# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=503 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 504 --- ## [Given the spate of amazon package thefts, has anyone invented a practical countermeasure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383 "2019-01-06T23:24:02Z")
I watced a video of a guy that made an elaborate glitter bomb but this seems more like a prank rather than preventative, and highly impractical. Has anyone made anything to actually prevent this? Some one-way drop box?… --- ## [Can you find a source image from Facebook if Google image search doesn't find it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-find-a-source-image-from-facebook-if-google-image-search-doesnt-find-it/827307)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-find-a-source-image-from-facebook-if-google-image-search-doesnt-find-it/827307 "2019-01-06T21:29:50Z")
I am using a website where you talk to foreigners, exchange post, practice languages,etc. and recently there’s been many fake profiles for whatever reason, most are easy to spot by the effortless description (i’m a passi… --- ## [Does Austria make watches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-austria-make-watches/827291)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-austria-make-watches/827291 "2019-01-06T18:33:25Z")
Does Austria have a watchmaking industry, like its German and Swiss neighbours? If so, what are the best-known manufacturers and brands? --- ## [So I had to reset my Toshiba laptop to factory specs (Windows 7)...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-had-to-reset-my-toshiba-laptop-to-factory-specs-windows-7/827218)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-had-to-reset-my-toshiba-laptop-to-factory-specs-windows-7/827218 "2019-01-06T17:19:13Z")
… had to do this to get the computer to boot at all (not even Safe Mode was coming up) after having a new optical drive put in… so, updates are going to take all night, aren’t they? A side question; if it turns out that… --- ## [Car Question: headlights don't work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-headlights-dont-work/456256)
**Author:** [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-headlights-dont-work/456256 "2019-01-06T13:57:23Z")
I know there are some mechanical types here on the board and I hope this is an easy one… 1991 Toyota Camry LE 4dr 4cyl auto w/ A/C A while back the car just died and I put in a new battery which eventually died as well… --- ## [Electromagnetic wave diagram question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electromagnetic-wave-diagram-question/827273)
**Author:** [@Carlarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carlarm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electromagnetic-wave-diagram-question/827273 "2019-01-06T07:16:49Z")
First off, this is not a homework question. I’m just confused. Please reference the diagram for electromagnetic radiation found in the Wikipedia article Electromagnetic radiation - Wikipedia. I’ve seen this same diagram … --- ## [MS Word Template not showing up when emailed to a Citrix user](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-template-not-showing-up-when-emailed-to-a-citrix-user/827207)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-template-not-showing-up-when-emailed-to-a-citrix-user/827207 "2019-01-06T04:09:48Z")
I’m not sure if this is a Citrix issue or a compatibility issue beween Office 2013 and Office 2016. There is a template created in Word 2013. These users are using Outlook 2013. There are other remote users logging … --- ## [Why does drinking soda on an empty stomach cause stomach cramps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-drinking-soda-on-an-empty-stomach-cause-stomach-cramps/827151)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2019, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-drinking-soda-on-an-empty-stomach-cause-stomach-cramps/827151 "2019-01-06T02:30:12Z")
Today, not long after waking up, the first thing I ate or drank was some soda. And I was reminded that I often get cramps when I drink soda first thing in the morning, particularly when my stomach feels especially empty.… --- ## [In a city with high home prices and a housing shortage, how many new houses before prices decline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-city-with-high-home-prices-and-a-housing-shortage-how-many-new-houses-before-prices-decline/827072)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-city-with-high-home-prices-and-a-housing-shortage-how-many-new-houses-before-prices-decline/827072 "2019-01-05T23:19:04Z")
Assume you have a city with extremely high housing costs, over 1 million as the median price. How fast do home prices decline when supply goes up, and how much does supply need to go up to reduce prices? Or does it vary… --- ## [Material for shock-absorbing foam rubber and where to get a small piece?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/material-for-shock-absorbing-foam-rubber-and-where-to-get-a-small-piece/827252)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/material-for-shock-absorbing-foam-rubber-and-where-to-get-a-small-piece/827252 "2019-01-05T21:28:04Z")
I need to find a small piece of a medium density, very spongy foam rubber, ideally around 3/8 to 1/4 inch thick. I need to make a custom heel insert donut-like thing to straddle the hotspot on the back of my heel from h… --- ## [Help identifying a mental/physical handicap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-a-mental-physical-handicap/827223)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-a-mental-physical-handicap/827223 "2019-01-05T19:34:08Z")
(No mockery intended) I have seen, on occasion, some people in wheelchairs or otherwise needing assistance, who would do this thing where they are constantly rolling their head about slowly, often gazing up at the ceili… --- ## [How did the Vichy French justify collaborating with the Nazis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-vichy-french-justify-collaborating-with-the-nazis/827187)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-vichy-french-justify-collaborating-with-the-nazis/827187 "2019-01-05T16:58:53Z")
The leaders of Vichy France condemned the previous state, the Third Republic, for losing the war to Germany in 1940, blaming its “decadence.” If the Vichy leaders thus acknowledged that losing control of France to the N… --- ## [Please help solve this hard drive mystery. It will not install properly.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-solve-this-hard-drive-mystery-it-will-not-install-properly/827178)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-solve-this-hard-drive-mystery-it-will-not-install-properly/827178 "2019-01-05T15:58:46Z")
My new computer came with a Western Digital 1TB SSD drive installed. Up until yesterday, the drive was working fine. I don’t know what it’s done to piss off my computer, but apparently they are no longer on speaking term… --- ## [What architectural style is this house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-architectural-style-is-this-house/827028)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-architectural-style-is-this-house/827028 "2019-01-05T12:18:32Z")
Wondering if anyone knows what style of architecture this house is: Thanks --- ## [How to finish a homemade painted desktop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-finish-a-homemade-painted-desktop/827184)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-finish-a-homemade-painted-desktop/827184 "2019-01-05T05:42:26Z")
I bought a used corner computer desk, but the desktop is too small to comfortably use for dual monitors. I bought a piece of plywood and cut it to the shape I want, with the intent of simply screwing it to the old top t… --- ## [What is the success rate of serial# searches in identifying the person using a firearm in a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-success-rate-of-serial-searches-in-identifying-the-person-using-a-firearm-in-a-crime/827174)
**Author:** [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-success-rate-of-serial-searches-in-identifying-the-person-using-a-firearm-in-a-crime/827174 "2019-01-05T04:48:55Z")
Given that a law enforcement entity has a firearm that was used in a crime, how often does attempting to trace it via it’s serial number actually lead to identifying the person who had it last? If you watch crime shows … --- ## [Kill-to-Loss Ratios for World War 2 Fighters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kill-to-loss-ratios-for-world-war-2-fighters/793937)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2019, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kill-to-loss-ratios-for-world-war-2-fighters/793937 "2019-01-05T04:25:37Z")
Curious if there’s any central place that lists the kill loss ratios for various WW2 fighters since apparently googling it it’s actually really hard to find them since they’re all scattered all over the place. Note, I u… --- ## [Would anyone really buy a 30-year old hard drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-anyone-really-buy-a-30-year-old-hard-drive/826989)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-anyone-really-buy-a-30-year-old-hard-drive/826989 "2019-01-04T23:17:59Z")
I still have my first computer in a box for sentimental reasons. I fired it up a few weeks ago and still works like the first day. I think of it as my own little museum. I upgraded the original hard drive, which I also k… --- ## [Good online resources (videos, games, e-books) to learn car repairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-online-resources-videos-games-e-books-to-learn-car-repairs/827203)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-online-resources-videos-games-e-books-to-learn-car-repairs/827203 "2019-01-04T22:25:02Z")
Most of my male relatives know a lot about cars, I on the other hand (I’m 22) know almost nothing despite driving one for 4 years. I know the elementary things like what the basic parts are, clutch, transmission, battery… --- ## [What are some other wacky military ideas that never made it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-wacky-military-ideas-that-never-made-it/318911)
**Author:** [@Corporate\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporate_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-wacky-military-ideas-that-never-made-it/318911 "2019-01-04T21:08:35Z")
In a military history course a few months ago, my professor enlightened the class about Bat Bombs (more details). The idea struck me as hilarious, so I was wondering if any military buffs out there know of any other wac… --- ## [Do humans on earth live in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-on-earth-live-in-space/827150)
**Author:** [@biometricks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/biometricks)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-on-earth-live-in-space/827150 "2019-01-04T19:59:31Z")
My 5 year old kid received a few National Geographic Kids books for Christmas and we have been reading them the past few days. We’ve read books about Volcano’s and Rocks and Mineral’s and I’ve been able to answer most o… --- ## [What's healthier, skim milk or whole milk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-healthier-skim-milk-or-whole-milk/827161)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-healthier-skim-milk-or-whole-milk/827161 "2019-01-04T15:06:56Z")
This question was asked of me by my 6th grader. I had a hard time answering. --- ## [WWII - soliciting ideas for new weapons from the public](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-soliciting-ideas-for-new-weapons-from-the-public/827124)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-soliciting-ideas-for-new-weapons-from-the-public/827124 "2019-01-04T13:18:31Z")
I remember my father telling me that during WWII the Government encouraged the public to submit ideas with potential military application. As I understood it, the hope was that some anonymous soul might have a truly good… --- ## [How large could a planet made entirely of water be...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-could-a-planet-made-entirely-of-water-be/827167)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-could-a-planet-made-entirely-of-water-be/827167 "2019-01-04T11:10:22Z")
…and remain liquid all the way down to the centre? In other words how large could a spheroid composed entirely of liquid water get before gravitational forces at the core begin to compress the water into a solid state. … --- ## [Why might major surgery be scheduled in the middle of the night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-might-major-surgery-be-scheduled-in-the-middle-of-the-night/826836)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-might-major-surgery-be-scheduled-in-the-middle-of-the-night/826836 "2019-01-04T03:45:52Z")
I was reading this article which mentions that someone was scheduled for a heart transplant at 1:00 a.m. Heart transplant surgery last several hours (the article says 4-6 hours, which seems remarkably fast compared to d… --- ## [What is deconstructionism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-deconstructionism/827168)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-deconstructionism/827168 "2019-01-04T02:02:42Z")
I recently had a conversation about merit and I used the term objective (as in objective criteria) and I was told that the term objective was meaningless. Apparently deconstructionism proves this but I can’t really figu… --- ## [Is there something about a bolt action rifle that makes it actually more accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-about-a-bolt-action-rifle-that-makes-it-actually-more-accurate/826960)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-about-a-bolt-action-rifle-that-makes-it-actually-more-accurate/826960 "2019-01-04T01:51:50Z")
So in all the video games…and, apparently, in real life…the bolt action rifle is the rifle that snipers use. Famed sniper Chris Kyle, who as a Seal had probably open access to the armory, used a Remington 700 as his “be… --- ## [Website signup no longer asking for the password twice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/website-signup-no-longer-asking-for-the-password-twice/827171)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2019, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/website-signup-no-longer-asking-for-the-password-twice/827171 "2019-01-04T01:41:52Z")
In the past every website wants you to choose a username, password, and then confirm the password. They must match perfectly. Now in the past couple months many just ask for the password once. Is this a new web design st… --- ## [Artificial sweetener question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-sweetener-question/826948)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2019, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artificial-sweetener-question/826948 "2019-01-03T23:36:33Z")
If I use one of those little packets of artificial sweetener in my tea, what is the equivalent sweetness level to real sugar? I am just asking for tea or coffee, I know it’s not a sugar substitute in cooking or baking. --- ## [Why don't the Turks expel the Saudi diplomats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-turks-expel-the-saudi-diplomats/827036)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2019, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-the-turks-expel-the-saudi-diplomats/827036 "2019-01-03T22:35:23Z")
The Saudis murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Turkey in October. Turkey has highlighted the incident to bring worldwide condemnation on Saudi Arabia. But (as far as I understand) the Turks ha… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=502) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=504)