# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=993 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 994 --- ## [Need help with document--Russian Greek, something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-document-russian-greek-something-else/739536)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-document-russian-greek-something-else/739536 "2015-12-06T21:32:25Z")
A lady friend of mine has tasked me with helping her translate a document. Language unknown, meaning unknown. Looking for help in the translation. It’s here. http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/Paco\_Tilla/2015-12-0… --- ## [Why weren't the French bombing ISIS HQ before the attack in Paris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-the-french-bombing-isis-hq-before-the-attack-in-paris/739315)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-the-french-bombing-isis-hq-before-the-attack-in-paris/739315 "2015-12-06T21:29:23Z")
I noticed right after the terrorist attack in Paris, France started bombing the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, dropping 20 bombs or whatever on intact command and recruitment centers, ammo dumps and the like. Why weren’t the… --- ## [Capital gains - do I need to make a tax payment now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-gains-do-i-need-to-make-a-tax-payment-now/739127)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-gains-do-i-need-to-make-a-tax-payment-now/739127 "2015-12-06T20:54:08Z")
I sold some stock this year and made gains that will require me to pay about $2000 in tax. This is the first time I’ve had capital gains like this. My question is if I need to pay that before April 15. I think the answer… --- ## [2 Monitors 1 Laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-monitors-1-laptop/739415)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-monitors-1-laptop/739415 "2015-12-06T20:42:16Z")
Thanks to Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Spaghetti Wednesday, we’re upgrading Mrs. Devil from a Macbook Pro to an HP Envy. When she’s in the office, the laptop is closed and she has two full-sized monitors connected—one throu… --- ## [What were German-Japanese relations post Pearl Harbor till the end of WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-german-japanese-relations-post-pearl-harbor-till-the-end-of-wwii/739510)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-german-japanese-relations-post-pearl-harbor-till-the-end-of-wwii/739510 "2015-12-06T19:50:11Z")
They must have had diplomatic relations. Both politically and militarily, if the old “enemy of my enemy” didn’t apply there, it never would. Of course the inherent racism and mutual antipathy of both parties was fundame… --- ## [Online gift ordering in the E.U.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-gift-ordering-in-the-e-u/739622)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-gift-ordering-in-the-e-u/739622 "2015-12-06T18:14:36Z")
My in-laws live in Cyprus, and we would like to send them some Christmas presents. If we have something shipped from within the E.U., they won’t have to pay import duty on it (and presumably it would be a lot faster and… --- ## [What is this (at construction site)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-at-construction-site/739548)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-at-construction-site/739548 "2015-12-06T15:33:36Z")
There is an 8-unit condo going up next door. I took this picture this morning of something they’re doing at the rear of the property. Basically they excavated some dirt and laid down some kind of barrier, then put thes… --- ## [In general, how old are the mice sold at PetSmart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-general-how-old-are-the-mice-sold-at-petsmart/739131)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-general-how-old-are-the-mice-sold-at-petsmart/739131 "2015-12-06T14:58:30Z")
After my late rate, Jupiter, died, I decided to try out another kind of rodent; mice. Two weeks ago I got three male mice: Bernie, Gunther (anyone catch were those to names come from?) and Otto. Otto succumbed to some so… --- ## [Rebuilding an engine - should I do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebuilding-an-engine-should-i-do-it/739321)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rebuilding-an-engine-should-i-do-it/739321 "2015-12-06T12:53:27Z")
A few years ago, I bought an old 60’s car to restore. The car ran just fine, (in fact the engine was strong, and probably the best thing on the car aside from the lack of rust). However, like many people who I’ve encou… --- ## [LSD: what is the nature of a "bad trip?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lsd-what-is-the-nature-of-a-bad-trip/705222)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lsd-what-is-the-nature-of-a-bad-trip/705222 "2015-12-06T12:41:50Z")
Inspired by this video (found in this thread), in which a 1950’s housewife ingests LSD and reports on her experience while being filmed for posterity. She struggles to find the words to express what she’s experiencing, … --- ## [Mobility scooter charging issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mobility-scooter-charging-issue/739489)
**Author:** [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mobility-scooter-charging-issue/739489 "2015-12-06T01:20:47Z")
My aunt has a mobility scooter which seems to go through batteries too quickly. Recently, in addition to replacing the batteries, I also bought a new charger. The old charger was rated as 24V, 2A. Replacement chargers o… --- ## [Four inch concrete slab vs Five inch slab](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-inch-concrete-slab-vs-five-inch-slab/739519)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-inch-concrete-slab-vs-five-inch-slab/739519 "2015-12-06T01:13:55Z")
We are putting in a concrete driveway around our home in Hawaii (200 inches of rain a year.) The house itself is complete. The large construction trucks will not be back. In other words, the concrete driveway only needs … --- ## [Is there a difference between Allen wrenches and hex keys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-allen-wrenches-and-hex-keys/739409 "2015-12-06T01:00:53Z")
Is there an actual difference between them or is it just a different name depending on what you use it for? People keep “Allen wrenches” to fix their bikes, but PC toolkits come with “hex keys”. Both tools look and fee… --- ## [Can I persuade Windows 7 to emulate WinXP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-persuade-windows-7-to-emulate-winxp/739557)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-persuade-windows-7-to-emulate-winxp/739557 "2015-12-06T00:41:24Z")
My computer running WinXP gave up the ghost a few months ago, so I went to the Goodwill and picked up a nice box that runs Windows 7. FTR, I have not been able to find the icon that’s supposed to allow me to claim a fre… --- ## [Rental Scam: Scammer provides their bank info- how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rental-scam-scammer-provides-their-bank-info-how-does-that-work/739433)
**Author:** [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rental-scam-scammer-provides-their-bank-info-how-does-that-work/739433 "2015-12-05T18:49:05Z")
My friend has apparently fallen for a rental scam- classic scenario: out of state landlord, will send keys once payment received, bad grammar on communications, etc. So she deposited a cashier’s check at branch of Scamm… --- ## [Photosharing site](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photosharing-site/739229)
**Author:** [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photosharing-site/739229 "2015-12-05T15:27:51Z")
Is there a photosharing website anywhere with the following characteristics? Free Does not require joining Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook, etc. in order to sign up. I’ve avoided these like the plague - especially Yahoo. Wo… --- ## [French language question - (A) La Bonne Bière](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-language-question-a-la-bonne-biere/739460)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-language-question-a-la-bonne-biere/739460 "2015-12-05T15:26:15Z")
This New York Times article about the reopening of a Paris cafe targeted in the recent terrorist attacks refers to it as “La Bonne Bière” (“The Good Beer”), while their awning says “A La Bonne Bière” - what does the “A” … --- ## [Glazed ceramic cup heated in very high temp kiln. Does it melt, burn, vaporize? What happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glazed-ceramic-cup-heated-in-very-high-temp-kiln-does-it-melt-burn-vaporize-what-happens/739004)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glazed-ceramic-cup-heated-in-very-high-temp-kiln-does-it-melt-burn-vaporize-what-happens/739004 "2015-12-05T14:26:07Z")
You put a regular glazed ceramic coffee cup into a very high temp kiln/oven and keep raising the temperature. Does it melt, burn, vaporize or blow up? As the temperature rises what stages does it go through? What happen… --- ## [Dish Washing Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-washing-question/739189)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-washing-question/739189 "2015-12-05T13:53:39Z")
Has anybody come up with a soap that is suitable for washing dishes whether they are in your sink or in a dishwasher? I realize these are very different washing environments, but presumably there is some middle ground so… --- ## [What did the US gain from the Phillipines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-us-gain-from-the-phillipines/739022)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-us-gain-from-the-phillipines/739022 "2015-12-05T13:27:56Z")
The US took over the Phillipines after the Spanish American war in 1898. What did the US gain from owning the Phillipines other than having a forward military base? Surely it must have cost alot to put troops there and … --- ## [Powering LEDs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powering-leds/739255)
**Author:** [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powering-leds/739255 "2015-12-05T13:01:16Z")
I am working on a project that will use four 1/4" LEDs to illuminate a bunch (around 100 or so) of fiber optic filaments. I need four LEDs, since they will be switched in four different groups. The LED kits that the sup… --- ## [About those 72 virgins waiting for you in Paradise...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-those-72-virgins-waiting-for-you-in-paradise/739194)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-those-72-virgins-waiting-for-you-in-paradise/739194 "2015-12-05T12:50:43Z")
Is there anything in the Koran saying that those 72 virgins will, um, be willing to change their status once a faithful Muslim arrives? I mean, if not, what male adult would really want to spend eternity with, what, 72 1… --- ## [Colloidal oatmeal baths: relaxing soak or POOL OF POISON?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colloidal-oatmeal-baths-relaxing-soak-or-pool-of-poison/437480)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colloidal-oatmeal-baths-relaxing-soak-or-pool-of-poison/437480 "2015-12-05T12:26:35Z")
My girlfriend, label reader that she is, had a look at the packet of colloidal oatmeal I used for one of my baths. "Did you see this? Look here … KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN … IF INGESTED, CALL POISON CONTROL … you want th… --- ## [Unit ,,stacking" in real life, does it exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unit-stacking-in-real-life-does-it-exist/739336)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unit-stacking-in-real-life-does-it-exist/739336 "2015-12-05T12:12:08Z")
This is probably a really stupid question and a little harder to explain, but one thing I can’t understand about military operations is does ,unit stacking" exist in real life? For example in games like supreme ruler, th… --- ## [What is the most efficient way to find areas with lenient zoning laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-efficient-way-to-find-areas-with-lenient-zoning-laws/690275)
**Author:** [@Mr.Nylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Nylock)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-efficient-way-to-find-areas-with-lenient-zoning-laws/690275 "2015-12-05T10:53:10Z")
I am mostly wondering how to figure out where I could potentially build a container home. --- ## [The assertion that US forces use up 250 000 rounds per enemy killed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-assertion-that-us-forces-use-up-250-000-rounds-per-enemy-killed/739122)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-assertion-that-us-forces-use-up-250-000-rounds-per-enemy-killed/739122 "2015-12-05T10:46:26Z")
In articles like this: it’s stated that the US uses 250 000 bullets for every enemy killed. This figure seems to divide the number of rounds used in the year by the number of enemies killed that year. If so, it may b… --- ## [Russian Name pronunciation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-name-pronunciation/739453)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russian-name-pronunciation/739453 "2015-12-05T07:30:41Z")
How is this name pronounced? Phonetic approximation for an American English speaker is close enough for me. Vasili Arkhipov --- ## [Who was the LEO who said "I'll take a bullet before you do" in the San Bernadino massacre?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-leo-who-said-ill-take-a-bullet-before-you-do-in-the-san-bernadino-massacre/739452)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-leo-who-said-ill-take-a-bullet-before-you-do-in-the-san-bernadino-massacre/739452 "2015-12-05T05:00:42Z")
Here’s the video: Does anyone know? It almost brought me to tears, seeing the horror of the people and the strength of the words. --- ## [Major Industry out, Colleges In](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-industry-out-colleges-in/739205)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-industry-out-colleges-in/739205 "2015-12-05T03:43:01Z")
I’ve noticed a pasttern among three cities in upstate New York. They were originally home to major manufacturers, but in recent decades the big companies (usually only a couple of firms were the economic engines of each … --- ## [New LapTop, Charging Options](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-charging-options/739469)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-charging-options/739469 "2015-12-05T01:58:55Z")
When I use it like a desktop (95% of the time), should I leave it plugged in, or is it better to drain the battery and then plug-in and recharge? a. For the Battery b. For the power Cord [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=992) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=994)