# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1050 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1051 --- ## [Traci Lords and statutory rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traci-lords-and-statutory-rape/729669)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traci-lords-and-statutory-rape/729669 "2015-09-02T22:51:02Z")
Porn star Traci Lords famously performed in several adult films when she was a minor. Those who made the films were ultimately not jailed because she had managed to fool Uncle Sam as to her age on a passport application… --- ## ['Peak' bagging the easy way: which states have the easiest high points to 'climb' to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-bagging-the-easy-way-which-states-have-the-easiest-high-points-to-climb-to/729517)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-bagging-the-easy-way-which-states-have-the-easiest-high-points-to-climb-to/729517 "2015-09-02T22:26:35Z")
During the current Denali-v.-Mt.McKinley tiff, it was noted that Campbell Hill was the highest place in Ohio. As you can see from the photos at the link, ‘ascending’ Campbell Hill isn’t exactly a challenge: drive to the… --- ## [Explain this 'new math'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-new-math/729132)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-new-math/729132 "2015-09-02T22:18:01Z")
Here. Conservatives say that ‘new math’ (Common Core math, whatever) is ridiculously complicated. Not being a conservative, and not having children, I don’t know. What is the process going on in the ‘new math’ problem… --- ## [Electron subshells: Why is 3d less energetic than 4s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electron-subshells-why-is-3d-less-energetic-than-4s/729663)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electron-subshells-why-is-3d-less-energetic-than-4s/729663 "2015-09-02T22:17:38Z")
I teach the dumb class in HS, and I can’t actually answer this question. The explanations online make my eyes kind of glaze over. Can anyone put this in English for someone who only went through Calc 1 and Organic? --- ## [Why do restaurants want me to confirm my reservation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-restaurants-want-me-to-confirm-my-reservation/729499)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-restaurants-want-me-to-confirm-my-reservation/729499 "2015-09-02T21:46:06Z")
For the past year or so restaurants have been calling me and asking me to confirm my dinner reservation, generally about 24 hours in advance. I had thought this might be because of ReservationHop, but evidently that ser… --- ## [Legal question about Mt. McKinley/Denali name change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-about-mt-mckinley-denali-name-change/729531)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-about-mt-mckinley-denali-name-change/729531 "2015-09-02T21:05:32Z")
So, Mt. McKinley is being officially renamed Denali. I have no particular interest in this as a political issue, but I’m interested in the legal wrangling over it. The Obama administration evidently believes they have … --- ## [Crazy idea of the week : photovoltaic DC hot water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idea-of-the-week-photovoltaic-dc-hot-water/729737)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crazy-idea-of-the-week-photovoltaic-dc-hot-water/729737 "2015-09-02T20:29:56Z")
So, photovoltaic panels are now soooo cheap. The raw costs are down to 50 cents a watt. The inverters to convert to AC run another 50 cents a watt. So, I was looking into solar hot water. The most economical - and pr… --- ## [American Revolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-revolution/729722)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-revolution/729722 "2015-09-02T20:10:00Z")
During the American Revolution, Briton sent a large army to America and I wondered what the conditions were like on their troop transports ( ships ) of the time. I know it took a long time to get here. How was it done … --- ## [How much deeper would the ocean be if sponges didn't grow in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-deeper-would-the-ocean-be-if-sponges-didnt-grow-in-it/729528)
**Author:** [@JimNightshade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JimNightshade)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-deeper-would-the-ocean-be-if-sponges-didnt-grow-in-it/729528 "2015-09-02T18:39:55Z")
It seems to me that sponges could save us from global warming - just breed a bunch of them and problem solved! Or is it more complicated than that? --- ## [What's the origin of the wild parrots in southern CA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-the-wild-parrots-in-southern-ca/729419)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-the-wild-parrots-in-southern-ca/729419 "2015-09-02T18:33:17Z")
I grew up in Ocean Beach, a little hippie-ish neighborhood right on the coast in San Diego. And so I grew up with wild parrots. They’re all over the place down there. They’re visually distinctive from the pigeons and gul… --- ## [High vs low pressure turbines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-vs-low-pressure-turbines/728330)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-vs-low-pressure-turbines/728330 "2015-09-02T18:03:25Z")
In a given jet engine, is the high pressure turbine more efficient at extracting work than the low pressure turbine (notwithstanding the effect of the HPT)? IOW, is there a reason to prefer having just the HPT rather th… --- ## [Headlight restoration (and toothpaste!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headlight-restoration-and-toothpaste/729188)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headlight-restoration-and-toothpaste/729188 "2015-09-02T15:54:58Z")
I have seen a few peoducts that are designed to remove the “fog” from your headlights, giving you a better nighttime view. I happened to be looking around on YouTube and stumbled onto some guy who claimed that toothpast… --- ## [Ridge vent vs. fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ridge-vent-vs-fan/729609)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ridge-vent-vs-fan/729609 "2015-09-02T15:53:16Z")
We are having our entire roof replaced because of hail damage. The current roof has two powered fans plus a ridge vent. The roofer says that only one is recommended and wants to just put in the fans. It seems to me th… --- ## [What is the story of Hinhan Kaga, The Making of Owls (Harney Peak)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-story-of-hinhan-kaga-the-making-of-owls-harney-peak/729670)
**Author:** [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-story-of-hinhan-kaga-the-making-of-owls-harney-peak/729670 "2015-09-02T15:50:40Z")
In South Dakota, in the Black Hills, the highest peak has been called Harny Peak. There’s a movement afoot in South Dakota to rename Harney Peak, the highest point in the Black hills. It was named thusly by the geograph… --- ## [How much ice beneath me to stand on the Sun? Would I/My base sink? Leidenfrost Effect meaningless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-ice-beneath-me-to-stand-on-the-sun-would-i-my-base-sink-leidenfrost-effect-meaningless/729551)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-ice-beneath-me-to-stand-on-the-sun-would-i-my-base-sink-leidenfrost-effect-meaningless/729551 "2015-09-02T15:28:29Z")
Nothing beats digging out the ice compresses from the freezer coming home from the hot summer. While packing them around my neck, I thought of being an enormous Michelin Man in an ice cube suit, and, well, the rest is … --- ## [Who killed more Americans in WWII: the Japanese or the Germans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-more-americans-in-wwii-the-japanese-or-the-germans/729210)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-more-americans-in-wwii-the-japanese-or-the-germans/729210 "2015-09-02T15:16:23Z")
Who killed more Americans in WWII: the Japanese or the Germans? --- ## [Non-U.S. Dopers: What Does Your Language/Culture Call "Blowing A Raspberry"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-u-s-dopers-what-does-your-language-culture-call-blowing-a-raspberry/729649)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-u-s-dopers-what-does-your-language-culture-call-blowing-a-raspberry/729649 "2015-09-02T10:39:03Z")
Blowing a raspberry. What’s this called in your language/culture? --- ## [Cel phone - "Camera Failed". Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cel-phone-camera-failed-why/729633)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cel-phone-camera-failed-why/729633 "2015-09-02T10:34:53Z")
I’ve been trying to use my camera on my cel phone (Samsung Galaxy Mini) and a box pops up and says “Camera Failed” with no other information. If I try to take a picture through Instagram, a different message box comes u… --- ## [Can you buy weed on craigslist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-buy-weed-on-craigslist/729683)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-buy-weed-on-craigslist/729683 "2015-09-02T06:37:58Z")
I mean is it a good idea? What’s the worst case? Does it matter what state you’r’e in? --- ## [HELP! Plumbing issue on new home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-plumbing-issue-on-new-home/729510)
**Author:** [@AnthonyGar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyGar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-plumbing-issue-on-new-home/729510 "2015-09-02T02:19:08Z")
Just bought home and issues start popping up. Home is a 1400 sq ft Ranch built in 1991. When the water runs in the bathroom, water doesn’t come out of the Kitchen faucet nor in the patio’s faucet. Otherwise pressure is g… --- ## [Are transformers in cities dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-transformers-in-cities-dangerous/729545)
**Author:** [@dasklme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasklme)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-transformers-in-cities-dangerous/729545 "2015-09-02T01:25:23Z")
This three-phase transformer is right across from my bedroom window, probably about 8’ away. Should I be concerned? How much voltage is likely being converted by the unit in the picture? --- ## [Uverse -- why can't you move a long distance and still have your recorded TV shows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uverse-why-cant-you-move-a-long-distance-and-still-have-your-recorded-tv-shows/729644)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uverse-why-cant-you-move-a-long-distance-and-still-have-your-recorded-tv-shows/729644 "2015-09-01T22:15:27Z")
The thread on Tivo and subscriptions got me to thinking once again about something that’s long confused me. The ads for AT&T Uverse make a point of saying that if you move locally you take your recorded shows with you. … --- ## [For polygons, does the circumference/"diameter" have similar properties to pi for circles?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-polygons-does-the-circumference-diameter-have-similar-properties-to-pi-for-circles/714999)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-polygons-does-the-circumference-diameter-have-similar-properties-to-pi-for-circles/714999 "2015-09-01T21:10:34Z")
For a circle, the circumference divided by diameter equals pi, which is the transcendental number 3.1415… Is there anything interesting about a similar type of ratio for polygons? If you divide the circumference of a p… --- ## [HALO (Parachuting) Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halo-parachuting-question/729468)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/halo-parachuting-question/729468 "2015-09-01T19:50:28Z")
Would it be possible to execute a jump from high altitude and land into another plane flying at a lower altitude? How difficult would this be? (matching the airplane’s speed below you, etc) Has it been attempted? --- ## [Parachute as your carry-on. What happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parachute-as-your-carry-on-what-happens/729495)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parachute-as-your-carry-on-what-happens/729495 "2015-09-01T19:45:42Z")
Let’s say I purchase a parachute while traveling. On my return trip I elect to treat the parachute as my carry-on; it’s within size/dimension limits. Can I do it? Does TSA give me special treatment? --- ## [Tell me about Skype](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-skype/729242)
**Author:** [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-skype/729242 "2015-09-01T18:41:19Z")
I’m a newb and lost. Microsoft owns it, yes? I have to buy time, yes? Does the person I’m calling (in Africa) have to buy time too? Do they have to have a Microsoft, or Skype account? What software or plug ins are n… --- ## [Dream Interpretation Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dream-interpretation-question/729122)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dream-interpretation-question/729122 "2015-09-01T18:28:02Z")
Is dream interpretation real, or is it considered woo by trained professionals? Can a psychologist or psychiatrist make sense out of a dream and provide you with a true understanding of its meaning? I always thought it … --- ## [Dog Grooming Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-grooming-question/729562)
**Author:** [@MsBatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsBatt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-grooming-question/729562 "2015-09-01T17:31:24Z")
I have a small dog who refuses to let me clip his nails, so I’ve been taking him to the vet’s for clipping. First time I took him, they did a wonderful job. Nice, short, non-scatchy nails. Next time, not quite so good, s… --- ## [How Many Times Would An Ancient Document Be Re-Copied?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-would-an-ancient-document-be-re-copied/729497)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-would-an-ancient-document-be-re-copied/729497 "2015-09-01T17:22:47Z")
According to historians, monks saved many of the ancient books and documents from antiquity. In essence, a monk in a monastery copy room would copy a Roman /Greek manuscript. In time, the old copy would fade and rot away… --- ## [I know a Neanderthal (The Genetics of Looks)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-a-neanderthal-the-genetics-of-looks/729601)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-know-a-neanderthal-the-genetics-of-looks/729601 "2015-09-01T16:18:32Z")
The first time I saw a picture of what scientists imagine Neanderthals looked like, I was freaked out. I know this one. And I mean, I know someone who looks like his identical twin, down to skin and hair color. I was so… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1049) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1051)