# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=184 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 185 --- ## [Car stereos and "random" shuffling from MP3s on flash drives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-stereos-and-random-shuffling-from-mp3s-on-flash-drives/711221)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-stereos-and-random-shuffling-from-mp3s-on-flash-drives/711221 "2022-09-19T04:53:47Z")
I don’t know if this is a universal problem, but I’m in a carpool and the problem happens in one form or another in all 3 cars – a Chevy, a Toyota and my own Mazda. The problem is that random shuffle … isn’t. In my car… --- ## [\*\*civilian counterparts\*\* of the joint chiefs of staff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilian-counterparts-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff/971600)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilian-counterparts-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff/971600 "2022-09-19T03:58:02Z")
Hi everyone, part of the book (Decision-Making in American Foreign Policy (p. 162)) says: Ultimately, the United States sent approximately 1,750 Marines to Lebanon to take part in the Multi-National Force overseeing th… --- ## [What is meant by the phrase 'well-oiled' as used by Washington Irving to describe Rip Van Winkle's 'disposition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-the-phrase-well-oiled-as-used-by-washington-irving-to-describe-rip-van-winkles-disposition/971723)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-the-phrase-well-oiled-as-used-by-washington-irving-to-describe-rip-van-winkles-disposition/971723 "2022-09-19T01:40:12Z")
What is meant by the phrase ‘well-oiled’ as used by Washington Irving to describe Rip Van Winkle? I’ve only ever come across two definitions: 1. talkative and 2. drunk for personal characteristics. The meaning here seems… --- ## [Does Google Maps assume I'm speeding when giving me estimated time of arrival?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-google-maps-assume-im-speeding-when-giving-me-estimated-time-of-arrival/971440)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-google-maps-assume-im-speeding-when-giving-me-estimated-time-of-arrival/971440 "2022-09-19T01:36:43Z")
There’ve been times when Google Maps gave me an estimated time of arrival (“8:06 PM”) and I would do the math and realize that that was impossible unless I were driving significantly above the speed limit. Even when I we… --- ## [Lying in state - are the people put back in the fridge at night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-in-state-are-the-people-put-back-in-the-fridge-at-night/971670)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-in-state-are-the-people-put-back-in-the-fridge-at-night/971670 "2022-09-19T01:31:16Z")
I know people are embalmed. However, what other preservation is used when they’re put on display for extended periods? Is the display box cooled? Are the bodies put back in the morgue fridge at night? It wouldn’t be a… --- ## [What makes a bungee jumper eventually stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bungee-jumper-eventually-stop/971251)
**Author:** [@Mr.Baggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Baggins)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2022, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-bungee-jumper-eventually-stop/971251 "2022-09-19T01:02:06Z")
One of the boys came with a question. Apparently, he had to model a bungee jumper with differential equations, and wanted to know how to model air resistance. I told him that, by my calculations, compared to the other fo… --- ## [Twitch Streamer soliciting donations for a charity directly to their own PayPal, illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitch-streamer-soliciting-donations-for-a-charity-directly-to-their-own-paypal-illegal/971633)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2022, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitch-streamer-soliciting-donations-for-a-charity-directly-to-their-own-paypal-illegal/971633 "2022-09-18T15:15:49Z")
There’s some minor Twitch drama going on and people are claiming it’s illegal and am curious if it actually is, also no specifics because the Steamer in question has been threatening to sue people who claim this is a sca… --- ## [How often does invoking silence make a decisive difference for a defendant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-does-invoking-silence-make-a-decisive-difference-for-a-defendant/971732)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2022, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-does-invoking-silence-make-a-decisive-difference-for-a-defendant/971732 "2022-09-18T15:08:35Z")
AIUI, generally, the cops or feds don’t arrest someone unless there is probable cause. And in the case of the feds, they are particularly meticulous and usually assemble massive amounts of evidence. As such, does invoki… --- ## [ICBM vs Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbm-vs-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-size/971629)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2022, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbm-vs-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-size/971629 "2022-09-18T11:36:01Z")
So I was thinking about ICBM vs SLBM the other day and I noticed something interesting. The Trident D5 missile is substantially larger than the Minuteman III (130,000 lbs for former, versus 80,000 lbs for later). That w… --- ## [Landscapers / lawn workers - What is tearing up my lawn like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscapers-lawn-workers-what-is-tearing-up-my-lawn-like-this/971588)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2022, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landscapers-lawn-workers-what-is-tearing-up-my-lawn-like-this/971588 "2022-09-18T01:44:21Z")
This happened virtually overnight. There are about 20 of these holes in my yard, grouped fairly closely together. The diameters of the holes are 1-2 inches. This year is the first year we ceased treating for grubs, not … --- ## [Tattoo aftercare differences: US and Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-aftercare-differences-us-and-europe/436782)
**Author:** [@auRa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auRa)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2022, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tattoo-aftercare-differences-us-and-europe/436782 "2022-09-17T23:01:20Z")
On another mostly US-based board I read, I’ve been perusing a Tattoo Megathread, where users have posted pictures of their ink and give instructions and suggestions to each other. Several posters have also given informat… --- ## [Meaning of slang term "much in" in England?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-slang-term-much-in-in-england/966295)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2022, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-slang-term-much-in-in-england/966295 "2022-09-17T14:17:46Z")
Currently watching the Endeavour series, set in 1960s England. In a recent episode, one character asked the other, “much in?” This appears to be an English colloquialism, and a Google search hasn’t turned up a clear an… --- ## [Why is food and energy not included in the CPI-U inflation measure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-food-and-energy-not-included-in-the-cpi-u-inflation-measure/971576)
**Author:** [@hat\_trick\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hat_trick_1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2022, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-food-and-energy-not-included-in-the-cpi-u-inflation-measure/971576 "2022-09-17T11:47:34Z")
Looking at the link below, the page says the Current Price Index-Urban is “All items less food and energy in U.S. city average, all urban consumers, not seasonally adjusted.” https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/CUUR0000SA0L… --- ## [Inablility to comment on Imgur](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inablility-to-comment-on-imgur/971603)
**Author:** [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2022, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inablility-to-comment-on-imgur/971603 "2022-09-17T11:46:06Z")
I had posted a series of photos on imgur because the jack on my boat trailer was stuck and I posted a question on r\\boating on reddit with a link to imgur. I had wanted to respond to a comment on imgur because I had actu… --- ## [Is there a name for this style of tablet case/stand, and why is it so rare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-style-of-tablet-case-stand-and-why-is-it-so-rare/971697)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2022, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-style-of-tablet-case-stand-and-why-is-it-so-rare/971697 "2022-09-17T01:30:06Z")
I have a Samsung galaxy tab S6 with their keyboard book cover case. It looks like this. Ignore the keyboard part, that detaches and it’s not what I’m talking about. The case on the back of the tablet has a hinge with a l… --- ## [Everyone has a twin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everyone-has-a-twin/47988)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/everyone-has-a-twin/47988 "2022-09-16T18:50:23Z")
We’ve all heard that saying and I know most of us have probably seen someone who either looked exactly like us or someone we know, what I’m wondering is has anyone done a DNA test to compare people who look nearly identi… --- ## [Do NYC MTA Employees Pay Into Social Security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nyc-mta-employees-pay-into-social-security/971562)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nyc-mta-employees-pay-into-social-security/971562 "2022-09-16T17:18:47Z")
Long story short, my father was an MTA employee (management) from the mid-1980s until his retirement about 10 years ago, and worked in another sector of the railroad industry before that. My parents have been divorced si… --- ## [Hole in ceiling; any danger in putting plastic over it until it can be re-drywalled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hole-in-ceiling-any-danger-in-putting-plastic-over-it-until-it-can-be-re-drywalled/971574)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hole-in-ceiling-any-danger-in-putting-plastic-over-it-until-it-can-be-re-drywalled/971574 "2022-09-16T16:48:53Z")
We had an air conditioner leak that damaged our ceiling drywall. The leak has since been repaired, the drywall and insulation removed, and appropriate moisture mitigation completed by a restoration company. However, the… --- ## [Countries with exactly one island state/province](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-with-exactly-one-island-state-province/971556)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-with-exactly-one-island-state-province/971556 "2022-09-16T11:18:03Z")
I got to wondering which countries have a single state/province/region/1st level administrative unit that’s an island or island group. The island state must have the exact same status as the country’s mainland states, so… --- ## [Why do large swaths of the Internet seem to vanish sometimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-large-swaths-of-the-internet-seem-to-vanish-sometimes/971563)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-large-swaths-of-the-internet-seem-to-vanish-sometimes/971563 "2022-09-16T07:02:47Z")
At the moment I can’t access any pages I try that end in .edu (I tried about a dozen at different schools), though the ones I’ve tried that end in .com (such as this one and many news sites) seem fine. This happens from … --- ## [Apple watch heart monitor: Is it possible to download the data for use in a spreadsheet or similar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-watch-heart-monitor-is-it-possible-to-download-the-data-for-use-in-a-spreadsheet-or-similar/971145)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-watch-heart-monitor-is-it-possible-to-download-the-data-for-use-in-a-spreadsheet-or-similar/971145 "2022-09-16T05:35:38Z")
Apple watch SE, if that makes any difference. --- ## [Can't access some education sites from my house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-access-some-education-sites-from-my-house/971381)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-access-some-education-sites-from-my-house/971381 "2022-09-16T04:30:41Z")
I live in Vietnam, and I’m building applications to colleges in the US. Things were going well until about a week ago. I can no longer access several websites, for example https://apply.mitadmissions.org/ But the strange… --- ## [Any hope for this dashboard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hope-for-this-dashboard/971337)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-hope-for-this-dashboard/971337 "2022-09-16T02:27:55Z")
The dashboard of my 2008 Toyota Solara convertible seems to be chemically degrading. It is black. The surface has become sticky to the touch and the edges are showing signs of disintegration. Cleaning doesn’t help. The … --- ## [Cob for a wood oven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cob-for-a-wood-oven/971517)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2022, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cob-for-a-wood-oven/971517 "2022-09-16T00:58:30Z")
So I was watching Townsend’s making a wood burning beehive oven, and I got to wondering, he makes cob with hay/straw as the fiber fill in the mix. Could one use lawn clippings? I would think one could, but was hoping som… --- ## [How does a power plant work? (Question is related to electric vehicles)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-power-plant-work-question-is-related-to-electric-vehicles/966439)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-power-plant-work-question-is-related-to-electric-vehicles/966439 "2022-09-15T16:29:22Z")
One of my Facebook friends is dead-set against electric vehicles (EVs), at least as they currently (ha!) exist. Yesterday, he posted a cartoon that shows a Tesla plugged into a coal-burning generator. The point of the … --- ## [Is this a fossil or just an odd rock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-fossil-or-just-an-odd-rock/971591)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-fossil-or-just-an-odd-rock/971591 "2022-09-15T14:49:45Z")
Click on the pictures to see very enlarged image. It’s quite heavy for its size and is very sparkly in the sun. Something seems to be starting to bulge out the underside of it. … --- ## [Another "Insect ID, please, and hopefully no bedbugs" question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-insect-id-please-and-hopefully-no-bedbugs-question/971586)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-insect-id-please-and-hopefully-no-bedbugs-question/971586 "2022-09-15T14:38:50Z")
I often wake up with itchy red spots on my body these days, and am consequently developing a paranoia that there might be a bedbug infestation. I’ve searched my bedroom, and found, among other things, something that look… --- ## [Is the current royal family explicitly codified in UK law as THE royal family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-current-royal-family-explicitly-codified-in-uk-law-as-the-royal-family/971564)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-current-royal-family-explicitly-codified-in-uk-law-as-the-royal-family/971564 "2022-09-15T07:28:54Z")
Is the current royal family explicitly codified in UK law as THE royal family? Or is there a law/act that states that Charles III is the current monarch? I understand there are acts of succession that spell out the line … --- ## [Electricians and home handyman: help me figure out a three-way switch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-and-home-handyman-help-me-figure-out-a-three-way-switch/971228)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-and-home-handyman-help-me-figure-out-a-three-way-switch/971228 "2022-09-15T07:16:23Z")
The light switch for our garage is located behind the interior door when you open it. It’s awkward and inconvenient, so I want to install this wireless remote switch so it’s easier to turn on when you walk in. Obviously,… --- ## [If King Charles Started Selling The Monarchy's Artwork](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-king-charles-started-selling-the-monarchys-artwork/971439)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-king-charles-started-selling-the-monarchys-artwork/971439 "2022-09-15T05:07:49Z")
Let’s say King Charles III decides to scale back the Mountbatten-Windsors’ holdings and starts selling off its art. I know enough about supply & demand to know that this would result in the balance of priceless art in th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=183) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=185)