# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=706 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 707 --- ## [What's a Free Mason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-free-mason/790445)
**Author:** [@Silver\_lining](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_lining)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-free-mason/790445 "2017-07-07T21:52:15Z")
I know it’s a fraternal based organization, but much of its meaning is kept private, and only revealed later as you " level up " I have noticed many of the founding fathers of the United States were free Masons, and the… --- ## [Supporting a unibody car on jack stands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporting-a-unibody-car-on-jack-stands/790631)
**Author:** [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporting-a-unibody-car-on-jack-stands/790631 "2017-07-07T19:15:06Z")
My friend needs help changing the brake pads on his 2010 Mazda RX-8 so we’ll need to jack it in the air. To support the car on jack stands, various sites seem to agree that you should use the reinforced area around the f… --- ## [If you take antidepressants when you are not clinically depressed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-take-antidepressants-when-you-are-not-clinically-depressed/613376)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-take-antidepressants-when-you-are-not-clinically-depressed/613376 "2017-07-07T18:27:33Z")
Bouncing off of this thread, what happens with antidepressants? If I, not being clinically depressed, start taking antidepressants, what is likely to happen? Will it make me very happy, or will it just have typical … --- ## [Inexpensive/free file-sharing/cloud storage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-free-file-sharing-cloud-storage/790469)
**Author:** [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inexpensive-free-file-sharing-cloud-storage/790469 "2017-07-07T17:21:34Z")
I’d like to set up something to share files with a couple friends who live across the country. Just a directory or 3, taking up maybe 15 gigs. I also wouldn’t mind, say, 5-15 gb cloud storage for backing up my files. … --- ## [ICBMs and GPS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbms-and-gps/790613)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbms-and-gps/790613 "2017-07-07T15:00:39Z")
If North Korea launches an ICBM or multiple ICBMs towards America, could the US military disrupt targeting by shutting down the GPS for a period of time ? --- ## [Did the Clinton and Lewinsky cigar episode really happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096)
**Author:** [@Dero\_Bsawi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dero_Bsawi)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-clinton-and-lewinsky-cigar-episode-really-happen/790096 "2017-07-07T14:03:47Z")
Although I’ve heard reference to Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky’s affair many times in my life (especially this past election year), it wasn’t until recently I’ve heard about the cigar. It was brought up during a conve… --- ## [How do parties devise their platforms in parliamentary nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-parties-devise-their-platforms-in-parliamentary-nations/790192)
**Author:** [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-parties-devise-their-platforms-in-parliamentary-nations/790192 "2017-07-07T14:01:52Z")
Who within a political party in a parliamentary nation devises the basic platform? Is it a committee of party leaders or is there a larger convention of some kind? And follow up questions: what are the requirements, if … --- ## [Higher octane gas in a car built for regular](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/higher-octane-gas-in-a-car-built-for-regular/789538)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/higher-octane-gas-in-a-car-built-for-regular/789538 "2017-07-07T12:16:21Z")
I’ve read Cecil’s column on the subject, but that thing’s 13 years old. Automotive technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. So I’ll ask the question for today: What will happen if you fill your car with premium when … --- ## [Help with translation into German and Latin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-translation-into-german-and-latin/790476)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-translation-into-german-and-latin/790476 "2017-07-07T05:36:15Z")
I would love some help translating a couple unrelated phrases. One is for a Germanophile having a difficult time right now: “When hot dogs are mandatory, bratwurst becomes resistance” I think he’ll get the humor of p… --- ## [The USA Goes Full Single-Payer. How Much Does It Cost, How Much To Raise Taxes, Etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-goes-full-single-payer-how-much-does-it-cost-how-much-to-raise-taxes-etc/789957)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-goes-full-single-payer-how-much-does-it-cost-how-much-to-raise-taxes-etc/789957 "2017-07-07T02:32:35Z")
Say that the USA goes full single-payer, like Canada or the UK or wherever. Every US citizen gets their health care provided free of charge by the government, minus a few small fees here & there. What kind of federal app… --- ## [Lather. Rinse. Repeat.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lather-rinse-repeat/790563)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lather-rinse-repeat/790563 "2017-07-07T02:09:57Z")
Is there anything “special” about a second application of shampoo, as opposed to one application, or as opposed to just leaving it on your hair longer before rinsing? How about between a second and third application? No… --- ## [LED Flicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-flicker/790585)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-flicker/790585 "2017-07-07T00:41:15Z")
First off, it’s not a problem with the house wiring, I did the work myself and properly and I know it’s tip top. Every now and again, one of my LED lights will flicker, and it subsides within a few seconds. It happened a… --- ## [Real Pirates - how evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-pirates-how-evil/360099)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-pirates-how-evil/360099 "2017-07-07T00:29:09Z")
I got in a spirited debate recently with a friend about real life pirates of the blackbeard variety. (Not people committing piracy today, but the classic old ones like Blackbeard.) My question is: how evil were they? Ho… --- ## [How much ash would it take to make a 1 carat diamond?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-ash-would-it-take-to-make-a-1-carat-diamond/790405)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2017, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-ash-would-it-take-to-make-a-1-carat-diamond/790405 "2017-07-07T00:22:20Z")
I know that’s not quite how synthetic diamonds are actually made, but for the sake of this hypothetical: you have an unlimited amount of ordinary wood ash, and the magical ability to just squeeze it down to a diamond. Ho… --- ## [Is "I made a mistake" a defense for libel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-i-made-a-mistake-a-defense-for-libel/790049)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-i-made-a-mistake-a-defense-for-libel/790049 "2017-07-06T23:22:26Z")
Let’s say you put in writing and sign the paper than someone was found guilty of causing “death.” When they sue you for libel, you explain you meant to write “theft,” which is true. But you put in writing and signed your… --- ## [Need an (approximate) area formula for a ring arc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-an-approximate-area-formula-for-a-ring-arc/790615)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-an-approximate-area-formula-for-a-ring-arc/790615 "2017-07-06T21:39:53Z")
For a section of lawn. Outside ring measurement is about 120 feet. Inside is about 80. The width is about 22. And just a ring arc. Not sure exactly what the complete circumference would be for either. I can estima… --- ## [Help with rotary switch configuration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-rotary-switch-configuration/790570)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-rotary-switch-configuration/790570 "2017-07-06T19:20:39Z")
I need to spec a rotary switch to read voltages from 4 sources. I am measuring a total of (6), 6vdc batteries hooked in series for a total of 36 vdc. I want to sequence a panel mount DC volt meter like this: Bank 1 (bat… --- ## [Outlet cover plates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlet-cover-plates/790467)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlet-cover-plates/790467 "2017-07-06T18:33:02Z")
Are the plate covers for outlets primarily for decoration or for safety? I vote decoration since it is pretty hard to get a deadly zap in a properly wired modern house. I’m looking for a factual answer here because it is… --- ## [Wiring help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiring-help/790234)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiring-help/790234 "2017-07-06T17:46:58Z")
I took down our Casablanca ceiling fan. I was planning on taking a picture of the wiring but undoing what I thought was a decorative cover delivered the entire fan to my hands and I lost the chance. I now have four cei… --- ## [Strange usage of 'compute' in IT context](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-usage-of-compute-in-it-context/790272)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-usage-of-compute-in-it-context/790272 "2017-07-06T16:55:01Z")
So I’ve recently been reading a bit of technical IT-related literature, and I keep stumbling across the word ‘compute’ used when I would use the gerund, ‘computing’. For instance, a book is titled Installation, Storage, … --- ## [Why do I get a block of junk in my Gmail messages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-a-block-of-junk-in-my-gmail-messages/790247)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-a-block-of-junk-in-my-gmail-messages/790247 "2017-07-06T15:32:12Z")
Since replacing my laptop, all my Gmail messages have a block of gibberish appended to the body of the message, which stays there if I reply or forward. I could configure it in the settings, if I knew what the phenomeno… --- ## [What is the lightest thing on earth ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-lightest-thing-on-earth/541758)
**Author:** [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-lightest-thing-on-earth/541758 "2017-07-06T02:52:18Z")
I am curious . --- ## [Backpacking/Hyponatremia Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpacking-hyponatremia-question/790502)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpacking-hyponatremia-question/790502 "2017-07-06T02:26:11Z")
Couple years ago on a Rim To Rim hike at the Grand Canyon I allowed my electrolyte level to drop. Big mistake. Don’t want to do this again next month on another trip. So, other than plain water in my camel back, any sug… --- ## [The rest of the universe bar our galazy ceases to exist. When would we know about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rest-of-the-universe-bar-our-galazy-ceases-to-exist-when-would-we-know-about-it/790509)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rest-of-the-universe-bar-our-galazy-ceases-to-exist-when-would-we-know-about-it/790509 "2017-07-06T01:54:50Z")
I’m thinking of something imaginary that would cause everything but our galaxy to blink out of existence in an instant. Would we be aware of such an event in our lifetime or wouldn’t we know anything was wrong for maybe … --- ## [Windows 10 help: Directory with all top-level HDD directories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-help-directory-with-all-top-level-hdd-directories/790211)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-help-directory-with-all-top-level-hdd-directories/790211 "2017-07-06T01:24:02Z")
So, my windows box has a bunch of hard drives in it, and my files are scattered across several of them. I never remember where I put things, and what I’d really like is to have a single directory that has links to all t… --- ## [Does anyone still use Lynx (or other non-graphical browsers?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-use-lynx-or-other-non-graphical-browsers/790515)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2017, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-use-lynx-or-other-non-graphical-browsers/790515 "2017-07-06T00:10:25Z")
I was walking down memory lane, and was surprised to find the last (?) stable release here, Lynx v2.8.8., from February 2014. Was it being maintained by hobbyists? FTR, from The Lynx Manifesto (8/23/1997): The Lynx Ma… --- ## [Lightening Rods For A Private Residence.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightening-rods-for-a-private-residence/790532)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightening-rods-for-a-private-residence/790532 "2017-07-05T22:44:26Z")
Something I’ve wondered for some time now. Why don’t they make lightening rods for private residences? I know they certainly get hit by lightening too. :):):slight\_smile: --- ## [Non-nuclear "nuclear" explosion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-nuclear-nuclear-explosion/790549)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-nuclear-nuclear-explosion/790549 "2017-07-05T21:01:46Z")
As I understand it, the basic principle behind a nuclear weapon is to wrap precisely shaped charges around fissile material, then detonate the charges to compress the radioactive stuff into an uncontrolled supercritical … --- ## [Can nearsightedness correct itself as you get older and start to become more farsighted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-nearsightedness-correct-itself-as-you-get-older-and-start-to-become-more-farsighted/790395)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2017, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-nearsightedness-correct-itself-as-you-get-older-and-start-to-become-more-farsighted/790395 "2017-07-05T21:01:24Z")
I have been very slightly nearsighted my entire adult life. It is just enough to be annoying but not enough to do much about. I had to get a weak prescription for eyeglasses so that I could pass my driver’s license renew… --- ## [How long to raise a room's temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-raise-a-rooms-temperature/790470)
**Author:** [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2017, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-raise-a-rooms-temperature/790470 "2017-07-05T18:54:29Z")
Okay math friends. Given a 200 square foot room eight foot ceilings, how long would a 1500 watt / 5100 btu heater need to run to raise the ambient temperature from 80 F to 120 F? Presume cinder block construction and m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=705) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=707)