# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1162 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1163 --- ## [Any substances that are harmless alone, but when combined become fatal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-substances-that-are-harmless-alone-but-when-combined-become-fatal/713031)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-substances-that-are-harmless-alone-but-when-combined-become-fatal/713031 "2015-02-26T12:43:09Z")
In case the title isn’t clear, are there any substances in which, when consumed in a moderate amount by themselves are harmless or nearly harmless to human health, but if consumed together (or if one is consumed today an… --- ## [Please help define this disorder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-define-this-disorder/713506)
**Author:** [@butterfly35a](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butterfly35a)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-define-this-disorder/713506 "2015-02-26T12:29:53Z")
I’m an adult who has it really hard to move from an unfinished activity to another.? I’m actually asking this question for a friend. In her words ‘‘For example if I’m in the middle of making a soup then I get all into … --- ## [Humans nursed wolf cubs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humans-nursed-wolf-cubs/572573)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humans-nursed-wolf-cubs/572573 "2015-02-26T06:46:48Z")
Please tell me that this statement from wikipedia is wrong, misunderstood or lost in translation. Many scientists believe that humans adopted orphaned wolf cubs and nursed them alongside human babies.\[8\]\[9\] The claim … --- ## [What are Israel's "Samson Option" targets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-israels-samson-option-targets/713579)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-israels-samson-option-targets/713579 "2015-02-26T05:12:31Z")
I’ve seen some sketchy info and haven’t read Seymour Hersh’s “The Samson Option”– Is it generally assumed among those-in-the-know that if Israel suffers a chemical/biological/nuclear attack, it will retaliate by nuking … --- ## [Paying someone to serve a prison term for you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-someone-to-serve-a-prison-term-for-you/713530)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-someone-to-serve-a-prison-term-for-you/713530 "2015-02-26T04:13:57Z")
I vaguely remember reading about this a while ago, and though I tend to read mainly non-fiction, I can’t swear it was in a real/historical context. (BTW, this thread isn’t about ‘substitutes’, paying someone to go to war… --- ## [EU to US mpg conversion: Air hybrid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-to-us-mpg-conversion-air-hybrid/701107)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-to-us-mpg-conversion-air-hybrid/701107 "2015-02-26T04:09:47Z")
Peugeot has showcased a hybrid that stores energy from braking as compressed air instead of in a battery - the HYbrid Air. Per that article it gets 118 mpg US but I assume that is on the EU mpg test cycle. I am assuming … --- ## [Why were Air France 447's data recorders kept immersed in water after retrieval?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-air-france-447s-data-recorders-kept-immersed-in-water-after-retrieval/713495)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-air-france-447s-data-recorders-kept-immersed-in-water-after-retrieval/713495 "2015-02-26T03:59:23Z")
Watching a documentary of the Air France 447 crash, I noticed that even after the “black boxes” (the voice recorder and data recorder) were retrieved from a depth of many thousands of feet underwater, they were still kep… --- ## [Light bulbs: Why do some last so much longer than others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulbs-why-do-some-last-so-much-longer-than-others/713610)
**Author:** [@MsBatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsBatt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-bulbs-why-do-some-last-so-much-longer-than-others/713610 "2015-02-26T03:28:57Z")
I have some light sockets in my house that seem to shoot a bulb every 7-10 days, but I have others that have had the same bulb in them for a couple of years. Why do some last so much longer? I always buy the same brand o… --- ## [Fantasy/pagan-style personal names in real life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fantasy-pagan-style-personal-names-in-real-life/713508)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2015, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fantasy-pagan-style-personal-names-in-real-life/713508 "2015-02-26T01:30:24Z")
This is somewhat related to a question about fantasy place names in real life that was posed a year or so ago. I’m wondering if there’s societies or cultures where colorful fantasy- or neopagan-style names – in any lang… --- ## [Indoor track running](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indoor-track-running/713616)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indoor-track-running/713616 "2015-02-25T23:37:19Z")
My Y has an indoor track. 3 days a week we go clockwise. The other 4 counter clockwise. Any reason for this? Are they trying to balance out the wear and tear on the track? To give us variety? --- ## [Combining Shipping on Ebay when Buy It Now is Used](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combining-shipping-on-ebay-when-buy-it-now-is-used/713600)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combining-shipping-on-ebay-when-buy-it-now-is-used/713600 "2015-02-25T21:37:41Z")
Is there any way for sellers to combine shipping when Buy It Now Is used? The problem is Buy It Now \*\*forces \*\*the buyer to pay to finalize the transaction. I’ve tried contacting the seller afterward to combine shipping… --- ## [Bright light after eyes have adjusted to darkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bright-light-after-eyes-have-adjusted-to-darkness/713585)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bright-light-after-eyes-have-adjusted-to-darkness/713585 "2015-02-25T21:26:06Z")
If someone has been in darkness for 1-2 hours, and his eyes have fully adjusted to darkness, but then gets suddenly hit in the eyes by a bright light for about 10 seconds, would there be any retina problems? Say a brigh… --- ## [Name of "unnumbered end note" style?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-unnumbered-end-note-style/713580)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-unnumbered-end-note-style/713580 "2015-02-25T21:18:15Z")
I really should know this, or know where to find the info, but it’s eluded me. Many books, especially those aimed at a popular or crossover pop/pro audience, use an end note style that omits markers or numbers in the te… --- ## ["odoriferous" - whence the "ifer"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odoriferous-whence-the-ifer/713282)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odoriferous-whence-the-ifer/713282 "2015-02-25T20:04:15Z")
“Odor” … “malodorous” … fine. But not “odorous” but “odoriferous”. Any idea why that “ifer” gets tossed in there? And as an aside, if something smell great can we say “Gee gang, that smells oderriffic!!” --- ## [Federal Aira mrshall Service/Non-Stop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-aira-mrshall-service-non-stop/713595)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-aira-mrshall-service-non-stop/713595 "2015-02-25T18:29:58Z")
33 years in law enforcement and most TV show and movies are lame to me because there is always half a dozen things that are wayyyy wrong. With that said I know nothing of the FAMS or their policies & procedures. In the… --- ## [How do pet reptiles acquire salmonella?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-pet-reptiles-acquire-salmonella/713496)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-pet-reptiles-acquire-salmonella/713496 "2015-02-25T17:17:29Z")
The warnings about washing hands etc. after handling reptiles because of the slight salmonella risk seems to apply even to herbivores like the vegetarian turtle species. Who’s got the straight dope? How would they get i… --- ## [Flushing Bugs Without Squishing Them.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flushing-bugs-without-squishing-them/510407)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flushing-bugs-without-squishing-them/510407 "2015-02-25T17:13:57Z")
I don’t know how exactly they do it, but somehow bugs find their way into our house. Maybe they come in when the door is open, or find another way in. I don’t know. But when I come across a bug, naturally I dispose of it… --- ## [Finding and selling used books on Amazon.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-and-selling-used-books-on-amazon-com/713587)
**Author:** [@NetTrekker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NetTrekker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-and-selling-used-books-on-amazon-com/713587 "2015-02-25T17:13:08Z")
I am selling used books on amazon.com and have the following question, if any other Amazon sellers here can help (I just spoke to an Amazon phone CSR who could not comprehend the situation). For a book I want to sell, I… --- ## [What are the implications when a subdivision of a company has its own profit and loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-when-a-subdivision-of-a-company-has-its-own-profit-and-loss/713450)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-when-a-subdivision-of-a-company-has-its-own-profit-and-loss/713450 "2015-02-25T16:34:27Z")
What are the implications when a subdivision of a company has its own profit and loss? Thanks, Rob --- ## [Drooling dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drooling-dogs/712960)
**Author:** [@Waskov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waskov)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drooling-dogs/712960 "2015-02-25T15:25:02Z")
Looking at photos from the Westminster show has me wondering … I’m told some breeds (Newfies, Dalmatians, etc.) slobber because their lips are weak and can’t hold the saliva in. I assume this was bred into them at some p… --- ## [Why are wiper blades more common than refills?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-wiper-blades-more-common-than-refills/615133)
**Author:** [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-wiper-blades-more-common-than-refills/615133 "2015-02-25T15:18:12Z")
I’ve been looking for refills for the wiper blades on my 2006 Civic. I’ve noticed that the brick ‘n’ mortar stores have a wide variety of replacement blades, but refills are not stocked as thoroughly. It seems to me that… --- ## [How were these \[brick arches\] built?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-these-brick-arches-built/713354)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-these-brick-arches-built/713354 "2015-02-25T14:02:28Z")
A local pizza eatery has some brick arches in the eating area (pics). I’ve always wondered how the arches were built. Did they use a vertical wooden form, and lay the bricks atop it? Or perhaps the arches were made on th… --- ## [How long does a person have to be covered by health insurance before being eligible for COBRA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-person-have-to-be-covered-by-health-insurance-before-being-eligible-for-cobra/713523)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-person-have-to-be-covered-by-health-insurance-before-being-eligible-for-cobra/713523 "2015-02-25T13:36:28Z")
Let’s say I enroll in health benefits through my employer on Monday, but I resign from my job on Wednesday. Would I be eligible for COBRA coverage, or would I have to hold those benefits for some period of time before be… --- ## [Is putting additional artillery on a boat possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-putting-additional-artillery-on-a-boat-possible/713540)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-putting-additional-artillery-on-a-boat-possible/713540 "2015-02-25T13:08:50Z")
As the name of the thread says, is it possible to add more small artillery to ships? Usually when I look on wikipedia I see that most ships have a very small amount of ,cannons" ,so I was wondering would it be possible t… --- ## [Facebook privacy: Preventing my posts to groups from being available to all my "friends"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-privacy-preventing-my-posts-to-groups-from-being-available-to-all-my-friends/713564)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-privacy-preventing-my-posts-to-groups-from-being-available-to-all-my-friends/713564 "2015-02-25T12:29:23Z")
Sometimes I see my friends’ comments on other people’s posts show up in my feed, so I’m thinking maybe my comments show up in theirs. I can’t find anything like this listed in Facebook privacy rules. I belong to a few gr… --- ## [What's the name for this sing-song style of speech based on position within the alphabet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-this-sing-song-style-of-speech-based-on-position-within-the-alphabet/713514)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-this-sing-song-style-of-speech-based-on-position-within-the-alphabet/713514 "2015-02-25T07:51:55Z")
Hi! I need your help trying to remember the name of a sing-song style of speech wherein each letter/syllable is “sung” in a tone/pitch that’s based on its position in the alphabet. That is to say, the letters are ‘sung… --- ## [What are these strange codes on travel sites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-strange-codes-on-travel-sites/713473)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2015, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-strange-codes-on-travel-sites/713473 "2015-02-25T01:00:21Z")
Looking up some hotel costs for future travel we’re planning. On every site (Travelocity, Orbitz, etc.) in the descriptions I’m getting codes I’ve never seen before. Here are some cut and pasted examples: 1 King bed no… --- ## [Head nod vs. Head Shake](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-nod-vs-head-shake/713507)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/head-nod-vs-head-shake/713507 "2015-02-24T21:49:18Z")
Hi SD, I went to a restaurant recently with friends. As I was eating, I asked the person across from me how their food was. They nodded and said it was delicious. I then asked the person to my left. They shook their… --- ## [Parking brake light comes on while I'm driving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parking-brake-light-comes-on-while-im-driving/713541)
**Author:** [@funky\_little\_lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/funky_little_lee)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parking-brake-light-comes-on-while-im-driving/713541 "2015-02-24T20:00:02Z")
Background: My car is an '04 Saturn Ion Redline. It’s a stick shift. I bought it last August and have had no problems with it. So, three days ago, I pulled out of a parking space at the mini mart. I let the parking brak… --- ## [The Straight Dope on Wallace Fard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-wallace-fard/713516)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-wallace-fard/713516 "2015-02-24T18:20:17Z")
Founder of the Nation of Islam. I was intrigued by his Wiki entry - I don’t know of anyone else in such recent times who had such a major impact on the world and about whom so little is known. Appeared out of nowhere wi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1161) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1163)