# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=799 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 800 --- ## [Gas Furnace Mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-furnace-mystery/775227)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-furnace-mystery/775227 "2016-12-26T16:01:10Z")
Christmas is time for weird things going bad at my house. A long story would bring you to the fact that I finally got my propane tank filled yesterday morning. A few hours later I realized that both my furnaces were no… --- ## [HELPDodge dakota 5.2 v8 wont start now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helpdodge-dakota-5-2-v8-wont-start-now/775644)
**Author:** [@Volvo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Volvo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helpdodge-dakota-5-2-v8-wont-start-now/775644 "2016-12-26T15:10:08Z")
The truck ran great but had a miss on a single cylinder so I let it run and pulled plug caps as it ran to diagnose it, as soon as I pulled cylinder #8 plug cap it just cut off… So I replaced the distributor, rotor, crank… --- ## [Cigar Bar Aroma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigar-bar-aroma/775399)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cigar-bar-aroma/775399 "2016-12-26T13:45:20Z")
Went into a cigar bar recently to pick up some sticks for Christmas. It struck me that here I was in a shop where lots of folks smoke cigars on a regular basis and it smelled amazing. Whereas at home, I only smoke out… --- ## [Who pays for involuntary psychiatric holds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-pays-for-involuntary-psychiatric-holds/491996)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-pays-for-involuntary-psychiatric-holds/491996 "2016-12-26T13:43:24Z")
Who pays for involuntary psychiatric hold (aka 5150, Baker Act, sectioning, etc)? Let’s say Bob is placed on a 72 hour old; does the bill go to his health insurance? What if he has no insurance; does he need to pay … --- ## [Your out of your jurisdiction! - Does it matter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-out-of-your-jurisdiction-does-it-matter/766237)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-out-of-your-jurisdiction-does-it-matter/766237 "2016-12-26T13:07:25Z")
Vaguely inspired by this discussion. How big of a deal is jurisdiction in US law enforcement, legally speaking? It’s a pretty common trope in cop movies, but how does it work in IRL? As I understand it across state line… --- ## [Denver and DIA map.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denver-and-dia-map/775281)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denver-and-dia-map/775281 "2016-12-26T11:09:20Z")
I’m looking for a map that shows the ridiculous Gerrymandering that links the land that DIA sits on, and The City of Denver. --- ## [What did ancient people use to attach feathers to arrows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-ancient-people-use-to-attach-feathers-to-arrows/774894)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-ancient-people-use-to-attach-feathers-to-arrows/774894 "2016-12-26T11:06:40Z")
I’ve seen references to “fish glue”. Did they boil fish bones to make some sort of glue? --- ## [How to edit pdf files . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-edit-pdf-files/775317)
**Author:** [@GreenHell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenHell)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-edit-pdf-files/775317 "2016-12-26T03:14:31Z")
I’ve got to make some changes to the hotel menu. Boss emails me an digital copy of our current menu in pdf format. But, the hotel doesn’t have an Adobe license that allows me to edit pdf files. The online tools I’ve f… --- ## [Dog Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-question/774490)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2016, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-question/774490 "2016-12-26T01:26:41Z")
It’s pretty apparent that dog owners love their pets, but do dogs have the equivalent of love for their owners? Or do dogs just respond to someone who treats them well? --- ## [New to me Celestron telescope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-me-celestron-telescope/775608)
**Author:** [@GO\_FOR\_JOE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GO_FOR_JOE)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-to-me-celestron-telescope/775608 "2016-12-25T20:54:06Z")
Hello and merry christmas everyone. This Christmas, I was gifted my fathers old Celestron Star Hopper 8", for the most part it looks to be in good condition, it has a 25" and 6" eyepiece, looking into it, I see cobwebs a… --- ## [Mistletoe Tradition Origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistletoe-tradition-origin/775408)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mistletoe-tradition-origin/775408 "2016-12-25T20:17:48Z")
So, what’s the deal with mistletoe? How and where did this crazy tradition start? …and, what exactly IS mistletoe? --- ## [Help me find a thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-thread/775609)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-thread/775609 "2016-12-25T19:43:05Z")
There was a thread in GQ awhile back (maybe 2-3 years ago, maybe more), asking to identify a strange lighted sign outside of a theatre (I think), from the turn of the century (the last century, not 2001). The sign had ch… --- ## [Android app turns volume up. How to prevent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-app-turns-volume-up-how-to-prevent/775588)
**Author:** [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-app-turns-volume-up-how-to-prevent/775588 "2016-12-25T17:37:39Z")
I have an Android game that “helpfully” turns my volume up when it plays an ad. How/why is is even possible? It never asked for permission to alter any settings. More importantly, how can I prevent it? I turn my volume o… --- ## [What is this WWII German military decoration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-wwii-german-military-decoration/775478)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-wwii-german-military-decoration/775478 "2016-12-25T17:29:43Z")
That’s Ed Harris as a top Wehrmacht sniper in Enemy at the Gates. I’m wondering about the ribbon and miniature Nazi eagle over his top button, just below the Iron Cross. Thanks. --- ## [Christmas Mass at St. Peter's: Who gets to sit in the pews? \[Also: Merry Christmas!\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-mass-at-st-peters-who-gets-to-sit-in-the-pews-also-merry-christmas/775586)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-mass-at-st-peters-who-gets-to-sit-in-the-pews-also-merry-christmas/775586 "2016-12-25T15:03:43Z")
See subject. I suppose you need connections, and perhaps space must be reserved years in advance but basically I have no clue. My wife and I are as I type watching the Pope et al do their thing, as we do more or less ev… --- ## [The Continental Divide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-continental-divide/775300)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-continental-divide/775300 "2016-12-25T10:26:16Z")
I always thought the US Continental Divide would be an imaginary path connecting all the highest peaks in the Rockies to assure rivers to the east of this line all flow eastward, and rivers to the west of this line all f… --- ## [How does an autonomous car decide which parking space I want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-an-autonomous-car-decide-which-parking-space-i-want/775137)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-an-autonomous-car-decide-which-parking-space-i-want/775137 "2016-12-25T09:37:34Z")
With all the talk about self-driving cars, I’ve never seen this issue discussed. But it seems critical. Some autonomous cars still have steering wheels, but the Google car very proudly does not. There’s a lot of talk … --- ## [Voltage tester vs multimeter... which would work here??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voltage-tester-vs-multimeter-which-would-work-here/774907)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voltage-tester-vs-multimeter-which-would-work-here/774907 "2016-12-25T08:38:41Z")
Hey all, So I’m going to be cleaning behind the wall heaters in my house, because I’m not sure WHEN they were last cleaned… and almost nothing is labeled in the circuit breaker box. So I’ll DEFINITELY need to be sure th… --- ## [Is this stewardess aiming a Taser at a passenger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-stewardess-aiming-a-taser-at-a-passenger/775241)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-stewardess-aiming-a-taser-at-a-passenger/775241 "2016-12-25T03:36:52Z")
Apparently a dangerously “disruptive” passenger was klutzily handled on a flight. Is that a taser? She’s holding it like a pistol, but if it is one it looks like a contact one. --- ## [A Bill Clinton type (English grammar question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bill-clinton-type-english-grammar-question/775256)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bill-clinton-type-english-grammar-question/775256 "2016-12-24T17:15:03Z")
Is there a name for the following type of English expression (often used in sports or politics), using the indefinite article in front of the proper name of a person of note: “The Democrats will never win unless they ha… --- ## [Lowest percentage of votes gotten by an election winner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowest-percentage-of-votes-gotten-by-an-election-winner/775440)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowest-percentage-of-votes-gotten-by-an-election-winner/775440 "2016-12-24T16:56:58Z")
I know Trump does not hold this record. Lepage got elected with 38% in 2010, although he did have a pluralilty. What is the lowest percentage of the popular vote that any politician received and still took office? Winn… --- ## [Do all concrete masonry unit walls need to be reinforced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-concrete-masonry-unit-walls-need-to-be-reinforced/775467)
**Author:** [@Kamaski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamaski)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-concrete-masonry-unit-walls-need-to-be-reinforced/775467 "2016-12-24T16:50:49Z")
Assuming it has a good foundation, would a retaining wall built out of concrete block only 3 or 4 courses high need to reinforced or are the weight of the blocks and mortar enough to hold the wall together. Would this wa… --- ## [Desktop PC networking mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desktop-pc-networking-mystery/775498)
**Author:** [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/desktop-pc-networking-mystery/775498 "2016-12-24T15:59:07Z")
A computer in another room used by my aunt lost network connectivity recently (Comcast/Xfinity Ethernet and WiFi access point via USB Network adapter dongle.) FYI, but not relevant \ is that this PC was one of m… --- ## [youtube app won't let me adjust vid quality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-app-wont-let-me-adjust-vid-quality/775521)
**Author:** [@Trancephalic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trancephalic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-app-wont-let-me-adjust-vid-quality/775521 "2016-12-24T08:51:20Z")
Yeah, pretty much summed up in the title. It used to let me, but no longer will, and my weak google-fu is no help in verifying why. So, help, I guess? --- ## [How to glue tupperware?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-glue-tupperware/775430)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-glue-tupperware/775430 "2016-12-24T05:24:23Z")
I’m connecting a sonar unit and an iPad cord to a 12V SLA 8AH battery for use on my float tube. The battery and cigarette lighter/USB adapter setup fits nicely inside a Lock&Lock pasta container. I have marine connectors… --- ## [Furnace Filter-Right or Wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-filter-right-or-wrong/775477)
**Author:** [@crocket104](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crocket104)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-filter-right-or-wrong/775477 "2016-12-24T05:23:28Z")
I was told by the installer of my 67000 BTUH, Revolv EB20D, Electrical furnace that I could only use a flat filter. Could anybody tell me is this is correct? --- ## [Why is the laptop energized when not connected to the wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-laptop-energized-when-not-connected-to-the-wall/775359)
**Author:** [@Archinist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archinist)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2016, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-laptop-energized-when-not-connected-to-the-wall/775359 "2016-12-24T04:11:44Z")
Umm. So I needed a larger screen for my laptop, so I plugged it into the desktop’s monitor, you see, so I would get a better view. This was when the laptop was running on a battery. But then the laptop became externally … --- ## [Swimming: what exactly is a flutter kick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swimming-what-exactly-is-a-flutter-kick/775351)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2016, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swimming-what-exactly-is-a-flutter-kick/775351 "2016-12-23T23:40:29Z")
I’ve never been able to propel myself by kicking with a kick board. I was taught to “keep the legs straight”, and I assumed that the idea was to flutter each leg like a fish tail. But I recently realised than I can move… --- ## [How Many Generations of Nuclear Aircraft Carriers Has The US Built?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-of-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-has-the-us-built/775419)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2016, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-of-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-has-the-us-built/775419 "2016-12-23T23:31:54Z")
Title Sent from my SM-G920T using Tapatalk --- ## [Subwoofer Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subwoofer-question/775485)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subwoofer-question/775485 "2016-12-23T23:04:12Z")
I’ve got a Jamo 210 subwoofer. On the back there are three toggled settings: On, Off and Auto. While I understand “Off,” what’s the difference between “On” and “Auto”? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=798) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=800)