# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=12 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 13 --- ## [Serious question about coconuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-about-coconuts/1029233)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-question-about-coconuts/1029233 "2026-04-17T12:57:13Z")
I checked and a swallow weights about 0.5 ounces. Coconuts weigh around 1.25 pounds so there is no way a swallow can carry a coconut. So, seriously, could a bald eagle carry a coconut? --- ## [Why did Canada Post not let me have an intl. parcel sent by regular surface mail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-canada-post-not-let-me-have-an-intl-parcel-sent-by-regular-surface-mail/1029322)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2026, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-canada-post-not-let-me-have-an-intl-parcel-sent-by-regular-surface-mail/1029322 "2026-04-17T00:14:57Z")
I recently started the process of having my remaining personal effects in my parents’ house (in Richmond Hill, ON), sent to me to Prague, Czech Republic. My father prepared three batches of them which he roughly weighed … --- ## [Idioms equivalence, I am searching for "To look dagger at someone" in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idioms-equivalence-i-am-searching-for-to-look-dagger-at-someone-in-other-languages/1029049)
**Author:** [@LAphofol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LAphofol)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/idioms-equivalence-i-am-searching-for-to-look-dagger-at-someone-in-other-languages/1029049 "2026-04-16T15:31:35Z")
Context in my first post : Equivalents in other languages of "Eagle-Eyed" (someone with sharp vision) I am now searching for other languages than French and English for this Idiom meaning “Looking angrily at someone, st… --- ## [What are the more mundane things that happen after a plane crash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-more-mundane-things-that-happen-after-a-plane-crash/1029210)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2026, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-more-mundane-things-that-happen-after-a-plane-crash/1029210 "2026-04-16T15:28:47Z")
UPS Flight 2976 was an MD-11 aircraft that crashed upon takeoff from Louisville in November, 2025. It appears that Engine 1 separated from the aircraft and the ensuing damage caused by its departure caused the plane to … --- ## [Don’t say yes!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-t-say-yes/1027995)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/don-t-say-yes/1027995 "2026-04-15T18:55:54Z")
This is a frequently heard piece of advice: When you get a cold sales call, do not use the word “yes” in any context - scammers might record it, paste it in a sound file right after a question whether you agree to a cont… --- ## [Pronunciation of "parmesan"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-parmesan/1028593)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-parmesan/1028593 "2026-04-15T02:38:23Z")
Parmesan is the anglicized word for parmigiano/a, from the Italian meaning from Parma. But we pronounce the “s” like / ʐ / (“zh”). I cannot think of another English word where we pronounce an “s” like that when it is fo… --- ## [What was wrong with shoes, 100+ years ago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-shoes-100-years-ago/1029131)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-wrong-with-shoes-100-years-ago/1029131 "2026-04-14T23:46:01Z")
H.L. Mencken, writing in 1934: “When I was a youngster, in the closing decades of the last century … There was no such thing as walking off in comfort in a new pair of shoes. The shoemakers shaped their lasts to rub and… --- ## [Did Gus Grissom Screw the Pooch and Blow Liberty Bell 7's Hatch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-gus-grissom-screw-the-pooch-and-blow-liberty-bell-7s-hatch/396228)
**Author:** [@Nobody\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody_Special)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-gus-grissom-screw-the-pooch-and-blow-liberty-bell-7s-hatch/396228 "2026-04-14T23:16:14Z")
A few years ago I watched the Discovery Channel program on the recovery of Liberty Bell 7, but the show ended after the capsule had been pulled onboard the salvage ship. Did further investigation determine whether the ex… --- ## [Excel - count items from multiple columns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-count-items-from-multiple-columns/1029232)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2026, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-count-items-from-multiple-columns/1029232 "2026-04-14T14:12:28Z")
My data looks like (yes, I know it is not structured the way Excel wants it) Australian French Wimbledon US Open Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Jannik Sinner Carl… --- ## [Shipping antiquities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-antiquities/1029149)
**Author:** [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-antiquities/1029149 "2026-04-13T19:02:51Z")
Does anyone know how best to pack/ship antiquities to another country? --- ## [Debunking Psychic John Starkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debunking-psychic-john-starkey/217944)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debunking-psychic-john-starkey/217944 "2026-04-13T03:49:00Z")
About a year ago, I got into a “discussion” with a friend about psychics – he thought I was closed-minded because I proceed from the assumption that the paranormal is bunk. And we briefly discussed hot-reading and cold-r… --- ## [Hormuz strait - starting a tanker (ship)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hormuz-strait-starting-a-tanker-ship/1029145)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hormuz-strait-starting-a-tanker-ship/1029145 "2026-04-13T01:23:55Z")
Given that the HS will open up again now I was wondering what’s involved in starting those huge engines in tankerships. The uneducated me thinks the starter motor will be like truck engine. Or so. Any deeper knowledge … --- ## [Problem with inbound calls on my iPhone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-inbound-calls-on-my-iphone/1029182)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2026, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-inbound-calls-on-my-iphone/1029182 "2026-04-12T00:37:36Z")
There should be a factual answer, but mods, if it needs to be moved, so be it. About 6 months ago, my daughter was complaining that half the time she calls me on my iPhone 8, it doesn’t ring and goes directly to voicema… --- ## [How long for a spacecraft to reach Tau Ceti at 1 g?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-for-a-spacecraft-to-reach-tau-ceti-at-1-g/1029064)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2026, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-for-a-spacecraft-to-reach-tau-ceti-at-1-g/1029064 "2026-04-11T07:29:57Z")
Inspired by the Project Hail Mary thread. Tau Ceti is about 12 light years away. I have questions: If you accelerated at 1 g all the way there (not worrying about having to go into some kind of Tau Ceti orbit), how l… --- ## [What non-modified street legal car goes the fastest in reverse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-modified-street-legal-car-goes-the-fastest-in-reverse/1028903)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-non-modified-street-legal-car-goes-the-fastest-in-reverse/1028903 "2026-04-10T17:58:14Z")
I am looking for a straight off of a production line, non-modified car, of which at least a thousand were made, that when shifted into reverse goes the fastest. --- ## [Generally, why do horses bob their heads quickly up and down in movie westerns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-why-do-horses-bob-their-heads-quickly-up-and-down-in-movie-westerns/1029054)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generally-why-do-horses-bob-their-heads-quickly-up-and-down-in-movie-westerns/1029054 "2026-04-10T08:52:00Z")
I’ve noticed in many Westerns the horse bobs his head up and down when ridden by an actor. I see it often when an actor mounts the horse and is supposed to ride confidently down the street. The violent bobbing horse hea… --- ## [Equivalents in other languages of "Eagle-Eyed" (someone with sharp vision)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equivalents-in-other-languages-of-eagle-eyed-someone-with-sharp-vision/1028964)
**Author:** [@LAphofol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LAphofol)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2026, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/equivalents-in-other-languages-of-eagle-eyed-someone-with-sharp-vision/1028964 "2026-04-10T03:37:33Z")
Hi everyone, I’m new to this forum, which I discovered while wandering around the Internet looking for equivalents of French idioms. I actually came across this thread, which helped me find equivalents in many other la… --- ## [Presidential cognitive exams. To whom do they report?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-cognitive-exams-to-whom-do-they-report/1028844)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-cognitive-exams-to-whom-do-they-report/1028844 "2026-04-09T23:00:50Z")
Should a President fail such an exam, to whom do those giving the exam report? I know there is a constitutional amendment providing a way for the cabinet? Congress? to remove the President if he is incompetent, but I do… --- ## [If we found conclusive proof of an advanced alien civilization, say \<10 light years away, could we communicate with them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-found-conclusive-proof-of-an-advanced-alien-civilization-say-10-light-years-away-could-we-communicate-with-them/1028940)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-found-conclusive-proof-of-an-advanced-alien-civilization-say-10-light-years-away-could-we-communicate-with-them/1028940 "2026-04-09T21:31:13Z")
Let’s say that, via some method that doesn’t really matter here, we find conclusive proof that there is an advanced and intelligent alien civilization inhabiting This Expolanet of That Star, which is, say, five light yea… --- ## [The government decides to revalue its gold stock much closer to market rates. Resulting in...what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-government-decides-to-revalue-its-gold-stock-much-closer-to-market-rates-resulting-in-what/1028361)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-government-decides-to-revalue-its-gold-stock-much-closer-to-market-rates-resulting-in-what/1028361 "2026-04-09T18:03:52Z")
I noticed yesterday that gold has soared above $5200 per ounce, yet the U.S. government’s gold stockpile is still booked at a mere $42 per ounce, making up over $11B at that low price. The Fed holds gold certificates\* s… --- ## [The game of ball and jacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-game-of-ball-and-jacks/1029009)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-game-of-ball-and-jacks/1029009 "2026-04-09T16:28:04Z")
I read a quote the other day that mentioned that kids in ancient Egypt played “knucklebones” with sheep toe bones. The game of knucklebones led to dice games for boys, and jacks, usually played with a wooden ball, for gi… --- ## [Artemis II Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artemis-ii-question/1028955)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2026, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/artemis-ii-question/1028955 "2026-04-09T04:17:07Z")
How large is the “capsule” in which the 4 astronauts are calling home for 10 days? Enough to move around? --- ## [Henry Ford and racist auto plaques??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-ford-and-racist-auto-plaques/207192)
**Author:** [@Scuba\_Ben](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scuba_Ben)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-ford-and-racist-auto-plaques/207192 "2026-04-08T20:08:13Z")
Over the weekend, I was in a discussion… At one point, someone said that Henry Ford put a plaque in his early cars, saying something like “No blacks, no dogs, no Jews.” Being a good Doper, I immediately asked for a cit… --- ## [Packed food in suitcase on plane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packed-food-in-suitcase-on-plane/1029111)
**Author:** [@Lushka1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lushka1953)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2026, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/packed-food-in-suitcase-on-plane/1029111 "2026-04-08T17:17:02Z")
I’m traveling by plane to visit family and want to bring their favorite dish (Greek spanakopita). It would be frozen and packed in my suitcase. Is this acceptable by airlines? --- ## [When a doctor writes in his notes "r/o condition X" does that mean](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-doctor-writes-in-his-notes-r-o-condition-x-does-that-mean/1029025)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-a-doctor-writes-in-his-notes-r-o-condition-x-does-that-mean/1029025 "2026-04-07T02:51:29Z")
a) that condition X is possibly the cause of what is bothering the patient and needs to be looked into? OR b) I’ve already considered/done tests/whatever about condition X and decided it isn’t that, so we need not wast… --- ## [Why would a colonel be in the backseat of an F-15?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-colonel-be-in-the-backseat-of-an-f-15/1029053)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-colonel-be-in-the-backseat-of-an-f-15/1029053 "2026-04-07T01:34:46Z")
The Weapons Systems Operator of the F-15 that was shot down in Iran is reported to be a colonel. Without getting political, why would such a high ranking officer be in a combat mission like that? Bear in mind, just abou… --- ## [Chinese translation: "International House" (1930)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-translation-international-house-1930/1029081)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2026, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-translation-international-house-1930/1029081 "2026-04-07T01:13:46Z")
Cap from the beginning of the film.. --- ## [Antimatter-matter equality questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antimatter-matter-equality-questions/1020917)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antimatter-matter-equality-questions/1020917 "2026-04-06T00:56:05Z")
It’s often cited as one of the key unknowns of cosmology / particle physics: Why does our universe have so much matter, and so little antimatter, when all (?) particle transformations are symmetric with respect to matter… --- ## [Can a president ever face personal financial liability for unauthorized military action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-president-ever-face-personal-financial-liability-for-unauthorized-military-action/1029036)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2026, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-president-ever-face-personal-financial-liability-for-unauthorized-military-action/1029036 "2026-04-05T13:11:29Z")
I’m trying to understand whether U.S. law provides any mechanism for holding a president personally financially liable for military action that was undertaken without congressional authorization. Has this ever happened … --- ## [Tire Pressure vs. Road Pressure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tire-pressure-vs-road-pressure/6747)
**Author:** [@Geoff\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geoff_K)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2026, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tire-pressure-vs-road-pressure/6747 "2026-04-04T21:58:04Z")
I recently saw an assertion that the pressure exerted on the road\* by a tire is equal (roughly) to the tires air pressure. At first I dismissed it as insane ramblings, but the more I think about it the more sense it make… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=13)