# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=859 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 860 --- ## [The glass you only break in case of fire: this and other switch guards is a "Mollyguard?" Etymology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-glass-you-only-break-in-case-of-fire-this-and-other-switch-guards-is-a-mollyguard-etymology/762971)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-glass-you-only-break-in-case-of-fire-this-and-other-switch-guards-is-a-mollyguard-etymology/762971 "2016-08-16T18:19:09Z")
I read “Mollyguard” (in Wiki, “kill switch”) as specifically “the shielding thing you flip up or otherwise overcome to get at the real big button that is super powerful” which comprised the glass you’re supposed to beak … --- ## [Air conditioner operation in the rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-operation-in-the-rain/762986)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-operation-in-the-rain/762986 "2016-08-16T16:36:51Z")
It was beastly hot the other day and the humidity was high, so I turned the air conditioner on. Later that day it started raining and my wife said ‘oh, you’d better turn off the a/c because it’s starting to rain and you … --- ## [Need Internet Explorer 11 on Windows 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-internet-explorer-11-on-windows-10/762641)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-internet-explorer-11-on-windows-10/762641 "2016-08-16T15:16:09Z")
I need to run an app that doesn’t work with Windows Edge (the browser that comes with Win10) so I need to run Internet Explorer. The Microsoft Site says Internet Explorer comes with Windows 10, but I can’t find it. Any… --- ## [Why are bathroom sinks made of porcelain while kitchen sinks are made of metal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathroom-sinks-made-of-porcelain-while-kitchen-sinks-are-made-of-metal/762883)
**Author:** [@nbook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nbook)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-bathroom-sinks-made-of-porcelain-while-kitchen-sinks-are-made-of-metal/762883 "2016-08-16T15:11:04Z")
Why are bathroom sinks made of porcelain while kitchen sinks are made of metal? --- ## [Why are passport covers so boring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-passport-covers-so-boring/762772)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-passport-covers-so-boring/762772 "2016-08-16T13:06:28Z")
While traveling I have noticed that the covers of passports from every country I have seen are consistently unimaginative. They are all solid colors, dark and muted, usually blue, red, or green. Why don’t countries follo… --- ## [Stopping videos from automatically playing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopping-videos-from-automatically-playing/762827)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopping-videos-from-automatically-playing/762827 "2016-08-16T12:26:12Z")
I’m surprised that my forum search found only one item that isn’t helping. I had videos turned off from automatically playing and was happy with Chrome with the puzzle piece and right clicking to activate the videos. A… --- ## [Combination lock; bike lock rant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combination-lock-bike-lock-rant/762799)
**Author:** [@W5WMW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/W5WMW)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combination-lock-bike-lock-rant/762799 "2016-08-16T10:44:38Z")
I couldn’t find this elsewhere, but if it is, please point me. If you have a lock that opens (and tells you so) after the correct four digits are put in, in order, without being required to hit “enter” or whatever and s… --- ## [Examining claim of free energy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examining-claim-of-free-energy/762819)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examining-claim-of-free-energy/762819 "2016-08-16T10:38:06Z")
This guy was on Coast to Coast AM last night. He claims that he’s found a way to get free energy out of an electromagnetic machine. I’m distinctly skeptical of his motor, but I’m not a physicist, and I don’t know much … --- ## [No powerlines in Europe? Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-powerlines-in-europe-really/601821)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-powerlines-in-europe-really/601821 "2016-08-16T05:18:27Z")
Right now there is a power outage in a couple of neighborhoods in San Francisco (underground transformer failed). Someone posted the following comment to the news story: :dubious: Is there any truth to this? I have ne… --- ## [damming rivers in the US today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damming-rivers-in-the-us-today/762769)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damming-rivers-in-the-us-today/762769 "2016-08-16T02:35:13Z")
I just watched Deliverance, so I’m motivated to ask this. I’m aware that since at least the 1920s there has been an active movement to dam and impound rivers for flood control, recreation and electric generation. I rem… --- ## [Survive an airplane crash in the Arctic!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survive-an-airplane-crash-in-the-arctic/762940)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/survive-an-airplane-crash-in-the-arctic/762940 "2016-08-16T02:27:12Z")
Inspired by this thread, which I unsuccessfully tried to hijack :slight\_smile: : http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=800300 What special survival supplies (if any) do planes the fly the polar route car… --- ## [What country has the youngest prostitutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-youngest-prostitutes/483889)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-youngest-prostitutes/483889 "2016-08-15T23:09:29Z")
Age of consent has come up in a couple threads recently and has gotten me thinking. Many countries have lower ages of consent then the US a few as young as 12. Some counties has legalized prostitution. Hopefully if a cou… --- ## [touchpad malfunction - windows 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touchpad-malfunction-windows-10/762960)
**Author:** [@Anarcho\_Liberalist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anarcho_Liberalist)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/touchpad-malfunction-windows-10/762960 "2016-08-15T23:04:48Z")
The touchpad on my notebook doesn’t function properly anymore. I have googled around and tried all the ‘just use this trick’ advice but no real progress. SDMB is my last resort, so please read the whole story before quic… --- ## [If I don't make it, send this letter to my wife.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-dont-make-it-send-this-letter-to-my-wife/762875)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-dont-make-it-send-this-letter-to-my-wife/762875 "2016-08-15T21:51:19Z")
There’s this standing cliche of soldiers writing down their Final Thoughts in a letter and handing it off to a buddy. That seems terrifically inefficient, has any military formalized the sending on of the Last Words of… --- ## [American v British English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-v-british-english/762589)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-v-british-english/762589 "2016-08-15T19:50:42Z")
In the US, we have lawyers and attorneys. AFAIK, they are the same thing. In Britain, they have barristers and solicitors. Do both of these terms have the same meaning, or is there a distinction between a barrister an… --- ## [Transferring photos from iPhone and iPad to external storage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-photos-from-iphone-and-ipad-to-external-storage/761637)
**Author:** [@Dante\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante_G)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-photos-from-iphone-and-ipad-to-external-storage/761637 "2016-08-15T18:36:40Z")
My girlfriend has an iPhone 6 and an iPad. She has hundreds of pictures and some videos that she would like to store on something besides the phone and tablet themselves, but she has no computer. Can she store them on … --- ## [Perseids: Why the multi-color trail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseids-why-the-multi-color-trail/762817)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseids-why-the-multi-color-trail/762817 "2016-08-15T17:19:10Z")
Here is a photo I took Saturday morning: Why the multi-color trail? Are the dust particles coated with copper that burns off? I have several images, and they all look similar. --- ## [Calculating power of all smartphones - can it be used for anything good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-power-of-all-smartphones-can-it-be-used-for-anything-good/762539)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-power-of-all-smartphones-can-it-be-used-for-anything-good/762539 "2016-08-15T16:04:38Z")
I remember sharing my desktop computer a decade or so ago for the S E T I project. I think my cell phone has now more capacity and calculating power. What would be the best idea to share it with others? --- ## [Search Android apps sorted by name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-android-apps-sorted-by-name/762314)
**Author:** [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-android-apps-sorted-by-name/762314 "2016-08-15T15:33:19Z")
I’m trying to find an app and I know the first word in the title, but not the entire title. If I saw it in a list, I might recognize it, but when I search in the Play Store the results appear to be in random order, and i… --- ## [Why didn't the Spanish eliminate Muslims in the Philippines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-spanish-eliminate-muslims-in-the-philippines/762564)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-spanish-eliminate-muslims-in-the-philippines/762564 "2016-08-15T12:28:37Z")
Recently I was reading an article about Islamic terrorism in the Philippines and that led me to wonder: In colonial times the Spanish were pretty militantly Catholic: Ferdinand and Isabella drove the last of the Moors o… --- ## [What supplies are in passenger aircraft liferafts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-supplies-are-in-passenger-aircraft-liferafts/761727)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-supplies-are-in-passenger-aircraft-liferafts/761727 "2016-08-15T09:17:32Z")
I was travelling for business a few weeks ago and reading the in-flight safety card in the pocket in front of your seat (as one does) and thinking about the practicalities of trying to get liferafts launched from the pla… --- ## [debt collection question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-collection-question/762703)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-collection-question/762703 "2016-08-15T08:27:23Z")
Ok I got stuck paying off a relatives default on a credit line with a catalog company (long stupid story) But its almost paid off but the company I was paying merged with another company and in sending me a notice about… --- ## [British media and the royal family](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-media-and-the-royal-family/762862)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-media-and-the-royal-family/762862 "2016-08-15T08:04:24Z")
In the past, it was fairly common for the British media to supress information detrimental to the royal family. Of course the Edward/Simpson affair was not revealed to the public until the last minute, and I’ve read the… --- ## [What/why tape showing on some women gymnasts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-why-tape-showing-on-some-women-gymnasts/762873)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-why-tape-showing-on-some-women-gymnasts/762873 "2016-08-15T03:39:23Z")
Some of the women gymnasts had various lengths of flesh-colored tape (2-3" wide) sticking out from under their uniforms and going down their legs. I didn’t see any on the U.S. team. What kind of tape is this, and what is… --- ## [Is it illegal for a business in bankruptcy to en masse forgive client debts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-for-a-business-in-bankruptcy-to-en-masse-forgive-client-debts/762714)
**Author:** [@TipTapTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TipTapTwo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-for-a-business-in-bankruptcy-to-en-masse-forgive-client-debts/762714 "2016-08-15T02:50:02Z")
In this thread about a person’s credit card being charged 30 days late, this question came up, and I did not want to clutter up that thread with a possible derailment. http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?… --- ## [Are there any (non-heat based) applications where LED lightbulbs have not replaced non-LED bulbs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-heat-based-applications-where-led-lightbulbs-have-not-replaced-non-led-bulbs/762711)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-heat-based-applications-where-led-lightbulbs-have-not-replaced-non-led-bulbs/762711 "2016-08-15T02:11:08Z")
In looking at the selection at Lowes the other day the CFL bulbs were all being closed out at knock down prices and it seems like there is now an LED bulb for almost every application where a filament or gas sealed bulb … --- ## [How far can a person walk in a day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-a-person-walk-in-a-day/762247)
**Author:** [@F.Pu-du-he-pa-as](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.Pu-du-he-pa-as)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2016, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-a-person-walk-in-a-day/762247 "2016-08-14T23:09:13Z")
I’m trying to figure out how far a person could reasonably walk in a day-- it’s for some archaeology work on ancient migrations. Stipulations: – The person is in reasonably good shape, but not an athlete – The person … --- ## [How secret are trade secrets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secret-are-trade-secrets/762625)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2016, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secret-are-trade-secrets/762625 "2016-08-14T21:36:20Z")
Meaning, when are companies forced to layout how they conduct business? Example 1: ABC retail company has the best prices on cereal anywhere. Turns out they are using a food shelf they created to collect cereal from th… --- ## [Will the US pay a military retirement to a non-US citizen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-pay-a-military-retirement-to-a-non-us-citizen/597427)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2016, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-pay-a-military-retirement-to-a-non-us-citizen/597427 "2016-08-14T21:00:27Z")
Was thinking about this the other day. Say you put in your 20 years and decide not only to retire in Canada but to also give up your US citizenship and become a card carrying cannuck. Would the US government still pay y… --- ## [How Is Hacking Done and How Hard To Prevent It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-hacking-done-and-how-hard-to-prevent-it/762673)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2016, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-hacking-done-and-how-hard-to-prevent-it/762673 "2016-08-14T18:13:53Z")
House Democrats Hacked I am not looking for any “How To” info on hacking, but how is something like this still possible? Is hacking like this enabled by a stolen or “socially engineered” password? How can it be prevent… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=858) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=860)