# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1004 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1005 --- ## [Bug Problem-Backpacking Through Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-problem-backpacking-through-europe/737711)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bug-problem-backpacking-through-europe/737711 "2015-11-16T23:19:34Z")
My son has been backpacking through Europe, staying mostly in hostels. Been London, various cities in Germany, Prague, Copenhagen and now Italy. Suddenly he’s got bug bites on his arm which is threatening his access to… --- ## [What did President Ford give President Nixon a pardon \*for\*?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-president-ford-give-president-nixon-a-pardon-for/737416)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-president-ford-give-president-nixon-a-pardon-for/737416 "2015-11-16T22:30:01Z")
At the outset, let me say I post this because there is talk–as there has been for a long time–about The Future of Hillary. And now I’ve seen an end-game scenario, “Even if H is convicted of , President Obama will pardon … --- ## [Rearview mirrors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rearview-mirrors/737638)
**Author:** [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rearview-mirrors/737638 "2015-11-16T19:34:00Z")
I’ve been wondering a lot recently why car side mirrors do not have a night setting, as the inside rearview mirror does. As bright as headlights are getting, it would help a lot. I frequently find that I could read in th… --- ## [How in the world do you compare insurance plans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-in-the-world-do-you-compare-insurance-plans/735305)
**Author:** [@Grsz11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grsz11)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-in-the-world-do-you-compare-insurance-plans/735305 "2015-11-16T19:26:31Z")
Significant changes to our current health insurance have us considering changing, but we have over a dozen possible options. Finding it hard to compare when coverage is calculated different. For example, how does a $40 c… --- ## [Using the parking brake when towing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-parking-brake-when-towing/737510)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-parking-brake-when-towing/737510 "2015-11-16T18:21:13Z")
But while you’re parked, of course. :smiley: Anyway. . . I have a \*friend who insists on engaging the parking brake when parking a tow. So far as I know he doesn’t engage it in most other circumstances, other than in a… --- ## [Is it more common to graduate college at 23 than it is to graduate high school at 19?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-more-common-to-graduate-college-at-23-than-it-is-to-graduate-high-school-at-19/737672)
**Author:** [@brahmsacademic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brahmsacademic)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-more-common-to-graduate-college-at-23-than-it-is-to-graduate-high-school-at-19/737672 "2015-11-16T18:06:26Z")
I’m wondering because I’ll be 23 when I graduate college. In high school, it was extremely rare to turn 19 before graduation. I know I would have felt really bad if I had. Is it different with college? --- ## [Evolution: A theory or Law ?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-a-theory-or-law/737630)
**Author:** [@afridi119](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/afridi119)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-a-theory-or-law/737630 "2015-11-16T16:52:03Z")
Dear Cecil, Is evolution a scientific theory or law? What name Scientists give it? In our textbook, it’s termed as theory not law. Is theory an unalterable, absolute scientific statement? Can biologists prepare DNA… --- ## [What does "a state of emergency" in France entail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-state-of-emergency-in-france-entail/737690)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-state-of-emergency-in-france-entail/737690 "2015-11-16T16:50:39Z")
See subject. Hollande has proposed extending it to three months (anything longer than its current state–the length of which I also don’t know–must be put to Parliament. Spooky stuff, because you always hear how despots–N… --- ## [How much does bottling cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-bottling-cost/737350)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-bottling-cost/737350 "2015-11-16T16:20:00Z")
How much does a pop or beer bottle cost the bottling plant, and how much does it cost to transport it to the local store? Are aluminum cans noticeably cheaper. Mexican Coke is about twice the price of the regular stuff, … --- ## [Measuring "Horizontal Illuminance"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-horizontal-illuminance/737625)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-horizontal-illuminance/737625 "2015-11-16T16:18:07Z")
Suppose I have a light meter. And suppose I want to argue with the city that the streets in my city aren’t properly lit at night. I can find recommended valued for street lighting in lux and foot-candles. But I guess the… --- ## [Laundry stinks if not dried fast enough, fix?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-stinks-if-not-dried-fast-enough-fix/737484)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-stinks-if-not-dried-fast-enough-fix/737484 "2015-11-16T14:28:47Z")
Confounding issues: No clothes drier but its not really needed due to climate, and the water used in the machine is unchlorinated. The water itself is safe to drink and smells and tastes fine, fill a glass let it sit fo… --- ## [LED vs Sodium Streetlighting- is a reduction of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-vs-sodium-streetlighting-is-a-reduction-of/737626)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-vs-sodium-streetlighting-is-a-reduction-of/737626 "2015-11-16T14:21:25Z")
Decided to start a second thread because I’m asking a slightly different question. The city next to me is experimenting with reducing actual light levels with new LED fixtures Their allegation is “the streets don’t nee… --- ## [Whats this weird roach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-weird-roach/737536)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-weird-roach/737536 "2015-11-16T07:37:28Z")
I catch one of these buggers every few years, obviously when they are near death. This one was in the kitchen sink. Larger than a regular um roach? It has tan coloring on its body and wings, but a square of black near t… --- ## [What would be the safest flight speed for a "super" person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-safest-flight-speed-for-a-super-person/737655)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-safest-flight-speed-for-a-super-person/737655 "2015-11-16T06:41:50Z")
If I just suddenly gained the power to fly but no other gifts, what would be my top safest airspeed with proper warm clothing? Assume my potential is unlimited. --- ## [Light Meter Help Needed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-meter-help-needed/737613)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-meter-help-needed/737613 "2015-11-16T05:43:53Z")
Through no fault of my own, I have acquired a Sper Scientific Model 840021 Light Meter last calibrated in 1994 by Technician JS according to the label on the back of the unit. I just installed a fresh 9V battery. I have… --- ## [How do I find the dead cat in my house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-the-dead-cat-in-my-house/736561)
**Author:** [@Squallous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squallous)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-the-dead-cat-in-my-house/736561 "2015-11-16T03:03:41Z")
Serious question. We had an old, indoor cat. She was nearing her end and, as cats are wont to do, we’re pretty sure she set out last night to find it. In the basement. The partially unfinished basement. With access … --- ## [Death in the home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-home/737586)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-in-the-home/737586 "2015-11-16T02:57:05Z")
Let me start off by saying the events happened 5 years ago. I’m NOT asking for any sympathy or condolences. My brother passed after a long fight with cancer in his home. They had rented him a hospital bed and he left pe… --- ## [Please Help Me With My Wireless Router (And Explain It Like I'm Five Years Old)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-with-my-wireless-router-and-explain-it-like-im-five-years-old/737640)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-with-my-wireless-router-and-explain-it-like-im-five-years-old/737640 "2015-11-16T02:00:32Z")
I’m trying to (re-) download a World of Warcraft game client, and I’m getting excruciatingly slow speeds. As in, \< 50 kb/s I read that plugging your ethernet cable directly into your computer improves your speed, but I … --- ## [How much do Doormen make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-doormen-make/737633)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-doormen-make/737633 "2015-11-16T01:46:05Z")
In the thread I have seven doormen. How many of them should I tip? someone is asking how much to tip them (well duh). So how much do doormen make now? I understood at various points in time it was a great job for the mo… --- ## [Who is the command/boss/headman of ISIL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-command-boss-headman-of-isil/737660)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-command-boss-headman-of-isil/737660 "2015-11-16T01:38:42Z")
Who runs the show, & what is their command structure like? --- ## [Identify a spider (in the UK)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-a-spider-in-the-uk/737645)
**Author:** [@Asympotically\_fat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asympotically_fat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-a-spider-in-the-uk/737645 "2015-11-15T23:34:07Z")
I’m used to house spiders/giant house spiders and daddy-longlegs spiders taking up residency in the house and I’ll also occasionally see the smaller hard-to-spot spiders like money and zebra spiders, but in my bedroom to… --- ## [Why are so many Michigan house numbers 5 digits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-michigan-house-numbers-5-digits/737511)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-michigan-house-numbers-5-digits/737511 "2015-11-15T18:51:21Z")
That “98 1/2 Street” thread made me think of this. I have a business where I ship things nationwide, and had noticed that even before I started doing that. You usually don’t see 5-digit house numbers unless it’s a hous… --- ## [Unable to login to Windows 7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-login-to-windows-7/737358)
**Author:** [@bytheway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bytheway)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unable-to-login-to-windows-7/737358 "2015-11-15T18:36:18Z")
On my son’s Asus X401A computer running Windows 7, he is suddenly unable to login. From the usual login screen, when he selects a user icon it just immediately refreshes the screen with no apparent error message. When he… --- ## [E-mails within e-mails!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-mails-within-e-mails/737635)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-mails-within-e-mails/737635 "2015-11-15T17:27:52Z")
How do I get to these on a smartphone? Until I got this phone I never heard of e-mails in “tandem,” so to speak, before! How does this happen? --- ## [That/Which Rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-which-rule/737477)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-which-rule/737477 "2015-11-15T14:22:38Z")
Can someone give me an easy way to determine whether I should use “that” or “which” in a sentence? In my new job (!!) I find myself explaining things a lot via my writing, and as a habit I always cntrl +F and find all m… --- ## [Various causes of death--enumerating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/various-causes-of-death-enumerating/737514)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/various-causes-of-death-enumerating/737514 "2015-11-15T13:58:15Z")
I saw a meme on Facebook in which various diseases and their annual death tolls such as Ebola were listed, leading up to the number of people killed by policemen–1100, which was far higher than any of the others on the l… --- ## [self driving cars and speed limits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-driving-cars-and-speed-limits/721179)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-driving-cars-and-speed-limits/721179 "2015-11-15T13:32:26Z")
A 5 minute google search indicates that self driving cars will exceed the speed limit. As long as they are within 10mph of the speed limit I don’t really see a problem with this. But what happens when a cop decides 9mph… --- ## [Supposably - have mispronounced words become standard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposably-have-mispronounced-words-become-standard/712875)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 325\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supposably-have-mispronounced-words-become-standard/712875 "2015-11-15T12:25:04Z")
I occasionally hear someone say “supposably” as a mispronunciation of “supposedly” and I’m wondering of there are examples of where this sort of mispronunciation has actually become the standard. My guess would be that … --- ## [The earth can just open up and swallow you?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-can-just-open-up-and-swallow-you/737085)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-can-just-open-up-and-swallow-you/737085 "2015-11-15T04:59:10Z")
So, apparently a “600 foot long and 50 feet wide” sinkhole just opened up in Mississippi. It obviously didn’t take long to form - minutes? Seconds? How is this possible? I can see a big crack forming in the earth. T… --- ## [First grade math question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-grade-math-question/737290)
**Author:** [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2015, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-grade-math-question/737290 "2015-11-15T01:40:42Z")
Looking for opinions on what the correct answer is for this question on a first grade math test. I’ll post what the answer key says is the correct answer and what I think the correct answer (or at least the most correct … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1003) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1005)