# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=368 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 369 --- ## [Tech question re email formatting in Outlook 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-question-re-email-formatting-in-outlook-2016/852728)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2020, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tech-question-re-email-formatting-in-outlook-2016/852728 "2020-04-28T14:04:02Z")
Hello all my tech minded smart cookies. Halp!!! Why does my carefully formatted email look totally different to the recipient? To be specific, it’s a newsletter comprised of links and texts in different fonts that I the… --- ## [Artificially Halting Fusion in a Star?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificially-halting-fusion-in-a-star/850192)
**Author:** [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2020, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificially-halting-fusion-in-a-star/850192 "2020-04-28T13:56:13Z")
I had a weird thought the other day, wondering if there was a way to artificially stop fusion from occurring in a star. Staying within known science, is there a hypothetical way to do it? Maybe introducing large (really … --- ## [Does soap destroy viruses other than 2019-nCOV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-soap-destroy-viruses-other-than-2019-ncov/852717)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2020, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-soap-destroy-viruses-other-than-2019-ncov/852717 "2020-04-28T11:59:41Z")
For many years my understanding of soap’s role in handwashing was that it just physically removed the virus particles from your hands. With regard to 2019-nCOV, authorities have been reporting that soap also chemically … --- ## [How to sync Outlook and android (Google)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sync-outlook-and-android-google/825993)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2018, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sync-outlook-and-android-google/825993 "2018-12-13T04:02:17Z")
I have two android phones (work and personal) and when I save a number or contact on one phone it doesn’t always show up on the other phone. Also, when I add a contact to Outlook (via work computer) it usually won’t sho… --- ## [Tommy gun, sten gun, Bren gun - what were they all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tommy-gun-sten-gun-bren-gun-what-were-they-all/838154)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2020, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tommy-gun-sten-gun-bren-gun-what-were-they-all/838154 "2020-04-28T08:37:05Z")
As per thread title - were they all WWII vintage? Where did the names come from? Where they all “machine guns” --- ## [Copyright on movie quotes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-on-movie-quotes/852665)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-on-movie-quotes/852665 "2020-04-27T21:57:43Z")
I bought a T shirt with a quote from a movie. I assume they would have to pay a royalty for each shirt sold? the quote is “Now go get your f\*king shine box”. I think most people know what movie that is from. --- ## [Couple more bird ID questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-more-bird-id-questions/852620)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-more-bird-id-questions/852620 "2020-04-27T18:37:38Z")
One heard, other seen. Western burbs of Chicago. Singing in my backyard, early a.m. - approx 6:30. High in a locust tree. Could not see it. 5 note song made of of 2 notes, a fifth apart, starting w/ the C above mid… --- ## [Is this photo for real? (Passenger plane coming in to land)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-photo-for-real-passenger-plane-coming-in-to-land/733823)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-photo-for-real-passenger-plane-coming-in-to-land/733823 "2017-07-14T05:08:13Z")
Personally I find there is little more obnoxious online than people shouting ‘fake!’ when presented with anything even slightly unusual but this photo has me wondering if it has been photoshopped or is for realz. … --- ## [Business or marketing practice of inserting your logo into customer's product - name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-or-marketing-practice-of-inserting-your-logo-into-customers-product-name/852357)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-or-marketing-practice-of-inserting-your-logo-into-customers-product-name/852357 "2020-04-27T17:09:09Z")
There’s a business practice or marketing practice where you get your branding, your logo, inserted into whatever your customer is producing. Example: you manufacture and sell specialty cameras, and you design them so th… --- ## [already filed paper 2019 Fed 1040-can I file again electronically today to speed things up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/already-filed-paper-2019-fed-1040-can-i-file-again-electronically-today-to-speed-things-up/852626)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/already-filed-paper-2019-fed-1040-can-i-file-again-electronically-today-to-speed-things-up/852626 "2020-04-27T16:45:08Z")
Hello everyone. Please don’t laugh too hard. :slight\_smile: A couple of weeks ago I filed my paper 2019 Federal 1040. I know, I know, a dinosaur am I. :smack: But I digress. Today, while looking for something else,… --- ## [What happens if a COMEX gold contract writer fails to deliver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-comex-gold-contract-writer-fails-to-deliver/852564)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-comex-gold-contract-writer-fails-to-deliver/852564 "2020-04-27T15:08:16Z")
With the talk of COMEX possibly defaulting on gold deliveries I was curious what happens. Now I know that if the contract holder wishes physical delivery, COMEX will deliver the gold and if it doesn’t have gold it can s… --- ## [Any problems with Twitter today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-problems-with-twitter-today/852449)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-problems-with-twitter-today/852449 "2020-04-27T14:34:41Z")
When I try to access my Twitter profile on Android, I get “Something went wrong, but don’t fret-it is not your fault” error message. But I can still tweet and access my notifications, messages etc. And I can access my pr… --- ## [Executive Orders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-orders/852667)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-orders/852667 "2020-04-27T14:16:21Z")
Are there any limitations on what governors can order once they declare a State of Emergency? If you look at the recent history of the NJ governor’s orders, ISTM that he can pretty much order whatever he wants, from ban… --- ## [What does it mean if a car has cruise control?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-if-a-car-has-cruise-control/852345)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-if-a-car-has-cruise-control/852345 "2020-04-27T13:51:36Z")
Well in a song by Status Quo called Little Me and You there is a line which says Cruise control the motorway It’s the freedom that I love and I want to sail away away away and I believe it is something that you set when … --- ## [Earthquake-proofing my book cases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthquake-proofing-my-book-cases/852640)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earthquake-proofing-my-book-cases/852640 "2020-04-27T13:26:13Z")
I’ve just moved my bookcases around in my study. Because they are quite over-loaded I have been worried they might topple so I stuck a small batten about a cm thick under the front edge. That seems to have shifted thei… --- ## [How many atoms in a glass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-atoms-in-a-glass/638422)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2012, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-atoms-in-a-glass/638422 "2012-10-22T16:47:38Z")
I’m sure this must have been bought up before but perhaps my search powers are week… One of my favourite little factoids is this: Take a glass dip it in the sea and then magically tag every atom in the water. Pour the w… --- ## [Are German 'Klausuren' limited to 'Oberstufe Gymnasiasten'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-german-klausuren-limited-to-oberstufe-gymnasiasten/852416)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-german-klausuren-limited-to-oberstufe-gymnasiasten/852416 "2020-04-27T09:36:15Z")
Are German ‘Klausuren’ limited to ‘Oberstufe Gymnasiasten’? or do junior Gymnasium students also take “Klausuren” rather than just “Prüfungen”.? I look forward to your feedback --- ## [which is worse, neuropsychologically speaking- chronic sleep deprivation or occasional all-nighters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-worse-neuropsychologically-speaking-chronic-sleep-deprivation-or-occasional-all-nighters/852597)
**Author:** [@peterpinkpuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peterpinkpuss)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-worse-neuropsychologically-speaking-chronic-sleep-deprivation-or-occasional-all-nighters/852597 "2020-04-27T03:25:17Z")
Help me settle this bet with my “roommate”. Assuming they both have similar sleep hygiene and biological factors, who will be more impaired: a person who gets 8+ hours of solid sleep every night of the week except Satu… --- ## [weight of set concrete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-of-set-concrete/852622)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-of-set-concrete/852622 "2020-04-27T03:10:31Z")
Hi, I’m thinking of using concrete to make a one gallon size kettlebell. I’ve read that concrete weighs approximately 20 or 25 lbs, depending on whether one uses an American or British gallon. My question is, how much w… --- ## [What plane is shown in this clip from Who’s Harry Crumb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-plane-is-shown-in-this-clip-from-who-s-harry-crumb/852605)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2020, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-plane-is-shown-in-this-clip-from-who-s-harry-crumb/852605 "2020-04-27T01:40:32Z")
The link is to a clip from the John Candy movie Who’s Harry Crumb? The plane is supposed to flying from LAX to Buenos Aires. It’s one of those three engine planes with one of the engines being in the middle. The ques… --- ## [Use of an indefinite article before a proper noun phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-an-indefinite-article-before-a-proper-noun-phrase/852553)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-an-indefinite-article-before-a-proper-noun-phrase/852553 "2020-04-26T22:14:17Z")
I was reading with an ESL student today and we came upon the passage below. The student promptly asked me if the article usage was correct, but she didn’t specify which article. I quickly scanned the selection and nothi… --- ## [Re-districting: When does it happen, and controlled by whom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-districting-when-does-it-happen-and-controlled-by-whom/852335)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-districting-when-does-it-happen-and-controlled-by-whom/852335 "2020-04-26T21:27:19Z")
Okay, we’re doing a census this year. And sometime after that, districts get re-drawn. When does that happen? Before the November election? After the election but before a new Congress (and new state legislatures and… --- ## [What is meant by a 'bystander pathogen'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-a-bystander-pathogen/852535)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-a-bystander-pathogen/852535 "2020-04-26T19:59:41Z")
Hi What is meant by a ‘bystander pathogen’? I look forward to your feedback --- ## [johnson = dick origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/johnson-dick-origin/221969)
**Author:** [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/johnson-dick-origin/221969 "2020-04-26T19:44:29Z")
It seems to me that I first heard “johnson” as a slang term for “penis” sometime in the early to mid 80’s. Anybody know the origin? First popularized as an African American usage, but, beyond that, I don’t know. A qui… --- ## [weight of set concrete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-of-set-concrete/852623)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-of-set-concrete/852623 "2020-04-26T17:05:51Z")
Hi, I’m thinking of using concrete to make a one gallon size kettlebell. I’ve read that concrete weighs approximately 20 or 25 lbs, depending on whether one uses an American or British gallon. My question is, how much w… --- ## [How is the money a bussines currently has called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-money-a-bussines-currently-has-called/852552)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-money-a-bussines-currently-has-called/852552 "2020-04-26T13:36:57Z")
For example let’s say you have a shop. The worth of the shop building, inventory, stuff you are selling,etc,etc. is 50 thousand dollars, so if you sold all of it, that’s how much you’d get for it. The annual profit you m… --- ## [If I put something into orbit, do I still own it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-something-into-orbit-do-i-still-own-it/852394)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 10:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-something-into-orbit-do-i-still-own-it/852394 "2020-04-26T10:37:03Z")
As any good crime show will teach you, if I put something in the garbage can outside, I don’t own it any more. So if I launch an unmanned item into space, do I actually have claim to ownership any longer? Haven’t I esse… --- ## [Explain like I'm dumb: How can the US operate at such a blinding monetary deficit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-like-im-dumb-how-can-the-us-operate-at-such-a-blinding-monetary-deficit/852396)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2020, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-like-im-dumb-how-can-the-us-operate-at-such-a-blinding-monetary-deficit/852396 "2020-04-26T03:11:53Z")
Talk slow because I’m slow. The US has debated back and forth about the deficit for years. Without getting political, how does it work–are we basically operating on a credit type system? And our creditors are foreign na… --- ## [Is there a downside to using Google's DNS servers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-using-googles-dns-servers/852268)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2020, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-downside-to-using-googles-dns-servers/852268 "2020-04-25T20:48:12Z")
For whatever reason, my ISP seems to have regular issues with their server that does DNS, so I configured my router to use Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. I haven’t had any issues since making the change while I know that… --- ## [Are Tachyons Real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tachyons-real/797660)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tachyons-real/797660 "2020-04-25T19:12:03Z")
I certainly don’t have a degree in physics. But I do still try to remain informed. And one of the many things I wonder about, is the Tachyon. I realize it only exists on paper, apparently as a thoughtful mental exercise… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=367) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=369)