# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=17 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 18 --- ## [How do I get a copy of a will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-will/1027472)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-will/1027472 "2026-02-08T16:59:14Z")
My grandmother on my mother’s side died in Greenville, Ohio, in 2011. She was married three times. Husband #2 and #3 died when she was married to them. I had always assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that she was very well-o… --- ## [Why do traditional Japanese homes use sleeping floor mats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-traditional-japanese-homes-use-sleeping-floor-mats/1026967)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-traditional-japanese-homes-use-sleeping-floor-mats/1026967 "2026-02-07T16:53:04Z")
Obviously sleeping on a hard floor, on a mat seems uncomfortable to my Western lifestyle. I’ve done it many, many times on backpacking trips. I’d estimate 175 nights throughout my 30 years of backpacking. The biggest dr… --- ## [What was the point of ordering the Israelites to not leaven their bread as they prepared to depart Egypt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-ordering-the-israelites-to-not-leaven-their-bread-as-they-prepared-to-depart-egypt/1027274)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2026, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-point-of-ordering-the-israelites-to-not-leaven-their-bread-as-they-prepared-to-depart-egypt/1027274 "2026-02-07T01:58:55Z")
Question is in the title. --- ## [Can we basically breed littler versions of just about any animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-basically-breed-littler-versions-of-just-about-any-animals/1027159)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-basically-breed-littler-versions-of-just-about-any-animals/1027159 "2026-02-06T17:30:45Z")
(Sorry, today’s clearly my day for idle questions.) Humans have a tradition of tinkering with the animals we breed. We developed horse breeds with vastly different coat colors. Hens that lay eggs virtually every day. C… --- ## [Are animals that supposedly only eat one plant, really that restricted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-animals-that-supposedly-only-eat-one-plant-really-that-restricted/1027158)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-animals-that-supposedly-only-eat-one-plant-really-that-restricted/1027158 "2026-02-06T10:20:18Z")
Every so often you read about an animal that only eats one particular plant, or maybe animal. Like Pandas eat bamboo, koalas eat eucalyptus. Is that because the animal just can’t digest other items? Or is it simply that … --- ## [Why are the Touchpad backwards from the mouse buttons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-touchpad-backwards-from-the-mouse-buttons/1027383)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2026, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-touchpad-backwards-from-the-mouse-buttons/1027383 "2026-02-06T08:51:39Z")
I adapted to this nuisance 20 years ago. i wouldn’t want it changed now. Changing now would make my Touchpad almost unusable. My laptop is old and been dropped. My touchpad doesn’t recognize the left side. Touching a… --- ## [Airplane simulators: How can they be trusted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-simulators-how-can-they-be-trusted/1027337)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-simulators-how-can-they-be-trusted/1027337 "2026-02-05T19:25:30Z")
I am not a pilot, although I have spent a few hours in a small airplane’s cockpit as a flight student. I understand, that due to the extreme cost of using a real airplane for pilot training, simulators are heavily used … --- ## [Military strategy in snow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-strategy-in-snow/1027132)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-strategy-in-snow/1027132 "2026-02-05T16:59:35Z")
I am from the Austin area in Central Texas, so my experience with snow is somewhat limited. However, I am currently visiting my grandchildren in Michigan’s LP, which has lots of snow on the ground right now. As I was l… --- ## [Luigi murder case--15,000 documents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luigi-murder-case-15-000-documents/1016091)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/luigi-murder-case-15-000-documents/1016091 "2026-02-05T15:36:21Z")
Sure, we all “know” that Luigi Mangione shot the CEO of the insurance company. But first, of course, he deserves a fair trial. And a court case starts with discovery. But, wow..there’s a LOT of discovery! How comple… --- ## [Do people dupe AI as a career?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-dupe-ai-as-a-career/1027205)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-dupe-ai-as-a-career/1027205 "2026-02-05T10:39:43Z")
So: if I google something these days, I get an AI summary shoved in my face. I try to ignore these but I’m sure many people read no further. If I’m Head of Consumer Engagement (or whatever the job title may be) at Massi… --- ## [Would today's Broadband internet speeds have been possible in 2000 if there was a demand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-todays-broadband-internet-speeds-have-been-possible-in-2000-if-there-was-a-demand/1027217)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2026, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-todays-broadband-internet-speeds-have-been-possible-in-2000-if-there-was-a-demand/1027217 "2026-02-04T01:25:05Z")
I first got broadband internet in 2000. It was 1.5 mbps. Pretty slow now, but was a massive improvement over dial up. By 2010, i was around 30 mbps if I remember correctly, and now in 2026 i’m getting close to 500 mb… --- ## [Origin of a Quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-a-quote/2860)
**Author:** [@Kethlak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kethlak)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-a-quote/2860 "2026-02-03T12:38:44Z")
Where did the quote “Of course you realize (or know), this means war” originate? Is it from Warner Bros, the Marx Bros, or was it historical somehow? Thanks --- ## [The science of windshield ice (WTF?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-windshield-ice-wtf/1027046)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-windshield-ice-wtf/1027046 "2026-02-03T02:38:07Z")
The recent storm, and all the shoveling and scraping, got me thinking. I get why ice might form on my windshield overnight. But why in the world is it often so difficult to scrape off? There are instances where it’s f… --- ## [Identify this logo. Orange 8-Point Star with Blue bursts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-logo-orange-8-point-star-with-blue-bursts/1027282)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-logo-orange-8-point-star-with-blue-bursts/1027282 "2026-02-02T01:17:13Z")
https://ibb.co/ymPMsdT6 Here is a picture of an unknown logo. It was on a small microfiber towel left in a hotel room in Orlando. Gemini, ChatGPT and Grok are unable to identify it. Maybe one of you can recognize it? --- ## [Negating an automatic tip on a bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negating-an-automatic-tip-on-a-bill/1027233)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2026, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negating-an-automatic-tip-on-a-bill/1027233 "2026-02-02T01:05:31Z")
I saw receipt (from Bob’s Burgers in Seymour’s Bay, NJ) for 2 cheeseburgers, 1 ‘peas burger’, Cajun fries, sweet potato fries, and three soft drinks. But then there’s another line: 1 Included Tip (20%) $7.46. The patro… --- ## [Mall cop pseudo-military gear: kevlar or cosplay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-cop-pseudo-military-gear-kevlar-or-cosplay/1027260)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mall-cop-pseudo-military-gear-kevlar-or-cosplay/1027260 "2026-02-01T21:43:42Z")
I’ve noticed at two stores that the clothing of their hired security has more of a military feel. Specifically, the vests are bulky and look like they might be intended to protect against shrapnel. The ICE crew has a sim… --- ## [Chicago Dopers - Traffic Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-dopers-traffic-question/1027254)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicago-dopers-traffic-question/1027254 "2026-02-01T20:59:34Z")
Memory serves (it’s been quite a while), commercial vehicles cannot drive on Lakeshore Drive. I’ll be visiting Chicago soon with my pick-up truck. It’s registered in California as a passenger vehicle, not a commercial ve… --- ## [Adam & Eve: Why Fig Leaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adam-eve-why-fig-leaves/1027216)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adam-eve-why-fig-leaves/1027216 "2026-02-01T06:57:54Z")
Is there a specific reason why Adam and Eve used fig leaves (as opposed to any other leaf/object/etc.) for their garments when they realized they were naked? Is it just because fig leaves are large? Or because fruit-bear… --- ## ["Not for real-real, just for play-play"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-for-real-real-just-for-play-play/303368)
**Author:** [@aegypt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aegypt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2026, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-for-real-real-just-for-play-play/303368 "2026-01-31T22:10:34Z")
What’s the origin of this phrase, which has been popping up here and there lately? Sometimes in the form “Go \, it’s your birthday, not for real-real, just for play-play”. A line from a song, perhaps? --- ## [Tails and half tails on human (ancestors)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tails-and-half-tails-on-human-ancestors/1027006)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tails-and-half-tails-on-human-ancestors/1027006 "2026-01-30T20:30:58Z")
So humans split from the lineage that produced chimpanzees and bonobos—our closest living relatives—around 7–9 million years ago. Would we have been tail-less at that time? I’m assuming that losing tails was a gradual ev… --- ## [Chinese EVs in North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-evs-in-north-america/1026757)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinese-evs-in-north-america/1026757 "2026-01-30T03:48:44Z")
Currently, the US has a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs. This is not a tariff set by Trump, but rather Biden. Canada went along in lockstep, so they had a 100% tariff on Chinese EVs too. These high tariffs effectively exclude… --- ## [Minimum Number of Elements We Could Get By With](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-number-of-elements-we-could-get-by-with/471771)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-number-of-elements-we-could-get-by-with/471771 "2026-01-29T21:22:52Z")
I’ve been reading some physics books with the orgin of life and I got to thinking, what is the minimum number of elements humans would need to have on earth to live. By this I mean, of course we would need elements like… --- ## [Epstein showing Michael Wolff the photos of topless females "of uncertain age". Shouldn't Michael Wolff have reported that to law enforcement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epstein-showing-michael-wolff-the-photos-of-topless-females-of-uncertain-age-shouldnt-michael-wolff-have-reported-that-to-law-enforcement/1027133)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2026, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epstein-showing-michael-wolff-the-photos-of-topless-females-of-uncertain-age-shouldnt-michael-wolff-have-reported-that-to-law-enforcement/1027133 "2026-01-29T18:43:04Z")
Beginning at about 00:02:06 in this Ben Meiselas video, Michael Wolff recounts how Jeffrey Epstein showed him some photos of topless females “of uncertain age” sitting on Trump’s lap, one or two of which were laughing a… --- ## [Help, How do I purchase Win 10 Extended updates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-do-i-purchase-win-10-extended-updates/1026964)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-how-do-i-purchase-win-10-extended-updates/1026964 "2026-01-28T23:28:50Z")
I installed all the Win 10 updates available. Update sent me to my Microsoft account to purchase another year of support. I logged in and have searched my account page and additional support isn’t there? My only subsc… --- ## [Looking for an alarm/count down timer that works DESPITE computer going to sleep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-alarm-count-down-timer-that-works-despite-computer-going-to-sleep/1027103)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-alarm-count-down-timer-that-works-despite-computer-going-to-sleep/1027103 "2026-01-28T15:47:30Z")
I don’t know if this is exists or is possible, but… What I need is a timer app that will play an audio alarm when it hits zero EVEN IF the computer has gone to ‘sleep’ in the meantime. In case ‘sleep’ isn’t the right t… --- ## [Ultrasonic Detection Technology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-detection-technology/1027117)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultrasonic-detection-technology/1027117 "2026-01-28T14:46:54Z")
I am interested in a device capable of determining the density of surrounding objects. The transmitter and receiver must be located in the same place, so we couldn’t put the material in between the two. Using commercial,… --- ## [Do identical twins have similar fingerprints?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-identical-twins-have-similar-fingerprints/1019749)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-identical-twins-have-similar-fingerprints/1019749 "2026-01-28T13:19:57Z")
No two people have identical fingerprints, not even twins. But do twins have broadly similar prints? Fingerprints come in three types, loop, whorl and arch. Arches may be plain or tented. Loops may be radial or ulnar,… --- ## [Handy persons: please help regarding old Schlage multi-point lock doors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handy-persons-please-help-regarding-old-schlage-multi-point-lock-doors/1026840)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handy-persons-please-help-regarding-old-schlage-multi-point-lock-doors/1026840 "2026-01-28T06:07:26Z")
So, a good buddy has a mother-in-law garage apartment built in the 1960’s (maybe 70’s). It has Schlage brand multi-point lock systems from back in the day. The garage is unoccupied and got broken into over the summer. Al… --- ## [Where does the income from a deceased YouTuber go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-income-from-a-deceased-youtuber-go/1027092)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2026, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-income-from-a-deceased-youtuber-go/1027092 "2026-01-28T03:02:12Z")
Recently a young (he was 55/56) YouTuber died. He had no wife and no children. His YouTube channel is still getting views – indeed, his videos probably got a yuge bump when news of his death broke. Does this money go to… --- ## [Where is Rzerztrowitz today, and what, if anything, is it called? (Poland? Czechia?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-rzerztrowitz-today-and-what-if-anything-is-it-called-poland-czechia/1027087)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-rzerztrowitz-today-and-what-if-anything-is-it-called-poland-czechia/1027087 "2026-01-27T14:39:55Z")
Disclaimer: It’s possible this place never existed, or was badly misspelled. OK, went down the rabbit hole looking for info on M.W. De Laubenfels, a zoologist from Stanford whose specialty was sponges, but who also pub… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=18)