealed – the liquid goes all the way up to the bottom of the cap, and the sides are compressed. I can’t turn th… --- ## [Could the death of FDR in January 1945 triggered a constitutional crisis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-death-of-fdr-in-january-1945-triggered-a-constitutional-crisis/950863)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-death-of-fdr-in-january-1945-triggered-a-constitutional-crisis/950863 "2021-09-20T02:14:08Z")
I was reading one of military historian Peter G. Tsouras’s alternative history books and he has a scenario where in January 1945 after the German Army successfully captures Antwerp during the Battle of the Bulge this cre… --- ## [Is there (was there ever?) serious programming being done in machine code?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-was-there-ever-serious-programming-being-done-in-machine-code/937343)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 251\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2021, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-was-there-ever-serious-programming-being-done-in-machine-code/937343 "2021-09-20T00:32:52Z")
Every now and then I read a story about this or that programmer who supposedly wrote this or that piece of software “directly in machine code”. As I understand those stories, “machine code” here refers not to the actual … --- ## [Tell me all about those "Legal Smoking Herbs"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-all-about-those-legal-smoking-herbs/294279)
**Author:** [@Merl\_Minnozza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merl_Minnozza)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2005, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-all-about-those-legal-smoking-herbs/294279 "2005-03-15T16:31:15Z")
www.herbalsmokeshop.com These are all legal so let’s have a conversation about what they do, their effects, etc. They sure look cool. I used to think they were a scam, that they don’t do jack, but how would the company … --- ## [Where to get a very short term loan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-get-a-very-short-term-loan/950667)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2021, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-get-a-very-short-term-loan/950667 "2021-09-19T20:00:04Z")
Say I want to buy a car for $50k. I only have $25k saved up, but my current car will sell for $30k. Where do I get a $25k loan for a very short term (I can typically sell a car in a week or two)? Our credit is great, th… --- ## [Who besides the president rides in a presidential helicopter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-besides-the-president-rides-in-a-presidential-helicopter/950712)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2021, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-besides-the-president-rides-in-a-presidential-helicopter/950712 "2021-09-19T19:27:53Z")
Walking out to lunch earlier today and saw three identical helicopters pass overhead in what appeared to be (to these old eyes) POTUS’s livery. Biden’s vacation home is about a mile and a half from here, and he has visit… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=252) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=254)