# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=649 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 650 --- ## [Average real estate company only sells 7 houses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-real-estate-company-only-sells-7-houses/802422)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2017, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-real-estate-company-only-sells-7-houses/802422 "2017-11-23T01:11:13Z")
I heard an advertisement on the radio yesterday. “Our secret approach to selling houses is why we sold 340 houses last year, and the average real estate group only sells 7!” That seems incredibly low to me. But is it t… --- ## [Most barometrically stable locations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-barometrically-stable-locations/802344)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-barometrically-stable-locations/802344 "2017-11-23T00:55:18Z")
I have chronic migraines. One of the triggers that moves me from “this headache sucks” to “death would be a mercy” is changes in barometric pressure. I am now looking for places to which I might re-locate that are barome… --- ## [Is it plausible that I may be immune to the "drowsiness" effect of cold medicines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-plausible-that-i-may-be-immune-to-the-drowsiness-effect-of-cold-medicines/510684)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-plausible-that-i-may-be-immune-to-the-drowsiness-effect-of-cold-medicines/510684 "2017-11-22T16:39:55Z")
I can not remember a time that I have found cold medicines that are supposed to cause drowsiness to actually cause me to be drowsy. In fact, as I type this, I am under the effects of one such medicine–and can’t sleep, th… --- ## [Auto Mechanics: how much is too much oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-mechanics-how-much-is-too-much-oil/660126)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-mechanics-how-much-is-too-much-oil/660126 "2017-11-22T16:07:04Z")
All references I’ve seen say not too put too much oil in the engine. How much excess is too much? I just got a used car with a new oil change, and the (dealer’s) service people put what looks to be about 1/4 - 1/3 quart… --- ## [Any Bavarians In The House? Question About Dirndl Traditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-bavarians-in-the-house-question-about-dirndl-traditions/802285)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-bavarians-in-the-house-question-about-dirndl-traditions/802285 "2017-11-22T15:08:05Z")
In this video, a woman who creates made-to-order dirndls and lederhosen explains some of the traditions of the dirndl. Specifically, she says that her friend, the interviewer (Dana) must tie the bow at the front and on t… --- ## [FastTracker (XM) to MP3](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fasttracker-xm-to-mp3/24319)
**Author:** [@kasuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kasuo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fasttracker-xm-to-mp3/24319 "2017-11-22T14:51:32Z")
Does anyone know where I can find a free XM-to-MP3 or XM-to-WAV converter? I’ve tried looking through some of the major search engines and most of them only have information on how to create XM files but none mention any… --- ## [Restoring oven racks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restoring-oven-racks/802185)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restoring-oven-racks/802185 "2017-11-22T13:14:53Z")
So, last week I forgot a step when I ran the oven through the cleaner cycle – removing the racks – and now they are all tarnished instead of purty, shiny chrome-colored. I am indifferent to their appearance but they don… --- ## [Plan by FCC to repeal net neutrality rules unlikely to survive court challenge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-by-fcc-to-repeal-net-neutrality-rules-unlikely-to-survive-court-challenge/802311)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-by-fcc-to-repeal-net-neutrality-rules-unlikely-to-survive-court-challenge/802311 "2017-11-22T10:55:42Z")
Here’s the story. And the following is the part that prompted the question. Could someone explain the legal aspects of this? I have no dog in this fight as I’m English but how would such a proposed rollback of the rul… --- ## [Is CP/M still used today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cp-m-still-used-today/781765)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cp-m-still-used-today/781765 "2017-11-22T02:46:14Z")
A lot of very old computing technology has remained in use long after it became obsolete. For example, many businesses still run old software written in COBOL (sometimes on legacy hardware or in emulators). And accordi… --- ## [Clean foggy headlight covers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-foggy-headlight-covers/802230)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2017, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-foggy-headlight-covers/802230 "2017-11-22T00:39:53Z")
I saw something about using toothpaste to clear up cloudy plastic headlamp covers–mild abrasive, makes sense, I thought. It also doesn’t work. What will? Should I buy a product specifically for this purpose? --- ## [What to do with asbestos tile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-asbestos-tile/248177)
**Author:** [@theR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theR)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-asbestos-tile/248177 "2017-11-21T21:19:03Z")
I’m getting ceramic tile in the finished portion of my basement. The people that are going to do the tile mentioned that the old tile is probably asbestos because of the age of the house. The house was built in 1956. … --- ## [How many supernovas does it take to make a solar system's worth of heavier elements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-supernovas-does-it-take-to-make-a-solar-systems-worth-of-heavier-elements/802189)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-supernovas-does-it-take-to-make-a-solar-systems-worth-of-heavier-elements/802189 "2017-11-21T20:28:02Z")
As I understand it, all the heavier elements only come about as the result of supernovas. So how many supernovas would it take to result in enough heavier elements to make up the solar system’s worth of stuff we see arou… --- ## [Physiological Effects of Alcohol After You Sober Up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physiological-effects-of-alcohol-after-you-sober-up/802263)
**Author:** [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physiological-effects-of-alcohol-after-you-sober-up/802263 "2017-11-21T20:09:43Z")
On a recent vacation, I had two events involving alcohol in one day. At the afternoon event, I had 3 beers, got somewhat tipsy, but was sober by the time of the evening event. At the evening event, I had planned to hav… --- ## [Landlord owned router - security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landlord-owned-router-security/801762)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landlord-owned-router-security/801762 "2017-11-21T19:57:06Z")
We’re in the midst of signing leases etc for a new place we’re moving to. An interesting approach is a single monthly payment to the property managers which covers all utilities, (council tax, power, water, & broadband).… --- ## [flu shots and latex allergies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-shots-and-latex-allergies/802256)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flu-shots-and-latex-allergies/802256 "2017-11-21T18:33:08Z")
Got my flu shot tonight and the paperwork asked about latex allergies. A bit of googling revealed it’s mainly latex in the syringe plunger and needle cap that cause problems for people with allergies. Is simply touching… --- ## [DIY ideas: How can I add something to enable this plush doll to stand on its own??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-ideas-how-can-i-add-something-to-enable-this-plush-doll-to-stand-on-its-own/799281)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-ideas-how-can-i-add-something-to-enable-this-plush-doll-to-stand-on-its-own/799281 "2017-11-21T17:15:55Z")
Ok picture speaks a thousand words. I have this keychain plush doll. It cannot stand on it own and lies on the surface. https://imgur.com/uljAHLH Is there anything DIY I can do to it to prop it up to stand on its own?… --- ## [I Have A Liter Of Tap Water. To Make Its Salinity That Of The Ocean, I Must Add \[?\] Salt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-liter-of-tap-water-to-make-its-salinity-that-of-the-ocean-i-must-add-salt/802092)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-liter-of-tap-water-to-make-its-salinity-that-of-the-ocean-i-must-add-salt/802092 "2017-11-21T16:37:54Z")
The question is basically in the title: how much salt must I add to a liter of tap water to match the salinity of a liter of ocean water? I know that salinity \[probably\] varies from place to place, so just pick one at ra… --- ## [Besides Cuisine, Military, Law Enforcement, Medicine: Which Professions Have Adversarial Training](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/besides-cuisine-military-law-enforcement-medicine-which-professions-have-adversarial-training/802087)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/besides-cuisine-military-law-enforcement-medicine-which-professions-have-adversarial-training/802087 "2017-11-21T16:13:57Z")
You know how when you’re in the Army you’re expected to stand at attention, have a perfect uniform, and any minor imperfection in your actions will result in harsh punishment? And how it’s kind of the same in culinary sc… --- ## [I have a cold sore; do I have to throw away my lip balm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-sore-do-i-have-to-throw-away-my-lip-balm/524282)
**Author:** [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2010, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-cold-sore-do-i-have-to-throw-away-my-lip-balm/524282 "2010-01-11T20:22:26Z")
I use lip balm a lot. (My fave is Burt’s Bees Replenishing formula). But right now, I have a cold sore on my lower lip. I’ve been using my lip balm while the cold sore “bloomed” (I thought at first that I’d bitten off … --- ## [Spam phone calls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-phone-calls/802200)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-phone-calls/802200 "2017-11-21T10:16:07Z")
Are spam phone calls a significant problem throughout the world as much as here in the USA? Lately, 95% of the spam calls have a fake number that is similar to my own. Is there a way to halt this? Is there any researc… --- ## [The Golden Ratio and Beauty/Attractiveness. Is it true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-golden-ratio-and-beauty-attractiveness-is-it-true/802163)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-golden-ratio-and-beauty-attractiveness-is-it-true/802163 "2017-11-21T04:29:36Z")
Does the golden ratio actually prefect facial attractiveness? If it does, is it true for both genders? The golden ratio also known as Phi is 1.618 and it is assumed that any thing with proportions of this golden ratio… --- ## [Jewish dietary question - is vegetarian ALWAYS Kosher?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-dietary-question-is-vegetarian-always-kosher/488186)
**Author:** [@Jimmy\_Joe\_Meager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Joe_Meager)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-dietary-question-is-vegetarian-always-kosher/488186 "2009-03-03T22:29:37Z")
We had a pot luck lunch at work today. I overheard a Jewish woman explaining that in these situations she sticks to vegetarian dishes “because I keep Kosher”. Is vegetarian Kosher by definition? --- ## [Question about taxation of the tuition fee waiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-taxation-of-the-tuition-fee-waiver/801904)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-taxation-of-the-tuition-fee-waiver/801904 "2017-11-21T02:59:58Z")
Back when I was living in the US, there was a rule that if your employment required you to take courses, then your tuition payments were deductible as an employment expense. If this rule is still in effect, then the gra… --- ## [Help with outdoor Christmas lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-outdoor-christmas-lights/801629)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-outdoor-christmas-lights/801629 "2017-11-21T01:53:15Z")
Last year I got it in my head to make these cool outdoor Christmas lights I’d seen online. They are 2’-3’ balls of chicken wire covered with strands of light. Whether hanging from a tree or sitting on the ground they loo… --- ## [Puerto Ricans and federal voting enfranchisement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-ricans-and-federal-voting-enfranchisement/802216)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2017, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-ricans-and-federal-voting-enfranchisement/802216 "2017-11-21T01:46:51Z")
I’ve seen a couple places mention that Puerto Ricans relocating to Florida after Maria could tip the state blue in the next federal elections. Something seems a little off there. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens and so ca… --- ## [Arranging bookmarks in new Firefox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arranging-bookmarks-in-new-firefox/801972)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arranging-bookmarks-in-new-firefox/801972 "2017-11-20T21:31:10Z")
Firefox automatically upgraded and now my bookmarks are in reverse order and I can’t move them where I want like I used to. Can anyone please tell me how to move them? --- ## [Quantitative Muscle Gained](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantitative-muscle-gained/802152)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantitative-muscle-gained/802152 "2017-11-20T18:31:34Z")
I’m wondering if there is an equation for how much muscle mass would be gained from # minutes of exercise, per activity X. Or how many kg of fat would convert into muscle? Of course it would vary by individual, but just… --- ## [Vegatarians eat birds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegatarians-eat-birds/801813)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegatarians-eat-birds/801813 "2017-11-20T17:11:19Z")
My boyfriend, not the brightest light on the tree, claims vegetarians eat turkey and chicken because they aren’t meat. I told him if it moves of its own accord, its meat. Can you give me a link or two so I can prove hi… --- ## [Scan 35mm slides to DVE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scan-35mm-slides-to-dve/802122)
**Author:** [@n5tp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/n5tp)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scan-35mm-slides-to-dve/802122 "2017-11-20T16:04:53Z")
Has anyone had slides converted to DVD lately? Any recommendations? Is it safe to have them sent overseas where the labor rates are lower? --- ## [Do buildings fall over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-buildings-fall-over/77098)
**Author:** [@golgotha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/golgotha)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-buildings-fall-over/77098 "2017-11-20T16:03:46Z")
Here’s a question for you, fellows: Has there ever, in the history of the world, been a reported case of a fair-sized skyscraper (say, ten or more storeys) sort of just falling over? I don’t mean during an earthquake or … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=648) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=650)