# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=699 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 700 --- ## [Does patience wear out faster when "mean"(unkind) looks/sounds equivalent to "mean" (understand)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-patience-wear-out-faster-when-mean-unkind-looks-sounds-equivalent-to-mean-understand/792012)
**Author:** [@TipTapTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TipTapTwo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-patience-wear-out-faster-when-mean-unkind-looks-sounds-equivalent-to-mean-understand/792012 "2017-07-24T12:29:35Z")
After reading this book excerpt entitled How Does Our Language Shape The Way We Think? I wondered about how common words with both negative and positive meanings might affect our subconscious mind. For instance, if a te… --- ## [Why did the framers of the US Constitution give the president the power to pardon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-framers-of-the-us-constitution-give-the-president-the-power-to-pardon/791865)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-framers-of-the-us-constitution-give-the-president-the-power-to-pardon/791865 "2017-07-24T05:15:12Z")
It short circuits due process, seems like a vestige of the divine right of kings. I thought the framers wanted to get away from those things. Anyone versed in the history of why that provision was granted, what say ye? --- ## [How do police & army rankings work? what responsiblity does each one recieve?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-police-army-rankings-work-what-responsiblity-does-each-one-recieve/153772)
**Author:** [@The\_Calculus\_of\_Logic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Calculus_of_Logic)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2003, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-police-army-rankings-work-what-responsiblity-does-each-one-recieve/153772 "2003-02-10T04:19:59Z")
Its my basic understanding that police rankings are thus: Patrolman, seargent, lieutenant, captain & chief. The patrolman responds to calls, the seargent is leader of about 6-8 patrolmen. A city is divided into district… --- ## [Virtual Private Networks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-private-networks/791956)
**Author:** [@abashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abashed)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-private-networks/791956 "2017-07-24T02:08:59Z")
Is there such a thing as a completely undetectable VPN? I know they hide your real IP address but it appears some sites are equipped with tools that can detect when someone is using a VPN. I have only tried free ones but… --- ## [Confidentiality Obligations of Former Prosecutors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confidentiality-obligations-of-former-prosecutors/791805)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2017, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confidentiality-obligations-of-former-prosecutors/791805 "2017-07-24T01:11:18Z")
This question comes to mind due to the current political situation, but I am looking for GQ answers that are generally applicable, and not political commentary appropriate for other forums. While investigations and pros… --- ## [Didn't Ancient Doctors Notice Their Patients Weren't Getting Any Better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-ancient-doctors-notice-their-patients-werent-getting-any-better/791556)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-ancient-doctors-notice-their-patients-werent-getting-any-better/791556 "2017-07-23T23:11:58Z")
I don’t think I need a cite for this one. Some old medical practices were brutal. And pretty “moronic”, as Cecil Adams even said once. My question that I have wondered for some time is simply this: Didn’t this ancient d… --- ## [Question on stations listening for alien radio waves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-stations-listening-for-alien-radio-waves/791850)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-stations-listening-for-alien-radio-waves/791850 "2017-07-23T22:05:56Z")
Why are they confident a radio wave will reach Earth from hundreds of light years away? My car can only listen to a radio station within a few hundred miles. --- ## [Is a female magazine photographer a paparazzo or should the word end in -a?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-female-magazine-photographer-a-paparazzo-or-should-the-word-end-in-a/791089)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-female-magazine-photographer-a-paparazzo-or-should-the-word-end-in-a/791089 "2017-07-23T21:15:16Z")
Hi Is a female magazine photographer a paparazzo or should the word end in -a? I couldn’t find the word ending in -a, so I presume it’s paparazzo. I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Do gangs buy life insurance for their members?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gangs-buy-life-insurance-for-their-members/791860)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gangs-buy-life-insurance-for-their-members/791860 "2017-07-23T15:24:36Z")
Seems like it would be an easy way to cash in on inevitable turf wars. Why isn’t this done more often? Or is it? --- ## [Windows folder customization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-folder-customization/791528)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-folder-customization/791528 "2017-07-23T08:47:12Z")
I recently did a system restore on my hard drive (only one so far…much better than my previous computer, that’s for sure!). While this was a much-needed step that had several benefits, not the least of which was getting… --- ## [Need help coming up with a math equation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coming-up-with-a-math-equation/791818)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-coming-up-with-a-math-equation/791818 "2017-07-23T02:05:53Z")
Okay, so I for some reason am just drawing a blank on this. I’m trying to come up with a coordinate for a point, based on information that I know. I’ll try to diagram it: a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_… --- ## [Fighter planes: why aren't frameless canopies more common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighter-planes-why-arent-frameless-canopies-more-common/773930)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2017, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighter-planes-why-arent-frameless-canopies-more-common/773930 "2017-07-23T00:25:18Z")
To my knowledge (which I imagine will be amended later in this thread), the only two fighter planes that utilize frameless canopies are the F-16 and F-22. I’m not a fighter pilot, but ISTM that the visibility advantage … --- ## [Did Amazon pay for all the news coverage about Prime Day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-amazon-pay-for-all-the-news-coverage-about-prime-day/791793)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-amazon-pay-for-all-the-news-coverage-about-prime-day/791793 "2017-07-22T18:45:28Z")
For weeks leading up to it, there was a lot of news coverage about Amazon Prime Day. In the days afterwards, many news outlets have been issuing analysis about it. Do companies pay for these kinds of stories to be writ… --- ## [Using thread sealant on brass shower drain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-thread-sealant-on-brass-shower-drain/791833)
**Author:** [@Kamaski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamaski)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-thread-sealant-on-brass-shower-drain/791833 "2017-07-22T17:57:19Z")
I have one of those fiberglass/plastic shower stalls on my 2nd floor and recently the brass “no caulk” drain started to leak on the ceiling below. The drain is supposed to be “no caulk” meaning it relies on the compressi… --- ## [Safe for J-Lube to remain in human colon after use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-for-j-lube-to-remain-in-human-colon-after-use/791635)
**Author:** [@Loyuod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loyuod)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-for-j-lube-to-remain-in-human-colon-after-use/791635 "2017-07-22T17:49:11Z")
J-Lube can stay in the colon for a few days after its first use & maybe up to a week I have noticed. It’s mixed at 5 average tablespoons to 500Ml of water. At this thickness it doesn’t just wash away easy if you put thi… --- ## [Moving across country in December?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-across-country-in-december/791760)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moving-across-country-in-december/791760 "2017-07-22T17:37:01Z")
My lease ends on December 21st and I’m considering moving from southern Indiana to Eugene Oregon in a 10 foot Uhaul truck or just renting a Dodge Grand Caravan if I decide I don’t need to take as many things. It would b… --- ## [How do I get Molten Granite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-molten-granite/408927)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-molten-granite/408927 "2017-07-22T15:55:11Z")
I was recently looking at my rock collection that is sitting in boxes in my basement. Unlabeled and not in any cases…I just got my hands on a new case, and am trying to decide which to put int it. I’m looking at some lav… --- ## [Why are so many muslims named Muhammad or Abdullah?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-muslims-named-muhammad-or-abdullah/552602)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-muslims-named-muhammad-or-abdullah/552602 "2010-09-08T21:57:57Z")
Mahdi reference? Poor imagination? Peer pressure? please enlighten a Kaffir --- ## [John McCain and the ACA repeal vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccain-and-the-aca-repeal-vote/791755)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccain-and-the-aca-repeal-vote/791755 "2017-07-22T13:25:55Z")
I admit I should know this, but I don’t. As I’m sure all USAns here know, John McCain was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. I don’t know how much this will impact his ability to function as a senator over the next… --- ## [Have construction techniques for houses changed dramatically in recent decades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-construction-techniques-for-houses-changed-dramatically-in-recent-decades/791698)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-construction-techniques-for-houses-changed-dramatically-in-recent-decades/791698 "2017-07-22T13:11:57Z")
It seems to me like we should’ve come up with some efficient way to build houses by now, like assembling pre-fabbed pieces or something, but from a casual glance it seems like houses are still built like they were 50 yea… --- ## [Locked Out of Computer!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locked-out-of-computer/791798)
**Author:** [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locked-out-of-computer/791798 "2017-07-22T12:58:50Z")
Dell Optiplex 750, 8 gig ram, 1 Tb hard drive. My problem: After a cold boot the computer booted up to a dos screen asking for a Microsoft password. I have one and typed it in. And in. The password was refused every tim… --- ## [The Facebook check or arrow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-facebook-check-or-arrow/791867)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2017, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-facebook-check-or-arrow/791867 "2017-07-22T10:39:56Z")
When you send someone a message on Facebook then a check mark appears if they read your message. If they didn’t read your message then it just shows an arrow. The question is what causes the check mark to appear? Does… --- ## [When did diseases come into existence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-diseases-come-into-existence/791822)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-diseases-come-into-existence/791822 "2017-07-21T23:44:05Z")
Something tickled my curiosity today based on Cecil’s repeat column, What’s the leading cause of death in human history? - The Straight Dope How long have the main diseases mentioned been with mankind? When did they dev… --- ## [Victorinox scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victorinox-scissors/790853)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victorinox-scissors/790853 "2017-07-21T23:25:12Z")
Since starting this thread, I’ve replaced the scissors spring on my Victorinox Champion two more times. Last night, the spring broke again. I recall in another thread that someone said the scissors on Wenger Swiss Army… --- ## [How does a military person get to be assigned to an embassy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-military-person-get-to-be-assigned-to-an-embassy/421056)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-military-person-get-to-be-assigned-to-an-embassy/421056 "2017-07-21T23:19:55Z")
This thread got me wondering. Suppose you’re in the military, how do you get assigned to an embassy? I expect there are very different answers for enlisted and officers, but please eliminate my ignorance. --- ## [Cleaning the stainless steel interior of a microwave...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-the-stainless-steel-interior-of-a-microwave/596606)
**Author:** [@BACI](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BACI)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-the-stainless-steel-interior-of-a-microwave/596606 "2017-07-21T21:40:30Z")
I have a microwave/convection oven with a stainless steel interior. Over time, baked-on residue has built up and I’m keen to clean it off. I have tried using normal kitchen spray cleaners but they don’t remove persistent… --- ## [Any health benefits from donating platelets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-health-benefits-from-donating-platelets/791450)
**Author:** [@Claude\_Remains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claude_Remains)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-health-benefits-from-donating-platelets/791450 "2017-07-21T21:40:20Z")
does having blood drawn from one arm, having the machine remove platelets then return return it to the other have any positive effect on my system or do I just “recover” and do again every two weeks? --- ## [Animals' diets - how can cows live on grass alone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-diets-how-can-cows-live-on-grass-alone/312313)
**Author:** [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-diets-how-can-cows-live-on-grass-alone/312313 "2017-07-21T20:53:31Z")
How is it that we, as humans, are constantly fussing over having a balanced diet with the right proportions of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, minerals, essential oils etc. while other mammals apparently don’t need to b… --- ## [I can't delete temporary files](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-delete-temporary-files/791697)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-delete-temporary-files/791697 "2017-07-21T18:29:59Z")
I’ve used a registry cleaner, and used the instructions to delete temp files from the folder, but I’m stuck with these files which is slowing my speed to a snailpace, and won’t allow me to search the boards. HELP!… --- ## [Just got a call from a 12 digit phone number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-a-call-from-a-12-digit-phone-number/791756)
**Author:** [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2017, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-a-call-from-a-12-digit-phone-number/791756 "2017-07-21T17:41:04Z")
The first three digits were 447. Looking online it appears to be a UK number with the country code. I see a few complaints from people receiving scam calls from such numbers, but just a few and no obvious common thread b… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=698) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=700)