# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1108 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1109 --- ## [Wavelength and radar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wavelength-and-radar/720445)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wavelength-and-radar/720445 "2015-05-28T11:04:13Z")
What is the relationship between return signal power and wavelength, all other factors being constant? Looking at the radar equation, Lambda has a 2 exponent next to it so it seems that return signal power will increase … --- ## [Do cats in trees actually need rescue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cats-in-trees-actually-need-rescue/720737)
**Author:** [@liontamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liontamer)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cats-in-trees-actually-need-rescue/720737 "2015-05-28T10:51:32Z")
There is a show coming soon about guys climbing trees to save cats. Do cats really climb trees and starve til they fall or jump or what? --- ## [Can You Get a 'Paid' Twitter Account?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-a-paid-twitter-account/720945)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-a-paid-twitter-account/720945 "2015-05-28T09:14:02Z")
I know you can get a paid just-about-everything-else on the internet. But first a little background. I seem to have reached the limit of people I can follow on Twitter. It was really fun at first. I just followed anyone… --- ## [What mineral is this cube made from? (Pictures within, but no cats, sorry.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-mineral-is-this-cube-made-from-pictures-within-but-no-cats-sorry/720851)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-mineral-is-this-cube-made-from-pictures-within-but-no-cats-sorry/720851 "2015-05-28T06:39:18Z")
I have this cube which is 6cm on an edge – Link It weighs in at 653 grams, according to this scale – Link So, I’ve always believed this cube to be made of alabaster or possibly agate, though thinking the former was m… --- ## [What does the word ‘Chilango’ imply?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-chilango-imply/721011)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-chilango-imply/721011 "2015-05-28T06:13:53Z")
Every Internet source I’ve looked at says that the word simply means ‘somebody from Mexico City.’ It’s a uniquely Mexican word; I’ve never heard a Central or South American person use it. However, the vast majority of Me… --- ## [Best way to cut 1-3/8 in. Zinc Steel Flat Bar 1/16 in. Thick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926 "2015-05-28T03:47:30Z")
What is the best and most economical way to cut a piece of 1-3/8 in. x 36 in. Zinc Steel Flat Bar 1/16 in. Thick? I need to cut several in half. Thanks! --- ## [Is a Trans-Amazonian Railroad Feasible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-trans-amazonian-railroad-feasible/720735)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-trans-amazonian-railroad-feasible/720735 "2015-05-28T01:21:23Z")
China planning to build a trans-Amazon railroad:://www.ibtimes.com/china-brazil-peru-eye-transcontinental-railway-megaproject-1930003 The main purpose would be to transport grain, iron ore, and other raw materials to a … --- ## [How big is DNA compared to, say, a skin cell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-dna-compared-to-say-a-skin-cell/720967)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2015, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-is-dna-compared-to-say-a-skin-cell/720967 "2015-05-28T00:29:35Z")
So let’s say I get really small and find myself standing in front of a recently disembodied skin cell. A live one. The cell, relative to me, is as big as a 2000 square foot split level house. I wanna get a look at the… --- ## [Why do Asian-Americans name their daughters these names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-asian-americans-name-their-daughters-these-names/719643)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-asian-americans-name-their-daughters-these-names/719643 "2015-05-27T19:56:48Z")
I notice tons of young Asian women in the West have names that haven’t been popular with white or black people since the 1960s-70s. If you meet a Wendy, Kimberly, Tammy, Sharon/Cheryl or Elaine (they seem to love those n… --- ## ["60 watt equivalent, but 40 watt actual usage" light bulb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/60-watt-equivalent-but-40-watt-actual-usage-light-bulb/720941)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/60-watt-equivalent-but-40-watt-actual-usage-light-bulb/720941 "2015-05-27T17:48:48Z")
So I have light bulbs that say “60 watt equivalent (in terms of light emitted, I’m assuming,) but 40 watt actual usage (of energy consumed?)” What does this mean? Is it safe to use such light bulbs in a 40-watt lamp, si… --- ## [The Lag...on my computer...what does it represent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lag-on-my-computer-what-does-it-represent/720760)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lag-on-my-computer-what-does-it-represent/720760 "2015-05-27T16:58:16Z")
Not what causes it… What does it represent? CPU issues, memory issues? Computer in question is a MacBook Pro and by lag I mean I am hitting cheese and nothing is happening and nothing is happening and then all of a sudd… --- ## [What is the correlation between morbidity or appearance/ability with age & mortality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-correlation-between-morbidity-or-appearance-ability-with-age-mortality/720904)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-correlation-between-morbidity-or-appearance-ability-with-age-mortality/720904 "2015-05-27T14:58:47Z")
It is hard to write a title with the character limit. Does a person who ages well have a longer life expectancy than someone who doesn’t? Meaning, does a person who is still fairly fit in their 60s much more likely to re… --- ## [Is medicaid under the ACA subject to the assets test](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-medicaid-under-the-aca-subject-to-the-assets-test/720921)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-medicaid-under-the-aca-subject-to-the-assets-test/720921 "2015-05-27T13:43:40Z")
I know medicaid had a provision where you couldn’t have more than 2k in assets to quality. Has this changed under the ACA? If you are unemployed and on medicaid via the ACA, but you have 300k in savings (retirement, per… --- ## [Shortest and longest months and years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortest-and-longest-months-and-years/720915)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortest-and-longest-months-and-years/720915 "2015-05-27T12:27:02Z")
What were the shortest and longest months and years? Let’s restrict this to official calendars as used in some country or countries sometime in history. I’ve been researching this and the shortest month I’ve found is ei… --- ## [Will all orange lens sunglasses block blue spectrum light](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-all-orange-lens-sunglasses-block-blue-spectrum-light/720813)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-all-orange-lens-sunglasses-block-blue-spectrum-light/720813 "2015-05-27T12:05:59Z")
I’ve been looking at blue blocker sunglasses for circadian rhythm, but will any pair of orange lenses work or does there need to be something special about them (a certain shade of orange/red or orange/yellow, a certain … --- ## [Why do they repair auto glass in YOUR driveway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-repair-auto-glass-in-your-driveway/143387)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2002, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-repair-auto-glass-in-your-driveway/143387 "2002-12-18T19:57:06Z")
Just finished making an appt. to have my windshield repaired. It seems so very odd–the glass repair dude is making a housecall, going to my wife’s workplace to fix the windshield in her parking lot. I understand that th… --- ## [Ms Word - is there a way to draw a 3" circle? Need Answer Soon.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-is-there-a-way-to-draw-a-3-circle-need-answer-soon/720873)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-is-there-a-way-to-draw-a-3-circle-need-answer-soon/720873 "2015-05-27T05:45:18Z")
We need to print several circles for specific sizes. 0.5" 1" 1.5" 2" 2.5" 3" etc. up to 7" why? don’t ask. :stuck\_out\_tongue: I got stuck with the job and need this printed up for a meeting this afternoon. other t… --- ## [Plumbing and Science.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-and-science/720796)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-and-science/720796 "2015-05-27T05:24:29Z")
The waste pipe from my kitchen sink is a bit slow. It drains, but not as fast as the cold water tap can fill it. If, however, I get a vortex going by running the water down the side of the bowl (swivel tap) it drains aw… --- ## [Where in New York City (Manhattan) Is This Building?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-new-york-city-manhattan-is-this-building/720902)
**Author:** [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-new-york-city-manhattan-is-this-building/720902 "2015-05-27T03:11:33Z")
The one at top left of this site. --- ## [Not getting ripped off when selling a bicycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-getting-ripped-off-when-selling-a-bicycle/720744)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-getting-ripped-off-when-selling-a-bicycle/720744 "2015-05-27T02:16:59Z")
Several years ago I sold a couple of bicycles through Kijiji and both were successful sales with no safety or security issues. Well now I’m selling another one and I cannot remember what I did the previous time when pote… --- ## [Counterfeit Goods and Customs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterfeit-goods-and-customs/720923)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2015, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/counterfeit-goods-and-customs/720923 "2015-05-27T00:22:54Z")
I was watching Crime Inc. the other day, and it focused on the Port of Oakland and the insane volume of counterfeit goods coming through. My question is, It seems to me that certain items are automatically confiscated.… --- ## [Steel alloyed with precious metals.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-alloyed-with-precious-metals/720707)
**Author:** [@DJ\_Motorbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DJ_Motorbike)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-alloyed-with-precious-metals/720707 "2015-05-26T23:13:27Z")
I’ve often wondered what characteristics steel takes on when alloyed with gold. Someone must have tried it at some point. Silver is common enough and surely that’s been tried, but what does that do? Copper is semi-preci… --- ## [Newspaper editions in the past](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newspaper-editions-in-the-past/720765)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newspaper-editions-in-the-past/720765 "2015-05-26T22:48:42Z")
When I read old newspapers either in person or online, occasionally I note something like “early edition”, “market edition”, or something similar. In the past (let’s say 1920 to 1970), how many editions did the typical … --- ## [Can you be allergic to Vit. C?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-allergic-to-vit-c/455028)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-allergic-to-vit-c/455028 "2015-05-26T22:44:48Z")
I ask this question seriously, although for many years I have just tongue-in-cheek claimed that it was a conspiracy on the part of Vitamin suppliers to impregnate their pills with viruses…whenever I embarked upon a cours… --- ## [Could we discover the remnants of an advanced Martian civilisation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-discover-the-remnants-of-an-advanced-martian-civilisation/719697)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-discover-the-remnants-of-an-advanced-martian-civilisation/719697 "2015-05-26T22:22:40Z")
Currently some scientists believe that Martian surface once contained Oceans and it once had an atmosphere like Earths. However this ended several billions of years ago? If say a Martian sentient life had developed and … --- ## [Whose tax records are exposed in the IRS hack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-tax-records-are-exposed-in-the-irs-hack/720909)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whose-tax-records-are-exposed-in-the-irs-hack/720909 "2015-05-26T22:12:46Z")
I don’t know how to interpret this story–I see the thieves accessed taxpayer records via “Get Transcript”–but does “Get Transcript” give the thieves access to all taxpayer records? APNewsBreak: IRS Says Thieves Stole Ta… --- ## [Homemade solution for power washer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-solution-for-power-washer/720758)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-solution-for-power-washer/720758 "2015-05-26T21:47:55Z")
I have a Husky light-duty power washer for home use. There are power washer cleaner solutions on the market, but is there anything I can use that’s not so specialized? Like dish detergent? I just don’t need another jug o… --- ## [Could Tony Stark get homeowner's insurance? (Potential Marvel movie spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-tony-stark-get-homeowners-insurance-potential-marvel-movie-spoilers/720700)
**Author:** [@F.Pu-du-he-pa-as](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.Pu-du-he-pa-as)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-tony-stark-get-homeowners-insurance-potential-marvel-movie-spoilers/720700 "2015-05-26T19:03:24Z")
After watching the various recent Marvel movies, it seems like Tony Stark’s house gets shot up/blown up with some frequency. Would Tony still be able to get homeowner’s insurance given his track record? --- ## [Do politicians have the ability to give orders to law enforcement, what is the relationship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-politicians-have-the-ability-to-give-orders-to-law-enforcement-what-is-the-relationship/720679)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-politicians-have-the-ability-to-give-orders-to-law-enforcement-what-is-the-relationship/720679 "2015-05-26T17:53:42Z")
On TV there are always cop shows where the chief or some other high ranking officer like a captain will say ‘the mayor (or city hall) is on my ass to solve this case’. Do politicians have the ability to give orders to an… --- ## [By this time, shouldn't we have independent photo confirmation of Hatra's demolition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-this-time-shouldnt-we-have-independent-photo-confirmation-of-hatras-demolition/720855)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2015, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-this-time-shouldnt-we-have-independent-photo-confirmation-of-hatras-demolition/720855 "2015-05-26T17:45:07Z")
For over two and a half months I’ve been reading about the destruction by ISIS of the Hatra archaeological site, and since this was supposedly done, around March 7, any news reports concerning the extent of the destructi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1107) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1109)