# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=183 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 184 --- ## [If You're Sentenced To House Arrest, Do You Have Access To /All/ Of The House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-sentenced-to-house-arrest-do-you-have-access-to-all-of-the-house/970821)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-sentenced-to-house-arrest-do-you-have-access-to-all-of-the-house/970821 "2022-09-23T18:28:42Z")
Let’s say I live in gilded mansion with dozens of rooms. I’m sentenced to house arrest because of \[insert terrible crime here\]. Never being allowed to leave my house would suck ass, but compared to my mansion there are w… --- ## [How are military deployment costs calculated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-military-deployment-costs-calculated/970917)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-military-deployment-costs-calculated/970917 "2022-09-23T15:13:41Z")
When the US military deploys to someplace we often get cost estimates of that deployment. But those cost estimates can vary wildly. It need not be a military thing either. We can see the same when it comes to deployin… --- ## [Questions for classical (byzantine) scholars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-classical-byzantine-scholars/766804)
**Author:** [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2022, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-classical-byzantine-scholars/766804 "2022-09-23T00:55:26Z")
Empress Theodora is famous for saying “Royal purple makes a fine burial shroud” when faced with fleeing from or standing up to a rebellion. What language was she speaking, and what was the exact quote in that language? … --- ## [How reliable is Uber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-reliable-is-uber/971681)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-reliable-is-uber/971681 "2022-09-22T21:17:11Z")
My GF and I are headed out of town next month. There are various car services that would take us from our home, about 40 miles west of Boston, to Logan Airport. Prices seem to be about $140 each way. Meanwhile, it seems… --- ## [Plug-in Hybrid vs. Carbon Offsets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-in-hybrid-vs-carbon-offsets/971906)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plug-in-hybrid-vs-carbon-offsets/971906 "2022-09-22T20:54:46Z")
I’m looking for a new car and was thinking about getting a plug-in hybrid. They’re basically unavailable these days, at least in my area, and the ones on for example, Carvana, are tremendously overpriced. At some point… --- ## [Where is a cat's penis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-a-cats-penis/8585)
**Author:** [@Ruffian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruffian)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-a-cats-penis/8585 "2022-09-22T19:00:30Z")
You know, virtually every male mammal has a pronounced and obvious phallus. It takes little more than a glance under the belly to determine the gender of a horse, dog, or monkey. However, my pet male cat appears penis-l… --- ## [In Cloistered Convents, How Do Nuns Confess Their Sins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cloistered-convents-how-do-nuns-confess-their-sins/971988)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cloistered-convents-how-do-nuns-confess-their-sins/971988 "2022-09-22T09:01:36Z")
I watched a movie last night that took place in a cloistered convent, where the nuns took great pains to avoid ever having contact with anyone outside of their abbey, including having their food and supplies delivered to… --- ## [Does a US Senate resolution have any legal effect or is it just a group of people expressing an opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-us-senate-resolution-have-any-legal-effect-or-is-it-just-a-group-of-people-expressing-an-opinion/972008)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-us-senate-resolution-have-any-legal-effect-or-is-it-just-a-group-of-people-expressing-an-opinion/972008 "2022-09-22T06:04:48Z")
The US senate today unanimously passed a resolution (not by vote but by consent) that threats against the FBI are a bad thing (see article linked below). Ok, fine. Does this actually do anything as a legal matter or is… --- ## [Who first said "I resemble that remark!"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-said-i-resemble-that-remark/233678)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-said-i-resemble-that-remark/233678 "2022-09-22T06:00:46Z")
Er, that’s it. Anyone know where this humorously mangled phrase first appeared? --- ## [Mixing union and non-union workers on a jobsite](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-union-and-non-union-workers-on-a-jobsite/971782)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2022, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mixing-union-and-non-union-workers-on-a-jobsite/971782 "2022-09-22T00:34:43Z")
I don’t know much about unions, having never been a part of one. I have a question about the scenario below: The property/business owner has hired 1) Company A, who is the general contractor and 2) Company B, who is co… --- ## [Why do I get "website blocked due to malware" when I have no browser open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-website-blocked-due-to-malware-when-i-have-no-browser-open/971992)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-website-blocked-due-to-malware-when-i-have-no-browser-open/971992 "2022-09-21T19:33:36Z")
I use MalwareBytes. Multiple times in the day, it will notify me, “Website blocked due to malware,” “Type: outbound,” even if I have no browser open at all. Why is it blocking websites if I am not accessing any website? … --- ## [What is that row of shark-fin shaped spiky things mounted on a car roof just at the top of the rear window?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-row-of-shark-fin-shaped-spiky-things-mounted-on-a-car-roof-just-at-the-top-of-the-rear-window/971922)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-row-of-shark-fin-shaped-spiky-things-mounted-on-a-car-roof-just-at-the-top-of-the-rear-window/971922 "2022-09-21T16:54:03Z")
These are clearly aftermarket items. This is not one thing like the antenna, there is a whole row of them. I see them typically on compact imports that have other types of customizations (most of which seem pointless to … --- ## [Ancient Egypt and the undelivered letter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-egypt-and-the-undelivered-letter/971813)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-egypt-and-the-undelivered-letter/971813 "2022-09-21T07:49:38Z")
This story, from Twitter, was recently shared in a forum I frequent: https://twitter.com/parallel\_pl4y/status/1569278637240631298 It’s definitely relatable, and illustrates how, no matter the era, people are still peop… --- ## [Why Does Yellow Look Like White?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-yellow-look-like-white/916821)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-yellow-look-like-white/916821 "2022-09-21T06:30:42Z")
Why does the color yellow look like white? It really does. It is so pale. When I look at both off in the distance, they are sometimes indistinguishable. Why is this? And does it have anything to do with the fact that it … --- ## [How do theme parks and other large venues make sure that all people are out of the park at the end of the day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-theme-parks-and-other-large-venues-make-sure-that-all-people-are-out-of-the-park-at-the-end-of-the-day/971847)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-theme-parks-and-other-large-venues-make-sure-that-all-people-are-out-of-the-park-at-the-end-of-the-day/971847 "2022-09-21T02:18:04Z")
I saw a commercial on TV advertising that people who stay at Disney properties get to enter the parks thirty minutes earlier than off-property guests. As I saw the ad, I thought that I would actually prefer the extra ti… --- ## [FB notifications that 'someone unconnected has commented on my public post'. How to view?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fb-notifications-that-someone-unconnected-has-commented-on-my-public-post-how-to-view/971924)
**Author:** [@BadSamaritan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BadSamaritan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2022, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fb-notifications-that-someone-unconnected-has-commented-on-my-public-post-how-to-view/971924 "2022-09-21T02:06:08Z")
On FB, the cesspool of social media, I got a notifications that ‘someone unconnected had commented on my public post’ . Yet when I click on that notification, all I get is directed to menus to restrict viewers, not to se… --- ## [How widespread is Queen Elizabeth's image on the world's money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-widespread-is-queen-elizabeths-image-on-the-worlds-money/971233)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-widespread-is-queen-elizabeths-image-on-the-worlds-money/971233 "2022-09-20T22:46:33Z")
Just a question that occurs after her death this afternoon. She was Head of State for a lot of countries, but how many countries have her image on their currency (and/or postage stamps?) Australia? Canada? And is it on a… --- ## [The name 'Antioch' in a church name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-name-antioch-in-a-church-name/971752)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-name-antioch-in-a-church-name/971752 "2022-09-20T21:58:12Z")
Does having the name ‘Antioch’ in church name indicate anything significant about that church? --- ## [What happens when I buy a carbon offset?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-i-buy-a-carbon-offset/971926)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-i-buy-a-carbon-offset/971926 "2022-09-20T19:04:00Z")
From reading this thread I realized I have no clue how buying a carbon offset works. If I give a company $20/mo in carbon offset money or buy 1000 lb per month in offsets, what do they do with it and how do I verify the… --- ## [Hebrew translation from a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hebrew-translation-from-a-movie/971871)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hebrew-translation-from-a-movie/971871 "2022-09-20T16:11:06Z")
Pic --- ## [Next year's State Opening of Parliament](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-years-state-opening-of-parliament/971827)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-years-state-opening-of-parliament/971827 "2022-09-20T12:29:29Z")
Charles, then still Prince of Wales, opened Parliament on his mother’s behalf this May. He was not allowed to wear the Imperial State Crown for this occasion; it was carried in on a pillow and placed next to him on the t… --- ## [Weird sensation from a minor scrape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-sensation-from-a-minor-scrape/971905)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-sensation-from-a-minor-scrape/971905 "2022-09-20T11:07:15Z")
So yesterday I wore a pair of ill-fitting shoes to break them in and I guess they were worse than I thought because at the end of the day I had a small scab on my anklebone. Scratching accidentally (I wasn’t really looki… --- ## [Questions on drip irrigation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-drip-irrigation/971869)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-drip-irrigation/971869 "2022-09-20T03:38:29Z")
Picture a small square plot 16’ by 16’ that I want to drip irrigate for flowers. Rather than running a mainline (1/2") down one side and then tying in the driplines (also 1/2") across the plot and capping them I was thi… --- ## [1-800-Gambler question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-800-gambler-question/971834)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2022, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-800-gambler-question/971834 "2022-09-20T01:38:11Z")
Hi SD, So I often hear commercials for 1-800-Gambler, where you can call to get help for a gambling addiction. The language used to be, “If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-Gambler.” Now, the… --- ## [Car battery care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-care/971760)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-care/971760 "2022-09-19T22:53:57Z")
I’ve recently been given a company car to use. So my normal vehicle (Chevy PU) sets up a lot. The car battery goes dead within a week or two. I realize I could start it and let it run for a bit every day to prevent this… --- ## [Questions about voters from Puerto Rico and Washington D.C](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-voters-from-puerto-rico-and-washington-d-c/971729)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-voters-from-puerto-rico-and-washington-d-c/971729 "2022-09-19T19:52:03Z")
I know that residents of Puerto Rico (and of other American insular territories whose inhabitants are US citizens) cannot vote for the POTUS or Congress, because they are a territory, not a state, as well as residents of… --- ## [Gasoline/diesel dispenser: how much pressure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-diesel-dispenser-how-much-pressure/971807)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-diesel-dispenser-how-much-pressure/971807 "2022-09-19T19:36:10Z")
Inspired by this video, which explains how a gasoline dispenser nozzle “knows” to shut off when your tank is full: When you turn the dispenser on (i.e. put your credit/debit card in, select a fuel grade), … --- ## [Social Security: Widow entitled to choose husband's benefits after he passes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-widow-entitled-to-choose-husbands-benefits-after-he-passes/971821)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-widow-entitled-to-choose-husbands-benefits-after-he-passes/971821 "2022-09-19T16:11:51Z")
My Google-fu and SDMB-fu have failed me. But this may be a common question and answer. Let’s say a wife retires early (prior to full retirement age) and starts to collect SS benefits of $2200/month. Husband waits unti… --- ## [Could the Tacoma Narrows Bridge have been saved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-tacoma-narrows-bridge-have-been-saved/971492)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-tacoma-narrows-bridge-have-been-saved/971492 "2022-09-19T11:15:06Z")
I suspect a lot of Dopers have seen footage of this, but for anyone who hasn’t: I grew up only a few miles from there, and a few decades later, so I’ve heard and read various things about it over the years.… --- ## [Copyright question: Does a band hold a copyright or one person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question-does-a-band-hold-a-copyright-or-one-person/971608)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question-does-a-band-hold-a-copyright-or-one-person/971608 "2022-09-19T08:56:05Z")
Let’s say Sting wants to sing “Every Breath You Take” after the band broke up. Or John Lennon wanted to sing “All You Need Is Love” after the band broke up. Do all members have rights to the music they made together or… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=182) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=184)