# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1153 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1154 --- ## [Is this math problem stated correctly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-math-problem-stated-correctly/714743)
**Author:** [@panamajack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panamajack)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-math-problem-stated-correctly/714743 "2015-03-11T21:28:20Z")
Found this exercise in this PDF pamphlet on some basic problems in numerical analysis. The exercise, as stated: Even innocent-looking calculus problems can lead to num- bers beyond the calculator range. Show that the … --- ## [Two computers, one monitor set](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-computers-one-monitor-set/714759)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-computers-one-monitor-set/714759 "2015-03-11T19:39:11Z")
I currently use three monitors with one computer. I will be getting a new computer, and would like to hook them up to the same monitors. I will never use the two at the same time, so I am looking for some type of switc… --- ## [Insomnia question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insomnia-question/714752)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insomnia-question/714752 "2015-03-11T19:31:44Z")
Anybody know why, when you have insomnia and are laying there frustratedly awake all night, you finally fall asleep 30 - 60 minutes before the alarm? It never fails for me! --- ## [Why are men attracted to 'attractive' women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-men-attracted-to-attractive-women/712819)
**Author:** [@Cardboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardboard)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-men-attracted-to-attractive-women/712819 "2015-03-11T18:56:35Z")
I can see the reason why women are attracted to good looking, strong men. They are strong, that means they’ll be protective and can provide for the family and make sure the hierarchy of needs is fulfilled and all that ja… --- ## [What's the real reason iron weapons replaced bronze weapons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-real-reason-iron-weapons-replaced-bronze-weapons/128276)
**Author:** [@Satyagrahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satyagrahi)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-real-reason-iron-weapons-replaced-bronze-weapons/128276 "2015-03-11T18:13:02Z")
As an amateur historian of the ancient world, I’ve been aware of this debate for years: Most historians state flatly that iron weapons replaced bronze weapons in the Middle East, about 1000 BCE, because iron is harder a… --- ## [What was the point of terrorist training camps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-terrorist-training-camps/714682)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-terrorist-training-camps/714682 "2015-03-11T17:50:23Z")
Yea remember these? Before ISIS had useful idiots flying half way across the world the media was obsessed with people supposedly leaving western countries to go to “terrorist training camps” in various middle eastern cou… --- ## [A Wild Goose Chase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-wild-goose-chase/714750)
**Author:** [@kaltkalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaltkalt)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-wild-goose-chase/714750 "2015-03-11T17:29:11Z")
With regard to the expression on a “wild goose chase” does it mean chasing wild geese or wildly chasing geese? Does “wild” modify goose or chase? --- ## [Travelling to Czech Republic-- currency advice requested](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-czech-republic-currency-advice-requested/714684)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travelling-to-czech-republic-currency-advice-requested/714684 "2015-03-11T17:09:29Z")
I will be travelling from Spain to Prague at the end of the month to spend about a week. I notice on the internet that the official exchange rate vis-á-vis the Euro and the Koruna is roughly 27 to 1… I was wondering wher… --- ## [Churches that ban(ned) divorced women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/churches-that-ban-ned-divorced-women/714250)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/churches-that-ban-ned-divorced-women/714250 "2015-03-11T16:11:46Z")
We got into this discussion at a soup supper this evening at my Episcopal church. Our pastor experienced this when he was a kid, in a different denomination, in the early 1970s. :mad: Not only was his mother told that … --- ## [How many types of molecules are possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-types-of-molecules-are-possible/714729)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-types-of-molecules-are-possible/714729 "2015-03-11T15:06:05Z")
Given what we know of physics and chemistry today, approximately how many molecules are possible? Is there a specialty in physics or chemistry which studies ways to assemble new molecules? --- ## [If we don't sell your home in 68 days, WE'LL BUT IT! Whats the scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-dont-sell-your-home-in-68-days-well-but-it-whats-the-scam/714678)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-dont-sell-your-home-in-68-days-well-but-it-whats-the-scam/714678 "2015-03-11T15:03:31Z")
Over the last few years, this real estate cat showed up and started advertising heavily on the radio that if you list your home with him, he will sell it in 68 days or buy it. He claims that by making that promise, it cr… --- ## [Let's say the Earth's oceans contained 10x less or 10x more water.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-the-earths-oceans-contained-10x-less-or-10x-more-water/714399)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-say-the-earths-oceans-contained-10x-less-or-10x-more-water/714399 "2015-03-11T12:09:34Z")
Hypothetical A: Let’s say the Earth’s oceans contained only one-tenth its current quantity of water - a much shallower ocean. Would there be any meaningful impact on the rest of the planet’s ecosystem? Only difference… --- ## [Bollocks? what are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bollocks-what-are-they/223819)
**Author:** [@EvilGhandi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilGhandi)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bollocks-what-are-they/223819 "2015-03-11T09:15:57Z")
I have heard the term time and time again. I always assumed it was the british equilivent of “aw crap”. Then I heard a British program using it as a noun. I dunno but my best guess from the context was “ass cheeks” Any… --- ## [What happens to neutron-irradiated seawater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-neutron-irradiated-seawater/714555)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 8:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-neutron-irradiated-seawater/714555 "2015-03-11T08:33:59Z")
Suppose I have a volume of seawater that gets exposed to a heavy neutron flux. What changes would I expect to see in that water as a result? I can imagine that neutron absorption would result in the formation of new iso… --- ## [Do I HAVE to put my cat on thyroid medication?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-have-to-put-my-cat-on-thyroid-medication/714718)
**Author:** [@Moonchild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonchild)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-have-to-put-my-cat-on-thyroid-medication/714718 "2015-03-11T04:58:49Z")
Sebastian is 15 and was really fat for the last six years or so. I guess about 2-3 months ago his weight dropped from 17 pounds to 12.5. It’s pretty much stayed there. When he was fat he often had digestive problems wit… --- ## [Is my sump pump going crazy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-sump-pump-going-crazy/714689)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-sump-pump-going-crazy/714689 "2015-03-11T02:38:22Z")
I bought a house about 5 years ago and I’ve never been able to figure out how this is supposed to work. It came with an interior perimeter drain system in the basement that feeds into a sump in the corner. The pump fee… --- ## [Installing Flash Player](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-flash-player/714614)
**Author:** [@GreenElf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenElf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-flash-player/714614 "2015-03-11T02:17:19Z")
I’ve installed flash player updates many times before, but am unable to install an update this time. Clicking on the “Install now” button brings up a window displaying an option to save “install\_flashplayer16x32\_mssa\_aaa… --- ## [hydrocarbon chemistry data needed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hydrocarbon-chemistry-data-needed/686461)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hydrocarbon-chemistry-data-needed/686461 "2015-03-11T01:53:22Z")
One might think that something as simple as the melting and boiling points of an organic compound would be pretty well established. But I’m finding different figures from different sources, so I’m trying to find numbers … --- ## [Ionizer or not ionizer? that is the question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ionizer-or-not-ionizer-that-is-the-question/714582)
**Author:** [@babar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/babar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ionizer-or-not-ionizer-that-is-the-question/714582 "2015-03-11T01:13:46Z")
Hello, I need your opinion about the ionizers. I bought an air purifier with ionizer but a friend of mine told me it was bad cause it creates ozone and that it’s dangerous for my health. Is that so??:smack: --- ## [Ram Ecodiesel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ram-ecodiesel/714574)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ram-ecodiesel/714574 "2015-03-10T23:16:50Z")
IIRC a 6 cyl diesel option on the Ram 1500 for those looking for fuel economy and above average torque. What’s the probability this engine will end up in other Mopars? Dodge Durango and Dakota? Select Jeeps Base/Econ… --- ## [What was the first Islamist terrorist attack on American soil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-islamist-terrorist-attack-on-american-soil/714679)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-islamist-terrorist-attack-on-american-soil/714679 "2015-03-10T21:14:02Z")
Do you think the assassination of Meir Kahane could count? It was done by the same guy who was behind the 1993 WTC bombing, and the motive was anti-Semitic. . Then again, even calling the 1993 bombings “Islamist” might b… --- ## [Toilet Issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toilet-issue/714650)
**Author:** [@ftrain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftrain)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toilet-issue/714650 "2015-03-10T20:02:30Z")
I just moved into a house and am having trouble flushing the toilet. Sometimes the toilet would make hissing sounds randomly at night. Could this be a leak? --- ## [Question about the FCC re: monopolies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-fcc-re-monopolies/714702)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-the-fcc-re-monopolies/714702 "2015-03-10T18:58:07Z")
Does the FCC consider local monopolies? Let me explain. Certainly there is no monopoly in telecommunications like Ma Bell. In some areas, you have a choice like when I switched from Centurylink to Comcast for phone an… --- ## [Etymology of “californication”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-californication/714427)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-californication/714427 "2015-03-10T18:06:52Z")
There was of course a TV series with this name and also an album by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 1999. IMHO, californication is a witty play on words as it captures a certain way of life in a particular location and p… --- ## [Best Toilet Bowl Shape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-toilet-bowl-shape/714658)
**Author:** [@jezzaOZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jezzaOZ)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-toilet-bowl-shape/714658 "2015-03-10T17:46:30Z")
What is the best toilet bowl shape for reducing soiling from #2s? Is there one that also uses less water? Here in Australia we are forced to use ultra low water toilets with a water target about 10cm square (4 inches) … --- ## [Squares and Primes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squares-and-primes/714661)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squares-and-primes/714661 "2015-03-10T17:33:15Z")
Fiddling around with my calculator today I found a notable trend in addition of sequential squares: 4+1=5…prime 9+4=13…prime 16+9=25…5^2 25+16=41…prime 36+25=61…prime 49+36=85…517 64+49=113…prime 81+64=145…529 1… --- ## [Eating Cannabis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-cannabis/714031)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-cannabis/714031 "2015-03-10T16:05:22Z")
The DEA is concerned about medical marijuana legalization in Utah leading to stoned, hungry rabbits. For a primate to get stoned off eating cannabis, you can’t just eat it raw - you have to extract the THC oil in one wa… --- ## [Because....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/because/714634)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/because/714634 "2015-03-10T14:45:53Z")
Hi Dopers, Just wanted to know where this came from. What’s the first example of this slogan construction? (Insert Company Name). Because (something). Examples: L’Oreal. Because you’re worth it. Michelin. Because… --- ## [When did circumcision become the norm for Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-circumcision-become-the-norm-for-americans/714408)
**Author:** [@gracefulfatsheba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracefulfatsheba)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-circumcision-become-the-norm-for-americans/714408 "2015-03-10T14:29:43Z")
When did circumcision become the norm for Americans? My understanding is that circumcision was generally never practiced in any largely Christian countries until America adopted it. When did it become the standard for A… --- ## ["Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" Juice Diet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-sick-and-nearly-dead-juice-diet/592793)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-sick-and-nearly-dead-juice-diet/592793 "2015-03-10T13:27:35Z")
“Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” is a documentary film about an Australian guy who recovered from life-threatening illness by going on an all-fruit-and-vegetable-juice diet, and then came to America to spread the gospel of be… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1152) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1154)