# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=515 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 516 --- ## [why does a respiratory cold lower one's voice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-respiratory-cold-lower-ones-voice/825340)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-respiratory-cold-lower-ones-voice/825340 "2018-11-30T20:13:36Z")
Excuse be, I hab a code. I mean excuse me, I have a cold. Consistent with every other cold I’ve ever had, my voice has a much lower range than when I am healthy. Under normal circumstances, the lowest note I can hit w… --- ## [How to transfer a file from Win10 to Mac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-transfer-a-file-from-win10-to-mac/825321)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-transfer-a-file-from-win10-to-mac/825321 "2018-11-30T19:24:34Z")
I’ve never had to interact with an Apple product before. I need to send an mp3 music file to my sister. I use Windows 10 and Android phones, she uses iPhone and whatever the Apple/Mac laptops are called. In my ignoranc… --- ## [Map location question Zero point for NAD 83](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-location-question-zero-point-for-nad-83/825113)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-location-question-zero-point-for-nad-83/825113 "2018-11-30T19:02:44Z")
I was looking over some maps and noticed the border numbers corresponding to North American Datum 27 (NAD 27) or NAD 83. It turns out that its easy to find the zero point for NAD 27 as its easily Googable. Meades Ranch … --- ## [Please help me understand some concepts in statistics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-some-concepts-in-statistics/825221)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-some-concepts-in-statistics/825221 "2018-11-30T17:51:33Z")
I have been reading about Bayesian statistics, Markov chains, and Monte Carlo simulations for a long time, but I have only the vaguest grasp of what these terms really mean. Reading Wikipedia quickly gets confusing as t… --- ## [Do all versions of Windows 10 work on a LAN able to access a Linux Samba share?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-versions-of-windows-10-work-on-a-lan-able-to-access-a-linux-samba-share/808848)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-versions-of-windows-10-work-on-a-lan-able-to-access-a-linux-samba-share/808848 "2018-11-30T17:01:31Z")
I’m not a Windows guy, I work with Linux and Macs. I remember there was some issue with certain versions of Windows where they couldn’t be use on a LAN to access Samba. Is that still the case? I see Windows 10 Profession… --- ## [Message Forward in Facebook, and checking account?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/message-forward-in-facebook-and-checking-account/825336)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/message-forward-in-facebook-and-checking-account/825336 "2018-11-30T15:33:13Z")
I got this PM in FB this morning: I don’t know what it means to ‘check my account’. How would I know if someone is using my name? I looked at the PM box, and there is no ‘message forward’. Upon having a few sips of … --- ## [Film, TV or magazine adverts showing drivers drinking alcohol to appear cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-tv-or-magazine-adverts-showing-drivers-drinking-alcohol-to-appear-cool/825287)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/film-tv-or-magazine-adverts-showing-drivers-drinking-alcohol-to-appear-cool/825287 "2018-11-30T03:13:38Z")
Were there any TV, film or print adverts where supposedly cool and good looking people drove their fancy cars while drinking beer or other alcoholic drinks. Probably in the 60s and 70s. --- ## [Why were gliders not invented WAY earlier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-gliders-not-invented-way-earlier/824790)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-gliders-not-invented-way-earlier/824790 "2018-11-30T02:00:56Z")
You can get the basic idea of how a glider works, simply by observing birds. People have been observing birds for as long as people have existed. I realize that there were early attempts at building powered aircraft by … --- ## [So, What's New in the Field of Historical/Comparative Linguistics ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-new-in-the-field-of-historical-comparative-linguistics/825158)
**Author:** [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-new-in-the-field-of-historical-comparative-linguistics/825158 "2018-11-30T01:34:15Z")
It may be more IMHO, but I’d be interested in some factual answers, so I’ll first post here. It’s going to be a bit all over the place, I’m afraid… I studied Linguistics in the early-mid 90s and my favourite field was h… --- ## [Can your passport be confiscated if you are facing state charges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-passport-be-confiscated-if-you-are-facing-state-charges/825163)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2018, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-passport-be-confiscated-if-you-are-facing-state-charges/825163 "2018-11-30T00:28:39Z")
I assume that if you have federal charges hanging over your head, the Federal Government can order you to surrender your passport until the charges are resolved. Does the same apply if you are facing state charges? Can … --- ## [Is online bill paying a profit center for consumer banks? How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-online-bill-paying-a-profit-center-for-consumer-banks-how/823629)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-online-bill-paying-a-profit-center-for-consumer-banks-how/823629 "2018-11-29T23:33:58Z")
When I first started using banks’ online bill paying feature I figured it was a service they gave me to be competitive. But the bank I just started an account with has really been pushing the service in their advertising… --- ## [Imagine the audience in their underwear/That dream where you're in High School in your underwear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imagine-the-audience-in-their-underwear-that-dream-where-youre-in-high-school-in-your-underwear/825252)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imagine-the-audience-in-their-underwear-that-dream-where-youre-in-high-school-in-your-underwear/825252 "2018-11-29T22:42:16Z")
Those are both fairly stock expressions you’ll hear in all sorts of media even today, and if in a comedic setting usually are accompanied by a visual bit. I’m wondering though if both those phrases started off as “naked… --- ## [Playing music from phone/laptop to stereo receiver speakers....is there a simple way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-music-from-phone-laptop-to-stereo-receiver-speakers-is-there-a-simple-way/825131)
**Author:** [@LiveFree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LiveFree)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-music-from-phone-laptop-to-stereo-receiver-speakers-is-there-a-simple-way/825131 "2018-11-29T21:36:34Z")
Wondering if there is some easy way to play music from my laptop or phone to the stereo receiver speakers {through bluetooth maybe)?? Looking for something simple. Thanks for any suggestions. --- ## [Dishwasher problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwasher-problem/823243)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwasher-problem/823243 "2018-11-29T21:29:44Z")
Another fine product from Sears. Kenmore elite dishwasher 665.12783K311. Second time is has broken in a couple years. Now it starts to work, and gets through one wash cycle and then stops, with the start light blinkin… --- ## [Honorary degrees, jurisdiction, and the British monarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honorary-degrees-jurisdiction-and-the-british-monarch/825258)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honorary-degrees-jurisdiction-and-the-british-monarch/825258 "2018-11-29T21:12:28Z")
Wikipedia has a list of Queen Elizabeth II’s honorary university degrees which is preceded by the following note: Apart from the statement that she has not accepted any honorary degrees as Queen, is any part of this no… --- ## [Help Needed---Certified Replacement Copy of USA Birth Cert. (CA) Sent Internationally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-certified-replacement-copy-of-usa-birth-cert-ca-sent-internationally/825162)
**Author:** [@Royal\_Nonesutch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Royal_Nonesutch)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-certified-replacement-copy-of-usa-birth-cert-ca-sent-internationally/825162 "2018-11-29T20:40:49Z")
Hi there, I am new here, but am desperate for anyone who might have some solid information. I was born & raised in the USA, but have been living abroad in Krakow, Poland for the past 3 years. Long story short, at 46 ye… --- ## [How To Determine a Kilogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-determine-a-kilogram/758828)
**Author:** [@jbaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbaker)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-determine-a-kilogram/758828 "2018-11-29T19:34:38Z")
The kilogram is the only fundamental measurement that is determined by reference to a specific object, the International Prototype Kilogram in Paris. As a recent article in Slate describes, there is a movement afoot to … --- ## [Can you map all points on a small Möbius strip to a larger Mobius Strip ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-map-all-points-on-a-small-mobius-strip-to-a-larger-mobius-strip/825260)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-map-all-points-on-a-small-mobius-strip-to-a-larger-mobius-strip/825260 "2018-11-29T16:58:53Z")
Inspired by the rational numbers between 0 an 1 thread, where it was shown that all points on two concentric circles can be matched by drawing lines from the larger circle to the center. Same can be done probably with a… --- ## [Will I blow up this portable charger (battery)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-blow-up-this-portable-charger-battery/825216)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-blow-up-this-portable-charger-battery/825216 "2018-11-29T16:17:04Z")
I have a couple of those external batteries you can use to charge up cell phones and other portable devices. I got this one, and we have others that are pretty much the same. Both of mine, and all of the others I have s… --- ## [Use of 'depressants' in warfare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-depressants-in-warfare/825182)
**Author:** [@Yarster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yarster)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-depressants-in-warfare/825182 "2018-11-29T16:08:44Z")
Given the large number of people who are on Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other forms of anti-depressants, it makes me wonder if there is an application for the ‘reverse’ of this in warfare, and if… --- ## [When and how did green grapes get so big and plump and tight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-how-did-green-grapes-get-so-big-and-plump-and-tight/824949)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-how-did-green-grapes-get-so-big-and-plump-and-tight/824949 "2018-11-29T04:01:37Z")
Lately at the grocery store the green grapes have been remarkably big — with lengths about 1.5”, or about the same as the diameter of a ping pong ball; and they are plump, shaped similar to a watermelon (much smaller of … --- ## [Aerograms still available?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aerograms-still-available/825096)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aerograms-still-available/825096 "2018-11-29T03:59:02Z")
Speaking to my kids about the olden days (back when I was their age), I mentioned aerograms, which is how we communicated internationally before email and WhatsApp. I’m curious, does anyone know if aerograms are still av… --- ## [Weighing a package](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighing-a-package/825204)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weighing-a-package/825204 "2018-11-29T00:41:56Z")
When I take my packages to the post office the lady has to move her scale and stack things underneath it to make room for the 72" packages I ship. Couldn’t she just weigh one end of the package and double it. Or weigh ea… --- ## [Elevator Safety.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevator-safety/824966)
**Author:** [@Batano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Batano)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2018, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elevator-safety/824966 "2018-11-29T00:13:15Z")
An elevator in Chicago plummeted dozens of stories before stopping Chicago lift fall: Six survive 875 North Michigan Avenue drama - BBC News. I thought that old man Otis had solved that problem years ago, and that once t… --- ## [Trying to find early comedy blog on IT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-early-comedy-blog-on-it/825236)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-early-comedy-blog-on-it/825236 "2018-11-28T23:48:28Z")
How old? I think it was first on a BBS. Basically they’re stories written from the perspective of a grizzled IT manager - half computer scientist half electrical engineer. He does stuff like shred people’s floppies (t… --- ## [Christmas lights question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-lights-question/825183)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-lights-question/825183 "2018-11-28T23:08:11Z")
Is there any way to take a single bulb out of The Big Zip-lock Bag Of Xmas Mini-bulbs\[sup\]TM\[/sup\] and know if it’s 2.5 volts or 3.5 volts? The guy at Lowes says “No.” :rolleyes: I have a multi-meter. And a second-hand … --- ## [What is the legality of businesses \*secretly\* recording people on company property (e.g spy cams)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-legality-of-businesses-secretly-recording-people-on-company-property-e-g-spy-cams/825173)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-legality-of-businesses-secretly-recording-people-on-company-property-e-g-spy-cams/825173 "2018-11-28T21:28:54Z")
It seems like every business has multiple video cameras setup to record employee and customer interactions. These cameras are completely out in the open for everyone to see. But could a business also use hidden cameras… --- ## [Is there a PVC pipe cementing system that fits this description?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-pvc-pipe-cementing-system-that-fits-this-description/825114)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-pvc-pipe-cementing-system-that-fits-this-description/825114 "2018-11-28T21:28:06Z")
A job candidate interviewing for a technical position gave this example of a technique they have experience with: they joined PVC pipe and fittings using a two-component cement system in which one component is clear and … --- ## [Need help translating something I saw on a YouTube video. Arabic maybe??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-translating-something-i-saw-on-a-youtube-video-arabic-maybe/825192)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-translating-something-i-saw-on-a-youtube-video-arabic-maybe/825192 "2018-11-28T21:05:12Z")
I’m doing some research into a hacking group. A person who may have been involved in the group previously posted some videos on YouTube where he shared his screen. I saw two things in the background of different videos… --- ## [Car Gurus: Today's Timing Systems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-gurus-todays-timing-systems/825185)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2018, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-gurus-todays-timing-systems/825185 "2018-11-28T20:18:18Z")
I have a 2014 Honda CR-V with an engine error code indicating the timing is out of synch. After talking to my mechanic for as long as he could spare and reading info online, it appears there could be a stretched timing c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=514) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=516)