# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=76 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 77 --- ## [Can anybody really get a license to sell fully automatic weapons, and then sell to "friends and family, colleagues, or interested buyers"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anybody-really-get-a-license-to-sell-fully-automatic-weapons-and-then-sell-to-friends-and-family-colleagues-or-interested-buyers/1005538)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2024, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anybody-really-get-a-license-to-sell-fully-automatic-weapons-and-then-sell-to-friends-and-family-colleagues-or-interested-buyers/1005538 "2024-08-26T19:43:46Z")
I had the apparently misinformed idea that fully automatic weapons were illegal. Now I see a claim that all you need is the magic of an FFL and you too can become a vendor, buy your own at wholesale cost, and sell to fri… --- ## [Does PowerPoint have a template...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-powerpoint-have-a-template/1006250)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2024, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-powerpoint-have-a-template/1006250 "2024-08-26T18:35:29Z")
I need a template in PowerPoint for a basic flowchart. (Who creates flowcharts anymore?) Just the basic symbols I can scale and throw something together (with four steps) to please my boss. Does such a thing exist? If n… --- ## [Is there any way to rearrange Gmail by “sender”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-rearrange-gmail-by-sender/1006206)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2024, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-rearrange-gmail-by-sender/1006206 "2024-08-25T22:23:39Z")
I’ve got a lot of garbage emails from the same people, spammers, companies I no longer care about, and I’d like to eliminate easily some of them going back years, but I see no way to bundle all my emails over the years f… --- ## [Tulsa Area dog hiking and swimming areas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tulsa-area-dog-hiking-and-swimming-areas/1006111)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2024, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tulsa-area-dog-hiking-and-swimming-areas/1006111 "2024-08-25T19:43:34Z")
I’m relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma for a few months starting in mid-September, and I’m bringing my Jack Russell named Milo with me. Where I currently live, there are many parks and trails suitable for dogs. I walk him on … --- ## [Tell me something before the FDIC if the James boys or Dillinger gang robbed the bank you had your money in were you screwed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-something-before-the-fdic-if-the-james-boys-or-dillinger-gang-robbed-the-bank-you-had-your-money-in-were-you-screwed/1006120)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-something-before-the-fdic-if-the-james-boys-or-dillinger-gang-robbed-the-bank-you-had-your-money-in-were-you-screwed/1006120 "2024-08-25T15:17:44Z")
a while back we were watching The Long Riders on TV and wondered what would happen to Farmer John’s money if the bank got robbed … I know these days it’s insured and he suffers no losses but from 1860 to 1930 was it sor… --- ## [Lies from the government \[Vietnam POWs\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-from-the-government-vietnam-pows/1005721)
**Author:** [@TXRebel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TXRebel)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2024, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lies-from-the-government-vietnam-pows/1005721 "2024-08-25T13:24:45Z")
I’m not sure if this the right place to ask this so if it isn’t please move it mods. I’m currently reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. One of the things she said in the book was that the US government at one time during… --- ## [How can I find what tartan I can wear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-find-what-tartan-i-can-wear/1005954)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2024, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-find-what-tartan-i-can-wear/1005954 "2024-08-25T02:02:31Z")
According to DNA testing I am not the Lindburgh baby. I am 1/3 Scottish So how would I find what clan I belong to and tartan I’m entitles to wear? Is it just tracing ancestry or are there rules? What documentation w… --- ## [Over wintering rechargeable yard tools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-wintering-rechargeable-yard-tools/1005846)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2024, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-wintering-rechargeable-yard-tools/1005846 "2024-08-24T21:34:46Z")
I live where it gets wintery cold (-25C), and make sure to bring in my rechargeable batteries and the chargers. But how about the tools themselves? Like a weed whacker and a hedge trimmer. Are they good to stay out in t… --- ## [Words that look like the thing they spell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-look-like-the-thing-they-spell/1006046)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2024, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-look-like-the-thing-they-spell/1006046 "2024-08-24T11:01:11Z")
Words like bed, eyes, and shark. Is there a term for these? Any more examples? --- ## [Secondary cell phone numbers and Google Voice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secondary-cell-phone-numbers-and-google-voice/1006107)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2024, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secondary-cell-phone-numbers-and-google-voice/1006107 "2024-08-24T09:50:49Z")
I currently have a land line, cable, and internet service, plus cell phone service. It’s probably time to give up on cable and switch to a streaming TV service for sports (we barely watch cable at all anymore). I don’t… --- ## [Educate me about passkeys, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-passkeys-please/1005579)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2024, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-about-passkeys-please/1005579 "2024-08-24T08:12:15Z")
Been seeing some scary stories about every password in the universe being hacked and posted on “the dark evil web”. Several stories have briefly mentioned that we should all switch to passkeys - without really explainin… --- ## [How are wooden piers maintained?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-wooden-piers-maintained/1006016)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2024, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-wooden-piers-maintained/1006016 "2024-08-23T23:15:15Z")
How are large wooden piers, like the Santa Monica pier, maintained? I imagine that the wooden piles are treated to last for many decades, but surely they must eventually rot or erode, or might get damaged by storms, wil… --- ## [How do you visualize a photon traveling through space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-visualize-a-photon-traveling-through-space/1005968)
**Author:** [@Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2024, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-visualize-a-photon-traveling-through-space/1005968 "2024-08-23T19:54:48Z")
Is it like a bullet … going forward in a straight line? Or like a snake … serpentining back and forth along the ground? Or like a corkscrew … spiraling it’s way forward? --- ## [British use of the word "gaffer"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-use-of-the-word-gaffer/1002472)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2024, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-use-of-the-word-gaffer/1002472 "2024-08-23T09:10:54Z")
I had heard the word “gaffer” used in the context of film (lighting technician) before I read Tolkien and saw it used in the context of people (well, hobbits, but let’s not quibble). He speaks of hobbit “gaffers and gamm… --- ## [Help me identify this coin(?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-coin/1006055)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2024, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-coin/1006055 "2024-08-23T04:55:02Z")
Photo link. Photo#2. Photo#3 I’m honestly not even sure if this is a coin. It has the earmarks of something from long ago, but it’s pretty worn, and I’m not a foreign or ancient coin expert. I did collect coins for many… --- ## [How to save your "start" location in Google Maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-save-your-start-location-in-google-maps/1005430)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2024, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-save-your-start-location-in-google-maps/1005430 "2024-08-23T00:38:17Z")
This is on my computer, not a cell phone. Every time I look up directions to some place I have to manually enter my home address. I haven’t found a way to save that location so far. And I don’t want it to transfer to my… --- ## [How long does the reaction bump from a wasp sting last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-the-reaction-bump-from-a-wasp-sting-last/1005801)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-the-reaction-bump-from-a-wasp-sting-last/1005801 "2024-08-22T21:30:45Z")
I got stung by a wasp a week ago; still have a bump at the spot, like a mosquito bite bump, only bigger. How long does it take to go away? Doesn’t hurt or anything, just an irritant. --- ## [World War One Topics--Espionage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-war-one-topics-espionage/1006025)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-war-one-topics-espionage/1006025 "2024-08-22T17:59:58Z")
My memory fails me, & my Google-Fu has fizzled. During World War One, the US created an essentially all-amateur security & counterintelligence force that was 100% Civilian, & utterly useless. Bully-boys, who wound up ab… --- ## [Dental X-Ray Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-x-ray-question/1006024)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2024, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-x-ray-question/1006024 "2024-08-22T10:10:44Z")
Every 6 months I get my teeth cleaned. Maybe not every visit, but the subject of X-Rays comes up. I generally opt out until at least a full year goes by. Is there generally accepted time frame to get X-Rays? Thx. --- ## [Tell me how electrical wall outlets can go dead w/o tripping a circuit breaker. Hidden fire danger from short?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-how-electrical-wall-outlets-can-go-dead-w-o-tripping-a-circuit-breaker-hidden-fire-danger-from-short/1005710)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2024, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-how-electrical-wall-outlets-can-go-dead-w-o-tripping-a-circuit-breaker-hidden-fire-danger-from-short/1005710 "2024-08-22T05:24:13Z")
More details about the situation in the subject line: I had three outlets, all along one wall, suddenly go dead. It happened when I had a shop-vac plugged into one of them, which suddenly quit sucking. No biggie, I un… --- ## [Is there a specific ceremony for "deconsecrating" a church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-ceremony-for-deconsecrating-a-church/1005825)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-ceremony-for-deconsecrating-a-church/1005825 "2024-08-19T20:57:53Z")
In a big city, one periodically runs into a building that used to be a church but has been re-purposed. We normally refer to these as “deconsecrated” churches. How exactly do you go about deconsecrating a church? I real… --- ## [Puerto Rico's energy grid - what gives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-ricos-energy-grid-what-gives/1005735)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-ricos-energy-grid-what-gives/1005735 "2024-08-19T20:33:33Z")
So the folks down there got hammered by a hurricane (again) and most of island lost power (again). How is it the energy provider there has not rebuilt their grid in a robust manner? Is it physically impossible? Are th… --- ## [What happens if something is left to you in a will, but the whatever is no longer owned by the person who died?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-something-is-left-to-you-in-a-will-but-the-whatever-is-no-longer-owned-by-the-person-who-died/1005888)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-something-is-left-to-you-in-a-will-but-the-whatever-is-no-longer-owned-by-the-person-who-died/1005888 "2024-08-19T18:38:19Z")
Say you are one of three kids, and your father wanted to split his estate to you all evenly. His will specifies that Al (you, eldest son) should inherit his house and property, Bob (middle son) inherits his investment p… --- ## [Ceiling Fan Control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fan-control/1005787)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fan-control/1005787 "2024-08-19T17:29:32Z")
I have a ceiling fan in the bedroom with three speeds and a remote control. Can someone explain how the variable speed works? If it matters, the fan is on a 230V AC supply. --- ## [Is there an easy way for me to donate ANONYMOUSLY to a SuperPAC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-for-me-to-donate-anonymously-to-a-superpac/1005792)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-for-me-to-donate-anonymously-to-a-superpac/1005792 "2024-08-19T17:09:03Z")
Hi folks, I know I cannot donate anonymously to candidates, and it is a pity for me because I am the type of donor who donates a large amount of money once. So instead of donating $50 ten times, I would just donate $500… --- ## [Prison sentence of hard labor--what do they do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-sentence-of-hard-labor-what-do-they-do/1004829)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prison-sentence-of-hard-labor-what-do-they-do/1004829 "2024-08-19T11:04:47Z")
I just read about a guy sentenced to 60 days of “hard labor” in an Alabama jail. What does that mean? A quick google only turned up info about prison labor in general, (which is typical factory work, or working in a lau… --- ## [How do hybrid car batteries handle the number of charging cycles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hybrid-car-batteries-handle-the-number-of-charging-cycles/1005583)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2024, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hybrid-car-batteries-handle-the-number-of-charging-cycles/1005583 "2024-08-19T03:45:35Z")
My wife has a Honda CRV Hybrid. It is not a plug in hybrid. It charges through braking and going downhill. According to the power flow display, which is pretty geeky and cool. It is in a constant state of charging and di… --- ## [Transferring music between devices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-music-between-devices/1005850)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2024, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-music-between-devices/1005850 "2024-08-18T18:07:31Z")
Is it possible to transfer my music from an old iPod to my current iPhone? The music on the iPod is mine - I purchased it. --- ## [Melting Lead Into Conical Copper Chiminea Cap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melting-lead-into-conical-copper-chiminea-cap/1005755)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2024, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melting-lead-into-conical-copper-chiminea-cap/1005755 "2024-08-18T03:17:47Z")
I have a new terracota chiminea but no cap, and I couldn’t find anything to use as a cap to keep out rain. I thought that a terracotta (or stoneware) plant saucer would work, but none fit. They are either too large or to… --- ## [Is it considered unprofessional for (American) attorneys to represent family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-unprofessional-for-american-attorneys-to-represent-family/1005569)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2024, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-considered-unprofessional-for-american-attorneys-to-represent-family/1005569 "2024-08-16T16:23:42Z")
My sister is an attorney – in another state, I should add, so she couldn’t represent me even if I needed her – and she changes the subject whenever I ask her. In the U.S., is it considered untoward for an attorney to rep… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=75) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=77)