# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1173 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1174 --- ## [Business tax filing when two parties are involved](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-tax-filing-when-two-parties-are-involved/712249)
**Author:** [@CastleAnthrax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastleAnthrax)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2015, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-tax-filing-when-two-parties-are-involved/712249 "2015-02-10T03:06:53Z")
Let me start by saying that the actual answer to this question is “Consult a tax professional”, and that I understand that any responses on this thread are friendly advice and not legal advice. My husband has run a smal… --- ## [Power outlets in US - Ground plug up or down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-outlets-in-us-ground-plug-up-or-down/594963)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2015, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-outlets-in-us-ground-plug-up-or-down/594963 "2015-02-10T02:40:22Z")
Apparently this has been in debate for many years, and my relatively light Google search didn’t find anything conclusive (though I found a SDMB thread that touched on it!) Half of the receptacles in my NJ home are groun… --- ## [PVR box not recognizing USB stick after shutoff.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pvr-box-not-recognizing-usb-stick-after-shutoff/710886)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2015, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pvr-box-not-recognizing-usb-stick-after-shutoff/710886 "2015-02-10T02:34:44Z")
Here’s the situation, which I recognize may not be answerable, but I’ll give it a shot: I canceled my cable TV and bought a digital to analog converter for my old non-digital TV. It works well and I get plenty of progra… --- ## [Does Federal law require states to bargain with public sector unions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-federal-law-require-states-to-bargain-with-public-sector-unions/711849)
**Author:** [@EdwinAmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwinAmi)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-federal-law-require-states-to-bargain-with-public-sector-unions/711849 "2015-02-09T23:00:55Z")
So, a conservative dream (which I also hold) would be to bust the public sector union cartels. The most direct and achievable way to do this WOULD be with state-level referendums, however I THOUGHT that federal law REQUI… --- ## [How long does it take to empty the colon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-empty-the-colon/712085)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-empty-the-colon/712085 "2015-02-09T22:41:29Z")
For a colonoscopy, they prescribe laxatives to empty the colon in a couple/few days. How long would it take to empty one’s colon if the person simply stopped eating? (i.e., no laxatives.) --- ## [A Pilot Is Grounded. A Lawyer Is Disbarred. A Doctor Is:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pilot-is-grounded-a-lawyer-is-disbarred-a-doctor-is/711987)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-pilot-is-grounded-a-lawyer-is-disbarred-a-doctor-is/711987 "2015-02-09T22:37:04Z")
What (if anything) is the term for a doctor whose authority to practice medicine has been revoked? --- ## [What is the longest newborn baby on record?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-newborn-baby-on-record/626314)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-longest-newborn-baby-on-record/626314 "2015-02-09T22:24:15Z")
I’d love to know the world record and the American record if possible. The reason: my son was born today and was measured at 24.5 inches. The nurse acted shocked and re-measured him, showing the pediatrician to back he… --- ## [Are the colours contiguous sections of the spectrum of visible light](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-colours-contiguous-sections-of-the-spectrum-of-visible-light/711444)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-colours-contiguous-sections-of-the-spectrum-of-visible-light/711444 "2015-02-09T21:59:03Z")
I am aware that there is nothing inherently inevitable about the way we call colours; the names for the colours are simply social or linguistic conventions to name electromagnetic waves of a certaian wavelength that we c… --- ## [About my windshield wiper arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-my-windshield-wiper-arm/712242)
**Author:** [@Joanna61](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joanna61)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-my-windshield-wiper-arm/712242 "2015-02-09T20:23:25Z")
Ok so this is what happened …it was -22 and had freezing drizzle after cleaning the car off and scraping the ice an windshield clean I turned on my wipers an the driver side wasn’t touching the windshield properly so af… --- ## [Replace head gasket or buy another car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replace-head-gasket-or-buy-another-car/223888)
**Author:** [@Guy\_Incognito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Incognito)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replace-head-gasket-or-buy-another-car/223888 "2015-02-09T19:49:42Z")
After noticing that my car seemed to be leaking quite a bit of antifreeze from some unknown place on the engine, I decide to take it in to Pep Boys to have them run a cooling system check. A couple hours later, they call… --- ## [Legal Question: Lawyers and Police Interrogation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-lawyers-and-police-interrogation/712131)
**Author:** [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-lawyers-and-police-interrogation/712131 "2015-02-09T19:47:05Z")
Summary: Does a lawyer hired by a family member (or some other 3rd party) have the right to interrupt an interrogation (at minimum make contact with the suspect) without the suspect invoking right to counsel? (I know th… --- ## [Antelope Freeway 15 mins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antelope-freeway-15-mins/712236)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antelope-freeway-15-mins/712236 "2015-02-09T18:19:20Z")
I’m sure you’ve seen the signs on the freeway (we call 'em expressways around here) that gives the travel time to some major destinations or exits. I googled the tech involved and have an okay understanding of how they … --- ## [Vaccines, boosters, and disease](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccines-boosters-and-disease/712185)
**Author:** [@j666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/j666)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccines-boosters-and-disease/712185 "2015-02-09T17:54:32Z")
Reading a recently resurrected thread raised a real question on vaccines. Do I need to find out if I need boosters? I had most, but not, I think, all of the previously common childhood diseases; I also had at least tw… --- ## [Hol\[e\]y glass bowl! (or, what is this?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hol-e-y-glass-bowl-or-what-is-this/712162)
**Author:** [@Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moe)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hol-e-y-glass-bowl-or-what-is-this/712162 "2015-02-09T17:38:40Z")
Anyone know what this would be used for? In case it’s not clear from the pictures, it’s a glass bowl with 6 holes. (3 are near the bottom and 3 near the top. If they were all on the same plane they would make a star of … --- ## [How loud is a blimp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-loud-is-a-blimp/712063)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-loud-is-a-blimp/712063 "2015-02-09T16:33:36Z")
Despite the title, I’m asking about any type of rigid, semi-rigid, or non-rigid aircraft. Just take blimp as shorthand. From what I’ve read, blimps normally fly at about 1500 feet. At that height how loud would they be … --- ## [Attending U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attending-u-s-supreme-court-oral-arguments/712038)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attending-u-s-supreme-court-oral-arguments/712038 "2015-02-09T16:31:19Z")
How is the procedure handled for members of the public attending Supreme Court oral arguments? I think that later this month I would like to take my daughter to a session of the Court to watch an oral argument. Do I ha… --- ## [Help me find this toy electronics kit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-toy-electronics-kit/431489)
**Author:** [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-this-toy-electronics-kit/431489 "2015-02-09T15:32:23Z")
The year was 1975 because I had just started secondary school (in the UK). A friend of mine had this cool electronics kit from which you could make maybe 40 or 50 projects using a common circuit board. The components w… --- ## [Remote car starter that does not need installation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-car-starter-that-does-not-need-installation/711392)
**Author:** [@sara20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sara20)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-car-starter-that-does-not-need-installation/711392 "2015-02-09T15:32:19Z")
I want to get a remote car starter because it’s winter and my cars heat doesn’t seem to really kick on until I have been driving it for 20 minutes, and they are not too expensive online like $50, but to get one installed… --- ## [How did ISIS defeat the Iraqi army?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-isis-defeat-the-iraqi-army/711932)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-isis-defeat-the-iraqi-army/711932 "2015-02-09T15:16:57Z")
Tactically speaking how did ISIS manage to defeat the Iraqi army in Northern Iraq? Based on the how quickly it occurred it seems they were defeated outright, not slowly worn down by guerrilla tactics. They presumably th… --- ## [Question for Sound Technicians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-sound-technicians/712192)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-sound-technicians/712192 "2015-02-09T14:54:00Z")
Mods: This should probably be in Cafe Society since it’s about music. Feel free to move it. While watching the Grammy’s tonight I noticed that almost all of the performers were wearing ear monitors. I believe the point … --- ## [Why Not Heated Streets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-heated-streets/711788)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-heated-streets/711788 "2015-02-09T07:56:46Z")
\[Dear Cecil:\] Like most of us, I am coping with the recent Midwest snow storms as best as I can. But I have wondered something for some time now. Why don’t we just have heated streets–and driveways for that matter? We … --- ## [What are the different names of the different fluctuations of the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-different-names-of-the-different-fluctuations-of-the-earth/712186)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-different-names-of-the-different-fluctuations-of-the-earth/712186 "2015-02-09T03:57:27Z")
Hi, Many websites mention 3 well-known fluctuations of the earth around its axis; the precession, nutation and Chandler. What are the others? I look forward to your feedback. davidmich --- ## [What exactly is the point of the debt ceiling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-point-of-the-debt-ceiling/712073)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-point-of-the-debt-ceiling/712073 "2015-02-09T02:35:37Z")
It seems to me that the debt ceiling is invariably raised whenever we get close to hitting it. Why even have a limit at all if it will always be raised? It’s like having a speed limit sign say “Speed Limit 65, unless y… --- ## [Is this normal banking behavior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-normal-banking-behavior/711915)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-normal-banking-behavior/711915 "2015-02-09T01:09:22Z")
About a year ago the bank in my small town (Wisconsin if it matters) got bought out by a larger regional bank. The regional bank changed some policies like I expected, one of which is “guaranteed immediate availability … --- ## [UFOs... in spaaaace!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufos-in-spaaaace/712161)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ufos-in-spaaaace/712161 "2015-02-09T01:06:50Z")
Apropos of SETI deliberating whether to begin active search for aliens by broadcasting signals rather than listening for them. There have been zillions of reported UFO encounters…all on Earth. Have there been any incide… --- ## [Question regarding repatriation of foreign gold in US Federal reserve vaults in Manhattan.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-repatriation-of-foreign-gold-in-us-federal-reserve-vaults-in-manhattan/712106)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-repatriation-of-foreign-gold-in-us-federal-reserve-vaults-in-manhattan/712106 "2015-02-09T00:33:18Z")
Hi I remember reading about the Germans wanting to repatriate their gold from vaults underneath 33 Liberty Street in Manhattan (Federal Reserve Bank) because they didn’t believe it was safe there. That was in 2008 follo… --- ## [Are there manual typewriters that won't jam if you type fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-manual-typewriters-that-wont-jam-if-you-type-fast/712154)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2015, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-manual-typewriters-that-wont-jam-if-you-type-fast/712154 "2015-02-09T00:15:51Z")
Thought I’d try to appease my inner hipster and impress/annoy my friends by writing a letter with a typewriter. But all the ones I’ve used (which isn’t many) get their typebars smooshed together if you go faster than a f… --- ## [Tomb Raiders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomb-raiders/711998)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomb-raiders/711998 "2015-02-08T22:12:40Z")
We know that ancient Egyptians entombed pharaohs with great wealth. We know that ancient Egyptians broke in and looted many of the tombs. How did they get away with it? If Sherif and Ramy started buying drinks for eve… --- ## [What's this gizmo stuck to my windshield?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-gizmo-stuck-to-my-windshield/712141)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-gizmo-stuck-to-my-windshield/712141 "2015-02-08T20:25:47Z")
I’ve had the car for about 6 months now and it wasn’t until I looked for ways to wire in a dash cam that I noticed this thing. Stuck next to my mirror is a plastic thing, approximately 2" x 1.5" x 1/2" thick, shaped like… --- ## [What would've been the easiest way to prevent scurvy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wouldve-been-the-easiest-way-to-prevent-scurvy/711816)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wouldve-been-the-easiest-way-to-prevent-scurvy/711816 "2015-02-08T19:58:41Z")
In the Age of Discovery? Assume the ships captain will listen to your advice on victuals, what would be the easiest and/or cheapest way to ensure the crew doesn’t become a bunch of scurvy dogs on voyages that lasted mont… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1172) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1174)