# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=524 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 525 --- ## [Question about Lubavich Hasidim](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-lubavich-hasidim/823812)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-lubavich-hasidim/823812 "2018-11-05T02:49:24Z")
As I understand it, this branch of Hasidim consider Rebbe Menachem Schneerson to be the Messiah (forgive me if this is no longer the case; I left Brooklyn 20 years ago). Would this cause mainstream Jews to no longer con… --- ## [Amazon Echo basic questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-basic-questions/823971)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2018, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-basic-questions/823971 "2018-11-05T00:58:54Z")
I tried Googling for answers but I have specific questions that need sorting out. I have a (2nd Generation) Echo in the living room. I would like the capability to expand the coverage within my home; specifically, the b… --- ## [How much live ammo did US troops go through in training throughout history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-live-ammo-did-us-troops-go-through-in-training-throughout-history/823942)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-live-ammo-did-us-troops-go-through-in-training-throughout-history/823942 "2018-11-04T21:22:36Z")
I’ve heard that US Civil War soldiers fired only a handful of rounds during training. Is this accurate? How much did those who took part in WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Gulf War 1 or Gulf War 2 go through? Note here that I mean … --- ## [Stephen Hawking's Time Travellers Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawkings-time-travellers-party/823492)
**Author:** [@JasperB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JasperB)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawkings-time-travellers-party/823492 "2018-11-04T17:27:07Z")
Regarding Stephen Hawking’s party for time travellers - in which he sent out invitations after the fact - does anybody know who he sent these invitations to? The story refers to paper invites but I can’t find names, or s… --- ## [Long hair in the army](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-hair-in-the-army/198514)
**Author:** [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2018, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-hair-in-the-army/198514 "2018-11-04T12:31:10Z")
I’ve seen a couple of references to the army or possibly the national guard allowing long haired G.I.s to wear short hair wigs instead of getting a haircut during the early '70s. My sources are less than reputable, the … --- ## [Microsoft Excel - An extremely basic question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-excel-an-extremely-basic-question/823941)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2018, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-excel-an-extremely-basic-question/823941 "2018-11-04T01:58:53Z")
When using Excel, I occasionally want to have 2 spreadsheets open at once, side by side. I notice that I cannot do this. When I open a second one, the first one closes. What’s the skinny? mmm --- ## [Samhain pronunciation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samhain-pronunciation/823821)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samhain-pronunciation/823821 "2018-11-03T22:33:31Z")
I’ve always thought Samhain was pronounced ‘SAH-when’ or ‘SOW-en’, but recently (and even a couple of decades ago – on The X-Files, I think) every time I hear it in a TV show or movie it is pronounced ‘Sam Hayne’. Have … --- ## [Motion detector night lights don't work in GFCI outlets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-detector-night-lights-dont-work-in-gfci-outlets/823876)
**Author:** [@Runs\_With\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Runs_With_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-detector-night-lights-dont-work-in-gfci-outlets/823876 "2018-11-03T21:14:50Z")
I searched everywhere for this and can’t even find someone with the same issue. I bought a motion activated night light for my bathroom. I plugged it into a GFCI outlet, and when I set the switch to motion-activated, it… --- ## [Can someone who is released due to conviction overturned be tried for the same crime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-who-is-released-due-to-conviction-overturned-be-tried-for-the-same-crime/823847)
**Author:** [@Greathouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greathouse)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-who-is-released-due-to-conviction-overturned-be-tried-for-the-same-crime/823847 "2018-11-03T19:49:53Z")
Is it possible for someone who has their conviction overturned and set free to be tried for the same crime again? Let’s say I am convicted of murder. New DNA tests get me set free. Then it is found out that the DNA resu… --- ## [What give with strange anomalous high prices on ebay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-give-with-strange-anomalous-high-prices-on-ebay/823617)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-give-with-strange-anomalous-high-prices-on-ebay/823617 "2018-11-03T19:08:32Z")
It seems to occur in all types of item, especially collectibles. Sometimes it’s a musical instrument that it looks like might have been owned by a famous person and they just are being cagy and indirect. Is it a busines… --- ## [Life Around Binary Stars.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-around-binary-stars/805263)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-around-binary-stars/805263 "2018-11-03T13:54:02Z")
It’s a staple of Star Trek to be sure. Planets, supporting life no less, around binary stars. (For those of you not scientifically-minded, that’s a solar system with two suns;).) But is that scientifically possible? Can… --- ## [Is static less prevalent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-static-less-prevalent/823850)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-static-less-prevalent/823850 "2018-11-03T13:43:12Z")
I was watching a fictional story recently that had a recurring plot line of the main character accidentally zapping people when he touched them (and somehow using this to bring someone back to life) and got to thinking, … --- ## ["Don't you dare look in my eyes, peasant!" - Celebrity UL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-you-dare-look-in-my-eyes-peasant-celebrity-ul/111759)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-you-dare-look-in-my-eyes-peasant-celebrity-ul/111759 "2018-11-03T12:45:06Z")
In an editorial colmun today, Elizabeth Nickson, writing about the moral decrepitude and hypocrisy evident in movie stars who self-identify as “liberals,” mentions a number of outrageously decadent thing movie stars do, … --- ## [Costco - Halloween candy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costco-halloween-candy/823835)
**Author:** [@StraightTalk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StraightTalk)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costco-halloween-candy/823835 "2018-11-03T05:01:28Z")
Does Costco put their Halloween candy on sale after Halloween? How much of a sale? --- ## [Ways to help reduce liver and kidney damage from creatine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-help-reduce-liver-and-kidney-damage-from-creatine/823920)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-to-help-reduce-liver-and-kidney-damage-from-creatine/823920 "2018-11-03T04:55:28Z")
When it’s known that a food/substance is good for the liver or kidney, can we assume that that’s in general, or is it only for certain functions? I ingest a ton of creatine which I think can cause stress on kidney and l… --- ## [How Many Stops can King Charles III Make in Seven Days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-stops-can-king-charles-iii-make-in-seven-days/823891)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2018, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-stops-can-king-charles-iii-make-in-seven-days/823891 "2018-11-03T00:22:33Z")
I do not recall all the details, but the British press frankly discussed the funeral plans earlier this year or perhaps last year. When the Queen passes away, the new King will have a few private ceremonies in the UK. H… --- ## [UK law - armed bodyguards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-law-armed-bodyguards/823680)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-law-armed-bodyguards/823680 "2018-11-02T23:44:05Z")
Just a quick question. Under UK law can a properly trained and licensed bodyguard be armed when protecting their client? Does it make a difference if they are acting on private property, as opposed to in a public place? … --- ## [Plumbing questions - no hot water in shower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-questions-no-hot-water-in-shower/823793)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-questions-no-hot-water-in-shower/823793 "2018-11-02T19:14:48Z")
Here is the issue. All areas of the condo get hot water. One shower unit gets hot water for a few minutes then it runs out. The shower has standard hot and cold water taps. It does not have one of those single handle… --- ## [How do I find someone to fix a desk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-someone-to-fix-a-desk/823851)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-someone-to-fix-a-desk/823851 "2018-11-02T17:48:12Z")
Searchs for office furniture repair finds refinishers. I need a desk drawer locking mechanism adjusted and repaired. The Drawer glides work great. It’s the main locking bar that’s malfunctioning. Lock the middle drawer… --- ## [All Saints' / Souls' Days question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-saints-souls-days-question/823782)
**Author:** [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-saints-souls-days-question/823782 "2018-11-02T15:54:59Z")
Prompted by a recent thread on MPSIMS: I’d be interested in being enlightened by Straight Dope participants who are Catholic, or well-versed in Catholic matters (I’m not Catholic, and have little or no clue about a lot o… --- ## [Is there a name for this phenomena? Or maybe its just me...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-phenomena-or-maybe-its-just-me/823765)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-phenomena-or-maybe-its-just-me/823765 "2018-11-02T14:00:41Z")
You see an animal you’ve never seen before, or not in a long time and your brain makes it look like something you are familiar with. Then as you realize it isn’t what you thought…theres a slight moment of nausea as it t… --- ## [What is the dope on toothbrushing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-dope-on-toothbrushing/823798)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-dope-on-toothbrushing/823798 "2018-11-02T11:31:38Z")
Hollywood films dont help much as they imho present the wrong protocol to young viewers. Too many times the actors are shown spitting the saliva and toothpaste and just wiping their mouths with a towel and exiting. No ga… --- ## [Pop-Under Tabs appearing in iOS Safari](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-under-tabs-appearing-in-ios-safari/823816)
**Author:** [@GMANCANADA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GMANCANADA)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-under-tabs-appearing-in-ios-safari/823816 "2018-11-02T08:25:47Z")
I’ve noticed recently, maybe starting last week, that when I access SD Message Boards, every time I load a new page, an advertising tab appears under or next to the active SDMB tab. This is happening on both my iPad (A… --- ## [Capital vs. Capitol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-vs-capitol/823767)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-vs-capitol/823767 "2018-11-02T06:36:04Z")
I always thought “capital” means financial assets whereas “capitol” means the political seat of government, but now everywhere I’m seeing such cities referred to as “capital” - i.e., London is the “capital” of the UK. Ha… --- ## [When the U.S. expels foreign diplomats, how does that work in practice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-u-s-expels-foreign-diplomats-how-does-that-work-in-practice/823829)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2018, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-u-s-expels-foreign-diplomats-how-does-that-work-in-practice/823829 "2018-11-02T01:31:50Z")
Presumably the police don’t enter the embassy in question, haul the diplomat out, and put him on a plane home. So what is the actual procedure? Is any actual force used, or does everything rely on the diplomats followi… --- ## [Any large lottery winners that didn't squander their winnings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-large-lottery-winners-that-didnt-squander-their-winnings/620142)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2018, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-large-lottery-winners-that-didnt-squander-their-winnings/620142 "2018-11-01T21:18:38Z")
We always hear the stories about the big time lotter winners that are broke 7 years later. Are there any stories about lottery winners that bought companies, invested wisely, etc. and have subsuequently doubled their fo… --- ## [Lighting technique](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighting-technique/823840)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2018, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighting-technique/823840 "2018-11-01T19:44:47Z")
Is there a name for that lighting technique you saw frequently in old black and white movies where they do a close up head shot of an actress and project what looks like a slit light over her eyes? --- ## [Citing Spanish names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citing-spanish-names/823740)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2018, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citing-spanish-names/823740 "2018-11-01T19:34:51Z")
I am using a citation style \[lastname, year\] and I am citing someone named Beatriz Rodriguez Gonzalez. Do I refer to her as \[Rodriguez, 2008\], \[Gonzalez, 2008\], or \[Rodriguez Gonzalez, 2008\]? --- ## [Heat index of 103 F and 99% humidity = hotter than boiling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heat-index-of-103-f-and-99-humidity-hotter-than-boiling/823623)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2018, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heat-index-of-103-f-and-99-humidity-hotter-than-boiling/823623 "2018-11-01T03:43:04Z")
I played around with a heat index calculator on Google and plugging in 103 degrees Fahrenheit and 99% humidity yields a heat index of 216 Fahrenheit - hotter than boiling water. How can that be - that being at 103 Fahre… --- ## [Why aren't all shoes made with non-slip soles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-all-shoes-made-with-non-slip-soles/823203)
**Author:** [@DB\_Coopa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DB_Coopa)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2018, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-all-shoes-made-with-non-slip-soles/823203 "2018-11-01T00:43:05Z")
Is the process of making shoes non-slip expensive and labor intensive? In terms of non-slip I’m talking about the soles you get on most work (construction etc) shoes / boots. Even some of the best so-called walking or h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=523) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=525)