# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1054 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1055 --- ## [Has a motive for the Tsarnaev brothers emerged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-motive-for-the-tsarnaev-brothers-emerged/729032)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-motive-for-the-tsarnaev-brothers-emerged/729032 "2015-08-28T04:14:57Z")
I’m especially interested in Dzokhar, I see little to nothing that would explain his motive or actions. As far as I am aware Tamerlane’s widow who he had a toddler with has also never provided any interview or explanati… --- ## [Are there majority Muslim countries where apostasy is not illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-majority-muslim-countries-where-apostasy-is-not-illegal/728957)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-majority-muslim-countries-where-apostasy-is-not-illegal/728957 "2015-08-28T03:08:05Z")
I found conflicting info on the web. Thanks, Rob --- ## [Could You breed shell-Less Shellfish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-breed-shell-less-shellfish/729059)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-breed-shell-less-shellfish/729059 "2015-08-28T00:45:56Z")
I like oysters and clams-but they are getting very expensive. it seems to me that a large part of a shellfish’s life is spent constructing its hard calcium carbonate shell. If you could genetically modify them, could you… --- ## [French translation for tattoo- help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-translation-for-tattoo-help/729045)
**Author:** [@ellcieb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ellcieb)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-translation-for-tattoo-help/729045 "2015-08-28T00:44:40Z")
Hi ! I need help with a tattoo phrase. I have this translation, courtesy of google translate, " Om et Salutations a Ganesha Dieu du renouveau" The meaning behind it is that Ganesh is the God of new beginnings and the … --- ## [Finding a Chinese character](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-chinese-character/729106)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-chinese-character/729106 "2015-08-27T22:28:41Z")
I have been looking for the Chinese character that translates the English pronoun “you.” Despite several fonts on my computer’s Character Map with the ideographs, I cannot find the correct one, which I want so I can edit… --- ## [Some More Language Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-more-language-questions/728917)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-more-language-questions/728917 "2015-08-27T22:21:08Z")
Hi SD. I understand there are languages in which the tone or pitch of the word affects its meaning. How do languages like this accommodate speakers who have laryngitis or other problems that may make it impossible fo… --- ## [Outdoor Romex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-romex/728918)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdoor-romex/728918 "2015-08-27T22:11:19Z")
I’m replacing an outdoor lamp post with a new one. I noticed the Romex (cable?) coming into the lamp has a bad break on it down to one of the wires. I’ve always been able told not to tape this kind of thing up, but repla… --- ## [What is the largest collision ever in the Universe ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-collision-ever-in-the-universe/729002)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-collision-ever-in-the-universe/729002 "2015-08-27T21:53:16Z")
In the universe, what is the largest collision ( in terms of combined absolute momentum of both colliding bodies): Observed ? Generally thought possible ? Thank you --- ## [Why are my brakes squeaking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-brakes-squeaking/728268)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-brakes-squeaking/728268 "2015-08-27T21:51:43Z")
I have a 2008 Lincoln MKX The car has disc brakes on front and rear. I just checked the pads, and all are fine. I replaced the front pads about 6 months ago, so no surprise there. The rear pads were at about 4/32-5/3… --- ## [Where is the Ashley Madison hacked data being posted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-ashley-madison-hacked-data-being-posted/725850)
**Author:** [@NetTrekker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NetTrekker)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-ashley-madison-hacked-data-being-posted/725850 "2015-08-27T21:13:30Z")
Anyone know? --- ## ["Hard Labor" - as military punishment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-labor-as-military-punishment/359181)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-labor-as-military-punishment/359181 "2015-08-27T20:48:26Z")
What does “hard labour” entail as punishment for a criminal conviction in the military? For example, here’s a stroy about an Army dog-handler who received 90 days of hard labor for what he did at the Abu Ghraib prison. --- ## [How was such fine, geometric engraving achieved with the technology of 1863?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-such-fine-geometric-engraving-achieved-with-the-technology-of-1863/729095)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-such-fine-geometric-engraving-achieved-with-the-technology-of-1863/729095 "2015-08-27T20:40:27Z")
In this thread about updating currency, Lord Feldon posted a link to this lovely high-res image of a US 20$ banknote from ca.1863. If you examine it carefully at the highest resolution, there are all type of exquisite si… --- ## [Who was the last person in the US to be arrested for dissent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-last-person-in-the-us-to-be-arrested-for-dissent/729079)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-last-person-in-the-us-to-be-arrested-for-dissent/729079 "2015-08-27T20:10:05Z")
This does not count civil disobedience, e.g. blocking traffic as form of protest. I am referring to someone being arrested in contravention of the First Amendment as understood in law for writing or speaking something t… --- ## [Hammmmsterrrrrs innnnn Spaaaaace!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammmmsterrrrrs-innnnn-spaaaaace/729025)
**Author:** [@wellanuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wellanuff)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hammmmsterrrrrs-innnnn-spaaaaace/729025 "2015-08-27T19:21:31Z")
Well, not really, but maybe they would make excellent interplanetary travelers…because they don’t need to breathe? My question is this: does anyone know of some true factoid about hamsters not needing air, or not needin… --- ## [Are fresh shrimp tails as easy to peel as the ones I get from the grocery store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-fresh-shrimp-tails-as-easy-to-peel-as-the-ones-i-get-from-the-grocery-store/729077)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-fresh-shrimp-tails-as-easy-to-peel-as-the-ones-i-get-from-the-grocery-store/729077 "2015-08-27T16:54:46Z")
Every now and then I buy shrimp tails from the grocery store. Although they are tedious to peel, surprisingly little physical force is required. The large segments on top of the tail are thin, flexible, and separate re… --- ## [Parliament v Congress - technical differences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliament-v-congress-technical-differences/728993)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliament-v-congress-technical-differences/728993 "2015-08-27T16:42:10Z")
We all have read about the basic contrasts between the US and the UK’s political systems - presidential v prime ministerial and all that - but what about the more technical differences, the nitty-gritty? I know some det… --- ## [What does 1 million hours MTBF mean and a practical metric?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-1-million-hours-mtbf-mean-and-a-practical-metric/728697)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-1-million-hours-mtbf-mean-and-a-practical-metric/728697 "2015-08-27T15:31:43Z")
I’m looking at purchasing internal hard drives for a server. I’m comparing drives and some of them claim, for example: “1 million hours MTBF…”. MTBF is Mean time between failures. Regardless of how the manufacturer arri… --- ## [Sump pump and water backup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sump-pump-and-water-backup/728844)
**Author:** [@vnambood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vnambood)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sump-pump-and-water-backup/728844 "2015-08-27T14:56:59Z")
I have been having a lot of issues with flooding in my basement. I have a patio outside with two drains that flow into my sump pit. when rains are really heavy, I am noticing that the sump pump is running continuously an… --- ## [Scenario that popped into my head about an event horizon - please comment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scenario-that-popped-into-my-head-about-an-event-horizon-please-comment/728356)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scenario-that-popped-into-my-head-about-an-event-horizon-please-comment/728356 "2015-08-27T14:52:42Z")
This popped into my head the other day while I was daydreaming. An astronaut is orbiting an black hole, say, 25 meters outside of the event horizon. He takes out a harpoon and throws it toward the black hole so that it… --- ## [Qualifications for federal office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qualifications-for-federal-office/728983)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qualifications-for-federal-office/728983 "2015-08-27T14:43:23Z")
On my Facebook feed, someone is claiming that a certain candidate for President is disqualified because they broke some federal law, which has a penalty that precludes violators from holding any federal office. Nevermind… --- ## [50cc Chinese scooter & its gear oil change interval](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50cc-chinese-scooter-its-gear-oil-change-interval/728906)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/50cc-chinese-scooter-its-gear-oil-change-interval/728906 "2015-08-27T14:42:21Z")
Why such a short drain interval on the transmission oil? My neighbor rides one of these (a Taotao 50cc Gator)… his primary transport. He knows I’m into classic motorbikes, so today he stopped by to ask me if i could tel… --- ## [Magnets and magnetic field](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnets-and-magnetic-field/729042)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnets-and-magnetic-field/729042 "2015-08-27T14:30:28Z")
I basically know how magnets are made, but combining permanent magnets with ie. iron…:confused: First, is the magnetic field multiplied if you emerge a magnet with an iron plate? Is it even more “magnified” if you have… --- ## [Front loader washers : worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/front-loader-washers-worth-it/728589)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/front-loader-washers-worth-it/728589 "2015-08-27T14:09:11Z")
If you step back and think about what a washing machine is supposed to be, it’s a solution to a problem. The problem, dirty clothes. The solution consumes resources and gives you clean clothes. You can go to the laund… --- ## [how to fix a broken basketball base](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-broken-basketball-base/729010)
**Author:** [@susanf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susanf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-broken-basketball-base/729010 "2015-08-27T14:04:58Z")
i bot a used free standing basketball net but the base is so rusted out the net is tilted forward and too low. I still have the base - can I just cement in the pole? The base is 43x31’ and one of those black plastic ones… --- ## [Why do we say 18th century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-18th-century/728552)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-18th-century/728552 "2015-08-27T05:05:43Z")
Instead of 1700s? I guess it’s just a traditional thing to say? (Some people will say 1700s but it’s not very common) Does this also happen in languages such as Chinese, Japanese, etc.? --- ## [Is there any connection between Socrates's monotheism and Judaism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-connection-between-socratess-monotheism-and-judaism/728690)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-connection-between-socratess-monotheism-and-judaism/728690 "2015-08-27T04:04:10Z")
Hi Is there any connection between Socrates’s monotheism and Judaism? Was Socrates influenced by Judaism? I look forward to your feedback. davidmich --- ## [Why are flags at half staff today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-flags-at-half-staff-today/728943)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-flags-at-half-staff-today/728943 "2015-08-27T03:37:46Z")
Noticed it when I drove by the Washington Monument on the way to work. Hard to miss–the WM is ringed by a dozens of flags (my Italian friend saw that and said Americans are megalomaniacs). --- ## [Id these flowers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-these-flowers/728913)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-these-flowers/728913 "2015-08-27T02:22:39Z")
Central South Carolina: Flower 1 Flower 2 --- ## [Why don't napalm canisters have fins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-napalm-canisters-have-fins/728911)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-napalm-canisters-have-fins/728911 "2015-08-27T01:45:30Z")
Is there a reason, or benefit, to have them tumble like that? --- ## [How is this the passive voice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-the-passive-voice/728412)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-the-passive-voice/728412 "2015-08-27T01:33:24Z")
I’ve seen several articles about Josh Duggar now that quote the “apology” he posted (the first one, which they say was quickly deleted and replaced), and two of those articles mention – disapprovingly – of his use of the… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1053) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1055)