# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=447 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 448 --- ## [Diplomatic cables leaked. Wait. Cables?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomatic-cables-leaked-wait-cables/836906)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2019, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomatic-cables-leaked-wait-cables/836906 "2019-07-13T02:27:04Z")
I didn’t even think you could still send a “cable.” Western Union halted its telegram service 13 years ago. Why aren’t diplomats using encrypted email or some other suitably modern mode of communication? --- ## [Where are my (computer) keys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-computer-keys/836977)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-my-computer-keys/836977 "2019-07-12T21:40:44Z")
I’m transitioning to a new computer. Microsoft for Macs 2011 doesn’t seem to have made the migration. Assuming I can migrate it, where can I find the key? I also have Hoyle’s Casino, and that needs a key as well. --- ## [Why are umbrellas pointed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-umbrellas-pointed/314448)
**Author:** [@aerodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aerodave)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-umbrellas-pointed/314448 "2019-07-12T20:41:35Z")
Simple question I was pondering after breaking out my new golf umbrella today on the way to the office… Why do umbrellas have pointed ends? I’m not talking about the little mini-fold umbrellas that usually terminate in… --- ## [Can I reverse the latest "upgrade" in Win-10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-reverse-the-latest-upgrade-in-win-10/836981)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-reverse-the-latest-upgrade-in-win-10/836981 "2019-07-12T20:17:24Z")
My wife’s computer was upgraded a day or so ago. The result is that she has lost her desktop with all its icons. What she gets on the screen looks like what you get from clicking on the Win button at the bottom left. … --- ## [Seaweed in the Caribbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seaweed-in-the-caribbean/782723)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seaweed-in-the-caribbean/782723 "2019-07-12T13:48:46Z")
I stayed at a beautiful resort in Cancun last year, and everything was perfect except for the huge amounts of seaweed in the ocean. The resort tried to remove it daily but just couldn’t keep up. No one could give me a … --- ## [Why only poor images of Pluto?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-only-poor-images-of-pluto/188535)
**Author:** [@cdhostage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cdhostage)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-only-poor-images-of-pluto/188535 "2019-07-12T12:23:57Z")
I was first disturbed by this Scientific American article http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa003&articleID=0004DCF0-8588-1F0C-97AE80A84189EEDF and did some Googling http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/plutocharon.htm http… --- ## [Barr and Criminal Contempt Post-Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barr-and-criminal-contempt-post-trump/836961)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barr-and-criminal-contempt-post-trump/836961 "2019-07-12T12:21:44Z")
Congress is going to be voting on criminal contempt charges for Barr. From what I’ve read, there’s little danger of him going to prison because the Justice Department (obviously) won’t do anything about it while under Ba… --- ## [Are microwaves dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-microwaves-dangerous/518337)
**Author:** [@DaveBfd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveBfd)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-microwaves-dangerous/518337 "2019-07-12T11:30:12Z")
I know they can affect food in some way, but not really what it does. Aside from the effects on food that it cooks, is it dangerous to stand near a running microwave? I know a certain person who leaves the room when a … --- ## [Lower Back Pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lower-back-pain/178041)
**Author:** [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2003, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lower-back-pain/178041 "2003-05-29T15:56:30Z")
I have a very sharp pain in my lower back, off to the left, for which I am visiting a chiropracter tomorrow morning. It’s been bothering me for the last 2-3 days. I am unable to bend over, sit, or walk comfortably, and … --- ## [General Leclerc quote on Vietnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-leclerc-quote-on-vietnam/836950)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-leclerc-quote-on-vietnam/836950 "2019-07-12T08:33:22Z")
General Leclerc was send to Vietnam by France in 1946 to check on the military situation there and report on what would be needed for a French victory. He is quoted as saying “It would take 500,000 men to do it and even … --- ## [Precedent for a country refusing a particular ambassador?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precedent-for-a-country-refusing-a-particular-ambassador/836841)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precedent-for-a-country-refusing-a-particular-ambassador/836841 "2019-07-12T06:17:03Z")
British Ambassador to the US Kim Darroch sent the UK Foreign Office classified assessments of Donald Trump. These assessments, which were unflattering to Trump, were recently leaked. Trump announced that the US would ref… --- ## [How long can a Li-On battery vent without burning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-a-li-on-battery-vent-without-burning/836943)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-a-li-on-battery-vent-without-burning/836943 "2019-07-12T01:36:49Z")
A technician told me a laptop’s Li-On battery can vent fumes without first bulging or catching fire - which has me confused - doesn’t the Li-On contents, by their very nature, ignite on contact with outside air? --- ## [An easy DIY lightproof drain for a pinhole camera?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-easy-diy-lightproof-drain-for-a-pinhole-camera/826292)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-easy-diy-lightproof-drain-for-a-pinhole-camera/826292 "2019-07-12T01:21:51Z")
I’d like to make a homemade pinhole camera to make solargrams, which require long exposures while exposed to the elements. I’ve tried this in the past with varying results, but one thing that has been consistent is that … --- ## [If The Feds Legalize Marijuana, What Does That Mean For The States/Territories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-feds-legalize-marijuana-what-does-that-mean-for-the-states-territories/836904)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2019, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-feds-legalize-marijuana-what-does-that-mean-for-the-states-territories/836904 "2019-07-12T01:16:18Z")
Let’s say that the House and Senate approve a measure to remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act, and the POTUS signs it, effective immediately. For the states that haven’t legalized recreational, or neither … --- ## [Sue a passenger for the delay they cause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sue-a-passenger-for-the-delay-they-cause/834689)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sue-a-passenger-for-the-delay-they-cause/834689 "2019-07-11T22:58:41Z")
Hypothetical: Airline passenger becomes unruly after takeoff. Captain elects to return to the departure city. Police offload the troublemaker. Plane proceeds to destination, now a couple of hours behind schedule. Supp… --- ## [Trump and Twitter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-twitter/836925)
**Author:** [@Unreconstructed\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unreconstructed_Man)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-twitter/836925 "2019-07-11T21:51:13Z")
I’m not American and I’m not familiar with US free speech law, so apologies if this is an obvious question, but… I read recently that a federal appeals court ruled Trump couldn’t block people on Twitter. The reason, as… --- ## [What's the deal with "legal" size paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-legal-size-paper/571622)
**Author:** [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-legal-size-paper/571622 "2019-07-11T21:48:10Z")
Why do they need that extra (depending on where you are) 2 - 4"? 11" isn’t good enough? --- ## [Could current state-of-the-art medical technology transplant a fetus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-current-state-of-the-art-medical-technology-transplant-a-fetus/270884)
**Author:** [@jester21](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jester21)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-current-state-of-the-art-medical-technology-transplant-a-fetus/270884 "2019-07-11T19:48:50Z")
I’ve heard rumors that part of the goal in Cloning/DNA manipulation is to be able to fertalize an human egg w/ DNA from another woman. Hence, eliminating the need for men altogether. (however, this would be a short lived… --- ## [What is the deepest human kind has dug into the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deepest-human-kind-has-dug-into-the-earth/836665)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deepest-human-kind-has-dug-into-the-earth/836665 "2019-07-11T18:04:39Z")
I recall a quote that if the earth were an onion the deepest humans have dug is like same depth as peeling the outermost skin. Is this still true? --- ## [Why do things tend to stay in the shape in which they dry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-things-tend-to-stay-in-the-shape-in-which-they-dry/836862)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-things-tend-to-stay-in-the-shape-in-which-they-dry/836862 "2019-07-11T18:04:07Z")
See title. I’m thinking clothes, hair, paper, etc. --- ## [Can an Executive Order overturn a SCOTUS ruling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-executive-order-overturn-a-scotus-ruling/836908)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-executive-order-overturn-a-scotus-ruling/836908 "2019-07-11T17:43:33Z")
Yes? No? Sometimes? --- ## [Baby born on an airplane. Where is it recorded? Dont Need answers fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-born-on-an-airplane-where-is-it-recorded-dont-need-answers-fast/836867)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-born-on-an-airplane-where-is-it-recorded-dont-need-answers-fast/836867 "2019-07-11T17:37:09Z")
This question struck me as I was watching a TV show. You live in Los Angeles , California but you are visiting Portland, OR. You hop on a flight from Phoenix to Atlanta, GA. While on the flight you give birth to the b… --- ## [When one adds two arithmetic series together, why is one allowed to shift one over by one place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-one-adds-two-arithmetic-series-together-why-is-one-allowed-to-shift-one-over-by-one-place/836831)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-one-adds-two-arithmetic-series-together-why-is-one-allowed-to-shift-one-over-by-one-place/836831 "2019-07-11T17:08:57Z")
When one goes to add two arithmetic series together, I’ve often seen the practice of “bumping” one over by one place, which gives a different result from just adding them together. For instance, the proof of S=1-1+1-1+1… --- ## [The king will give his daughter's hand in marriage to....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-king-will-give-his-daughters-hand-in-marriage-to/836728)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-king-will-give-his-daughters-hand-in-marriage-to/836728 "2019-07-11T14:10:34Z")
…whoever can string his bow/defeat the dragon/retrieve the heirloom. I imagine that it’s just a wish-fulfillment story–I’m strong and clever, so I might be royalty someday! But has any historical ruler offered to marry … --- ## [Why can I still buy OTC antibiotics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-still-buy-otc-antibiotics/836860)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-still-buy-otc-antibiotics/836860 "2019-07-11T03:24:42Z")
The medical community keeps encountering bacterial infections that are resistant to (what used to be) some of our most potent antibiotics. AIUI, this is due to overuse (and casual use) in the past. These days, antibiot… --- ## [Dogs are intelligent. So would they think this.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-are-intelligent-so-would-they-think-this/836729)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dogs-are-intelligent-so-would-they-think-this/836729 "2019-07-11T02:18:46Z")
Dogs are intelligent and observant. So do some dogs think that we feed them for the sole purpose of harvesting their shit. They must see their owners quickly bend down and pick their shit. Therefore would some dogs shi… --- ## [Does DC have to pay for security for Federal events?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-dc-have-to-pay-for-security-for-federal-events/836871)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2019, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-dc-have-to-pay-for-security-for-federal-events/836871 "2019-07-11T00:12:50Z")
According to the Washington Post - “President Trump’s overhauled Fourth of July celebration cost the D.C. government $1.7 million” Does DC have to provide police and security for Presidential events? Or can the Mayor j… --- ## [Changing lawyers in a civil case -- why is this a controversial thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-lawyers-in-a-civil-case-why-is-this-a-controversial-thing/836833)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-lawyers-in-a-civil-case-why-is-this-a-controversial-thing/836833 "2019-07-10T23:37:34Z")
The Department of Justice tried to change the legal team that has been arguing to allow the Commerce Department to add a question on the census relating to citizenship. According to the article below, those who were cha… --- ## [nm & mm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nm-mm/836782)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nm-mm/836782 "2019-07-10T22:56:10Z")
This will probably sound stupid but… What does it mean when someone replies to a thread with just nm or mm? --- ## [9/11 conspiracy reality: How would/could a "diabolical structural engineer" demolish the WTC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-conspiracy-reality-how-would-could-a-diabolical-structural-engineer-demolish-the-wtc/836538)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-conspiracy-reality-how-would-could-a-diabolical-structural-engineer-demolish-the-wtc/836538 "2019-07-10T20:14:07Z")
See query. I know obviously of course he must be Jewish, as I learn from some moronicism from some moronic website: How it might have been done. The World Trade Center was leased by Westfield America and Larry Silvers… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=446) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=448)