# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=932 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 933 --- ## [Help a clueless homeowner out - getting gates replaced](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-a-clueless-homeowner-out-getting-gates-replaced/749614)
**Author:** [@Hey\_Hey\_Paula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_Hey_Paula)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-a-clueless-homeowner-out-getting-gates-replaced/749614 "2016-03-21T15:57:56Z")
Hi there, clueless homeowner here. Well, not that clueless normally, but I’m stumped. We’re on a corner lot, and have three wooden gates set into concrete block walls. The gates are literally falling apart now, and I wan… --- ## [Background of dictators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-of-dictators/749738)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-of-dictators/749738 "2016-03-21T15:31:40Z")
There’s been some talk that Donald Trump and Mussolini(or maybe even Hitler) have a lot in common. But that got me to thinking, has there ever been a billionaire who took over a country that way? "The rich"as a class mig… --- ## [Got caught smoking weed in the airforce on purpose what now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-caught-smoking-weed-in-the-airforce-on-purpose-what-now/749731)
**Author:** [@AbandonedTeddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbandonedTeddy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-caught-smoking-weed-in-the-airforce-on-purpose-what-now/749731 "2016-03-21T15:29:52Z")
I’ve been at my first base for 3 months and I’ve been trying to get out since techschool. The airforce life in general isn’t for me and other things came into my head. This is besides the point of this question though. I… --- ## [Why do my cats chitter at pigeons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-cats-chitter-at-pigeons/748903)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-cats-chitter-at-pigeons/748903 "2016-03-21T15:25:42Z")
Recently, the Piper Cats have started making a new noise: they stare out the window and make a “chitter” noise. I finally clued in: they do it when they see pigeons on the roof of the house next door. i’ve never hear… --- ## [Windows 10 Task Manager: "100% Disk"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-task-manager-100-disk/749060)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-task-manager-100-disk/749060 "2016-03-21T13:36:34Z")
In Task Manager, it’s showing me “100% Disk”. What does a percentage mean when applied to Disk? CPU and memory utilization are obvious to me but what does this mean? It is related to I/O rates, not disk used. When it’s p… --- ## [Chinese traditional 'aphrodisiacs' - why don't they just use viagra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-traditional-aphrodisiacs-why-dont-they-just-use-viagra/749633)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-traditional-aphrodisiacs-why-dont-they-just-use-viagra/749633 "2016-03-21T12:27:20Z")
Apropos of reading how boiled tiger bones are used as a ‘traditional aphrodisiac’ in China, along with pangolin blood, bear teeth, rhino horns and Christ knows what else. My question is this - instead of paying through … --- ## [Why are fetishes even a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fetishes-even-a-thing/749617)
**Author:** [@Wiggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wiggy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fetishes-even-a-thing/749617 "2016-03-21T05:46:08Z")
To my knowledge, humans are the only known animals that fetishize things that are not inherently sexual. So I ask a simple question: what the fuck? Why do fetishes even exist? --- ## [gallows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallows/749646)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gallows/749646 "2016-03-21T04:00:49Z")
I just saw a western about a hanging and the town built a gallows for the hanging. Did this really happen or did they just throw the rope over a tree branch I don’t even know how to go about checking this out. --- ## [Another Titanic Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-titanic-question/749533)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-titanic-question/749533 "2016-03-21T03:38:40Z")
Did the relatives of those who perished on the Titanic sue White Star Lines for negligence and win in court? If so, what were the damages awarded? I realize that people didn’t sue as much back then as they do now, or pe… --- ## [Thought experiment: Launch windows and travel times for probes to Uranus and Neptune?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-experiment-launch-windows-and-travel-times-for-probes-to-uranus-and-neptune/749417)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thought-experiment-launch-windows-and-travel-times-for-probes-to-uranus-and-neptune/749417 "2016-03-21T01:00:21Z")
Thru luck of timing, we were able to take advantage of a once in 175-year planetary alignment to allow Voyager 2 to merrily hopscotch from Jupiter to Saturn to Uranus and then to Neptune. Let’s say we don’t want to wait… --- ## [Unsubscribing from junk email](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsubscribing-from-junk-email/749522)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unsubscribing-from-junk-email/749522 "2016-03-21T00:33:27Z")
Does this actually accomplish anything? Or is it simply used as marketing data by the spammers that you’re not interested in that promotion, and they start sending you others instead? --- ## [US legal system - Who decides what type of jail time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-legal-system-who-decides-what-type-of-jail-time/749547)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2016, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-legal-system-who-decides-what-type-of-jail-time/749547 "2016-03-21T00:17:01Z")
This question is spurred by a TV show, but I presume there is a factual answer. In the US legal system who decides what type of jail time a convicted criminal receives? I’m more so interested in whether someone is place… --- ## [Cancer and Germaphobia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-germaphobia/749667)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-germaphobia/749667 "2016-03-20T23:56:12Z")
Has there ever been a link established between people who go overboard with the Germ X, Lysol, etc and cancer? Like, if someone turns their home into an almost sterile environment, does the affect that has on their immu… --- ## [weird elecric problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-elecric-problem/749457)
**Author:** [@zublyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zublyon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-elecric-problem/749457 "2016-03-20T22:10:51Z")
Would somebody please tell me how it is possible that my computer (notebook-Toshiba) works on only one outlet in the whole house? If I have it plugged into a receptacle in the bedroom, it will work for weeks or even mon… --- ## [Craftsman lifetime warranty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/craftsman-lifetime-warranty/749220)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/craftsman-lifetime-warranty/749220 "2016-03-20T19:34:25Z")
I have some Craftsman tools, and I am wondering what will happen to the lifetime warranty when Sears goes out of business. Will it be voided? If someone else buys them out, do they have to honor it? --- ## [Did Donald Trump get eye-tucks or facelift type surgery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-donald-trump-get-eye-tucks-or-facelift-type-surgery/749440)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-donald-trump-get-eye-tucks-or-facelift-type-surgery/749440 "2016-03-20T16:41:36Z")
Just curious. ETA: To me, it looks like it. --- ## [Would RAM upgrade for an HP 4050N LaserJet printer matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-ram-upgrade-for-an-hp-4050n-laserjet-printer-matter/748896)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-ram-upgrade-for-an-hp-4050n-laserjet-printer-matter/748896 "2016-03-20T14:13:43Z")
We have this real workhorse of a Laser Printer. It’s an HP 4050N and it’s been in use for many years. In the past few years, I’ve noticed that the processing time it takes before it starts printing can take a long time. … --- ## [Can I use 15 seconds of a copyrighted song?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-15-seconds-of-a-copyrighted-song/749563)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-15-seconds-of-a-copyrighted-song/749563 "2016-03-20T12:57:55Z")
I’ve been designing a map with a game editor (Not Minecraft) for over a year now and it will all be in one Youtube video. I’m not using the music from the game and instead royalty free music except… Can I get away with… --- ## [Is there a way to capture and save a still image from a YouTube video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-capture-and-save-a-still-image-from-a-youtube-video/749503)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-capture-and-save-a-still-image-from-a-youtube-video/749503 "2016-03-20T10:38:31Z")
Seems like there must be a way, but I’ll be durned if I can figure it out. Thanks, mmm --- ## [What happens to international parcels lacking customs declaration forms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-international-parcels-lacking-customs-declaration-forms/749632)
**Author:** [@Bones\_Daley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bones_Daley)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-international-parcels-lacking-customs-declaration-forms/749632 "2016-03-20T10:28:26Z")
Five weeks ago, I sent a parcel from the UK to the US and inadvertently omitted to attach the customs declaration form CN22 which details the contents, value etc. The customer says that he has not yet received it, so I … --- ## [How unusual is water in being larger in it's solid state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-unusual-is-water-in-being-larger-in-its-solid-state/749399)
**Author:** [@Spectralist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectralist)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-unusual-is-water-in-being-larger-in-its-solid-state/749399 "2016-03-20T03:34:55Z")
How unique or unusual is water that it expands as it freezes rather than contracting? And are there any other weird ‘gimmicks’ about state changes in other substances? --- ## [JVC remote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jvc-remote/749612)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jvc-remote/749612 "2016-03-20T02:44:45Z")
I give up. I see where the battery goes but cannot get it open. How do I change the battery in a JVC RMT-JC02 Remote Control --- ## [bombs in space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bombs-in-space/749235)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bombs-in-space/749235 "2016-03-20T02:06:27Z")
When a bomb goes off on earth (even a nuclear one) it seems that it is the expansion of air that knocks buildings down. In space or on the moon, there is no air. Its a vacuum. Would a bomb be more or less harmless th… --- ## [Does Windows 10 have a version of Unlocker built in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-windows-10-have-a-version-of-unlocker-built-in/748558)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2016, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-windows-10-have-a-version-of-unlocker-built-in/748558 "2016-03-20T01:11:21Z")
Having to use Unlocker to be able to move, delete or rename a folder is a bothersome extra step when the folder’s contents are no longer being used by their program but previous versions of Windows has no way of recogniz… --- ## [Power distribution in a subway system and rogue voltage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-distribution-in-a-subway-system-and-rogue-voltage/749468)
**Author:** [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-distribution-in-a-subway-system-and-rogue-voltage/749468 "2016-03-19T23:56:08Z")
How is high voltage and high current DC usually distributed around an interurban third-rail train or subway system? My assumption has been that the running rails are at earth ground as they’re not standing up on ceramic… --- ## [Hook up 3 headphone jacks into one coax/optical plug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hook-up-3-headphone-jacks-into-one-coax-optical-plug/722551)
**Author:** [@CanTak3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanTak3)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hook-up-3-headphone-jacks-into-one-coax-optical-plug/722551 "2016-03-19T23:53:37Z")
The audio in my computer handles 5.1 channel sound. This is done through three separate headphone jacks. 1 - front left/right, 2 - rear left/right, 3 - center, subwoofer. So 3 plugs = 5.1 sound. I assume computer speake… --- ## [Electrical failure that can make an old diesel vehicle stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-failure-that-can-make-an-old-diesel-vehicle-stop/654349)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-failure-that-can-make-an-old-diesel-vehicle-stop/654349 "2016-03-19T23:27:34Z")
I have an older diesel truck (1998 Mercedes 814) and I want to install a GPS tracker. This device has also a remotely controlled relay that can be used to stop the vehicle’s engine. Normally you put the relay in series … --- ## [What kind of rust is this and how can I remove it??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-rust-is-this-and-how-can-i-remove-it/749497)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-rust-is-this-and-how-can-i-remove-it/749497 "2016-03-19T22:33:02Z")
Referring to this pic again, What kind of rust is that? It’s unusual because it’s spotty and greenish, rather than usual reddish rust. Regardless, is it possible to clean off … --- ## [Sepoy Rebellion and Paper Cartridges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sepoy-rebellion-and-paper-cartridges/717143)
**Author:** [@Mr.Milton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Milton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sepoy-rebellion-and-paper-cartridges/717143 "2016-03-19T21:45:45Z")
One of the causes, or at least catalysts, for the Sepoy Rebellion in British India was supposed to have been paper rifle cartridges. From what I understand, a new cartridge (or new version of an older cartridge?) was int… --- ## [Must I allow police snipers on my roof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-i-allow-police-snipers-on-my-roof/749389)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2016, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/must-i-allow-police-snipers-on-my-roof/749389 "2016-03-19T20:45:17Z")
A few days ago the news reported on some high-profile terrorism-related raids in Paris and Brussels. Many of the images reported by the media show police snipers poised on the roofs of nearby apartment buildings. I was… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=931) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=933)