# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=101 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 102 --- ## [Question on the red-orange glow at the Battle of Somme in 1916. Is it nitrous oxide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-red-orange-glow-at-the-battle-of-somme-in-1916-is-it-nitrous-oxide/997715)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2024, 9:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-red-orange-glow-at-the-battle-of-somme-in-1916-is-it-nitrous-oxide/997715 "2024-02-18T09:37:03Z")
Is the ‘red-orange’ glow that I’ve occasionally come across in my reading on the Battle of Somme in 1916 nitrous oxide? Was it related to chemical warfare? --- ## [Am I using my watt meter correctly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-using-my-watt-meter-correctly/997671)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2024, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-using-my-watt-meter-correctly/997671 "2024-02-18T01:06:00Z")
Sorry this is extremely basic, but one wrong assumption will have me drawing incorrect conclusions and I know approximately zip about this sort of thing. My electric bill is too high, so I’m going around with a very anc… --- ## [Explorers crossing (e.g.) the Atlantic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explorers-crossing-e-g-the-atlantic/997672)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explorers-crossing-e-g-the-atlantic/997672 "2024-02-17T22:48:47Z")
Let’s go back to the days of Columbus (and before). When explorers set sail from Europe looking for the “New World” - did they assume they would find land - just keep sailing and hoping provisions didn’t run out (and eve… --- ## [California gold rush](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-gold-rush/997247)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-gold-rush/997247 "2024-02-17T19:49:56Z")
Stories abound of how items like eggs sold for $8 an egg (about three months wages for an average American at the time) during the California gold rush. Certainly fortunes were made during the California gold rush but ho… --- ## [Are The First Year(s) Of Medical Or Law School The Same For Every Student?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-first-year-s-of-medical-or-law-school-the-same-for-every-student/996517)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-first-year-s-of-medical-or-law-school-the-same-for-every-student/996517 "2024-02-17T18:43:40Z")
Like, if a first-year medical student’s schedule at This University Medical School has 8:00 Gross Anatomy, 9:00 Pharmacology… and so on, would her peers at the same school all have the exact same schedule? Would it be th… --- ## [Examples of Failed Rebellions Given Official Public Support/Recognition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-failed-rebellions-given-official-public-support-recognition/997571)
**Author:** [@Little\_Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Room)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-failed-rebellions-given-official-public-support-recognition/997571 "2024-02-17T18:28:49Z")
I live in a place where we have some Confederate monuments scattered about. I know the historical context of almost all of these; they were placed some decades after the end of the war in concert with the development of … --- ## [Can vulcanic caves have stalagmites and stalagtites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-vulcanic-caves-have-stalagmites-and-stalagtites/997621)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-vulcanic-caves-have-stalagmites-and-stalagtites/997621 "2024-02-17T18:14:26Z")
Imagine a cave in a vulcano, half way up the summit. Stalagmites and stalagtites form mostly from calcium carbonate, so I wonder whether lava has the ingredients to be dissolved by water to combine with atmospheric CO2 t… --- ## [If I drop a bucket of water from a height, what (if anything) happens to the air pressure on the water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-drop-a-bucket-of-water-from-a-height-what-if-anything-happens-to-the-air-pressure-on-the-water/997259)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-drop-a-bucket-of-water-from-a-height-what-if-anything-happens-to-the-air-pressure-on-the-water/997259 "2024-02-17T14:16:51Z")
My initial thought would be that without the column of air pushing on the surface, it would decrease until it reached some new equilibrium with the terminal velocity of the water bucket. And that feels to be like it migh… --- ## [3-4-5 triangles and pi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-4-5-triangles-and-pi/997452)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3-4-5-triangles-and-pi/997452 "2024-02-17T13:04:13Z")
Just saw this little video… 3-4-5 Triangles and Pi (youtube.com) and attempted the same math to another Pythagorean Triangle…5-12-13…and, came up with 2 pi as the area of the inscribed circle. Is it safe to say all Py… --- ## [Can't unscreen calls: Pixel 6, Xfinity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-unscreen-calls-pixel-6-xfinity/997166)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2024, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-unscreen-calls-pixel-6-xfinity/997166 "2024-02-17T04:54:28Z")
Today I finally got fed up with intrusive ads on my phone. So I went through alll my apps and deleted the ones I don’t use, and any recently installed sketchy apps. Also of importance here, it bugged me that my lobby ph… --- ## [Dedicated Lighting Circuits (US, residential; could be pertinent to other places)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dedicated-lighting-circuits-us-residential-could-be-pertinent-to-other-places/997523)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dedicated-lighting-circuits-us-residential-could-be-pertinent-to-other-places/997523 "2024-02-16T21:05:49Z")
So I read recently the US code is going to allow 10A circuits with 16g wire for dedicated lighting. With the lower consumption of LEDs I can see how this would make sense. Though, it would likely (IMO) mean either more u… --- ## [How small could humans be and develop a similar civilization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-small-could-humans-be-and-develop-a-similar-civilization/997490)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2024, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-small-could-humans-be-and-develop-a-similar-civilization/997490 "2024-02-16T06:30:57Z")
How small could humans have been before it would really hamper development? An average of 4 feet tall? 2 feet? 1 foot? The two things that struck me were: Use of fire. This is pretty instrumental to staying warm (ali… --- ## [Simple mathematical formula. Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-mathematical-formula-help/997585)
**Author:** [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2024, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-mathematical-formula-help/997585 "2024-02-16T00:25:42Z")
I don’t remember grammar school math. Here is the problem. Please show your work so I can remember. I need to withdraw money and net $15K. I need to withdraw enough to cover 20% of that $15k in taxes. How much do I … --- ## [Episodes in US history where settlers overcame terrible odds/adversity to start new lives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/episodes-in-us-history-where-settlers-overcame-terrible-odds-adversity-to-start-new-lives/997407)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/episodes-in-us-history-where-settlers-overcame-terrible-odds-adversity-to-start-new-lives/997407 "2024-02-15T23:56:24Z")
I’m looking for specific episodes in US history (1600s to 1900s) that saw settlers either endure extreme hardship or willingly venture into hostile lands in search of new lives despite extreme hardship. In other words, s… --- ## [What Are Some Artifacts, Artworks, Treasures, etc. That Are Probably Somewhere, But No One Knows Where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-artifacts-artworks-treasures-etc-that-are-probably-somewhere-but-no-one-knows-where/992825)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-artifacts-artworks-treasures-etc-that-are-probably-somewhere-but-no-one-knows-where/992825 "2024-02-15T22:36:41Z")
I’m asking about Things of Great Importance - be they art, historical artifacts, treasures, etc. - that are “lost.” Here “lost” means that the Thing probably still exists and is somewhere, but nobody knows where. “Lost” … --- ## [Movie reviews and false advertising](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-reviews-and-false-advertising/997542)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movie-reviews-and-false-advertising/997542 "2024-02-15T20:04:44Z")
I didn’t know where to put this question so I put it here as it may have a factual answer. As we know, movie studios publish positive reviews of their films in advertisements. Back in the day Siskel and Ebert were the g… --- ## [Walmart email about adding a credit card to wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-email-about-adding-a-credit-card-to-wallet/997572)
**Author:** [@Marine\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marine_One)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walmart-email-about-adding-a-credit-card-to-wallet/997572 "2024-02-15T18:21:40Z")
On Feb. 13, I got an email from Walmart saying: Hi, Marine\_One Thank you for adding a credit card to your wallet. I replied asking what is this? Their reply was: “Please note this is an automatic reply from an unmon… --- ## [My credit score went up 80 points after getting a credit card. Normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-credit-score-went-up-80-points-after-getting-a-credit-card-normal/997500)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-credit-score-went-up-80-points-after-getting-a-credit-card-normal/997500 "2024-02-15T07:17:42Z")
I ran into some financial issues 2015-2016. Had a bunch of late payments on credit cards,car loan etc. My credit went from the mid 700’s at the time into the tank. All that stuff got paid off in late 2016 (except fo… --- ## [Looking for any mention of any field hospital/ casualty clearing station/lazarette where wounded African- American soldiers were sent for treatment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-any-mention-of-any-field-hospital-casualty-clearing-station-lazarette-where-wounded-african-american-soldiers-were-sent-for-treatment/997502)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-any-mention-of-any-field-hospital-casualty-clearing-station-lazarette-where-wounded-african-american-soldiers-were-sent-for-treatment/997502 "2024-02-15T02:10:55Z")
I’m looking for any mention of any French or Belgian-run field hospital/ casualty clearing station/lazarette where wounded African-American soldiers were sent for treatment in WWI. I couldn’t find any online. --- ## [How far inland can a dune arise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-inland-can-a-dune-arise/997092)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2024, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-inland-can-a-dune-arise/997092 "2024-02-15T00:32:26Z")
I am now giving the novel that I wrote last year a 5th revision before I offer it to further publishers. I would like to fact-check a little detail I put in one chapter. Specifically, I describe a location in the novel a… --- ## [Is forcibly taking the keys from a drunk driver a crime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-forcibly-taking-the-keys-from-a-drunk-driver-a-crime/750203)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2024, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-forcibly-taking-the-keys-from-a-drunk-driver-a-crime/750203 "2024-02-14T22:22:27Z")
Lets say you are in traffic and you are behind a car that is engaging in reckless driving. Weaving in and out of lanes, almost causing multiple accidents, etc. If you both stop at a stop light and you get out of your ca… --- ## [Halon Fire Extinguishers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halon-fire-extinguishers/997475)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halon-fire-extinguishers/997475 "2024-02-14T16:10:47Z")
The resurrected fire extinguisher thread reminded me that I have two Halon extinguishers bought at a home show over 20 years ago. They’ve never been used and still show pressure in the green arc on the gauge. I’m assumi… --- ## [Winter Flight Cancellations and Getting All Those People Where They're Going](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-flight-cancellations-and-getting-all-those-people-where-theyre-going/976878)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/winter-flight-cancellations-and-getting-all-those-people-where-theyre-going/976878 "2024-02-14T14:03:57Z")
Today because of snow, somewhere around 200 flights were cancelled out of Seattle’s airport… I’m wondering - how do all those people get where they’re going? Just to get a general gist of things, let’s pretend they were… --- ## [Do you have to call 911 if you injure an intruder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-call-911-if-you-injure-an-intruder/995132)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2024, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-to-call-911-if-you-injure-an-intruder/995132 "2024-02-14T08:54:50Z")
Legal not moral question and assuming YMMV depending on state. Inspired by a 911 call after a guy shot some intruders. Let’s say some guy breaks into my house and I shoot them or smash them in the head with a baseball … --- ## [Lighthouses on Lawns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighthouses-on-lawns/997388)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighthouses-on-lawns/997388 "2024-02-13T16:51:56Z")
Since I have returned to the United States, and since I have moved to Pennsylvania, I have noticed a lot of people have lighthouses on their front yards. Maybe they have always been there. Maybe the practice is widesprea… --- ## [What is up with the bizarrely mild winter weather in the Eastern/Midwestern US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-the-bizarrely-mild-winter-weather-in-the-eastern-midwestern-us/386356)
**Author:** [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-the-bizarrely-mild-winter-weather-in-the-eastern-midwestern-us/386356 "2024-02-12T16:21:10Z")
Partially inspired by this thread (which is similar, but not quite the same – the GQ there was whether the snow in the west was somehow causing the weather in the east, and the answer appears to be fairly definitively “n… --- ## [Yo, Cardiologists: Help a Nurse Understand Left Ventricle Enlargement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yo-cardiologists-help-a-nurse-understand-left-ventricle-enlargement/997312)
**Author:** [@Malienation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malienation)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2024, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yo-cardiologists-help-a-nurse-understand-left-ventricle-enlargement/997312 "2024-02-12T00:44:31Z")
Left ventricle enlargement subsequent to two distinct cases has always puzzled me. Case 1: enthusiastic exerciser has enlargement of the left ventricle due to significant cardio. This is good. Case 2: patient has enlarge… --- ## [How to REALLY eliminate half naked girls on my facebook main page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-really-eliminate-half-naked-girls-on-my-facebook-main-page/997391)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-really-eliminate-half-naked-girls-on-my-facebook-main-page/997391 "2024-02-11T18:01:36Z")
The main facebook page is littered with groups urging me to “Follow” them. I don’t follow anyone. A maddening amount of them feature scantily clad women. I “hide” and “block” these, but they still show up. I was hoping t… --- ## [How far can I legally defend myself against a Road Rager?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-i-legally-defend-myself-against-a-road-rager/996823)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-can-i-legally-defend-myself-against-a-road-rager/996823 "2024-02-11T17:41:23Z")
Don’t need answers fast. I know YMMV according to state but I was wondering things like does the Castle Doctrine extend to your car, does stand your ground apply, what about the fact that if the road rager comes up to t… --- ## [Help with car headlight bulb NAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-car-headlight-bulb-naf/997103)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2024, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-car-headlight-bulb-naf/997103 "2024-02-11T13:44:13Z")
My highbeam went out in my vehicle. 2011 Chev Silverado. After taking half of my truck apart, I finally got to the bulb. I expected the filament to be burnt out but it looks like this: … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=100) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=102)