# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=151 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 152 --- ## [What are these fuzzy pins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-fuzzy-pins/981360)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2023, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-fuzzy-pins/981360 "2023-04-01T07:34:58Z")
A place nearby had a large amount of “free stuff” yesterday. On examination it mostly garbage bag after garbage bag of Easter Egg kits, Valentine’s Day cards, and, well, mostly other things that didn’t interest me. I did… --- ## [What makes a good fighter aircraft or attack aircraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-good-fighter-aircraft-or-attack-aircraft/980778)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2023, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-good-fighter-aircraft-or-attack-aircraft/980778 "2023-04-01T03:10:44Z")
Judging by names, there are fighter aircraft (e.g. the F-16), attack aircraft (e.g. the A-10), and there are fighter/attack aircraft (e.g. the F/A-18). What features make a plane better- or worse-suited to either of the… --- ## [What is Groupon's business plan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-groupons-business-plan/625691)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2023, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-groupons-business-plan/625691 "2023-03-31T22:07:19Z")
I buy quite a few items from Groupon. I’ve bought sheets, towels, kitchen utensils, tours of Chicago, and sports tickets. So, how do they plan to make money? Do they make money on the float since they charge your credit… --- ## [1975 US Mint Sets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1975-us-mint-sets/981789)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2023, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1975-us-mint-sets/981789 "2023-03-31T01:15:23Z")
Looking around the internet at US Mint sets, I was surprised to find there actually is a 1975 Mint Set which includes a quarter. However, there were no 1975 quarters made. I understand the Mint skipped the 1975 quarter t… --- ## [Another Black Holes: GR vs. QM question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-black-holes-gr-vs-qm-question/981891)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2023, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-black-holes-gr-vs-qm-question/981891 "2023-03-31T01:04:37Z")
In theory when an object falls into a black hole’s event horizon, an outside observer sees the last shred of time the object experience before falling in stretched to infinite duration (barring actual practical difficult… --- ## [My laptop is having a bunch of unrelated glitches. Am I being paranoid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laptop-is-having-a-bunch-of-unrelated-glitches-am-i-being-paranoid/981675)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2023, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laptop-is-having-a-bunch-of-unrelated-glitches-am-i-being-paranoid/981675 "2023-03-31T00:10:36Z")
I use Windows 11 on an Asus laptop. The computer is almost two years old, still somewhat young. Lately, I’ve experienced a number of seemingly unrelated glitches. One Gmail account starts deleting or blocking emails w… --- ## [Can a city be in more than one state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-city-be-in-more-than-one-state/981509)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-city-be-in-more-than-one-state/981509 "2023-03-30T21:40:05Z")
Can a single city be comprised of land in more than one state? --- ## [Legal question, inheritance, biological parent and child adopted out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-inheritance-biological-parent-and-child-adopted-out/981897)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-inheritance-biological-parent-and-child-adopted-out/981897 "2023-03-30T20:57:59Z")
Everything I have read so far indicates an adopted child has no rights to biological parents inheritance. In the case I have here the biological father has no other living heirs. Could a judge make this determination in … --- ## [Pipe with holes in fireplace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pipe-with-holes-in-fireplace/981807)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pipe-with-holes-in-fireplace/981807 "2023-03-30T18:38:27Z")
I used a fireplace a while back that had a pipe with holes along its length suspended near the top of the firebox. It was loosely hanging on some sort of support and easy to knock off with logs. The owner didn’t remember… --- ## [USS Bonhomme Richard - long term outlook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-bonhomme-richard-long-term-outlook/915347)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-bonhomme-richard-long-term-outlook/915347 "2023-03-30T17:56:15Z")
The ship appears to have suffered extensive damage. I know there are many former sailors on the board. What’s the likelihood it will ever return to service? --- ## [ChatGTP et al, the creators don't know how it works?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgtp-et-al-the-creators-dont-know-how-it-works/981761)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chatgtp-et-al-the-creators-dont-know-how-it-works/981761 "2023-03-30T15:59:13Z")
Listening to the Lex Friedman podcast where he is interviewing Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, and I have heard mention of this before regarding machine learning, but apparently they don’t really know how it works. I assume it i… --- ## [Meteorology question: Can there be snow if the "real feel" temperature is below freezing when the actual temperature is above?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteorology-question-can-there-be-snow-if-the-real-feel-temperature-is-below-freezing-when-the-actual-temperature-is-above/980392)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2023, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteorology-question-can-there-be-snow-if-the-real-feel-temperature-is-below-freezing-when-the-actual-temperature-is-above/980392 "2023-03-30T03:34:58Z")
For Eugene, Oregon, Accuweather predicts some snow for early this morning, accumulating to about an inch, and on Monday night more snow, possibly accumulating to between two and four inches. ( I seriously doubt that wi… --- ## [Autumn tree colors & sunlight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autumn-tree-colors-sunlight/981817)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autumn-tree-colors-sunlight/981817 "2023-03-29T22:08:03Z")
When trees (esp. those that show spectacular autumn colors, such as maples) get sunlight from predominantly one side, does the “sunny” side stay greener longer, or is that the side that loses chlorophyll and shows red/or… --- ## [Possible avenue for Russell's Paradox solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-avenue-for-russells-paradox-solution/981816)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-avenue-for-russells-paradox-solution/981816 "2023-03-29T22:06:41Z")
An anomaly of Set Theory: (4) russell’s paradox - YouTube Due to a convolution of the logic, trying to include the predicate “is true of itself” into the set of all "is true of itself"s is sensible, logical, and true. … --- ## [Roof vent in an 1850s house (static vs ridge)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roof-vent-in-an-1850s-house-static-vs-ridge/981676)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roof-vent-in-an-1850s-house-static-vs-ridge/981676 "2023-03-29T20:14:09Z")
A year ago, I bought a house that needs a new roof. It’s a small cape with a gambrel roof, and was built in 1850 (in New England). The roof currently has 4 static vents (two on each side). I’ve gotten two estimates, one … --- ## [Wot's SPF or DKIM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wots-spf-or-dkim/981839)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wots-spf-or-dkim/981839 "2023-03-29T19:42:36Z")
I use a unique domain address (basically my oddball last name) because I thought “What could be easier for folks emailing me to remember, firstname@lastname.com?” Turns out many emails don’t get delivered because: mx.… --- ## [Do protons have different masses depending on what atom they’re a part of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-protons-have-different-masses-depending-on-what-atom-they-re-a-part-of/981498)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-protons-have-different-masses-depending-on-what-atom-they-re-a-part-of/981498 "2023-03-29T17:25:05Z")
Do protons and neutrons have different masses based on what kind of atom they are a part of? When atoms undergo fission or fusion, they release energy according to the famous e=mc2 equation. My understanding of the pr… --- ## [Windows 10 splash screen image?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-splash-screen-image/981787)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-splash-screen-image/981787 "2023-03-29T14:51:53Z")
Or whatever you call the high res photo that pops up when you wake the computer. It used to show a random image but seems to be stuck on some castle I don’t like. I just want it to be random again. Perhaps I did somethi… --- ## [Old external hard drive not opening](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-external-hard-drive-not-opening/969051)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-external-hard-drive-not-opening/969051 "2023-03-29T14:20:32Z")
I have an old Maxtor external hard drive, about fifteen years old, which hasn’t been used in a long time. I tried to plug it into my PC today, but it’s not opening. Initially, the drive appears in My PC, but I can’t se… --- ## [Whispering/Lip Reading in Other Languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whispering-lip-reading-in-other-languages/981672)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whispering-lip-reading-in-other-languages/981672 "2023-03-29T04:24:24Z")
Hi SD, I recently subbed at a Bar Mitzvah. During the service, I had a question about the music. I mouthed something to the Cantor, who responded. I was able to see her response though obviously there was no vocaliza… --- ## [Recovering from severe dehydration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recovering-from-severe-dehydration/981656)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recovering-from-severe-dehydration/981656 "2023-03-29T00:27:55Z")
I read on article about some campers who got stranded somewhere and ran out of water. After a few days they were rescued and the writer said that he could feel life flowing back into his limbs as he drank water. So wha… --- ## [DMV vs BMV licensing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dmv-vs-bmv-licensing/981748)
**Author:** [@gam3changer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gam3changer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2023, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dmv-vs-bmv-licensing/981748 "2023-03-28T14:41:07Z")
If I have my license suspended in a state that has a DMV can I get a license in a state that has a BMV? --- ## [Who would arrest Henry II for his remarks about Thomas Beckett?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-arrest-henry-ii-for-his-remarks-about-thomas-beckett/981708)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2023, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-arrest-henry-ii-for-his-remarks-about-thomas-beckett/981708 "2023-03-28T11:25:51Z")
Who would slap on the cuffs? For example, assume that he’s currently King and said, as is popularly remembered, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?” and the deed was done. Under current law, would or could he b… --- ## [The difference between the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and the Minister of State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-the-foreign-and-commonwealth-secretary-and-the-minister-of-state/981705)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2023, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-the-foreign-and-commonwealth-secretary-and-the-minister-of-state/981705 "2023-03-28T04:10:59Z")
Can anybody tell me the difference between the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and the Minister of State in the UK? Are they all dealing with foreign affairs? --- ## [How to reply to a reply on Yahoo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-reply-to-a-reply-on-yahoo/977940)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-reply-to-a-reply-on-yahoo/977940 "2023-03-27T19:57:28Z")
Yes, I know: ‘Never read the comments.’ I can’t resist. I also can’t resist commenting on comments. So I do. I may get an email saying ‘\[Name\] replied to your comment on \[article title\]’, and there’s a button that sa… --- ## [Issue with a Printer after installing Windows 11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issue-with-a-printer-after-installing-windows-11/981727)
**Author:** [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2023, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issue-with-a-printer-after-installing-windows-11/981727 "2023-03-27T19:20:40Z")
I recently bowed to pressure and installed Windows 11 on my desktop. No problems on my end. Pretty seamless. But my sister has a Chromebook that used to be able to print from using my printer. Now, she can’t, and the on… --- ## [Are these high beams?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-high-beams/981681)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Krupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Krupe)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2023, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-high-beams/981681 "2023-03-27T18:32:56Z")
I’ve tried to start this using embedded images, but since the board won’t let me, I’ll have to use links. Many Ford pickups have stacked headlights, and I often see all four of them on, even in daytime. Traditionally, w… --- ## [Where should I put VIN stickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-i-put-vin-stickers/981661)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2023, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-i-put-vin-stickers/981661 "2023-03-27T02:05:26Z")
I just bought a new car and it came with 7 replacement VIN stickers. Just regular plastic, nothing special (I think). I thought about putting one on my catalytic converter but wouldn’t it just melt, or the adhesive mel… --- ## [Has anyone ever asked Trump about Stormy Daniels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-asked-trump-about-stormy-daniels/981606)
**Author:** [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2023, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-asked-trump-about-stormy-daniels/981606 "2023-03-27T00:41:27Z")
Has there ever been any interview, on video or in print, where someone asked Donald Trump if he ever had sex with Stormy Daniels? It seems inconceivable to me that no one has ever asked him this, yet I can’t find a sing… --- ## [Sizing a wheelchair from height and weight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sizing-a-wheelchair-from-height-and-weight/981638)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2023, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sizing-a-wheelchair-from-height-and-weight/981638 "2023-03-26T21:58:28Z")
It appears I need to buy a wheelchair from local stock for somebody this morning, and I can’t measure her. But I know she is 5’2" tall and 216 lbs. Can I estimate from that? She has pretty wide hips and I’m guessing she … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=150) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=152)