# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=903 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 904 --- ## [Physically moved desktop from one room to another. Now I'm asked to "authorize my new device." Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-moved-desktop-from-one-room-to-another-now-im-asked-to-authorize-my-new-device-why/755004)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-moved-desktop-from-one-room-to-another-now-im-asked-to-authorize-my-new-device-why/755004 "2016-05-20T14:20:50Z")
So a number of websites I use (Salesforce, Lastpass, others) require me to use a PIN to verify when I log in from a new machine - they send a text to my cell phone, I enter the code, all is good. However, at work today … --- ## [Spaying and Neutering Benefits for Humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spaying-and-neutering-benefits-for-humans/755063)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spaying-and-neutering-benefits-for-humans/755063 "2016-05-20T13:37:53Z")
\[Dear Cecil:\] Spaying and neutering clearly has many benefits for our animal friends. Besides sparing them a preoccupation with sex, it supposedly helps them live longer, healthier lives. Now I know this next question i… --- ## [Car AC compressor makes whining sound when accelerating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-ac-compressor-makes-whining-sound-when-accelerating/755034)
**Author:** [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-ac-compressor-makes-whining-sound-when-accelerating/755034 "2016-05-20T12:18:50Z")
Hi all! After my car’s AC being out of service for months due to a leak, I found the leak (high-pressure side fitting) and recharged it. Now my AC works, but my car makes a weird whining noise whenever the compressor i… --- ## [How can TSA precheck lose its essential meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-tsa-precheck-lose-its-essential-meaning/755018)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-tsa-precheck-lose-its-essential-meaning/755018 "2016-05-20T11:26:45Z")
If I print my boarding pass at home and I have a TSA precheck notification, I’m apparently acknowledged as being less of a threat and I can go through a quicker, less demanding screening. So why is it that the next time… --- ## [How Are Chinese Sellers Able to Sell Things So Cheaply?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-chinese-sellers-able-to-sell-things-so-cheaply/755170)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-chinese-sellers-able-to-sell-things-so-cheaply/755170 "2016-05-20T11:15:29Z")
Meaning all these guys selling small-time stuff on eBay and the like. I just bought a small metal shoehorn on eBay for a grand total of 80 cents including shipping. (possibly from this guy). And over the years I’ve seen… --- ## [So how is iTunes used to launder IRS fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-is-itunes-used-to-launder-irs-fraud/755204)
**Author:** [@notsoheavyd3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notsoheavyd3)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-is-itunes-used-to-launder-irs-fraud/755204 "2016-05-20T04:09:33Z")
Just curious since there’s a scam going around like this one One of the ways they get the victim is they tell them to buy iTunes gift cards and then read them over the phone. Somehow the criminal uses the entire amoun… --- ## [Where can I download a Venn Diagram maker and a meme generator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-download-a-venn-diagram-maker-and-a-meme-generator/755140)
**Author:** [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-download-a-venn-diagram-maker-and-a-meme-generator/755140 "2016-05-20T03:49:08Z")
Forgive me my computer illiteracy. Where can I download them without a virus? --- ## [Should phones be charged before the battery is empty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-phones-be-charged-before-the-battery-is-empty/755003)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2016, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-phones-be-charged-before-the-battery-is-empty/755003 "2016-05-20T02:15:59Z")
They used to warn against recharging batteries before they were mostly discharged. They build a memory or something. What’s the rule on phones? Wait or is it OK to charge early? Like 75% for example? --- ## [Uncontrollable volume on HDTV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncontrollable-volume-on-hdtv/755126)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncontrollable-volume-on-hdtv/755126 "2016-05-19T22:41:54Z")
I have a long-out-of-warranty 32-in flat (O-----) tv with uncontrollable volume control. I turn it up (via the remote) and it zooms up to max. I try to lower it and it zooms down to minimum, both randomly and not all the… --- ## [Tax Experts: Are Indirect Investment Costs Deductible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-experts-are-indirect-investment-costs-deductible/755031)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-experts-are-indirect-investment-costs-deductible/755031 "2016-05-19T21:59:58Z")
Specific scenario is this: I have an investment property whose insurance carrier is not renewing any policies in my town. The best I could do as a freestanding landlord policy was over $500 more than the current rate. B… --- ## [Foreign Diaspora](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-diaspora/755108)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-diaspora/755108 "2016-05-19T21:09:37Z")
Heard a statistic last night that 1 of every 5 (20%) El Salvadorans lives in the U.S. After a short search, discovered this to be true. So I did a bit more research and discovered that roughly 19% of Mexico’s popula… --- ## [Portugal runs for four days straight on renewables: US anywhere close?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portugal-runs-for-four-days-straight-on-renewables-us-anywhere-close/755115)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portugal-runs-for-four-days-straight-on-renewables-us-anywhere-close/755115 "2016-05-19T21:07:00Z")
I didn’t know things had developed like this: As Joe Biden might say … it’s a big fucking deal. Is the US gearing up, is Obamapower on the way? --- ## [Bathroom hardware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-hardware/755162)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-hardware/755162 "2016-05-19T20:55:49Z")
What is the name for the device fitted to a bathtub faucet, that changes the flow of water to or from the shower head? --- ## [CAD Folks - Symbology: Where to find...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cad-folks-symbology-where-to-find/755183)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cad-folks-symbology-where-to-find/755183 "2016-05-19T20:41:20Z")
I can readily find online recognized, standard CAD symbols (per ANSI Y32 or IEEE 315, etc) for common electrical and electronic components gates, switches, etc.) But! Is there standard symbology for electronic components… --- ## [Don't touch the Bulb!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-touch-the-bulb/454877)
**Author:** [@essell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/essell)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-touch-the-bulb/454877 "2016-05-19T19:23:35Z")
Two of my colleagues have been told to never touch light bulbs while fitting them into the socket, something I’d not heard before today. One’s been told that it’s something to do with the grease left behind on the glass… --- ## [Investing: generating randomized rates of return in Excel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-generating-randomized-rates-of-return-in-excel/755156)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-generating-randomized-rates-of-return-in-excel/755156 "2016-05-19T18:09:15Z")
I have been given the mean (~11%) and standard deviation (~20%) for annualized ROR for stocks over most of the twentieth century. I would like to generate an artificial sequence of annualized ROR in Excel. Do I need to… --- ## [Why are my porch lights burning out so fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-porch-lights-burning-out-so-fast/755032)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-porch-lights-burning-out-so-fast/755032 "2016-05-19T17:38:47Z")
I live in a townhouse in Chicago. I have a front and back porch. The front porch light holds one bulb, the back one holds two bulbs. For the last six months or so, I haven’t been able to get a light bulb to last more tha… --- ## [Why can't I get to American Airlines online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-to-american-airlines-online/755173)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-to-american-airlines-online/755173 "2016-05-19T17:31:56Z")
I need to print my boarding passes, and every website associated with American Airlines just loads a blank page. I’ve run my anti-virus software, restarted my computer, and used two different browsers to try, but nothin… --- ## [Old style auto engine analyzer...need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-style-auto-engine-analyzer-need-answer-fast/754993)
**Author:** [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-style-auto-engine-analyzer-need-answer-fast/754993 "2016-05-19T17:09:06Z")
I have an old style engine analyzer that has a positive and negative cables for power from the battery, and an alligator clip that attaches to the coil for RPM measurement. I would like to use this on a motorcycle, shoul… --- ## [QuickBooks help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quickbooks-help/755166)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quickbooks-help/755166 "2016-05-19T16:02:05Z")
Is something wrong with Intuit? I’m trying to contact Intuit about an issue with QuickBooks, but every time I go to https://help.quickbooks.intuit.com I get a message that it can’t be displayed. But Google insists that … --- ## [Can a judge get rid of a lawyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-judge-get-rid-of-a-lawyer/755073)
**Author:** [@bomberswarm2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bomberswarm2)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-judge-get-rid-of-a-lawyer/755073 "2016-05-19T15:28:50Z")
Was just watching a Law and order episode, and this guy was representing himself. Almost every single question he asked was followed by a sustained objection, until the prosecutor moved to have the guy be removed from hi… --- ## [2 Stroke motorcycle engines-why dont they use a spark advance curve like 4 strokes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-stroke-motorcycle-engines-why-dont-they-use-a-spark-advance-curve-like-4-strokes/666184)
**Author:** [@breakneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/breakneck)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-stroke-motorcycle-engines-why-dont-they-use-a-spark-advance-curve-like-4-strokes/666184 "2016-05-19T11:52:30Z")
Why do 2 stroke motorcycle engines not have a spark advance like a 4 Stroke? the advance is to compensate for saturation of the coils at higher rpms right? so why is this not needed on a 2 stroke? --- ## [Muslim Populations and Inbreeding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-populations-and-inbreeding/755042)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-populations-and-inbreeding/755042 "2016-05-19T11:28:25Z")
I’m not really sure what the appropriate forum is for this, I’m asking questions but there is also room for speculation. In a lot of the countries where the majority of the population is Muslim, it seems there is a lot … --- ## [Troubleshooting sound issue on TV with Amazon Instant Video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-sound-issue-on-tv-with-amazon-instant-video/755143)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-sound-issue-on-tv-with-amazon-instant-video/755143 "2016-05-19T04:17:29Z")
I don’t even know where to start with this one - we run Amazon Instant Video via a Blu-Ray player hooked up to a stereo receiver, and on some programs (mostly films, but sometimes TV shows), the sound just plain doesn’t … --- ## [What is the proper answer to this math problem (from youtube).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-answer-to-this-math-problem-from-youtube/754588)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-answer-to-this-math-problem-from-youtube/754588 "2016-05-19T03:02:00Z")
The problem is 9 - 3 ÷ 1/3 + 1 = ? I say that the answer is 9. Using the proper order of operations: \[ul\] \[li\]3 ÷ 1 = 3\[/li\]\[li\]3 / 3 = 1\[/li\]\[li\]9 - 1 + 1 = 9\[/li\]\[/ul\] The video talks about the prope… --- ## [When I click a microsoft link from within firefox it opens an IE window](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-click-a-microsoft-link-from-within-firefox-it-opens-an-ie-window/755132)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-click-a-microsoft-link-from-within-firefox-it-opens-an-ie-window/755132 "2016-05-19T02:37:08Z")
Anybody else seen this? It drives me nuts. For example, I Google “MS Access cloud”, click the top sponsored link, it opens the link in firefox, but also a whole 'nother window in IE. Same thing if I’m at bingads.micro… --- ## [How to avoid Comcast copyright alert?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-avoid-comcast-copyright-alert/755136)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-avoid-comcast-copyright-alert/755136 "2016-05-19T01:31:47Z")
I like downloading HD torrents and today I just received my first alert from Comcast that appeared as a popup. I also like Primewire, a streaming site which wouldn’t cause an issue, except watching HD torrents is more e… --- ## [Employment verification services logistics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employment-verification-services-logistics/755120)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2016, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/employment-verification-services-logistics/755120 "2016-05-19T01:31:21Z")
There are companies like The Work Number, which give a phone number and pin to employees to use to give out to prospective employers to verify their employment history with a specific company. Companies do this so HR doe… --- ## [Why don't they wake people in a coma through pain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-they-wake-people-in-a-coma-through-pain/754609)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2016, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-they-wake-people-in-a-coma-through-pain/754609 "2016-05-18T23:52:06Z")
Hi SD, Simple question: Ignoring the ethical implications, what would happen to a comatose person if you tried to wake him or her through extreme noxious stimulation? Sorry to sound macabre, but if you actually set th… --- ## [Birdwatchers, what bird might this be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birdwatchers-what-bird-might-this-be/755118)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2016, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birdwatchers-what-bird-might-this-be/755118 "2016-05-18T22:55:26Z")
We have a couple of birdfeeders close to the house and yesterday I noticed a bird I’ve never noticed before. I haven’t managed to get a picture, so a description: Dark grey, kind of a velvety look. Possibly slightly bl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=902) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=904)