# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1096 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1097 --- ## [Solar Energy Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-question/722611)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-energy-question/722611 "2015-06-16T19:40:12Z")
I was reading about solar energy in Germany and it got me thinking. When I lived in California it made sense to install solar panels since electricity was relatively expensive and sunshine was relatively plentiful. Germa… --- ## [Some computers in house won't connect to wi-fi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-computers-in-house-wont-connect-to-wi-fi/722651)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-computers-in-house-wont-connect-to-wi-fi/722651 "2015-06-16T19:08:00Z")
Hello, I was wondering if some more technologically-savvy Dopers could help me with this quandry. I recently moved and set up the same wireless router and modem (netgear and motorola surfboard, respectively) that I’ve b… --- ## [A Question About Federal Asset Forfeiture Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-federal-asset-forfeiture-law/722684)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-federal-asset-forfeiture-law/722684 "2015-06-16T18:04:04Z")
I guy I know had a truck, which he stored at a friend’s home, while he left the state to attend to family business (out of state). One day he gets a letter from the FBI, stating that his truck was seized in a raid, and t… --- ## [MSG causing brain damage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/msg-causing-brain-damage/722479)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/msg-causing-brain-damage/722479 "2015-06-16T16:34:40Z")
This seems to be nothing but a baseless scare, and I’m inclined to dismiss it like many other fearmongering theories out there, but is there any truth to the notion that MSG (the salty food additive in Chinese restaurant… --- ## [Really, how safe are store-bought mushrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-how-safe-are-store-bought-mushrooms/647140)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/really-how-safe-are-store-bought-mushrooms/647140 "2015-06-16T11:04:42Z")
Made a jalfrezi curry and tossed in some mushrooms from the store. You know, the white button type. And it got me thinking: mushrooms are notoriously difficult to sort edible from toxic. Every year there’s a slew of stor… --- ## [Mold keeps growing on the same spot again and again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mold-keeps-growing-on-the-same-spot-again-and-again/722594)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mold-keeps-growing-on-the-same-spot-again-and-again/722594 "2015-06-16T06:34:47Z")
I have a dehumidifier with a plastic water-collection bucket. Mold keeps growing on the same spot on the right side of the bucket again and again. Always that small spot, usually not anywhere else. I have scrubbed and s… --- ## [Did the flooding in Texas alleviate the drought at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-flooding-in-texas-alleviate-the-drought-at-all/722108)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-flooding-in-texas-alleviate-the-drought-at-all/722108 "2015-06-15T23:54:16Z")
I know that hard rains/floods are hard on farm land so the rains probably didn’t help the farmers but did the floods at least fill the reservoirs? --- ## [Google maps places me in Mexico. I'm in Colorado](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-places-me-in-mexico-im-in-colorado/722167)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-places-me-in-mexico-im-in-colorado/722167 "2015-06-15T21:38:47Z")
Huh. When I bring up Google maps, it centers my location in Mexico. And everything is in Spanish. I don’t see a place on Google maps to set your default location. I use DirecTV/HughesNet satellite service, so I’m gue… --- ## [Windows Air Conditioner: What Happens if it is not Level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-air-conditioner-what-happens-if-it-is-not-level/722527)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-air-conditioner-what-happens-if-it-is-not-level/722527 "2015-06-15T20:08:03Z")
Anyone know? (I am excluding the very slight outward tilt so water doesn’t run into the house) Thanks. --- ## [Boeing's near-vertical 787 takeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeings-near-vertical-787-takeoff/722600)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeings-near-vertical-787-takeoff/722600 "2015-06-15T20:06:15Z")
Recent news showed a new 787 making what appeared to be a near-vertical ascent after rotation. However, using long telephoto lenses against a backdrop of a lengthy runway makes me wonder whether it was anywhere nearly a… --- ## [Can someone tell me what is going on with my glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-tell-me-what-is-going-on-with-my-glasses/687872)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-tell-me-what-is-going-on-with-my-glasses/687872 "2015-06-15T19:15:06Z")
I have an issue with my glasses. They are about two years old. They have developed a white film on the frames. Weirdly, sometimes the film is there, and sometimes it isn’t. When it is there, I can’t get it off. Even … --- ## [Snake ID, Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snake-id-please/722460)
**Author:** [@ZomZom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZomZom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snake-id-please/722460 "2015-06-15T18:29:51Z")
Is this a garter snake? I’ve seen him in my back yard a few times and am just wanting to make sure he’s not something to worry about. --- ## [Concrete Pour Rates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concrete-pour-rates/722578)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/concrete-pour-rates/722578 "2015-06-15T18:24:15Z")
I’m researching concrete pour rates and everything I can find says things like: “For example, when you pour concrete at 70 degrees F and a pour rate of 5 feet per hour…” Do they mean cubic feet? I assume so, since it’s… --- ## [Military ID numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-id-numbers/722383)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-id-numbers/722383 "2015-06-15T17:54:44Z")
I served in the British Army in the 60s and, I’m sure in common with all men and women who have ever been in the military, I can remember my Army number to this day, It was an 8 digit number beginning 240… and I noted wi… --- ## [Why the difference in speed between computer and camera when converting to JPG?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-difference-in-speed-between-computer-and-camera-when-converting-to-jpg/722497)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-difference-in-speed-between-computer-and-camera-when-converting-to-jpg/722497 "2015-06-15T16:59:36Z")
My computer, using Nikon’s own software, takes ages (about 10s) to convert from RAW to JPG, My camera, when set to do so, seems to do it immediately - occasionally it may delay by a second or two when I’ve taken a few p… --- ## [So, ISIS now can make a dirty nuclear bomb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-isis-now-can-make-a-dirty-nuclear-bomb/722172)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-isis-now-can-make-a-dirty-nuclear-bomb/722172 "2015-06-15T16:44:13Z")
According to The Independent, according to the Australian foreign minister, Julie Bishop, Nato has expressed deep concerns about the materials seized by Isis from research centres and hospitals that would normally only b… --- ## [Are sweat, tears and saliva blood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-sweat-tears-and-saliva-blood/722300)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-sweat-tears-and-saliva-blood/722300 "2015-06-15T15:40:14Z")
Or more accurately, are they derived from the blood? I know urine is, and I know lymph is essentially blood plasma (or you could say, blood is lymph with red cells!). Where does spit, sweat and tears come from? Also, is… --- ## [Why do hippos fling feces when defecating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hippos-fling-feces-when-defecating/722564)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hippos-fling-feces-when-defecating/722564 "2015-06-15T15:00:05Z")
Video of hippo defecation with fake farting sound effects, you can find other vids of hippo defecation too. They do something I’ve never seen another quadruped do which is they wag their tail violently whi… --- ## [Walking with one crutch-- which side?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-with-one-crutch-which-side/722444)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/walking-with-one-crutch-which-side/722444 "2015-06-15T07:20:55Z")
Let’s say your left leg is in a walking cast/boot, and you’re using one crutch. Which side should it be on? I was walking behind a woman this morning in that situation, and she had her crutch under her right arm. It see… --- ## [Searching for old encyclopedia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-old-encyclopedia/722540)
**Author:** [@clundgren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clundgren)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-old-encyclopedia/722540 "2015-06-15T05:55:57Z")
I am looking for the same encyclopedia. Important characteristics: relatively small size, white-cream color with green spine, classic novel book summaries in back, and I believe the volumes were not strictly by one let… --- ## [Are Opioid Drugs More Dangerous Than Crack or Heroin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-opioid-drugs-more-dangerous-than-crack-or-heroin/722265)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-opioid-drugs-more-dangerous-than-crack-or-heroin/722265 "2015-06-15T03:18:46Z")
I ask because the media has been putting out stories about a new “drug epidemic”. Here in MA, the local papers claim that over 1000 people have died this year, from overdoses of prescription opioid drugs. To me this sou… --- ## [1) How tall can a giant beanstalk get? 2) Are there "record books" for agric. product dimensions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-how-tall-can-a-giant-beanstalk-get-2-are-there-record-books-for-agric-product-dimensions/722524)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-how-tall-can-a-giant-beanstalk-get-2-are-there-record-books-for-agric-product-dimensions/722524 "2015-06-15T02:06:13Z")
See subject. Spinoff from thread on back-yard giant Sequoias. I don’t think Jack’s was detailed as to species. 1\] I’m thinking not necessarily how tall is the tallest in the record books–are there record books for such… --- ## [Landing on Venus with a parachute: Physics glitch in Simplerockets Rockets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-on-venus-with-a-parachute-physics-glitch-in-simplerockets-rockets/722502)
**Author:** [@Bender\_Bending\_Rodriguez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bender_Bending_Rodriguez)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-on-venus-with-a-parachute-physics-glitch-in-simplerockets-rockets/722502 "2015-06-14T22:19:36Z")
I’ve been playing a bit of Simple Rockets since I saw it mentioned in this thread: Why's it so hard to fire something into the sun? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board I tried messing around with launching… --- ## [Pink paste shampoo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-paste-shampoo/722400)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pink-paste-shampoo/722400 "2015-06-14T19:48:44Z")
Inane memory. In the early and mid 70s we used a shampoo that came in a tub. It was pink and a paste, not liquid. You grabbed a handful and slathered it on. Rinse. Repeat. Any idea of what brand this was and if it’s st… --- ## [VPG taxis still being made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vpg-taxis-still-being-made/722510)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vpg-taxis-still-being-made/722510 "2015-06-14T18:41:55Z")
Saw a taxi from this place. (was not being used as taxi or if it was , there were no markings on it. ) I guess they are still being made? Vehicle Production Group - Wikipedia --- ## [Oil changes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-changes/722269)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-changes/722269 "2015-06-14T18:22:58Z")
Gearheads and grease-monkeys, this one’s for you. For a low mileage car, typically driven 2,000 miles per year and running on synthetic oil, how often should the oil be changed? I know that manufacturer recommends oil … --- ## [Unusual Rain Interference](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-rain-interference/722518)
**Author:** [@Debbi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debbi)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-rain-interference/722518 "2015-06-14T17:55:48Z")
I have an outdoor antenna on a 22’ pole. On most days reception is great, however when it rains I lose the signal on Fox and CBS, which is my closest tower. In an effort to track down the problem I used a small 10" flat… --- ## [iTunes - little help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itunes-little-help/722434)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itunes-little-help/722434 "2015-06-14T16:58:17Z")
iTunes is (again) driving me to drink. I have about 40 Bob Dylan albums loaded into iTunes and nicely sorted. Within my iPhone, though, they’re a mess. It lists all songs under a single album. I did a good amount of me… --- ## [Squirrel/Chipmunk Behavior Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squirrel-chipmunk-behavior-question/722317)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squirrel-chipmunk-behavior-question/722317 "2015-06-14T16:54:05Z")
I live in the Rocky Mountain front in a heavily wooded area. We have lots of squirrels, mainly Colombian ground squirrels, along with chipmunks. A few years ago we opened up an area and built a 40 foot by 30 foot garden… --- ## [How to take Kava (herb)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-take-kava-herb/574150)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2013, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-take-kava-herb/574150 "2013-02-25T10:27:55Z")
I ordered 60 capsules of Kava root from Kona Kava Farm. It came today (well, yesterday) and I took two capsules of it at around 11. But I didn’t really feel much effect. The capsules are the pure powdered Kava root, not… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1095) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1097)