# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=775 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 776 --- ## [Cultural villains in non-Western countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cultural-villains-in-non-western-countries/779608)
**Author:** [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cultural-villains-in-non-western-countries/779608 "2017-02-16T00:45:31Z")
The list of commonly referenced evil leaders in Western culture goes something like Hitler, Stalin, Wilhelm II, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, and Pontius Pilate. In America, there’s often references to various … --- ## [Crows: Best Way To Attract Them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crows-best-way-to-attract-them/779502)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crows-best-way-to-attract-them/779502 "2017-02-15T22:19:54Z")
Do you like crows as much as I do? Having done some research, I’ve learned they eat just about anything, are diurnal, and of course, very smart. So we got a tall bird feeder with metal rungs on the side, and two sectio… --- ## [Dog Behavior Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-behavior-question/779918)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-behavior-question/779918 "2017-02-15T21:52:39Z")
Couple times a years we watch our son’s dog, a 4 year old 50 lb. mixed breed. Wonderful dog. Not being a dog owner I want to understand a behavior trait and know if I can work with him to change it. Walking him on a l… --- ## ["Alternative medicine" and health insurance in the US.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-medicine-and-health-insurance-in-the-us/779937)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-medicine-and-health-insurance-in-the-us/779937 "2017-02-15T21:40:35Z")
A couple questions regarding this: 1) How much a year do health insurance companies pay out for “alternative medicine” like acupuncture, chiropractic, or homepathic services?\* (For example, Medicare neither pays nor rei… --- ## [Gerald Ford's Confirmation--Unconstitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gerald-fords-confirmation-unconstitutional/779752)
**Author:** [@Debillw3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debillw3)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gerald-fords-confirmation-unconstitutional/779752 "2017-02-15T20:43:32Z")
In a YouTube argument (I know, I know), someone insisted that Gerald Ford’s confirmation as VP “ignored the Constitution”. When I responded by pointing out that the 25th Amendment was followed and that the 25th is the C… --- ## [Printing and Binding Someone Else's Thesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printing-and-binding-someone-elses-thesis/779051)
**Author:** [@Bibliothecarius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliothecarius)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printing-and-binding-someone-elses-thesis/779051 "2017-02-15T18:51:26Z")
So, my sister is a massive nerd (aren’t we all?) and has always wanted to read her favorite celebrity’s senior thesis. It turns out getting a copy is really easy in the internet age as you can put in an order with the un… --- ## [Do non sexual chat rooms still exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-non-sexual-chat-rooms-still-exist/779872)
**Author:** [@Scathach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scathach)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-non-sexual-chat-rooms-still-exist/779872 "2017-02-15T15:05:12Z")
It’s been years since I visited a chat room, but I still have fond memories of talking to strangers on yahoo chatrooms. Tried googling tonight, but everyplace I came across was clearly sex based (HOT SINGLES WANT TO TAL… --- ## [What would happen if I dropped a marble from 1000ft that weighed the same as the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-dropped-a-marble-from-1000ft-that-weighed-the-same-as-the-earth/779530)
**Author:** [@guitario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitario)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-i-dropped-a-marble-from-1000ft-that-weighed-the-same-as-the-earth/779530 "2017-02-15T12:37:25Z")
This is a two part question… the first part is probably very answerable to anyone who knows a bit about science (not me), whereas the second is plain stupid… but where better to ask than here? Ok, lets say I’m on top of… --- ## [Airline pilots: How strict are uniform requirements (United pilot boards, flips out)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-pilots-how-strict-are-uniform-requirements-united-pilot-boards-flips-out/779767)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-pilots-how-strict-are-uniform-requirements-united-pilot-boards-flips-out/779767 "2017-02-15T09:27:25Z")
This United pilot boarded her very own flight/aircraft in civilian clothes, took the mike and told people what was on her mind. Not sure how she did that, or how ground personnel reacted as she flashed credentials and w… --- ## [Help diagnose my car problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-my-car-problem/779869)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-diagnose-my-car-problem/779869 "2017-02-15T08:03:33Z")
I have an old beater 93(?) Oldsmobile. I will be driving down the road and the engine will just die completely. Car comes to a standstill, and upon turning the key fires right back up. This could happen after driving a… --- ## [SanDisk Cruzer Glide question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandisk-cruzer-glide-question/779888)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sandisk-cruzer-glide-question/779888 "2017-02-15T07:31:43Z")
I bought a 128GB SanDisk Cruzer Glide USB flash drive. I ran Check Flash and found out it is actually 118GB. That is a shortfall of 10 gig, but it doesn’t appear to be one of those gross fakes. It seems to read and wri… --- ## [Could a USAF member refuse to work as a missileer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-usaf-member-refuse-to-work-as-a-missileer/779642)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-usaf-member-refuse-to-work-as-a-missileer/779642 "2017-02-15T04:01:21Z")
I am not American so please bear with me. I believe the land-based part of the US nuclear triad is under control of the USAF. I’ve tried google but I’m still not sure how officers are selected for the role of missileer. … --- ## [How much energy does my walk in freezer use per day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-does-my-walk-in-freezer-use-per-day/779846)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-does-my-walk-in-freezer-use-per-day/779846 "2017-02-15T03:39:29Z")
The information panel reads: 208-230v 1 PH Motor Quantity: 3 HP per motor: 1/15 FLA ea: 0.5 MCA: 1.6 MOPD: 20 Looking for kilowatt hours per day. Bonus if you could tell me the cost per day. Looks to be like $10… --- ## [Giant asteroid is headed for Earth. I can see it with the naked eye. How long do we live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-asteroid-is-headed-for-earth-i-can-see-it-with-the-naked-eye-how-long-do-we-live/779873)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giant-asteroid-is-headed-for-earth-i-can-see-it-with-the-naked-eye-how-long-do-we-live/779873 "2017-02-15T03:18:38Z")
Dear astronomers, physicists, and WAGgers of the SDMB: I’ve read that the original opening scene of the instant-classic Armageddon involved children spotting the planet-killing asteroid in the sky. Assuming they’re loo… --- ## [Software for reaching solution in database of text solutions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/software-for-reaching-solution-in-database-of-text-solutions/779604)
**Author:** [@lriemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lriemann)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/software-for-reaching-solution-in-database-of-text-solutions/779604 "2017-02-15T02:24:22Z")
Hi everyone, I’m new to this; bear with me. I will explain the problem and what I need. I work for a small startup business which provides a service composed of software and hardware (medical device). My job is to pr… --- ## [If an uncapitalized name begins a sentence, should it capitalized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-uncapitalized-name-begins-a-sentence-should-it-capitalized/779578)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-uncapitalized-name-begins-a-sentence-should-it-capitalized/779578 "2017-02-14T22:59:11Z")
For example, look at the Wiki page on bitcoin. Is it in good or proper form to capitalize it when its originator specifically intended that its proprietary name not be capitalized? Or for another example, if some musicia… --- ## [Grilled a steak with the drip pad stuck on. Still safe to eat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-a-steak-with-the-drip-pad-stuck-on-still-safe-to-eat/779778)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grilled-a-steak-with-the-drip-pad-stuck-on-still-safe-to-eat/779778 "2017-02-14T22:45:53Z")
Yeah, I know. But the supermarket I bought it from usually doesn’t USE those drip pads, so I wasn’t looking for it. I didn’t find it until I took the steak off my Foreman Grill. So the question is, is the meat still saf… --- ## [How quick for a cabinet officer to get fired?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quick-for-a-cabinet-officer-to-get-fired/779793)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-quick-for-a-cabinet-officer-to-get-fired/779793 "2017-02-14T22:42:10Z")
I know it hasn’t happened yet, but there is speculation that NSA Mike Flynn will get fired/“resign.” Factual question: What’s the record for quickest replacement of a U.S. cabinet officer after assuming office? I know… --- ## [Michael Flynn's resignation - I'm not sure I understand what he did](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-flynns-resignation-im-not-sure-i-understand-what-he-did/779826)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-flynns-resignation-im-not-sure-i-understand-what-he-did/779826 "2017-02-14T22:26:10Z")
Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned last night due to a controversy concerning his lying over discussions he had with a Russian ambassador. So, I guess this a two part question. Was he not suppo… --- ## [\-= Jimmy Hoffa Address? =-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-hoffa-address/702062)
**Author:** [@Matul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Matul)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-hoffa-address/702062 "2017-02-14T22:18:11Z")
I have lived my entire life in Lake Orion, Michigan. Some of you may know that Jimmy Hoffa kept a ’ summer home ’ on a small lake in the city. I have found that his summer home was located on a small lake about 5 minut… --- ## [Clearing trees below auxiliary spillway at Oroville Dam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearing-trees-below-auxiliary-spillway-at-oroville-dam/779739)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clearing-trees-below-auxiliary-spillway-at-oroville-dam/779739 "2017-02-14T22:10:08Z")
What was the point of clearing the trees in the path of the water topping the auxiliary spillway at the Oroville Dam? If the spillway fails, isn’t a bunch of timber in the water the least of the area’s worries? --- ## [Questions about iron toxicity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-iron-toxicity/779787)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-iron-toxicity/779787 "2017-02-14T20:07:24Z")
OK, so yesterday I was rewatching X2: X-Men United, and there’s a scene where Mystique injects a prison guard with a big syringe filled with some sort of iron solution, so that Magneto can manipulate the metal to escape … --- ## [Locked Up For Being Homeless.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locked-up-for-being-homeless/779834)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locked-up-for-being-homeless/779834 "2017-02-14T19:48:30Z")
My question is two-part. Is there any place presently in the United States, where people are literally locked up just for being homeless? According to my law dictionary, that would be an unconstitutional “status crime”.… --- ## [Arrowhead water delivery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrowhead-water-delivery/779698)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrowhead-water-delivery/779698 "2017-02-14T19:27:44Z")
Any Arrowhead (Southern California) water customers on the Message Board? I’d like to know how much it costs, approximately, to have two 5-gallon bottles delivered to your home each month… (No info on their website) --- ## [What's a simple easy-to-use-and-update fitness indicator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-simple-easy-to-use-and-update-fitness-indicator/779544)
**Author:** [@The\_Sheikh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Sheikh)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-simple-easy-to-use-and-update-fitness-indicator/779544 "2017-02-14T19:14:31Z")
Say that I’m responsible for giving a financial incentive to people who improve their fitness. The aim being to reduce the health-care bill, I will focus on aerobic, cardiovascular fitness. VO2 max is a good measure, how… --- ## [Does Yale University have anyone famous like Harvard does?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-yale-university-have-anyone-famous-like-harvard-does/772808)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-yale-university-have-anyone-famous-like-harvard-does/772808 "2017-02-14T18:06:03Z")
I know lots of famous people have gone to Harvard and it seems to be the path for any future political or business endeavor, but what about Yale University. It has had at least 300 years to produce someone famous. --- ## [Transferring Files from a Mac to a WIN10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-files-from-a-mac-to-a-win10/779751)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-files-from-a-mac-to-a-win10/779751 "2017-02-14T15:31:00Z")
I feel dumb. My Mac died a couple of months ago. I sent it into the shop and bought a Windows 10 machine. When the Mac came back, I used a USB to move a slew of Word files from the old machine to the new one. Months we… --- ## [Why exactly is music unlawful in Islam and particularly stringed instruments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-is-music-unlawful-in-islam-and-particularly-stringed-instruments/779162)
**Author:** [@The\_Big\_Poo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Big_Poo)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-exactly-is-music-unlawful-in-islam-and-particularly-stringed-instruments/779162 "2017-02-14T15:30:27Z")
I can’t think of any intuitive reasons like promiscuity and spread of STD’s back then. --- ## [Llywelyn ap Gruffudd pronounced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/llywelyn-ap-gruffudd-pronounced/779650)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/llywelyn-ap-gruffudd-pronounced/779650 "2017-02-14T15:09:10Z")
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was the last Welsh Prince of Wales. How is this name pronounced? More generally, can someone recommend a good resource for Welsh pronunciation guidance? --- ## [question about the british monarchy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-british-monarchy/779782)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-british-monarchy/779782 "2017-02-14T14:11:20Z")
Have they written a provision on how say if prince George or princess charlotte decided that they perfered same sex relationships and became king/queen? would they just say there king/queen and the spouse would be princ… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=774) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=776)