# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=882 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 883 --- ## [VLC Frustrations! I want to play a folder of music on my Android cell phone...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vlc-frustrations-i-want-to-play-a-folder-of-music-on-my-android-cell-phone/758781)
**Author:** [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vlc-frustrations-i-want-to-play-a-folder-of-music-on-my-android-cell-phone/758781 "2016-06-30T15:42:04Z")
I have gone through all my music CD’s and copied all the good songs into one folder on my Android cell phone (Music/Favorites). Now I simply want to play the songs in that folder with VCL Media Player (or whatever). I t… --- ## ["My best friend" Internet meme which uses the Dragonheart theme?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-best-friend-internet-meme-which-uses-the-dragonheart-theme/519131)
**Author:** [@Torley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Torley)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-best-friend-internet-meme-which-uses-the-dragonheart-theme/519131 "2009-12-05T20:45:49Z")
Years ago, a friend sent me a funny webpage with a domain containing something like “mybestfriend”. You enter someone’s name, and moments later, an advanced (for the time, I suppose) animated Flash message appears, exalt… --- ## [What's wrong with my gas fireplace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-gas-fireplace/387863)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2007, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-gas-fireplace/387863 "2007-01-14T17:55:41Z")
It’s finally gotten cold up here in the (un)Frozen North, and we’ve been using our gas fireplace more. It’s one of those Heat-n-Glo brands, with the glass in front and fake logs and all that. Yeah, a real fireplace is ni… --- ## [Theological/belief label](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theological-belief-label/758531)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2016, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theological-belief-label/758531 "2016-06-30T08:14:35Z")
From a pure religious point of view I self-identify as an agnostic, open to some belief as or if it becomes explicable by the scientific method. I think that our purpose, if we were to choose one (since I don’t think th… --- ## [Do nuclear re-entry vehicles enter the atmosphere nose or tail first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nuclear-re-entry-vehicles-enter-the-atmosphere-nose-or-tail-first/758653)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2016, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nuclear-re-entry-vehicles-enter-the-atmosphere-nose-or-tail-first/758653 "2016-06-30T05:08:08Z")
I’ve done some googling but haven’t found a clear answer. I always pictured the re-entry vehicle: As coming in tail first, but I may be conflating this with the Mercury/Gemini capsu… --- ## [Is the working class disappearing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-working-class-disappearing/757057)
**Author:** [@Nadnerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadnerb)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2016, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-working-class-disappearing/757057 "2016-06-30T03:19:26Z")
I think it is for a variety of reasons: A) More and more employers are hiring college graduates over non-college graduates even for positions that don’t require a degree. B) We have had mass outsourcing of manufacturin… --- ## [Life Insurance Retirement Plan (LIRP) - scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-retirement-plan-lirp-scam/529431)
**Author:** [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-retirement-plan-lirp-scam/529431 "2016-06-29T23:24:24Z")
A reasonably financially savvy co-worker has been suggesting that I look into these things called Life Insurance Retirement Plans, which appear to be some sort of scheme where you over-pay on a life insurance policy - bu… --- ## [Unsubscribe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsubscribe/758701)
**Author:** [@uttam54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uttam54)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsubscribe/758701 "2016-06-29T23:21:07Z")
When you press the Unsubscribe button on junk mail, do they actually unsubscribe you or just pass on your address to some other junk mail company? --- ## [Carbon Monoxide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbon-monoxide/758443)
**Author:** [@Gbro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gbro)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbon-monoxide/758443 "2016-06-29T22:32:48Z")
Question came up; Does the catalytic converter on a gasoline automobile remove carbon monoxide to where it may be safe/safer to be in a confined space (garage with door closed) with engine running??? --- ## [Do introduced hummingbird populations exist anywhere in the Old World?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-introduced-hummingbird-populations-exist-anywhere-in-the-old-world/758693)
**Author:** [@Waxwinged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waxwinged)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-introduced-hummingbird-populations-exist-anywhere-in-the-old-world/758693 "2016-06-29T20:26:18Z")
If so, where? (Inspired by the “Rarest animal you’ve ever seen” thread.) --- ## [Sneaky telecom phone calls -- is this legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sneaky-telecom-phone-calls-is-this-legal/758588)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sneaky-telecom-phone-calls-is-this-legal/758588 "2016-06-29T18:29:21Z")
So, one of my elderly disabled clients gets a phone call today, ostensibly from her cable/internet/phone provider, one of the Big 2, although I suspect the caller was actually working for some third party who has “partne… --- ## [How to tell when buttermilk has gone bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-when-buttermilk-has-gone-bad/758574)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-when-buttermilk-has-gone-bad/758574 "2016-06-29T17:33:33Z")
I’ve had a half-gallon bottle of buttermilk in my refrigerator for several weeks, from which we partake from time to time. The expiration date was about two weeks ago. It still smells fine, but we’re kinda reluctant to t… --- ## [Why aren't all ships icebreakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-all-ships-icebreakers/758557)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-all-ships-icebreakers/758557 "2016-06-29T17:25:08Z")
I occurred to me after reading this recent Cecil article that some of the most famous maritime disasters could have been avoided if ships had hulls capable of withstanding ice impacts. The first thing I thought of was c… --- ## [What anceient Egyptain words does this 1950s anthology translate as "Negro" and "Asiatic"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-anceient-egyptain-words-does-this-1950s-anthology-translate-as-negro-and-asiatic/758505)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-anceient-egyptain-words-does-this-1950s-anthology-translate-as-negro-and-asiatic/758505 "2016-06-29T17:20:34Z")
I came across an anthology of ancient writings published in the US in 1950s: Readings in the History of the Ancient World. The section on Ancient Eygpt contains a inscription from the Tomb of Uni, an old kingdom official… --- ## [Question regarding BREXIT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-brexit/758382)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-brexit/758382 "2016-06-29T17:04:38Z")
Hi, In light of many Brits now voicing their regret about having voted to leave the EU, does Britain have any wiggle room/options to keep at least one foot in the EU, a little like Norway? I look forward to your feedba… --- ## ["blue impulse" (Japan's aerobatic team): still flying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-impulse-japans-aerobatic-team-still-flying/758707)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-impulse-japans-aerobatic-team-still-flying/758707 "2016-06-29T15:34:19Z")
Japan’s national air demonstration squadron is called Blue Impulse. Googling turns up air show schedules for recent years, but not this year. The links (on the Wikipedia page) to their official site don’t work. What’s… --- ## [401(k) Minimum Required Withdrawal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/401-k-minimum-required-withdrawal/758442)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/401-k-minimum-required-withdrawal/758442 "2016-06-29T15:05:08Z")
How do 401(k) managers calculate the Minimum Required Withdrawal when that occurs? --- ## [What kind of sunglasses would you need to protect your eyes from a high powered laser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-sunglasses-would-you-need-to-protect-your-eyes-from-a-high-powered-laser/758702)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-sunglasses-would-you-need-to-protect-your-eyes-from-a-high-powered-laser/758702 "2016-06-29T15:01:47Z")
RE this Watch The Navy’s First Operational Laser Cannon Blow Crap Up I realize sunglasses are not going to protect you from a military death laser but for the lower powered green lasers that can damage your retinas and… --- ## [Missile Defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missile-defense/758506)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missile-defense/758506 "2016-06-29T11:14:11Z")
As I understand it, missile defense systems have not been particularly successful. But, as I understand it, these systems mostly work by trying to hit incoming missiles with outgoing ones. This sounds like trying to kil… --- ## [Identify shirt style](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-shirt-style/758547)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-shirt-style/758547 "2016-06-29T08:26:11Z")
I cannot for the life of me think of the name of those shirts you frequently see men wearing in various Latin American countries. I can’t find a link for an image because I don’t know what to name the shirt to look for. … --- ## [Trawler Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trawler-questions/758481)
**Author:** [@mumof4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mumof4)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trawler-questions/758481 "2016-06-29T06:25:19Z")
Hi all, I’m writing a book and need some information regarding a trawler. How long would it take for a trawler to go from New York to Easter Island? How much fuel would it take? What is the biggest trawler to take 25… --- ## [Sociological Normalcy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sociological-normalcy/758672)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sociological-normalcy/758672 "2016-06-29T05:33:18Z")
I was reading a book about salesmanship and I was struck with the feeling that reading books about salesmanship is not something that very many people do. It’s a perfectly normal thing to do, but in terms of percentage o… --- ## [Why would extreame pressure relieve pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-extreame-pressure-relieve-pain/611796)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-extreame-pressure-relieve-pain/611796 "2016-06-29T02:11:52Z")
Hello Again, Another medical/pain question for your medical types here, even if you ANAD if you think you know the answer I would like to hear. As some of you know, I have had a severe back injury that required 3 major… --- ## [What is a parliamentary democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-parliamentary-democracy/758350)
**Author:** [@mr\_wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr_wolf)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-parliamentary-democracy/758350 "2016-06-29T01:29:30Z")
And I ask in practical terms, not labels. The UK’s prime minister says that the nation has a parliamentary democracy. This seems an oxymoron. In broad lines, if the people are able to vote for the decisions that affect… --- ## [Skylight window: Open or closed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skylight-window-open-or-closed/758551)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skylight-window-open-or-closed/758551 "2016-06-29T00:37:17Z")
I live in a townhouse condo, with a basement and three floors, that has openable skylights on the top floor. I get a nice, if usually mild, chimney effect to clear out stale air by opening the skylights along with windo… --- ## [Can hotswapping a keyboard kill a computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-hotswapping-a-keyboard-kill-a-computer/244650)
**Author:** [@daffyduck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/daffyduck)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2016, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-hotswapping-a-keyboard-kill-a-computer/244650 "2016-06-29T00:06:50Z")
I could swear I read somewhere that hotswapping a keyboard (changing it while the computer is still running) could kill the computer and so I have always shut down any computer I was working on that needed a keyboard cha… --- ## [Another Botanical Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-botanical-question/758642)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-botanical-question/758642 "2016-06-28T22:55:49Z")
I have a lot of these plants growing on my property in Northwest Montana. The leaves are large, and they have medium white flowers. They look like they may be forming berries. Any idea what they are? pic 1 pic 2 pic … --- ## [Why do things which seem as if they should have a homogenous temperature vary when sampled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-things-which-seem-as-if-they-should-have-a-homogenous-temperature-vary-when-sampled/758585)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-things-which-seem-as-if-they-should-have-a-homogenous-temperature-vary-when-sampled/758585 "2016-06-28T21:55:24Z")
I recently became interested in the subject of consumer and commercial food safety and have been studying it in my spare time. What puzzles me is why food (and I assume other substances as well) held at a constant temper… --- ## [Laws applicable in only a few states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laws-applicable-in-only-a-few-states/758214)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laws-applicable-in-only-a-few-states/758214 "2016-06-28T20:33:01Z")
As far as I can tell, most US state laws are shared among most, if not all, of them. They frequently copy each other or adopt model laws, although often with minor tweaks (but we’re going to ignore such tweaks in this th… --- ## [Ubuntu superuser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu-superuser/758590)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ubuntu-superuser/758590 "2016-06-28T20:07:39Z")
I have recently installed Ubuntu on a laptop. This is my first experience with that operating system, although I have experience with other versions of Unix. Apparently Ubuntu has gotten rid of the superuser. Unfortunat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=881) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=883)