# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=996 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 997 --- ## [How to get my printer to print white](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-my-printer-to-print-white/738936)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-my-printer-to-print-white/738936 "2015-12-01T19:26:53Z")
I want to print out a bunch of unofficial cards against humanity cards. In order to save ink, I want the black cards to be white ink on black paper. I have an HP desk jet 2540. Is there a way I can get white ink for i… --- ## ["Run in circles, scream and shout" - from where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/run-in-circles-scream-and-shout-from-where/467313)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/run-in-circles-scream-and-shout-from-where/467313 "2015-12-01T18:43:54Z")
“When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout” - where did this quote come from? I googled it - and got a lot of hits using it, but none citing who wrote it. --- ## [is there a free zip program that works like Winzip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-zip-program-that-works-like-winzip/739031)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-zip-program-that-works-like-winzip/739031 "2015-12-01T18:13:50Z")
Somewhere out on that great information highway in the sky---- There must be a way to zip and unzip files --without registering and paying $30 , for something so basic that it should be included in Windows. (Just like… --- ## [Is human activity increasing or decreasing the amount of water in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-human-activity-increasing-or-decreasing-the-amount-of-water-in-the-world/739009)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-human-activity-increasing-or-decreasing-the-amount-of-water-in-the-world/739009 "2015-11-30T22:16:07Z")
There are issues with clean water, but that inot the question I am asking. I am asking how chemical processes we use are changing the total amount of water on Earth. Burning hydrocarbons produces water. Making concrete … --- ## [What stars are we looking at in these awesome photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stars-are-we-looking-at-in-these-awesome-photos/638088)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-stars-are-we-looking-at-in-these-awesome-photos/638088 "2015-11-29T18:08:41Z")
This page, and the starscapes in the three clickable ones below. Is it because it’s a different time of night? One’s vertical, one’s an arch… I wish I had a 3-D image of the Milky Way with a “you are here” arrow, with w… --- ## [How easy (or difficult) is it to get an abortion in a U.S. prison?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-or-difficult-is-it-to-get-an-abortion-in-a-u-s-prison/738926)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easy-or-difficult-is-it-to-get-an-abortion-in-a-u-s-prison/738926 "2015-12-01T17:36:47Z")
I’d guess the answer may vary for federal prisons vs state prisons - and for state prisons I’m sure it varies state to state. Recently saw on a T.V. show (I know, I know T.V. ain’t real), a woman in prison wanted to end… --- ## [Planck Temperature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planck-temperature/739042)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planck-temperature/739042 "2015-12-01T17:20:39Z")
How much energy would a Proton at Planck temperature have, and what effect would it have if it was released into the atmosphere at ground level. This question was motivated by Flash episode “Revenge of the Rogues”. Mino… --- ## [What happens if you heat an object until it glows in the xray spectrum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-heat-an-object-until-it-glows-in-the-xray-spectrum/738555)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-you-heat-an-object-until-it-glows-in-the-xray-spectrum/738555 "2015-12-01T17:18:44Z")
Suppose that you had a lump of stuff in the middle of an evacuated chamber and were able to heat it continuously. Would there be a point where it was giving off nothing but invisible radiation? Thanks, Rob --- ## [People who reached a world class level starting their discipline after the age of 30?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-reached-a-world-class-level-starting-their-discipline-after-the-age-of-30/738766)
**Author:** [@guitario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitario)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-reached-a-world-class-level-starting-their-discipline-after-the-age-of-30/738766 "2015-12-01T15:37:43Z")
A bit of an odd one this. There won’t be many (I don’t think), but can anybody think of any individuals who reached a world class level in ANY discipline after starting in their 30’s? Are there any guitarists who are re… --- ## [Pilots, why didn't Air Asia QZ8501 just change altitude?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-why-didnt-air-asia-qz8501-just-change-altitude/708711)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-why-didnt-air-asia-qz8501-just-change-altitude/708711 "2015-12-01T14:52:35Z")
Air Asia QZ8501 is the crashed airplane currently in the news. A popular point in the press is that the pilot requested permission to change altitude due to bad weather. I don’t understand this: the pilot is the person o… --- ## [Need a new home AC unit. Anyone heard of Comfortmaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-home-ac-unit-anyone-heard-of-comfortmaker/655976)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-new-home-ac-unit-anyone-heard-of-comfortmaker/655976 "2015-12-01T13:37:45Z")
Hello Everyone, Just got the bad news today that our AC unit is dying and needs to be replaced. The company we are using is recommending an air unit with the brand name of Comfortmaker. We are told that it is a rebrande… --- ## [How to make "traffic light" buttons in Excel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-traffic-light-buttons-in-excel/653217)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-traffic-light-buttons-in-excel/653217 "2015-12-01T11:05:32Z")
Calling any Excel users including the “Ask the Excel guy” if he’s still around. I have a project tracking spreadsheet and my manager wants “traffic light” type buttons. You know, green (on track), yellow (in progress/po… --- ## [Pants look stained under UV light](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pants-look-stained-under-uv-light/739043)
**Author:** [@Hooleehootoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooleehootoo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pants-look-stained-under-uv-light/739043 "2015-12-01T10:03:13Z")
I recently bought a UV flashlight. I was looking for urine stains on my son’s bedding. In the dirty clothes hamper were some cotton khaki pants. Under UV light they have big stains near the waistline. Under normal light… --- ## ["Take medication at bedtime." Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-medication-at-bedtime-why/738922)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/take-medication-at-bedtime-why/738922 "2015-12-01T08:37:38Z")
Is there any reason why certain medications should be taken at bedtime . . . other than those that cause drowsiness? I have a prescription for Zoloft (an antidepressant) which indicates to take it at bedtime. Strangely,… --- ## [Annoying IE Security pop-up!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-ie-security-pop-up/739085)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoying-ie-security-pop-up/739085 "2015-12-01T05:42:59Z")
A dialog box purporting to be an Internet Explorer Security message constantly appears on my screen, on the Internet, and I have to click something to get rid of it–before I continue with anything else. Over and over and… --- ## [Semi-Trailer Trucks Cruising at 120 MPH: Myth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-trailer-trucks-cruising-at-120-mph-myth/92347)
**Author:** [@tsunamisurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tsunamisurfer)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/semi-trailer-trucks-cruising-at-120-mph-myth/92347 "2015-12-01T04:29:23Z")
Stupid? I think so too. But recently, a trucker told me that it’s not unusual for a caravan of truckers out in the Great Plains, etc., to cruise at night at speeds approaching 120 mph. I expressed my skepticism. Wide-eye… --- ## [What, exactly do "tactical" and "strategic" mean, in military usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-do-tactical-and-strategic-mean-in-military-usage/738965)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-do-tactical-and-strategic-mean-in-military-usage/738965 "2015-12-01T04:24:13Z")
From the nearby thread on the Cuban Missile Crisis what-ifs: What, exactly, do the terms “tactical” and “strategic” mean in this sort of military usage? I’ve tried to search for explanations from time to time, but my … --- ## [Is the Kennedy Assassination a closed case as far as the US Government is concerned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-kennedy-assassination-a-closed-case-as-far-as-the-us-government-is-concerned/735528)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-kennedy-assassination-a-closed-case-as-far-as-the-us-government-is-concerned/735528 "2015-12-01T04:03:29Z")
Hi Are there likely to be any more government commissions on the kennedy assassination? If so, what would likely prompt them? I look forward to your feedback. I’ve been reading http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2… --- ## [Is there a preferred name for the large format photography 'cloak?'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-preferred-name-for-the-large-format-photography-cloak/739005)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-preferred-name-for-the-large-format-photography-cloak/739005 "2015-12-01T03:59:12Z")
For viewing the image on the backside, as in this example. --- ## [Explain Survivors Guilt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-survivors-guilt/681172)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-survivors-guilt/681172 "2015-12-01T03:00:17Z")
I’m trying to wrap my head around survivor’s guilt. According to Wiki… “Survivor’s guilt (or survivor’s syndrome) is a mental condition that occurs when a person perceives themselves to have done wrong by surviving a tra… --- ## [Powering a PS4 with an exercise bike](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powering-a-ps4-with-an-exercise-bike/738935)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powering-a-ps4-with-an-exercise-bike/738935 "2015-12-01T00:15:27Z")
Lets say that I, an average sedentary western male set myself a new exercise regime. I purchase a PS4 but I can only play it when I’m powering it with my own muscle power via a recumbent exercise bike. The PS4 would be… --- ## [Straight Dope on the fat gene?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-fat-gene/739026)
**Author:** [@epbrown01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/epbrown01)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-the-fat-gene/739026 "2015-12-01T00:15:27Z")
During Thanksgiving my sister tells one of her sons to enjoy being able to eat like a pig now, before the family fat gene kicks in and he gains a bunch of weight. If earned a glare from her with a side of smirk from my n… --- ## [Patrick Moore and climate change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-moore-and-climate-change/738638)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-moore-and-climate-change/738638 "2015-11-30T23:36:03Z")
From this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkdbSxyXftc Patrick Moore claims that there is a weak link between CO2 and temperature as shown by graphs like this https://stevengoddard.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/ima… --- ## [What Is Thie Kind of Wall Decoration Called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thie-kind-of-wall-decoration-called/739032)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-thie-kind-of-wall-decoration-called/739032 "2015-11-30T23:02:20Z")
In movies of the 1930s and 1940s, upper-class homes had living rooms with walls that had rectangles of molding on the walls, with chair rails. Often, they were painted in contrasting colors. This wall treatment is rare… --- ## [How did Keno writers draw the digits before automation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-keno-writers-draw-the-digits-before-automation/738930 "2015-11-30T21:00:29Z")
For some reason, the bingo card question reminded me of an old question I’ve had. I thought of posting this in Thread Games with a title like Scavenger Hunt, but my question is sincere and should have a definite answer. … --- ## [apple iphone messages question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-iphone-messages-question/738907)
**Author:** [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-iphone-messages-question/738907 "2015-11-30T20:57:27Z")
I have over a hundred unread messages on my Apple iphone. I messaged one relative once, and since then have received messages every time they message each other. How do I get out of the message loop and how do I remove t… --- ## [Antimicrobial resistance: how bad is it likely to get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antimicrobial-resistance-how-bad-is-it-likely-to-get/738459)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antimicrobial-resistance-how-bad-is-it-likely-to-get/738459 "2015-11-30T20:34:53Z")
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is becoming a bigger and bigger issue these days. (See here for the Wiki article on the subject.) I’m wondering how bad it’s likely to get. I suppose the doomsday scenario is that all… --- ## [Two Particular Medications... Availability in Colombia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-particular-medications-availability-in-colombia/738704)
**Author:** [@Clarence01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clarence01)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-particular-medications-availability-in-colombia/738704 "2015-11-30T20:24:12Z")
Hi, I have been receiving treatment in Ecuador from a doctor who wrote me prescriptions for two medications, Lyrica and Tramal (aka Tramadol). I am presuming that the prescriptions from Ecuador will not be valid outside… --- ## ["Wave motion at the surface of water is made up of small circular motions of parcels of water" True?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wave-motion-at-the-surface-of-water-is-made-up-of-small-circular-motions-of-parcels-of-water-true/738982)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wave-motion-at-the-surface-of-water-is-made-up-of-small-circular-motions-of-parcels-of-water-true/738982 "2015-11-30T18:04:43Z")
Someone I think of as pretty skeptical and intelligent shared this image\* with the caption quoted in the title of the thread. I’m not so sure, but I’m not so unsure either. Clearly the circles aren’t supposed to be mic… --- ## [I need help in explaining how this scam works to a younger person.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-in-explaining-how-this-scam-works-to-a-younger-person/738686)
**Author:** [@kaiwik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaiwik)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2015, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-in-explaining-how-this-scam-works-to-a-younger-person/738686 "2015-11-30T17:44:47Z")
I have a dresser with a large mirror for sale, it is posted on a number of sites online. My daughter’s boyfriend (oh, let’s call him Irish) has also listed it, hoping to help me get it sold. I am asking 400.00. Irish re… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=995) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=997)