# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=883 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 884 --- ## [How many people needed to have a 50% chance of the same birthday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-needed-to-have-a-50-chance-of-the-same-birthday/758560)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-needed-to-have-a-50-chance-of-the-same-birthday/758560 "2016-06-28T19:59:25Z")
I know that if you have a group of 30 people, there is a better than 50% chance that two of them will have the same birthday – month and day, that is. How many people would have to be in your group to have a better than… --- ## [Question regarding the founding of Rome myth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-founding-of-rome-myth/758507)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-founding-of-rome-myth/758507 "2016-06-28T17:43:51Z")
Hi My understanding of Livy’s version of things, was that in order to populate Rome with women, Romulus invited the neighboring peoples, the Sabines and the Latins (from Latium) to come and enjoy a religious festival . … --- ## [MS Word 2013: that table insert row thingy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-2013-that-table-insert-row-thingy/758535)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-2013-that-table-insert-row-thingy/758535 "2016-06-28T17:35:32Z")
So in the 2013 version of Word there is a fancy little gadget that lets you add a row to a table with one click. You mouseover the line between rows and the line changes. It’s impossible to describe in words so here is… --- ## [Amazon reviews - review for discount?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-reviews-review-for-discount/758492)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-reviews-review-for-discount/758492 "2016-06-28T15:22:43Z")
I have noticed a lot of reviews have a disclaimer at the end saying something like “I received a discount on the purchase price for the review of this product.” How does one get this discount for a product review? I h… --- ## [schizophrenia \[deafness and auditory hallucinations\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schizophrenia-deafness-and-auditory-hallucinations/758629)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schizophrenia-deafness-and-auditory-hallucinations/758629 "2016-06-28T15:04:21Z")
Since many, if not most, people with schizophrenia hear voices at some point in their disease, what happens if they become deaf? Do they still insist they’re hearing voices? If they are born deaf, do their delusions m… --- ## [Any interactive history world map out there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-interactive-history-world-map-out-there/758626)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-interactive-history-world-map-out-there/758626 "2016-06-28T14:26:14Z")
Is there anywhere a world map, like Google maps or something, where you can change years and have the borders change? For example you want to see European borders during the cold war and you just change the year to 1980,… --- ## [Rebooting the modem: Is it really necessary to leave it unplugged for 30 seconds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebooting-the-modem-is-it-really-necessary-to-leave-it-unplugged-for-30-seconds/758241)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebooting-the-modem-is-it-really-necessary-to-leave-it-unplugged-for-30-seconds/758241 "2016-06-27T03:37:05Z")
Wouldn’t leaving it unplugged for 2 seconds accomplish the exact same thing? Ditto for any other device that requires you to disconnect from the power source. (Smart phones etc…) --- ## [How and why do older iPads gradually stop working?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-and-why-do-older-ipads-gradually-stop-working/758400)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-and-why-do-older-ipads-gradually-stop-working/758400 "2016-06-28T04:30:13Z")
I have an iPad model MC954LL/A, which is an iPad 2 without cellular. I use it almost exclusively for web access. But it is gradually becoming unusable. How does this come about? I keep the software up to date and use Sa… --- ## [What if all the world's houseflies were eradicated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-all-the-worlds-houseflies-were-eradicated/758504)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-all-the-worlds-houseflies-were-eradicated/758504 "2016-06-28T04:00:11Z")
I think we’ve already talked about what if all the world’s disease-carrying mosquitoes (and only those species) were eradicated. One of the ecological disasters that might precipitate could be the burgeoning of the huma… --- ## [How does RPM increase, as torque decreases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-rpm-increase-as-torque-decreases/758515)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2016, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-rpm-increase-as-torque-decreases/758515 "2016-06-28T03:07:39Z")
As far as I understood, torque is basically power applied to a radial object, so the more torque your car has, the more power the flywheel will have on it and thus more speed, but on dyno charts after some point the torq… --- ## [Word Processors Other Than Word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-processors-other-than-word/757968)
**Author:** [@Jrubas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jrubas)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-processors-other-than-word/757968 "2016-06-27T21:37:12Z")
I’m a writer, and in the biz many editors and publishers specifically ask for documents to be emailed as a Word attachment…typically in RTD format. I am aware of other office programs but have never tried any and don’t k… --- ## [Directional adjectives vs. adverbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/directional-adjectives-vs-adverbs/758458)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/directional-adjectives-vs-adverbs/758458 "2016-06-27T21:20:22Z")
The four directional adjectives (northern, southern, eastern and western) all end with an “n”, yet their four adverbs (northerly, southerly, easterly and westerly) omit the “n”. How did that come to be? And then there a… --- ## [Why are breasts so variable in size?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-breasts-so-variable-in-size/758146)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-breasts-so-variable-in-size/758146 "2016-06-27T16:26:27Z")
What could account for the fact that human female breasts vary so widely in size, within a range that is considered normal? Everybody knows women whose breast size, from one individual to another, varies within a ran… --- ## [How bad is the water crisis in China, really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-the-water-crisis-in-china-really/726941)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-the-water-crisis-in-china-really/726941 "2016-06-27T15:53:51Z")
I was watching what has become one of my favorite channels on YouTube, China Uncensored, and the commentator, Chris Chappell was talking about the water crisis in China. I did some searching on Google and there are a to… --- ## [Why Did the GBP Drop After UK Decided to Leave EU?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-gbp-drop-after-uk-decided-to-leave-eu/758211)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-gbp-drop-after-uk-decided-to-leave-eu/758211 "2016-06-27T13:32:58Z")
FTSE 100 down 8% this morning. Why? --- ## [Should I be worried about this (now disappeared) browser hijack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-worried-about-this-now-disappeared-browser-hijack/758459)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-worried-about-this-now-disappeared-browser-hijack/758459 "2016-06-27T12:19:30Z")
I have two laptops: one personal, one provided by my company. This morning i used the personal one to browse facebook for a while, then ate breakfast, then went sat down to do some work on the business laptop. But first … --- ## [Murder Rates... Black men, Black women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murder-rates-black-men-black-women/758391)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murder-rates-black-men-black-women/758391 "2016-06-27T10:22:47Z")
I need to know how many black men are killed by black women, and vice versa. I tried looking it up, but it turns out I’m illiterate or some shit, I don’t know. Because I can’t find stats that explain it plainly for me. … --- ## [How Do Lightning Rods Work, Exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-lightning-rods-work-exactly/451768)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-lightning-rods-work-exactly/451768 "2016-06-27T04:17:19Z")
Hi all- I know I could just google this, but I’m curious as to your responses. I just bought a home, and the previous owner was showing me about the place, and I noticed four pointy lightning rods in a row across the r… --- ## [Spelling: American v. British](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-american-v-british/757889)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-american-v-british/757889 "2016-06-27T04:02:11Z")
I was thinking about differences in spelling certain words in American English, versus British English. Many words that Americans spell ending in -er are spelled ending in -re in British English; for example: center/cen… --- ## [Deportation case law question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deportation-case-law-question/758131)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deportation-case-law-question/758131 "2016-06-27T03:59:32Z")
I’m having a stupid argument that I hope someone can help me with. An acquaintance proposes that certain criminals be deported. I of course state that you can’t deport natural born U.S. citizens. (lets leave out the den… --- ## [Leaving the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-the-us/758417)
**Author:** [@Stinky\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stinky_Pete)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-the-us/758417 "2016-06-27T03:41:39Z")
If California (my home state) decided to secede from from the United State would it be allowed? Or would it be 1861 all over again and federal troops move in to prevent it? --- ## [SD card types-help with phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-card-types-help-with-phone/758493)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sd-card-types-help-with-phone/758493 "2016-06-27T02:31:19Z")
I was researching the Motorola Moto X Pure, Third Edition, and I see a couple notes made about the expandable memory. Swappa.com says “128.0 GB max + MicroSD 2.0 compatible”. The user guide says to use a class 10 memory… --- ## [What is biting my feet and ankles on our back patio? New Orleans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-biting-my-feet-and-ankles-on-our-back-patio-new-orleans/758293)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-biting-my-feet-and-ankles-on-our-back-patio-new-orleans/758293 "2016-06-27T02:28:00Z")
Seems like every time I go out back and sit on my covered patio, something is getting me. I’ll sit out there barefoot with my feet on the concrete, just for a few minutes, and maybe just a foot or two from the lawn. It… --- ## [Any reasons to keep old real estate records?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reasons-to-keep-old-real-estate-records/758403)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reasons-to-keep-old-real-estate-records/758403 "2016-06-27T02:08:02Z")
I’m clearing out old paper files. I scan what might be useful to have, even for memorabilia sake and shred the rest. We have old real estate records for a home we use to own. It must have been sold at least two times se… --- ## [Prepaid card or the like that prevents cash withdrawls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prepaid-card-or-the-like-that-prevents-cash-withdrawls/758156)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prepaid-card-or-the-like-that-prevents-cash-withdrawls/758156 "2016-06-27T01:43:13Z")
My folks are quite elderly and my Dad has moderate Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, his case of this disease has somewhat amplified his desire to play Lotto and lottery scratch-offs, but this issue is hugely exacerbated by th… --- ## [Laptop Won't Charge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wont-charge/758358)
**Author:** [@Jrubas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jrubas)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2016, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-wont-charge/758358 "2016-06-27T00:48:47Z")
I have a Toshiba laptop. The adapter lights up but the computer won’t charge. Does anyone have any idea what might be wrong and how to fix it? I could always buy a universal charger but those are expensive and I’d hate t… --- ## [Electronic Translators: Are they like Google Translate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-translators-are-they-like-google-translate/758469)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2016, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-translators-are-they-like-google-translate/758469 "2016-06-26T23:48:22Z")
I don’t have a smartphone and wondered if, on my next vacation, I should buy an electronic translator to have deeper conversations with the natives. I have used Google translate, combined with some basic proficiency, on … --- ## [Lowering passenger jet landing gear at high airspeed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowering-passenger-jet-landing-gear-at-high-airspeed/758161)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2016, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lowering-passenger-jet-landing-gear-at-high-airspeed/758161 "2016-06-26T22:45:28Z")
ISTR hearing a long time ago that the landing gear of commercial aircraft were not supposed to be deployed above a certain airspeed, lest they be damaged by excessive aerodynamic forces. But somehow this doesn’t add up.… --- ## [What happened to the racist guy who was knocked into a seizure in 2014? Did he survive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-racist-guy-who-was-knocked-into-a-seizure-in-2014-did-he-survive/758456)
**Author:** [@ILikeForeignLanguages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ILikeForeignLanguages)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2016, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-racist-guy-who-was-knocked-into-a-seizure-in-2014-did-he-survive/758456 "2016-06-26T21:34:59Z")
In 2014, a video was posted on YouTube in which a white man, apparently named “Anthony,” was sucker punched for calling an African-American man the n-word. He fell to the ground in a seizure, bleeding from his head. I re… --- ## [Facebook Copy & Paste, don't share](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-copy-paste-dont-share/758354)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2016, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-copy-paste-dont-share/758354 "2016-06-26T20:22:42Z")
I see the request to copy & paste rather than share attached to spam/glurge/easily debunked memes all over Facebook. Usually posted by dimwits and/or future Darwin Award candidates. Why the request to copy & paste rath… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=882) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=884)