# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=970 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 971 --- ## [The transmission in my old Ford isn't happy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-transmission-in-my-old-ford-isnt-happy/743058)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-transmission-in-my-old-ford-isnt-happy/743058 "2016-01-14T21:38:19Z")
TLDR: The transmission doesn’t want to shift when cold. It won’t shift to second until it gets warm. And it seems to be engine warm, not tranny warm. I know both the fluid and filter are clean. 1963 Falcon Futura sedan … --- ## [can a simple list of numbers be copyrighted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-simple-list-of-numbers-be-copyrighted/743010)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-simple-list-of-numbers-be-copyrighted/743010 "2016-01-14T16:59:29Z")
For example the famous RAND book “A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates”: Obviously the cover and design is covered by copyright but is there anything stopping anyone from stripping those off, putting th… --- ## [Physically possible to cover every PowerBall number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-possible-to-cover-every-powerball-number/742699)
**Author:** [@txtumbleweed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txtumbleweed)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physically-possible-to-cover-every-powerball-number/742699 "2016-01-14T16:45:01Z")
So PowerBall is up estimated to be $$1.3 billion. If I had started buying tickets as soon as ticket sales for the next drawing opened last night, would it even be possible to physically process the 292 million tickets r… --- ## [Does it make sense to play the Powerball now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-play-the-powerball-now/742692)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-make-sense-to-play-the-powerball-now/742692 "2016-01-14T15:46:35Z")
Generally, lotteries are a tax on people who are bad at math. Today, however, it seems like it might make sense to buy a ticket. The odds of winning are something like 1/300,000,000 but the jackpot is over 1 Billion dol… --- ## [Magnets and batteries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnets-and-batteries/743084)
**Author:** [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnets-and-batteries/743084 "2016-01-14T05:53:08Z")
When I’m building a model with working lights, I usually hide the battery in a recess routed out for it in the bottom of the (wooden) base. And then I have to come up with some way to keep it from falling out. In the p… --- ## [Total sales of goods and services in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-sales-of-goods-and-services-in-the-us/742955)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-sales-of-goods-and-services-in-the-us/742955 "2016-01-13T14:28:12Z")
Is there a number maintained for the total sales of goods and service in the US. Every exchange of money for goods and services, interest, fees, stocks, bonds, everything. Gross Outputseems close but apparently is only d… --- ## [Are There Any WWII Generals Still Alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-wwii-generals-still-alive/742718)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-wwii-generals-still-alive/742718 "2016-01-14T04:51:19Z")
We are now 71 years on from the end of WWII-and the veterans are dying off quickly. Are there any general officers left? I think that once everyone who had personal experience with WWII is gone, we will see a big change … --- ## [Presidents under Articles of Confederation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-under-articles-of-confederation/743098)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-under-articles-of-confederation/743098 "2016-01-14T04:10:08Z")
Rather than hijack another thread, I wondered were there any notable achievements of the “Presidents” under the Articles of Confederation…the forerunner of our government under the Constitution. --- ## [How does CG work in Live Action movies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-cg-work-in-live-action-movies/743068)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-cg-work-in-live-action-movies/743068 "2016-01-14T02:30:51Z")
I’ve tried looking it up, but all the explanations are a bit too layman for me, only explaining in broad terms what “CGI” is. I’m not a graphics expert, but I’ve done work in both Pixar’s RenderMan and GLSL, and I’m curi… --- ## [Update/restore album cover art on iTunes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-restore-album-cover-art-on-itunes/742874)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/update-restore-album-cover-art-on-itunes/742874 "2016-01-14T02:26:19Z")
I’ve got a mildly technical question about my iTunes account. I have a MacBook Pro from late 2013 and the latest version of iTunes. I was just looking at my David Bowie albums and noticed that most of them–including some… --- ## [Welder wiring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welder-wiring/742767)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welder-wiring/742767 "2016-01-14T00:10:16Z")
I have a 220 arc welder designed to run on a 50 amp circuit. I have an existing 30 amp drier circuit. I am wondering if I used a rod no bigger than 1/16" if I could get away with using my drier circuit. Mostly just runni… --- ## [Cancer tumors and incipient teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-tumors-and-incipient-teeth/655561)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-tumors-and-incipient-teeth/655561 "2016-01-13T23:27:04Z")
On occasion I’ve seen disturbing photos of dissected tumors that have tiny teeth forming in them. All I know about cancer tumors is that the differentiation of the cell has gone haywire and is in overdrive. Are some “di… --- ## [Did Vikings or Norse explore North America beyond Newfoundland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-vikings-or-norse-explore-north-america-beyond-newfoundland/650076)
**Author:** [@Shiloh2013](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shiloh2013)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-vikings-or-norse-explore-north-america-beyond-newfoundland/650076 "2016-01-13T23:13:43Z")
There appear to be no real settlements other than L’anse aux Meadows, but settlement is a different thing than exploration. --- ## [Why are my car windows frosting up - on the INSIDE?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-car-windows-frosting-up-on-the-inside/742737)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-car-windows-frosting-up-on-the-inside/742737 "2016-01-13T22:51:10Z")
Winter has suddenly arrived in Chicago, and my car windows are not only frozen on the outside, but they are moist on the insides as well! Not from my moist breath; it happens before I even get into it. This never happene… --- ## [Jeep: Is this a jammed starter/flywheel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeep-is-this-a-jammed-starter-flywheel/732136)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeep-is-this-a-jammed-starter-flywheel/732136 "2016-01-13T22:08:25Z")
Get a car from the stepson. Car is dead at a stoplight and won’t start. According to him, just died at stop with no sound. Friend who “knows cars” repeatedly tries to start it thinking starter is 2 weeks old and that … --- ## [Practical to hand sand hardwood floor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-to-hand-sand-hardwood-floor/523671)
**Author:** [@LateComer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LateComer)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practical-to-hand-sand-hardwood-floor/523671 "2016-01-13T21:45:27Z")
I have a space about 10 by 8 with hardwood that I’d like to refinish this spring. I’m always hearing about the danger of using those big belt sanders that can scratch the floor irrevocably and am wary of renting one. I… --- ## [What legislation passed by the Confederation Congress is still relevant today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-legislation-passed-by-the-confederation-congress-is-still-relevant-today/743059)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-legislation-passed-by-the-confederation-congress-is-still-relevant-today/743059 "2016-01-13T21:07:57Z")
Everybody knows about the Northwest Ordinance, which was reaffirmed by the first Congress under the new Constitution. But did they do anything else that had a major effect after 1789? --- ## [Browser add ons similar to stumbleupon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browser-add-ons-similar-to-stumbleupon/743066)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browser-add-ons-similar-to-stumbleupon/743066 "2016-01-13T20:28:44Z")
I used to have stumbleupon from Firefox but rid of it because there’s only so much you can give daily attention to with computers/internet as the possibilities are almost to choose from. I tried to get it back today and… --- ## [Flint Michigan peeps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flint-michigan-peeps/743046)
**Author:** [@jerry\_smissingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerry_smissingfinger)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flint-michigan-peeps/743046 "2016-01-13T18:57:41Z")
Can any dopers that reside in or around Flint shed some light on this “contaminated water” issue going on? Inquiring minds want to know. Sorry for your water woes, I need a new well pump so i can kind of empathize --- ## [Car Dopers - Can you ID the Car in this Old Photograph?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-dopers-can-you-id-the-car-in-this-old-photograph/742286)
**Author:** [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-dopers-can-you-id-the-car-in-this-old-photograph/742286 "2016-01-13T18:54:33Z")
There is part of the model or make name on the right, but I keep striking out. Bonus gratitude from me if you can tell me the model year. --- ## [Were Galley Slaves Really Chained To The Boat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-galley-slaves-really-chained-to-the-boat/742974)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-galley-slaves-really-chained-to-the-boat/742974 "2016-01-13T18:30:30Z")
I have the image from “Ben Hur”-galley slaves chained to the gunnels. Is this true? The slaves had to be fed, and had to crap and pee-how could they do this if chained? Locking them down then unlocking them seems like … --- ## [Constant exposure to beauty - would it make someone numb to beauty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constant-exposure-to-beauty-would-it-make-someone-numb-to-beauty/742941)
**Author:** [@teflon\_grut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teflon_grut)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constant-exposure-to-beauty-would-it-make-someone-numb-to-beauty/742941 "2016-01-13T16:43:47Z")
This thread is inspired by the CRISPR thread in which we have found a drastically simpler way to modify genetic structures. Putting aside the moral objection and practical application, let’s just say that we decided to … --- ## [If you boosted a business jet to 100,000 feet what happens? Can it come back down intact?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-boosted-a-business-jet-to-100-000-feet-what-happens-can-it-come-back-down-intact/742731)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-boosted-a-business-jet-to-100-000-feet-what-happens-can-it-come-back-down-intact/742731 "2016-01-13T15:56:49Z")
Just curious. The max ceiling on business jets is around 50,000 feet. If you could somehow use a detachable rocket booster and kick it up it to 100,000 feet, release the booster and let it go (the pilots and passengers… --- ## [Pinion Gear Failure Dodge 3500 /4WD 6.7L Diesel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pinion-gear-failure-dodge-3500-4wd-6-7l-diesel/743021)
**Author:** [@Glennn739](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glennn739)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pinion-gear-failure-dodge-3500-4wd-6-7l-diesel/743021 "2016-01-13T15:51:57Z")
Trying to find info on Pinion Failure due to rear end collison. I had regular service on my vehicle every 7,500 miles. Had a accident April 2, 2014 backing up in a parking lot and hit a Yukon SUV trying to pass behind … --- ## [Unintentionally handing over military hardware to the enemy - any precedents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintentionally-handing-over-military-hardware-to-the-enemy-any-precedents/742631)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintentionally-handing-over-military-hardware-to-the-enemy-any-precedents/742631 "2016-01-13T15:24:53Z")
This subject is being discussed in a parallel thread: Is there any precedent for such a mishap, outside of a combat situaton, occurring in the past? I have heard about secret informations being inadvertently publishe… --- ## [Wire gauge question for hot tub](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wire-gauge-question-for-hot-tub/735420)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wire-gauge-question-for-hot-tub/735420 "2016-01-13T14:16:38Z")
We are getting ready to move our hot tub, and I’m going to need to run electrical service to the new location. This will be the third time I’ve done this, so I’m familiar with the procedure, no need to panic. We have al… --- ## [Why do people say "an octave louder"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-say-an-octave-louder/742719)
**Author:** [@Reeses\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reeses_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-say-an-octave-louder/742719 "2016-01-13T05:38:47Z")
This has always confused me. Octaves are measures of pitch, not volume. --- ## [Am I missing something about Google Photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-missing-something-about-google-photos/742839)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-missing-something-about-google-photos/742839 "2016-01-13T02:46:28Z")
I created an album that Google tells me will be visible to anybody, signed in or not, regardless of whether they even have a google account. This is it. Can you see it? I imagined that I could send a link from any pic… --- ## [How to Rest Clock Chime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-rest-clock-chime/742930)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-rest-clock-chime/742930 "2016-01-13T00:04:50Z")
I bought a mechanical chiming clock, it is probably over 30 years old (it is German “Hermle” movement), marked "Made in West Ger,many). I cleaned the movement with WD-40, it runs fine. But it chimes the hours at 15 min… --- ## [What do these terms mean: Swap-fly and Durabase-flooring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-these-terms-mean-swap-fly-and-durabase-flooring/742913)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-these-terms-mean-swap-fly-and-durabase-flooring/742913 "2016-01-12T23:44:31Z")
Hi I’ve looked high and low for definitions for these terms but found nothing concrete. I look forward to your feedback. Swap-fly “Newtok had to hire a lobbyist to prod Congress for eight years to get title to the l… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=969) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=971)