# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=401 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 402 --- ## [do i need to do a factory reboot of my android tablet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-do-a-factory-reboot-of-my-android-tablet/845661)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2020, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-do-a-factory-reboot-of-my-android-tablet/845661 "2020-01-01T05:53:22Z")
ok when we bought a tablet from best buy we bought the insurance on it and when the tablet died they replaced it … but the tablet they fibbed off on me was a Samsung galaxy tab a that only had 4gb on it needless to say i… --- ## [Chemically, how does a water softener recharge work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemically-how-does-a-water-softener-recharge-work/845620)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2019, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemically-how-does-a-water-softener-recharge-work/845620 "2019-12-31T23:26:39Z")
I understand the basics of how my water softener works. There’s a bunch of little plastic things in the tank that are (shaped? chemically weakly bonded?) to salt, and when water with dissolved minerals passes through th… --- ## [Front brake wear very asymmetric wheel-to-wheel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/front-brake-wear-very-asymmetric-wheel-to-wheel/845578)
**Author:** [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2019, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/front-brake-wear-very-asymmetric-wheel-to-wheel/845578 "2019-12-31T17:18:39Z")
I’ve got a 2006 Honda Accord LX with about 255,000 miles on it. I do most maintenance myself, including brake work. The front brake pads were last replaced 12,000 miles/11 months ago. At that time, pad wear was unifor… --- ## [Bacteria and plastics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bacteria-and-plastics/845549)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2019, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bacteria-and-plastics/845549 "2019-12-31T17:01:49Z")
Is there any sign that bacteria’s are evolving in landfills to eat plastics? If they did start to evolve would they be able to spread throughout a landfill and could they be moved to other landfills if discovered and est… --- ## [Evaluating Medicare Advantage plans - am I thinking of this in the right way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-medicare-advantage-plans-am-i-thinking-of-this-in-the-right-way/845551)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2019, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evaluating-medicare-advantage-plans-am-i-thinking-of-this-in-the-right-way/845551 "2019-12-31T03:20:45Z")
I’m currently in the process of helping my Dad choose a Medicare Advantage plan to supplement normal Medicare coverage. My Mom died almost 3 years ago, and in that time he’s been covered under a Medicare Advantage plan t… --- ## [How does one get a criminal attorney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-a-criminal-attorney/845310)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-a-criminal-attorney/845310 "2019-12-30T18:02:46Z")
No, I don’t need the answer fast. But I’ve wondered about how people who have previously never had a criminal attorney get one in a hurry. I have used attorneys for civil matters before, but I wouldn’t call on one of the… --- ## [Who decides what happen on Times Square on New Year's Eve, and under what authority do they act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-what-happen-on-times-square-on-new-years-eve-and-under-what-authority-do-they-act/845580)
**Author:** [@TomValois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TomValois)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-what-happen-on-times-square-on-new-years-eve-and-under-what-authority-do-they-act/845580 "2019-12-30T08:16:43Z")
Isn’t Times Square a public place? --- ## [Plumbing help: toilet cistern inlet valve won't shut off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-help-toilet-cistern-inlet-valve-wont-shut-off/845473)
**Author:** [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-help-toilet-cistern-inlet-valve-wont-shut-off/845473 "2019-12-30T08:07:10Z")
My toilet flush mechanism has a design like this one: https://www.screwfix.com/p/fluidmaster-bottom-entry-fill-valve/84007 Recently, the inflow of water has not completely shut off even when the water level has raised t… --- ## [How do I interpret this vague payload capacity chart for my truck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-interpret-this-vague-payload-capacity-chart-for-my-truck/845560)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2019, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-interpret-this-vague-payload-capacity-chart-for-my-truck/845560 "2019-12-30T00:23:56Z")
I dove my venerable 2000 F150 to the tile store yesterday to pick up a palette of tile. I asked the guy there if he knew how much it weighed, and he said “sure!” and whipped out his pocket computer, and punched in a quer… --- ## [Points on which economists agree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/points-on-which-economists-agree/845553)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/points-on-which-economists-agree/845553 "2019-12-29T17:22:35Z")
While economists seem to virtually never agree on anything, I have heard that a number of economics textbooks all begin with ten points on which there is wide agreement. Can anyone briefly summarize these? --- ## [Pharmacological question: Side effects of nettle tea? Catnip marshmallow and fennel tea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacological-question-side-effects-of-nettle-tea-catnip-marshmallow-and-fennel-tea/845529)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pharmacological-question-side-effects-of-nettle-tea-catnip-marshmallow-and-fennel-tea/845529 "2019-12-29T16:17:35Z")
Mrs P came home from a shopping trip with packages of “Mint & Nettle tea”, and also “Mint, Catnip, Marshmallow and Fennel tea.” Both of them have the same warning on the label: “Do not take while pregnant or breastfeed… --- ## [Little boys are made of snips and snails and tails...what's a snip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-boys-are-made-of-snips-and-snails-and-tails-whats-a-snip/845317)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-boys-are-made-of-snips-and-snails-and-tails-whats-a-snip/845317 "2019-12-29T13:45:31Z")
See subject query. Maybe I knew once when I learned it. --- ## [Why are mortgages public record?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mortgages-public-record/845526)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-mortgages-public-record/845526 "2019-12-29T13:43:11Z")
I can understand why information on the sale of a home and property taxes are public record to show fairness in housing. But why are mortgages including a HELOC of public record? --- ## [How does a university decide who gets an honorary degree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-university-decide-who-gets-an-honorary-degree/845400)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-university-decide-who-gets-an-honorary-degree/845400 "2019-12-29T12:50:45Z")
My alma mater , NC State, gave honorary doctorates to Dean Kamen and Steve Wozniak. They are both well known but I don’t know of any connection they have to NCSU. Maybe they know somebody on the board of trustees or t… --- ## [iPhone 5 software update?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-5-software-update/842659)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2019, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-5-software-update/842659 "2019-12-29T09:35:46Z")
I recently learned that all IPhone 5 users will be required to update to iOS 10.3.4. if they still want to access “App Store, iCloud, email and web browsing”. I’m wondering, does the same thing apply to iPhone 4S? And d… --- ## [How bad are ruptured AA/AAA batteries really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-are-ruptured-aa-aaa-batteries-really/845451)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-are-ruptured-aa-aaa-batteries-really/845451 "2019-12-28T21:03:13Z")
For reasons I’ve never fathomed in 6 years of living here, there are very often ruptured (likely run over by car) AA/AAA batteries in my neighborhood and surrounding area parking lots. I can’t figure out why batteries, o… --- ## [What happen to this Boy Genius from Mexico?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happen-to-this-boy-genius-from-mexico/844979)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Mind)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happen-to-this-boy-genius-from-mexico/844979 "2019-12-28T19:40:03Z")
Hi all, I was reading about this Boy, “Laurent Simons” Laurent Simons: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com and this other Boy was mentioned, “Luis Roberto Ramirez Alvarez” Luis Roberto Ramirez Alvarez: Top 10 Fac… --- ## [Average number of times articles of clothing are worn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-number-of-times-articles-of-clothing-are-worn/845416)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-number-of-times-articles-of-clothing-are-worn/845416 "2019-12-28T18:43:25Z")
I heard or read recently that Americans discard clothing after some single-digit number of wears. Maybe seven? I believe there were data on other countries as well. I’d like to find the study that people are getting thes… --- ## ["Biobased" Castor Oil Derived Plastic Alternative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biobased-castor-oil-derived-plastic-alternative/845509)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biobased-castor-oil-derived-plastic-alternative/845509 "2019-12-28T18:14:03Z")
Trying to cut my plastic usage, looked at my toothbrush the other day and though “What about this MFer!?” The first few “eco conscious” toothbrushes I found only addressed the handle, they still had plastic bristles. Th… --- ## [Recalling US currency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recalling-us-currency/845082)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2019, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recalling-us-currency/845082 "2019-12-28T13:47:08Z")
Suppose the US really wanted to hurt the “drug lords” and other wealthy undesirables. Could they announce a recall (“demonetisation”) of all $100 bills and replace them with new ones - making the old ones worthless after… --- ## [The Trump tax cuts and Roth investment tools.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-tax-cuts-and-roth-investment-tools/845454)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-tax-cuts-and-roth-investment-tools/845454 "2019-12-27T22:30:35Z")
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, also known as the Trump tax cuts, lowered tax brackets and raised the standard deduction. They are set to revert to previous rates in 2025. There’s no way of knowing if they actually … --- ## [Do Northern US ponds no longer freeze in the winter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-northern-us-ponds-no-longer-freeze-in-the-winter/845291)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-northern-us-ponds-no-longer-freeze-in-the-winter/845291 "2019-12-27T18:38:43Z")
Or maybe they don’t freeze as long? Or the ice is not thick enough to skate on? As a kid in the 60s in NJ we had a frozen pond but I think it does not freeze now. --- ## [Is my microwave possessed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-microwave-possessed/845438)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-microwave-possessed/845438 "2019-12-27T16:02:19Z")
Three years old, no issues before yesterday. Doesn’t happen every time. Put item to be nuked inside microwave and shut door. Before you can push a button, the light comes on, and the turntable starts rotating. There’s no… --- ## [Best way to put up a solid, but removable, partition wall in a room](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-put-up-a-solid-but-removable-partition-wall-in-a-room/843933)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-put-up-a-solid-but-removable-partition-wall-in-a-room/843933 "2019-12-27T14:49:57Z")
So I have this room in my basement. Recently I’ve got a drum kit and some amps and stereo gear set up in the part of the room which is the foreground of that picture. What I want to do, is partition off the room with a w… --- ## [police interogations in movies and TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-interogations-in-movies-and-tv/845264)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2019, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-interogations-in-movies-and-tv/845264 "2019-12-27T09:22:26Z")
We’ve seen the scene a hundred times. Cops are interviewing a suspect, and they tell him that if he cooperates and gives them the information they want they’ll get a good deal, but if they ask for an attorney the deal is… --- ## [Loose gas cap = car engine system no longer under proper pressure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loose-gas-cap-car-engine-system-no-longer-under-proper-pressure/845322)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2019, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loose-gas-cap-car-engine-system-no-longer-under-proper-pressure/845322 "2019-12-26T21:45:44Z")
Drove a bit with a loose gas cap and check engine light came on; saw that one reason is that the loose gas cap means car engine system is no longer under “proper pressure” - does it repressurize itself again after I put … --- ## [Is it normal in Arab culture for a man to address another man as "dear" in a conversation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-in-arab-culture-for-a-man-to-address-another-man-as-dear-in-a-conversation/845249)
**Author:** [@greenpurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenpurple)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2019, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-in-arab-culture-for-a-man-to-address-another-man-as-dear-in-a-conversation/845249 "2019-12-26T19:13:42Z")
thanks --- ## [Another Kerbal Space Program question: Are the navballs real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-kerbal-space-program-question-are-the-navballs-real/845286)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2019, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-kerbal-space-program-question-are-the-navballs-real/845286 "2019-12-25T15:17:59Z")
The video game Kerbal Space Program, which I know has many fans on this board, uses a device called “navball” as the primary navigation tool. Essentially, they are spherical indicators, not unlike the artificial horizons… --- ## [What kind of puppy is this in the Pet Meds commercial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-puppy-is-this-in-the-pet-meds-commercial/614944)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2012, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-puppy-is-this-in-the-pet-meds-commercial/614944 "2012-03-07T21:30:38Z")
Here.. The first commercial on the page – “Pet Meds - I Would Do Anything” – the puppy being held by the announcer at the beginning. What kind of dog is that? --- ## [Has anyone ever redeemed those "Commemorative Coins" in their own "legal tender" countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-redeemed-those-commemorative-coins-in-their-own-legal-tender-countries/845131)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2019, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-redeemed-those-commemorative-coins-in-their-own-legal-tender-countries/845131 "2019-12-25T07:22:04Z")
You know, when US Mint or whoever is promising a $1 coin with the American moon landing on it and claims it’s “legal tender” but if you look on the back it says BANK OF SEYCHELLES or BANK OF FIJI so you can’t actually re… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=400) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=402)