# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=479 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 480 --- ## [A question about how college works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-how-college-works/831278)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2019, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-how-college-works/831278 "2019-03-25T16:18:32Z")
I didn’t go myself, so I’m unclear on the finer points— At first I didn’t understand why the parents of these affluent mediocre students were so desperate to get their kids admitted to topflight universities; where sure… --- ## [Refinishing wood veneer interior door - what to do about slightly damaged veneer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinishing-wood-veneer-interior-door-what-to-do-about-slightly-damaged-veneer/831461)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2019, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinishing-wood-veneer-interior-door-what-to-do-about-slightly-damaged-veneer/831461 "2019-03-25T15:10:19Z")
I’m in the process of remodeling my bathroom. I’d like to keep the original, 1950s era wood veneer door. I am refinishing it, and some of the veneer near the bottom has chipped off. It is not a lot, and it’s not super n… --- ## [Amazon “Payment declined” - is this a scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-payment-declined-is-this-a-scam/831423)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2019, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-payment-declined-is-this-a-scam/831423 "2019-03-25T08:41:57Z")
I placed an order yesterday and today got an email in which the subject and message were both “Payment declined” and nothing more. No links or instructions. So I checked Amazon and they say it shipped, and UPS says it is… --- ## [Can post to a message board be copyright 'owned' by that board.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-post-to-a-message-board-be-copyright-owned-by-that-board/831473)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2019, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-post-to-a-message-board-be-copyright-owned-by-that-board/831473 "2019-03-25T03:17:24Z")
Looking at the terms of one message board I found this: Posts become the copyright property of ‘this message board’. Please don’t use them elsewhere. Please don’t post items here that are copyrighted elsewhere. Is thi… --- ## [Sexual aggression in neutered cat - what should I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-aggression-in-neutered-cat-what-should-i-do/831446)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2019, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-aggression-in-neutered-cat-what-should-i-do/831446 "2019-03-24T23:19:28Z")
I have two cats. There’s Ebeneezer (intentionally spelled with two E’s), a 13-year-old neutered male, and Lunafreya, a 10-month-old spayed female. I’ve had Ebeneezer since he was a few weeks old, and I adopted Lunafreya … --- ## [Can Dopers Guide Me Specifically Into Cutting Cable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dopers-guide-me-specifically-into-cutting-cable/813769)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2018, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dopers-guide-me-specifically-into-cutting-cable/813769 "2018-05-09T20:35:53Z")
The gauntlet has been thrown down, that cutting cable is not complicated, and Dopers would be willing to guide me to cutting our cable - challenge accepted! :slight\_smile: We live in Lethbridge, Alberta, and according t… --- ## [Perfect bracket odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-bracket-odds/831422)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2019, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-bracket-odds/831422 "2019-03-24T19:20:16Z")
(mods – this is more a pure math question rather than a sports question, but I could see this in Game Room) Every year there are news pieces on the astronomical odds of a perfect NCAA men’s basketball bracket. This is m… --- ## [iPod Touch synch problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-synch-problem/831431)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2019, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-touch-synch-problem/831431 "2019-03-24T00:39:59Z")
When I connect my old iPod Touch to my MacBook Pro running 10.11.6 OS X El Capitan, iTunes tells me ‘iTunes could not connect to iPod Touch “\[Johnny L.A.\]” because an invalid response was received from the device’. I or… --- ## [Classical Facial Features](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-facial-features/796890)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2019, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-facial-features/796890 "2019-03-23T21:15:24Z")
This week has been the second time I have been told I have classical features (referring to my face) What does that mean? I tried googling and looking at pictures and definitions, its getting me no where. Does it mean … --- ## [Plumber's putty to seal hole in pipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-putty-to-seal-hole-in-pipe/831392)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2019, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-putty-to-seal-hole-in-pipe/831392 "2019-03-23T21:15:09Z")
Probably a stupid question, but I’m just no good with plumbing: The drain stopper in the sink in my basement bathroom broke off from the pipe underneath, so now there’s a 1/2" open hole where the lever would attach betw… --- ## [A few morbid cremation questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-morbid-cremation-questions/831389)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2019, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-morbid-cremation-questions/831389 "2019-03-23T20:52:26Z")
I’ve been trying to plan ahead (hopefully far ahead) for my eventual demise so the burden won’t fall to my kids. Researching cremation led to this site, which claims that the “ashes” of a loved one are not ashes at all b… --- ## [How do people know their (or others) specific ethnicity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-know-their-or-others-specific-ethnicity/831183)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2019, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-know-their-or-others-specific-ethnicity/831183 "2019-03-23T13:45:42Z")
I came across this map on Reddit today. There are many examples like this that show all the different types of ethnicity groups in an area. As a standard American mutt, I am always a little baffled by these. Unless I g… --- ## [Oribtal mechanics of a crewed Mars mission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oribtal-mechanics-of-a-crewed-mars-mission/831205)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oribtal-mechanics-of-a-crewed-mars-mission/831205 "2019-03-20T10:18:39Z")
https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=872489 This thread about the potential future of a crewed Mars mission got me thinking and rather than cluttering up that thread, I ask my questions here. I want to … --- ## [Phrases that seem redundant or meaningless, but aren't. Do all languages have them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phrases-that-seem-redundant-or-meaningless-but-arent-do-all-languages-have-them/831401)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phrases-that-seem-redundant-or-meaningless-but-arent-do-all-languages-have-them/831401 "2019-03-20T10:15:55Z")
Car seat. Living at home. Character actor. What do these expressions have in common? They all seem to mean something that is redundant or self-evident, yet they don’t; instead they refer to very specific situations, … --- ## [Is 1-2 hours training for a new jet (of an existing type) common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-1-2-hours-training-for-a-new-jet-of-an-existing-type-common/831408)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-1-2-hours-training-for-a-new-jet-of-an-existing-type-common/831408 "2019-03-20T08:24:58Z")
Been reading up on the 737 max 8 news, and a few have mentioned that pilots were only given 1 hours training on an iPad to be qualified to fly the new plane (if they were already qualified to fly the current 737). Is th… --- ## [What do large animals do with their large brains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-large-animals-do-with-their-large-brains/831312)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-large-animals-do-with-their-large-brains/831312 "2019-03-20T07:06:52Z")
Human beings engage in some pretty complex behavior, attributable to having brains so big that the birthing process is rather difficult and hazardous to the mother’s health. I’m no biologist, but ISTM that the complexit… --- ## [Why a lack of modern military museum ships in other countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-a-lack-of-modern-military-museum-ships-in-other-countries/831189)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-a-lack-of-modern-military-museum-ships-in-other-countries/831189 "2019-03-20T05:34:19Z")
According to this website. in the entire world there’s only 14 museum ships in the entire world outside of the United States of ships produced past 1900. The United Kingdom only has 3, Greece has 2, France has 1 (formerl… --- ## [Electrical Question: Wiring solution for changing from a can light to regular box.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-question-wiring-solution-for-changing-from-a-can-light-to-regular-box/831407)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-question-wiring-solution-for-changing-from-a-can-light-to-regular-box/831407 "2019-03-20T05:21:48Z")
I have a house built in the 70’s that has a mixture of lights and receptacles on the same circuits. I’m trying to change out two can lights for regular fixtures and I want the two lights to be on the same switch. Curren… --- ## [how hard is it to rip someone's head off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-rip-someones-head-off/831276)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-rip-someones-head-off/831276 "2019-03-20T04:46:52Z")
Don’t need answer fast, mainly just curious. I was reading Eaters of the Dead and the grendels seem to like ripping off arms, legs and heads and I was just sort of wondering how much force it takes. I could sort of extra… --- ## [Prosecution Offers To Drop Charges If The Perp Admits Guilt - What? This Is A Thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prosecution-offers-to-drop-charges-if-the-perp-admits-guilt-what-this-is-a-thing/831398)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prosecution-offers-to-drop-charges-if-the-perp-admits-guilt-what-this-is-a-thing/831398 "2019-03-20T04:38:28Z")
It seems that Florida prosecutors are offering Robert Kraft a plea deal: admit guilt and they’ll drop charges. I’m utterly baffled by this. To me this strikes me as the legal version of my mom telling me she won’t punis… --- ## [Estimating my electric bill if I add A/C](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimating-my-electric-bill-if-i-add-a-c/831402)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimating-my-electric-bill-if-i-add-a-c/831402 "2019-03-20T03:29:16Z")
I’m thinking of installing central A/C for the first time. Is there a way to estimate how much higher my monthly electric bill will be if I run a 3.5 ton A/C for six hours a day? I hope to only use it when the inside te… --- ## [What is the definition of Niederstand der Donau?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-definition-of-niederstand-der-donau/831323)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-definition-of-niederstand-der-donau/831323 "2019-03-20T01:51:33Z")
Hi What is the definition of “Niederstand der Donau”? I looks like an unusual word. Does it mean low tide or low water level? I look forward to your feedback. Beim wunderschönen Wetter und Niederstand der Donau hab… --- ## [St. Patrick's Day and Spring.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-patricks-day-and-spring/831378)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2019, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-patricks-day-and-spring/831378 "2019-03-20T00:18:20Z")
Really almost a philosophical question. Or certainly a weather one. Is St. Patrick’s Day technically in Spring or Winter? It is always just before the vernal equinox. But it also is in March. And it is a very verdant, … --- ## [Twins in the Family](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-in-the-family/831286)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-in-the-family/831286 "2019-03-19T22:56:42Z")
When people say “twins run in the family”, wouldn’t it have to run through the females of the family? If it does indeed run in families, what’s the SD on how this actually works? --- ## [Chinese and Chinese-American winners of the Putnam contest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-and-chinese-american-winners-of-the-putnam-contest/831343)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-and-chinese-american-winners-of-the-putnam-contest/831343 "2019-03-19T22:05:40Z")
The Putnam competition is a mathematical contest for the very best college undergraduate math students. In recent years the highest scorers have been overwhelmingly Chinese and Chinese-Americans. What percent were, ov… --- ## [Apollo 11: what's the shadow in this pic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-11-whats-the-shadow-in-this-pic/831366)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-11-whats-the-shadow-in-this-pic/831366 "2019-03-19T21:28:05Z")
See this pic on Wikipedia: Based on the shadows in/around the craters, the sun appears to be behind the camera. The shadow in the lower left quadrant of the photo appears to be from… --- ## [Anybody know why my truck might be dragging???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-why-my-truck-might-be-dragging/831295)
**Author:** [@Chvy\_Tahoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chvy_Tahoe)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-why-my-truck-might-be-dragging/831295 "2019-03-19T19:45:27Z")
Hi I’m New to this. But really in need of getting some help I’m Having some problems with my 2005 CHEVY Tahoe just baught it paid 1500 to fix the lifters have the heads resurfaced new oil pump an alot of other little stu… --- ## [Why oddly specific sidewalk ending signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-oddly-specific-sidewalk-ending-signs/831029)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-oddly-specific-sidewalk-ending-signs/831029 "2019-03-19T16:37:51Z")
Okay, one time might have been a coincidence but this is the second time I’ve seen it this decade, so it must be ALL OVER THE PLACE! :wink: You know the signs that say “Sidewalk ends in 1000 feet”? There are two of them… --- ## [Two-footed driving - safety issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-footed-driving-safety-issues/830489)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-footed-driving-safety-issues/830489 "2019-03-19T14:08:09Z")
This issue has come up tangentially in the stick shift thread, where a couple of posters have commented that using one foot for gas and one foot for the brake is dangerous. I’m curious about that. Note that I’m putting… --- ## [Breeding a new species](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breeding-a-new-species/831259)
**Author:** [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2019, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breeding-a-new-species/831259 "2019-03-19T13:48:07Z")
On another forum there is a multi page train wreck being driven by a young earth creationist and an evolution denier, who are both steaming ahead into oblivion paying no regard to any arguement put to the two of them. As… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=478) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=480)