# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=15 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 16 --- ## [Why does ketchup only start separating AFTER the bottle has been started?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ketchup-only-start-separating-after-the-bottle-has-been-started/1028173)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ketchup-only-start-separating-after-the-bottle-has-been-started/1028173 "2026-03-07T12:23:24Z")
(This is an actual factual question, though it’s about food so…..) Think about it. Heinz (or whoever) brews up the ketchup, pours it into a bottle, and seals it up with a little cardboard/foam/metallic foil disk undern… --- ## [EE-UU??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ee-uu/78972)
**Author:** [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ee-uu/78972 "2026-03-07T01:17:46Z")
I am reading the multi-lingual instructions on a new piece of office equipment (Dymo labelmaker). At the bottom is the standard copyright and contact information. One line intrigues me: Made in USA/ Fabrique aux EE-UU/H… --- ## [In cultures where incense is burned ritually, is it also used at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cultures-where-incense-is-burned-ritually-is-it-also-used-at-home/1028174)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cultures-where-incense-is-burned-ritually-is-it-also-used-at-home/1028174 "2026-03-06T05:18:52Z")
When I was a wee lad in the 1970’s, MammaHomie would take me to her favorite head shop to buy incense. She developed a fondness for it from her hippy friends who smoke the Sticky Icky and burned incense to cover the smel… --- ## [Why did Babbitt's wife object to him using the word 'tux' in Sinclair Lewis's book?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-babbitts-wife-object-to-him-using-the-word-tux-in-sinclair-lewiss-book/1028146)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-babbitts-wife-object-to-him-using-the-word-tux-in-sinclair-lewiss-book/1028146 "2026-03-05T21:39:45Z")
Reading ‘Babbitt’ and I came across this: ”And oh, Georgie, I do wish you wouldn’t say ‘Tux.’ It’s ‘dinner-jacket.’” What was her objection? She goes on to worry what would happen if a neighbor were to hear him say ‘tu… --- ## [What are some cities that are named for a concept, like Hope (Arkansas USA)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cities-that-are-named-for-a-concept-like-hope-arkansas-usa/1027904)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cities-that-are-named-for-a-concept-like-hope-arkansas-usa/1027904 "2026-03-05T21:14:53Z")
Besides Hope, a few that come to mind are: Defiance, Ohio Independence, Missouri (and also Kansas) Liberty, Missouri (and other states). Anchorage, Alaska Republic, Missouri Adjacent is Noel, Missouri, which (perha… --- ## [Israeli Bomb Shelters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-bomb-shelters/368513)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-bomb-shelters/368513 "2026-03-04T20:51:59Z")
Remember please, this is a General Question. Play nice. On NPR just now, did a story about inequality of Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs. The story flatly stated ‘There are no public bomb shelters in Arab sections of Isr… --- ## [Legal question: Why didn't Christina Crawford just challenge her mother's will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-why-didnt-christina-crawford-just-challenge-her-mothers-will/202936)
**Author:** [@OldFogey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldFogey)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-why-didnt-christina-crawford-just-challenge-her-mothers-will/202936 "2026-03-04T06:08:00Z")
There is one thing about the whole “Mommie Dearest” story that I have never understood. It is my understanding that Joan Crawford’ disinheriting Christina was the so-called straw that broke the camel’s back: the reason … --- ## [Question re: Religious holidays and known dates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-religious-holidays-and-known-dates/1028160)
**Author:** [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-re-religious-holidays-and-known-dates/1028160 "2026-03-04T00:59:01Z")
I know in Islam, the actual date of the start of Ramadan isn’t known until a specific sighting of the moon. Are there any other commonly observed holidays in major religions that have a similar situation of “we expect it… --- ## [Looking for particular videos/documentaries about Guam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-particular-videos-documentaries-about-guam/1028094)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-particular-videos-documentaries-about-guam/1028094 "2026-03-03T22:28:40Z")
In particular, I am looking for videos and/or documentaries about Guam from the mid 70’s to the early 80’s. Permission to move this to Cafe Society if need be is granted. --- ## [TH sounds in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/th-sounds-in-other-languages/1027957)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/th-sounds-in-other-languages/1027957 "2026-03-03T19:40:10Z")
English has two TH sounds (one voiced? is that the right term?, and one not). I think Castilian Spanish also has the unvoiced one. Are those the only languages that have the unvoiced TH? Is English the only one with t… --- ## [How did my TV turn itself on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-tv-turn-itself-on/1027918)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-tv-turn-itself-on/1027918 "2026-03-03T19:17:09Z")
The question’s in the title. I was eating lunch with my wife today. The Dot was playing some music. Suddenly, the TV turned itself on. The remote was in it’s holder and the on/off button was not in contact with anything.… --- ## [Lighthouse height](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighthouse-height/1028141)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lighthouse-height/1028141 "2026-03-03T08:25:20Z")
What determines/d the height of a lighthouse? --- ## [Digital Number Display](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-number-display/1028116)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-number-display/1028116 "2026-03-03T01:12:42Z")
I’m looking for an electronic handheld number display. Something like they use for substitutions in soccer. The numbers would need to be visible from about 100’ away in daylight and easily changed. Maybe a keyboard on t… --- ## [Raspberry Pi drivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raspberry-pi-drivers/1028149)
**Author:** [@bauble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bauble)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raspberry-pi-drivers/1028149 "2026-03-02T23:55:44Z")
Confession: I’m not well-versed (or even really partially-versed) in Linux. I’m wanting to upgrade one of my Raspberry Pis to a newer version (so I can use Raspberry Pi Connect). My concern is that I have it in a case… --- ## [Question about an "American Experience" episode that aired on PBS a while back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-american-experience-episode-that-aired-on-pbs-a-while-back/1028095)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2026, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-american-experience-episode-that-aired-on-pbs-a-while-back/1028095 "2026-03-02T13:50:23Z")
I don’t remember the title, but it aired on my local PBS station in recent months and I DVR’ed it and watched it within the past few months. It was about mid-1960s and early 1970s civil rights and allowing blacks to vot… --- ## [What are these devices (two very steep ramps on the side of the road in Russia)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-devices-two-very-steep-ramps-on-the-side-of-the-road-in-russia/1028009)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-devices-two-very-steep-ramps-on-the-side-of-the-road-in-russia/1028009 "2026-02-28T20:21:32Z")
They’re only on the screen for a fraction of a second, but note the two very steep ramps by the left side of the street as the driver enters the parking lot. I don’t anticipate anyone driving their car up one of those – … --- ## [In Google Docs is there a way to jump to various sections of the document while editing without having to scroll?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-google-docs-is-there-a-way-to-jump-to-various-sections-of-the-document-while-editing-without-having-to-scroll/1028034)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-google-docs-is-there-a-way-to-jump-to-various-sections-of-the-document-while-editing-without-having-to-scroll/1028034 "2026-02-27T01:51:06Z")
Basically, I have a long document I edit every day. Scrolling through 30+ pages to work on one thing and then back 25 pages for something else is a pain. I just want something on the side with a list of sections that I… --- ## [Large spools on streets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-spools-on-streets/1028035)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2026, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-spools-on-streets/1028035 "2026-02-27T01:06:41Z")
I have noticed some lately. They are set up, over 7 feet tall and have long cords, which are thrown over wires. After workers left, the cords were moving. Someone probably has the answer --- ## [How might this hypothetical “egg doneness” detector work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-this-hypothetical-egg-doneness-detector-work/1027907)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-might-this-hypothetical-egg-doneness-detector-work/1027907 "2026-02-26T21:40:10Z")
Let’s say we have an unlimited budget and we don’t care much about practicality, and our goal is to be able to receive an egg, which has been boiled for an unknown duration, and determine its doneness, which I would defi… --- ## [Did ancient warriors run headlong into battle shouting “For \[their cause\]!”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ancient-warriors-run-headlong-into-battle-shouting-for-their-cause/1027067)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ancient-warriors-run-headlong-into-battle-shouting-for-their-cause/1027067 "2026-02-26T21:00:24Z")
You know how, at various points in The Return of the King, Merry and/or Pippin will shout “for the Shire!” or “for Frodo!” before running to battle and certain death? Did ancient warriors really do this or is it artistic… --- ## [What is this device called? (rope + stick grab tool)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-device-called-rope-stick-grab-tool/1027939)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-device-called-rope-stick-grab-tool/1027939 "2026-02-26T02:41:15Z")
This could come in very handy. I saw this in this Instagram clip ➜ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVFKA8-jl08 :black\_square\_button: (It might play in Spanish but I saw it in English.) It’s a device that you make with a… --- ## [Algebra/geometry question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algebra-geometry-question/1027935)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algebra-geometry-question/1027935 "2026-02-26T00:57:41Z")
At least I don’t think resorting to Trigonometry should be necessary; but here’s hoping. My question is related to what’s known as the right triangle altitude theorem, aka. the geometric mean theorem. Basically, when yo… --- ## [Need a VPN for Netflix and I am a noob](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-vpn-for-netflix-and-i-am-a-noob/1027964)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-vpn-for-netflix-and-i-am-a-noob/1027964 "2026-02-25T21:03:19Z")
Rise of the Raven is a Netflix series and it looks super cool. It appears to be only available in Hungry so I’m going to need a VPN of some sort to watch it in the US. I have no idea what I’m doing and since it’s just … --- ## [The old magoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-old-magoo/451898)
**Author:** [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-old-magoo/451898 "2026-02-25T20:45:27Z")
So every year my wife watches Christmas in Connecticut. Early on in the movie one of the military guys tells the other the way to get what he wants from a nurse is to “give her the old magoo”. As sexually euphemistic as… --- ## [International left-right flag flips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-left-right-flag-flips/1027908)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-left-right-flag-flips/1027908 "2026-02-25T19:34:09Z")
The U.S. flag is very asymmetric to left-right image flips. So, it’s very obvious when a flag is depicted on a right shoulder that it’s been flipped left-right, to mimic how a flag on a pole in motion appears. And the U.… --- ## [NASA redaction (Starliner)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-redaction-starliner/1027921)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-redaction-starliner/1027921 "2026-02-25T02:38:36Z")
nasa-report-with-redactions-021926.pdf NASA has released a redacted report on the recent Starliner fiasco. Astronauts parked in space while they waited for a ride home, while and after they decided that Starliner wasn’t… --- ## [Where the hell was this seed? (Slightly gross)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-hell-was-this-seed-slightly-gross/1027849)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-hell-was-this-seed-slightly-gross/1027849 "2026-02-25T00:33:47Z")
65 years this never happened to me. I ate some citrus fruit. A bit afterwards I started coughing and wheezing. I was coughing and wheezing through the night, even in my sleep. This morning I was coughing up a storm ho… --- ## [What is the significance if any of the following research in fusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-significance-if-any-of-the-following-research-in-fusion/1027674)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-significance-if-any-of-the-following-research-in-fusion/1027674 "2026-02-24T18:56:59Z")
For reasons I won’t go into (given the forum) I have taken a mild interest in TAE technologies a company that is working towards commercial fusion primarily based on their results outlined in the following paper appeari… --- ## [Why did they used to write apostrophes in place of silent e's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-used-to-write-apostrophes-in-place-of-silent-es/1027915)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-used-to-write-apostrophes-in-place-of-silent-es/1027915 "2026-02-24T00:46:39Z")
If you look at writing from the 18th century and sometimes later, it seems common to see aprostrophized e’s that we would generally consider silent, in this way: caution’d ev’ry Why did people do this? Was there a tim… --- ## [Fact checking the claim that "California has plenty of water, we just let most of it run into the ocean."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-the-claim-that-california-has-plenty-of-water-we-just-let-most-of-it-run-into-the-ocean/1027719)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-the-claim-that-california-has-plenty-of-water-we-just-let-most-of-it-run-into-the-ocean/1027719 "2026-02-21T00:39:42Z")
The claim in the OP is one often leveled by conservative politicians at California, but I didn’t put this in P&E because I am hoping to get a factual answer. This claim seems to be based on on the ruling from rears ago … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=16)