# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=431 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 432 --- ## [Electricity changing frequency during wartime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricity-changing-frequency-during-wartime/839560)
**Author:** [@vonespy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vonespy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricity-changing-frequency-during-wartime/839560 "2019-09-03T22:45:03Z")
Years ago, I was on the mailing list of several military surplus stores and always looked forward to getting the catalogs of all of the weird stuff that the military didn’t need anymore. The focus of these stores was rad… --- ## [Can I put overhead lights on a timer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-overhead-lights-on-a-timer/768950)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-overhead-lights-on-a-timer/768950 "2019-09-03T20:11:05Z")
I’m familiar with timer devices that you plug your lamps and whatnot into so that they come on and go off while you’re away. My problem is that I don’t have any lamps. All of our lighting is hung from the ceiling in th… --- ## [Solomon's Gold - and any ancient gold by extension...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solomons-gold-and-any-ancient-gold-by-extension/839559)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solomons-gold-and-any-ancient-gold-by-extension/839559 "2019-09-03T18:03:13Z")
What is the modern academic consensus about Solomon and his fabled wealth? My cursory Google searching reveals a billion Christian sites breathlessly extolling the fantastic wealth of Israel under Solomon, and another bi… --- ## [Pronunciation of Colorado town name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-colorado-town-name/839475)
**Author:** [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-colorado-town-name/839475 "2019-09-03T15:13:39Z")
Seeking guidance on a just-encountered pronunciation curiosity. It involves the town of Leadville, Colorado – some 70 / 80 miles south-west of Denver. I’m in the UK: though I’ve long been aware of the town’s existence … --- ## [Physics of Trailer Sway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-trailer-sway/839523)
**Author:** [@GMANCANADA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GMANCANADA)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2019, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-trailer-sway/839523 "2019-09-03T11:07:45Z")
I know that if a towed trailer is not balanced properly, with too much weight on the rear (not enough on the tongue) the trailer will start to sway back and forth while driving and the swaying gets worse as the speed inc… --- ## [3D Map of the 4D Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-map-of-the-4d-universe/839500)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-map-of-the-4d-universe/839500 "2019-09-02T18:17:50Z")
I asked this question in an IMHO thread that immediately died. Assuming that the lack of responses isn’t due to it being a stupid question, I’m posting it here in GQ, which I think is more appropriate anyway: Let’s say… --- ## [Trademark question - "Taco Tuesday"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trademark-question-taco-tuesday/820778)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trademark-question-taco-tuesday/820778 "2019-09-02T17:51:39Z")
Thrillist article Short version - Taco John’s, a Mid-West chain, has trademarked the term “Taco Tuesday.” They periodically send out C&D letters to other restaurants using the phrase. But there is plenty of evidence tha… --- ## [how do I solve this question (and get the wifi password)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-solve-this-question-and-get-the-wifi-password/839525)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-solve-this-question-and-get-the-wifi-password/839525 "2019-09-02T14:11:33Z")
Actually I got this from a facebook group… I don’t get the answer even though I am supposed to be good at Math! --- ## [Odds of photon from one element being able to be absorbed by another?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-of-photon-from-one-element-being-able-to-be-absorbed-by-another/839522)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-of-photon-from-one-element-being-able-to-be-absorbed-by-another/839522 "2019-09-02T11:30:01Z")
My limited understanding is that for a photon to be absorbed by an atom, it must be of a precise energy to kick an electron up to a higher orbital. So a few questions if you will: Is there a tolerance level, however m… --- ## [Has any computer software ever been released on vinyl?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-computer-software-ever-been-released-on-vinyl/602508)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-computer-software-ever-been-released-on-vinyl/602508 "2019-09-02T08:52:27Z")
I guess if this happened, it would have been during the 8-bit home computer revolution of the 1980s. Software was widely distributed on cassette tape (sounded like an analogue modem - probably because it used similar me… --- ## [The reverse of the Intermediate Value Theorem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reverse-of-the-intermediate-value-theorem/839499)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reverse-of-the-intermediate-value-theorem/839499 "2019-09-02T04:02:30Z")
So, I was just teaching some calc students about the Intermediate Value Theorem: If a function is continuous, then for any a and b, and for every value in between f(a) and f(b), there’s some x in between a and b such th… --- ## [Ok, Trump buys Greenland.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-trump-buys-greenland/839370)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-trump-buys-greenland/839370 "2019-09-02T01:12:41Z")
Where does the money come from? --- ## [Chemistry Q: What does methylene chloride decompose into when heated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemistry-q-what-does-methylene-chloride-decompose-into-when-heated/835191)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemistry-q-what-does-methylene-chloride-decompose-into-when-heated/835191 "2019-09-01T15:50:58Z")
Been doing some chemistry research and cannot find the answer to this - what does methylene chloride decompose into when heated at around 200-300 F? --- ## [Banging washer: what's the worst that could happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banging-washer-whats-the-worst-that-could-happen/839539)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banging-washer-whats-the-worst-that-could-happen/839539 "2019-09-01T15:43:28Z")
I left home while a load was in the washer and come back to find that not only was the load unbalanced, but it evidently had banged so violently that there is now a noticeable dent/bulge in the wall of the machine. What’… --- ## [A/C under warranty - company says it works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-under-warranty-company-says-it-works/837893 "2019-09-01T04:18:08Z")
They won’t do the work at your home. They take it out and leave you with a loaner. But if they get it and say “We don’t agree with you” what do you do? I had to go to a hotel for two nights last week. The unit would no… --- ## [Are temporary corporations a "thing" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-temporary-corporations-a-thing/839488)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2019, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-temporary-corporations-a-thing/839488 "2019-09-01T02:10:49Z")
Let’s suppose I want to construct an office building, film a movie, or some other big budget business deal and wanted to fund it differently than established procedures: not by an investment group or borrowing from a ban… --- ## [RF antenna connection question. Change orientation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-antenna-connection-question-change-orientation/839506)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-antenna-connection-question-change-orientation/839506 "2019-08-31T21:06:41Z")
Building a backpack with a mobile radio. Using SO-239 antenna mounting points. The pack will be used in horizontal and vertical orientation. Is it okay to split the antenna coax feed to two SO-239 mounts, leaving one op… --- ## [Most visible color for sports balls, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-visible-color-for-sports-balls-etc/839450)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-visible-color-for-sports-balls-etc/839450 "2019-08-31T18:11:04Z")
The other day I read that traditional soccer balls are black and white because that makes for the best visibility in all lighting conditions - which seemed to make sense, except then I remember hearing that tennis balls … --- ## [Creating/mounting hard disk as an .iso file](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-mounting-hard-disk-as-an-iso-file/839517)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-mounting-hard-disk-as-an-iso-file/839517 "2019-08-31T17:26:10Z")
I have a hard disk (SATA SSD) that was formerly the primary drive in my computer. It had Windows 10 installed. I replaced it, reinstalled Windows on the new drive and now I want to copy files from the old primary drive. … --- ## [Is excessive walking ever detrimental?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-excessive-walking-ever-detrimental/839430)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-excessive-walking-ever-detrimental/839430 "2019-08-31T14:20:44Z")
(I’m putting this question here because I assume there is a factual answer, but this may move into IMHO territory so Mods feel free to move it as appropriate. This is a not a request for medical advice. I will also be as… --- ## [O.C. on eyeglass prescription?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/o-c-on-eyeglass-prescription/839455)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/o-c-on-eyeglass-prescription/839455 "2019-08-31T06:42:00Z")
No, not O.S. / left eye The prescription lists Sphere, Cylinder, Axis on first line. Second line is Add (single vision so blank), O.C. and Dist P.D. Both of these have two values for each eye, identical in this case. I… --- ## [Japanese Translation Please? (And Spanish Lip-Reading While We're At It)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-translation-please-and-spanish-lip-reading-while-were-at-it/839495)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japanese-translation-please-and-spanish-lip-reading-while-were-at-it/839495 "2019-08-31T04:13:13Z")
Any Japanese speakers feel like translating about 1:48 minutes’ worth of sports commentary? In this video, a Spanish U-12 football (soccer) team beats a Japanese team. After the Spanish boys celebrate, they console thei… --- ## [Odd visual effect - spinning wheel nuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-visual-effect-spinning-wheel-nuts/839473)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-visual-effect-spinning-wheel-nuts/839473 "2019-08-31T03:16:48Z")
While traveling on the interstate yesterday I was slowly passed by a semi truck. Its front wheels had very long (like 4-5") decorative nuts on the studs, something like what can be seen here. As it pulled past, I notice… --- ## [Is there a term for when a cure or solution to a problem becomes a bigger problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-when-a-cure-or-solution-to-a-problem-becomes-a-bigger-problem/839472)
**Author:** [@Nippless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nippless)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2019, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-when-a-cure-or-solution-to-a-problem-becomes-a-bigger-problem/839472 "2019-08-31T00:15:08Z")
Is there a term for when a cure or solution to a problem becomes a bigger problem than what it was supposed to resolve? for example, Australia and toads. --- ## [If no regular liquids were avaiable for years, could one remain healthy on watermelon, grapes,...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-no-regular-liquids-were-avaiable-for-years-could-one-remain-healthy-on-watermelon-grapes/838540)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-no-regular-liquids-were-avaiable-for-years-could-one-remain-healthy-on-watermelon-grapes/838540 "2019-08-30T19:44:35Z")
If no regular liquids were avaiable for years, could one remain healthy on watermelon, grapes,…If so, what else. --- ## [brake pedal goes almost to the floor. What's the usual problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brake-pedal-goes-almost-to-the-floor-whats-the-usual-problem/839231)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brake-pedal-goes-almost-to-the-floor-whats-the-usual-problem/839231 "2019-08-30T19:38:56Z")
I have already checked the brake fluid level. 4 times. It’s full. I had the brake rotors machined about 20k miles ago. I’m not getting any of the marker warnings, vibration in the pedal and no squeal. Could it be the m… --- ## ["Seeing" moving fan blades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-moving-fan-blades/839421)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeing-moving-fan-blades/839421 "2019-08-30T15:44:44Z")
I’ve been looking at my floor-standing fan. Obviously, the moving fan blades are a blur, but I’ve been noticing how they change in appearance according to the fan speed setting. On the low speed setting, the blur is co… --- ## [Foam house insulation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-house-insulation/839332)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-house-insulation/839332 "2019-08-30T14:45:08Z")
I’m considering having foam insulation installed in a house built in 1955 without insulation in the walls. Has anyone done this? Did you save enough money on heating and cooling bills to make it pay? Thanks, CP --- ## [Moen 1222 cartridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moen-1222-cartridge/839317)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moen-1222-cartridge/839317 "2019-08-30T13:40:47Z")
When my hot water disappeared in a shower I went online, and after seeing how hard these are to replace hired a plumber. After an hour or so he came down with the broken stem and said he will have to replace then entire… --- ## [Chromebook Problems...Or Internet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chromebook-problems-or-internet/839464)
**Author:** [@Jrubas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jrubas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2019, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chromebook-problems-or-internet/839464 "2019-08-30T09:16:01Z")
i use a Samsung Chromebook, a year and a half old, and it’s worked fine. Today, however, I’ve been having problems. I can access most websites fine, but YouTube keeps buffering, my Docs have me as offline even though I h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=430) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=432)