# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=621 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 622 --- ## [How to go about buying booze underage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-go-about-buying-booze-underage/808557)
**Author:** [@jeffrey257](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jeffrey257)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2018, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-go-about-buying-booze-underage/808557 "2018-02-10T00:55:07Z")
Hey guys, I really need your help. Like, I’m in dire need of it. SWIM just turned 18, lives with his dad and that’s it. SWIM has absolutely zilch, zero, nada friends. SWIM was home-schooled for the remainder of his scho… --- ## [CPU performance (architectural variables)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpu-performance-architectural-variables/808461 "2018-02-09T21:39:09Z")
I once read a very nicely written description of variables of performance for CPUs (Central Processing Unit). My forgetful mind did not bookmark the article. If I am not mistaken, it was probably on Stackoverflow. I sear… --- ## [How risky would it be to postpone getting my well pump looked at?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-risky-would-it-be-to-postpone-getting-my-well-pump-looked-at/808456)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-risky-would-it-be-to-postpone-getting-my-well-pump-looked-at/808456 "2018-02-09T20:36:25Z")
I’ve had a lot of air in my well water for weeks now. It spits and bubbles vigorously at the taps. My pressure tank sounds like the bladder is mostly full of air inside (I know it’s air on the outside of the bladder, I m… --- ## [Fragrance copying..is it ever illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fragrance-copying-is-it-ever-illegal/808445)
**Author:** [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fragrance-copying-is-it-ever-illegal/808445 "2018-02-09T20:25:14Z")
I have a growing fragrance collection. It’s well know in the fragrance “community” that there are what can be best described as “clones” of famous fragrances. There is no visual similarity and no advertising that sugges… --- ## [How does an airport be back "on track" after delays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-an-airport-be-back-on-track-after-delays/808485)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-an-airport-be-back-on-track-after-delays/808485 "2018-02-09T17:39:50Z")
I am scheduled to fly into Chicago this Saturday afternoon. It looks like flights are being delayed today and tomorrow. I hope I will be good to go. However, it got me thinking: say every flight on Friday is pushed ba… --- ## [Intermittent wi-fi connection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intermittent-wi-fi-connection/808098)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intermittent-wi-fi-connection/808098 "2018-02-09T17:03:05Z")
A couple years ago when I moved to the new house I set up a wi-fi network because the entry point into the house was some distance from where I wanted to set up the desktop. Although it was perfectly fine for the smartp… --- ## [Can a Tesla car work in space, moon, mars unmodified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-tesla-car-work-in-space-moon-mars-unmodified/808471)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-tesla-car-work-in-space-moon-mars-unmodified/808471 "2018-02-09T13:46:04Z")
Would ‘the’ or a Tesla electric car actually work in space (wheels turn when engaged in drive + needed driving functions), would it work on mars or the moon as in capable of being driven if it somehow got there? --- ## [Are all air-to-air missiles limited to a certain number of "captive flights" over their lifetime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-air-to-air-missiles-limited-to-a-certain-number-of-captive-flights-over-their-lifetime/808419)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-air-to-air-missiles-limited-to-a-certain-number-of-captive-flights-over-their-lifetime/808419 "2018-02-09T10:13:00Z")
Apparently some European-made air-to-air missiles are subject to a limit of how many “captive” flights they can tolerate - i.e., being carried on the pylons or wingtips of a fighter aircraft, in flight - since each such … --- ## [Falcon boosters: thrust:weight during return flight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falcon-boosters-thrust-weight-during-return-flight/808437)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falcon-boosters-thrust-weight-during-return-flight/808437 "2018-02-09T06:04:22Z")
AIUI, the Falcon rocket boosters (or the main first stage, for that matter) are mostly empty during their return flight: the upper stage has been delivered to earth orbit or beyond, and most of the booster’s fuel has bee… --- ## [Has a wrongdoer ever confessed to the media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-wrongdoer-ever-confessed-to-the-media/808481)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-wrongdoer-ever-confessed-to-the-media/808481 "2018-02-09T03:01:12Z")
Has there ever been any instances of someone who did something wrong confessing the details of his or her misdeeds to the press? This can be any type of wrongdoing, financial, political, criminal, etc. The type of scena… --- ## [Can you unwind a wind-up toy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-unwind-a-wind-up-toy/808488)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-unwind-a-wind-up-toy/808488 "2018-02-09T01:39:33Z")
I got a wind-up toy. It wound up fine. But nothing happens. I can’t find a switch that’s holding it back. Is there a way to unwind it and try to start from scratch? Preferably without taking it apart. --- ## [Viable \[Copper\] Pipe Patching](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viable-copper-pipe-patching/808152)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viable-copper-pipe-patching/808152 "2018-02-08T21:46:07Z")
I know cutting and welding/soldering a new piece on is the proper way, but I am curious. Instead of replacing a (1/2 inch diameter copper pipe section, what are other methods to patch a small crack (not from brittling)… --- ## [Which world organisation did Elon have to get permission from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-world-organisation-did-elon-have-to-get-permission-from/808426)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-world-organisation-did-elon-have-to-get-permission-from/808426 "2018-02-08T21:09:29Z")
To put his car in orbit? Is there any world body that regulates what can and cannot be put in space. --- ## [Changing insirance companies.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-insirance-companies/808466)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-insirance-companies/808466 "2018-02-08T19:59:40Z")
The mortgage on the late Mama Plant’s house has been paid off, and I am free of the jerk insurance company the bank saddled me with. New Insurance company have been helpful and polite insuring our home and cars. Old Insu… --- ## [Geniux - the genius pill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geniux-the-genius-pill/747082)
**Author:** [@Macfawlty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macfawlty)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geniux-the-genius-pill/747082 "2016-03-03T01:29:34Z")
Ok, I clicked on one of those banner ads from a straight dope page about the ‘genius pill’ called Geniux where a number of prominent people like Stephen Hawking and Anderson Cooper reportedly said they tried Geniux with … --- ## [What's the advantage of having softer facial features?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-advantage-of-having-softer-facial-features/808204)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-advantage-of-having-softer-facial-features/808204 "2018-02-08T15:24:28Z")
If you believe in evolution you may think that we humans have evolved to have softer facial features over the years compared to common drawings of hard faced early humans. Women usually have softer features than men, an… --- ## [What does English sound like to foreigners?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-english-sound-like-to-foreigners/601052)
**Author:** [@Beast\_Model](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beast_Model)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-english-sound-like-to-foreigners/601052 "2018-02-08T03:34:34Z")
I told a Chinese friend (who speaks English and Hokkien) that Chinese sort of sounds like “ching chong wow bow” (or something equally inane) to Americans. She told me that her grandmother (who doesn’t speak English) says… --- ## [Splitting a headset jack to accomodate headset + external speakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-a-headset-jack-to-accomodate-headset-external-speakers/808363)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/splitting-a-headset-jack-to-accomodate-headset-external-speakers/808363 "2018-02-08T05:35:45Z")
So I bought a new laptop but it only has one jack/port, for headsets. No jack for external loudspeakers, which is what I had hoped for. I see there are splitter cable things on Amazon that you can put into the microphone… --- ## [Were there Blue/Gold Star banners \[indicating WWII service\] in Manzanar \[Japanese internment camps\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-blue-gold-star-banners-indicating-wwii-service-in-manzanar-japanese-internment-camps/808369)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-blue-gold-star-banners-indicating-wwii-service-in-manzanar-japanese-internment-camps/808369 "2018-02-08T04:52:35Z")
A rather free-ranging discussion at school this morning raised an interesting question. We were discussing the 442nd RCT and the question arose: Were there any Blue Star/Gold Star banners on display at Japanese Internmen… --- ## [Any idea why my new old ipod touch won't update past version 2.1.2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-my-new-old-ipod-touch-wont-update-past-version-2-1-2/562088)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-my-new-old-ipod-touch-wont-update-past-version-2-1-2/562088 "2010-11-29T14:44:38Z")
A friend of my wife offered her her old ipod touch. My wife, however, had just recieved a free 4th gen ipod touch for having opened up a bank account at the right place at the right time. So the old used one went to me i… --- ## [How do I lock down my Floyd Rose Tremolo on my Guitar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-lock-down-my-floyd-rose-tremolo-on-my-guitar/108277)
**Author:** [@Phlip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlip)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-lock-down-my-floyd-rose-tremolo-on-my-guitar/108277 "2018-02-08T03:31:46Z")
Pretty straightforward question for anyone who knows the answer. I know I can buy 5 springs to yank it all the way back, but I don’t think that will suffice because I have a VERY heavy hand and I think it will still go s… --- ## [Head crash of a laptop hard drive, does it scratch stuff off the disk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-crash-of-a-laptop-hard-drive-does-it-scratch-stuff-off-the-disk/808285)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-crash-of-a-laptop-hard-drive-does-it-scratch-stuff-off-the-disk/808285 "2018-02-08T02:54:33Z")
Layman question: When a laptop has a head crash, that by definition means it scratched stuff off the disk, kind of like a needle-recording? And that stuff - paladium, aluminum, glass, etc. - just gets scratched off as … --- ## [If computer must endure 30-F temps, better for it to be turned on or off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-computer-must-endure-30-f-temps-better-for-it-to-be-turned-on-or-off/805821)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-computer-must-endure-30-f-temps-better-for-it-to-be-turned-on-or-off/805821 "2018-02-08T01:31:05Z")
(need answer fast) If a laptop computer must be subjected to 30-degree Fahrenheit temperatures for about 3-4 hours, is it better for it to be turned on or off throughout the whole process? Seems that keeping it on woul… --- ## [Why did life take so long to become multicellular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-life-take-so-long-to-become-multicellular/808353)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2018, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-life-take-so-long-to-become-multicellular/808353 "2018-02-08T00:55:52Z")
Looking at the history of life on Earth, one may think it is easier for the inorganic to turn into organic than it is for unicellular life to turn into multicellular life. Earth is 4.5 billion years old and life has been… --- ## [Why did Australia ban wooden-wing airplanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-australia-ban-wooden-wing-airplanes/808362)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-australia-ban-wooden-wing-airplanes/808362 "2018-02-07T21:54:49Z")
I joined a FB group that apparently has a lot of Australian members. Some of them have casually mentioned that ‘this airplane was grounded by the ban on wooden-wing aircraft’. Not being Australian, I’d never heard of i… --- ## [Would having large breasts be a major disadvantage in a gun fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-having-large-breasts-be-a-major-disadvantage-in-a-gun-fight/808209)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-having-large-breasts-be-a-major-disadvantage-in-a-gun-fight/808209 "2018-02-07T21:22:30Z")
Weird question but in a lot of fictional media (comic books, video games, bad novels) there’s the sexy female assassin who is skilled in the art of espionage but isn’t afraid of getting into a gunfight if things turn bad… --- ## [Pulling stuff off a tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pulling-stuff-off-a-tree/808232 "2018-02-07T21:14:49Z")
I have a tree whose branches are covered with this mossy stuff (Photo). I’d like to pull it off now that the leaves have fallen. I can do it on the lower branches, although it takes a firm grip on the moss and a fair … --- ## [Was the SpaceX Tesla overshhot from Mars-ish orbit to Cerers-ish orbit intentional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-spacex-tesla-overshhot-from-mars-ish-orbit-to-cerers-ish-orbit-intentional/808368)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-spacex-tesla-overshhot-from-mars-ish-orbit-to-cerers-ish-orbit-intentional/808368 "2018-02-07T20:21:42Z")
Or did they accidentally leave the thrust on for too long? From \[this news article\](Or did they accidentally leave the thrust on for too long? From), the line “But now it seems that engine ignition worked a little too … --- ## [A gallon of water that shriveled up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-gallon-of-water-that-shriveled-up/808341)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-gallon-of-water-that-shriveled-up/808341 "2018-02-07T19:58:41Z")
I keep all my water and juice drinks under the counter, lots of them, because they keep. I had a plastic gallon of water underneath the counter that got left behind a little and ignored. I took it out of the back today,… --- ## [Please check this method of finding the derivative of ln(x)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-check-this-method-of-finding-the-derivative-of-ln-x/808351)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2018, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-check-this-method-of-finding-the-derivative-of-ln-x/808351 "2018-02-07T19:09:15Z")
I see many proofs online and they all seem overly complicated. What would be wrong with this? x = exp(ln(x)) Take the derivative of both sides 1 = exp(ln(x)) \* (d/dx)ln(x) 1 = x \* (d/dx)ln(x) 1/x = (d/dx)ln(x) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=620) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=622)