# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=791 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 792 --- ## [2009 Ford Crown Victoria interceptor Electrical Troubles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-ford-crown-victoria-interceptor-electrical-troubles/777095)
**Author:** [@taximan805](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/taximan805)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-ford-crown-victoria-interceptor-electrical-troubles/777095 "2017-01-14T23:04:35Z")
I have a 09 Crown Victoria interceptor with Electrical issues. This car has 275,000 miles and runs great. Driving today and it just stopped. It was raining and I puled over and tried to start it again. It started right u… --- ## [Protecting yourself from real estate scams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protecting-yourself-from-real-estate-scams/777072)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protecting-yourself-from-real-estate-scams/777072 "2017-01-14T21:34:03Z")
Mods, feel free to move to IMHO if appropriate. I am looking at a raw land deal on Craigslist (so already my suspicions are raised). It’s a good deal but not quite a too good to be true deal. Here’s my problem. the ow… --- ## [Questions about doing statistics on sampled data](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-doing-statistics-on-sampled-data/777042)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-doing-statistics-on-sampled-data/777042 "2017-01-14T19:51:18Z")
We often take data at where I work. We’re engineers, and unfortunately we do not have a good grasp of statistical concepts. I vaguely remember taking a stats course as an undergrad in 1988… :frowning: When we perform mu… --- ## [How to check if my passport was reported lost/stolen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-check-if-my-passport-was-reported-lost-stolen/777090)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-check-if-my-passport-was-reported-lost-stolen/777090 "2017-01-14T18:42:38Z")
So here’s the story: Sent my US passport to a visa agency via FedEx so that I could get a visa to travel to India FedEx LOST the package with my passport. I reported the loss to Fedex, etc. I filled out the pape… --- ## [After starting on penicillin--how long til strep symptoms subside?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-starting-on-penicillin-how-long-til-strep-symptoms-subside/776974)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-starting-on-penicillin-how-long-til-strep-symptoms-subside/776974 "2017-01-14T17:37:41Z")
Today I started on a course of penicillin to treat strep throat. I’ve been symptomatic for about two days. In general, how long will it take for my symptoms to begin to subside? I’d like to be able to eat again. --- ## ["Printer is in an error state" and I can't fix it!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-is-in-an-error-state-and-i-cant-fix-it/671399)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-is-in-an-error-state-and-i-cant-fix-it/671399 "2017-01-14T16:17:54Z")
This printer (Canon Pixma mx310) was working just fine on my Win 8 machine until yesterday, when it started telling me the printer was offline. I’ve uninstalled the printer and re-installed it and selected it as the def… --- ## [A qustion about record players.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-qustion-about-record-players/776801)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-qustion-about-record-players/776801 "2017-01-14T15:58:59Z")
Record Albums played ae 33RPM’s looked likeTHIS The single hit records were much smaller needed these big posts, likeTHIS There’s even THIS iconic adapter. What’s up with that? There was a switch on the side to regula… --- ## [How do we know a black hole has a singularity rather than a really dense core of exotic matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-a-black-hole-has-a-singularity-rather-than-a-really-dense-core-of-exotic-matter/775262)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-a-black-hole-has-a-singularity-rather-than-a-really-dense-core-of-exotic-matter/775262 "2017-01-14T14:57:37Z")
If a black hole has an event horizon from which nothing can escape, how do we know that there is a singularity inside? How would we tell the difference between a singularity of zero volume and a ball of tightly compress… --- ## [Has this retail method ever been used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-retail-method-ever-been-used/703315)
**Author:** [@TNWPsycho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TNWPsycho)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-retail-method-ever-been-used/703315 "2017-01-14T13:13:19Z")
I should clarify that my idea would be to only do this with a few different products. Example: As of today Saran Wrap is priced on average at $2.49 ABC Company buys 10 truckloads of Saran Wrap, this bulk gives them a … --- ## [Please identify this object](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-object/776952)
**Author:** [@ToughLife](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ToughLife)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-object/776952 "2017-01-14T11:05:23Z")
Is this an accessory for smoking something , probably illegal, and how to use it ? Thanks --- ## [Need answer by 10 AM EST: Will TSA have a problem with this item in carry-on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-by-10-am-est-will-tsa-have-a-problem-with-this-item-in-carry-on/776860)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-by-10-am-est-will-tsa-have-a-problem-with-this-item-in-carry-on/776860 "2017-01-14T05:55:59Z")
My brother who lives in Canada ordered this item since he knew I was going to visit–but I thought I was driving. Instead I’m flying, with just 1 bag that I’m not planning to check in. Is it worth the risk of its possibl… --- ## [Can I just move to Svalbard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-just-move-to-svalbard/776495)
**Author:** [@Hooleehootoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooleehootoo)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-just-move-to-svalbard/776495 "2017-01-14T04:48:30Z")
Today, I came across the Svalbard Treaty. It is not clear, but it seems that I as an American, or any citizen of the signatory states can go reside there. Is that correct? I see the DPRK is a signatory. hmm… Is this a w… --- ## [Do people still use machine code or assembler to program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-still-use-machine-code-or-assembler-to-program/777019)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-still-use-machine-code-or-assembler-to-program/777019 "2017-01-14T02:53:54Z")
I remember way back when I had a Spectrum in the 80s guys were always using assembly language or machine code to write programs. They called it hitting the hardware. I even tried to learn assembly language myself but gav… --- ## [What typically happens if you are watching a streamed video when it expires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-typically-happens-if-you-are-watching-a-streamed-video-when-it-expires/776674)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-typically-happens-if-you-are-watching-a-streamed-video-when-it-expires/776674 "2017-01-14T02:52:03Z")
On streamed video services such as Netflix and Amazon, titles typically have a finite availability window. What happens if you are halfway through watching a movie at the point when it expires? Does it stop playing, or… --- ## [Battery sizes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-sizes/776955 "2017-01-14T01:03:46Z")
http://demo.gpbattery.com/int/index.php?option=com\_k2&view=item&id=357&Itemid=501 Is there any rhyme or reason to the naming convention used in identifying battery sizes? Common batteries found in grocery stores include… --- ## [What's that bright star, right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-bright-star-right-now/776931)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-that-bright-star-right-now/776931 "2017-01-14T00:55:19Z")
It’s 18:30 PST here. There is a bright star/planet/something in the sky. It’s directly west, or a little north of west, and seems to be (estimating) about 30º elevation. Higher, and to the left, about the 10:30 positi… --- ## [Earth's Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earths-moon/773478)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earths-moon/773478 "2017-01-14T00:25:29Z")
Neil DeGrasse Tyson, the new Carl Sagan, in his recent series on Natl Geo “Cosmos” stated that our moon was captured by gravity by our planet. He said it was one of the many boulders at the creation of our solar system.… --- ## [Mentally ill or just neurotic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mentally-ill-or-just-neurotic/776964)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mentally-ill-or-just-neurotic/776964 "2017-01-14T00:18:49Z")
Thin line, I suppose. An acquaintance named Diane seems to consider herself as a character in her own life. It’s peculiar to me. For instance, she’ll say, “I was walking past the store and I said, ‘Diane,’ why don’t y… --- ## [How would you know if spyware was on your computer if installed by an expert?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-know-if-spyware-was-on-your-computer-if-installed-by-an-expert/776961)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-know-if-spyware-was-on-your-computer-if-installed-by-an-expert/776961 "2017-01-13T23:15:33Z")
The recent discussion of the FBI working with the tech people at Best Buy got me wondering. Lets say you take your computer in for service. You have to give them your passwords. They then have several days to do anythin… --- ## [Can someone lose a federal pension if they renounce USA citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-lose-a-federal-pension-if-they-renounce-usa-citizenship/776238)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-lose-a-federal-pension-if-they-renounce-usa-citizenship/776238 "2017-01-13T22:00:25Z")
A friend of mine has a DOE pension. He now lives in Mexico as a naturalized citizen. And has no plans to return to the USA. He is struggling with the $300 a month ACA premiums. May be a mute point with the current adm… --- ## [Question about falling into water from a great hight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-falling-into-water-from-a-great-hight/776927)
**Author:** [@Timmy1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timmy1)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-falling-into-water-from-a-great-hight/776927 "2017-01-13T21:43:53Z")
If you fall from 1000 feet into water would you die the same way that you would die from a 200 feet fall? I know that from 200 feet if you dont land properly then you are likely to be severely injured (if not die) from … --- ## [Single mothers, birth cert and citizenship question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-mothers-birth-cert-and-citizenship-question/776820)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-mothers-birth-cert-and-citizenship-question/776820 "2017-01-13T19:09:56Z")
This is an interesting but not too improbable scenario that I was pondering. I didn’t know until a few years that a man’s name did not have to be included on the Birth Cert. I assume that this does not just apply in the… --- ## [avalanche airbags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avalanche-airbags/776997)
**Author:** [@dofe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dofe)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avalanche-airbags/776997 "2017-01-13T18:07:23Z")
A video going around the interwebs shows a snowboarder deploying an avalanche airbag as he realizes he’s caught at the beginning of an avalanche. Do these airbags actually work? If so, how? I imagine it has to do with… --- ## [What's the correct way to pronounce Ramanujan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-correct-way-to-pronounce-ramanujan/754504)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-correct-way-to-pronounce-ramanujan/754504 "2017-01-13T17:47:15Z")
I’ve heard English people call him rama-NEW-jin, but most Americans I’ve heard call him ra-MON-uh-jon. Which is correct? (Or is it neither?) --- ## [Was pizza ever a method of food preservation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-pizza-ever-a-method-of-food-preservation/776610)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-pizza-ever-a-method-of-food-preservation/776610 "2017-01-13T13:28:26Z")
We’ve all done it, getting the munchies and scarfing down days old pizza. Was that the point, all along? Thin slice everything, bake the water out and it keeps like jerky or pemmican. Was that a thing? --- ## [Minimum safe distance from a supernova?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-safe-distance-from-a-supernova/776925)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-safe-distance-from-a-supernova/776925 "2017-01-13T12:06:51Z")
You are standing in a spacesuit on a 100 km diameter rock orbiting a star of 10 solar masses. The rock is tidally locked to the star. The star has no companion. The star explodes in a supernova. There is no gamma ray bur… --- ## [Question on bonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-bonds/776865)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-bonds/776865 "2017-01-13T02:53:46Z")
Hi I would like some clarification on the following. According to “The House of Morgan” by Ron Chernow p. 490/91 " In the early 1920s, Truman had been dumbfounded when his government bond dropped in price after Ben St… --- ## [What kind of scam is this? (Craigslist ad)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-scam-is-this-craigslist-ad/776647)
**Author:** [@Chetumal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chetumal)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-scam-is-this-craigslist-ad/776647 "2017-01-12T23:53:37Z")
Was browsing Craiglist this morning and came across this ad: Subject: Kohls sholping dicount "Anyone planning on shopping or buying items ain cash at kohls today only. I can meet you there and offer you a great discoun… --- ## [Donating Change at Stores/Restaurants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donating-change-at-stores-restaurants/767575)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donating-change-at-stores-restaurants/767575 "2017-01-12T20:53:46Z")
It’s pretty common to see, next to the cash register in a store or restaurant, a box to collect change for some charity or another. I often will toss my spare change in there. There are also stores/restaurants that will … --- ## [Mouth question (YANMD)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-question-yanmd/776892)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouth-question-yanmd/776892 "2017-01-12T20:29:55Z")
Just curious really. When at rest, my tongue rests on the top of my mouth just behind my upper front teeth. This area is a decidedly different color than the rest of the top of my mouth. Sort of whitish. Never notice… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=790) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=792)