# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1107 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1108 --- ## [Trying to sell Series I savings bonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-sell-series-i-savings-bonds/720699)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-sell-series-i-savings-bonds/720699 "2015-05-29T08:49:01Z")
I bought some online in the early 00s, and might need to sell a few in the months to come. I moved a few years ago, and thought I had changed my bank information, but it doesn’t look like I had. I do remember that the … --- ## [dna testing simple question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-testing-simple-question/721072)
**Author:** [@flano1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flano1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-testing-simple-question/721072 "2015-05-29T07:51:05Z")
if my dna is compared with my brother’s can our identities be differentiated? --- ## [What SUV/4x4 car to buy for a year in Minnesota - newish or a rust-bucket?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-suv-4x4-car-to-buy-for-a-year-in-minnesota-newish-or-a-rust-bucket/721026)
**Author:** [@the\_scotsman82](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_scotsman82)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-suv-4x4-car-to-buy-for-a-year-in-minnesota-newish-or-a-rust-bucket/721026 "2015-05-29T04:28:40Z")
Hey there, I’ve been mulling this over in my head for a while, and I would appreciate any other advice that is out there. I am moving from Scotland to Minnesota for 1, possibly 2, years. The best thing about this is tha… --- ## [First People in Space, Gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-people-in-space-gravity/719890)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-people-in-space-gravity/719890 "2015-05-29T04:20:38Z")
When the first people went to space did they know about gravity in space by this point or were they totally clueless about the atmosphere (zero gravity) until they got up there? --- ## [Horizontal Traffic Lights (Red on the left)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-traffic-lights-red-on-the-left/152429)
**Author:** [@Guybud5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guybud5)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-traffic-lights-red-on-the-left/152429 "2015-05-29T03:14:56Z")
I’m originally from Florida, and in the last year moved to Central California. While in Florida, I noted that usually the traffic lights are mounted horizontally, on black poles that extend from poles on the sides of th… --- ## [How does the ear recognize the same pitch note for different Hz or Octaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-ear-recognize-the-same-pitch-note-for-different-hz-or-octaves/721087)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-ear-recognize-the-same-pitch-note-for-different-hz-or-octaves/721087 "2015-05-29T02:51:14Z")
Primarily a GQ science question, but eventually Cafe might be a better choice. Let’s see how the discussion develops. I recall from Physics that as a string or wire is tightened it oscillates at a faster and faster spee… --- ## [Question Regarding Veto Override](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-veto-override/721077)
**Author:** [@bananamber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bananamber)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-veto-override/721077 "2015-05-29T02:36:47Z")
Say a governor vetoes a bill and to override the veto both chambers must gain 3/5s of the vote. Say the House votes 83-53 with 1 abstaining and 4 absent. Simply, does that 3/5s mean the entire chamber or just the ones wh… --- ## [Why do some places on the internet replace apostrophes with odd characters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-places-on-the-internet-replace-apostrophes-with-odd-characters/720889)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-places-on-the-internet-replace-apostrophes-with-odd-characters/720889 "2015-05-29T01:31:44Z")
I have seen this on and off, but I’m not sure what is going on. Someone will attempt to post a word such as “railroad’s” and it comes out “railroad’s”, consistently replacing the apostrophe with “’”. What causes th… --- ## [Creating transparency in GIMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-transparency-in-gimp/721002)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2015, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creating-transparency-in-gimp/721002 "2015-05-29T00:34:10Z")
I have an image. The image is currently two-tone black and white: That is to say, each and every pixel in the image is either pure 0-black or pure 255-white. What I want, however, is to convert the white in the image … --- ## [Steam will only say "Could not connect"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-will-only-say-could-not-connect/720938)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-will-only-say-could-not-connect/720938 "2015-05-28T23:51:44Z")
Steam simply will not log in, even though it connected and installed updates, immediately after booting. Can anyone think of what else to try? I’m online, clearly, and Steam and Steam Web Helper are allowed in the firew… --- ## [Pop up sprinkler heads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-up-sprinkler-heads/720190)
**Author:** [@Fuel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pop-up-sprinkler-heads/720190 "2015-05-28T23:45:56Z")
There is a huge problem with pop-up style irrigation sprinklers sticking in the down or up position. Is there a sprinkler head manufacturer out there that has a head that is specifically designed and marketed to be immu… --- ## [How old is the term "to bring on line"? Where did it originate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-is-the-term-to-bring-on-line-where-did-it-originate/700910)
**Author:** [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-is-the-term-to-bring-on-line-where-did-it-originate/700910 "2015-05-28T23:24:01Z")
We use “online” to refer to just about everything nowadays, but how did the expression “to bring \[something\] on line”, in the sense of making it operational or active, get started? Obviously it’s a pre-computer usage, a… --- ## ["Shit & Corruption"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shit-corruption/720930)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shit-corruption/720930 "2015-05-28T23:07:26Z")
That’s an expression my father used. I’m talking back in the 1950’s. Anyone ever hear it being used? Anyone have any insite to its meaning/origin? --- ## [ethyl alcohol as a food ingredient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethyl-alcohol-as-a-food-ingredient/721041)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethyl-alcohol-as-a-food-ingredient/721041 "2015-05-28T22:26:24Z")
Glancing at the ingredients list for a store-bought pastry, among all the sodium benzoate this and propylene glycol that, I noticed that ethyl alcohol was included. :confused: Now, it’s way lower down the list (between m… --- ## [MRI VS XRAY in showing metal artifact](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mri-vs-xray-in-showing-metal-artifact/720934)
**Author:** [@butterfly\_girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butterfly_girl)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mri-vs-xray-in-showing-metal-artifact/720934 "2015-05-28T22:25:57Z")
Ok, so I’m really curious. In December, I had surgery on my neck. I’ve continued to have consistent swelling and severe pain, worse that before I had the surgery. I complained so much that just about 6 weeks ago the doc … --- ## [Driverless cars recognize small animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driverless-cars-recognize-small-animals/721050)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driverless-cars-recognize-small-animals/721050 "2015-05-28T21:56:56Z")
I know driverless cars can acknowledge humans, and stop, but what about small animals? Cats, squirrels, rabbits etc. And what about really quick animals (deer, antelope, and the like) darting in front of a car. For that … --- ## [Spring energy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spring-energy/720433)
**Author:** [@hondodoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hondodoc)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spring-energy/720433 "2015-05-28T21:37:19Z")
I have a question about an experiment that seems to violate the law of conservation and energy. I’m hopeful that you will be able to dispel my misunderstanding. Suppose you take a metal spring wound to its capacity, th… --- ## [What kinds of business creation actually create jobs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-business-creation-actually-create-jobs/719591)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kinds-of-business-creation-actually-create-jobs/719591 "2015-05-28T21:03:12Z")
My son is taking economics in high school, so we have been talking about this kind of thing lately. At one point, I said to him that I always found it dubious when the news reports that someone is opening a new restaura… --- ## [Why Didn't Hitler Resort to Poison Gas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hitler-resort-to-poison-gas/452601)
**Author:** [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hitler-resort-to-poison-gas/452601 "2015-05-28T20:19:56Z")
During WWI, Germany introduced the use of poison gas to the battlefield, with horrifying results. After the war, the use of poison gas was banned by the Geneva Convention. Moving ahead to WWII, from 1944 on, Hitler and… --- ## [Why aren’t race horses cloned? What’s to stop this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-aren-t-race-horses-cloned-what-s-to-stop-this/720517)
**Author:** [@Nefario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefario)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-aren-t-race-horses-cloned-what-s-to-stop-this/720517 "2015-05-28T20:07:03Z")
Being near horse country I’ve wondered about this a lot. The death or euthanasia of a horse or its gelding before it realizes its racing potential means that desirable characteristics are gone forever. Thinking further… --- ## [Auto Wheel Engineering Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-wheel-engineering-question/721006)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-wheel-engineering-question/721006 "2015-05-28T19:00:16Z")
What are the determining factors when a vehicle is designed in terms of how many lugnuts are required for a given wheel? I googled and didn’t really get good answers. I assume more lugs=heavier duty since the 1500 truck… --- ## [How common a prescription is baclofen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-a-prescription-is-baclofen/720924)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-a-prescription-is-baclofen/720924 "2015-05-28T18:33:37Z")
I am in the shitty position of finding out somebody, in a very small group of possibles, stole some pain pills from me and replaced them with mostly baclofen. I understand that this is a muscle relaxant. I know that one … --- ## [Anti-anti-psychotic drugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-anti-psychotic-drugs/721047)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-anti-psychotic-drugs/721047 "2015-05-28T17:30:06Z")
That is, if an anti-psychotic is a drug that relieves or minimizes psychotic symptoms, are there any drugs or poisons that induce them? Psychedelics can induce hallucinations and delusions but the effects are still disti… --- ## [Arcades and anime shops in central LA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arcades-and-anime-shops-in-central-la/721020)
**Author:** [@Saturn\_Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saturn_Dreams)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arcades-and-anime-shops-in-central-la/721020 "2015-05-28T17:09:16Z")
I’m going to be in LA in June for E3 and a team from my company wants to visit American arcades and anime shops to conduct a survey. I already know about EightyTwo and Anime Jungle in Little Tokyo. Any other worthwhile… --- ## [When an unlicensed driver gets a ticket in CA, can the "points" go to someone else? (California)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-an-unlicensed-driver-gets-a-ticket-in-ca-can-the-points-go-to-someone-else-california/721051)
**Author:** [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-an-unlicensed-driver-gets-a-ticket-in-ca-can-the-points-go-to-someone-else-california/721051 "2015-05-28T17:03:36Z")
My friend Michelle is living as roommates with a father and daughter, Andy and Becky. Michelle has a license in good standing, but doesn’t have a car. Andy has a car, but not a license in good standing (he had parking … --- ## [What's the name for a 2mm square hole in a screw head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-a-2mm-square-hole-in-a-screw-head/720999)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-a-2mm-square-hole-in-a-screw-head/720999 "2015-05-28T16:13:14Z")
This stove has a stainless top held on by 2 screws with square holes, about 2mm across. I can’t find the right term to buy a driver for this head. Why the stove company chose this, I have no idea. --- ## [Any reason for water pressure to change when it's raining?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-for-water-pressure-to-change-when-its-raining/721036)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-for-water-pressure-to-change-when-its-raining/721036 "2015-05-28T16:10:07Z")
Here’s a headscratcher. For as long as I can remember, when I wake up and get into the shower, I could always tell if it was raining (or at least really wet) outside my house because I would have to turn on more hot wate… --- ## [Car dashboard color/safety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-dashboard-color-safety/720716)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-dashboard-color-safety/720716 "2015-05-28T15:47:10Z")
My Wife test drove a Subaru yesterday. In talking to the salesperson, she asked why the dashboard was darker than the rest of the interior. Think dark chocolate compared to the beige of the seats. The salesman said th… --- ## [Does the author benefit from me downloading a free Kindle book?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-author-benefit-from-me-downloading-a-free-kindle-book/720991)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-author-benefit-from-me-downloading-a-free-kindle-book/720991 "2015-05-28T15:44:13Z")
I can’t find much information about this - if I decide to take a chance on a only halfway interesting sounding free Kindle book, is doing so of any benefit to the author? If I knew they get something out of it, I’d downl… --- ## [Testosterone, overall muscle growth, and specific muscle groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testosterone-overall-muscle-growth-and-specific-muscle-groups/720849)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testosterone-overall-muscle-growth-and-specific-muscle-groups/720849 "2015-05-28T15:02:10Z")
In theory, there is a factual answer, but online you can find a wide range of perspectives. So, it seems to be a fact that overall muscle growth is limited by testosterone. You can’t get big without it. Manipulate it vi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1106) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1108)