# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=214 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 215 --- ## [How effective are NATO anti-tank weapons in Ukraine right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-nato-anti-tank-weapons-in-ukraine-right-now/960515)
**Author:** [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Replies:** 232\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2022, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-nato-anti-tank-weapons-in-ukraine-right-now/960515 "2022-04-13T09:25:53Z")
I’ve seen a photo shared a few times of what’s meant to be a Russian tank in Ukraine that suffered an ammunition detonation, popping it’s turret right off, and another in a ditch smoking. But any other photos of ruined … --- ## [Blocking email](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-email/962689)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2022, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-email/962689 "2022-04-13T06:30:29Z")
This is when someone blocks your email and you get a message from mailer daemon. If you try to send from another email account and it is also blocked, when you had never sent an email from that address before how did th… --- ## [What do you call this familial relationship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-familial-relationship/961655)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2022, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-this-familial-relationship/961655 "2022-04-13T01:49:53Z")
Let’s say a man marries a woman and they have a child Thomas. The woman dies and then the man marries the woman’s full blooded sister. Those two have a child Patrick. What name is given to the relationship between Tho… --- ## [Can two people be mutual plaintiffs/defendants against each other at the same time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-people-be-mutual-plaintiffs-defendants-against-each-other-at-the-same-time/962701)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-people-be-mutual-plaintiffs-defendants-against-each-other-at-the-same-time/962701 "2022-04-12T21:14:45Z")
Thread title may be weird, but what I mean is this: Suppose you have a trial in which both sides are accusing the other of a crime, and one of the two is going to be guilty - just a matter of who. Perhaps a case of self… --- ## [Crypto smart contracts: If the execution has an objective but undefinable variable, how is the result validated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crypto-smart-contracts-if-the-execution-has-an-objective-but-undefinable-variable-how-is-the-result-validated/962712)
**Author:** [@MozeJose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MozeJose)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crypto-smart-contracts-if-the-execution-has-an-objective-but-undefinable-variable-how-is-the-result-validated/962712 "2022-04-12T20:35:27Z")
I understand how a smart contract might work for a variable with a binary value. For example, a purchase may occur if the price on a certain exchange hits an agreed upon value or the winner of a bet could collect if Team… --- ## [Why does copying files to Micro SD start out slow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-copying-files-to-micro-sd-start-out-slow/962670)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-copying-files-to-micro-sd-start-out-slow/962670 "2022-04-12T20:28:06Z")
On all my devices and all my cards, when I copy files from the device to the card, the transfer starts out slow and slowly builds up speed. It may start at a few hundred kilobytes per second, move to 1 MB/s, then 2 MB/s,… --- ## [Gmail filter: "Thanks!" and "You're welcome!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-filter-thanks-and-youre-welcome/962674)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-filter-thanks-and-youre-welcome/962674 "2022-04-12T14:44:31Z")
I have one person who never fails to reply “Thanks!” whenever appropriate, usually Reply All. This is bad enough, right? But she also never fails to reply “You’re welcome!” to every email where anybody says “thanks.” Is… --- ## [Vietnamese For 'Mỹ'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vietnamese-for-m/962672)
**Author:** [@Chez\_Guevara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chez_Guevara)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vietnamese-for-m/962672 "2022-04-12T09:02:32Z")
Hồ Chí Minh’s cadres ensconced in South Vietnam in the early 1960s referred to the US-backed regime as Mỹ-Diệm, the Diệm concerned being Ngô Đình Diệm, president of South Vietnam from October 1955 to November 1963. Neil… --- ## [Why is the Google app using gigabytes of data on my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-google-app-using-gigabytes-of-data-on-my-phone/962616)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2022, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-google-app-using-gigabytes-of-data-on-my-phone/962616 "2022-04-12T02:20:03Z")
I accidentally left mobile data active on my Android phone for several days. When I noticed it had been left on, and wifi disabled, I wasn’t too worried about how much data it might have used during that period, because… --- ## [Brokerage stock buy orders requiring the money to be held in reserve](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokerage-stock-buy-orders-requiring-the-money-to-be-held-in-reserve/962476)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2022, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brokerage-stock-buy-orders-requiring-the-money-to-be-held-in-reserve/962476 "2022-04-11T22:33:00Z")
I’ve established a fidelity brokerage account and I’ve been buying some ETFs. I can place an order to execute if/when a stock price hits a certain point. Essentially, I’m saying “if this stock hits $50, then buy 100 shar… --- ## [I can't intuit Newton's Third Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-intuit-newtons-third-law/962323)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2022, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-intuit-newtons-third-law/962323 "2022-04-11T22:08:06Z")
I’m teaching some fifth graders a super-intro lesson on Newton’s Laws of Motion. I got the first law and second law pretty well down (on an intro level), and I understand reasonably well why they work and they make intui… --- ## [Command Line unix stuff over my head: What am I doing wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/command-line-unix-stuff-over-my-head-what-am-i-doing-wrong/962376)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2022, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/command-line-unix-stuff-over-my-head-what-am-i-doing-wrong/962376 "2022-04-11T20:29:31Z")
TL;DR summary: I have instructions for how to retro-certify my older operating system so the expired certificates won’t get in my way any more. I am having problems implementing them and could use help. ———— I contin… --- ## [How to enumerate targets for the Tower of London test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-enumerate-targets-for-the-tower-of-london-test/962131)
**Author:** [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-enumerate-targets-for-the-tower-of-london-test/962131 "2022-04-11T15:13:14Z")
Disclaimer: As far as I can tell, the original version of the Tower of London cognitive test is in the public domain, so I’m hoping that I am not violating any copyrights here. The Tower of London cognitive test uses a … --- ## [Vehicles in Venice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicles-in-venice/962342)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2022, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicles-in-venice/962342 "2022-04-11T11:59:08Z")
Having visited Venice (Italy) a few years ago, and having watched a few videos about it…it’s a city of canals and car-free streets. You walk, or take a boat to get from one place to another. Can emergency vehicles use t… --- ## [Is a 40 hour work week normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-40-hour-work-week-normal/962474)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2022, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-40-hour-work-week-normal/962474 "2022-04-10T22:56:46Z")
How many Americans truly have a standard M-F 40 hour work week, or at least work the same five days out of seven? I mean they never have to do overtime, they’re not expected to check their email at night, and they most d… --- ## [Strange Knife Fight Ritual](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-knife-fight-ritual/569413)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2022, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-knife-fight-ritual/569413 "2022-04-10T22:07:44Z")
I was watching a western last night (The Long Riders, made in 1980) in which a strange knife fight was staged. Two men are in a bar, one of them is supposed to be half Indian if that matters. They agree to hand-to-hand… --- ## [Is zero in mathematics the same as zero in physics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-zero-in-mathematics-the-same-as-zero-in-physics/961206)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2022, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-zero-in-mathematics-the-same-as-zero-in-physics/961206 "2022-04-10T18:19:40Z")
In mathematics: 1 minus 1 equals zero 1 apple minus 1 apple equals zero In physics: 1 apple minus 1 apple cannot equal zero, because it’s impossible for two apples to be identical. It seems like in physics, zero sho… --- ## [Copying files between MacBooks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-files-between-macbooks/962600)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2022, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copying-files-between-macbooks/962600 "2022-04-10T01:25:40Z")
I got my 15" MacBook back from keyboard replacement. Now I need to copy files from my 13" backup to the 15". I have a folder with the files I need. How do I copy the folder to the other computer? --- ## [Targeting Drones Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/targeting-drones-question/962540)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2022, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/targeting-drones-question/962540 "2022-04-10T00:40:27Z")
Does the capability exist for drones to send their gps location directly to a weapons system that that continuously targets the earths surface under (or offset some fixed amount) the drone? The drone could then fly over … --- ## [How much film of WW 2 combat/results did Americans see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-film-of-ww-2-combat-results-did-americans-see/962514)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-film-of-ww-2-combat-results-did-americans-see/962514 "2022-04-09T22:05:00Z")
From what I know there were newsreels before movies. Was that for most movies? How often did they get new newsreels to show? Was it similar in other allied places like UK, Canada, Australia, etc. I ask this becau… --- ## [Which elected official to complain to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-elected-official-to-complain-to/962516)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-elected-official-to-complain-to/962516 "2022-04-09T18:32:17Z")
Straightforward part: If I had a question about a specific traffic law in my area, how do I figure out the most effective lawmaker to write to about it? Less straightforward part: so I’m cleaning up my apartment, which … --- ## [In this real life sexual assault scenario, who's at fault? (Somewhat graphic language)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-this-real-life-sexual-assault-scenario-whos-at-fault-somewhat-graphic-language/962440)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-this-real-life-sexual-assault-scenario-whos-at-fault-somewhat-graphic-language/962440 "2022-04-09T16:35:47Z")
I heard a comedian on a podcast tell an interesting story he claims happened to him and was curious legally who would be found guilty of sexual assault. Basically about a decade ago he had just done a comedy show and wa… --- ## [How do I backup Win10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-backup-win10/944325)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-backup-win10/944325 "2022-04-09T16:19:59Z")
Bought my first Win 10 laptop. Installed Open Shell, Firefox, and Anti-virus. I want to set a restore point before making other changes. Open Shell offers me backup 7. I’m trying to configure it but it says no drives … --- ## [Why Aren't Tumble Dryers Top Loading?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-tumble-dryers-top-loading/961372)
**Author:** [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-tumble-dryers-top-loading/961372 "2022-04-09T15:25:28Z")
It occurred to me after my millionth load of laundry that a lift and drop transfer from the washer to dryer would be easier than lift and stoop and toss. So why not? --- ## [What is the name given to the Russian death squads operating in Ukraine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-given-to-the-russian-death-squads-operating-in-ukraine/962427)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-given-to-the-russian-death-squads-operating-in-ukraine/962427 "2022-04-09T14:00:26Z")
What is the name given to the Russian death squads operating in Ukraine ? What is their composition? Are they all Russian or mercenaires drawn from other countries? --- ## [Sexual Harassment and the Code of Military Justice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-harassment-and-the-code-of-military-justice/958527)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-harassment-and-the-code-of-military-justice/958527 "2022-04-09T13:53:33Z")
Sexual harassment has been added to the code of military justice. The news story mention the murder of a female soldier. Eddie Slovik was court martialed and shot for desertion in WWII. Does the military try and execute… --- ## [CPAP: how does ResMed's "HumidX" system work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpap-how-does-resmeds-humidx-system-work/962558)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cpap-how-does-resmeds-humidx-system-work/962558 "2022-04-09T08:14:46Z")
I’m interested in a compact CPAP unit for travel. ResMed’s Air Mini seems like a pretty good choice, but I’m trying to understand the humidification system. My current home CPAP has a tank that you fill with distilled … --- ## [It flings the mango? Can I get some Cuban help here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-flings-the-mango-can-i-get-some-cuban-help-here/347795)
**Author:** [@Bomzaway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bomzaway)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-flings-the-mango-can-i-get-some-cuban-help-here/347795 "2022-04-09T02:04:28Z")
I heard something on the radio today that mentioned what I assume to be a common Cuban phrase that literally translates as, “It flings the mango”. Which somehow means that something is unbelieveable. Does anyone know t… --- ## [How does LGBcoin's anti-sumping policy actually work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-lgbcoins-anti-sumping-policy-actually-work/962531)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2022, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-lgbcoins-anti-sumping-policy-actually-work/962531 "2022-04-09T01:36:20Z")
Note: This is a factualy question thread so for your own safety save the obvious political commentary for another thread. So LGBcoin is in the news because a bunch of people fell for this obvious scam and are suing the … --- ## [Why does Disney use "fake" American flags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-disney-use-fake-american-flags/962384)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2022, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-disney-use-fake-american-flags/962384 "2022-04-08T23:07:30Z")
Apparently the flags that fly at Disney World are not proper American flags in that they don’t have 50 stars. Therefore Disney doesn’t have to follow the Flag Code. My question is: why? I don’t care that they’re not real… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=213) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=215)