# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=728 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 729 --- ## [Using labels as variables in MS Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-labels-as-variables-in-ms-excel/786782)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-labels-as-variables-in-ms-excel/786782 "2017-05-21T17:27:29Z")
Let’s say I want to write a spreadsheet that has a label as a variable, for example I take a person’s annual salary and divide by how often they get paid to get their paycheck amount. For reasons not important here ther… --- ## [US or British jets intercepting Russian bombers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-or-british-jets-intercepting-russian-bombers/730732)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-or-british-jets-intercepting-russian-bombers/730732 "2017-05-21T16:49:05Z")
It seems that several times over the last few month Russian bombers have approached US and British air space. What exactly does it mean when the reports say the bombers have been “intercepted”? Do the US jets literally… --- ## [If the POTUS is impeached who pays for the lawyers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-potus-is-impeached-who-pays-for-the-lawyers/787054)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-potus-is-impeached-who-pays-for-the-lawyers/787054 "2017-05-21T16:39:58Z")
If the President of the United States is impeached does he or she have to hire private lawyers at his or her own expense to defend him or herself during the trial in the Senate (like in a normal criminal trial) or would … --- ## [When did "billion" become plural?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-billion-become-plural/786750)
**Author:** [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-billion-become-plural/786750 "2017-05-21T15:31:17Z")
I was watching an old film from the early 1940’s which prompted me to so some research. It was on military spending leading up to world war II. Both the film and the books were American (that is to say not British). I… --- ## [Botulism from garlic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botulism-from-garlic/787062)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botulism-from-garlic/787062 "2017-05-21T14:29:31Z")
Saturday morning I will make kimchi using this recipe. (The cabbage has been soaking since about 9:30 this morning.) I’ve heard that fresh garlic can result in botulism unless cooked. I’ve also heard that fermenting p… --- ## [Grifter jargon or Hollywood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grifter-jargon-or-hollywood/787011)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grifter-jargon-or-hollywood/787011 "2017-05-21T07:45:01Z")
The 1973 Oscar winning film “The Sting” labeled the beginning of each scene with a title that was descriptive of the phase of the scam that scene depicted e.g. ‘the hook,’ ‘the shutout,’ the double cross,’ ’ the wire,’ a… --- ## [Trying to find a short film that used to run prior to movies in theaters about ten years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-short-film-that-used-to-run-prior-to-movies-in-theaters-about-ten-years-ago/787125)
**Author:** [@cprattm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cprattm)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-short-film-that-used-to-run-prior-to-movies-in-theaters-about-ten-years-ago/787125 "2017-05-21T06:38:04Z")
In this one or two minute film, a farmer sets up a tent with a screen and an old movie projector that he runs by turning a crank. He has some friends and family there to watch. The movie he shows features a big old-fas… --- ## [Windows Explorer question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-explorer-question/786994)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-explorer-question/786994 "2017-05-21T02:26:50Z")
Hi all, I have a question about saving a file in Windows Explorer. Is there any way that a single document can be saved in two different directories and then “linked” together in some fashion so that I could work on the… --- ## [A car with no computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-car-with-no-computer/786789)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-car-with-no-computer/786789 "2017-05-21T01:14:32Z")
How old of a car would I have to buy to get one that did not have any sort of on-board computer anywhere in its system? --- ## [Sepsis transfering between legs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sepsis-transfering-between-legs/787020)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2017, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sepsis-transfering-between-legs/787020 "2017-05-21T00:16:47Z")
So I was watching a western last night: Onne character got shot in the leg with an arrow and developed blood poisoning. He had that leg amputated but the doctor said that the infection had spread to the other uninjured… --- ## [How do people get hit by trains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-hit-by-trains/786609)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-hit-by-trains/786609 "2017-05-20T23:44:05Z")
Every once in awhile, more often than one would think, I read news about someone getting killed by by a train while walking/standing around on the tracks. A few years ago, some lady was killed by a train while participat… --- ## [US household wiring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-household-wiring/787030)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-household-wiring/787030 "2017-05-20T23:35:20Z")
In electronics, black wire usually indicates ground. In house wiring, why is white neutral and the black wire is hot? --- ## [2 cycle trimmer issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-cycle-trimmer-issues/786880)
**Author:** [@SlickRoenick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlickRoenick)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-cycle-trimmer-issues/786880 "2017-05-20T21:09:53Z")
I am having problems with a 1 year old Husqvarna trimmer. They may be all related, but i’m not quite sure since small engines aren’t my thing. In no particular order: will not idle. Last year when it was new, i could … --- ## [Are IQ tests generally administered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-iq-tests-generally-administered/786932)
**Author:** [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-iq-tests-generally-administered/786932 "2017-05-20T20:55:13Z")
I hear a lot of people mention their IQ (particularly here and particularly when they are high!). I have no idea what my IQ is, and more to the point, I have no idea if it was ever tested. Are IQ tests regularly given … --- ## [Had to cancel large purchase on United CC, are they going to take my miles back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-to-cancel-large-purchase-on-united-cc-are-they-going-to-take-my-miles-back/787050)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-to-cancel-large-purchase-on-united-cc-are-they-going-to-take-my-miles-back/787050 "2017-05-20T20:09:23Z")
I use my United Airlines Credit Card for my business expenses to earn air travel miles. I had an order from a client that I put on my CC for $3500. A couple of weeks later, this client called and wanted to postpone the p… --- ## [How many 'drugs' currently exist as of 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-drugs-currently-exist-as-of-2017/787056)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-drugs-currently-exist-as-of-2017/787056 "2017-05-20T19:56:32Z")
If you consider a drug to be ‘a chemical designed to alter the functioning of the body’ either for medical or recreational purposes, how many different drugs exist right now? This includes legal and illegal, OTC and Rx, … --- ## [Cankerworm antics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cankerworm-antics/787098)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cankerworm-antics/787098 "2017-05-20T19:33:33Z")
We have some cankerworms dropping by silk threads this time of year. I was watering some newly planted grass and gave a quick spray towards one little green worm. It immediately shot back up the thread a foot or so. I ca… --- ## [Could President a sitting president be indicted and prosecuted for serious offenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-president-a-sitting-president-be-indicted-and-prosecuted-for-serious-offenses/787072)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-president-a-sitting-president-be-indicted-and-prosecuted-for-serious-offenses/787072 "2017-05-20T18:44:22Z")
I’ve read a few articles on this subject, and the conventional wisdom is that it’s highly unlikely that a sitting president would be prosecuted for the simple fact that impeachment itself would suffice to remove the pres… --- ## [Laser Distance Measure for 1 mile or longer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-distance-measure-for-1-mile-or-longer/786987)
**Author:** [@mscottveach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mscottveach)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laser-distance-measure-for-1-mile-or-longer/786987 "2017-05-20T17:51:11Z")
I’m looking for a way to accurately (within say 5 feet or so) measure a distance of a mile or longer easily. I will have a second person at the far point so it can be a solution that requires two devices. I need it to… --- ## [Why are bananas so cheap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bananas-so-cheap/528801)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bananas-so-cheap/528801 "2017-05-20T17:26:20Z")
When I went to the grocery store recently, they had bananas on sale for 49 cents a pound. How is it possible for them to be so cheap? They are grown in places like South America and must be imported by ship. You could… --- ## [Trangender vs Gender Dysphoria: meaningfull legal distinction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trangender-vs-gender-dysphoria-meaningfull-legal-distinction/786996)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trangender-vs-gender-dysphoria-meaningfull-legal-distinction/786996 "2017-05-20T14:18:39Z")
U.S. judge allows first transgender person to sue under disability law IANAL. But ISTM that this is a distinction without a difference. I would think a law excluding transgender is excluding various aspects of being t… --- ## [What ever happened to skyhooks and why don't we use them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-skyhooks-and-why-dont-we-use-them/786890)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-skyhooks-and-why-dont-we-use-them/786890 "2017-05-20T12:24:28Z")
When I was much younger in college (back in the dark ages to hear some of my cow-orkers talk :p) one of the things I recall being talked about were skyhooks. As I was having a discussion today with some old friends, the… --- ## [Washing machine style in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-style-in-the-us/786445)
**Author:** [@Doughbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doughbag)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-machine-style-in-the-us/786445 "2017-05-20T11:07:37Z")
First World problems I know, but dopers, please answer these very important questions to a European. For a while, I was under the impression (since I was told so by a US citizen), that most washing machines in the US h… --- ## [How did pre-civilization people away from the sea get salt/iodine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-pre-civilization-people-away-from-the-sea-get-salt-iodine/699300)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2017, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-pre-civilization-people-away-from-the-sea-get-salt-iodine/699300 "2017-05-20T02:03:29Z")
Apparently the human body needs quite a bit of salt, and iodine. But how did pre-civilization tribe members and such who had no access to the ocean get these vital minerals? I know trade in salt was a big deal going way… --- ## [The "every virus you've ever been exposed to" test.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-every-virus-youve-ever-been-exposed-to-test/787047)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-every-virus-youve-ever-been-exposed-to-test/787047 "2017-05-19T23:55:19Z")
Is it commercially available yet? Being somewhat hypochondriac I’d really like to know if, for example, I have an undiagnosed Epstein-Barr case. --- ## [If the cockpit fell off a airliner while in mid-flight, could it be landed safely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-cockpit-fell-off-a-airliner-while-in-mid-flight-could-it-be-landed-safely/786779)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-cockpit-fell-off-a-airliner-while-in-mid-flight-could-it-be-landed-safely/786779 "2017-05-19T22:37:38Z")
So, let’s make a hypothetical scenario where a Boeing 787-9 is flying in the over the ocean at 12.5 kilometers. Suddenly, there is a terrible noise and the cockpit section tears away from the fuselage and falls away. Luc… --- ## [Need some video editing software for PC - oh, has to be free](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-video-editing-software-for-pc-oh-has-to-be-free/786972)
**Author:** [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-video-editing-software-for-pc-oh-has-to-be-free/786972 "2017-05-19T22:35:10Z")
Simplest and easiest to use PC based video editing software…also, it has to be free… --- ## [Full Disk Encryption?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-disk-encryption/786964)
**Author:** [@JHBoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JHBoom)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/full-disk-encryption/786964 "2017-05-19T22:13:06Z")
I will be traveling from the Middle East to the US next month. Currently, my travel arrangements don’t require me to put my laptop in checked baggage, but that could change if DHS decides to ban laptops in carry-ons fro… --- ## [Credit union deposit error](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-union-deposit-error/786793)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-union-deposit-error/786793 "2017-05-19T21:17:11Z")
I had a check deposit for 175.50. They said it was 175.00 but I noticed that and they fixed it. If I had not noticed the error, it would have been caught somewhere? They would have had an extra 50 cents but no acco… --- ## [Fast Amazon returns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-amazon-returns/786957)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-amazon-returns/786957 "2017-05-19T20:07:02Z")
I returned an item to Amazon today. I took the package to a UPS store this morning and about 3 hours later I got an email from Amazon saying that they’ve issued the refund. They couldn’t possibly have already received … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=727) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=729)