# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=849 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 850 --- ## [Labor force non-participation in USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/labor-force-non-participation-in-usa/765133)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/labor-force-non-participation-in-usa/765133 "2016-09-06T10:54:22Z")
I just watched a news story saying that unemployment numbers don’t tell the full story because it doesn’t count “non-participants” of which there are 94 million. I didn’t get the full story from it though. How many of … --- ## [Recommend a cheap video editor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-cheap-video-editor/764499)
**Author:** [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-cheap-video-editor/764499 "2016-09-06T09:34:29Z")
Movie Maker for Win10 is OK, but I miss all the features that were in the XP version: customizable fades, overlays, blue- (or green-) screen effects, split screen, picture-within-a-picture, etc. I don’t do a lot of vide… --- ## [Question regarding ceremony protocol for a visiting President at airports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-ceremony-protocol-for-a-visiting-president-at-airports/765121)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-ceremony-protocol-for-a-visiting-president-at-airports/765121 "2016-09-06T08:20:41Z")
Hi Which government dignitaries typically greet a US President on official visits after stepping off a plane? Which aspects of protocol (other than the missing staircase and red carpet treatment) were not followed on Ob… --- ## [If you're in the military and you decide to quit.. what happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-in-the-military-and-you-decide-to-quit-what-happens/764969)
**Author:** [@guitario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitario)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-in-the-military-and-you-decide-to-quit-what-happens/764969 "2016-09-06T04:43:46Z")
So let’s just imagine a scenario where someone passes their training, becomes a fully fledged member of the Marines, Army, Navy, Air force or whatever, and say, 3 months in they wake up one morning and decide they don’t … --- ## [Are cheap reading glasses bad for your eyes? Need answer fast!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cheap-reading-glasses-bad-for-your-eyes-need-answer-fast/764497)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cheap-reading-glasses-bad-for-your-eyes-need-answer-fast/764497 "2016-09-06T03:50:26Z")
Tues 08/30/16 11:12AM Since I turned 50 my close-up vision has gone to shit, as it does for most people who live long enough. When my eyesight first started getting bad I went in a panic to the eye doctor fearing I mig… --- ## [Lasers and planes : risk of eye injury to the pilots and copilots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lasers-and-planes-risk-of-eye-injury-to-the-pilots-and-copilots/725418)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lasers-and-planes-risk-of-eye-injury-to-the-pilots-and-copilots/725418 "2016-09-06T00:31:42Z")
There’s 318 million or so people in the USA. Every last man, woman, and child can get their hands on a small laser - about 2 watts power seems to be about the limit. More powerful lasers exist but are far harder to obt… --- ## [Is release for good behaviour up to the original sentencing judge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-release-for-good-behaviour-up-to-the-original-sentencing-judge/764954)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-release-for-good-behaviour-up-to-the-original-sentencing-judge/764954 "2016-09-05T23:29:35Z")
I have been hearing a lot of anger lately against Judge Persky because Brock Turner was released three months early. Persky did the wrong thing by only sentencing Turner to six months. But was the early release actuall… --- ## [Practicalities of making a tribute show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practicalities-of-making-a-tribute-show/765120)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practicalities-of-making-a-tribute-show/765120 "2016-09-05T21:56:58Z")
How difficult is it to get permission to use icons from a popular, classic\* show in a tribute episode? Is it just mechanical\* fees , or do you have to negotiate with the IP owners? As an example, the Mythbusters made an… --- ## [Lottery ticket odds question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-ticket-odds-question/765011)
**Author:** [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-ticket-odds-question/765011 "2016-09-05T20:44:23Z")
This is not related to winning the lottery. Instead I had an unusual experience with a lottery ticket I purchased a few weeks ago. I bought ten quick-pick lottery tickets all on one piece of paper. I noticed that 5 out… --- ## [What's wrong with Lake Wales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-lake-wales/764979)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-lake-wales/764979 "2016-09-05T19:22:45Z")
I’m looking for a new place to live, and I googled “cheapest homes.” There are several sites that list the cities with the cheapest average cost for houses in the US, and most of them are what you would expect – either … --- ## [Is this London Taxi Driver story an Urban Legend?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-london-taxi-driver-story-an-urban-legend/765028)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-london-taxi-driver-story-an-urban-legend/765028 "2016-09-05T19:19:15Z")
In the comments sections of many UK news sites, I often see a version of this story: London cab driver’s answer to a request from a Muslim to turn off the radio. (You just got to love the Brits.) A devout Arab Muslim … --- ## [Looking for articles discussing problems with Obamacare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-articles-discussing-problems-with-obamacare/765114)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-articles-discussing-problems-with-obamacare/765114 "2016-09-05T19:10:33Z")
I am looking for some articles discussing the problems with Obamacare that aren’t blatantly political. This is turning out to be harder than I thought, although I don’t believe that is because Obamacare is flawless. I … --- ## [LED Under Counter and Recessed Swivel Spotlight Kitchen Lighting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-under-counter-and-recessed-swivel-spotlight-kitchen-lighting/763959)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-under-counter-and-recessed-swivel-spotlight-kitchen-lighting/763959 "2016-09-05T18:38:34Z")
Hello again, folks! I would like to install LED under counter LED strip lighting and LED recessed swivel spotlights in my kitchen and I am getting confused on how to accomplish this. Perhaps someone can point me in the … --- ## [Laptop problem/question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-problem-question/764706)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-problem-question/764706 "2016-09-05T14:58:46Z")
Hi all, I have two questions regarding an HP Pavillion notebook that we purchased in Feb or March of this year. It has been running Microsoft Office 2010 since the purchase. We have been using various online TV provide… --- ## [Odd Data Behavior on Phone (anyone else?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-data-behavior-on-phone-anyone-else/764953)
**Author:** [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-data-behavior-on-phone-anyone-else/764953 "2016-09-05T14:15:43Z")
This is going to be a shot in the dark … Last night as I was hanging out with some friends - most definitely not listening to a podcast - I got an alert from my phone that my data was at 90%. About an hour later I got a… --- ## [Hitler and Literacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitler-and-literacy/764972)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitler-and-literacy/764972 "2016-09-05T10:45:58Z")
It has been asserted in this thread that Hitler did not want his ‘street troops’ to be educated or at least be able to read and write, I assume this means ordinary soldiers. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthrea… --- ## [How effective is the Estonian military? Latvian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-is-the-estonian-military-latvian/764397)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-is-the-estonian-military-latvian/764397 "2016-09-05T03:33:57Z")
Keeping it GQ…the Estonian military. Do they have a mutual military coordination (if not a treaty, ala NATO) with Latvia? Is the nation (sad to say, if true) considered nothing more than a “speed-bump”/trip-wire fo… --- ## [Average power outage map/stats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-power-outage-map-stats/764924)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-power-outage-map-stats/764924 "2016-09-05T01:17:59Z")
We’re in the process of buying a house back east (NYState) and I keep thinking of the frequent power outages my mom and brother experience in southeastern PA. I’ve had exactly 1 outage here in Portland, OR in the last 1… --- ## [Tropical Storm vs Post Tropical Cyclone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storm-vs-post-tropical-cyclone/765008)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2016, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storm-vs-post-tropical-cyclone/765008 "2016-09-05T01:13:33Z")
Hermine is now being called a Post Tropical Cyclone by the Weather Channel Armageddon broadcast crew. Tropical Storm vs Post Tropical Cyclone, is that a distinction without any tangible different? A case of To-MAY-to, … --- ## [What makes these two math tricks work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-these-two-math-tricks-work/763998)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2016, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-these-two-math-tricks-work/763998 "2016-09-04T17:56:30Z")
Cracked has an article on mentalist tricks. The one guessing a person’s age has me stumped. The algorithm they give works. Age 32 3 (1st digit) x 5 = 15 + 3 = 18 x 2 = 36 + 2 (2nd… --- ## [Body guards for the British Prime Minister?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-guards-for-the-british-prime-minister/760789)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/body-guards-for-the-british-prime-minister/760789 "2016-09-04T15:55:54Z")
England just changed its top leader for a new one–with enviable ease. (In America,it ain’t quite so simple :slight\_smile: ) And that got me thinking: what are the security arrangements for the Prime Minister? In the … --- ## [Starting rank for direct entry officers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starting-rank-for-direct-entry-officers/764861)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2016, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starting-rank-for-direct-entry-officers/764861 "2016-09-04T02:54:55Z")
Many militaries have a direct entry program that allows civilians with certain levels of education and experience to receive commissions, skipping usual lengthy officer training. At what ranks do these direct entry offi… --- ## [Temp Crown Repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temp-crown-repair/764798)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2016, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temp-crown-repair/764798 "2016-09-04T00:31:19Z")
The temporary crown over my inplant post just fell off. Just yesterday I told the dental hygienist to leave that alone, but she scraped and rubbed and poked, and today it came off. Called the dental office. Closed unt… --- ## [3 12-Volt batteries in a 24volt system.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-12-volt-batteries-in-a-24volt-system/764610)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-12-volt-batteries-in-a-24volt-system/764610 "2016-09-03T23:21:35Z")
What are the benefits, if any, of hooking up a third battery to a 24 volt system. Running in parallel to one of the other batteries, does the third battery offer anything to the system as a whole? It’s got to help someth… --- ## [Do reading glasses magnify?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-reading-glasses-magnify/764631)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-reading-glasses-magnify/764631 "2016-09-03T23:07:19Z")
Inspired by the thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=803153 As I get older, I get prebyopia. I have reduced “accomadation”. I am long-sighted. I can’t focus on near objects. There are three possi… --- ## [Diversity on land vs Diversity in oceans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diversity-on-land-vs-diversity-in-oceans/764863)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diversity-on-land-vs-diversity-in-oceans/764863 "2016-09-03T22:27:00Z")
What is the dope on this? Are there more diverse creatures on land ( man, all types of vertebrates, invertebrates, birds, plants, trees etc etc) or in the sea (fishes, vertebrates, in vertebrates, plants etc etc) Not in… --- ## [Why do people with LESS sunlight have more reflective skin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-with-less-sunlight-have-more-reflective-skin/764931)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-with-less-sunlight-have-more-reflective-skin/764931 "2016-09-03T21:30:03Z")
So I get the fact that skin color is largely an evolutionary response to avoid the effects of harsh sunlight at more equatorial latitudes and the need to produce more vitamin D at more arctic latitudes but ISTM that ligh… --- ## [Home insured for the wrong amount, what happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insured-for-the-wrong-amount-what-happens/764453)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-insured-for-the-wrong-amount-what-happens/764453 "2016-09-03T21:28:01Z")
If you insure a house for less than it costs to rebuild, and it gets destroyed, you’re just out for the difference, right? (If there’s a bank involved they may do something to make sure the insurance covers their share, … --- ## [Usain Bolt and time dilation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usain-bolt-and-time-dilation/764923)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usain-bolt-and-time-dilation/764923 "2016-09-03T19:48:08Z")
Here’s a good overview of his races and records: Usain Bolt - Wikipedia I was doing the numbers for how much younger he was at the end of his record 100 meter, relative to a seated scorer. But then I began to think abo… --- ## [What the truth about the "benefits" of Beer in Cans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-truth-about-the-benefits-of-beer-in-cans/764287)
**Author:** [@jeffremson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jeffremson)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-truth-about-the-benefits-of-beer-in-cans/764287 "2016-09-03T18:14:07Z")
Many of my more snobbish beer buddies have extoled the benefits of drinking beer in cans. I content that dark amber glass bottles, to all intents and purposes, perform as good at blocking the UV light that spoils beer an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=848) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=850)