# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=858 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 859 --- ## [What are the current names of cheap 350 w. ATX power supplies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-current-names-of-cheap-350-w-atx-power-supplies/763203)
**Author:** [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-current-names-of-cheap-350-w-atx-power-supplies/763203 "2016-08-18T20:45:11Z")
I am used to replacing as needed the power supplies which may go bad. A recent one ‘went bad’ from a faulty outlet. The brand I’ve had lately is Diablotek. But every time I look at egg or someplace the names change. A… --- ## [How fast do you need to go for time to be a factor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-do-you-need-to-go-for-time-to-be-a-factor/762872)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-do-you-need-to-go-for-time-to-be-a-factor/762872 "2016-08-18T20:20:09Z")
We know that the faster a person goes the more time slows down for them. Presumably this takes place regardless of speed but the difference isn’t noticeable until you get closer to the speed of light. How fast would you … --- ## [Are low prices killing gas stations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-low-prices-killing-gas-stations/762934)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-low-prices-killing-gas-stations/762934 "2016-08-18T19:52:04Z")
A few gas stations in my town have recently dismantled their pumps, and are just convenience stores now. Is this happening across the USA? Are many stations giving up on selling cheap gas to focus on things like sodas … --- ## ["Physicists confirm possible discovery of fifth force of nature": what the hell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-confirm-possible-discovery-of-fifth-force-of-nature-what-the-hell/763134)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-confirm-possible-discovery-of-fifth-force-of-nature-what-the-hell/763134 "2016-08-18T19:22:37Z")
See subject. Physicists confirm possible discovery of fifth force of nature It’s from phys.org, so it’s got cred behind the grabby “possible.” Something about dark photons… Sorry I only have the secondary cite. Before… --- ## [Another trans question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-trans-question/763138)
**Author:** [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-trans-question/763138 "2016-08-18T19:01:12Z")
Forgive me if this is a really dumb question but its one that has been on my mind for a while. In regards to transgender individuals, it has been shown that they have different brain structures, which more closely match… --- ## [Why do we have privatized probation companies, jails, and prisons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-privatized-probation-companies-jails-and-prisons/763099)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-privatized-probation-companies-jails-and-prisons/763099 "2016-08-18T17:49:46Z")
What was the reasoning for allowing a for-profit criminal justice system? More specifically, why do a handful of states have private probation companies? These companies are being sued for charging people for things that… --- ## [Basic training question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-training-question/763155)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-training-question/763155 "2016-08-18T15:22:25Z")
During basic training, is a recruit allowed at night to get out of bed to use the latrine/head? --- ## [iPad / Facebook weirdness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-facebook-weirdness/763139)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-facebook-weirdness/763139 "2016-08-18T14:54:59Z")
I got myself a used iPad II. Cleaned, fresh install of newest OS for the iPad. Installed Facebook app for it. Works fine- EXCEPT for this one very annoying issue: I cannot download a photo from someone’s post. I know t… --- ## [Cicada noise and human tolerance of it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cicada-noise-and-human-tolerance-of-it/762788)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cicada-noise-and-human-tolerance-of-it/762788 "2016-08-18T13:01:28Z")
Many countries have cicadas that create a terrible din day and night. But humans appear to be very tolerant of the noise even though it is loud and frankly unappealing a sound. One might think this is due to being habitu… --- ## [How would a titled person (British) introduce him/herself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-titled-person-british-introduce-him-herself/762567)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-titled-person-british-introduce-him-herself/762567 "2016-08-18T09:49:21Z")
Last night on an episode of Father Brown (set in the early 1950s) one of the padre’s pals introduced herself by saying, “Hello, I’m Lady Felicia Montague.” Would a titled lady use her title when introducing herself? I th… --- ## [Why can I pick up a faraway AM radio signal late at night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-pick-up-a-faraway-am-radio-signal-late-at-night/119309)
**Author:** [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-pick-up-a-faraway-am-radio-signal-late-at-night/119309 "2016-08-18T03:43:58Z")
On vacation recently, I wondered (as I do every year) why we can pick up the news on AM radio from home (400 miles/640 km away) late at night, but not during the day. Is there less interference at night? Do the AM radi… --- ## [Bone marrow transplants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bone-marrow-transplants/763096)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bone-marrow-transplants/763096 "2016-08-18T02:24:30Z")
It’s not uncommon for parents to save their child’s cord blood in case the child should ever need a transplant. Apparently it can be stored for years, maybe decades. Why don’t young adults store bone marrow, when they … --- ## [What type of sword was Excaliber/Durandal/Joyeuse??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-sword-was-excaliber-durandal-joyeuse/762965)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-sword-was-excaliber-durandal-joyeuse/762965 "2016-08-17T23:41:21Z")
If they had actually been made, what type of sword would these legendary weapons have been? --- ## [2006 lincoln navigator, lost key and fob](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2006-lincoln-navigator-lost-key-and-fob/763079)
**Author:** [@Whammo72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whammo72)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2006-lincoln-navigator-lost-key-and-fob/763079 "2016-08-17T23:12:05Z")
So I have a 2006 lincoln navigator. My wife claims I lost the only key and fob we have (fine, i did). luckily its in our driveway, sadly the alarm has drained the battery (led no longer flashes). The dealer says they can… --- ## [Can I get a house with a full basement whereever I want?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-house-with-a-full-basement-whereever-i-want/762987)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-house-with-a-full-basement-whereever-i-want/762987 "2016-08-17T20:33:01Z")
I grew up in a house with a full basement, and in some ways it was the best part of the house. Much more quiet when it was noisy outside, much warmer when it was cold outside, and much cooler when it was hot outside. A… --- ## [What, exactly, does the phrase "to have and to hold" in traditional wedding vows mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-the-phrase-to-have-and-to-hold-in-traditional-wedding-vows-mean/570182)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-the-phrase-to-have-and-to-hold-in-traditional-wedding-vows-mean/570182 "2016-08-17T19:53:06Z")
For some reason it occurred to me today that I don’t really know what that phrase means. I presume it isn’t using “have” in the sexual sense. Or is it? That seems kind of crude for a wedding ceremony, IMHO. --- ## [Historic Louisiana Flooding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historic-louisiana-flooding/763031)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historic-louisiana-flooding/763031 "2016-08-17T19:50:06Z")
Why do all the news outlets say this is “historic” flooding? Is it any different than Katrina flooding? Why is THIS year ‘historic’? --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on ''air ionizers''?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-air-ionizers/762759)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-air-ionizers/762759 "2016-08-17T18:31:25Z")
I bought an air purifier (HEPA and charcoal filters) which also ionizes the air. This is supposed to further purify it, somehow? I’ve seen mineral lamps that supposedly ionize the air, too. It sounds like woo to me, but … --- ## [Can polymer plastics be blended?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-polymer-plastics-be-blended/584072)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-polymer-plastics-be-blended/584072 "2016-08-17T16:31:48Z")
I appreciate this is a bit of a woolly, open-ended question, to which there might be a lot of maybe and it depends-type answers… Let’s say I want to recycle the lids of plastic bottles, some of which are HDPE, others ar… --- ## [Windows Defender wants me to review the files](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-defender-wants-me-to-review-the-files/762927)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-defender-wants-me-to-review-the-files/762927 "2016-08-17T12:37:35Z")
… it’s sending in for analysis. It started in Sunday and every few hours I’ll get a burst of a popup in the lower right corner every few seconds giving me the option to review or send the file that last for twenty minu… --- ## [Gymnastics on the Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gymnastics-on-the-moon/762443)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gymnastics-on-the-moon/762443 "2016-08-17T11:20:27Z")
Olympics prompted. Gymnastics on the Moon would be awesome, and all sorts of new maneuvers, eg “the 1/2 Bloom,” which is too difficult too describe here. But to begin, my original thought/query. There are any number of m… --- ## [The furthermost latitude than an aircraft carrier can still conduct flight ops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-furthermost-latitude-than-an-aircraft-carrier-can-still-conduct-flight-ops/762950)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-furthermost-latitude-than-an-aircraft-carrier-can-still-conduct-flight-ops/762950 "2016-08-17T06:40:31Z")
How far north - or south, for that matter - can an aircraft carrier still carry flight ops before it is too impeded by temperature? Would freezing temperatures make the flight catapults too stuck to operate, or the flig… --- ## [Navigation Directions in Degrees -- what is zero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navigation-directions-in-degrees-what-is-zero/762648)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navigation-directions-in-degrees-what-is-zero/762648 "2016-08-17T05:46:49Z")
If I’m giving bearings to a target or a destination, and, say, it’s due west of me…what “degrees” is that? I’m from a mathematics background, so east (positive x-axis) is zero, and thus west (negative x-axis) would be 1… --- ## [Adjusting the syncing on a DVD played on a PC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-the-syncing-on-a-dvd-played-on-a-pc/763032)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-the-syncing-on-a-dvd-played-on-a-pc/763032 "2016-08-17T03:41:56Z")
Is there a way to sync it up? I am confused as to why it would even be out of sync in the first place. I can’t believe it’s the way the DVD was produced. --- ## [kozlyara](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kozlyara/762938)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kozlyara/762938 "2016-08-17T01:26:02Z")
козляра is the original. Any idea of what this means, SDMBers?:confused: --- ## [are cats the only animal that hunts for "fun"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cats-the-only-animal-that-hunts-for-fun/762608)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cats-the-only-animal-that-hunts-for-fun/762608 "2016-08-16T22:25:01Z")
due to this thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=801209 I remember someone telling me that cats big and small are the only animals (besides humans) that hunt for pleasure or non food reasons … Is… --- ## [Yosemite munged my Mac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yosemite-munged-my-mac/762920)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yosemite-munged-my-mac/762920 "2016-08-16T22:05:38Z")
The software update has been advertising the free Yosemite upgrade for I-don-know-how-long. Yesterday, having a couple of hours I didn’t need to be on the computer, I decided to go ahead and get it, along with the Safar… --- ## [Loyalist civilians during US Revolutionary War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loyalist-civilians-during-us-revolutionary-war/762708)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loyalist-civilians-during-us-revolutionary-war/762708 "2016-08-16T21:53:17Z")
What happened, generally, to loyalist civilians during the US Revolutionary war? I know there were deprivations by individuals on both sides directed at isolated members of the other group that they found. I’m thinking… --- ## [CPR for a Knockout Punch on Concrete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpr-for-a-knockout-punch-on-concrete/762877)
**Author:** [@andrea\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrea_green)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpr-for-a-knockout-punch-on-concrete/762877 "2016-08-16T21:18:40Z")
Thankfully this is not an urgent response required question! Earlier this evening in San Francisco’s Mission District I witnessed a private security guard hit a belligerent drunken man (who was violently harassing a you… --- ## [Were any WWI generals well liked by their men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-any-wwi-generals-well-liked-by-their-men/762851)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-any-wwi-generals-well-liked-by-their-men/762851 "2016-08-16T19:50:31Z")
On either side? In WWI there’s a common aloof image of generals frittering away the lives of their men in the horrendous squalor of no man’s land whilst living in comfort and safety, a mixture of callousness and incompet… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=857) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=859)