# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=757 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 758 --- ## [Smartphone battery overheating: What are the symptoms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-battery-overheating-what-are-the-symptoms/782887)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-battery-overheating-what-are-the-symptoms/782887 "2017-03-24T20:18:37Z")
My South Korean made smartphones have had a tendency to overheat and the latest one is no exception. It got really hot and then began to emit a “stress due to being heated” sort of sound (hard to describe), and things ha… --- ## [shipping dummy rounds: did I break the law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-dummy-rounds-did-i-break-the-law/782908)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-dummy-rounds-did-i-break-the-law/782908 "2017-03-24T19:55:21Z")
I recently shipped a GAU-8 dummy round through USPS. although this fits in the famous enemy-shredding A-10 gun, it’s completely inert: there’s no propellant or primer in the case, and there’s no explosive warhead/fuze i… --- ## [Have any current US Representatives been on welfare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-current-us-representatives-been-on-welfare/782881)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-current-us-representatives-been-on-welfare/782881 "2017-03-24T18:02:03Z")
By ‘Representatives’ I mean members of the House of Reps, or the Senate, and by ‘welfare’ I mean the ‘income support for people who don’t have enough money’ kind, rather than ‘corporate welfare’ or the like. Inspired by… --- ## [Question about SCOTUS nominee questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-scotus-nominee-questions/782822)
**Author:** [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-scotus-nominee-questions/782822 "2017-03-24T17:51:34Z")
I have a couple of questions that could be very political and could easily be derailed into Yet Another Political Thread, but I hope they do have factual answers. I was watching some of the political comedy shows on TV … --- ## [Trying A President Without A Chief Justice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-a-president-without-a-chief-justice/782847)
**Author:** [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-a-president-without-a-chief-justice/782847 "2017-03-24T16:10:58Z")
I don’t want this to get political, so let’s keep this to the hypothetical. Let’s say a president is suspected of some heinous crime, maybe he gets caught embezzling money from official accounts or something. The inves… --- ## [Brits: what does "GBH" mean? (Terrorist Masood conviction list)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-what-does-gbh-mean-terrorist-masood-conviction-list/782856)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-what-does-gbh-mean-terrorist-masood-conviction-list/782856 "2017-03-24T15:36:43Z")
See query. From today BBC on line: Masood was not the subject of any current investigations and there was no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack, police say. However, he was known to the pol… --- ## [question about horse farms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-horse-farms/219121)
**Author:** [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-horse-farms/219121 "2017-03-24T15:21:44Z")
Why do horse farms have double fences around the paddock? There will be a fence (usually post-and-rail) around the property perimeter, then another fence about ten feet inside that. Why do you need two fences? --- ## [Make Windows 10 Display Text SMALLER?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-windows-10-display-text-smaller/782914)
**Author:** [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-windows-10-display-text-smaller/782914 "2017-03-24T15:14:03Z")
Friend wants to shrinkify text & stuff on his giant new monitor. Windows 10 allows us to use the Control Panel to change the Display to smaller (100%), medium (125%), or larger (150%). But there doesn’t appear to be a … --- ## [What is this on this car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-on-this-car/782838)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-on-this-car/782838 "2017-03-24T13:20:02Z")
Driving yesterday I saw a guy driving a Honda Del Sol with some type of transmitter boxes mounted on the trunk lid. Any idea of what these are for? --- ## [Why does pain make you tired/worn out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-pain-make-you-tired-worn-out/782642)
**Author:** [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-pain-make-you-tired-worn-out/782642 "2017-03-24T11:45:30Z")
I have been pretty lucky in my life so far regarding experiences of pain, but I just got surgery on my tongue this morning, and it hurts. I’m on drugs, and it hurts less than it would without them, but it still is notabl… --- ## [Max safe dose of ibuprofen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/max-safe-dose-of-ibuprofen/782778)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/max-safe-dose-of-ibuprofen/782778 "2017-03-24T06:14:28Z")
I have a bottle of OTC 200mg pills of ibuprofen, which say not to exceed 1200mg (6 pills) in a 24 hour period. However, I once had a prescription bottle of Ibuprofen with 800mg pills, which said not to exceed 3200mg (4 … --- ## [PS/2 devices other than keyboards and mice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ps-2-devices-other-than-keyboards-and-mice/782485)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ps-2-devices-other-than-keyboards-and-mice/782485 "2017-03-24T04:55:18Z")
In the 1990s most IBM-compatible computers had a couple of PS/2 ports, one for the keyboard and one for a mouse or other pointing device. These were supplanted by USB connectors, which are used not only by keyboards and… --- ## [Fuel Oil Tank Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-oil-tank-problem/140247)
**Author:** [@Danalan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danalan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-oil-tank-problem/140247 "2017-03-24T04:38:36Z")
I have two fuel oil tanks. They are connected in series, and each has a valve for the outflow. Physically they are next to each other, at the same level, with a pipe running from the valve on tank A, past tank B, conne… --- ## [Do politicians get paid for appearances on news shows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-politicians-get-paid-for-appearances-on-news-shows/782884)
**Author:** [@Bradjam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bradjam)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-politicians-get-paid-for-appearances-on-news-shows/782884 "2017-03-24T03:20:35Z")
Some make the rounds regularly, some don’t. Do they paid for showing up for segments / interviews or is the publicity their only compensation? Standard rate for everyone maybe? Also would be curious if there is a diff… --- ## [Can a defence lawyer force his client to answer his questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-defence-lawyer-force-his-client-to-answer-his-questions/782825)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-defence-lawyer-force-his-client-to-answer-his-questions/782825 "2017-03-24T01:53:41Z")
I’m watching The Judge and there’s a scene where the defence lawyer asks a question of his client about his health. He refuses to answer, the lawyer insists, the client fires the lawyer and the judge in the case basicall… --- ## [Speed/Red Light Camera Idea/Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-red-light-camera-idea-question/782868)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speed-red-light-camera-idea-question/782868 "2017-03-24T01:03:40Z")
The Red Light Camera’s around here are a new nuisance (Chicago) for everyone, I indeed do see their purpose, but I also know they are just a money grab for this greedy city, just like the $1.44 Soda/Pop tax coming up and… --- ## [How many unsolved cases/outstanding warrants are there for voter fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-unsolved-cases-outstanding-warrants-are-there-for-voter-fraud/782876)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-unsolved-cases-outstanding-warrants-are-there-for-voter-fraud/782876 "2017-03-24T01:00:22Z")
I have been debating with my friends for a while about the significance of voter fraud. In my state, there have been three people convicted of it over the past 40 years, and there are no cases in Maine of voter fraud fu… --- ## [Health Insurance Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-question/782725)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-question/782725 "2017-03-23T23:13:44Z")
My girlfriend and I have the same exact plan (but we pay separately, separate bills), my two prescriptions cost me 0$ but her one prescriptions costs about $130. Someone had told her that in order to reduce her monthly … --- ## [How hard is it to sharpen sapphire? (Straight-edge shaving razor)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-sharpen-sapphire-straight-edge-shaving-razor/782697)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-sharpen-sapphire-straight-edge-shaving-razor/782697 "2017-03-23T20:40:27Z")
I’m thinking about buying this. (I’m not planning to, but someone may.) They’ll pay for sharpening for the next 20 years, and I’m interested in what all that involves, as well as a typical operating regime for the blade … --- ## [Ancient Chinese Peppers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-chinese-peppers/782722)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-chinese-peppers/782722 "2017-03-23T20:27:02Z")
Surfing around aimlessly today I ended up on the Wikipedia page for Szechuan cooking And came upon this sentence I’m curious if anyone knows what it is refrencing? It are just talking about Black pepper or Long pepp… --- ## [Prepping a shot of heroin, why the lighter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prepping-a-shot-of-heroin-why-the-lighter/652882)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prepping-a-shot-of-heroin-why-the-lighter/652882 "2017-03-23T19:13:04Z")
I’ve never seen anyone use a lighter in real life in documentaries, never seen a lighter used in real either. Yet in a lot of old movies and heroin addict media you’ll see a lighter applied to the spoon with the water o… --- ## [Did US judges in death penalty cases ever say May God have mercy on your soul?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-us-judges-in-death-penalty-cases-ever-say-may-god-have-mercy-on-your-soul/782599)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-us-judges-in-death-penalty-cases-ever-say-may-god-have-mercy-on-your-soul/782599 "2017-03-23T18:37:08Z")
In England judges giving sentence of death, right up to the abolition of the death in the 60s, would always say after the sentence, And may God have mercy on your soul. I don’t recall American judges, at least in the mov… --- ## [Does just one company make these wire shelving units?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-just-one-company-make-these-wire-shelving-units/782730)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-just-one-company-make-these-wire-shelving-units/782730 "2017-03-23T18:04:28Z")
Pictured here. I see thesde shelving units EVERYWHERE! At my work, at restaurants, at warehouses, on TV shows… I’m just wondering if it’s one company making all of these. Because, if so, that company must be worth a for… --- ## [Proper hinges for woodworking project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-hinges-for-woodworking-project/782788)
**Author:** [@Shai\_tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shai_tan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-hinges-for-woodworking-project/782788 "2017-03-23T17:11:03Z")
I’ve designed a specialty table and need to attach a hinged lid/tabletop. I’m not sure kind of hinge will accommodate my design wishes. The table has raised trim around the edges and the hinged top needs to rest flush w… --- ## [April Showers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-showers/782693)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-showers/782693 "2017-03-23T16:30:37Z")
So goes an old children’s rhyme. But why? January is the coldest, because it is in the middle of winter, naturally. March in the windiest, probably because the seasons are changing, and hot air meets the cold. But why… --- ## [What happened to CIA's logo on cia.gov?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-cias-logo-on-cia-gov/782831)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-cias-logo-on-cia-gov/782831 "2017-03-23T16:13:09Z")
What happened to CIA’s logo on cia.gov? :slight\_smile: It looks as if someone is holding a torch light to the logo from the back or the front. It was not like this in the past. Notice the difference between the logo f… --- ## [The linguistics of Spanish vs. English numbers...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-linguistics-of-spanish-vs-english-numbers/782780)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-linguistics-of-spanish-vs-english-numbers/782780 "2017-03-23T15:55:16Z")
I very often speak on the phone with people whose first language is Spanish and because I deal in part numbers, there is a lot of back and forth with numbers and something that I have noticed is that many Spanish speaker… --- ## [Could any sniper rifle penetrate the armor on this French army vehicle "Petit Véhicule Protégé"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-any-sniper-rifle-penetrate-the-armor-on-this-french-army-vehicle-petit-vehicule-protege/782516)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-any-sniper-rifle-penetrate-the-armor-on-this-french-army-vehicle-petit-vehicule-protege/782516 "2017-03-23T14:24:21Z")
Wiki with pic here Is there any sniper rifle capable of penetrating this vehicles armor? Video of vehicle here Présentation du petit véhicule protégé (PVP) --- ## [Number on the "Pinterest" icon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-on-the-pinterest-icon/782786)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-on-the-pinterest-icon/782786 "2017-03-23T11:18:20Z")
I have this on a screen on my Smartphone. How do you get it off? I will touch the icon to visit Pinterest, and when I leave the number is gone; but later it will reappear. And now it’s up to 77. What do I do about it?… --- ## [Question about prospective juror Voir Dire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-prospective-juror-voir-dire/782801)
**Author:** [@Oddball\_92](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oddball_92)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-prospective-juror-voir-dire/782801 "2017-03-23T02:25:11Z")
For you legal types, I have a question: During voir dire, can a prospective juror be asked if he/she is homosexual? What if the case has a homosexual “element” to it, such as discrimination or perhaps assault where the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=756) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=758)