# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=655 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 656 --- ## [Easy Laptop Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-laptop-question/800902)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-laptop-question/800902 "2017-11-08T04:16:54Z")
I have a Dell D620 laptop. It died on me a few days ago, it refuses to turn on. On eBay, I found a stripped D620 (no battery, no hard drive) for less than $50. If I took the hard drive from my D620 and put it in the o… --- ## [Castle Rock v. Gonzales](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/castle-rock-v-gonzales/800767)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/castle-rock-v-gonzales/800767 "2017-11-08T04:07:16Z")
I was just watching a video on Cracked’s Youtube channel, link, which discusses a case from 2011 where a commuter on a train (this is told by the commuter in question for what that’s worth) was stabbed by Maksim Gelman w… --- ## [Can you fill out another voter's absentee ballot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fill-out-another-voters-absentee-ballot/769049)
**Author:** [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fill-out-another-voters-absentee-ballot/769049 "2017-11-08T01:21:00Z")
So, in this thread, I came upon an interesting practice, in which a person would take another’s absentee ballot, mark it, have it signed, and then mailed. This was done with the original voter’s consent. Now, my first t… --- ## [Facebook Groups - reading older posts without scrolling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-groups-reading-older-posts-without-scrolling/801011)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-groups-reading-older-posts-without-scrolling/801011 "2017-11-08T01:03:54Z")
Is there any way to view older posts on a Facebook Groups page without scrolling through all the most recent posts? Say, for example, I’ve already read all the posts made to a FB Group page in November 2017, and I would… --- ## [Bullets made from iron or jacketed by iron](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullets-made-from-iron-or-jacketed-by-iron/800842)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullets-made-from-iron-or-jacketed-by-iron/800842 "2017-11-08T00:57:36Z")
How well would bullets made from iron or jacketed by iron work, compared to modern bullets made from standard modern bullet materials? --- ## [Lenovo Cancelling Orders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenovo-cancelling-orders/801008)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenovo-cancelling-orders/801008 "2017-11-08T00:54:35Z")
Three weeks ago I ordered a Y-520 laptop from Lenovo. Today they finally sent me an email acknowledging the order. Then a few hours later another email cancelling it without explanation. Normally when I enter my credit c… --- ## [What's the difference between a military Dishonorable Discharge and a Bad Conduct Discharge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-military-dishonorable-discharge-and-a-bad-conduct-discharge/800929)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-military-dishonorable-discharge-and-a-bad-conduct-discharge/800929 "2017-11-08T00:06:44Z")
See query. The Texas Church shooter scumbag received the latter, apparently. --- ## [Trying to figure out what happened to best friend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-figure-out-what-happened-to-best-friend/798012)
**Author:** [@CuriousShenna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CuriousShenna)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-figure-out-what-happened-to-best-friend/798012 "2017-11-07T23:30:46Z")
So I got news that my best friend was in the icu because they had found her sitting next to a tiny bridge (it’s really a road built over a creek in town… so u get a better picture… it’s like a regular road except wit a s… --- ## [Comparing US violent deaths to countries experiencing civil unrest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-us-violent-deaths-to-countries-experiencing-civil-unrest/800975)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-us-violent-deaths-to-countries-experiencing-civil-unrest/800975 "2017-11-07T23:02:00Z")
How would one go about comparing the number/rate of violent deaths in the US to rates in countries experiencing significant civil unrest. Say Afghanistan or Iraq. Or any other - dare I say - “less civilized” nations. F… --- ## [Why don't more rockets/missiles use aerospikes like the Tridents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-rockets-missiles-use-aerospikes-like-the-tridents/800910)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-rockets-missiles-use-aerospikes-like-the-tridents/800910 "2017-11-07T21:37:46Z")
Paging all missile experts! So the Trident missiles uses an extendable spike that comes out of the nosecone to reduce drag. This has been around since the 70s. Why don’t many rockets/missiles use this? This Wikipedia… --- ## [Average US male height](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-us-male-height/800796)
**Author:** [@Jsjdhrnv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jsjdhrnv)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-us-male-height/800796 "2017-11-07T21:27:28Z")
So there’s lots of sources that say that the average US male height is 5 foot 10 inches tall, assuming he hasn’t began to shrink yet. But I truly feel like the majority of them are taller than 5’10". Whenever I see a guy… --- ## [Help repairing a plastic shelf in the refrigerator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-repairing-a-plastic-shelf-in-the-refrigerator/800993)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-repairing-a-plastic-shelf-in-the-refrigerator/800993 "2017-11-07T21:03:31Z")
It is the top shelf and needs to support some weight. It has a 3 inch crack in the front. I am concerned that if I try to separate it to insert some mending stuff, it will crack further. Not really concerned about the… --- ## [Can you tan under infrared light? (theoretically speaking)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tan-under-infrared-light-theoretically-speaking/800928)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tan-under-infrared-light-theoretically-speaking/800928 "2017-11-07T19:22:44Z")
With enough intensity infrared light, could you tan your skin? Maybe this could be a safer way to darken skin without risking skin cancer. I know for some people, inflammation causes skin to get darker without needing … --- ## [Dog training dilemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-training-dilemma/800907)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-training-dilemma/800907 "2017-11-07T18:37:52Z")
So, our 13 week old puppy is ALMOST totally housebroken. However, every couple of days she will pee on the doormat in front of the door to the outside. The timing is the strange thing. She will stop to do this as we a… --- ## [From Seed To Edible Foodstuff: Which Crop Grows The Fastest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-seed-to-edible-foodstuff-which-crop-grows-the-fastest/800926)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-seed-to-edible-foodstuff-which-crop-grows-the-fastest/800926 "2017-11-07T16:58:11Z")
Which edible crop has the fastest growing time from seed until something you can eat? (And yes, I know the human digestive system can eat seeds themselves, but that’s not what I’m asking about) --- ## [What does this Vietnamese banner say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-vietnamese-banner-say/800944)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-vietnamese-banner-say/800944 "2017-11-07T15:58:15Z")
I found this in my (late) dad’s things. It was in a box along with a silk banner that said, “To Hell with Communism” (in English). I’m sure they came from his days in \`Nam. Can anyone tell me what this Vietnamese writin… --- ## [Signal processing: correlation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signal-processing-correlation/800845)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signal-processing-correlation/800845 "2017-11-07T01:58:23Z")
I have a template function that I want to match against a signal. Easy enough: it’s a cross-correlation. I transform the template into the time-reversed conjugate, do the convolution in frequency space (doing an FFT), … --- ## [British prisoner's clothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-prisoners-clothing/800666)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-prisoners-clothing/800666 "2017-11-07T01:24:53Z")
I was watching The Mackintosh Man and noticed the prisoners all wore shirts with collars, neck ties and a heavy suit coat much of the time. They dispensed with the jacket and tie when they were at work in the laundry. Wa… --- ## [Does "packing" your cigarettes really work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-packing-your-cigarettes-really-work/100897)
**Author:** [@Mr.Frink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Frink)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-packing-your-cigarettes-really-work/100897 "2017-11-07T01:20:25Z")
You know the type-- before having a smoke, some smokers sharply smack the box of cigarettes against the palm of their hand. Now, besides thinking that it looks cool, is there any real sense to “packing” your cigarettes? … --- ## [Why Do Men Stand When a Lady Approaches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-stand-when-a-lady-approaches/622757)
**Author:** [@Maeganspop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeganspop)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-stand-when-a-lady-approaches/622757 "2017-11-07T00:37:11Z")
Some of us were discussing Chivalry in another thread a question came up. Why do men stand when a lady enters the room? Why do men stand when a lady is seated at a table? Why do men stand when a lady stands up from a ta… --- ## [Alternatives to Jukebox for an iPhone music player app?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-jukebox-for-an-iphone-music-player-app/800859)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-jukebox-for-an-iphone-music-player-app/800859 "2017-11-06T23:46:17Z")
Some of my music was purchased on iTunes, some on Amazon, some “fell off a truck.” I’m trying to find a music player that will play them all without caring where the file came from. I had found a workaround by putting … --- ## [B.R. Aficiados: Seeking quote exchange: Cleric, probably a bishop, gets owned by Bertrand Russell...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-r-aficiados-seeking-quote-exchange-cleric-probably-a-bishop-gets-owned-by-bertrand-russell/800905)
**Author:** [@Find\_Friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Find_Friends)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-r-aficiados-seeking-quote-exchange-cleric-probably-a-bishop-gets-owned-by-bertrand-russell/800905 "2017-11-06T22:09:21Z")
If you can help me I’ll be very grateful. Could use answer by Thursday morning, if you can. I’m not sure whether this references a book. Probably not. So I’m leaving this question here, rather than Cafe Society… D… --- ## [Do you need to move your OS to a SSD if you buy one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-move-your-os-to-a-ssd-if-you-buy-one/800883)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-move-your-os-to-a-ssd-if-you-buy-one/800883 "2017-11-06T22:05:59Z")
I’m thinking of buying a 240GB SSD and I want to install mostly large (40-80GB plus) games (and mods) on it, so I need as much space as possible. If I leave the Windows OS on my HDD, will that affect the loading of the g… --- ## [Skunk! Need answer quick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skunk-need-answer-quick/800265)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skunk-need-answer-quick/800265 "2017-11-06T20:05:50Z")
So our dog just go into something. Came inside from the back yard not happy and he smells, like really bad. The whole house smells really bad. We have all the windows open but this shit is powerful. Our dog was froth… --- ## [Does the owner of an original work of art also own the reproduction rights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-owner-of-an-original-work-of-art-also-own-the-reproduction-rights/800630)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-owner-of-an-original-work-of-art-also-own-the-reproduction-rights/800630 "2017-11-06T19:19:38Z")
I think the question is self-explanatory, but I will give the background. My father-in-law, an amateur artist (he actually taught art in NYC) gave my wife an original painting. He died and his wife was his sole heir, t… --- ## [Getting a new phone #. (Free Goggle #?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-new-phone-free-goggle/800769)
**Author:** [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-a-new-phone-free-goggle/800769 "2017-11-06T18:38:05Z")
I need 3 or 4 phone numbers. There are companies like Grasshopper, Ooma, Vonage etc where I can get numbers. (Even AT&T etc) All of these companies want to sell you a number with a bundle of features; voice mail etc. I… --- ## [Architecture Question--"Lancaster Room"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architecture-question-lancaster-room/800779)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architecture-question-lancaster-room/800779 "2017-11-06T17:03:11Z")
I saw an online ad (no link) that referred to a kind of room as a “Lancaster Room”. It may be an archaic term. It may have to do with an upper story room, with roof access. Does anybody know anything about this topic? … --- ## [Sewer smell in bathroom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewer-smell-in-bathroom/800770)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewer-smell-in-bathroom/800770 "2017-11-06T12:14:36Z")
We’ve been noticing an odor in one of our bathrooms. Some data points: \[ul\] \[li\]The bathroom is in a single-story house, typical US rancher style house. It is on the exterior wall (i.e. bathroom has a window).\[/li\]\[li\]… --- ## [Are "confidentialtity notices" in emails enforceable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-confidentialtity-notices-in-emails-enforceable/800436)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-confidentialtity-notices-in-emails-enforceable/800436 "2017-11-06T11:59:41Z")
I often get emails with something like the following appended to the bottom of the email: CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended fo… --- ## [Can the US president carry a weapon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-us-president-carry-a-weapon/338105)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-us-president-carry-a-weapon/338105 "2017-11-06T08:02:23Z")
There’s been a lot of publicity photos, past and current, showing the Pres of the time out hunting in his “private” life. I was wondering, does the post of President, as CinC, allow the imcumbent to carry a weapon? Seein… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=654) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=656)