# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1125 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1126 --- ## [A watertight seal that can also be penetrated by something non-water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-watertight-seal-that-can-also-be-penetrated-by-something-non-water/718658)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-watertight-seal-that-can-also-be-penetrated-by-something-non-water/718658 "2015-04-28T16:08:35Z")
Kind of a confusing title, Mods, feel free to clean it up if necessary. I saw this drawing of a hypothetical perpetual motion machine that I think was a joke, but seems incredibly plausible. The main issue I can see wi… --- ## [Does anyone understand Windows 8 and Dropbox?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-windows-8-and-dropbox/718709)
**Author:** [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-windows-8-and-dropbox/718709 "2015-04-28T14:27:16Z")
I have been taking digital photographs since 2003 and I now have a very large collection on my hard drive, which has been successfully transferred from laptop to laptop as I have replaced them. I have just bought a new l… --- ## [Parsing my "cume" record test score stickers, 1070's...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsing-my-cume-record-test-score-stickers-1070s/718715)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parsing-my-cume-record-test-score-stickers-1070s/718715 "2015-04-28T14:05:43Z")
For reasons having to do with my ADD I have been looking at my old school records from LAUSD (LA Unified School District). I have also been reviewing old diaries from that era for personal reasons… I ran across something… --- ## [Will Everest get higher?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-everest-get-higher/718571)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-everest-get-higher/718571 "2015-04-28T12:58:33Z")
Prompted by reports of the terrible earthquake in Nepal and specifically the following: Am I correct in gathering from this that Everest (and other Himalayan peaks) will get higher and higher until the plates involved … --- ## [Parliamentary question: Leader of the Official Opposition crossing the floor to join government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliamentary-question-leader-of-the-official-opposition-crossing-the-floor-to-join-government/707653)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parliamentary-question-leader-of-the-official-opposition-crossing-the-floor-to-join-government/707653 "2015-04-28T09:27:04Z")
We’ve got an interesting situation developing in Alberta. The provincial government is currently a right-of-centre party, called the Progressive Conservatives. The Official Opposition is currently the farther-to-the ri… --- ## [How many Honus Wagner cards were produced and not destroyed by the manufacturer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-honus-wagner-cards-were-produced-and-not-destroyed-by-the-manufacturer/349922)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-honus-wagner-cards-were-produced-and-not-destroyed-by-the-manufacturer/349922 "2015-04-28T04:35:18Z")
There are only a few of these cards left, that much is clear. I keep getting different answers as far as how many made it out of the tobacco factory though. These. three . sites all have the same plagiarized statement t… --- ## [Neatdesk scanner software question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neatdesk-scanner-software-question/718561)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neatdesk-scanner-software-question/718561 "2015-04-28T03:06:12Z")
First, I tried Googling but came up with nothing. I got a gift a month early. A Neatdesk scanner. When trying to set up the software it wanted me to go for a free 30 day trial for NeatCloud. I found no way to get aro… --- ## [Very strange caller ID question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-strange-caller-id-question/718643)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-strange-caller-id-question/718643 "2015-04-28T02:13:20Z")
I have been talking to several Subaru dealers recently. I just got a call from someone from the Subaru of America concierge service, and asked if I had any questions about the car. The caller ID on my cell phone showed… --- ## [How hot do halogen light bulbs get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hot-do-halogen-light-bulbs-get/718386)
**Author:** [@Huvudtvatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huvudtvatt)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hot-do-halogen-light-bulbs-get/718386 "2015-04-28T00:30:09Z")
I have a couple of vintage designer lamps that are rated for 60W light bulbs, probably because the plastic in them is heat sensitive. Since I am running out of traditional incandescent bulbs I was thinking of switching t… --- ## [Question about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/718580)
**Author:** [@Knowledgable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowledgable)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2015, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict/718580 "2015-04-28T00:29:38Z")
When the Partitioning Plan of Palestine, 1948, was finished and put up for voting \*\*was the Jewish state contiguous or was the Arab state contiguous? \*\* There seems to be 2 intersection point in which the Arab state div… --- ## [Please identify this spider](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-spider/718619)
**Author:** [@JPisFreakedOut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JPisFreakedOut)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-spider/718619 "2015-04-27T23:08:59Z")
Can someone help me with this one? I am in Central Texas, USA. sorry for the less than great pic. --- ## [Would it be illegal (under US law) for a US citizen to own slaves in another country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-illegal-under-us-law-for-a-us-citizen-to-own-slaves-in-another-country/718678)
**Author:** [@hexxie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hexxie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-illegal-under-us-law-for-a-us-citizen-to-own-slaves-in-another-country/718678 "2015-04-27T22:48:19Z")
Slavery today is illegal in all countries, but if a US citizen owned slaves in another country (possibly where there was little or no enforcement of that law), would that be prosecutable in some form under US law? Say t… --- ## [Was it ever a crime to shout the word "celery"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-ever-a-crime-to-shout-the-word-celery/718530)
**Author:** [@Bisected8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bisected8)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-ever-a-crime-to-shout-the-word-celery/718530 "2015-04-27T21:53:32Z")
I read this many years ago in a “Horrible History” book. Googleing for more info/a citation doesn’t seem to have shown up anything but proof I’m not misremembering. --- ## [Paying $1000 for a headphone amp to listen to $1000 headphones...why (from a technical perspective)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-1000-for-a-headphone-amp-to-listen-to-1000-headphones-why-from-a-technical-perspective/718510)
**Author:** [@andrea\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrea_green)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-1000-for-a-headphone-amp-to-listen-to-1000-headphones-why-from-a-technical-perspective/718510 "2015-04-27T21:39:52Z")
I recently learned about this Sony product called a PHA-3 Headphone amp and I’m intrigued (from a strictly technical point of view, this is not IMHO) why some people would pay $1000 in order to listen to their iPhone (us… --- ## [How many planes to drop WWII Airborne Div?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-planes-to-drop-wwii-airborne-div/718645)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-planes-to-drop-wwii-airborne-div/718645 "2015-04-27T21:26:42Z")
My research shows that the C-53 Skytrooper (paratroop version of the C-47 Dakota) carried 28 men in addition to the crew. One source states that the 101st AB had 12,335 men. This would equal about 440 C-53s. BUT I kno… --- ## [punctuation for the title of a document in quotes, with reference (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-for-the-title-of-a-document-in-quotes-with-reference-need-answer-fast/718591)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-for-the-title-of-a-document-in-quotes-with-reference-need-answer-fast/718591 "2015-04-27T20:45:18Z")
Struggling to figure out how to arrange these components. I have the title of a document, in quotes. The title ends with a question mark, but it’s being mentioned in a declarative sentence. In addition, there is a sup… --- ## [Human=chin : Neandertal=no chin. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-chin-neandertal-no-chin-why/184815)
**Author:** [@bunyip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bunyip)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-chin-neandertal-no-chin-why/184815 "2015-04-27T20:43:49Z")
There was an interesting programme on BBC2 a few days ago about the Lapedo Child; a possible Human/Neandertal cross breed. In it, the morphology of the jaw bone was used as one way to identify Human or Neandertal remain… --- ## [Cargo-plane worship in the South Pacific](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cargo-plane-worship-in-the-south-pacific/138748)
**Author:** [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cargo-plane-worship-in-the-south-pacific/138748 "2015-04-27T19:53:09Z")
Does anyone know if the old story of South Pacific Islanders who worshipped cargo-planes and even built palm frond duplicates is true? I do remember seeing an old Life magazine photo of one such airplane replica but for… --- ## [Are any environmental organizations pushing for electronic receipts ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-environmental-organizations-pushing-for-electronic-receipts/718617)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-any-environmental-organizations-pushing-for-electronic-receipts/718617 "2015-04-27T19:47:51Z")
It irritates me when stores promote folks to recycle plastic bags and use multiple use bags or charge people for plastic bags (ikea) YET when it comes to them not wasting paper and emailing me that receipt they show thei… --- ## [In human perception, are colors complementary according to the RYB or RGB model?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-human-perception-are-colors-complementary-according-to-the-ryb-or-rgb-model/718590)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-human-perception-are-colors-complementary-according-to-the-ryb-or-rgb-model/718590 "2015-04-27T19:46:37Z")
The RYB and RGB color wheels: http://tutorial9.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/3wheels.gif While analogous colors are the same in both the RYB substractive model and the RGB additive model, complementary col… --- ## [1987 U.S. quarter has no ridges (reeding) on its edge. Is it special/valuable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-u-s-quarter-has-no-ridges-reeding-on-its-edge-is-it-special-valuable/634823)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1987-u-s-quarter-has-no-ridges-reeding-on-its-edge-is-it-special-valuable/634823 "2015-04-27T18:15:17Z")
I noticed that a 1987 U.S. quarter I own has no ridges (technically called reeding or milling) anywhere around its edge. What gives? Is it in any way special or valuable? --- ## [Can congress pass a bill disallowing the SCOTUS to hear cases on SSM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-congress-pass-a-bill-disallowing-the-scotus-to-hear-cases-on-ssm/718347)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-congress-pass-a-bill-disallowing-the-scotus-to-hear-cases-on-ssm/718347 "2015-04-27T16:05:07Z")
So Steve King got the bright idea to pass a bill that would bar the SCOTUS from hearing SSM cases. Here. Of course this bill has no chance of making it through both houses, but even if it did, can congress do that? It s… --- ## [How did they send messages in Chinese, using Morse Code?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-send-messages-in-chinese-using-morse-code/718609)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-send-messages-in-chinese-using-morse-code/718609 "2015-04-27T14:57:18Z")
Did they have to translate it into another language first? --- ## [Where do I find a cannon for the 1812 overture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-find-a-cannon-for-the-1812-overture/718549)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-find-a-cannon-for-the-1812-overture/718549 "2015-04-27T13:26:43Z")
My son’s youth orchestra will be playing the 1812. Does anyone know where to find a cannon playing musician? --- ## [Tooth extraction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tooth-extraction/718625)
**Author:** [@jhimmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jhimmichael)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tooth-extraction/718625 "2015-04-27T12:17:56Z")
Is it safe to pregnants to have there tooth extracted with the use of anesthesia?Is it not harmful to them and to the baby? --- ## [Are earthquakes physically painful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-earthquakes-physically-painful/718594)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-earthquakes-physically-painful/718594 "2015-04-27T11:55:53Z")
I’m curious with the quake in Nepal. Do strong earthquakes cause physical pain? Obviously things hitting and falling on people would be painful, but I mean the force of the quake itself. Does the tumult of the ground inj… --- ## [St Faith](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-faith/713320)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-faith/713320 "2015-04-27T04:32:42Z")
In Christian iconography, is there a personification of Faith like there is for Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia)? --- ## [Are there any limits to Star Size?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-limits-to-star-size/718453)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2015, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-limits-to-star-size/718453 "2015-04-27T03:01:23Z")
Is there any limit to the maximum size a star can get, even mathematically worked out? By Mass? Volume? Radius? --- ## [Map of the "Doom Town" built for nuclear test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-of-the-doom-town-built-for-nuclear-test/309759)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2015, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-of-the-doom-town-built-for-nuclear-test/309759 "2015-04-26T23:11:21Z")
I understand that, for a nuclear test in the 1950s, the DOE built a mockup of a small town in the Nevada desert, nicknamed either “Doom Town” or “Doom City.” The stock footage of a two-story house being blown apart by a … --- ## [What is the universe made of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-universe-made-of/718399)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-universe-made-of/718399 "2015-04-26T21:02:42Z")
Do cosmologists or astrophysicists have any hypotheses or theories on the stuff of which the universe is made? By this I mean the “space-time stuff” in which matter, light, time etc “float” or, in other words, the expand… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1124) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1126)