How can I trace a foreign phone number that I don't recognize?

Start by dissecting the phone number to figure out what country and city the call came from.  The initial digits of the number is a country code followed by a city code. There are a number of international phone call code lookups you can use.  Then Google the local number with the country name or the city name as part of the search, and with a bit of luck, you'll have the identification you're looking for.

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Who regulates nuclear power?

Here in the U.S., the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the watchdog for nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials (mostly in medicine and research). Other countries have their own nuclear regulatory agencies, and the International Atomic Energy Agency keeps an eye on things as materials move between countries.

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What does u/a mean in a trust?

U/A is an abbreviation for a trust under agreement and refers to a trust where the grantor (giving the money) and the trustee (managing the money) are two different people. In contrast, in an arrangement under declaration of trust, or U/D/T, the grantor and trustee are the same person.

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How many women CEO's are there?

I don't know how many women chief executives there are in the whole world, but among the Fortune 500...not many. In 2008, there were 12 female CEOs in the Fortune 500 and exactly twice that number -- 24 -- in the Fortune 1000. Angela Bray, CEO at Wellpoint (number 33 on the Fortune list) runs the largest company on the list with a woman CEO.

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What is an ICD 10 code, and where can I look them up?

ICD stands for the International Classification of Diseases (or, if you must know the full name, the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ).  It's published by the World Health Organization.  WHO has an online code lookup for ICD 10 -- the 10th version of the ICD published so far.

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Does steel really get red hot when heated, or is it another color?

Turns out hot steel has a veritable palette of colors which can be nicely laid out in a color chart or table for heated metals. Steel begins to glow a faint red at 750 °F, turns red hot at 1,550 °F, gets a nice lemony yellow at 1,825 °F and glows a 'dazzling' white hot at  2,350 °F.

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How many patents have been issued since 1970?

There's a bit of an odd question for you, but the answer is easy enough by checking out the U.S. Patent Office's historical statistics. Turns out they issue about 100,000 or more patents a year these day, not quite so much in past years. Total from 1970-2009: 4,553,317 patents!

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How old do I have to be to sign up for Medicare?

65 will do it!

Medicare is available to most Americans at age 65, provided they worked at least ten years in a Medicare-eligible job (in other words, that you paid taxes!). There are some types of Medicare coverage available to younger folks if they have particular disabilities or suffer from certain diseases.

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How much does a cubic yard of soil cost?

If you're not picky, soil can often be had for free from construction sites that need to get rid of their diggings. You can buy good grade top soil, though it will cost you...about $12-18 per cubic yard is typical.

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How Can I Find the Call History of a Cell Phone?

Cell phones keep a history of calls in two key places...in the phone and at the phone company. In your phone, access the main menu, and look for a feature like Call Records, or something similar. In your online phone account, pull up a full copy of your bill (not just a bill summary) and you'll usually find all phone calls listed. Some mobile phone service providers even let you download a record of incoming, outgoing and missed calls.

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Does the IRS accept tax payments electronically?

Yes indeed. The IRS accepts electronic payments three different ways: electronic transfer of funds directly from your checking or savings account; payment via credit or debit card; or through an online account with the Treasury Department's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).



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Which states are separate property states, and which are common property states?

Let's get a few terms straight, first. Common property states are those that have laws that treat income during marriage as, well, common property, that is, belonging to both spouses (I was going to say belonging to both husband and wife but that's getting a bit out-dated these days).  Separate property states are the ones that treat income as owned by one spouse or the other, but not automatically to both. The distinctions are important during taxes, inheritance and divorce proceedings.

Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin are common property states. All other states treat income as separate property.



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What is the chemical reaction for fermentation of sugar to alcohol?

Fermentation is a biological process involving yeast that converts sugars into alcohol. The overall chemical reaction for fermentation is the conversion of a single molecule of glucose (sugar) into two molecules of ethyl alcohol, and two molecules of carbon dioxide. Chemically, the formula for this reaction is written as: C6H12O6 ===> 2(CH3CH2OH) + 2(CO2). Fermentation can also transform other sugars, usually by first converting them into glucose.



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Can you purchase secure credit cards online from PayPal?

PayPal does indeed offer credit cards to its clients, known as the PayPal Plus MasterCard. PayPal also offers debit cards, and provides a way for online merchants to accept credit card payments from their customers for e-commerce transactions. At one time, PayPal offered a plug-in that provided a "secure card" which generated a unique "disposable" credit card number for each transaction. However, this feature is no longer provided by PayPal.



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How much can I earn and still collect Social Security benefits?

Lucky for you, there is no upper limit to the amount of money you can earn and still collect Social Security benefits. Anyone who pays into the Social Security system during his working years and meets minimum requirements based on years worked and amounts paid can receive Social Security benefits when he retires.



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How to Access Police Reports?

Police departments create a variety of reports to document their activities, including accident reports, incident reports, crime statistics, internal disciplinary reports and personnel records. Most police departments will make some report information available to the public, either as a matter of department policy, or in response to applicable freedom of information laws, or other information-access requirements. However, the types of police reports available, the procedures for accessing information, and the fees involved (if any) vary widely from one police department to the next.


Step 1

Identify the right jurisdiction. Many communities have overlapping police departments. In addition to local town or city police, there may be a police presence from state troopers, highway patrols, county sheriffs, park police, federal agents and so on.

The best source of information would be someone directly involved with the incident in question, who can tell you which police departments were involved. Newspaper accounts of the incident are also helpful in this respect.

Step 2

Find out information policies. Most police departments of any substantial size have a website that includes information on departmental information access policies. Look for headings like Information Access, Freedom of Information, Police Reports, Public Requests, or similar topics, in order to find policies and procedures for accessing police reports.

Alternatively, you can call or visit the department directly to ask about the procedure for getting a copy of a police report.

Information access varies greatly from one jurisdiction to the next. For instance, the Los Angeles Police Department restricts access to crime reports to the victim or the victim's official representative. Copies of arrest records require submission of fingerprints. Requests for records from the New York City Police, on the other hand, can be made online, with very little restrictions.

Step 3

Follow procedures. Requests for police reports or other information from police departments generally require specific procedures, such as making a request in writing, filling out a form, filing a Freedom of Information document. You may be required to include a specific report or document number, which is generally available directly from the officers who responded to the incident.

It's sometimes necessary to include identifying information, such as a copy of a driver's license, so be sure to be aware of these requirements as well. Procedures may also require payment of a fee, although this can sometimes be waived if the fee is not affordable, or if the request is in the public interest.

Step 4

Be professional. Even when police departments are required to provide information, the individual officers and staff that you deal with can make the process easy or difficult. Keep a professional demeanor, as this will help smooth the process along.




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What is a Forstner drill bit and what's it used for?

Forstner did for drill bits what Phillips did for screws...invented a new and useful one, and gave it his name. A Forstner drill bit is a wide bit without a center nib (or with a really weenie one). It's the outer edges of the drill bit that grip the wood. Forstners are great for drilling a flat-bottomed hole or for entering the wood at an angle.

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Where can I find out historical Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs)?

This one's easy.  Just check the Social Security Administration's historical Cost of Living Adjustments page. For instance, it will tell you that the COLA for 2007 was 2.3%...exactly what you wanted to know, right!

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My boss asked me to design a preventive maintenance program. What's that?

A preventive maintenance program (or preventative maintenance program, if you prefer) is a systematic process for caring for equipment and processes on a scheduled basis, identifying any problems early on and nipping them in the bud before they become major breakdowns. For example, checking the pressure in your tires and topping off engine oil are preventive maintenance steps for your car.

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My parents offered to buy us a French Top Gas Stove. What is that?

Sounds like a pretty good gift to me. A French Top Gas Stove has a circular solid steel plate in the center of the stovetop which is heated by a gas flame underneath. The steel plate gets hot enough for cooking in the center, but stays warm on the edges, which is ideal for sauces, melting butter or just keeping foods warm. A lot of cooks really like the French Top option.

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Will 1 yard of mulch cover my front yard?

Well, that depends on the size of your yard now, doesn't it. One cubic yd of mulch will cover a little more than 300 square feet to a depth of one inch. It will cover 108 sq. ft -- about a 10' x 10' yard -- to a depth of three inches. Happy mulching!

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When did they stop using asbestos?

Asbestos has a long history, and not a very pretty one. It's a deadly material that causes a particularly terrible form of lung cancer. Although the dangers of asbestos were well documented in the early part of the 20th century, it wasn't until the 1970's that the material was phased out of most commercial uses like car brake pads and home insulation.



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Is an EMI filter and an RFI filter the same thing?

An EMI filter is a device to minimize electromagnetic interference, the type of interference that can really play havoc with electronic equipment. When electromagnetic interference (EMI...get it?) occurs in the radio frequency range, it is known as radio frequency interference, or RFI. So...remembering your Venn diagrams...all RFI is EMI, but not all EMI is RFI.

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Is there really such a thing as a concrete pump? I thought it just got moved with wheelbarrows?

A shovel and a wheelbarrow are fine for doing your driveway, but for a big project, a concrete pump is just the ticket. Concrete pumps move liquid concrete slurry faster, more precisely and generally, more cheaply (though that last depends on a lot of factors) than old-fashioned sweat-of-the-brow labor.

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Where did Hooked on Phonics come from?

Gateway Educational Products in Orange, California developed Hooked on Phonics in 1987, and filed for the original Hooked on Phonics trademark. They later transferred rights to the product line to its current distributor, Smarterville Productions, in Baltimore, MD.

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What does a truck load of gravel weigh?

Well now, that depends on the truck, doesn't it?

A full size pickup truck can haul about 2 cubic yards of gravel weighing in at 5,500 pounds. A small dump truck hold 5 cubic yards (13,750 lbs) and a full size dump truck holds somewhere between 10-15 cubic yards.

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How deep should the swimming pool be for diving off a diving board?

FINA sets the rules for swimming pools and diving. The international competitive swimming organization, requires its pools to be at least 3.4 meters deep for a 1-meter high diving board. This is about 11 feet for a 3-foot high board.  A 10-meter high diving platform needs a pool depth of at least 4.5 meters...pretty danged deep.

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Who put all the melamine in the milk in China?

Melamine is an industrial chemical that entered the milk supply in China in 2008, contaminating infant formula and other dairy products, both in China and in exported products. A few children died, and thousands were sickened by the melamine contamination of the milk. The Shijiazhuang Sanlu Group Co. in Hebei province, China, was the main culprit, though the company maintains that the melamine was introduced in their supply chain by another unknow source.

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What is a Procurement Code of Conduct?

Remember the movie, Do the Right Thing? That's pretty much what a purchasing code of conduct is for a company trying to be socially responsible. The code is a statement of ethical principles and appropriate practices that the company adheres to, and expects its suppliers and sub-contractors to adhere to as well. Socially responsible codes of conduct for purchasing often cover things like worker safety, environmental quality, child labor standards, and so on.

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What is a homestead cap?

A homestead cap keeps you from getting hit with a huge increase in property tax on your home. A big increase...that's OK. But a really big one will get stopped in its track if your city or county has a homestead cap that keeps the appraised value of your home from increasing too rapidly.  In so doing, it also keep your property tax from increasing too fast.

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What big fad helped launch HDPE production?

HDPE plastic is the stuff of hula hoops. When the hula hoop fad hit the nation (and then the world) in the late 1950s, hundreds of millions of the things were produced, using enough high-density polyethylene -- HDPE -- to make at least five Earth-sized hula hoops.

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Is a "fossil fuel furnace" what I think it is?

Probably! A fossil fuel furnace is term used by home-heating specialists to refer to any heating equipment that uses oil, gas or other fossil fuels as a primary energy source. It's generally used in contrast to a heat pump, which does not directly use fossil fuel.

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Where can I calculate my Ingersoll Rand pension plan payments?

Ingersoll Rand's pension calculator is available online. The company, a diverse industrial conglomerate, has several "wealth programs" for employees and retirees, and its pension calculator is one tool it makes available.

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What is melamine laminate used for?

Melamine laminate is a hard, durable veneer of plastic. It has a nice appearance, and is often used to cover base materials in kitchen drawers and cabinets. Thicker layers of melamine laminate are sometimes used as countertops.

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Can I see AIG's original corporate charter?

The original AIG incorporation charter is online, and available for all to see. American International Group, or AIG as it's commonly known, incorporated in Delaware in 1967. They assured the authorities of having at least $1,000 on hand before commencing business.

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How much was a Toyota Sequoia in 2008?

A high end 4-wheel drive Toyota Sequoia with a Platinum package, cost $58,795 in 2008. Today, that same vehicle, used, Blue Book's for $46,195.

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Can police in, say, Florida, see my driving record in NY?

You bet! Thanks to the Drivers License Compact, and similar information-sharing agreements between states, police in Florida and almost every state can access the records of drivers from other states.

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How much will I pay for a sheet of stainless steel?

Depends on how big a sheet of stainless steel you need! A smallish, thin sheet -- say, two square feet, and a few mm thick, will only set you back $20 or so. But a 4-by-8 foot slab one-inch thick will set you back about $5,000.

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Did the Marines really invade the Bahamas?

The U.S Marine Corps was created by the Second Continental Congress in 1775. Led by Captain Samuel Nicholas, the Marines conducted their first amphibious raid in the Bahamas in March, 1776.

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How much can I make as a home health care provider?

Home health care workers earn about $8 to $15 an hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for home health care providers in 2009 was $10.39 an hour.

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Can I file a police report online with the Las Vegas police?

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department asks you call the LVMPD directly at 702-828-311 to file a police report. You can do some stuff online, like report an abandoned vehicle.

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What does cold-finished stainless steel mean?

Steel-makers can finish their steel hot, just out of the furnace, or cold, which means at room temperature. Either way, steel is finished by squeezing through giant rollers. Cold-finished stainless steel isn't common, but it has a lovely, unoxidized finish which is useful for some special applications.


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Is vermiculite good insulation?

Medium. Vermiculite has an R-value of 2.13 per inch. That's better insulation than some materials, but only about half the insulation you can get from urea foam or extruded polystyrene.  Your choice!

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Can you explain volumetric efficiency to me?

Sure thing. Volumetric efficiency is a performance measure of an internal combustion engine. It compares the actual amount of air-fuel mixture drawn into a cylinder to the maximum volume of the cylinder. Believe it or not, the volumetric efficiency can be greater than 100% in certain circumstances, such as in turbocharged engines.


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I need a provisional pontic! Where do I get one?

Better ask your dentist. A pontic is false tooth, in dentist-speak. A provisional pontic is a temporary false tooth, usually made from hard plastic or ceramic. Hope it's nothing painful

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Who manufactures compressed hydrogen gas?

The online industrial directory, ThomasNet, lists 300+ manufacturers/suppliers of hydrogen gas, so you should have no problem finding one to suit your purposes.  Some of the major manufacturers include Air Products & Chemicals, Linde, Air Liquide, and Praxair.



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What is the smallest refrigerator I can buy?

The Micro Cool Mini Fridge may not be the absolute smallest, but really now...why would you even want one smaller than this?  It's way smaller than one cubic foot.  In fact, the Micro Cool Mini Fridge is just large enough to hold a six-pack...and maybe shove in a PB&J on top. 

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I'm a federal contractor. Can I get federal government hotel rates?

Contractors generally can get federal government employee discounts at hotels.  But it's actually up to the individual hotel whether they extend their reduced rate to contractors or not.  Basic rule of thumb: it never hurts to ask. 

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Do I need to be ISO 9000 Certified?

You don't need to be an ISO 9000 company, but it may be worthwhile.  ISO 9000 is a collection of quality management guidelines created by the International Organization for Standardization, aka ISO.  You get certified by adopting the standards (not easy!) and having a third party review your quality management program.  Some companies won't do business with you unles you have an ISO 9000 seal of approval. 

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What is a Cooperative Agreement with the government?

A Cooperative Agreement is a government grant...sort of.  Unlike a typical grant -- where Uncle Sam gives out some money, and then walks away until you finish your project -- a Cooperative Agreement has you and the government working closely together.  Cooperatively, you might say.  Take a look at what the US Department of Health and Human Services has to say about it.

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What is a corporate dissolution agreement?

A corporate dissolution agreement is more or less a divorce.  When a corporation dissolves, the principles have to decide what happens to company assets, who gets what, how to settle disputes...stuff like that.  They create a legally-binding corporate dissolution agreement that puts it all in writing.  Like I said...just like a divorce.


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What did the average new house cost in 2006?

Need to know the history of housing prices?  Ask the Census Bureau's Median and Average Sales Prices of New Homes Sold in United States .  A new house in 2006 cost just about $300,000. 

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What is the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)?

UETA -- the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act -- is a model law designed by (believe it or not) a group that calls itself the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law.  UETA has been adopted by almost every state in the U.S., and sets uniform standards for ecommerce transactions.

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Someone mentioned the father of the Olympian Pantheon? Huh?

Zeus is the father of the Olympian Pantheon, and you might have been talking to a Percy Jackson fan.  A pantheon is a collection of gods belonging to a particular mythology.  In the Greek pantheon, Zeus was the head honcho, and lived with his fellow gods and goddesses (and assorted demi-gods) on Mt. Olympus, which is not really atop the Empire State Building. 

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What is the federal income tax rate?

The federal income tax rate is 10%.  Or 28%.  Or 35%.  Or maybe something in between.  Income taxes are assessed by tax brackets.  The first few thousand you earn is taxed at the rate of the lowest bracket.  Anything you earn in the next bracket is taxed at a different rate, and so on.  In 2010, earnings of less than $8,375 were taxed at 10%, while earnings above $373,650 were in the highest tax bracket, and taxed at 35%.

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What does a logistics brokerage do?

Logistics is the management of the transportation of goods.  Shipping millions of items to thousands of different destinations is a complicated challenge.  A logistics brokerage is a business that brings together the buyers and sellers of logistical services to help smooth out the overall process.

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What's the daily turnover on the NYSE?

The New York Stock Exchange is a busy place, trading over a billion shares a day with a total value of about $50 billion. There's a lot of variation, of course.  A slow trading day might only produce $30 billion in trades, while a particularly busy day can easily top $70 billion.

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What is Bonnet's Syndrome and who was Charles Bonnet?

Charles Bonnet lent his name to Bonnet's Syndrome, a disease that produces hallucinations in otherwise healthy people.  Bonnet was an interesting character.  A French naturalist and philosopher in the 18th century, Bonnet studies plants (demonstrating oxygen production during photosynthesis), insects (discovering parthenogensis -- virgin birth! -- in aphids), and working in a variety of other areas biological, medical and spiritual. 





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Will Medicare pay for mental health?

Medicare does indeed cover mental health.  Actually, Medicare is fairly comprehensive in its coverage of medical conditions, although it doesn't cover 100% of all costs.  Like most health insurance plans, there are deductibles and co-pays to consider, and these certainly apply to mental health treatments as well.

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What is an in-kind match? How do I make one?

An in-kind match is an obligation of some organization that receive a grant from a foundation of government funder.  An in-kind match is a non-cash contribution to a project.  It could be staff or volunteer time, use of facilities or equipment, or other sorts of contributions that are roughly equal to the cash value of the grant. 



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Is there a difference between an Equipment Finance Agreement and a lease?

There's a big difference.  If you take a loan through an Equipment Finance Agreement, or EFA as it's known in the biz, then you own the equipment outright, even though it serves as collateral.  When the EFA is paid off, the equipment stays with you.  With a lease arrangement, the equipment is owned by the lessor, and returns to them when the lease expires. 



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Who owns Capital One Bank?

You could say that Capital One Bank is owned by the 16,955 shareholders who hold stock in the company.  But you're probably looking for their parent, which is the Capital One Financial Corporation, a public company trading on the NYSE under the symbol COF. 



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How much can I earn as a home health nurse?

If you're a registered nurse, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median salary was $63,300 (2009).  A licensed home health care nurse had a median income of $42,300, and a home health care nursing aide earned about $23,000 a year.  Remember, median salaries are those in the middle...about half the people earn less than the median, and half earn more. 



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Does my bum look big in this?

It's hard to believe, but in the 1870s and 1880s there was a fashion for massively padding out the bottom of a dress at the back. The cushioning needed to be supported by a frame of wire or bent willow. The purpose was to emphasize the woman's derriere. This structure was called a bustle for a dress.  And that's the only time in European history that it has been safe for a man to answer "yes" to the question "Does my bum look big in this?".

How much did the Dow Jones drop from Dec. 31, 1929, to June 30, 1930?

You can get the history of the Dow pretty easily, along with other stock indexes and individual stocks.  A lot of sites will do it, but I usually turn to Yahoo Finance for stock market history.  The Dow closed at $241.70 on December 2, 1929.  The closing price on June 30, 1930 was 226.34.  It would be another two years before the Dow hit its all time low of $41.62 on July 5, 1932.

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What is the National Electric Code all about?

Actually, it's the National Electrical Code, and it's all about safety.  The Code is a set of standards established by the National Fire Protection Association, and as you can probably guess by now, they're designed to promote fire safety for electrical installations. 


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How can I get a free criminal background check on someone?

I hate to say it, but these days it pays to be careful, whether hiring a babysitter, going on a date, or entering a business partnership.  Inquiring minds want to know: Does this guy have a criminal record?  There are a number of online resources where you can check a person's background at no charge, and identify criminal records, prison time, sexual offender status, and other important information.  Start with CriminalSearches.com and other people-check resources.

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I just started up a new business as an LLC. Can I trademark my name?

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Trademark an LLC?  Sure.  Why not? Go for it. 

There's nothing about a business being an LLC (limited liability corporation) as opposed to, say, a partnership or sole proprietorship, that would prevent it from registering a trademark.  But keep in mind that trademarks mostly protect individual products and services, rather than company names. An LLC has to work within the existing trademark system, just like any other business.

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I was told I need a real estate certificate of redemption for taxes. What the heck is that?

A certificate of redemption means that you (ahem) fell behind on payment of your real estate property taxes, but have now redeemed yourself (and your property) by paying your back taxes, as well as any interest and fees owed.  The certificate is proof that you are up-to-date, so keep it in a safe place.

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Are there really diamonds in Rolex Oyster watches?

It's hard to say exactly what a Rolex Oyster watch is, as the company uses the brand name Oyster to refer both to watches, and to bracelet-style watch bands.  Most Oyster watches use gems other than diamonds.  But the Rolex Datejust Special Edition watch with the Oyster Special Edition bracelet has diamonds coming out the wahzoo. 

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How many Nike factories are there?

To manufacture running shoes, clothing, and other sports gear, Nike uses the services of more than 700 factories in 46 countries around the world, with a labor force of more than 800,000 workers.  Nike publishes a detailed list of the factories around the world who work as company contractors; they are one of the few companies that make such information public as part of their corporate responsibility ethic. 

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What is an Emergency Dark Site?

When an emergency happens (think: H1N1 flu; BP oil spill), existing web sites can get flooded with traffic from people looking for information.  That's when an Emergency Dark Site leaps into action -- a site pre-designed to handle emergency traffic, but it sits "dark" until the actual need arises. 

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What is a Good Credit Score?

In short, a good credit score is one that is high enough to get you the loan you want at the rate you want. The actual number that is considered to be a good credit score depends on the type of loan you plan to get and the institution you are working with. In general, you can get the best rates on a mortgage if your score is above 760 and the best rates on an auto loan if your score is above 720.

Even if your FICO credit score is lower, you can still get a loan, but you may have to pay a larger down payment or higher interest rate. It's a good idea to check your credit score well before you apply for a loan so that you aren't surprised if it is lower than you thought. If you plan ahead, you can take steps to improve your credit score and get a better rate.

Are there any free newspaper archives online?

Yes indeed!  There are hundreds of free newspaper archives from all over the world, and covering news from last few weeks, the last few years and the last few centuries.  These are great resources for family history searching, or just browsing through the pages of history as it happened.

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What is a legitimate way to make money on the internet?

Can you earn $1,000 a day with 2 hours of work?  Nah!  Stay away (far, far away) from any too good to be true internet scams.  But there are dozens of legit ways to earn money online, from writing content, to posting photos, to freelancing, to (believe it or not) reviewing music.  You won't get rich quick, but you can start earning some extra cash. 

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Where can I get a totally free website and domain name?

Would you believe that Microsoft gives away free websites and domain names?  There are other free sources as well, but Microsoft has one of the best offerings available, and is certainly worth checking out.

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Can I find out someone's social security number?

Social security numbers are private, and are mostly kept that way.  But believe it or not, there are times when you can find out someone's SSN...and it may be a lot easier than you think.  It's especially easy to find a social security number for someone who has passed away with a tool called the Social Security Death Index. 

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I got a letter that said I won a foreign lottery, could this be true?

If you didn't buy a ticket you did not win! Lottery scammers think they are smart sending out letters or emails saying that you have won a large amount of money in a lottery. All they need from you is your bank account and personal information in order to deposit your substantial winnings. They are really looking to take your money. Do not send money or give out your personal information. Just the act of responding puts your name on their active list to receive more such fraudulent announcements. The best thing to do is turn the letter over to your local postmaster. If the U.S. Mail was used in the scam a complaint should be filed with the U.S. Postal Inspector.




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Where Can I Buy Sugar Free Candy?

You can buy sugar free candy online at a few locations but if you’re looking for a really nice gift idea for that special Dad this Father’s Day, don’t bypass the sugar free candy idea.  Dads like chocolate too!  And even if Dad has to limit his sugar intake these days, you can still get a really nice sugar free gift basket delivered right to his door in time for Father’s Day!

How Can I Clean My Own Teeth?

It’s pretty easy to assume that no one wants to go to the dentist – ever!  But it’s one of those things that you just can’t avoid unless you’re very, very lucky.  If you are looking for ways to clean your own teeth in between doctor visits, you may want to invest in a Dental Pick and Scaler Kit that will make it easy for you to stay on top of plaque and tartar build up that causes cavities and gum disease.  It’s easy to do and your dentist will be glad to show you how to maintain your healthy smile the right way!

Can I Resell Used Textbooks?

Absolutely! Since textbooks can often cost several hundred dollars, getting a few bucks back at the end of class is a good thing. There are a variety of places to sell your used textbooks--the campus bookstore, for instance--but online resources often will give you top dollar. You'll need it; the next semester is right around the corner.

Can you have an IRA and TSP at the same time?

Sure, as long as you're eligible for both.  A Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, is a special retirement account available to federal government employees.  An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, is available to anyone with the cash to open one (there are IRAs, Roth IRAs, and a few other varieties, but that's for another kyooenay).  TSP.gov says if you want to have both a TSP and IRA, Uncle Sam is more than happy to allow it. 

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Can you insert a pellet stove in a fireplace?

Sure can!  There are a number of pellet stove manufacturers that make pellet stove inserts for fireplaces.  For instance, there''s the Accentra from Harman Home Heating, a pellet stove fireplace insert that sits partly in the fireplace, and turns it into an efficient source of home heating. 



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How much does it cost to hire a home health aide?

A home health aide is just what it sounds like -- a professional to help out at home with someone who needs assistance caring for themselves. Home health aides typically earn about $10-12 an hour if hired directly, though wages are higher in some areas.  If you hire an aide through an agency, expect the cost to about double. 

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Can I Buy a Baby Monitor With a Camera?

The concept of a baby monitor has evolved from a hard wired transmitter/receiver system in the 1970's to the ultimate, battery operated, color video monitor system that not only provides a 7 inch color LCD screen which can be mounted under a kitchen cabinet or allowed to sit unobtrusively on an office bookshelf or workbench but, it includes a 1.8 inch hand held unit to monitor baby from poolside, back yard or while you run to the mailbox.

Who makes the EWC Whole-House Steam Humidifier?

EWC Controls, Inc. in Englishtown, NJ is the manufacturer of the EWC Ultra-Zone steam humidifier.  EWC began life making electric transformers, but now makes and markets a variety of goods, including whole-house humidifiers.  




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What company makes the Duramax diesel engine?

Duramax diesels are big truck engines made by DMAX in Moraine, Ohio.  DMAX is a joint venture (JV) between GM and Isuzu Motors.  It was shut down for a time during GM's bankrupcty restructuring, but nowadays, DMAX is back in action.

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Can you get a federal job even if you have a criminal record?

Yes you can. (In fact, some folks think there are too many crooks working in government, but that's another story).  Uncle Sam has no general prohibition against hiring ex-offenders.  Each individual's history is taken into account during the hiring process.  However, there are a few specific jobs, such as those involving firearms, where some types of criminal history will disqualify you for the job.

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How Can I Clean Glass Shower Doors Without Harsh Chemicals?

If you want to clean glass shower doors without using harsh chemical cleaners try this natural method.  Next time you slice up a lemon, save one half and put it in a plastic baggie.  When you're ready to shower, take the lemon into the shower with you.  Before you do your body wash, take the half a lemon out of the baggie and use it like a scouring pad on the glass shower doors.  Press firmly against the glass, rubbing the lemon until you don't feel the 'drag' of the soap scum any longer.  Rinse the glass and continue your shower

Is Bottled Wine Any Better Than Boxed Wine?

While you may never find your $30 vintage wine in a box, that doesn’t mean that boxed wines are any less enjoyable than the same wine stored in a bottle.  In fact, for many casual table wines, the box is frequently much more economical.  Fear not the box - it's the same joy juice that's in the bottle.  You do have to be more careful with the box as it is easy to pierce the plastic bag while assembling the spigot apparatus.  On the other hand, you just can't squeeze that glass bottle to get the last drop like you can with the box.

How much will I earn with a Bachelor's Degree?

That depends of course on whether you're flipping burgers at McDonalds, or flipping houses on the real estate market.  But on average, people 25 years old or older with a Bachelor's degree earn $1,024 a week --  $53,248 a year -- at least according to the latest wages and earnings info from the Bureau of Labor Statistics over at the US Department of Labor. 

Don't spend it all in one place now.


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How Can I Exercise Without Having the Exercise Equipment at Home?

There is exercise equipment all around you if you look carefully.

Start with your steps, they are great for aerobic workouts.Just stand at the bottom with your feet apart and step up with one foot and then the next. Step down to your starting place, one foot then the next, change the starting foot after 20 times and do 20 more. This is good for your hips and thighs.-Take a walk outdoors. This is good for your heart and your circulation. Just go around the block or to the park at a good pace and it's better than any treadmill.-Do some jumping jacks during commercials while watching tv. Excellent way to lose some weight and keep your heart pumping strong.

What does a PFC (E3) make in the National Guard?

A Private First Class in the National Guard with an E3 designation earns baseline pay of $3,957 a year -- about $3,000 of drill pay and a bit under $1,000 for training pay.  It's possible to add to those earnings from bonuses and educational stipends. 

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Where can I see the live video from the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico?

Oh, the poor Gulf of Mexico.  What an unholy mess from the collapse of BP's oil rig, the Deepwater Horizon.  This is easily the worst oil spill in history, far surpassing the Exxon Valdez.  But this being the internet age, you can watch oil gushing from a mile deep in the ocean, robot submarines attempting repairs, nuts and bolts and wrenches drifting in the deep, and even the occasional sea creature swimming by.  See it all at BP's live Deepwater video feed, or head to the main BP site for more information.

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What is the largest endangered land animal?

I'm sorry to say it, but the elephant is the largest land animal, and quite endangered. Of the two species of elephants, both endangered, there are only half a million African elephants remaining in the wild, and the population of Asian elephants living in the wild is almost near extinction.

How can I buy a used FEMA camper or trailer?

Remember all those emergency shelter trailers after Hurricane Katrina?  Miles and miles of them.  Well guess what?  A lot of them are now up for sale, pretty cheap.  So is a lot of other surplus government equipment, like campers, cars and vans, and even houses.  You can see what's available in your neighborhood, and put in a bid at government auction websites.

What are cow horns made of?

That's right, cowpokes.  Some cows have horns, just like bulls. But whether we're talking cows or bulls, all cattle horns are made from the same stuff, bone and keratin.  Bone forms the inner core of the horn.  Keratin -- the material that human hair and fingernails is made of -- forms the outer layer of the horn.

How many people work for the health insurance industry?

Luckily for us, Uncle Sam counts up stuff like this.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics (known to most, simply, as BLS) reports, in its survey of Current Employee Statistics, that health insurance companies employ 440,400 workers as of spring 2010.  And surprise, surprise!  The industry has grown quite a bit in recent years, up from 327,700 employees in 2000. 





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What is a wire crimper?

Well, d'uh.  A wire crimper is a tool for crimping wire!  But what does that mean, exactly?  A wire crimper makes a firm connection between individual strands of wire or cable.  It does this by compressing, indenting, and twisting wires around one another.  A crimper joins wires without the need for solder or heat, and is known as cold-working the wire. 




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What is the size of a standard cinder block?

You get your choice of three sizes.  Large cinder blocks are 8 inches x 8 inches x 16 inches.  Medium sized blocks are 8x4x16 and smaller still are 8x4x12.  If you measure your cinder block, it will be slightly smaller than its nominal size, since dealers leave a bit of room for the layer of mortar used to cement the blocks together. 

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Who said "Life is made of choices"?

This quote, which is getting a lot of mileage these days, was first penned in 1929 by a fellow named William Yerington, in "Emerson and Beyond: Essays Toward a Philosophy."  Yerington wrote the words in an essay he called "The New Supernaturalism", in which he takes Nietzsche to task for...something...but to tell the truth, it's a bit hard to tell exactly what.


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Is the rate of violent crime rising or falling?

Falling, I'm happy to say.  According to the FBI's report, Crime in the United States, there were 454.5 violent crimes (per 100,000 population) in 2008. This is a decrease from the recent high of 758.2 violent crimes per 100,000 that was reported in 1991. 

By the way, there were 3,212.5 property crimes (per 100,000 people) in 2008. 


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What is wheat bran used for?

Wheat bran is made from the outer shell (the husk, I'd guess you call it) of the wheat plant.  It's got a ton of dietary fiber which is good stuff to have in your diet.  Fiber aids digestion and bowel movement.  It has also been shown to help prevent certain types of diseases, especially cancer of the colon and stomach.  Wheat bran is used as a food supplement as well as a medical supplement. 



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How hot is the flame of a butane torch?

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Hot.  Blazing hot!  But not as hot as you think.

A butane torch burns at very close to 5,000 °F (4,995 °F, to be exact). While that's way hotter than your oven, it's not quite hot enough for a lot of jewelry and metal work, which is why crafty and construction-type folks tend to prefer a 6,000+ degree acetylene torch, or even a 5,000+ degree propane torch.


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Who owns GMAC?

Ownership in Corporate America used to be pretty straightforward.  No more!  General Motors Acceptance Corporations -- GMAC -- used to be owned by...ta da!...General Motors.  These days, though its owned by a diverse group.  Thanks to Uncle Sam's bailout dollars, the US Treasury owns 56% of GMAC.  Other shareholders include investment firm, Cerebus (15%), Cerebus 'co-investors' (12%), and something called GM Independent Trust (10%).



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What was the lowest the stock market has ever been?

You've heard of the Great Depression, no doubt.  That was the low point of the stock market, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The Dow hit its all-time low of $42.84 on April 1, 1932.  Since then, with a lot of fits and starts and slumps, it has still climbed pretty steadily to its current value of more than $10,000.

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What the @#$%&* is a 'shower cartridge'?

A shower cartridge is a filter, plain and simple.  It may be a filter that screws in just behind the shower head, or the cartridge may actually be integrated with the plumbing.  Shower cartridges can be designed to remove a vareity of contaminants from water, such as chlorine, or particulates. 
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Do I need a license in California to be a private mortgage lender?

Yep, sure do.  California state government requires mortgage lenders to obtain a license from the Department of Corporations. Mortgage lenders are also required by recent federal law to register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS&R).

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What is MRO procurement?

MRO procurement or purchasing is a common industry phrase for buying maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) supplies. MRO supplies are the things a company needs to keep equipment and facilities running smoothly: spare parts, lubricants, degreasers, cleaning supplies, and so on. 




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What is the chemical composition of the mineral aquamarine?

The blue/blue-green mineral known as aquamarine is one form of the common mineral called beryl.  Beryl is a combination of the elements beryllium, aluminum, silica and oxygen (BeAl2SiO6), and sometimes includes other elements such as lithium, sodium or cesium.  Aquamarine is closely related to emerald, and is a semi-precious gemstone in its own right. 



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Is it okay to delete a file with an EPG extension?

I  wouldn't recommend it, unless you're really sure the file is no longer needed.  Files with an EPG extention are created by assistive software from Dynavox which is designed to provide computer-assisted communication for the disabled.  The software is used directly by the disabled, as well as by educators, parents and caregivers.  So like I said, don't delete it, unless you're sure no one needs it any longer. 

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How many people immigrate to Canada?

More than you might think!  Canada hosts about a quarter of a million new immigrants every year.  In 2008, Canada accepted 247,243 immigrants, according to the Facts and Figures provided by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  In recent years, 2005 was a peak year for immigration to Canada, with 262,241 new arrivals. 


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Can you copyright a company name?

'Fraid not!  Company names are not subject to copyright protection,  In fact, copyright isn't really meant for any names or other short phrases, slogans, or titles.  Check with the US Copyright Office for more details.  By the way, there are other intellectual property protections for a company name or commercial products, such as trademarks or service marks. 


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How many atoms are there?

There are about 10 ^ 80 atoms in the universe (that's 10 to the 80th power...a really big number).  Of course, that's give or take a few orders of magnitude.  According to one estimate, the range varies from 10 ^ 78 to 10 ^ 82.  However many there are though, there are only 112 different kinds of atoms, one for each element of the periodic table. 

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How much does it cost to charter a plane or jet?

Better up the limit on your credit card account.  Hiring a jet plane is expensive.  A large-cabin executive jet can set you back about $8,000 an hour.  A small, fancy turbo-prop and pilot can be had for about $1,000 an hour. 

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Can it get too cold to snow?

In a nutshell, no.  Snow can fall even at extremely cold temperatures, although the quality of the snow changes as the temperature plunges.  When it gets really, really cold out -- around -40 °F or colder -- the air can be too cold to hold enough water vapor to create snow.  But under ordinary weather conditions, snow can fall no matter how low the thermometer drops.  Read a bit more about whether (weather?) it can be too cold to snow. 

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What form is used to dissolve a foreign corporation in Michigan?

In the jargon of state governments, a foreign corporation is one that registers to do business in the state, even though they physically reside in another state.  To dissolve a foreign corporation in Michigan, use Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) Form BCS/CD-561:  Application for Certificate of Withdrawal For Use by Foreign Corporations.

Who invented the psaltery?

A psaltery is more or less a generic term for a type of musical instrument that consists of strings mounted on a wooden board, and tightened by pegs.  Every major culture in history has developed a psaltery or one sort or another, and it is clearly thousands of years old.  For instance, the hammer dulcimer is a psaltery played by striking, and arose in the Middle East more than 3,000 years ago.  You can read some more about the history of the psaltery. 

How many people file for bankruptcy?

According to the US Bankruptcy Courts statistical reports, there were about 1.4 million bankruptcies in the United States in 2009, or almost 4,000 bankruptcies a day.  Almost all bankruptcy filings are handled through federal rather than state courts.