# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=909 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 910 --- ## [Foreclosed home sold at auction - to mortgaging bank?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreclosed-home-sold-at-auction-to-mortgaging-bank/627381)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2012, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreclosed-home-sold-at-auction-to-mortgaging-bank/627381 "2012-07-08T09:55:09Z")
So, I know somebody whose house was foreclosed and put up for auction after long nonpayment of the mortgage. At the auction, the house sold for exactly the outstanding balance, and the buyer was the bank that held the mo… --- ## [My lawnmower won't start](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-lawnmower-wont-start/753752)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-lawnmower-wont-start/753752 "2016-05-09T02:52:00Z")
I have a Troybilt “push” mower that’s only about a year and a half old. It has an electric starter that cranks the engine with no trouble at all. It acts as though it’s getting absolutely no gas. When I spray the intake … --- ## [Proper Spelling of "County's" inre County Tournament](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-spelling-of-countys-inre-county-tournament/754164)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-spelling-of-countys-inre-county-tournament/754164 "2016-05-09T02:16:45Z")
In high school sports and such, there are post-season tournaments at various levels. There are county tournaments, regional tournaments and state tournaments. When they are shortened down, what is the proper spelling o… --- ## [What do you call this type of classroom projector?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-type-of-classroom-projector/754110)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-type-of-classroom-projector/754110 "2016-05-09T02:11:04Z")
I know they exist because I’ve used them but I can’t remember their name: They project solid print materials and books (i.e. not just transparencies) onto a screen. I tried “opaque projector” but that brings up somethi… --- ## [Canadians in Ontario: Why do most of the highways start with 4?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-in-ontario-why-do-most-of-the-highways-start-with-4/101209)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadians-in-ontario-why-do-most-of-the-highways-start-with-4/101209 "2016-05-08T20:39:46Z")
So I’m driving up the QEW in Ontario to visit my fiancee. This is the first time that I’m driving up there without directions. I know that I have to take the exit for Rt. 403. I take it and then promptly realize that … --- ## [Stopping the "pop-ups" asking you to enter email](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopping-the-pop-ups-asking-you-to-enter-email/753747)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stopping-the-pop-ups-asking-you-to-enter-email/753747 "2016-05-08T19:17:56Z")
MANY websites I visit will “pop-up” a screen asking to enter your email address, often in exchange for a coupon code or the like - is there any way to stop them? I am using Chrome 50.0.2661.94 with the “Do not allow any… --- ## [The Cosmic Microwave Background and prefered reference frames](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cosmic-microwave-background-and-prefered-reference-frames/105436)
**Author:** [@bryanmcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bryanmcc)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cosmic-microwave-background-and-prefered-reference-frames/105436 "2016-05-08T19:13:57Z")
Just wondering: there is (I believe) a reference frame in which the CMB appears the same in all directions. In all other frames the CMB is Doppler-shifted to the red and blue in opposite directions. This “privaliged” ref… --- ## [What has happened to Safeway's store brands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-to-safeways-store-brands/754033)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-to-safeways-store-brands/754033 "2016-05-08T18:18:27Z")
I’ve been doing my grocery shopping at Safeway for years, and have cheerfully purchased a number of their store brand products because, most of the time, they were every bit as good as the name brand versions, and someti… --- ## [Why does the body create inferior tissue (scars) to heal wounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-body-create-inferior-tissue-scars-to-heal-wounds/754102)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-body-create-inferior-tissue-scars-to-heal-wounds/754102 "2016-05-08T16:55:36Z")
I’m working on a short story that involves scars and have reading a bit about them and am curious to know why the body forms a weaker tissue structure than it is obviously capable of. I’ve read that the collagen is laid… --- ## [A possible military punishment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-possible-military-punishment/754276)
**Author:** [@dilaudid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dilaudid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-possible-military-punishment/754276 "2016-05-08T16:07:46Z")
I’m writing a book set in the 2050’s, essentially the run-up and first few battles of WW III, from the point of the Brits. So, need a bit of help on whether this would be a legal military punishment if someone (essentia… --- ## [Mixing grout with sealer problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-grout-with-sealer-problems/754135)
**Author:** [@handygal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handygal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-grout-with-sealer-problems/754135 "2016-05-08T14:45:28Z")
My daughter recently hired someone to regrout her shower ceramic tile. Everything looked fine until she put her finger on the grout a few days later and it just started falling off. I don’t think the guy really knew wh… --- ## [The Straight Dope On ESP.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-esp/753173)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 310\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-esp/753173 "2016-05-08T11:11:05Z")
I was actually inspired to ask this question by Star Trek: TOS. In the original series, ESP was apparently so mainstream (at that time at least), that they included it as part of their story line. Characters even had rou… --- ## [When and where was the last place you could legally own a slave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-where-was-the-last-place-you-could-legally-own-a-slave/754136)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-where-was-the-last-place-you-could-legally-own-a-slave/754136 "2016-05-08T10:10:46Z")
I understand that human trafficking is still a huge problem. Still, what was the last place that you could openly acknowledge that you owned another person? To put it another way, has there ever been a global Emancipati… --- ## [Were the Articles of Confederation ever formally dissolved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-articles-of-confederation-ever-formally-dissolved/158874)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-articles-of-confederation-ever-formally-dissolved/158874 "2016-05-08T06:21:54Z")
The Articles of Confederation (the pre-Constitution document that established the first U.S. government) contains the following clause in Article XIII: Certainly, throwing out the Articles of Confederation and replacin… --- ## [flea advice for my cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-advice-for-my-cat/754063)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flea-advice-for-my-cat/754063 "2016-05-08T03:42:23Z")
I have a happy, healthy 13 year old male cat. He has always had a few bite bumps around the base of his tail which I assume to mean that he has fleas. This spring the number of bumps has increased. Previously I had us… --- ## [Passenger Aircraft Landing Questions: How Fast Is It Moving When The Wheels Hit The Ground?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-aircraft-landing-questions-how-fast-is-it-moving-when-the-wheels-hit-the-ground/754076)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-aircraft-landing-questions-how-fast-is-it-moving-when-the-wheels-hit-the-ground/754076 "2016-05-08T03:28:11Z")
About how fast is a passenger aircraft (assume a 747 or MD-80 or similar “workhorse” craft for this discussion) moving when its wheels touch the ground? After the pilot hits the brakes, about how fast will it be moving w… --- ## [Picaridin and Geraniol Bug Repellants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picaridin-and-geraniol-bug-repellants/754010)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picaridin-and-geraniol-bug-repellants/754010 "2016-05-08T03:24:36Z")
Literature I have read state that picaridin (black pepper spray) and geraniol are effective and natural bug repellants, lasting several hours, and as effective as DEET. Does anyone have any contrary evidence? I have fou… --- ## [How can I REALLY get scratches out of my glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-really-get-scratches-out-of-my-glasses/754230)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-really-get-scratches-out-of-my-glasses/754230 "2016-05-08T03:12:24Z")
They are polycarbonate with anti glare coating. They are light scratches not big gouges. I’ve heard the standard: toothpaste, car wax, baking soda, armor etch, polishing compound…and have seen videos where these don’t w… --- ## [Aspect ratios on Sony Bravia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aspect-ratios-on-sony-bravia/443209)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aspect-ratios-on-sony-bravia/443209 "2016-05-07T20:25:59Z")
So my store put up a new flat screen TV. There’s a button on the remote labeled “WIDE.” It toggles between Full, Normal, Zoom, and Wide Zoom. As far as I can tell, Normal means “default,” no change. Full and Wide Zoom bo… --- ## [Questions about a investing type of a business](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-investing-type-of-a-business/754147)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-a-investing-type-of-a-business/754147 "2016-05-07T17:01:46Z")
Hi everyone, I know more or less nothing about home construction, but I would like to have a business that works like this: 1. I buy a empty land plot 2. build a house using alternative materials and 3. sell it, but I ha… --- ## [Changing colour of your skin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-colour-of-your-skin/754179)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-colour-of-your-skin/754179 "2016-05-07T16:20:06Z")
It is widely scoffed at in the western world but rampant in Asian countries where a paler skin tone is considered desirable. But most skin lightening methods rely on creams and lotions with very little success if any. I… --- ## [Why is my AC unit measuring 120 V at the contactor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-ac-unit-measuring-120-v-at-the-contactor/754123)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-ac-unit-measuring-120-v-at-the-contactor/754123 "2016-05-07T16:01:46Z")
I am not an electrician. This is the first spring in my new house, and the AC unit outside is not turning on. The contactor pulls in, but nothing else fires up. I measured the voltage across the contactor with a multi… --- ## [How is the wife of a knight who is also a dame addressed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-wife-of-a-knight-who-is-also-a-dame-addressed/754130)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-wife-of-a-knight-who-is-also-a-dame-addressed/754130 "2016-05-07T09:24:23Z")
In the UK if Dame Jane Doe marries Sir John Smith does she remain Dame Jane Doe, become Dame Jane Smith, or become Lady Smith? Does it matter what kind of she has a higher ranking damehood than his knighthood? Is there … --- ## [Quantum computers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-computers/753890)
**Author:** [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-computers/753890 "2016-05-07T08:25:34Z")
I saw this article today: Quantum computers pose a huge threat to security, and the NIST wants your help Can someone explain quantum computing in simple layman’s terms? The Wikipedia article was dense reading. --- ## [Whatever happenned to the gearless transmission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happenned-to-the-gearless-transmission/753751)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happenned-to-the-gearless-transmission/753751 "2016-05-07T03:06:43Z")
Many years ago I remember reading about a new type of transmission that would allow for an infinitely variable gear ratio (as opposed to a collection of fixed gear ratios). It worked by having an input disc connected to… --- ## [How do you call a foreign country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-call-a-foreign-country/753817)
**Author:** [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-call-a-foreign-country/753817 "2016-05-07T02:43:42Z")
Can you explain it to me as if I was 45/5=9 years old. I want to call The Swedish Number. --- ## [If I ingested 100 molecules of C-14 - what will be the residence time ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-ingested-100-molecules-of-c-14-what-will-be-the-residence-time/753828)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-ingested-100-molecules-of-c-14-what-will-be-the-residence-time/753828 "2016-05-07T02:12:38Z")
So if I were to ingest 100 molecules of say alpha-glucose with one of the carbon atoms in each glucose molecule replaced by C-14, how long will it take for the C-14 atoms to leave the body. I am looking for a cumulative … --- ## [What is the difference of Low, Average or High IQ in people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-of-low-average-or-high-iq-in-people/753576)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2016, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-of-low-average-or-high-iq-in-people/753576 "2016-05-07T01:53:31Z")
What is the difference of Low, Average or High IQ in people? Can you tell them apart? Like a high IQ above 110, Average IQ 90 to 109, Low IQ of 80 to 89, and really low IQ below 80. If you stop person on the street cou… --- ## [How does your country observe a minute of silence to honor war victims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-your-country-observe-a-minute-of-silence-to-honor-war-victims/754091)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-your-country-observe-a-minute-of-silence-to-honor-war-victims/754091 "2016-05-06T23:10:13Z")
Observing a minute of silence is fairly common in many countries-- to honor war victims, or fallen soldiers, or specific tragedies such as the recent terror attacks in Belgium, etc. Typically, these ceremonies are loca… --- ## [BSP and NPT threads - compatible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bsp-and-npt-threads-compatible/754064)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bsp-and-npt-threads-compatible/754064 "2016-05-06T22:56:22Z")
How interchangeable/mateable are these thread types? I’ve got a client in India who’s part has ½” male BSP, and my parts have ½” FNPT on them. The \*system \* (we’re sampling combustion gas from a power plant) has no press… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=908) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=910)