# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=472 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 473 --- ## [How do servers check that a new password isn't similar to one used before?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-servers-check-that-a-new-password-isnt-similar-to-one-used-before/832686)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-servers-check-that-a-new-password-isnt-similar-to-one-used-before/832686 "2019-04-18T15:05:03Z")
Where I work, whenever we change our password, the system checks to make sure it’s not the same or even very similar to any previously used passwords. I know passwords are always supposed to be stored using one-way encr… --- ## ["Do not look into microwave" - any valid reason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-look-into-microwave-any-valid-reason/831386)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-look-into-microwave-any-valid-reason/831386 "2019-04-18T14:26:01Z")
The microwave ovens ion my office kitchen have a warning label that among other things says “Do not look closely into oven while it is switched on”. Is there any actual reason why doing so could cause you any harm? Sure… --- ## [Did the French deliberately use "Fake" French soldiers to liberate Paris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-french-deliberately-use-fake-french-soldiers-to-liberate-paris/832704)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-french-deliberately-use-fake-french-soldiers-to-liberate-paris/832704 "2019-04-18T13:18:29Z")
This Cracked article seems to imply that the French deliberately went out of their way to use white soldiers to liberate Paris, even at the cost of using non-French citizens. However the Wikipedia article on the Libera… --- ## [Long-range WiFi routers/repeaters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-range-wifi-routers-repeaters/832581)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-range-wifi-routers-repeaters/832581 "2019-04-16T13:11:30Z")
We’re in the process of building a workshop in our yard, roughly 100’ from the house. We’ll need internet out there and it seems to me the easiest way is with a good strong router or repeater - if I’m using the right te… --- ## ["Toonerville Trolley" question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toonerville-trolley-question/832688)
**Author:** [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toonerville-trolley-question/832688 "2019-04-18T08:06:16Z")
Not altogether sure whether this belongs in “General Questions” or “Cafe Society” – anyway… Prompted by recent discussion on a British message board on transport-related topics, about the American “Toonerville Trolley” … --- ## [HUNDREDS of phishing emails!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-phishing-emails/832596)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-phishing-emails/832596 "2019-04-18T02:49:47Z")
Starting at 4:47 EDT today I started getting a steady stream of phishing emails, all different but all with the modus operandi, to one of my email addresses. Right now it’s up to about 700 and still coming. Each one is f… --- ## [Do rampage killers regret trading a life in prison for a brief political/ideological statement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rampage-killers-regret-trading-a-life-in-prison-for-a-brief-political-ideological-statement/832060)
**Author:** [@Smudge777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smudge777)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rampage-killers-regret-trading-a-life-in-prison-for-a-brief-political-ideological-statement/832060 "2019-04-18T02:35:55Z")
Mods: I’m not sure if this is the right place for this. Perhaps it’s better in IMHO. In light of the recent Christchurch shooting, it’s blatant that the killer wanted to show the world what he can do and wanted to make… --- ## [What does this Dutch road sign mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-dutch-road-sign-mean/832628)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-dutch-road-sign-mean/832628 "2019-04-17T22:13:37Z")
It’s a red warning triangle with a black vertical line inside, seen on Street View here. It’s also on this stock photo (bottom centre). It doesn’t appear on any lists of Dutch road signs I can find, including this gove… --- ## [How did Notre Dame's wooden roof exterior last for 800 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-notre-dames-wooden-roof-exterior-last-for-800-years/832618)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-notre-dames-wooden-roof-exterior-last-for-800-years/832618 "2019-04-17T19:07:53Z")
I read that the exterior part of the wooden roof of the Notre Dame cathedral was the original from 800 years ago. I could see how internal structures might last that long but how can an an exterior, even with whatever … --- ## [What causes crooked or “sideways” mouths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-crooked-or-sideways-mouths/832316)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-crooked-or-sideways-mouths/832316 "2019-04-17T18:42:58Z")
I know a stroke can cause this but I’ve met a lot of people who I suspect never had one that have either crooked mouths or when they speak it seems their mouths are almost on the side of their mouths. I have a co worker … --- ## [Who enforces subpoenas for congress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-enforces-subpoenas-for-congress/832399)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-enforces-subpoenas-for-congress/832399 "2019-04-17T16:58:28Z")
If congress issues a subpoena and the person it is for ignores it who does congress call to enforce it (i.e. have them arrested)? --- ## [How did the mouth of the Niger River go unrecognised for so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mouth-of-the-niger-river-go-unrecognised-for-so-long/832675)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-mouth-of-the-niger-river-go-unrecognised-for-so-long/832675 "2019-04-17T16:20:31Z")
The course of the Niger River confused geographers and explorers for centuries: it takes a circuitous route from the hills in Guinea, not far from the Atlantic, northwards and eastwards before curving back down to the so… --- ## [Blue light affecting health, is the problem the specific wavelength of blue light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-light-affecting-health-is-the-problem-the-specific-wavelength-of-blue-light/832504)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-light-affecting-health-is-the-problem-the-specific-wavelength-of-blue-light/832504 "2019-04-17T15:04:17Z")
So SORAA has new LEDs out, the SORAA “Healthy”. These use violet emitters and a special phosphor blend so they emit no blue light, just violet and green through red. https://www.soraa.com/soraahome/healthy Are the heal… --- ## [Can UK simply walk away from EU?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-uk-simply-walk-away-from-eu/832438)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-uk-simply-walk-away-from-eu/832438 "2019-04-17T04:39:59Z")
When I leave an organization, I usually walk away and don’t look back. Sometimes I’ll tell them that I am leaving, return items belonging to them, and/or will no longer pay dues, etc. Why does May need an exit plan? W… --- ## [no fee for parking in handicapped spots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fee-for-parking-in-handicapped-spots/832366)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2019, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-fee-for-parking-in-handicapped-spots/832366 "2019-04-17T03:42:16Z")
I have noticed that in our town, there are several parking places designated for drivers with some physical handicap. These spots are the prime, close spaces and should make it at least slightly less inconvenient for th… --- ## [Incidental use of brands in films, and Fair Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incidental-use-of-brands-in-films-and-fair-use/832215)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incidental-use-of-brands-in-films-and-fair-use/832215 "2019-04-16T20:26:05Z")
I’m posting this in General Questions because I am looking for factual answers. People use things in films, obviously, and things in films happen ‘in the wild’. Cameras and computers almost always have their brand or l… --- ## [Get macros out of old WK1 file (Lotus 1-2-3)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-macros-out-of-old-wk1-file-lotus-1-2-3/832476)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-macros-out-of-old-wk1-file-lotus-1-2-3/832476 "2019-04-16T18:56:12Z")
I have a Lotus 1-2-3 file with macros. I used a free online utility to convert the file to .xlsx but it didn’t carry over the macros. Is there any way to extract the macros out of a 1-2-3 file without having Lotus 1-2-3 … --- ## [Orgasm - How Early Can You Have One?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orgasm-how-early-can-you-have-one/157453)
**Author:** [@boo\_boo\_bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boo_boo_bear)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orgasm-how-early-can-you-have-one/157453 "2019-04-16T17:41:21Z")
Hi, folks, I originally came here to search for an answer to a question that I friend and I have been discussing for over a month now - at what age can a child first actually experience an orgasm? Thank goodness for so… --- ## [Could a global dictatorship prevent communicable diseases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-global-dictatorship-prevent-communicable-diseases/832528)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-global-dictatorship-prevent-communicable-diseases/832528 "2019-04-16T16:04:28Z")
Basically let’s say everybody in the world is run by a single government who controls everything and they want to make the world healthier by eliminating common illnesses such as the cold, flu, and other diseases people … --- ## [Why is paper money rectangular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-paper-money-rectangular/832411)
**Author:** [@jayrey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayrey)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-paper-money-rectangular/832411 "2019-04-16T12:55:43Z")
While I haven’t done an exhaustive search of all forms of paper money used on the planet, it seems to me that, in almost all countries that use paper money, the bills are rectangular. Why? Why not square or round? --- ## [Secure ends of metal rod](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secure-ends-of-metal-rod/686628)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2014, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secure-ends-of-metal-rod/686628 "2014-04-22T12:29:21Z")
I bought a reel mower yesterday (we have a very small amount of grass to mow). Anyway, there’s a roller on the back that acts as support and height adjustment (image). That roller was attached to the main assembly with… --- ## [Notre Dame roof collapse -- are the walls in danger of collapsing due to intact flying buttresses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notre-dame-roof-collapse-are-the-walls-in-danger-of-collapsing-due-to-intact-flying-buttresses/832600)
**Author:** [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2019, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notre-dame-roof-collapse-are-the-walls-in-danger-of-collapsing-due-to-intact-flying-buttresses/832600 "2019-04-16T08:04:05Z")
As I understand it, the flying buttresses oppose the outward force on the walls of the weight of the roof and vaulting. Assuming the roof and vaulting have collapsed, and the flying buttresses’ are still intact is there… --- ## [How many Americans live in a family that receives at least $1,000/adult in monthly govt. benefits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-americans-live-in-a-family-that-receives-at-least-1-000-adult-in-monthly-govt-benefits/832403)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-americans-live-in-a-family-that-receives-at-least-1-000-adult-in-monthly-govt-benefits/832403 "2019-04-15T21:02:44Z")
Good afternoon, In “Andrew Yang’s UBI proposal” over on the Great Debates forum, Ryan\_Liam, Heffalump and Roo and I disagreed over how many Americans would actually benefit from a $1,000 monthly payment minus existing b… --- ## [Question about MS Powerpoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ms-powerpoint/832536)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ms-powerpoint/832536 "2019-04-15T20:47:47Z")
I run a non-profit and someone donated a Lenovo laptop that we use to present slides on our group at trade shows etc. Our presentation is only 15 slides long, so I need it to keep looping all day long. The laptop didn’t… --- ## [Emerald ash borer – are quarantines effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emerald-ash-borer-are-quarantines-effective/832562)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emerald-ash-borer-are-quarantines-effective/832562 "2019-04-15T20:27:44Z")
Many U.S. states prohibit movement of firewood in some areas in the hope of slowing (or even stopping?) the spread of the emerald ash borer. Is this policy effective to a significant degree? I can’t help but suspect the … --- ## [Taking CBD/THC from US to UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-cbd-thc-from-us-to-uk/832421)
**Author:** [@Tilt-A-Whirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tilt-A-Whirl)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2019, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-cbd-thc-from-us-to-uk/832421 "2019-04-12T09:43:51Z")
After a lifetime of insomnia, a friend (ha, no, really, a friend) recently got a medical marijuana card and has experienced near-miraculous relief, sleeping well and soundly. She has a trip to England planned this Fall,… --- ## [No more corn -- consequences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-corn-consequences/832531)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-corn-consequences/832531 "2019-04-15T19:22:03Z")
A blight develops or is bioengineered or escapes the lab and hybridizes with wild stuff or God snaps His finger or what have you. The end result is the genus Zea which includes corn/maize and its closest relatives is no… --- ## [How do customers know the car that stops is their Uber ride?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-customers-know-the-car-that-stops-is-their-uber-ride/831832)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-customers-know-the-car-that-stops-is-their-uber-ride/831832 "2019-04-15T18:45:11Z")
Horrible tragedy this weekend.Samantha Josephson got into the wrong car on a rainy night. How does someone know a car is their Uber ride? Cabs are very clearly marked --- ## [Define "Kipion"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-kipion/832491)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-kipion/832491 "2019-04-15T18:24:42Z")
Being the name used by the Royal Navy for its operations in my neck of the woods. Any idea as to the origin of this word? --- ## [The Prophecy \[Identify Biblical quote in movie\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prophecy-identify-biblical-quote-in-movie/92377)
**Author:** [@BigTimeGene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigTimeGene)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prophecy-identify-biblical-quote-in-movie/92377 "2019-04-15T16:38:04Z")
Here’s a nerd question: I was watching the movie “The Prophecy” and the lead character has an inner monologue where he says: “of all the Gospels I learned in seminary school, a verse from Saint Paul stays with me. It is … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=471) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=473)