# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1007 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1008 --- ## [How do I buy Bitcoins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-buy-bitcoins/737294)
**Author:** [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-buy-bitcoins/737294 "2015-11-11T16:57:47Z")
I am trying to make a purchase from a website that accepts only Visa, Money Orders and Bitcoins. I have purchased from this site in the past using a MasterCard, which they no longer accept. No, I am NOT trying to purcha… --- ## [Laptop Issues with Sleep Options](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-issues-with-sleep-options/737220)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-issues-with-sleep-options/737220 "2015-11-11T16:50:23Z")
When my previous laptop gave up the ghost, I purchased a new Toshiba Satellite computer, with Windows 8.1 on it. Before I did much of anything else, I upgraded to Windows 10. Then I set out to set the “sleep options.” … --- ## [Do they call Superior "Gitchee-gummi"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-call-superior-gitchee-gummi/737224)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-call-superior-gitchee-gummi/737224 "2015-11-11T16:36:42Z")
I thought Longfellow just made it up. --- ## [What is the future of Miami ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-future-of-miami/737169)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-future-of-miami/737169 "2015-11-11T16:30:19Z")
The Miami Herald tells me there has been a building boom, but I thought the place was doomed to sink into the rising seas. What’s the story with Miami ? --- ## [World Thrift/Saving Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-thrift-saving-day/737119)
**Author:** [@Doughbag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doughbag)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-thrift-saving-day/737119 "2015-11-11T13:44:11Z")
Is the World Savings Day or World Thrift Day still a big deal or was it ever a big deal around the world? If there are also examples on what happens in various nations, like getting small presents/goodies (comic/toy/pig… --- ## [Twins! What are the odds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-what-are-the-odds/737114)
**Author:** [@Backwater\_Under\_Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Backwater_Under_Duck)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-what-are-the-odds/737114 "2015-11-11T09:04:00Z")
So, the littlest duckling has told us that she’s in the duckling way. It’s cool. She’s been married for a year as of this weekend, and she’s very healthy, and everybody’s thrilled about the whole thing. But here’s the de… --- ## [Why don't I have Hangouts in my Gmail web client?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-have-hangouts-in-my-gmail-web-client/736653)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-have-hangouts-in-my-gmail-web-client/736653 "2015-11-11T07:47:09Z")
Hi folks, I use Gmail as my personal email, and most of the time I access it via the web client at Gmail.com. I’ve seen other people using it, and they get a Hangouts “panel” (for want of a better word) in the bottom l… --- ## [iPhoto 8.1.2 not working in Mountain Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphoto-8-1-2-not-working-in-mountain-lion/736223)
**Author:** [@Ferris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferris)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphoto-8-1-2-not-working-in-mountain-lion/736223 "2015-11-11T07:05:39Z")
Not so long ago, I took my MacBook into an authorised Apple repair shop and asked them to do an upgrade from Snow leopard 10.6.8 to Mountain Lion OS X 10.8.5. Got a full system backup prior, and they did a full ‘clean’ … --- ## [Will a 30 second exposure on a digital camera capture the milky way? Need answer fast!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-30-second-exposure-on-a-digital-camera-capture-the-milky-way-need-answer-fast/737183)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-30-second-exposure-on-a-digital-camera-capture-the-milky-way-need-answer-fast/737183 "2015-11-11T03:25:05Z")
I just found out I have an unexpected opportunity to be under very dark skies tonight. I’ve found a cheapish digital camera that I can set the exposure up to 30 seconds that I would buy if it will work. Will that be en… --- ## [Are there any long term effects from tear gas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-long-term-effects-from-tear-gas/736721)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-long-term-effects-from-tear-gas/736721 "2015-11-11T02:28:44Z")
I am handling in a case in which a gentleman exposed to tear gas later developed lung nodules. He alleges that the nodules were caused by (brief) tear gas exposure at work (the sort of exposure they do army/law enforceme… --- ## [What the heck does "I'm ready's brother" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-does-im-readys-brother-mean/737162)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-does-im-readys-brother-mean/737162 "2015-11-11T01:27:25Z")
I know it means that you are “ready” to do something, but what does the “brother” part mean? --- ## [Triangle Bayonets and Wounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triangle-bayonets-and-wounds/533020)
**Author:** [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triangle-bayonets-and-wounds/533020 "2015-11-10T23:57:03Z")
I keep hearing from some people that triangle bayonets were designed that way in order to maximize the amount of damage it would do to human flesh. Supposedly, it would cause a jagged wound that was difficult to sew up.… --- ## [Google Maps is driving me nuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-is-driving-me-nuts/737007)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-is-driving-me-nuts/737007 "2015-11-10T23:33:50Z")
I have been trying to find Tollhouse St in San Francisco, and all it is doing is giving me Tollhouse cookies, toll house restaurants and the town of Tollhouse near Fresno, and all sorts of other Tollhouse stuff everywher… --- ## [Evidence of end of days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-of-end-of-days/737204)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-of-end-of-days/737204 "2015-11-10T23:12:24Z")
Someone asked me online yesterday if I thought that we were entering the Biblical “end of days”, and quoted a couple of mostly irrelevant Biblical passages. I have a vague idea that the god of the Bible said that it woul… --- ## [Reward for reporting trademark infringement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reward-for-reporting-trademark-infringement/737197)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reward-for-reporting-trademark-infringement/737197 "2015-11-10T22:48:37Z")
In the USA, if you report trademark infringement, is there a reward? --- ## [Is there a predisposition in some people towards addiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-predisposition-in-some-people-towards-addiction/737213)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-predisposition-in-some-people-towards-addiction/737213 "2015-11-10T20:27:11Z")
My google-fu has failed me, so I will throw this out to the group. You often hear people say that ‘alcoholism runs in my family’, or that ‘people in my family become addicted to pain meds after using them for only a lit… --- ## [What % of english speakers know the definition of a particular word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-english-speakers-know-the-definition-of-a-particular-word/730192)
**Author:** [@nolonger\_lurking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nolonger_lurking)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-english-speakers-know-the-definition-of-a-particular-word/730192 "2015-11-10T18:35:07Z")
My wife and I were discussing at breakfast the words hansom and calumny. I think that calumny is more well known, but she disagrees. We’ve had this discussion over various sets of words, but I don’t know a way to settle … --- ## [What would the mass of the "Orbital Billboard" have been?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-mass-of-the-orbital-billboard-have-been/736989)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-mass-of-the-orbital-billboard-have-been/736989 "2015-11-10T18:31:21Z")
About twenty years ago, a company called Space Marketing, Inc. had a plan for “space billboard” satellites—basically, a mile-long mylar banner that would be unfurled in Low Earth Orbit. Printed with a distinctive logo li… --- ## [Question about Ava Anderson Products and their Claims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ava-anderson-products-and-their-claims/667596)
**Author:** [@Jman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jman)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-ava-anderson-products-and-their-claims/667596 "2015-11-10T17:23:38Z")
So, I’m not sure how many of you have experienced a relatively steady diet of Ava Anderson proselytizing in your Facebook feed, but I now have three of my friends who are now reps for AA and post about how great the prod… --- ## [Holland & tulip season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holland-tulip-season/737146)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holland-tulip-season/737146 "2015-11-10T16:05:27Z")
Planning a trip to Holland for next spring. Last time we were there was way back in the 80’s, and it was on a tour so everything was planned for us. Anyway, my wife is concerned about seeing the tulips. Places like Keuk… --- ## [Prime number generator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-generator/736573)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-generator/736573 "2015-11-10T15:37:43Z")
Two relevant facts about primes: Except for 2 and 3, all primes are of the form 6x-1 or 6x+1. Except for 2 and 3, all squares of primes are of the form 12x+1. (a fact I learned on these boards…yet cannot find anywhere … --- ## [iPhone 5S, switch to international use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-5s-switch-to-international-use/737142)
**Author:** [@Mithril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithril)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-5s-switch-to-international-use/737142 "2015-11-10T15:17:12Z")
Hello, My (US) company just replaced my old Verizon iPhone 5S with a new phone. I have permission to let a friend who lives in Colombia have the old phone, but I don’t know if I can make it work. I read that Verizon C… --- ## [Infinite roulette play never turning a profit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infinite-roulette-play-never-turning-a-profit/736886)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infinite-roulette-play-never-turning-a-profit/736886 "2015-11-10T15:14:33Z")
You’re stuck in the “Purgatory Casino” until you make a profit. You start with $1Quadrillion and you can only flat bet $2 a spin on “red” or “black” It’s a fair 37 slot wheel with a 0, if it lands in the 0 you get $1 bac… --- ## [Would it be possible to build a flashbang gun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-possible-to-build-a-flashbang-gun/737089)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-possible-to-build-a-flashbang-gun/737089 "2015-11-10T08:58:14Z")
Don’t need answer fast : ) Let’s say a SWAT unit wanted to be able to direct the effects of a flashbang grenade so that the effects of the flash and/or the bang of a flashbang grenade were produced by a directional devi… --- ## [Could the human brain control, say, 20 tentacles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-human-brain-control-say-20-tentacles/737143)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-human-brain-control-say-20-tentacles/737143 "2015-11-10T07:30:14Z")
How much brain plasticity is there in our control of limbs and digits? If say, we replaced a baby’s arms and fingers with 20 robotic tentacles and raised him from birth to use them, would he be able to? What about peopl… --- ## [What happens to blood pressure during a heart attack or a stroke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-blood-pressure-during-a-heart-attack-or-a-stroke/628033)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-blood-pressure-during-a-heart-attack-or-a-stroke/628033 "2015-11-10T04:58:21Z")
Does it fall? Rise to high levels? Stay normal? All of the above? Need answer fastish. --- ## [Denying a manufacturer warranty because "red dot" = water damage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denying-a-manufacturer-warranty-because-red-dot-water-damage/737110)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/denying-a-manufacturer-warranty-because-red-dot-water-damage/737110 "2015-11-10T04:27:31Z")
I think it has been adequately proven that the red dot that indicate water damage can change because because of things completely unrelated to water damage such as a humid environment. Is it legal for a manufacturer to … --- ## [The (non)validity of Henry VIII's marriages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-non-validity-of-henry-viiis-marriages/737066)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-non-validity-of-henry-viiis-marriages/737066 "2015-11-10T03:36:56Z")
I’d known the popular story of Henry VIII many marriages, and the TV program The Tudors has popularized it in my mind, and I’ve browsed Wikipedia. I recognize that isn’t really scholarship, but I just want some clarity … --- ## [I need a Phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-phrase/737109)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-a-phrase/737109 "2015-11-10T03:03:37Z")
A commonly used phrase when talking about the universe, on the tip of my tonque but I just can’t think of it. Organized chaos? Something like that? --- ## [Any definitions of 'patent troll' that can't be applied to ARM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-definitions-of-patent-troll-that-cant-be-applied-to-arm/736610)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2015, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-definitions-of-patent-troll-that-cant-be-applied-to-arm/736610 "2015-11-10T01:12:24Z")
Are there any definitions for ‘non-practicing entity’ or ‘patent troll’ that doesn’t also apply to ARM Holdings plc, (designers of the ARM processors used in many mobile computing devices)? They develop the instruction … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1006) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1008)