# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=185 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 186 --- ## [Princess Elizabeth's WWII Service (Redux)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/princess-elizabeths-wwii-service-redux/971510)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2022, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/princess-elizabeths-wwii-service-redux/971510 "2022-09-15T02:38:01Z")
We discussed this a few years ago, and this American was surprised to learn that Her Royal Highness actually did real work for the real army in its real war effort; it wasn’t just a publicity stunt. I have some more que… --- ## [Amoco invasion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amoco-invasion/971371)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amoco-invasion/971371 "2022-09-14T21:30:24Z")
Recently I’ve noticed in southeastern Wisconsin a slew of small, independent gas stations being rebranded as Amoco. One day it was Tommy’s gas n’ tow, the next day a brand new shiny Amoco sign and pumps were present. And… --- ## [French grammar question: agreement with predicate adjective](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-agreement-with-predicate-adjective/971096)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-agreement-with-predicate-adjective/971096 "2022-09-14T20:14:43Z")
In a flier I got from the water company which is flushing its pipes using a red dye appears the sentence: “Est-ce que la couleur rouge de l’eau est nocif pour la santé?” My question is why not nocive? A native French s… --- ## [My Spool-Chocker Stopped Working](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-spool-chocker-stopped-working/971508)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-spool-chocker-stopped-working/971508 "2022-09-14T14:12:46Z")
I am using Windows 11. This morning I discovered my spell-checker does not work when I am typing comments in Brave (my browser) or Edge (which I never really use). Oddly, WOrd still works just fine. How did I manage to s… --- ## [Is 90 minutes enough to clear customs and change flights in Paris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-90-minutes-enough-to-clear-customs-and-change-flights-in-paris/970993)
**Author:** [@ASanders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASanders)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-90-minutes-enough-to-clear-customs-and-change-flights-in-paris/970993 "2022-09-14T13:59:48Z")
My daughter is leaving for a semester in Prague tomorrow and will be arriving in Paris on Wednesday morning. I found this thread on a similar topic, which was helpful but didn’t answer my question. I know she will have t… --- ## [Complicated Question About Spending Money That Isn't Yours (Better Explained In OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complicated-question-about-spending-money-that-isnt-yours-better-explained-in-op/971141)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complicated-question-about-spending-money-that-isnt-yours-better-explained-in-op/971141 "2022-09-14T13:02:51Z")
Imagine that, somehow, a bank error results in $10 million being accidentally deposited into my checking account (these things happen). Let’s say I spend $1 million on a house, I flip it, and thanks to a hot real-estate … --- ## [Phone conversation content and metadata question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-conversation-content-and-metadata-question/971532)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-conversation-content-and-metadata-question/971532 "2022-09-14T11:35:30Z")
I am looking for a factual answer here, not wild guesses. I tried to find the answer, but I couldn’t find it. This is a purely hypothetical situation and has nothing to do with Mike Lindell or anyone else. Let’s say the… --- ## [Who Is This Woman Standing Behind King Charles At His Proclamation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-woman-standing-behind-king-charles-at-his-proclamation/971389)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-woman-standing-behind-king-charles-at-his-proclamation/971389 "2022-09-14T08:27:06Z")
The woman standing behind the King’s left shoulder, who entreats him for permission to publish his “gracious speech.” She looks younger and has a higher voice than Liz Truss, so I don’t think it’s her. --- ## [Evolution of digestive system vs. respiratory system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-digestive-system-vs-respiratory-system/971480)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2022, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-digestive-system-vs-respiratory-system/971480 "2022-09-14T04:46:07Z")
Mammalian digestive systems evolved to be (AFAIK) a single path where food enters at one end, the digestive processes occur, and waste exits at the other end (let’s leave urine out of this for now). The movement of the b… --- ## [Fuel fill door indicator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-fill-door-indicator/971464)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-fill-door-indicator/971464 "2022-09-13T19:57:01Z")
This is pretty pointless but there may be a factual answer. Manufacturers now now put a little full pump icon with an arrow on the gauge to tell you which side to face toward the pump. Why the hell would they put the li… --- ## [Buying a straight razor, England, 1932](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-straight-razor-england-1932/971448)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-straight-razor-england-1932/971448 "2022-09-13T17:35:36Z")
This question inspired by Dorothy L. Sayers’ classic whodunnit Have His Carcase. The book is 90 years old, I hope I don’t have to use spoiler boxes. But i’ll add a small spoiler space for those who haven’t read it v v … --- ## [Cologne/body spray with caffeine = Huh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cologne-body-spray-with-caffeine-huh/971486)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cologne-body-spray-with-caffeine-huh/971486 "2022-09-13T17:35:08Z")
I’ve seen a few colognes and body sprays that claim to contain caffeine. Why? Does the caffeine evaporate from the skin and give the wearer and others around them a caffeine buzz? How on Earth could there be enough to … --- ## [USS Texas battleship: What is this thing under the bow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-texas-battleship-what-is-this-thing-under-the-bow/971375)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uss-texas-battleship-what-is-this-thing-under-the-bow/971375 "2022-09-13T05:08:03Z")
I know many here hate video links but this is the only way I can show it (see below). It is queued to the right spot and anyone can see what I am asking about with a few seconds watch (maybe 10 seconds). Not sure how t… --- ## [Will the US Secret Service let the president attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral without their protection (not even allowed to use his limousine)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-secret-service-let-the-president-attend-queen-elizabeths-funeral-without-their-protection-not-even-allowed-to-use-his-limousine/971444)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-secret-service-let-the-president-attend-queen-elizabeths-funeral-without-their-protection-not-even-allowed-to-use-his-limousine/971444 "2022-09-13T01:47:59Z")
According to the article below all heads-of-state will only be allowed to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth with one other person (presumably their spouse as a +1). They are not allowed to bring their entourage nor … --- ## [What would we be left with if we parked Saturn into Earth's orbit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-we-be-left-with-if-we-parked-saturn-into-earths-orbit/971006)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2022, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-we-be-left-with-if-we-parked-saturn-into-earths-orbit/971006 "2022-09-13T00:24:24Z")
Obviously we’d stick it on the other side of the sun, ‘six months’ away, because interplanetary billiards would be painful. Now, according to my research (about three minutes on Wikipedia) “Saturn’s interior is most li… --- ## [I just installed a hoist on an I-beam. I have a question about it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-installed-a-hoist-on-an-i-beam-i-have-a-question-about-it/970938)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2022, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-installed-a-hoist-on-an-i-beam-i-have-a-question-about-it/970938 "2022-09-12T00:09:37Z")
I just installed a 1 ton electric hoist on a gantry lift (with I-beam) in my barn. Apparently there are two ways to configure it. One way is to use a simple end hook. The other way is to put the end hook into a slot on t… --- ## [Psychosomatic Itching](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching/971403)
**Author:** [@Jakey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jakey)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychosomatic-itching/971403 "2022-09-11T22:42:16Z")
Why is it, when someone talks about e.g. their cat has fleas, do we suddenly feel the urge to scratch a previously nonexistent itch? Are we just becoming hyper aware of pre-existing itches or is it all in the mind? --- ## [Why the use of strange calibers like 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 155mm, 203mm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-use-of-strange-calibers-like-5-56mm-7-62mm-155mm-203mm/971311)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-use-of-strange-calibers-like-5-56mm-7-62mm-155mm-203mm/971311 "2022-09-11T22:32:16Z")
Out of curiosity, why aren’t firearms and artillery typically standardized more to something convenient and tidy like 5mm, 10mm, 100mm, 125mm and 150mm? --- ## [Why was King Charles III holding a blue book during his declaration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-king-charles-iii-holding-a-blue-book-during-his-declaration/971393)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-king-charles-iii-holding-a-blue-book-during-his-declaration/971393 "2022-09-11T20:01:49Z")
My wife and I are puzzled. During his declaration at the Accession Council, he held a blue book in his right hand. Why? What is it? It doesn’t look big enough to be a Bible or anything like that. It looks more like … --- ## [Could a WW1 fighter pilot fly a F111 (possible spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-ww1-fighter-pilot-fly-a-f111-possible-spoilers/929018)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-ww1-fighter-pilot-fly-a-f111-possible-spoilers/929018 "2022-09-11T18:21:04Z")
I am guessing no. If a healthy US Army Air Service pilot from 1918 was magically transported next to a F111, could he actually fly it right there and then? WIth(out) 12-18 months of instruction? Since he already knows ho… --- ## [Made-up cities on old world maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-up-cities-on-old-world-maps/970937)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/made-up-cities-on-old-world-maps/970937 "2022-09-11T15:28:48Z")
I was looking at the famous 1570 “Typus Orbis Terrarum” map of Ortelius (link to JPEG file, about 7 MB) and noticed that even though the coastlines of the continents are represented reasonably accurately (with the except… --- ## [Size of a black hole with the mass of the entire (observable) universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-a-black-hole-with-the-mass-of-the-entire-observable-universe/970965)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2022, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-a-black-hole-with-the-mass-of-the-entire-observable-universe/970965 "2022-09-11T15:19:19Z")
I was watching a video by James Beacham, a particle physicist at CERN who has given a number of interesting talks, including at the famous Royal Institution in London. At one point he spoke about the calculated size of … --- ## [The economics of restaurant paper napkin dispensers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-economics-of-restaurant-paper-napkin-dispensers/971291)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2022, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-economics-of-restaurant-paper-napkin-dispensers/971291 "2022-09-10T21:08:27Z")
I have always wondered about the economics of the subject. Some restaurants change the traditional paper napkin dispenser from pick as many at a time that you want to a single napkin at a time. I guess the single napkin… --- ## [Why Did the Impromptu Male Fist Fight Decline (and is that statement factually correct?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-impromptu-male-fist-fight-decline-and-is-that-statement-factually-correct/969196)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-impromptu-male-fist-fight-decline-and-is-that-statement-factually-correct/969196 "2022-09-10T13:47:25Z")
I just came across this small and not-prominently-placed 1920 news item while reading Neil Gabler’s An Empire of Thier Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood: Charlie Chaplin Mixes with Wife’s Manager I was born in 1955… --- ## [Old Sears Kenmore sewing machine woes: no zig-zag- help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sears-kenmore-sewing-machine-woes-no-zig-zag-help/554129)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-sears-kenmore-sewing-machine-woes-no-zig-zag-help/554129 "2022-09-10T01:37:57Z")
I have a Model 1410 “Zig • Zag Sewing Machine”. It does straight, zig-zag, stretch, smock, satin, scallop, applique, blind hem, buttonhole stitching, etc. Except for that it’s not doing anything else but straight stitch… --- ## [Why are identical twins not EXACTLY identical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-identical-twins-not-exactly-identical/969641)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-identical-twins-not-exactly-identical/969641 "2022-09-09T19:01:46Z")
The way I understand it, identical twins have the exact same DNA. So why are some slightly differently sized and why do they have variations in their faces, to the point where you can usually differentiate between them?… --- ## [Is there a SCIF on Air Force One?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-scif-on-air-force-one/971265)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2022, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-scif-on-air-force-one/971265 "2022-09-09T15:26:14Z")
If the President wants to look at something very secret on his plane, do we know if there is a special secure room built into the plane? --- ## [I have 2 graphics on my computer that will NOT go away!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-2-graphics-on-my-computer-that-will-not-go-away/971166)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2022, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-2-graphics-on-my-computer-that-will-not-go-away/971166 "2022-09-09T13:26:58Z")
Both graphics are in the lower right hand corner of the monitor. One graphic states “Set Default Language” followed by that message translated into 4 languages which is followed by 5 flag graphics. The graphic to the r… --- ## [Has the question of Columbus's final resting place now been settled? Is it Seville Cathedra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-question-of-columbuss-final-resting-place-now-been-settled-is-it-seville-cathedra/970867)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2022, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-question-of-columbuss-final-resting-place-now-been-settled-is-it-seville-cathedra/970867 "2022-09-09T12:54:11Z")
Has the question of Columbus’s final resting place finally been settled? Is it Seville Cathedral? --- ## [Mucinex - "do not crush, chew, or break..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mucinex-do-not-crush-chew-or-break/609186)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2022, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mucinex-do-not-crush-chew-or-break/609186 "2022-09-09T05:32:21Z")
Why can’t you crush or break Mucinex prior to ingesting it? Those are some pretty big pills. I can see not chewing it, because it tastes gross, but why the others? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=184) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=186)