# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=839 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 840 --- ## [Can I install apps on SD card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-install-apps-on-sd-card/766875)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-install-apps-on-sd-card/766875 "2016-09-28T15:57:53Z")
I have an LG Escape 2 (model LG-H433), running Android 5.1.1 . From time to time when I try to download an app, it will tell me that I have insufficient storage, despite the fact that there are over 29 GB of memory avai… --- ## [How often should engine coolant be replaced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-should-engine-coolant-be-replaced/767032)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-should-engine-coolant-be-replaced/767032 "2016-09-28T14:19:33Z")
Wife has a 2011 Honda with the dashboard “maintenance minder,” which is supposed to helpfully remind you when various maintenance items ought to be done. The problem is that the maintenance minder keeps an eye on mileag… --- ## [New rechargeable batteries, old charger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rechargeable-batteries-old-charger/767116)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-rechargeable-batteries-old-charger/767116 "2016-09-28T14:16:57Z")
What numbers do I need to look at to tell if it’s safe to use my new Eneloops in an old Energizer charger that I have? TIA --- ## [Not Backus-Naur Form](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-backus-naur-form/767038)
**Author:** [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-backus-naur-form/767038 "2016-09-28T13:05:51Z")
When I was in college studying computer science 38 years ago, we learned about a form of mathematical notation called Backus-Naur Form (or Backus Normal Form, or as we students called it, Backwards is Normal Form). In BN… --- ## [Can you refuse a police request to be fingerprinted without consequences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-refuse-a-police-request-to-be-fingerprinted-without-consequences/501669)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2009, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-refuse-a-police-request-to-be-fingerprinted-without-consequences/501669 "2009-07-03T06:43:21Z")
I’m talking about a situation when you haven’t been arrested, and aren’t particularly suspected of commiting the crime being investigated. Like, oh, you (a small woman) were at a party at someone’s house some evening, a… --- ## [Entomologists, what kind of hornet/wasp was this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entomologists-what-kind-of-hornet-wasp-was-this/766962)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/entomologists-what-kind-of-hornet-wasp-was-this/766962 "2016-09-28T03:38:21Z")
I saw this thing on the pavement the other day. She is big (a bit longer than an inch I would say), so I assumed some kind of hornet, but all the photos of hornets on the internet have more yellow abdoments. Any though… --- ## [Did I see sun spots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-sun-spots/767033)
**Author:** [@Kelevra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kelevra)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2016, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-sun-spots/767033 "2016-09-28T02:45:41Z")
This happened maybe 10 years ago. (I could probably dig up the exact date if it’s important.) I was traveling with a co-worker in West Virginia. Around 10 a.m. we were driving (me in the passenger seat) in just enough… --- ## [Do federal taxes reduce the effective cost of federal employees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-federal-taxes-reduce-the-effective-cost-of-federal-employees/766826)
**Author:** [@MorrisCody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MorrisCody)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-federal-taxes-reduce-the-effective-cost-of-federal-employees/766826 "2016-09-27T23:10:20Z")
Since federal employees pay federal income taxes on their wages, is the government essentially getting a ~30% (depending on tax bracket, etc.) rebate on their services? --- ## [Question for rock/mineral collectors and other geo-type dopers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-rock-mineral-collectors-and-other-geo-type-dopers/767045)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-rock-mineral-collectors-and-other-geo-type-dopers/767045 "2016-09-27T22:18:22Z")
Browsing around on eBay I see lots of specimens of semi-precious stones that are being sold stuck to some other, less precious/interesting base material. This cinnabar, for example, or this emerald that appears to be sm… --- ## [Hypothetical civilian helping LEO by using lethal force](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-civilian-helping-leo-by-using-lethal-force/766935)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-civilian-helping-leo-by-using-lethal-force/766935 "2016-09-27T17:26:30Z")
Hypothetical: A civilian firearm carry permit holder (Steve) is going about his daily activities when gunfire breaks out. He sees a uniformed officer exchanging shots with another person, Steve witnesses both the office… --- ## [Cell phone question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-question/766939)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-question/766939 "2016-09-27T16:46:22Z")
So I’m new to this whole owning a cell phone thing. I recently got one mostly to play Pokemon Go with. I don’t understand wifi. I know what it stands for, but I don’t get why its so undependable. For example, while w… --- ## [Is American Express accepted as well as Visa & MC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-express-accepted-as-well-as-visa-mc/766210)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-express-accepted-as-well-as-visa-mc/766210 "2016-09-27T15:57:07Z")
American Express has sent me a good offer on points I could use for travel. I’m just wondering if their card is accepted as readily as Visa and Mastercard at most businesses. --- ## [Etymology of Synonyms of Breasts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-synonyms-of-breasts/120852)
**Author:** [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-synonyms-of-breasts/120852 "2016-09-27T14:55:06Z")
Of the many, many synonyms of breasts two evolutions escape me: boobs and hooters. Tits is a corruption of teats. Knockers is a reference to a motion. Jugs seems to have two reasons 1) the shape a jug and 2) the fact … --- ## [So many people's breath smells bad to me - is the problem with my sense of smell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-many-peoples-breath-smells-bad-to-me-is-the-problem-with-my-sense-of-smell/606685)
**Author:** [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-many-peoples-breath-smells-bad-to-me-is-the-problem-with-my-sense-of-smell/606685 "2016-09-27T13:17:43Z")
I’m willing to accept that some people have poor oral hygiene or I’m talking to people at that unfortunate time after they’ve had a caramel mochiato and cigarette, but lately I seem to encounter more and more people whos… --- ## [Air Conditioner help need. Need answers fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-help-need-need-answers-fast/766678)
**Author:** [@cncdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cncdad)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-help-need-need-answers-fast/766678 "2016-09-27T05:04:48Z")
SD, it 90 here in south west Ohio and my A/C unit decide it was a great time to stop working. I know almost nothing about how it works so could use some help. The fan on the condenser unit outside is running fine but t… --- ## [Bomb Disposal (need answer fast!! j/k)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bomb-disposal-need-answer-fast-j-k/766688)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bomb-disposal-need-answer-fast-j-k/766688 "2016-09-27T02:44:19Z")
I’m wondering about the reality of a couple common tropes in TV/movies. 1 - How accurate is it to have a bomb where cutting one wire defuses the bomb but cutting any other wire (or at least the wrong wire) will blow it … --- ## ["My work here is done" Origin of phrase ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-work-here-is-done-origin-of-phrase/260848)
**Author:** [@jan07042](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jan07042)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-work-here-is-done-origin-of-phrase/260848 "2016-09-27T02:18:25Z")
What is the origin of the phrase – my work here is done ? Context is usually after an individual creates deliberate chaos or confusion – and is said with a great deal of personal satisfaction. Literary ?? Movie ?? … --- ## [Netwbw02.sys question (Win 10 crashing)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netwbw02-sys-question-win-10-crashing/766893)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netwbw02-sys-question-win-10-crashing/766893 "2016-09-27T02:07:11Z")
I’m getting blue screen of death with Win10, and an error message that something to do with Netwbw02.sys is responsible. This is probably once, maybe twice week. I’ve Googled it and it appears that it’s related to th… --- ## [Hypothetical: Proving Aliens Gave One a Vasectomy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-proving-aliens-gave-one-a-vasectomy/766795)
**Author:** [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-proving-aliens-gave-one-a-vasectomy/766795 "2016-09-26T22:42:57Z")
Would you be able to prove it if aliens gave you a vasectomy overnight? Is there a common way they could laser you so that it looked like a genetic defect? --- ## [Is Kennebec County, ME the only county split between presidential electoral districts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kennebec-county-me-the-only-county-split-between-presidential-electoral-districts/766882)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kennebec-county-me-the-only-county-split-between-presidential-electoral-districts/766882 "2016-09-26T21:02:28Z")
Or are there counties in Nebraska like this? Only Maine and Nebraska divide their electoral votes by congressional district. Maine has two congressional districts, and Kennebec county is the only one that is split betw… --- ## [Is that a machete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-a-machete/766345)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-a-machete/766345 "2016-09-26T18:57:18Z")
Do I have a misunderstanding of what machetes are, or is this really a machete? I thought machetes had much larger blades. The linked item looks like something you stab with rather than swing with. --- ## [Do nations other than the US have specific protocols for folding their flags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nations-other-than-the-us-have-specific-protocols-for-folding-their-flags/766848 "2016-09-26T16:14:35Z")
In the US the nation’s flag is traditionally folded into a triangular shape via a specific procedure, familiar to the military and Boy Scouts. Are there any other countries that have a specific folding procedure? Do an… --- ## [Why can I run further on the road than a treadmill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-run-further-on-the-road-than-a-treadmill/766426)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-run-further-on-the-road-than-a-treadmill/766426 "2016-09-26T16:02:24Z")
So, at my gym, I set the treadmill to 12km/h which is one of the higher standard settings. I have to take quite big strides to run at this speed and after about 10 minutes I’m pretty tired and have to slow down or stop. … --- ## [What if we could see ultra violet or infrared?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-could-see-ultra-violet-or-infrared/766705)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-could-see-ultra-violet-or-infrared/766705 "2016-09-26T13:07:22Z")
I didn’t want to start this in the purple/violet thread. So what if some one could see off the end of what we consider the visible spectrum? I don’t see that it is physically impossible, we just haven’t developed that w… --- ## [Insurance folks - what happens when an entire condo building is destroyed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-folks-what-happens-when-an-entire-condo-building-is-destroyed/766889)
**Author:** [@Driver8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Driver8)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-folks-what-happens-when-an-entire-condo-building-is-destroyed/766889 "2016-09-26T12:43:30Z")
This is for my personal edification only, no “need answer quick!” here. I recently renewed my condo insurance for the condo we rent out in Georgia and was curious about what happens in practice if heaven forbid the enti… --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on Shingles Vaccination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-shingles-vaccination/648378)
**Author:** [@Satchmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satchmo)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-shingles-vaccination/648378 "2016-09-26T12:15:47Z")
My doctor has recently advised me to get a vaccination against Shingles. I’m 55, male, white and don’t have any family history, (though I understand it’s a viral condition, not hereditary.) I had chicken pox when I was v… --- ## [Dating the Tootsie Roll Pop Wrapper Legend](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-the-tootsie-roll-pop-wrapper-legend/765874)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dating-the-tootsie-roll-pop-wrapper-legend/765874 "2016-09-26T02:05:00Z")
Most posters here probably know of the Tootsie Roll Pop Indian Wrapper urban legend (the legend being, if you found a child dressed up as a Native American shooting an arrow at a star on a wrapper, you could redeem it fo… --- ## [Why is this technique used when showing cell phone video on TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-technique-used-when-showing-cell-phone-video-on-tv/766703)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2016, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-technique-used-when-showing-cell-phone-video-on-tv/766703 "2016-09-26T01:21:04Z")
I’ve seen quite a few cell phone videos shown on TV news where there is a normal clear image in the center and blurred images on the left and right sides. Look at this for example: Is there a name for this, and why i… --- ## [Help Me Scientician Dopers: Teleportation is a Thing Now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-scientician-dopers-teleportation-is-a-thing-now/766685)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-scientician-dopers-teleportation-is-a-thing-now/766685 "2016-09-25T23:17:41Z")
This article sounds important, but I don’t know enough to know if it is: "Teleportation Across Calgary Marks ‘Major Step’ Toward Creation of ‘Quantum Internet’ " Two questions: Can you explain this article to me in … --- ## [Do senators actually read their emails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-senators-actually-read-their-emails/766652)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2016, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-senators-actually-read-their-emails/766652 "2016-09-25T20:31:11Z")
So I’m from SC, both of my senators are very special. I’ve tried several times to get into contact with them but I never get a phone call back or an email response. Do senators just not see what you say in their contrac… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=838) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=840)