# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=930 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 931 --- ## [IMAP help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imap-help/749865)
**Author:** [@flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flight)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imap-help/749865 "2016-03-25T16:49:06Z")
The short version: I want to download emails to my phone, but not remove them from the server. The long version: I have Thunderbird on a PC for work email. When it is running it is syncing with the server, so emails are… --- ## [NOT a FUNNY Question .... in case Cecil doesn\`t answer....\[odds of dying from cancer\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-funny-question-in-case-cecil-doesn-t-answer-odds-of-dying-from-cancer/750065)
**Author:** [@Mattyg5001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mattyg5001)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-a-funny-question-in-case-cecil-doesn-t-answer-odds-of-dying-from-cancer/750065 "2016-03-25T16:20:44Z")
Hi Cecil, this is not a funny question, but it is important to almost everyone on the planet according to statistics…… if you google "chance of getting (or dying from) cancer " you will find tons of websites (mostly can… --- ## [Home networking question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-networking-question/742014)
**Author:** [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-networking-question/742014 "2016-01-04T19:21:17Z")
Computer and home networking gurus, I need some help with what I feel should be a simple problem. I’ve got a Time Warner Cable supplied Arris cable modem, router, wifi combo device that, frankly, is a piece of junk. Unf… --- ## [Is this a script I could figure out how to write (computer stuff)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-script-i-could-figure-out-how-to-write-computer-stuff/749879)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-script-i-could-figure-out-how-to-write-computer-stuff/749879 "2016-03-25T14:32:50Z")
Here’s what I’d like to do. Write a script/program/some-code/whateverthekidsarecallingitthesedays that: Creates a spreadsheet in Excel titled hereinafter ASMNT. It is okay if this overwrites an already existing ASMNT E… --- ## [State Sales And Use tax return](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-sales-and-use-tax-return/749810)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-sales-and-use-tax-return/749810 "2016-03-25T13:43:04Z")
Had a strange Situation with my sales tax return today. I get two letters in the mail from the state DOR. First letter (dated March 11): You failed to pay your state tax, please enclose $XXXX to settle up. Second Let… --- ## [Excel question - COUNTIF by month?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-countif-by-month/599415)
**Author:** [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-countif-by-month/599415 "2016-03-25T13:35:57Z")
Hello clever Excel types. Is it possible to use the COUNTIF formula to count the number of items in Col B, where Col A contains a date in November? That is, the dates in Col A are stored in the format dd/mm/yy but I wa… --- ## [At what point does your height really start affecting your lifespan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-your-height-really-start-affecting-your-lifespan/750006)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-your-height-really-start-affecting-your-lifespan/750006 "2016-03-25T13:02:34Z")
It’s (I believe) documented that being taller is correlated with having a shorter lifespan. How tall do you have to be before this effect really kicks in? This talks about the effect generallybut doesn’t have any metric… --- ## [Military service by generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-service-by-generation/750084)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-service-by-generation/750084 "2016-03-25T11:53:26Z")
I’ve got some questions about military service in the past: What percent of military age men actually served in the military during the World Wars/Korea/Vietnam? How many of them actually served in a theater of operati… --- ## [Why are the majority of people right-handed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-majority-of-people-right-handed/748848)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-majority-of-people-right-handed/748848 "2016-03-25T09:33:44Z")
As I understand, about ten percent of the population is left-handed. I would expect the correct explanation to include a reason why the number is close to ten percent. I have my own theory. When I was a teenager, I visi… --- ## [Problems with ad's being posted on craigslist personals with my contact info:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-ads-being-posted-on-craigslist-personals-with-my-contact-info/750096)
**Author:** [@fishnets77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fishnets77)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problems-with-ads-being-posted-on-craigslist-personals-with-my-contact-info/750096 "2016-03-25T04:24:56Z")
The straight dope is, I am posting ad’s on craigslist casual encounters section W4M and Im having problems with girls modifying and posting my ad all over the country. Is there a way that I can anonymously find out where… --- ## [Big cat versus horse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-cat-versus-horse/750100)
**Author:** [@3trew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3trew)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-cat-versus-horse/750100 "2016-03-25T04:20:39Z")
What is the smallest big cat that could reliably take down a horse? Assume a medium size horse, not a Clydesdale or one of those tiny ones. The kitty can be as hungry and motivated as need be. Thanks in advance. --- ## [Who do I call to fix a car door lock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-i-call-to-fix-a-car-door-lock/192084)
**Author:** [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-i-call-to-fix-a-car-door-lock/192084 "2016-03-25T03:45:13Z")
I have a two-door hatchback. Quite a while ago, the lock on the driver’s side door broke. You know how there’s sort of a springy type plate thingy that pops up so it’s flush with the door? You put the key in the keyho… --- ## [Questions about sex and physical sports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-sex-and-physical-sports/749670)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2016, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-sex-and-physical-sports/749670 "2016-03-25T03:02:36Z")
Are there any physical sports where there is no segregation by sex? I hesitate to use the term “organized”, because this is the SDMB, but in the Olympics, it seems like there’s always a “men’s” X and a “women’s” X, excep… --- ## [Homeowners Insurance - Roof Replacement Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-roof-replacement-help/750036)
**Author:** [@Becauseican](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Becauseican)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-roof-replacement-help/750036 "2016-03-24T21:12:50Z")
Our home received some damage from recent storms and we have filed a claim with our insurance company, USAA. The contractor they sent out did the inspection with neither my husband or I at home (they said we didn’t need… --- ## [What question preceded Hillary Clinton saying "I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-question-preceded-hillary-clinton-saying-i-suppose-i-could-have-stayed-home-and-baked-cookies/749989)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-question-preceded-hillary-clinton-saying-i-suppose-i-could-have-stayed-home-and-baked-cookies/749989 "2016-03-24T21:02:56Z")
What question/comment was Hillary responding to when she said, in 1992, “I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies” I searched and couldn’t find the context. Every article mentions her quote, but no one menti… --- ## [Not renewing dental insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-renewing-dental-insurance/707898)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-renewing-dental-insurance/707898 "2016-03-24T20:33:09Z")
I have dental insurance, premiums paid quarterly; most recent payment covers Oct-Dec 2014. If I want to end this coverage, must I notify the insurance company, or is it sufficient to simply not make the next payment, wh… --- ## [How do the genes on chromosome 21 cause Down's syndrome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-genes-on-chromosome-21-cause-downs-syndrome/750035)
**Author:** [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-genes-on-chromosome-21-cause-downs-syndrome/750035 "2016-03-24T20:29:33Z")
I have a new grandson, born just after Thanksgiving, who has Down Syndrome. He’s having open-heart surgery tomorrow to correct a defect that would kill him otherwise. I’ve looked up everything I can about the conditio… --- ## [Is there a reason I cannot use Google's URL shortener on Sports Illustrated links?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-reason-i-cannot-use-googles-url-shortener-on-sports-illustrated-links/749883)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-reason-i-cannot-use-googles-url-shortener-on-sports-illustrated-links/749883 "2016-03-24T20:24:24Z")
This is a first for me. I use URL shorteners quite a bit in my work and this is the first time I’ve seen a URL refuse to be shortened. As in, the shortener said it could not do it. Google’s shortener no less. For tho… --- ## [Is there a scientific name for fear of being \*\*\*\* on by seaguls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-scientific-name-for-fear-of-being-on-by-seaguls/254981)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-scientific-name-for-fear-of-being-on-by-seaguls/254981 "2016-03-24T19:14:36Z")
All the other people out and about are exposed to the risk of being pooped on by a seagul so why do I feel like I am the only one who thinks about it constantly and worries. Sometimes put my hood up if I know one is goi… --- ## [Why (or is "why" wrong) did appendages for tetrapods come before proper "hips" in fish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-or-is-why-wrong-did-appendages-for-tetrapods-come-before-proper-hips-in-fish/750020)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-or-is-why-wrong-did-appendages-for-tetrapods-come-before-proper-hips-in-fish/750020 "2016-03-24T19:00:50Z")
More research has been done on \* Cryptotora thamicola\*, the first “walking fish” found with bone structure – and consequent gait – that approximates that of tetrapods on land\[ (Shouldn’t the “cryptocora” not be in italic… --- ## [Symmetrical Skin Conditions - Am I Crazy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symmetrical-skin-conditions-am-i-crazy/525897)
**Author:** [@OccamsTaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OccamsTaser)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symmetrical-skin-conditions-am-i-crazy/525897 "2016-03-24T17:49:33Z")
Hello All, I’m brand new here, and just joined the forums, figuring that, since I read this website pretty regularly, I may as well ask this question here, as opposed to a medical forum. I don’t know when I noticed thi… --- ## [A useless dyno question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-useless-dyno-question/749952)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-useless-dyno-question/749952 "2016-03-24T17:25:14Z")
For some reason I can’t seem to wrap my head around this. Suppose I put a car on a dyno. I attached a chain to the car to keep it from moving and the chain was attached to a scale to measure how hard it was pulling. How … --- ## [Region with location furthest land distance from a mountain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/region-with-location-furthest-land-distance-from-a-mountain/749985)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/region-with-location-furthest-land-distance-from-a-mountain/749985 "2016-03-24T17:16:27Z")
Inspired by this thread in which I opine that Florida contains a spot that is in the top four furthest places away from a mountain that you can get to by land. The tip of Florida seems to be more than 700 miles away from… --- ## [Use of 'Shalt', 'Hath', etc. in Modern Translations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-shalt-hath-etc-in-modern-translations/749875)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-shalt-hath-etc-in-modern-translations/749875 "2016-03-24T14:58:55Z")
Like most of you, I sometimes look up stuff that peaks my interest. One thing, I have to confess, I often do, is look up translations. Usually, an ordinary dictionary will do, for the small stuff. They have a lot of lit… --- ## [Maximum Velocity of a Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-velocity-of-a-sailboat/749591)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-velocity-of-a-sailboat/749591 "2016-03-24T05:02:40Z")
I just watched a program on TV on racing sailboats where the voiceover said that the maximum speed of a sailboat was = 2.79 x windspeed without any qualifiers. This sounded suspiciously too exact to be an actual measur… --- ## [Can anyone help me figure out the net work/energy of this system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-help-me-figure-out-the-net-work-energy-of-this-system/749942)
**Author:** [@dunkleosteus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dunkleosteus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2016, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-help-me-figure-out-the-net-work-energy-of-this-system/749942 "2016-03-24T04:52:54Z")
I was never terribly good at physics (although I wish I was), and I had this thought experiment. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with it. It goes as follows: We have a square vertical shaft 3 m by 3 m and 10… --- ## [Contradictory data in gender pay gap report](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contradictory-data-in-gender-pay-gap-report/749949)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contradictory-data-in-gender-pay-gap-report/749949 "2016-03-23T23:30:30Z")
At https://research-content.glassdoor.com/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/03/Glassdoor-Gender-Pay-Gap-Study.pdf there is a study on the gender pay gap that includes this statement: "Based on more than 505,000 salaries shared b… --- ## [Coax question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coax-question/749671)
**Author:** [@HeXen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeXen)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coax-question/749671 "2016-03-23T23:01:58Z")
I’m thinking of buying a streaming media box and an HD antenna and do away with Comcast for TV service, but I also have Comcast’s internet through my coax. I also have a 4 way splitter, one goes to living room, 2 bedroom… --- ## [Fog, water droplets, and how pine trees collect the water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fog-water-droplets-and-how-pine-trees-collect-the-water/749539)
**Author:** [@All\_About\_M3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/All_About_M3)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fog-water-droplets-and-how-pine-trees-collect-the-water/749539 "2016-03-23T20:18:31Z")
I know (or at least I think I know) that pine trees use their needles to collect water. However, I do not know quite how they do this. Do the needles/trees just wait for the fog to condense, or do they have a way to spe… --- ## [Why do white people exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-white-people-exist/749136)
**Author:** [@bomberswarm2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bomberswarm2)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2016, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-white-people-exist/749136 "2016-03-23T19:56:29Z")
If the first humans were black, how did we become white? I get how sun could make a white person black, but not the other way round [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=929) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=931)