# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=926 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 927 --- ## [Is this overkill for a tower server?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-overkill-for-a-tower-server/750829)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-overkill-for-a-tower-server/750829 "2016-04-03T14:06:38Z")
I’m shopping for a new tower server. This is going to run CentOS Linux. One model which is actually a workstation, but I think it would make a good quiet tower server has some of the following: 7x open PCI-e 3.0 expansi… --- ## [iPhone Safari keeps changing UK web addresses to USA.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-safari-keeps-changing-uk-web-addresses-to-usa/751013)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-safari-keeps-changing-uk-web-addresses-to-usa/751013 "2016-04-03T08:06:34Z")
I keep trying to go to www.pret.co.uk on my iPhone here in the United States , even entering the web address by typing it out. It always redirects me to the USA Pret.com website I’ve tried the same thing for Canada. Www… --- ## [Blacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks/750867)
**Author:** [@Jrubas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jrubas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks/750867 "2016-04-03T03:28:11Z")
I’m writing an article and need some help. Does anyone know the overall percentage of American blacks living in urban areas? --- ## [How to remove sticky residue from granite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-sticky-residue-from-granite/750947)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-remove-sticky-residue-from-granite/750947 "2016-04-03T02:31:21Z")
Hi guys, My kitchen counter is made of granite or some stone. Few weeks ago, I used super sticky double sided tape to secure some protective plastic covering on it. To my disappointment, the tape was a poor choice as i… --- ## [Do Native Americans have terms for 'Native American'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-native-americans-have-terms-for-native-american/750835)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-native-americans-have-terms-for-native-american/750835 "2016-04-03T00:31:27Z")
A terminology question I hope makes some sense, reading about the varied terms to refer to the descendants of those who were in the Americas before an Italian got lost, and this article asking said peoples whether they p… --- ## [What's wrong with my idea to replace the pump in a Keurig?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-idea-to-replace-the-pump-in-a-keurig/750881)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-idea-to-replace-the-pump-in-a-keurig/750881 "2016-04-02T23:23:02Z")
OK, I’m lazy. I use a Keurig coffee maker. My wife does not drink coffee and I like the convenience of the one-cup-at-a-time system. Over the years, Keurig has made changes in their design that only aggravate the user… --- ## [Recycling: Can they recycle envelopes with plastic windows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-can-they-recycle-envelopes-with-plastic-windows/750987)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-can-they-recycle-envelopes-with-plastic-windows/750987 "2016-04-02T22:27:48Z")
A lot of my mail, including junk mail, is in those envelopes with what we used to call cellophane windows but now I don’t know what they’re made of. Can recycling plants process this type of hybrid material, or do they … --- ## [When did quitting smoking become a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-quitting-smoking-become-a-thing/750303)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-quitting-smoking-become-a-thing/750303 "2016-04-02T21:39:44Z")
Obviously commonplace since the Surgeon General’s report in 1964, but health risks had been known long before that. When did the idea of quitting smoking start obtaining currency? Did people in the 1930s, for example, … --- ## [Mouse/Cursor Freezes, Error Sound, Rinse And Repeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-cursor-freezes-error-sound-rinse-and-repeat/750613)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-cursor-freezes-error-sound-rinse-and-repeat/750613 "2016-04-02T19:35:27Z")
Hello To All Of You No idea how to fix this and I have been all over google trying to find a fix. I just ran a full AVG scan on my Windows 7 machine and had one Trojan which AVG fixed. Restarted the machine, hoping aga… --- ## [When someone teaches a subject does he or she teach for, at or to a level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-someone-teaches-a-subject-does-he-or-she-teach-for-at-or-to-a-level/750677)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-someone-teaches-a-subject-does-he-or-she-teach-for-at-or-to-a-level/750677 "2016-04-02T18:08:04Z")
Hi When someone teaches a subject does he or she teach for, at or to a level? I have seen sentence constructions using all of these prepositions to state the same thing. “I teach Spanish for all levels” “I teach Spani… --- ## [Taking blood pressure measurements at home.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-blood-pressure-measurements-at-home/750913)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-blood-pressure-measurements-at-home/750913 "2016-04-02T16:34:28Z")
I purchased a new blood pressure monitor the other day. It says that for the most accurate reading, I should rest for 15 minutes, not eat or drink for 30 minutes and have my legs resting on the floor. How can this repres… --- ## [Glurge attributed to Mark Twain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glurge-attributed-to-mark-twain/750716)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glurge-attributed-to-mark-twain/750716 "2016-04-02T16:34:08Z")
I was given this bit of wisdom to include in a family newsletter. The attribution to Twain is disturbing since he seems the least likely person to have written such a thing. It shows up credited to Twain on thousands of … --- ## [How did the "if you fool someone after midday, you're the fool" thing start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-if-you-fool-someone-after-midday-youre-the-fool-thing-start/750893)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-if-you-fool-someone-after-midday-youre-the-fool-thing-start/750893 "2016-04-02T15:16:01Z")
I know in the US April Fools goes on all day. In the UK though, if we fool somebody after midday we’re the fool. Does anybody know how that idea got started? --- ## [Bathroom Spots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-spots/750868)
**Author:** [@Wolverine71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolverine71)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-spots/750868 "2016-04-02T14:41:21Z")
I have yellow stains with red spots behind my toilet and in the closet where the water heater is. There are the same red spots(not as big,without the yellow) around the whole apartment. I just moved in and the maintnace … --- ## [Investing in tracker funds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-in-tracker-funds/750338)
**Author:** [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/investing-in-tracker-funds/750338 "2016-04-02T09:25:33Z")
Hi guys, I was interested in starting my investment portfolio, but being young and ignorant of the stockmarket I’m not sure how to go about it. I’ve done some research and I think a tracker fund would be a good way to s… --- ## [WARNING: Insidious virus on Internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warning-insidious-virus-on-internet/750305)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warning-insidious-virus-on-internet/750305 "2016-04-02T04:46:59Z")
I had just gone on the Internet this afternoon when a large dialog box, supposedly warning of some serious problem with my Internet security, appeared, and I could not remove it. It had a toll-free number; to sum it up, … --- ## [Auto transmission drives without foot on the pedal. Why is this still an issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-transmission-drives-without-foot-on-the-pedal-why-is-this-still-an-issue/750477)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-transmission-drives-without-foot-on-the-pedal-why-is-this-still-an-issue/750477 "2016-04-02T02:15:12Z")
A car with an automatic transmission will continue to move even when your foot is not on the gas. This can lead to an embarrassing or dangerous situation if you get out of your car while it’s still in D and drives away … --- ## [Is there a name for this type of illness, which is sort of self-inflicted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-type-of-illness-which-is-sort-of-self-inflicted/750771)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-type-of-illness-which-is-sort-of-self-inflicted/750771 "2016-04-02T01:47:25Z")
I’ve thought of all the names I know for illnesses that have some kind of origin in the person who is ill: psychosomatic, hypochondriac, malingering, Munchhausen, iatrogenic, and none of the words work for the situation … --- ## [Is there a way to legally bet on who will be the nominee and VP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-legally-bet-on-who-will-be-the-nominee-and-vp/750874)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-legally-bet-on-who-will-be-the-nominee-and-vp/750874 "2016-04-02T01:21:43Z")
I’m almost kind of afraid to post this, because I could see it going to debates so fast… but it actually isn’t meant that way at all. Basically, the question is: is there some kind of actual, legal way to bet money on a… --- ## [Problem in my local air space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-in-my-local-air-space/750391)
**Author:** [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2016, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-in-my-local-air-space/750391 "2016-04-02T00:58:43Z")
Is there a way to find out if there was a problem in my local airspace today? Driving home this afternoon, I noticed a plane in a startling unusual flight path; for the next quarter of an hour or so, I noticed several … --- ## [Are Paper Towels a Form of Carbon Sequestration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-paper-towels-a-form-of-carbon-sequestration/750674)
**Author:** [@jbaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbaker)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-paper-towels-a-form-of-carbon-sequestration/750674 "2016-04-01T23:20:59Z")
From a hygiene perspective, disposable paper towels are far superior to hot-air dryers. The friction of the paper towel has a cleansing effect, and the towel actually removes dirt and germs. The hot-air dryer, in contr… --- ## [Weird cryptic phone message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-cryptic-phone-message/750785)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-cryptic-phone-message/750785 "2016-04-01T23:09:32Z")
Woke up this morning to a very strange message on my answering machine. It was an official-sounding male voice saying: “Hello, I’m calling in regards to a formal complaint which has been filed against–” \[insert robotic… --- ## [What is it about our arse that we are the only animals in the world that need to wipe it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-our-arse-that-we-are-the-only-animals-in-the-world-that-need-to-wipe-it/750016)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-our-arse-that-we-are-the-only-animals-in-the-world-that-need-to-wipe-it/750016 "2016-04-01T22:59:48Z")
No other animals needs to clean their anus after a shit. We do. So how was it evolutionarily significant? Discount animals that scape their itchy arses. Does not count. --- ## [Somewhat morbid question: could one create a "human callus"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somewhat-morbid-question-could-one-create-a-human-callus/750811)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somewhat-morbid-question-could-one-create-a-human-callus/750811 "2016-04-01T17:32:00Z")
So I have this callus on my right big toe that I never felt or noticed until relatively recently. That put in mind calluses that were on my thumb and ring finger from high school, when I used a pencil for hours a day; b… --- ## [economics: how does more money get put into circulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-how-does-more-money-get-put-into-circulation/750833)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-how-does-more-money-get-put-into-circulation/750833 "2016-04-01T16:57:00Z")
According to the US Federal Reserve, there is about $1.4T in circulation these days. Presumably the amount in circulation was much less than this back in 1792, when the US Mint first started minting currrency. It seem… --- ## [Need Info on Electrical Power for Ireland trip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-info-on-electrical-power-for-ireland-trip/750777)
**Author:** [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-info-on-electrical-power-for-ireland-trip/750777 "2016-04-01T16:27:47Z")
I’m going to Ireland in a few months and I’m concerned about the difference in power between there and the USA. Ireland & UK use 230v 50hz 3 square pins type outlet. USA uses 120v 60hz 2 (or 3) prongs. What specifical… --- ## [Are there any dead stars in the sky?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-dead-stars-in-the-sky/750621)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-dead-stars-in-the-sky/750621 "2016-04-01T15:40:51Z")
When we look at the night sky, are \*any \*stars we see dead? Are there any 1000-light year distant stars that astronomers think died 500 years ago? We’d still be seeing their light, and will do so for another 500 years. I… --- ## [What happened in Massachussets on Jan 9, 2007?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-in-massachussets-on-jan-9-2007/750827)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-in-massachussets-on-jan-9-2007/750827 "2016-04-01T11:54:08Z")
I was taking the train from Portland to Boston this morning. I noticed a sign just south of the station in Woburn saying " Remember forever January 9, 2007 ". This sign was in a rail yard, and on its own post. What ha… --- ## [What phonetic alphabet does this table use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-phonetic-alphabet-does-this-table-use/750791)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-phonetic-alphabet-does-this-table-use/750791 "2016-04-01T02:24:22Z")
I am trying to work how, exactly to pronounce these words. But there are some symbols that don’t appear in the standard IPA (international phonetic alphabet). Googling it seems the caret symbol is probably a circumflex.… --- ## [What words has English borrowed from other languages since 2000?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-has-english-borrowed-from-other-languages-since-2000/750450)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2016, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-words-has-english-borrowed-from-other-languages-since-2000/750450 "2016-04-01T01:48:29Z")
English has always had a long tradition of borrowing words from other languages but it’s hard for me to come up with any salient examples from hyper-modern vocabulary. Most of the new words seem to originate in English a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=925) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=927)