# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1097 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1098 --- ## [Where to buy kava?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-buy-kava/254650)
**Author:** [@soadmxpx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soadmxpx)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2004, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-buy-kava/254650 "2004-07-12T13:17:12Z")
Where can I buy kava powder? --- ## [Indiana collective noun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-collective-noun/722315)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indiana-collective-noun/722315 "2015-06-14T13:10:25Z")
Indianians? Indianites? Indians? --- ## [How to make references etcetera in English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-references-etcetera-in-english/722104)
**Author:** [@Wakinyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wakinyan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-references-etcetera-in-english/722104 "2015-06-14T12:46:36Z")
I’m writing a sort of dictionary, with references and sources, in English. However, English is not my native language and even though I know the language fairly well, I’ve never written this kind of text and I’ve stumble… --- ## [How to test if a font is unicode?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-test-if-a-font-is-unicode/722180)
**Author:** [@F.Pu-du-he-pa-as](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.Pu-du-he-pa-as)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-test-if-a-font-is-unicode/722180 "2015-06-14T12:38:08Z")
I write almost all of my papers in LaTEX, and use polutonikogreek (a part of the babel package) to typeset the Ancient Greek. The journal I’m interested in submitting a paper to requires that all Greek be typeset in a U… --- ## [Cincy Area Dopers: How To Get There From The North?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cincy-area-dopers-how-to-get-there-from-the-north/722385)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cincy-area-dopers-how-to-get-there-from-the-north/722385 "2015-06-14T10:53:55Z")
The week of July 13 I’m in Troy, Ohio, which is right up I-75 from Cincinnati. As it happens that is the week of the All-Star Game in Cincinnati, and I’d love to get into town. Maybe I can score a ticket or maybe I’ll … --- ## [Can't calculate minimum height between stairsteps to set off Slinky walk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-calculate-minimum-height-between-stairsteps-to-set-off-slinky-walk/722170)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-calculate-minimum-height-between-stairsteps-to-set-off-slinky-walk/722170 "2015-06-14T05:33:30Z")
See subject. I ask because at least this guy in 1988 couldn’t \[cite\]: In 1946 W.J. Cunningham was midway in his first year as a professor in Yale University’s electrical engineering department when someone gave him a Ma… --- ## [Skylight repair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skylight-repair/722314)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skylight-repair/722314 "2015-06-14T05:10:18Z")
I have a Velux skylight in my bedroom that I would really like to fix. It has some major issues. I would be willing to fix it myself if it isn’t too hard or require specialized parts. Here are my issues with it: The… --- ## [The prison escapees and infrared cameras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prison-escapees-and-infrared-cameras/722451)
**Author:** [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prison-escapees-and-infrared-cameras/722451 "2015-06-13T23:50:58Z")
So the “Shawshank” escapees form New York been out a week now. Assuming they are in the same area and hiding by day and foraging for food etc. at night why is it they are not being seen by infrared cameras? Are these … --- ## [Car makes loud clicks when turned off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-makes-loud-clicks-when-turned-off/722436)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-makes-loud-clicks-when-turned-off/722436 "2015-06-13T18:53:10Z")
We just inherited a IIRC 2011? Ford Explorer. Right before we got it it was serviced (and some brake work done), so it should have been inspected. When it’s turned off, there are several loud clicks coming from somewhe… --- ## [Water well start capacitor burns s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-well-start-capacitor-burns-s/722411)
**Author:** [@MPrice0311](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPrice0311)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-well-start-capacitor-burns-s/722411 "2015-06-13T18:06:46Z")
I have a water well but no idea how long it has been in. When I moved into the house, I looked at the control box. The capacitor looked as if it was melted from the inside. I replaced the entire box but as soon as I turn… --- ## [Blood Types and RH Factors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-types-and-rh-factors/722016)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-types-and-rh-factors/722016 "2015-06-13T15:45:25Z")
I’m A-. Donate blood when I can. Got a letter today asking me to show up end of this week at the local police precinct to donate. The letter- addressed to me- included a large bright sticker that said " RH Negative Dono… --- ## [Why do we get a "No SIM" error message on our iPad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-get-a-no-sim-error-message-on-our-ipad/722412)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-get-a-no-sim-error-message-on-our-ipad/722412 "2015-06-13T15:01:56Z")
This afternoon, Mrs Piper’s iPad stopped connecting to the Internet and in the upper left corner is sowing a little message: “No SIM.” Any idea why this would suddenly start happening? How can I fix it? --- ## [How Many Natural Satellites Does The Earth Have](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-natural-satellites-does-the-earth-have/722398)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-natural-satellites-does-the-earth-have/722398 "2015-06-13T14:52:01Z")
In elementary school I was taught that the Earth has exactly one natural satellite: The Moon. Then I heard, within the last year, that there was some small (as in, within a few dozen meters in diameter) chunk of rock tha… --- ## [Clean magnet "stains" off my fridge door?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-magnet-stains-off-my-fridge-door/362631)
**Author:** [@happywaffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/happywaffle)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clean-magnet-stains-off-my-fridge-door/362631 "2015-06-13T14:34:21Z")
Moving time, cleaning up the whole apartment, but I’m stumped on this particular one. I had a magnetized marble set on my fridge (kind of fun actually - a series of ramps, wheels, etc. so a marble can roll from the top o… --- ## [Why Wasn't the Marib Dam (Yemen) Rebuilt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-the-marib-dam-yemen-rebuilt/722397)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-the-marib-dam-yemen-rebuilt/722397 "2015-06-13T14:33:49Z")
The ancient Kingdom of Sabea (now Yemen) once had irrigated lands, fed by a resevoir formed by a large dam (Marib). This dam was excavated in the 1950s, by Wendell Philips. The dam was destroyed by an earthquake in antiq… --- ## [How do I unlock this doorknob mechanism? Need answer fast.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-unlock-this-doorknob-mechanism-need-answer-fast/722293)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-unlock-this-doorknob-mechanism-need-answer-fast/722293 "2015-06-13T14:31:26Z")
A door in my house was locked from the inside. It is one of those doorknobs where you would normally get a wire hanger and stick it in a little hole in the knob, and that would allow you to unlock it. We have no wire han… --- ## [Is it still true, as of 2015, that meditation research "sucks and doesn't prove squat"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-true-as-of-2015-that-meditation-research-sucks-and-doesnt-prove-squat/721808)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-still-true-as-of-2015-that-meditation-research-sucks-and-doesnt-prove-squat/721808 "2015-06-13T14:11:37Z")
Regarding the possibility of meditation being beneficial to the practitioner, the Master has spoken here, concluding that - at least as of 2013 - “the research sucks and doesn’t prove squat.” Is this still true as of 20… --- ## [Are there species whose females are more neotenous than women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-species-whose-females-are-more-neotenous-than-women/722019)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-species-whose-females-are-more-neotenous-than-women/722019 "2015-06-13T13:44:50Z")
Do humans have the most neotenous females? Are there species where the males are more neotenous than the females? Please note that I include behavior within neoteny. --- ## [Costa Rican cigar warning: real or gag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costa-rican-cigar-warning-real-or-gag/722273)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costa-rican-cigar-warning-real-or-gag/722273 "2015-06-13T09:17:15Z")
A buddy of mine just got back from Costa Rica. I ran into him last night and he handed me a cigar. I just remembered I had it and went to light it up, and it has a warning telling me that smoking it may make me impoten… --- ## [Obesity and Medical Conditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obesity-and-medical-conditions/722262)
**Author:** [@JVDaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JVDaly)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obesity-and-medical-conditions/722262 "2015-06-12T15:09:38Z")
I’m not a doctor, but as far as I’m aware, the only way to become obese is to take in more calories than one burns off. However, there are some medical conditions which make that more difficult. For instance, if one ha… --- ## [Drugs effect on Intelligence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-effect-on-intelligence/722164)
**Author:** [@SuplexCity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuplexCity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drugs-effect-on-intelligence/722164 "2015-06-13T05:10:59Z")
I was reading through the old IQ thread and thought it would be interesting for this board to kick around. There is a theory that’s kicked around that psychoactive drugs such as psilocybin and LSD stimulates mental evol… --- ## [WWII-Were There japanese/German Spy Rings in US Defence Plants and Shipyards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-were-there-japanese-german-spy-rings-in-us-defence-plants-and-shipyards/722358)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-were-there-japanese-german-spy-rings-in-us-defence-plants-and-shipyards/722358 "2015-06-13T03:52:36Z")
I saw a poster warning about this “Loose Lips Sink Ships”. Were there really spy rings in American shipyards and defense plants? German espionage in the USA was pretty amateurish, and I doubt that Japan had any really or… --- ## [PC to Bose Soundlink Speakers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-to-bose-soundlink-speakers/606159)
**Author:** [@AllShookDown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AllShookDown)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2011, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-to-bose-soundlink-speakers/606159 "2011-12-14T17:37:06Z")
I bought one of these Bose Sountlink Wireless Speakers. It works like a dream with my iPad or if I use the cord provided to physically connect it to my PC. I’m not very knowledgeable about this bluetooth/wireless stuff.… --- ## [\ that smells really \](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohh-ew-that-smells-really-good-bad/722110)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohh-ew-that-smells-really-good-bad/722110 "2015-06-13T01:50:43Z")
I was weeding next to a patch of lilies of the valley a few weeks ago and paused to appreciate the beautiful scent of the flowers. Which got me to thinking – is the characterization of scents as good or bad always learn… --- ## [Discrimination against Scandinavian-Americans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-against-scandinavian-americans/721738)
**Author:** [@Grim\_Render](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Render)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-against-scandinavian-americans/721738 "2015-06-12T22:47:00Z")
Does anyone have good examples or references on discrimination of of Scandinavian immigrants in America, presumably in the 19th and early 20th century when the main immigration waves occured? And: Does anyone know when … --- ## [What are the densities of various body tissues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-densities-of-various-body-tissues/722390)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-densities-of-various-body-tissues/722390 "2015-06-12T22:12:31Z")
By density I mean both energy density (calories per pound or whatever measurement you want) as well as density (g/ml). Skeletal muscle cardiac muscle smooth muscle subcutaneous fat intramuscular fat visceral fat m… --- ## [Are there TV RF modulators which output digital/HD on channel 3?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-tv-rf-modulators-which-output-digital-hd-on-channel-3/722066)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-tv-rf-modulators-which-output-digital-hd-on-channel-3/722066 "2015-06-12T18:55:07Z")
RF modulators are used to take composite video/audio and convert it to channel 3/4 on a coax so the video can be shown on a TV without composite ports. Are there any that will output a digital or HD signal? I have trie… --- ## [Helicopter take off and landing areas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-take-off-and-landing-areas/722260)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-take-off-and-landing-areas/722260 "2015-06-12T18:39:44Z")
I work in lower Manhattan and there is a really high end marina near by. There are often giant yachts, but recently, there has been a yacht with a helicopter on it. We were speculating how does the helicopter take off … --- ## [Samsung Galaxy 5 glitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samsung-galaxy-5-glitch/722283)
**Author:** [@Cartoonacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartoonacy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samsung-galaxy-5-glitch/722283 "2015-06-12T18:07:16Z")
I got a Samsung Galaxy 5 a few months ago, just before the 6 came out. I’m very happy with it, but in the past two or three weeks it’s been doing something strange. Right when I’m in the middle of composing an email, or … --- ## [Is Child Nudity legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-child-nudity-legal/21017)
**Author:** [@ronxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ronxfyre)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-child-nudity-legal/21017 "2015-06-12T11:36:32Z")
There was a controvery that started at a club at collegeclub.com. Several clubs received emails from different sender spamming their site are called teensforyou.com and underageillegals.com. Several members thought it wa… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1096) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1098)