# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=955 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 956 --- ## [Google Chrome on Windows XP Message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-chrome-on-windows-xp-message/745255)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-chrome-on-windows-xp-message/745255 "2016-02-09T23:50:02Z")
My father, who will hopefully turn 80 in April, has a Dell PC running Windows XP. We’ve thought about getting him a new PC with Windows 8 or 10 on it, but he would have to learn a new OS and would likely get frustrated a… --- ## [Least popular candidate ever elected President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-popular-candidate-ever-elected-president/745270)
**Author:** [@Thing\_Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing_Fish)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-popular-candidate-ever-elected-president/745270 "2016-02-09T22:06:40Z")
Right now, Hillary Clinton has a disapproval rating of 52%, meaning that most Americans actively dislike her. Would it be unprecedented for someone so unpopular nine months from election day to win the Presidency? I assu… --- ## [Help with a German family tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-german-family-tree/712487)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-german-family-tree/712487 "2016-02-09T22:03:39Z")
I’m entering some family names into my genealogy program from a Stammbaum (family tree) I found in an old family bible. The typewritten document is undated, but was probably compiled in the mid 1930s. There is one entry… --- ## [Costa Rica and the UN](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costa-rica-and-the-un/745498)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costa-rica-and-the-un/745498 "2016-02-09T22:01:55Z")
Mods, I think there is a factual answer regarding what the UN will and will not do. I was in San Jose (Costa Rica) last week on business, and I remembered that they have no standing army. When I asked a local businessma… --- ## [Can police shoot someone to stop them committing suicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-police-shoot-someone-to-stop-them-committing-suicide/745509)
**Author:** [@bomberswarm2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bomberswarm2)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-police-shoot-someone-to-stop-them-committing-suicide/745509 "2016-02-09T21:39:03Z")
If the police were chasing a suspect, and he pulled out a knife and was about to kill himself with it, could the police shoot his hand or arm to make him drop it? --- ## [What is it like when an airbag explodes in your face (and after)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-like-when-an-airbag-explodes-in-your-face-and-after/638496)
**Author:** [@tabrisangel19](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tabrisangel19)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-like-when-an-airbag-explodes-in-your-face-and-after/638496 "2016-02-09T21:13:18Z")
What does the bag feel like when it explodes and when your face hits it? How does it smell? What does the fabric feel like? How loud was it? What did you feel like after the bag exploded? --- ## [Do overhead cam engines have a shorter engine life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-overhead-cam-engines-have-a-shorter-engine-life/745600)
**Author:** [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-overhead-cam-engines-have-a-shorter-engine-life/745600 "2016-02-09T20:54:27Z")
Especially for motorcycles? I remember back in the 70’s nearly all engines had the camshaft inside the the cylinder block and used push rods and rocker arms to move the overhead valves. Overhead cams were mainly a racing… --- ## [Value of metal vs. face value of coins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-of-metal-vs-face-value-of-coins/745365)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/value-of-metal-vs-face-value-of-coins/745365 "2016-02-09T20:07:00Z")
Supposedly, one of the reasons U.S. half dollar coins don’t see much circulation these days is because of silver speculators back in the 60s (or at least, from what I can find online) hording them, and thus, the public a… --- ## [Home network (possibly fiber)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-network-possibly-fiber/745545)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-network-possibly-fiber/745545 "2016-02-09T19:46:32Z")
I’m looking for solutions for a home network that I can do myself. I want to do a network run between my house and my garage. There two are separated by about 60 feet, and the ground between is paved and landscaped. I’d… --- ## [refiling for a tax year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refiling-for-a-tax-year/745239)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refiling-for-a-tax-year/745239 "2016-02-09T18:31:02Z")
I just did my taxes on turbo tax using a short form. I filed the short form no deducts. I have the same income as last year. Last year I had my regular tax person do my taxes on a long form and I ended up paying in about… --- ## [Why not put smaller solar panels beneath much larger lenses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-put-smaller-solar-panels-beneath-much-larger-lenses/745028)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-put-smaller-solar-panels-beneath-much-larger-lenses/745028 "2016-02-09T18:30:29Z")
This idea seems kind of obvious, so I’m sure there’s a reason solar panels aren’t build like this, but the idea is… Instead of building a solar panel of some given size (let’s say one square meter), why not build a much… --- ## [Do cell-phone service companies actually sell subscriber address- and phone number-lists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cell-phone-service-companies-actually-sell-subscriber-address-and-phone-number-lists/745151)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cell-phone-service-companies-actually-sell-subscriber-address-and-phone-number-lists/745151 "2016-02-09T18:22:50Z")
A few days ago I was the intended victim of a widespread scam–IRS impersonators who make unsolicited calls and tell people they owe large sums in back taxes, and must pay in a certain fashion lest they be arrested, fined… --- ## [What bills do CEO's pay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bills-do-ceos-pay/745609)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bills-do-ceos-pay/745609 "2016-02-09T17:10:41Z")
Or even know about? I work in building maintenance. Yeah that means I’m the guy who is called if the toilets back up, the lights go out, the elevator is stuck, or the building is too cold. In some companies my job is co… --- ## [Sweat, polyester clothing, and corrosion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweat-polyester-clothing-and-corrosion/745613)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweat-polyester-clothing-and-corrosion/745613 "2016-02-09T16:10:12Z")
So, before traveling abroad for 1 month, I had two polyester garments that had sweat on them from exercise. Wasn’t able to get them washed before leaving. I ponder chemistry questions a lot, so, how corrosive is the sal… --- ## [Why would a surgeon need to "put the drains back in"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-surgeon-need-to-put-the-drains-back-in/745617)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-surgeon-need-to-put-the-drains-back-in/745617 "2016-02-09T15:42:31Z")
A month ago my sister had a mastectomy. Today she is going back into surgery because the surgeon has to “put the drains back in.” Can someone explain that? --- ## [Do all states in the US require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered fish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-states-in-the-us-require-mandatory-labeling-of-genetically-engineered-fish/745528)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-states-in-the-us-require-mandatory-labeling-of-genetically-engineered-fish/745528 "2016-02-09T15:35:57Z")
Hi Do all states in the US require mandatory labeling of genetically engineered fish. I know Alaska does since 1995. I’d be interested to know if all other states do as well. I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [what is this icon that appeared on Mrs Rainy's phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-icon-that-appeared-on-mrs-rainys-phone/745597)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-icon-that-appeared-on-mrs-rainys-phone/745597 "2016-02-09T15:32:27Z")
https://picasaweb.google.com/113640496318919632413/ANdriodPhoneMysteryIcon?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKTo2s-4kcX89wE&feat=directlink You can slide it around the screen, but if you click it, it grays out all the icons and… --- ## [Do Men's Eyebrows tend to start growing longer as they get older?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mens-eyebrows-tend-to-start-growing-longer-as-they-get-older/560986)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mens-eyebrows-tend-to-start-growing-longer-as-they-get-older/560986 "2016-02-09T13:06:44Z")
When I was younger, I don’t ever remember being conscious about my eyebrows. There were much like the hair on my arms, just there, and basically staying the same length. However in the last 5-10 years, I have to trim m… --- ## [long pinky fingernails on men](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-pinky-fingernails-on-men/745347)
**Author:** [@BAHAMA\_MAMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BAHAMA_MAMA)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-pinky-fingernails-on-men/745347 "2016-02-09T12:57:28Z")
Does anyone know why many men (mostly European) keep their pinky fingernails long? I thought it was originally for drugs then I noticed it on painters that I know do not do drugs. I also know a retired priest that does… --- ## [Kindle Cover - How Does it Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-cover-how-does-it-work/745592)
**Author:** [@BlueMit11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueMit11)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-cover-how-does-it-work/745592 "2016-02-09T03:23:21Z")
I have a plain old Kindle with “special offers” (ads) on it. I also bought a cover for it. If the Kindle’s screen is turned off, when I close and open the cover it goes to “special offers” mode, with the option to slide … --- ## [A question about beach obstacles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-beach-obstacles/745374)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-beach-obstacles/745374 "2016-02-09T02:42:28Z")
Like these ones. What are those notches for? --- ## [Are all Pytagorean triples unique?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-pytagorean-triples-unique/745142)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-pytagorean-triples-unique/745142 "2016-02-08T23:51:51Z")
By that I mean is there one and only one positive, non-zero whole number pair of x and y, x \< y solving the equation x^2 + y^2 = z^2 ? The reason I wonder is to see what the maximum number of points (x,y) where x and y … --- ## [Sneezing and interfering with the reflex](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sneezing-and-interfering-with-the-reflex/745459)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sneezing-and-interfering-with-the-reflex/745459 "2016-02-08T22:26:07Z")
I’m a bit baffled by sneezing. I believe it is a reflex action, usually initiated by some sort of irritant in the respiratory system. But unlike other reflexes, e.g. patellar, it seems as if it can be interrupted by ext… --- ## [Clothing store clerk-"You saved 60 bucks!" Did I then?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clothing-store-clerk-you-saved-60-bucks-did-i-then/744791)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clothing-store-clerk-you-saved-60-bucks-did-i-then/744791 "2016-02-08T22:18:32Z")
Went to Bealls, a regional clothing chain. Got a nice pair of work slacks, 1 shirt, and a package of underwear. Now, every time I go into these places, I see signs everywhere trumpeting how most everything is “on sale,… --- ## [Seeking quarter-round corner shower stall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-quarter-round-corner-shower-stall/265401)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2004, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-quarter-round-corner-shower-stall/265401 "2004-09-22T20:49:04Z")
My landlord needs to install a new shower stall for my bathroom. It’s a tiny bathroom. I was in a motel once where the shower stall was like a quarter of a pie, with a curved rod for the curtain. I cannot find one anywh… --- ## [Arming a military ship with a Tank turret.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arming-a-military-ship-with-a-tank-turret/667317)
**Author:** [@pdunderhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pdunderhill)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arming-a-military-ship-with-a-tank-turret/667317 "2016-02-08T19:10:12Z")
Hello good dopers. Reading through an old, 2002, edition of Jane’s Warships I came across the Sariwon/Tral class,(Tral being the original Russian class, Sariwon the lead ship in N.K.) Main armament an 85mm/T52 Tank tur… --- ## [America the Beautiful Super Bowl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-the-beautiful-super-bowl/745546)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-the-beautiful-super-bowl/745546 "2016-02-08T18:50:26Z")
Ok, nice military chorus. But two of the singers had spiffy red jackets. Which branch uses red coats? --- ## [What is the point where air friction heat overcomes air cooling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-where-air-friction-heat-overcomes-air-cooling/745531)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-where-air-friction-heat-overcomes-air-cooling/745531 "2016-02-08T18:26:11Z")
Let’s say a body of air is at the freezing point, 0 degrees C (could be any temp really, I’m just choosing this as a convenient example). You are passing through it propelled by … something … with variable speed. At lo… --- ## [Utility of stilts in marshy areas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utility-of-stilts-in-marshy-areas/745448)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utility-of-stilts-in-marshy-areas/745448 "2016-02-08T16:11:53Z")
Wikepedia’s article on stilts Stilts - Wikipedia mentions that historically they were used by the inhabitants of marshy or swampy areas to get around. I don’t understand this: I would have thought that placing a person’s… --- ## [U.N. Condemnations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-n-condemnations/745461)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-n-condemnations/745461 "2016-02-08T15:05:09Z")
I read this headline on USA Today this morning… “U.N. Security Council strongly condemns North Korea rocket launch”. Is there any real world impact to a U.N. condemnation? Does there have to be an official condemnation … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=954) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=956)