# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1001 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1002 --- ## [Help me identify this toy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-toy/738221)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2015, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-toy/738221 "2015-11-22T01:57:13Z")
I’m looking for the set number for a Playmobil Victorian horse-drawn buggy. It doesn’t seem to appear in lists of all the items from the Victorian set: The only picture online that I can find is this: In the top pi… --- ## [Scanned graph to useable graph?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanned-graph-to-useable-graph/738107)
**Author:** [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanned-graph-to-useable-graph/738107 "2015-11-21T20:06:49Z")
I don’t know if it’s even a possibility, but I want to ask people much more computer savvy than I could ever become. I cross stitch. When you buy a pattern, it’s basically page after page of graph paper with each cell c… --- ## [When was the last war fought between actual nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-war-fought-between-actual-nations/737974)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-war-fought-between-actual-nations/737974 "2015-11-21T18:16:39Z")
Was it the Falkland War? IIt seems most wars since WW2 have been one nation vs insurgents/communists/terrorists/ scary idea of the day which just happened to be in another country. --- ## [Please help me help my aphasic friend communicate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-help-my-aphasic-friend-communicate/738014)
**Author:** [@TubaDiva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TubaDiva)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-help-my-aphasic-friend-communicate/738014 "2015-11-21T15:31:06Z")
Hi there, yes, it’s been a while. Got a problem I bet someone here can help me figure out, I sure hope so. A friend of my family had a stroke a few years back that paralyzed her on one side of her body. She’s also aph… --- ## [Windows 10 Quick access setting frustrations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-quick-access-setting-frustrations/738121)
**Author:** [@Ramira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ramira)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-quick-access-setting-frustrations/738121 "2015-11-21T15:28:44Z")
Today for some reason my Windows 10 Quick Access - for no obvious reason as I changed no setting I think - has decided to no longer organize the Quick Access window by the type (Folder, files, drive), but just show all t… --- ## [Whole albums on YouTube for free, is it too good to be true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-albums-on-youtube-for-free-is-it-too-good-to-be-true/737621)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-albums-on-youtube-for-free-is-it-too-good-to-be-true/737621 "2015-11-21T13:26:31Z")
I’ve noticed lately, like over the past few years, that quite a few entire classic rock albums are available for listening on YouTube, free of charge. And when I say “classic”, I don’t mean the typical 1970s dinosaur roc… --- ## [fact checking a person's day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-a-persons-day/737667)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-a-persons-day/737667 "2015-11-21T13:19:26Z")
I am looking for studies that attempt to document how many accurate and inaccurate statements an “average” person says during an “average” day. We have all heard that 73.4% of statistics (including this one) are made up… --- ## [Why won't my radio work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-my-radio-work/738178)
**Author:** [@Larfingboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larfingboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-my-radio-work/738178 "2015-11-21T12:48:47Z")
Asking for help from all you radio boffins out there!! I have an FM/AM/LW separates tuner that has been in a cupboard for some time and now only works for about 5 minutes before ceasing to play the music. Turn it off, … --- ## [Nuclear Bombs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-bombs/738116)
**Author:** [@walker9879](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/walker9879)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-bombs/738116 "2015-11-21T06:13:48Z")
Hey, I have been researching a lot over the past few days over nuclear bombs and have been wondering about something. If a megaton hydrogen bomb was detonated two miles away at ground level, will a fish tank shatter thro… --- ## [Are medical researchers still discovering new diseases with any constancy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-medical-researchers-still-discovering-new-diseases-with-any-constancy/737951)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-medical-researchers-still-discovering-new-diseases-with-any-constancy/737951 "2015-11-21T05:24:21Z")
I know there is always ongoing research into the underlying biology of disease, as well as new treatment regimens and I’m guessing breaking diseases into subcategories due to different biological underpinnings (example: … --- ## [A few questions about using head gasket sealer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-using-head-gasket-sealer/738093)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-using-head-gasket-sealer/738093 "2015-11-21T04:43:59Z")
My son has a 2005 Honda Civic. He has procured a new job that pays well, and will require a 40-minute drive. Unfortunately, the car has blown a head gasket. We have a good friend who’s a mechanic who will fix it for u… --- ## [Why is "West" such a common surname compared to "East," "North," or "South"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-west-such-a-common-surname-compared-to-east-north-or-south/737717)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-west-such-a-common-surname-compared-to-east-north-or-south/737717 "2015-11-21T04:12:34Z")
All four English-language cardinal directions are used as surnames in the US (and, I imagine, other English-speaking countries). However, in terms of popularity, West is far more common than any of the other three: \[ul… --- ## [ISIS oil sold in Turkey. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-oil-sold-in-turkey-how/737969)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-oil-sold-in-turkey-how/737969 "2015-11-21T02:40:52Z")
I was reading yesterday an article stating that the US intended to switch strategy in Iraq/Syria, and target primarily the oil ressources of ISIS. Things like extraction and distribution systems, but also…convoys bringin… --- ## [Conspiracy Theories That Proved True?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-theories-that-proved-true/737975)
**Author:** [@theorange](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theorange)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-theories-that-proved-true/737975 "2015-11-21T01:39:23Z")
So I’m looking for conspiracy theories that actually turned out to be true. Here’s how I define conspiracy theory. It’s a theory of events that: a) before it was proven was heavily rumored among a minority who were seen… --- ## [Dyslexics untie! Spelling reform movment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyslexics-untie-spelling-reform-movment/736867)
**Author:** [@Sputnikkk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sputnikkk)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyslexics-untie-spelling-reform-movment/736867 "2015-11-21T01:34:33Z")
Dyslexics untie! Spelling reform movment What do you think of spelling reform? Should changes be made to the English language to make it easier to write and read. How far should it go? Should redundant letters be remove… --- ## [What is up with Douglas Slocombe's head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-douglas-slocombes-head/738082)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-douglas-slocombes-head/738082 "2015-11-20T22:59:33Z")
He’s 102 and will be 103 in February. He is a great cinematographer, retiring with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Here he is in 2011. What is wrong with his head? Thanks. --- ## [Closing or narrowing the eyes when eating or drinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closing-or-narrowing-the-eyes-when-eating-or-drinking/738059)
**Author:** [@the\_diego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_diego)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closing-or-narrowing-the-eyes-when-eating-or-drinking/738059 "2015-11-20T20:31:32Z")
Is there an evolutionary basis for one’s habit of closing or narrowing the eyes when putting a (tasty) morsel into one’s mouth, or when taking a swig? I know of only one parallel, which is the case of the great white sha… --- ## [Small planes, nighttime & mountains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-planes-nighttime-mountains/737517)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-planes-nighttime-mountains/737517 "2015-11-20T20:19:35Z")
Here in the Front Range, I see quite a few small planes flying at night low enough to be under the FAA ceiling for flight plans.\* Without radar or high-powered headlights, how do they handle being around mountains? See… --- ## [How can I use my Google Voice # in Android Messenger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-use-my-google-voice-in-android-messenger/738051)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-use-my-google-voice-in-android-messenger/738051 "2015-11-20T20:08:11Z")
I’ve got the Nexus 5x (which I really like) but one problem I’m having is configuring Messenger to use my GV #. In Advanced Settings there’s a setting for “Your phone number” which I have set to my GV# but when people g… --- ## [How does MP4, etc handle static content?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-mp4-etc-handle-static-content/737670)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-mp4-etc-handle-static-content/737670 "2015-11-20T19:56:24Z")
I’ve watched a few tournaments for games like Starcraft or Hearthstone, and I’ve noticed that some include “anti-spoilers” at the end of the video - extending the length of the video to hide how long the games took to pl… --- ## [Could the placenta continue to function?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-placenta-continue-to-function/736909)
**Author:** [@Nullpersona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nullpersona)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-placenta-continue-to-function/736909 "2015-11-20T19:39:04Z")
Could a placenta continue to function in a proper environment, if not amputated from the infant? --- ## [Some questions about big jet engines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-questions-about-big-jet-engines/737877)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-questions-about-big-jet-engines/737877 "2015-11-20T18:10:48Z")
I am very familiar with the innards of automotive/truck turbochargers, and I’m wondering how they differ from the turbofans on big commercial aircraft in a couple of details. On a turbocharger, the castings for the comp… --- ## [Different type of Spam Attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-type-of-spam-attack/738020)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-type-of-spam-attack/738020 "2015-11-20T17:28:31Z")
I didn’t see this in the tech section and while it may not be appropriate for GQ, I was wondering if Dopers ever came across this scenario. I get an email from my bank late in the evening saying that someone has accepte… --- ## [Budgies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/budgies/737732)
**Author:** [@1liesalot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/1liesalot)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/budgies/737732 "2015-11-20T17:23:22Z")
Is it true that a budgie’s intestinal tract is long enough to wrap around the globe? --- ## [Windows Live Mail Message Rules Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-live-mail-message-rules-problem/738086)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-live-mail-message-rules-problem/738086 "2015-11-20T17:05:39Z")
I’m setting up my mail on a new work desktop and I use a lot of message rules but when I try to specify the folder I want to move messages to automatically based on the rule, it doesn’t show on the list of available fold… --- ## [Flag identifier App](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-identifier-app/692488)
**Author:** [@Bookkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bookkeeper)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flag-identifier-app/692488 "2015-11-20T16:54:17Z")
Does anyone know of an iPad app which allows you to find and identify flags - something like what this website does? --- ## [Why isnt steel cast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-steel-cast/737911)
**Author:** [@darthtony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/darthtony)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-steel-cast/737911 "2015-11-20T15:59:03Z")
I am researching knifemaking/steel types and have come upon a question i havent seen answered sufficiently. Why isnt steel in knifes, structural beams etc cast? I am aware of the drawbacks of cast iron, but why is only c… --- ## [Are my ears bad or are air traffic conversations unintelligible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-my-ears-bad-or-are-air-traffic-conversations-unintelligible/737765)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-my-ears-bad-or-are-air-traffic-conversations-unintelligible/737765 "2015-11-20T15:43:48Z")
Listening to air traffic controller videos on YouTube, the talk is garbled and muffled most of the time. How do pilots and ATCs comprehend? Do they just have great ears? --- ## [Halogen bulb cost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halogen-bulb-cost/737707)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halogen-bulb-cost/737707 "2015-11-20T15:00:25Z")
The new halogen replacement bulbs I use (since the old regular ones are banned) cost roughly three-four times what the old ones did, wiping out any savings from the energy saved over the life of the bulb. Are they reall… --- ## [Ideal temperature setting for hot water heater](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-temperature-setting-for-hot-water-heater/409925)
**Author:** [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2007, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-temperature-setting-for-hot-water-heater/409925 "2007-06-30T10:52:08Z")
Assume that my water is used only for showering (i.e disregard dishwashers and washing machines). Assume that my gas water heater is very very well insulated (it is!). Question: is it more efficient for me to heat the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1000) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1002)