# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=523 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 524 --- ## [How is Seoul pronounced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-seoul-pronounced/824115)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-seoul-pronounced/824115 "2018-11-07T17:20:03Z")
I’m talking about the capital of South Korea. I’ve always pronounced it as “sole” - a single syllable that rhymes with hole. This is how I’ve heard it pronounced. But I was listening to an audio book this week and the … --- ## [The Crash of the Caracas Generale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crash-of-the-caracas-generale/824105)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crash-of-the-caracas-generale/824105 "2018-11-07T15:22:04Z")
I wrote a question a little more than a year ago about the rapid rise (due to inflation) of Venezuela’s stock market, the Caracas Generale. The market had a “pretty good year” just by the raw numbers, climbing from 1,98… --- ## [Tell me about your air miles flight booking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-air-miles-flight-booking/508001)
**Author:** [@Gorgonzola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgonzola)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-your-air-miles-flight-booking/508001 "2018-11-07T15:03:46Z")
I am planning to take the family (my husband, me, our daughter, my father) to Munich this spring. I have enough Air Miles that theoretically two round-trip tickets could be covered – it would still be low season. My fat… --- ## [Shade from solar panels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shade-from-solar-panels/824092)
**Author:** [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shade-from-solar-panels/824092 "2018-11-07T14:22:41Z")
Thinking about when Musk paved a parking lot with solar panels in Puerto Rico to get a hospital back online. If I cover a roof (or I guess a parking lot, assuming they are off the ground so people can park under them) w… --- ## [Possible to fix this dehumidifier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-fix-this-dehumidifier/823978)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-fix-this-dehumidifier/823978 "2018-11-07T14:02:54Z")
I have a portable dehumidifier that’s a few years old. The fan will kick on but it won’t take any moisture out of the air. Is something like this fixable? I suppose there is some issue in the control circuitry. I have he… --- ## [Frustrating cable TV problem, seeking recommendations other than "switch providers"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustrating-cable-tv-problem-seeking-recommendations-other-than-switch-providers/824035)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frustrating-cable-tv-problem-seeking-recommendations-other-than-switch-providers/824035 "2018-11-07T12:17:43Z")
I have Spectrum (formerly TimeWarner Cable), and over the past maybe 6 months have been frustrated immensely by an issue with missing channels on all 3 of our cable boxes. Starting in the mid-1200 range, several but not… --- ## [Handheld scanner issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handheld-scanner-issue/824097)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2018, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handheld-scanner-issue/824097 "2018-11-07T01:29:04Z")
I have a Zebra DS6608 handheld scanner connected by USB to a windows 10 machine. I plug it in, it beeps, flashes briefly, then doesn’t do anything. I downloaded some software called 123Scan from the manufacture, but when… --- ## [iPhone color filters - what are they supposed to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-color-filters-what-are-they-supposed-to-do/824066)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-color-filters-what-are-they-supposed-to-do/824066 "2018-11-06T21:59:23Z")
I was very excited when I found out that the iPhone had added a series of “color filters” to assist color blind users. I am a deutan (green-weak red-green colorblind), the most common type of colorblindness. So I turned… --- ## [Can the president order someone in the military to do something that violates the UCMJ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-order-someone-in-the-military-to-do-something-that-violates-the-ucmj/823901)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-order-someone-in-the-military-to-do-something-that-violates-the-ucmj/823901 "2018-11-06T18:36:46Z")
Title kind of says it all. Specifically I do not mean ordering someone in the military to violate a law passed by congress but rather something that is covered only in the UCMJ. Put another way, can the president dicta… --- ## [Caucasian male anime artists? Where are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caucasian-male-anime-artists-where-are-they/229172)
**Author:** [@bingowah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bingowah)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2004, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caucasian-male-anime-artists-where-are-they/229172 "2004-02-16T20:22:42Z")
Now, I am in NO way asking this to be culturally insensitive or racially biased, but I am frankly curious and looking to broaden my horizons. A friend put me up to this and it made me think. Please forgive me if any of t… --- ## [Apollo as god of war??? Some websites make that claim. Is it a mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-as-god-of-war-some-websites-make-that-claim-is-it-a-mistake/823972)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-as-god-of-war-some-websites-make-that-claim-is-it-a-mistake/823972 "2018-11-06T16:48:36Z")
Hi I’ve seen websites designating Apollo as god or war. Is this correct? Ares (god of war) and Athena (goddess of strategy??) is what I was taught. Did the Spartans worship Apollo as god of war? I look forward to you… --- ## [Dog/Dog Crate Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-dog-crate-question/823914)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-dog-crate-question/823914 "2018-11-06T16:40:16Z")
The usage of wire crates is pretty common. Apparently they are used for both training purposes as well as just a place to keep dogs overnight or while they are away. Now, I understand it’s not uncommon for humans to pr… --- ## [Voting from Hospital](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-from-hospital/824044)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-from-hospital/824044 "2018-11-06T15:10:41Z")
My stepson is unexpectedly in the hospital and will be unable to vote. Do American localities make any arrangements to help people in this situation to vote? Of course, “it depends,” but what can we can we say in genera… --- ## [When did paved asphalt roads become commonplace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-paved-asphalt-roads-become-commonplace/823794)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-paved-asphalt-roads-become-commonplace/823794 "2018-11-06T14:25:16Z")
I remember hearing my grandmother tell stories about how, because of all the dirt roads, it would take 12 hours to get to Fargo, ND. A trip which is easily doable in 3 because of the interstate system. She wasn’t terri… --- ## [Well Shock (chlorination) procedure when not all faucets installed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-shock-chlorination-procedure-when-not-all-faucets-installed/824012)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-shock-chlorination-procedure-when-not-all-faucets-installed/824012 "2018-11-06T13:56:26Z")
We have been renovating a house for the past few months, and are going to be moving in soon. We had the water tested, and the well needs to be shocked. Not a big deal; had to do that with other houses in the past. But s… --- ## [Why are coffins shaped like that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-coffins-shaped-like-that/205266)
**Author:** [@mdf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mdf)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-coffins-shaped-like-that/205266 "2018-11-06T13:28:53Z")
This question came up in my wife’s bible study class this evening, and since I’ve been accused of having a head full of useless random facts, it was passed along to me. Unfortunately, that isn’t one of them. So… why are … --- ## [Question about accuracy of military procedure scene in McHale's Navy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-accuracy-of-military-procedure-scene-in-mchales-navy/824025)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-accuracy-of-military-procedure-scene-in-mchales-navy/824025 "2018-11-06T12:30:53Z")
Because it is a comedy, McHale’s Navy is hardly a documentary about correct military procedures. However, recently I saw an episode which included a scene which appeared to be a nice touch of accurate portrayal, and I wa… --- ## [Copying text messages into desktop computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-text-messages-into-desktop-computer/804653)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-text-messages-into-desktop-computer/804653 "2017-12-17T12:41:43Z")
How does one do this? I tried the procedure I use for pictures, and that doesn’t work. --- ## [Who sank HMS Hood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-sank-hms-hood/824020)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-sank-hms-hood/824020 "2018-11-06T11:04:39Z")
The \*Prinz Eugen/I\] oil thread made me remember an old question which AFAIK has never been discussed here, though elsewhere it has. Which German ship struck the fatal blow on the not so mighty Hood? Eugen did hit Hood e… --- ## [Un-googleable problem? Glitch on Samsung Tab A](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/un-googleable-problem-glitch-on-samsung-tab-a/823706)
**Author:** [@Judge\_Phred\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Judge_Phred_1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/un-googleable-problem-glitch-on-samsung-tab-a/823706 "2018-11-06T09:24:18Z")
I have a problem with my tablet. I’m pretty good at fixing things from cars to plumbing to PCs, and often turn to the internet to help. However, this problem has stumped me, and I can’t seem to find any similar issues me… --- ## [Are vapor barriers still used in home construction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vapor-barriers-still-used-in-home-construction/823988)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vapor-barriers-still-used-in-home-construction/823988 "2018-11-06T00:52:38Z")
I have a seldom used 1/2 bath. While trying to remove 3 layers of very ugly wallpaper, I discovered mold in the insulation in the outside wall. That wall has been stripped down to the studs, and we are putting it back to… --- ## [LED bulbs and enclosed fixtures.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-bulbs-and-enclosed-fixtures/824038)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-bulbs-and-enclosed-fixtures/824038 "2018-11-05T21:22:53Z")
Some LED bulbs say on the packaging that they should not be used in enclosed fixtures. Others specifically say that they can be used in enclosed fixtures. Still others say nothing about enclosed fixtures one way or the o… --- ## [How hot is too hot for the core temperature of a laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-the-core-temperature-of-a-laptop/824016)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-the-core-temperature-of-a-laptop/824016 "2018-11-05T20:16:44Z")
I have an Asus Vivobook laptop, less than 1 year old. I use an app called CoreTemp to monitor the internal vitals. I have no idea how accurate this app is, but it frequently shows my laptop at 70 or more degrees Celsius … --- ## [Presidential Campaigning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-campaigning/824008)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-campaigning/824008 "2018-11-05T18:54:34Z")
When a US President jumps on AF-1 and flies around the country making campaign stops for his party’s candidates is that something US taxpayers are paying for? I realize we’re paying his salary to do that, but who pays fo… --- ## [Weird toilet problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-toilet-problem/823977)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2018, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-toilet-problem/823977 "2018-11-04T23:18:47Z")
My toilet was running so I dismantled and cleaned the korky quietfill valve. When I reassembled water does not flow in at all. Any suggestions? --- ## [Do airlines make you board last if you buy the lowest class of ticket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-airlines-make-you-board-last-if-you-buy-the-lowest-class-of-ticket/823810)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-airlines-make-you-board-last-if-you-buy-the-lowest-class-of-ticket/823810 "2018-11-05T16:56:54Z")
I’m pretty sure that’s what happened. On all four legs of my trip this week I boarded last… it didn’t matter where I was sitting in the plane. The airline was Air Canada (never again), and on my first leg I was zone 5 (… --- ## [What are the odds? Texas Hold'em poker.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-texas-holdem-poker/823982)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-texas-holdem-poker/823982 "2018-11-05T11:47:21Z")
I’ve only played a few low-stake tournaments (all on holiday in Vegas :cool: ), but there were a couple of hands that stick in my memory. I’d like to know the odds in these two pre-flop situations. A player goes all-in… --- ## [Question regarding Xerxes I's Persian army at Thermopylae.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-xerxes-is-persian-army-at-thermopylae/823964)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-xerxes-is-persian-army-at-thermopylae/823964 "2018-11-05T10:44:19Z")
Hi, What were the advance soldiers ahead of the Immortals called, during the Battle of Thermopylae. Were they slaves? How well trained were they? I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Cockroach control (kitchen appliance)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cockroach-control-kitchen-appliance/630913)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cockroach-control-kitchen-appliance/630913 "2012-08-10T09:25:04Z")
I have, over the years, come to resign myself to the fact that I do not have the energy or moral fortitude to do the hard work that would be necessary to completely eliminate cockroaches from my home. My efforts to breed… --- ## [Commercial flights over remote areas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-flights-over-remote-areas/823831)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-flights-over-remote-areas/823831 "2018-11-05T03:24:53Z")
A few years ago, I took a non-stop flight from New York to Hong Kong. The great-circle route would have taken us about 425 miles on the Alaska side of the north pole. The path we actually took passed 40 miles on the No… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=522) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=524)