# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1095 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1096 --- ## [What is it with American spades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-american-spades/722700)
**Author:** [@Petrobey\_Mavromihalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Petrobey_Mavromihalis)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-american-spades/722700 "2015-06-18T03:42:51Z")
This is a spade (the kind of thing you’d dig a grave with) as I know it (in the UK): UK spade Note the handy handle at the top, allowing your full weight to go down on the tool. These are spades as I see it in all US … --- ## [Why does the IRS tolerate Hollywood accounting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-irs-tolerate-hollywood-accounting/617780)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-irs-tolerate-hollywood-accounting/617780 "2015-06-18T03:03:44Z")
In the John Carter thread in CS right now someone brought up the well known term Hollywood accounting, which is where costs on a film are fraudulently inflated so that no movie no matter how profitable ever makes a profi… --- ## [Noise after installing new brakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-after-installing-new-brakes/722773)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-after-installing-new-brakes/722773 "2015-06-18T02:20:04Z")
I just had new brake pads installed. When easing off the brakes like in stop and go traffic there is kind of what I would call a groaning sound. Im not completely releasing the brake, just taking off enough pressure … --- ## [What drugs have been used by soldiers in warfare past and present](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drugs-have-been-used-by-soldiers-in-warfare-past-and-present/722635)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drugs-have-been-used-by-soldiers-in-warfare-past-and-present/722635 "2015-06-18T00:53:33Z")
I"ve heard that suicide bombers are loaded up on heroin, don’t know if that is true or not but I guess it would make it easier to kill oneself. I know some soldiers use anabolic steroids. And I know amphetamines were a … --- ## [Inside lanes vs outside lanes on the highway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-lanes-vs-outside-lanes-on-the-highway/722763)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-lanes-vs-outside-lanes-on-the-highway/722763 "2015-06-17T22:47:53Z")
Reading some British articles on driving made me curious, it seems that the Inside lane to the British is the one closes to the shoulder of the highway, whereas the outside lane is the one closest to the median. I’m hav… --- ## [Responsibilities of a legal heir question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibilities-of-a-legal-heir-question/722720)
**Author:** [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibilities-of-a-legal-heir-question/722720 "2015-06-17T22:02:13Z")
If my parents died intestate and had property in several different states, how difficult would probate be? Would I have to trek out to each state and find an estate lawyer and rack up lots of billable hours? What if I … --- ## [conspiracy to commit murder - did this act meet the criteria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-to-commit-murder-did-this-act-meet-the-criteria/722771)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conspiracy-to-commit-murder-did-this-act-meet-the-criteria/722771 "2015-06-17T21:36:38Z")
New information from the DA about the NY prison escape. I italicized the relevant requirement. By aiding the escape (providing hand tools) would that alone be enough to satisfy the one overt act requirement? Do they … --- ## [Theoretical legal question (not asking advice)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-legal-question-not-asking-advice/722766)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-legal-question-not-asking-advice/722766 "2015-06-17T20:56:18Z")
This discussion came up at lunch today because it occurred (except for the winning) to one of the lunchers. Suppose person A’s credit card is stolen and is used by person B to purchase lottery tickets (I know in some l… --- ## [Networking question (IPv6 adapter downgrading to IPv4 for VPN)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/networking-question-ipv6-adapter-downgrading-to-ipv4-for-vpn/722741)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/networking-question-ipv6-adapter-downgrading-to-ipv4-for-vpn/722741 "2015-06-17T18:16:35Z")
I’ve got my corporate VPN set up not to use the default gateway so that all non-VPN traffic stays routed through my local provider when I’m connected. If I don’t do this, everything is really slow as my traffic has to g… --- ## [Rock band has license for park performance, but they say "fuck" all the time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-band-has-license-for-park-performance-but-they-say-fuck-all-the-time/722523)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-band-has-license-for-park-performance-but-they-say-fuck-all-the-time/722523 "2015-06-17T17:38:00Z")
So they’re playing incredibly loud, but there are kids all around (a playground, in fact), and it just ain’t right. I know it’s something I can take up with a community board, or something. Which I don’t plan to do; I’m… --- ## [Are parts of Indian reservations public property?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-parts-of-indian-reservations-public-property/722588)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-parts-of-indian-reservations-public-property/722588 "2015-06-17T17:23:37Z")
I tried googling this but the answer isn’t so clear. I was watching a BBC travel documentary where a sort of eclectic guy from the UK was trying to get across the USA with no money by hitchhiking and staying with people… --- ## [Razor Conspiracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/razor-conspiracy/651999)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2013, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/razor-conspiracy/651999 "2013-03-07T20:30:15Z")
So I understand the whole concept of “give away the razors and sell the blades” but after a recent experiment/experience I am really starting to believe that high end razors/razor manufacturers build in a level of inferi… --- ## [Double/Triple hairs from one root?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-triple-hairs-from-one-root/722580)
**Author:** [@bobalazs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobalazs)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-triple-hairs-from-one-root/722580 "2015-06-17T16:54:31Z")
On several places on my body, i found there’s double hairs that grow from one stem. This hair is unusually thick. I’m curious, is this normal? --- ## [USA to Canada for an non-profit industry conference: do i need a Visa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-to-canada-for-an-non-profit-industry-conference-do-i-need-a-visa/722731)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-to-canada-for-an-non-profit-industry-conference-do-i-need-a-visa/722731 "2015-06-17T15:36:17Z")
I am a USA citizen planning on attending a non-profit industry wide organization meeting in Canada later this year. I have a valid US passport will I need a Visa or some sort of permit from the Canadian government to att… --- ## [Power company liability?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-company-liability/722544)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-company-liability/722544 "2015-06-17T15:19:11Z")
It rained for 5 minutes here about 30 minutes ago. As per the norm, we lost our electric power. This happens a lot where I live. Actually, IMO it happens a lot more than it should. We’ve lost power the last two winte… --- ## [Could you dry corn in a hot car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-dry-corn-in-a-hot-car/722303)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-dry-corn-in-a-hot-car/722303 "2015-06-17T15:07:35Z")
My brain, if nothing else, is a fount of useless trivia, so now that I’m investigating how you dry corn for squirrels rather than pay over $2 a pound for pre-dried I’d come up with an odd idea… Okay, so the directions f… --- ## [Politicians exemption from asset forfeiture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-exemption-from-asset-forfeiture/722649)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-exemption-from-asset-forfeiture/722649 "2015-06-17T13:41:15Z")
I was wondering if politicians are exempt from asset forfeiture laws? Also, whether politicians pay Social Security taxes, or do they have their own retirement fund? Also, where could I find out about the benefit packa… --- ## [Playing piano aboard a cruise liner as a passenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-piano-aboard-a-cruise-liner-as-a-passenger/722374)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-piano-aboard-a-cruise-liner-as-a-passenger/722374 "2015-06-17T13:32:15Z")
Are passengers typically allowed to play piano aboard a cruise liner, or are those off limits, for the professional ship musicians only? \*\*Edit: \*\*Thread title should read “aboard” not “about.” --- ## [Can moons have moons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-moons-have-moons/722240)
**Author:** [@Tron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tron)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-moons-have-moons/722240 "2015-06-17T13:15:05Z")
Just curious, can moons have moons? Galaxies can have stars, stars can have planets, planets can have moons. Can moons have their own satellites? And if so, can those satellites have their own satellites? What is the… --- ## [What are these bacteria on agar from an 8-year-old kid's palm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-bacteria-on-agar-from-an-8-year-old-kids-palm/722521)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-bacteria-on-agar-from-an-8-year-old-kids-palm/722521 "2015-06-17T10:59:43Z")
See subject. It’s a cool photo. These growths occur in a standard/default preparation of agar, right? Which is what? And deposited under certain delimited environmental conditions? --- ## [Forcing an HP laptop to boot from DVD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forcing-an-hp-laptop-to-boot-from-dvd/722724)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forcing-an-hp-laptop-to-boot-from-dvd/722724 "2015-06-17T10:38:54Z")
OK, I have a new HP laptop and I want to put Ubuntu on it. I’ve downloaded the .iso file, burned a DVD, but now I can’t force the laptop to boot from it. Hitting F1 while it boots does not do it. All I get from that is t… --- ## [Is Stephen Hawkings "voice" trademarked (or copyrighted, or whatever is appropriate)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stephen-hawkings-voice-trademarked-or-copyrighted-or-whatever-is-appropriate/622393)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stephen-hawkings-voice-trademarked-or-copyrighted-or-whatever-is-appropriate/622393 "2015-06-17T02:35:16Z")
Whenever he appears on TV, Hawking is slumped in his wheel chair, with the same look, with that computer generated voice speaking Hawking’s thoughts. I assume this is done via software that reads the words he types, and… --- ## [Orange is New Black prison question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orange-is-new-black-prison-question/722487)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orange-is-new-black-prison-question/722487 "2015-06-17T02:13:11Z")
On the show they have prisoners driving prison vehicles in the community, getting furloughs, and doing electrical work. Also different groups at any time control the kitchen. This time its the hispanics. Is any of that … --- ## [Question about images posted online](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-images-posted-online/722475)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-images-posted-online/722475 "2015-06-17T01:51:42Z")
Hi all, Suppose I copy an image I find online and save it into my photos folder. Then, from my photos folder I post that image on the Book of Faces. Is there a way someone can glean info from my posted photo in order to… --- ## [Where can I get an Enhanced Life Estate Deed form?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-an-enhanced-life-estate-deed-form/722620)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-an-enhanced-life-estate-deed-form/722620 "2015-06-17T00:42:03Z")
The question is in the title. An Enhanced Life Estate Deed transfers title to property to another person or persons upon the death of the title holder, without having to go through probate. The Enhanced Life Estate Dee… --- ## [How to Get Rid of an Old, Disgusting Mattress and Boxspring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-an-old-disgusting-mattress-and-boxspring/591175)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-an-old-disgusting-mattress-and-boxspring/591175 "2015-06-16T22:52:26Z")
I work for a landlord who has a problem, and I’m turning to the Dope for help. He is now in possession of a number of mattresses/boxprings that need disposal. The usual solutions seem to be the following, none of which… --- ## [Back about 1956 I took a chemistry course called ''quantitative analysis''.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-about-1956-i-took-a-chemistry-course-called-quantitative-analysis/722605)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-about-1956-i-took-a-chemistry-course-called-quantitative-analysis/722605 "2015-06-16T21:30:31Z")
Back about 1956 I took a chemistry course called ‘‘quantitative analysis’’. Fascinating. I was musing recently about bicarbonate and vinegar \[Armature gardeners like to speak of them as a cure for soil pH problems.\] and… --- ## [Are tape recorders still used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tape-recorders-still-used/722181)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-tape-recorders-still-used/722181 "2015-06-16T21:23:31Z")
In a thread I’ve been following, a poster stated he was going to use a tape recorder to tape a conversation. This made me wonder if tape recorders are still in use for some specialized reasons, or perhaps I’m being snobb… --- ## [Evolutionary advantage to beards and mustaches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolutionary-advantage-to-beards-and-mustaches/397439)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolutionary-advantage-to-beards-and-mustaches/397439 "2015-06-16T20:45:08Z")
Humans are generally furless, apart from the what grows on our craniums. Adult males also grow fachial hair on our jaws, cheeks, and mouth. What purpose dos that serve our species? --- ## [hypothetically growing plant in space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-growing-plant-in-space/722504)
**Author:** [@dazedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dazedd)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-growing-plant-in-space/722504 "2015-06-16T20:13:52Z")
hello everyone. i’m a design student who’s been given a weird exercise. long story short, I need to know how would a living plant survive in outer space, hypothetically. laugh as much as you want - but, say i have a gr… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1094) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1096)