# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1120 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1121 --- ## [Sort out for me: state's attorney, city attorney, district attorney...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sort-out-for-me-states-attorney-city-attorney-district-attorney/719102)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sort-out-for-me-states-attorney-city-attorney-district-attorney/719102 "2015-05-06T14:42:48Z")
…and while we’re on the subject, state attorney general. Marilyn Mosby is state attorney for the city of Baltimore, like Alicia Florrick (The Good Wife) is state attorney for the city of Chicago. The city where I live h… --- ## [What guns did the Islamic terrorists in Texas use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-guns-did-the-islamic-terrorists-in-texas-use/719379)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-guns-did-the-islamic-terrorists-in-texas-use/719379 "2015-05-06T13:39:39Z")
Photos and conjectures here. Also see linked Twitter photo. One is a Kel-Tec, according to the author, Bob Owens. The other is… Is this a legitimate centerfire AR-15? Is this a rimfire copy? Is this an airgun, designe… --- ## [Weird bike wheels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-bike-wheels/719332)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-bike-wheels/719332 "2015-05-06T13:11:49Z")
So I’m cruising down the highway and here’s yet another teeny-tiny car with a great big bike on a rack. I looked at it for a minute, then realized it was weird. Ordinary enough looking bike, but the wheels had 1" deep ri… --- ## [the contact pattern on a chipped credit card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-contact-pattern-on-a-chipped-credit-card/715862)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-contact-pattern-on-a-chipped-credit-card/715862 "2015-05-06T05:47:37Z")
I recently received my new AmEx credit card, which includes the “chip and pin” security system. Can someone explain why the chip contacts are shaped the way they are? there are several apparently separate contacts, but… --- ## [How Hard Is It To Sneak Across The Border The Other Way (US Into Mexico)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-sneak-across-the-border-the-other-way-us-into-mexico/718586)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-sneak-across-the-border-the-other-way-us-into-mexico/718586 "2015-05-06T03:54:09Z")
Clearly US Border Patrol agents are far more concerned with people coming into the country than they are with people trying to get out. But does that mean they aren’t concerned at all? If someone were seen sneaking throu… --- ## [Help ID this old farm equipment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-old-farm-equipment/719346)
**Author:** [@campp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/campp)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-old-farm-equipment/719346 "2015-05-06T02:07:38Z")
Seen in the picture here. Taken in probably the 1920s or 1930s. It’s either western Oklahoma or central Arizona. :confused: I’m hoping the machine type might tell us something. Thanks, I’m anxious to learn what that mi… --- ## [Why are passwords not visible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-passwords-not-visible/719245)
**Author:** [@KevTheGreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KevTheGreen)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2015, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-passwords-not-visible/719245 "2015-05-06T01:21:49Z")
Why am I unable to see what letters I type when I input my password? I’m a lousy typist and it’s frustrating to have to keep blindly entering a password. I can sort of see why this would be important in an office, but I’… --- ## [What Is Wrong With My Car Air Conditioning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wrong-with-my-car-air-conditioning/719304)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-wrong-with-my-car-air-conditioning/719304 "2015-05-05T23:22:12Z")
Last year, i bought a used car (Saturn SL1) sedan. Like all used cars, it had a few things wrong. One is the air conditioning-it stays on ALL the time (except when the blower is turned off). I checked the situation, and … --- ## [Know of a pulse oximeter that can be read outside in bright light.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-of-a-pulse-oximeter-that-can-be-read-outside-in-bright-light/714866)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/know-of-a-pulse-oximeter-that-can-be-read-outside-in-bright-light/714866 "2015-05-05T23:03:27Z")
I’ve a question for persons familiar with a pulse oximeter. I’ve two and neither has a display that can be seen outside in bright light. Do you know of a make/model that can be read outside in bright light. --- ## [Is development pace in infants/toddlers really that universal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-development-pace-in-infants-toddlers-really-that-universal/719283)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-development-pace-in-infants-toddlers-really-that-universal/719283 "2015-05-05T21:07:42Z")
I know there are various info sources (books, websites, magazines, etc.) that will tell you how developed a child will be at week x. However, every parent I’ve encountered has bragged about how their child was doing such… --- ## [Wheel bearing noise - I presume](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-bearing-noise-i-presume/719069)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheel-bearing-noise-i-presume/719069 "2015-05-05T20:59:59Z")
I drive a long distance to work and back: 200 miles each day. My 2009 Elantra has over 400,000 KMS on it. I’m hearing a noise from a wheel bearing. In fact maybe all four. How much longer can I drive on a noisy wheel… --- ## [How likely are you to recommend us to your friends and family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-are-you-to-recommend-us-to-your-friends-and-family/719303)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-are-you-to-recommend-us-to-your-friends-and-family/719303 "2015-05-05T18:32:49Z")
I like filling out surveys, but there’s one question that keeps coming up that really annoys me: That question makes a lot of sense from a company that has a lot of competition. But a few minutes ago, I got it from the… --- ## [Do I seed my netted, spotty grass, barely growing, lawn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-seed-my-netted-spotty-grass-barely-growing-lawn/719163)
**Author:** [@mazinger\_z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mazinger_z)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-seed-my-netted-spotty-grass-barely-growing-lawn/719163 "2015-05-05T17:11:22Z")
I built a new home and the builder put in grass seed back in late October/early November. After seeding he put down a netting with hay. He said it would be fine over the winter and the netting will help retain moisture. … --- ## [Are the Polish grom considered a tier one unit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-polish-grom-considered-a-tier-one-unit/719272)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-polish-grom-considered-a-tier-one-unit/719272 "2015-05-05T16:08:33Z")
Are they comparable to jtf2, delta force, sas, etc or are they more comparable to navy seals or green berets? --- ## [Is the Rubik's cube solveable in any configuration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rubiks-cube-solveable-in-any-configuration/719112)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-rubiks-cube-solveable-in-any-configuration/719112 "2015-05-05T15:46:59Z")
Reading about people who solve the Rubik’s cube quickly got me wondering. If you remove the stickers and replace them without turning the cube, is it possible to arrange the stickers such that it becomes impossible to so… --- ## [Comma when using "junior" or "senior" with a first name (informal text)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comma-when-using-junior-or-senior-with-a-first-name-informal-text/719076)
**Author:** [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comma-when-using-junior-or-senior-with-a-first-name-informal-text/719076 "2015-05-05T15:34:37Z")
I should be able to answer this myself but I’ve been reading staggeringly boring material for about 10 hours straight and am barely able to think anymore. I’m proofreading an otherwise formal brochure of Very Important … --- ## [Why is a fire danger warning called a"Red Flag" warning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-fire-danger-warning-called-a-red-flag-warning/719316)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-fire-danger-warning-called-a-red-flag-warning/719316 "2015-05-05T15:29:31Z")
It doesn’t really make sense to me. All the other weather warning names are self explanatory. For example, a hurricane warning forecasts a hurricane. Why don’t they call it a “fire danger” or “fire weather” warning? --- ## [Does your car produce "free" electricity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-car-produce-free-electricity/719210)
**Author:** [@bb49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bb49)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-your-car-produce-free-electricity/719210 "2015-05-05T15:29:10Z")
I was heading off in my car for a short trip and threw in my tablet, but noticed that it wasn’t fully charged. Realizing there was an appropriate plug-in in the car, I decided to charge the tablet. By the time I reache… --- ## [What is gravity's effect on Radio/Video signals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-gravitys-effect-on-radio-video-signals/719256)
**Author:** [@Supdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Supdog)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-gravitys-effect-on-radio-video-signals/719256 "2015-05-05T15:28:44Z")
I’m just asking from memory so my figures are probably way off, but in the movie Interstellar, the crew of 3 goes to the surface the water planet, which is heavily affected by the gravity of a black hole. They leave a c… --- ## [computer passwords question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-passwords-question/719307)
**Author:** [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-passwords-question/719307 "2015-05-05T14:33:07Z")
I have several online website passwords remembered by Firefox so I don’t need to type in the password to sign in. I’m going to have visitors, and would like to remove the password memory. How do I do that? Also, I chang… --- ## [Ill effects on garden plants of using hot (from garden hose) water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-effects-on-garden-plants-of-using-hot-from-garden-hose-water/719269)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ill-effects-on-garden-plants-of-using-hot-from-garden-hose-water/719269 "2015-05-05T13:11:10Z")
I know that obvious high temps will cook plants, but my personal gardening experience is pretty limited—other than eating the products. Anyway. . . I heard this exchange recently, and wondered if there how factual it wa… --- ## ["Signals" in a wire.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signals-in-a-wire/718818)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signals-in-a-wire/718818 "2015-05-05T11:31:13Z")
I have one wire coming out of the wall and it carries TV, phone and internet. Obviously, it’s all just ones and zeros and the equipment does the conversion to voice, or video or whatever, but what’s going on in that wir… --- ## [Is it just a coincidence that 5 of the continent names begin and end with 'A'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-a-coincidence-that-5-of-the-continent-names-begin-and-end-with-a/719258)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-just-a-coincidence-that-5-of-the-continent-names-begin-and-end-with-a/719258 "2015-05-05T11:18:34Z")
And the other begins and ends with ‘E’? Or is there some other reason? ETA: Only 6 total, because of the 2 Americas. --- ## [Photocopy passport illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photocopy-passport-illegal/719285)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photocopy-passport-illegal/719285 "2015-05-05T09:04:08Z")
While making copies at work today, I noticed a little sticker on the photocopier warning me that it is illegal to make copies of US currency, passports, and postage stamps. However, the State Department’s own website re… --- ## [Is this a leaf, a feather, or a seed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-leaf-a-feather-or-a-seed/719282)
**Author:** [@TheUser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheUser)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-leaf-a-feather-or-a-seed/719282 "2015-05-05T06:47:03Z")
I stepped outside today and saw millions of what looked like leaves falling from the trees and whirling in the wind (I’m not sure what trees they were, no idea). I took a few pictures including one close-up. On close in… --- ## [Free Photoshop-like tool?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-photoshop-like-tool/719097)
**Author:** [@sevenwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sevenwood)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-photoshop-like-tool/719097 "2015-05-05T04:59:20Z")
(And boy am I going to be embarrassed if I find out that Photoshop itself is free.) I have a simple task that I’d like to perform, I’m only going to do it once, and it’s not important enough that purchasing a tool to do… --- ## [Coaxial Cables -- Does the outer sheath HAVE to be connected?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coaxial-cables-does-the-outer-sheath-have-to-be-connected/718258)
**Author:** [@swaneycpcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swaneycpcc)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coaxial-cables-does-the-outer-sheath-have-to-be-connected/718258 "2015-05-05T04:49:42Z")
I just got cable internet. The only cable jack that was working was in my kids’ room, which is undesirable because they could mess with it and because the wifi signal strength to the rest of the apartment is marginal. … --- ## [What's the minimum amount of dope dogs can smell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-minimum-amount-of-dope-dogs-can-smell/718972)
**Author:** [@Tron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tron)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2015, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-minimum-amount-of-dope-dogs-can-smell/718972 "2015-05-05T02:02:59Z")
I’ve always wondered this, even before my pot-smoking days… I’ve asked this before but got no reply: How little marijuana can dogs smell? An ounce; a joint; a seed??? What is the minimum amount of marijuana you can c… --- ## [What are these metal badges I've been seeing on vehicles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-metal-badges-ive-been-seeing-on-vehicles/706444)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2015, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-metal-badges-ive-been-seeing-on-vehicles/706444 "2015-05-04T20:28:43Z")
Lately I’ve noticed a number of vehicles with a magnetic or stick-on metal “badge” (like a Jesus or Darwin fish) on the back that I can’t figure out the significance of. One of the badges I’ve seen is an R in a circle, … --- ## [Do people explode on impact when they fall from great heights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-explode-on-impact-when-they-fall-from-great-heights/659667)
**Author:** [@donnie\_darko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donnie_darko)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2015, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-explode-on-impact-when-they-fall-from-great-heights/659667 "2015-05-04T20:08:33Z")
A really morbid question, I know and I apologize. But like the false belief that you’d explode without a spacesuit in space, it’s very pervasive and often passed on as common knowledge. I read a witness of the 9/11 atta… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1119) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1121)