# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=670 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 671 --- ## [Help: end of laptop charger cord got wet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-end-of-laptop-charger-cord-got-wet/797421)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-end-of-laptop-charger-cord-got-wet/797421 "2017-09-28T17:37:09Z")
That about says it. The cat was feisty and running around, the end of the charger cord for my MacBook got dragged through spilled coffee. The tiny green light at the end was on. I unplugged the unit from the outlet an… --- ## [Portable air conditioner - one hose or two?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-air-conditioner-one-hose-or-two/545804)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-air-conditioner-one-hose-or-two/545804 "2017-09-28T17:17:23Z")
When we got our portable air conditioner several years ago, we got one with a double hose because it was supposed to be much more efficient to have the hot air go out the window through its own hose and the outside-tempe… --- ## [Chinese sticky rice mortar formula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-sticky-rice-mortar-formula/797380)
**Author:** [@staevart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/staevart)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-sticky-rice-mortar-formula/797380 "2017-09-28T15:24:47Z")
Several years ago it was discovered that the mortar used to build the Great Wall in China was made with sticky rice or a broth made from sticky rice. For several millennia, this mortar has proven to be extremely strong … --- ## [Typical position of unconcious person in fall from great height?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typical-position-of-unconcious-person-in-fall-from-great-height/797436)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typical-position-of-unconcious-person-in-fall-from-great-height/797436 "2017-09-28T14:33:17Z")
This is a rather morbid question so I apologise in advance. Occassionally you hear about people falling while unconcious from a great height (out of an airliner for example), is there a typical position a human body wou… --- ## [How many orders of orbit are possible in the known universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-orders-of-orbit-are-possible-in-the-known-universe/797474)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-orders-of-orbit-are-possible-in-the-known-universe/797474 "2017-09-28T02:14:54Z")
So a star may orbit the galactic centre, that’s one. If it’s in a binary system perhaps you could argue that two stars are orbiting each other - two. Debatable that one - I personally don’t think it should count but let… --- ## [Quick question about GDP--goods produced vs. goods sold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-gdp-goods-produced-vs-goods-sold/796902)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2017, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-gdp-goods-produced-vs-goods-sold/796902 "2017-09-28T01:55:38Z")
My son asked me a question about a college econ assignment related to GDP. My reading of GDP is that it is the value of goods sold, not goods produced. So if a company makes 10,000 cars, sells 9,000 for $20,000 each, and… --- ## [Fighting with a Sledgehammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-with-a-sledgehammer/679497)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-with-a-sledgehammer/679497 "2017-09-27T23:54:15Z")
I was wondering about fighting with unconventional and unwieldly weapons and it got me thinking about the Sledgehammer. Is there an effective fighting style with something so slow to swing? You are free to use it howev… --- ## [Motorcycle vs. bicycle: front brake lever on opposite sides?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcycle-vs-bicycle-front-brake-lever-on-opposite-sides/797287)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcycle-vs-bicycle-front-brake-lever-on-opposite-sides/797287 "2017-09-27T21:52:09Z")
Inspired by this thread re: motorcycle control conventions: Motorcycles are typically sold with the front brake on the right grip. Bicycles are typically sold with the front brake on the left grip. Why the difference? … --- ## [Chances of a police shooting during a ride-along](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chances-of-a-police-shooting-during-a-ride-along/796960)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chances-of-a-police-shooting-during-a-ride-along/796960 "2017-09-27T19:55:51Z")
Awhile ago, I was talking about BLM with a friend online. He insisted that I should shut up until I’d done what he’d done and spent a day riding along with a cop on patrol, so I could see what their job was like. So tha… --- ## [Can doctors tell the difference between diabetes and starvation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-doctors-tell-the-difference-between-diabetes-and-starvation/797305)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-doctors-tell-the-difference-between-diabetes-and-starvation/797305 "2017-09-27T19:52:18Z")
IIRC, they both can be very thin and have an acetone smell in their breath from Ketosis. --- ## [Which war booty from the Franco-Prussian War ended up being mounted on Berlin's public buildings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-war-booty-from-the-franco-prussian-war-ended-up-being-mounted-on-berlins-public-buildings/797257)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-war-booty-from-the-franco-prussian-war-ended-up-being-mounted-on-berlins-public-buildings/797257 "2017-09-27T16:24:13Z")
Hi Which war booty from the Franco-Prussian War ended up being mounted on Berlin’s public buildings? Which war booty from previous Franco-German battles ended up being mounted on public building in Paris? --- ## [Do dogs recognise a pure breed from a mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-recognise-a-pure-breed-from-a-mutt/796876)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-recognise-a-pure-breed-from-a-mutt/796876 "2017-09-27T16:03:43Z")
Humans recognise and appreciate pure breed in dogs. Yes i understand that these breed characteristics have been done to suit humans more than dogs but dogs of a ceertain breed have a prized look which in most cases is go… --- ## [If I have a large IRA inheritance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-have-a-large-ira-inheritance/795299)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-have-a-large-ira-inheritance/795299 "2017-09-27T15:59:39Z")
How should I play my financial services companies against each other? I want to see how far I can take them! What concessions should I ask for from a company so that I will deign to give them my business? What are the f… --- ## [Why do so many "legitimate" online videos use watermarked or clearly stolen from YouTube video clip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-legitimate-online-videos-use-watermarked-or-clearly-stolen-from-youtube-video-clip/797400)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-legitimate-online-videos-use-watermarked-or-clearly-stolen-from-youtube-video-clip/797400 "2017-09-27T07:03:48Z")
Basically, why do seemingly legitimate websites or video content creators like Looper, Cracked, HuffingtonPost, College Humor and more, use clearly stolen videos from either YouTube or Torrents, instead of just getting t… --- ## [Butt stank that we get.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butt-stank-that-we-get/796694)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butt-stank-that-we-get/796694 "2017-09-27T04:02:48Z")
Sorry for the title, it’s a serious question. You know the smell you or someone else would get around the anus after working out or sweating or whatever for a couple hours, even if you have great hygiene? It kind of sme… --- ## [Anybody ever take the Berger Aptitude Test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-take-the-berger-aptitude-test/411386)
**Author:** [@zeno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeno)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-ever-take-the-berger-aptitude-test/411386 "2017-09-27T02:57:16Z")
It’s supposedly a test given to prospective computer programmers to see if they have any potential (presumably it checks that they have basic analytical skills). There is no wiki article on it, and more or less nothing c… --- ## [What's the community group built around helping each other with rental properties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-community-group-built-around-helping-each-other-with-rental-properties/797245)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-community-group-built-around-helping-each-other-with-rental-properties/797245 "2017-09-27T02:54:03Z")
Years ago a friend took me to a meeting of people who were all giving and taking advice on building up income from rental properties. It reminded me a little of Amway, except they weren’t selling a product. You could go … --- ## [Could ocean/sea surfaces be cooled by circulating water from depth ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-ocean-sea-surfaces-be-cooled-by-circulating-water-from-depth/796768)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2017, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-ocean-sea-surfaces-be-cooled-by-circulating-water-from-depth/796768 "2017-09-27T00:43:44Z")
Is there any existing research on the subject ? New York’s aqueducts move about 1.2 billion gallons of water per day. Would a circulation rate close to the above make any dent to the surface temperature ? What about sp… --- ## [U.S. Mail Carriers wearing rubber gloves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-mail-carriers-wearing-rubber-gloves/796741)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-mail-carriers-wearing-rubber-gloves/796741 "2017-09-26T23:59:04Z")
I was in the U.S. for a whirlwind one week trip, and I noticed that mail carriers were wearing latex gloves. Why? --- ## [Doesn't feel right, is this a scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-feel-right-is-this-a-scam/797268)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doesnt-feel-right-is-this-a-scam/797268 "2017-09-26T23:35:27Z")
Wifie San found a yard tractor on craigs list. Kupota BX25 going for 2500. The listing is down now. \*\* \[IMAGE of similar\](http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzA4WDUwMA==/z/CUEAAOxygPtSs9p3/\_3.JPG?set\_id=2) \*\* All other similar … --- ## [Unusual flag seen, help finding meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-flag-seen-help-finding-meaning/796891)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-flag-seen-help-finding-meaning/796891 "2017-09-26T18:21:45Z")
I saw a new flag on a flagpole at a house near my home the other day. New to the house, and new to me. Imagine the US flag, except with the blue field with stars area being completely black, and the red and white strip… --- ## [Do you need both bio-parents' consent when using a surrogate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-both-bio-parents-consent-when-using-a-surrogate/797324)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-both-bio-parents-consent-when-using-a-surrogate/797324 "2017-09-26T15:56:48Z")
I was watching a TV show today where the wife in a couple was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and thought about how it was kind of sad their kid would be an only child. Of course, that got me thinking… If a real-life c… --- ## [Temperature and baking - how would a really smart waffle iron work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-and-baking-how-would-a-really-smart-waffle-iron-work/797007)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-and-baking-how-would-a-really-smart-waffle-iron-work/797007 "2017-09-26T14:02:20Z")
I saw a ‘smart’ waffle iron that signaled when the waffle was done cooking, and it got me wondering about how the iron ‘knows’ when the waffle is cooked. As background, my waffle iron at home is twenty years old, and is… --- ## ["Electronic Service Requested"--what is it??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-service-requested-what-is-it/797320)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-service-requested-what-is-it/797320 "2017-09-26T02:58:51Z")
We got a bill in today’s mail with this message near the top margin. What does it mean? --- ## [Motorcycle throttle direction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcycle-throttle-direction/797253)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motorcycle-throttle-direction/797253 "2017-09-26T01:43:50Z")
Is there a reason that the throttle on motorcycles is set to pull the handle towards the rider as opposed to pushing it away from the rider? Is it a comfort thing? A safety thing? Surely it could be made the opposite wa… --- ## [What's the prohibition that makes these wage agreements illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-prohibition-that-makes-these-wage-agreements-illegal/796842)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2017, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-prohibition-that-makes-these-wage-agreements-illegal/796842 "2017-09-26T01:14:29Z")
I’m neither an employer nor an employee faced with this kind of decision, I’m just curious. The set up today involves Bob, who plans to open a widget factory. Bob is pricing out parts and a building and all those other … --- ## [Can inmates receive prescribed narcotics in jail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-inmates-receive-prescribed-narcotics-in-jail/375896)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2017, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-inmates-receive-prescribed-narcotics-in-jail/375896 "2017-09-25T23:57:14Z")
If I am under a Doctor’s care in Maryland and receiving 120Qty/40mg Oxycontin a month, then I get in trouble and end up in jail. Would I still receive my meds in jail or is it strictly no narcotic medication allowed in … --- ## [How can I confirm the ingredients in this 7-Eleven beverage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-confirm-the-ingredients-in-this-7-eleven-beverage/797144)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-confirm-the-ingredients-in-this-7-eleven-beverage/797144 "2017-09-25T23:54:45Z")
I’m trying to avoid sugared beverages, and also trying to avoid beverages with sugar substitutes. At 7-Eleven today, I found this “7 Select Sparkling Water Cherry Lime Naturally Flavored” (there was also a plain one and… --- ## [What do I do if a web site looks different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-do-if-a-web-site-looks-different/797128)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2017, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-do-if-a-web-site-looks-different/797128 "2017-09-25T23:43:03Z")
If I get a draft version or my view is corrupted, how do I fix that? I tried on Mozilla and it was a normal view. But on explorer you just see it without graphics nearly. --- ## [Short language question: affect/effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-language-question-affect-effect/797256)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2017, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-language-question-affect-effect/797256 "2017-09-25T22:38:30Z")
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks on NFL players’ choice to kneel for the national anthem. It’s a strong message, but I think there is a little error in the last se… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=669) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=671)