# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=847 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 848 --- ## [Please explain this German "DDR" joke to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-german-ddr-joke-to-me/760754)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-german-ddr-joke-to-me/760754 "2016-09-10T13:07:31Z")
On the website www.spitzenwitze.de there’s a section on jokes about the old GDR, mostly revolving around the things we used to hear about East Germany, e.g. it was an authoritarian state, that everyday consumer products … --- ## [Does the military term "fieldstripping" mean "tearing up smoked cigarettes"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-military-term-fieldstripping-mean-tearing-up-smoked-cigarettes/243629)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-military-term-fieldstripping-mean-tearing-up-smoked-cigarettes/243629 "2016-09-10T13:03:27Z")
Re this article about Colin Powell. I always thought it meant tearing down your weapon or equipment for service or maintenance in the field. --- ## [A dog's life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dogs-life/765271)
**Author:** [@Whitney\_Harper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whitney_Harper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dogs-life/765271 "2016-09-10T11:57:13Z")
How do you think dogs view their surroundings as opposed to humans? Do they recognize people by scent or by what we look like, or both? I often wonder what it would be like to have such a great sense of smell that dogs… --- ## [How are blocked devices still able to connect to my WiFi? How do I permanently block them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-blocked-devices-still-able-to-connect-to-my-wifi-how-do-i-permanently-block-them/764745)
**Author:** [@Terry\_the\_Tramp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terry_the_Tramp)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-blocked-devices-still-able-to-connect-to-my-wifi-how-do-i-permanently-block-them/764745 "2016-09-10T11:33:36Z")
One month ago I noticed an unknown device connected to my WiFi and tried to block it. I ended up having to also restore the router to factory settings (I have AT&T Uverse), and change my password and my SSID, all per th… --- ## [Why co-conspirator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-co-conspirator/765307)
**Author:** [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-co-conspirator/765307 "2016-09-10T01:14:19Z")
The online Macmillan dictionary defines conspirator as “someone who secretly makes a plan with another person or group to do something bad or illegal, especially in politics.” Merriam-Webster defines a conspirator as “a… --- ## [Why do we have money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-money/764632)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-money/764632 "2016-09-10T00:08:11Z")
Why do we have it and do we need to continue to use the system? I heard some people talking about why do we need to pay to live on the planet. --- ## [Did the Founders ever consider just forming a "northern" country and a "southern" country instead of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-founders-ever-consider-just-forming-a-northern-country-and-a-southern-country-instead-of/765288)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-founders-ever-consider-just-forming-a-northern-country-and-a-southern-country-instead-of/765288 "2016-09-09T22:52:49Z")
During the founding period alone (not Civil War era), was there any arguments at all from thinkers during that time positing that there just be two countries? It seems like many thinkers (Jefferson, Madison, and many mor… --- ## [Dakota Pipeline Protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dakota-pipeline-protests/765251)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dakota-pipeline-protests/765251 "2016-09-09T21:55:02Z")
Not sure where to put this, but I have a question about the protests against the pipeline going on in North Dakota. I saw a news article dogs were used against the protesters. But as far as I can tell, the dogs were ow… --- ## [Obama care question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-care-question/764159)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-care-question/764159 "2016-09-09T19:36:21Z")
Currently I have no insurance to speak of. Been told I need knee surgery and therapy afterwards. Told I need cataract surgery. Rough estimate of cost without insurance is about $15, 000. 62 years old. Took early ret… --- ## [Yahoo sign in attempt prevented](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-sign-in-attempt-prevented/764775)
**Author:** [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-sign-in-attempt-prevented/764775 "2016-09-09T19:11:53Z")
Several times in the past couple of months, I have received emails from Yahoo with the subject line “Sign in attempt prevented”. The message reads: \[QUOTE=Purportedly Yahoo\] Hi Crotalus, Someone attempted to sign in t… --- ## [Land surveying... how does it work? How precise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-surveying-how-does-it-work-how-precise/575709)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-surveying-how-does-it-work-how-precise/575709 "2016-09-09T17:26:16Z")
My neighbor got a survey and it appears I have less lake frontage than I’ve thought for the last 20 years. Seems like GPS technology could be used. If so how accurate is it? I just want to make sure it is correct…ever… --- ## [Question about police presence at 49ers football games](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-police-presence-at-49ers-football-games/765138)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-police-presence-at-49ers-football-games/765138 "2016-09-09T15:22:11Z")
I’ve recently heard that the executive board of the union representing officers of the Santa Clara (California) police department have published an open letter to the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers football team. The gi… --- ## [Did I kill my Subaru?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-kill-my-subaru/764334)
**Author:** [@chobbs911](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chobbs911)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-kill-my-subaru/764334 "2016-09-09T11:31:09Z")
Noticed a knocking in engine stopped and check oil it was dry on dipstick was due for oil change tomorrow. Had it towed back to my house what should I do put oil in it and see if knocking goes away or did I kill my car 2… --- ## [No Access to Outlook Email Accounts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-access-to-outlook-email-accounts/765180)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-access-to-outlook-email-accounts/765180 "2016-09-09T09:36:13Z")
When I attempt to access my email accounts, I am continuously brought to this screen. (Note: It may take a minute to load.) Even after populating the two requested fields, I am stuck in an endless loop. Have other SDop… --- ## [insurance payout for totaled vehicle: replacement value vs. cash value?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-payout-for-totaled-vehicle-replacement-value-vs-cash-value/765342)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-payout-for-totaled-vehicle-replacement-value-vs-cash-value/765342 "2016-09-09T08:27:17Z")
I totaled a car recently. My insurer has offered a payout that is a bit less than I expected based on my own market research. The tell me that this is because I have a “cash value” policy, as opposed to a “replacement … --- ## [What would the minimum healthy diet consist of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-minimum-healthy-diet-consist-of/765010)
**Author:** [@tigerwoods](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tigerwoods)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-minimum-healthy-diet-consist-of/765010 "2016-09-09T04:38:45Z")
Disregarding vitamin pills and concoctions like soylent, what could the essential human diet made up of minimally processed foods look like? A diet, that to the best of our current knowledge, would enable a human to live… --- ## [West German Army pocket knife saw guard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-german-army-pocket-knife-saw-guard/765392)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-german-army-pocket-knife-saw-guard/765392 "2016-09-09T03:07:49Z")
The pocket knife that was used by the West German Army has a sheet metal guard that fits over the saw. Why? ISTM the saw blade would be well-enough protected in the body of the knife. Were the Germans concerned that s… --- ## [Bits of WWII that look like WWI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bits-of-wwii-that-look-like-wwi/765256)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bits-of-wwii-that-look-like-wwi/765256 "2016-09-09T02:49:58Z")
So I have a really problem, my friend wants to borrow my time machine to see what WWI looked like. Problem is it only goes back to 1939. Where and when could WWII pass for a WWI battlefield to a layman? I remember readi… --- ## [Facebook messaging question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-messaging-question/765369)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-messaging-question/765369 "2016-09-09T02:30:18Z")
It’s possible to send a PM to both friends and to others that you find on the net. When you send a message to a ‘friend’, FB tells you when it’s been seen. Does it do that for non-friends? I sent a contact message to a g… --- ## [MS Access Question: Relational Databases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-access-question-relational-databases/764508)
**Author:** [@Liberator17](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberator17)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-access-question-relational-databases/764508 "2016-09-09T01:57:13Z")
I have inherited a database as I started a new job and have only a small amount of actual experience with databases as a whole. I have read elsewhere on this forum that you should typically not use actual data as your pr… --- ## [St. George Utah Downwinders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-george-utah-downwinders/765349)
**Author:** [@richrandgold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/richrandgold)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-george-utah-downwinders/765349 "2016-09-09T01:47:20Z")
A retired friend is considering a move to St. George, Utah. Is it safe to live there now given it lies downwind of the nuclear testing done in Nevada in the early 1950s? --- ## [Does eating at regular intervals help in losing weight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-eating-at-regular-intervals-help-in-losing-weight/765345)
**Author:** [@The\_Big\_Poo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Big_Poo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2016, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-eating-at-regular-intervals-help-in-losing-weight/765345 "2016-09-09T00:11:46Z")
It does make sense that it would discourage fat reserves. --- ## [Can I take batteries out of thermostat for a week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-batteries-out-of-thermostat-for-a-week/765182)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-batteries-out-of-thermostat-for-a-week/765182 "2016-09-08T22:35:54Z")
So I’m going on vacation for a week, and obviously don’t want to waste AC on an empty house. I a really don’t want to reprogram the whole thing, so my plan is to just take the batteries out till I get back. Nothing is go… --- ## [Flyby a starsystem at 0.2c, how much can we expect to see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flyby-a-starsystem-at-0-2c-how-much-can-we-expect-to-see/765340)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flyby-a-starsystem-at-0-2c-how-much-can-we-expect-to-see/765340 "2016-09-08T22:25:58Z")
Some proposals for a flyby of the Alpha Proxima system (system due to the discovery of a planet), have the space probe achieving 0.2 c - such as Starshot (Breakthrough Initiatives) , which is great and all, but assuming… --- ## [How do I reset a forgotten Windows password?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-reset-a-forgotten-windows-password/567059)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-reset-a-forgotten-windows-password/567059 "2016-09-08T19:35:30Z")
The problem: My home PC has a setup where you have to log on to Windows as an “Administrator” with a password. It’s an annoyance but worked fine until today. This morning I had to reset the password since it expires at… --- ## [Why Doesn't Halley's Comet's Orbit Degrade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-halleys-comets-orbit-degrade/765347)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-halleys-comets-orbit-degrade/765347 "2016-09-08T18:01:21Z")
As I was explaining to my 10 year old what comets are, it hit me that things don’t quite add up. I have taken the dirty snowball theory for granted and accepted carte blanche (as we all have) that a portion of the dirty … --- ## [Is there a mathematical formula that can make all pools balls....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-mathematical-formula-that-can-make-all-pools-balls/764425)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-mathematical-formula-that-can-make-all-pools-balls/764425 "2016-09-08T16:49:17Z")
Disappear into the pockets with one shot. I am assuming that the main reason why all balls do not get pocketed is due to loss of energy due to friction and there is not enough momentum transferred till the last ball is p… --- ## [Word: Fitting Text to a Page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-fitting-text-to-a-page/765284)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-fitting-text-to-a-page/765284 "2016-09-08T15:55:18Z")
If one is trying to squeeze in the most words per page, is there any advantage to using two columns of text per page over a conventional page of text, assuming everything else is equal (font, font size, margins, etc.)? --- ## [Cell Phone Tracking when off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-tracking-when-off/660621)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2013, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-tracking-when-off/660621 "2013-06-25T00:11:39Z")
Can your cell phone be used to track you when it is turned off? One of the many articles out there about the recent story on data mining and phone logging stated this quite clearly. Is this true or not? --- ## [Relatives and funerals: When human remains are in pretty awful condition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relatives-and-funerals-when-human-remains-are-in-pretty-awful-condition/765282)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relatives-and-funerals-when-human-remains-are-in-pretty-awful-condition/765282 "2016-09-08T07:27:28Z")
This is not a “Need Answer Fast” thread. :wink: In another thread, a Dope poster mentioned a pretty horrific incident where a woman lay dead in her bathtub for weeks and her remains had to be “carried out of the house… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=846) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=848)