# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=850 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 851 --- ## [Trying to find a good source for a particular type of shirt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-good-source-for-a-particular-type-of-shirt/764533)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-a-good-source-for-a-particular-type-of-shirt/764533 "2016-09-03T16:19:31Z")
I’ve broken new ground in casual wear at my place of work. Normally I wear a tucked in, long-sleeved, button-down shirt, without a tie. I’ve branched out this summer with a blocky, tail-less, untucked short-sleeved shirt… --- ## [How does a restaurant POS machine know if a CC# is valid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-restaurant-pos-machine-know-if-a-cc-is-valid/764823)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-restaurant-pos-machine-know-if-a-cc-is-valid/764823 "2016-09-03T15:46:34Z")
First let me say that I am NOT looking for a way to guess a useable credit card number. I understand that it might not be possible to discuss this without enabling a crime, and so I will notify a mod for their review. … --- ## [Medical researchers... question about the human heart's functions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-researchers-question-about-the-human-hearts-functions/764674)
**Author:** [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-researchers-question-about-the-human-hearts-functions/764674 "2016-09-03T15:40:44Z")
The human heart functions better with a certain level of fat attached to it, right? What level is optimal? Is it better with zero fat? Does it get even lighter after zero fat? Can you describe the best case scenario … --- ## [Going to the bathroom as a prisoner during WWII.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-the-bathroom-as-a-prisoner-during-wwii/764579)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-the-bathroom-as-a-prisoner-during-wwii/764579 "2016-09-03T15:15:18Z")
Hi SD, How were bodily functions handled during WWII? I mean, as a human being, you have to go to the bathroom a certain number of times per day. Did prisoners raise their hands and ask guards if they could go to the … --- ## [Can those brilliant professor types really look at those long ass equations on the whiteboard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-those-brilliant-professor-types-really-look-at-those-long-ass-equations-on-the-whiteboard/663742)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-those-brilliant-professor-types-really-look-at-those-long-ass-equations-on-the-whiteboard/663742 "2016-09-03T14:38:32Z")
Okay, I know I probably need to step away from the TV. You know how in those (usually) sci-fi flicks, you’ll have some nutty genius looking at a giant whiteboard filled with one singular large equation? And they just so… --- ## [What do you call a program that will eliminate unnecessary html code?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-program-that-will-eliminate-unnecessary-html-code/764815)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-a-program-that-will-eliminate-unnecessary-html-code/764815 "2016-09-03T12:24:16Z")
Say I have the html code: X\\Y The code between the X and Y is unnecessary. This might as well just be: XY But what type of program will get rid of the “\\”? I’ve been googling words like compress… --- ## [Possible to register XML files ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-register-xml-files/764655)
**Author:** [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-to-register-xml-files/764655 "2016-09-03T11:16:22Z")
Is it possible to register and protect XML files that work inside of another program? I do not own the program but I do own the data that works inside the program. This data is stored in a separate folder and is XML f… --- ## [Who coined the phrase "open up a can of whoop-ass"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-coined-the-phrase-open-up-a-can-of-whoop-ass/670316)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-coined-the-phrase-open-up-a-can-of-whoop-ass/670316 "2016-09-03T10:31:33Z")
Obviously it was coined sometime after the first tin can was invented. But who coined the phrase open up a can of whoop-ass? --- ## [Move files - Android \> Win 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/move-files-android-win-10/764840)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/move-files-android-win-10/764840 "2016-09-03T09:49:19Z")
Want to move some pictures from my wifes Galaxy S7 Android 6.0.1 to a Win 10 computer. via USB. This works fine on my Galaxy S4 Android 4.4.2. Windows just mounts the phone as a drive and I can browse the files. On t… --- ## [LED light as curing agent/bleach accelerator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-light-as-curing-agent-bleach-accelerator/764742)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-light-as-curing-agent-bleach-accelerator/764742 "2016-09-03T06:44:35Z")
I got a home tooth-bleaching kit. It includes an LED light to shine on the stuff, which I take is largely hydrogen peroxide. I also got an ad in my FB feed for something that looks like glue (but they say this is not gl… --- ## [Liquid water vs. high humidity on polymers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-water-vs-high-humidity-on-polymers/764766)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liquid-water-vs-high-humidity-on-polymers/764766 "2016-09-03T03:52:17Z")
Let’s say I have two, identical circuit boards. Each board has an acrylic conformal coating applied to it. The coating was applied to protect the board material and electronic components from typical levels of humidify a… --- ## [Change name associated with Gmail account on iPhone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/change-name-associated-with-gmail-account-on-iphone/764735)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/change-name-associated-with-gmail-account-on-iphone/764735 "2016-09-03T03:40:42Z")
I have researched this online, and implemented the solution given, but had no luck; hoping a clever Doper can help me solve this. Emails sent through Gmail on a computer show up as coming from “My Name”, with the email … --- ## [Why are caskets hinged in the middle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-caskets-hinged-in-the-middle/764841)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-caskets-hinged-in-the-middle/764841 "2016-09-03T01:57:59Z")
Like this. Why not just open or close the whole lid? --- ## [A MD car ticketed driving through VA for having too dark window tinting. Enforceable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-md-car-ticketed-driving-through-va-for-having-too-dark-window-tinting-enforceable/764606)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-md-car-ticketed-driving-through-va-for-having-too-dark-window-tinting-enforceable/764606 "2016-09-03T01:09:25Z")
I’m getting different answers to this. Per the above example can Virginia enforce a ticket issued for too dark window tinting that is out of compliance with VA law but in compliance with MD law for a MD car passing throu… --- ## [Right to a secret ballot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-a-secret-ballot/764814)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2016, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-to-a-secret-ballot/764814 "2016-09-03T00:15:16Z")
Is the right to a secret ballot established in the US Constitution? It doesn’t seem to be in any direct and obvious fashion. But it is certainly a right that people seem to think they have? Could Kansas, say, pass a law… --- ## [Missed paying a toll - what willl they do to us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missed-paying-a-toll-what-willl-they-do-to-us/449628)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missed-paying-a-toll-what-willl-they-do-to-us/449628 "2016-09-02T23:16:30Z")
On our escape from Chicago, we ran into some confusing signage and missed paying at a toll booth. What happens now - are we going to get a bill in the mail or something for this approximately $1 toll? Should we be expect… --- ## [Directing Ultra-Sonic Transmission to Limit Side-Spread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/directing-ultra-sonic-transmission-to-limit-side-spread/764609)
**Author:** [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/directing-ultra-sonic-transmission-to-limit-side-spread/764609 "2016-09-02T20:34:22Z")
OK, Let’s see where this one goes. I have several ultrasonic generators (neighbor has chihuahua which likes to bark while I putter in my yard and especially when I try to sleep). These things have curious quirk - if pl… --- ## [Murder Suicides: Which is the driver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murder-suicides-which-is-the-driver/764666)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murder-suicides-which-is-the-driver/764666 "2016-09-02T20:27:45Z")
I’m hoping somebody can point to some good resources here. We’re all familiar with the plot outline of a murder suicide: a confused person kills someone, typically friend(s) ,lover(s), or family member(s), followed by k… --- ## [How to meet several people w/ voice online for free](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-meet-several-people-w-voice-online-for-free/764805)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-meet-several-people-w-voice-online-for-free/764805 "2016-09-02T20:05:40Z")
Need answer kinda fast. The things I thought would work don’t work. What I need is for some unknown number of people (I’d estimate in the 20’s) to be able, tonight, to so to speak come in and out of a virtual conference… --- ## [Facebook Satellite Insurance Cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-satellite-insurance-cost/764732)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-satellite-insurance-cost/764732 "2016-09-02T18:27:40Z")
I assume Zuckerburg had the Facebook satellite that exploded insured. How much did he probably have to spend to get a policy from Lloyd’s of London (or whatever insurance company)? --- ## [Repurpose a product? Profit!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repurpose-a-product-profit/763775)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repurpose-a-product-profit/763775 "2016-09-02T17:41:58Z")
Can I take an existing product, buy a bunch of it, then repackage and sell it for a different use? Lets say I found that ketchup could be used to clean aluminum auto rims…could I repackage it and sell it as rim cleaner? … --- ## [Airplane Swimming Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-swimming-pool/764628)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-swimming-pool/764628 "2016-09-02T16:04:20Z")
Assuming you have billions in disposable income and honestly would be interested in such a thing… Would it be possible to build an aircraft (I’m thinking dreamliner in size) with a swimming pool one could swim in midfli… --- ## [Breathing in....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breathing-in/764645)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breathing-in/764645 "2016-09-02T15:31:06Z")
I find that when i breathe in its my stomach area that expands. I have to make a conscious choice to expand my chest area when breathing in. Hows it for you. Which is the right or wrong area to expand. What is natural a… --- ## [How can I check to see if a phone has an installment balance before purchasing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-check-to-see-if-a-phone-has-an-installment-balance-before-purchasing/764780)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-check-to-see-if-a-phone-has-an-installment-balance-before-purchasing/764780 "2016-09-02T14:44:15Z")
Obviously, i am not a customer of the original carrier. --- ## [Question regarding Russian athletes in Rio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-russian-athletes-in-rio/764630)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-russian-athletes-in-rio/764630 "2016-09-02T14:19:33Z")
Hi I just wanted to clarify whether the Russian athletes permitted to take part in the Games went there as individuals(neutrals if that’s the proper word)or as representatives of Russia.What was their final status? “… --- ## [Astronauts headgear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronauts-headgear/764770)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronauts-headgear/764770 "2016-09-02T13:25:37Z")
Why do astronauts were those caps under their helmets? You know the ones I mean? Black on the sides, a wide white stripe across the top going from front to back? --- ## [Early 20th century arguments re: US House of Reps apportionment; why 435?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-20th-century-arguments-re-us-house-of-reps-apportionment-why-435/764771)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-20th-century-arguments-re-us-house-of-reps-apportionment-why-435/764771 "2016-09-02T13:00:44Z")
The Apportionment Act of 1911 set the number at 435. The 1929 Act established the process for allocating seats after a census. This was made automatic in 1943. I’m curious about actual contemporary arguments for and aga… --- ## [Is there a common phrase for arguments that override debate or consideration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-common-phrase-for-arguments-that-override-debate-or-consideration/764271)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-common-phrase-for-arguments-that-override-debate-or-consideration/764271 "2016-09-02T06:33:40Z")
At work, some people use “it’s a safety hazard” when they want you to do something without asking questions (and aren’t in a position to just give orders). In US culture, “terrorism” is currently used for the same effect… --- ## [Do rinse agents actually deposit something on the dishes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rinse-agents-actually-deposit-something-on-the-dishes/764669)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rinse-agents-actually-deposit-something-on-the-dishes/764669 "2016-09-02T01:52:06Z")
Just bought a new dishwasher, and I see (on a website about dishwashers - sponsored by Finish) that one of the components of the materials used to clean dishes is called a rinse agent. They say “Polymers help create the… --- ## [Why does it smell like swiss cheese behind my ears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895)
**Author:** [@TheBaptiste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheBaptiste)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895 "2016-09-02T01:39:01Z")
If I swipe my finger behind my ear and then smell it, it smells just like swiss. Even within hours of a shower. The sides of my nose have a similar scent. Is this normal or a sign of impending doom? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=849) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=851)