# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=215 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 216 --- ## [How does the ocean warm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-ocean-warm/962526)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2022, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-ocean-warm/962526 "2022-04-08T18:04:51Z")
Does it get it’s heat primarily from an exchange of heat at the surface or is it more radiant heat where the suns rays warm the ocean? --- ## [What does, or did, the U.S. Customs Service use those monumental custom houses for? Do they need all that space blocks away from the actual docks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-or-did-the-u-s-customs-service-use-those-monumental-custom-houses-for-do-they-need-all-that-space-blocks-away-from-the-actual-docks/962501)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2022, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-or-did-the-u-s-customs-service-use-those-monumental-custom-houses-for-do-they-need-all-that-space-blocks-away-from-the-actual-docks/962501 "2022-04-08T07:25:51Z")
(For example, this large neoclassical Custom House completed a few years before the Civil War, when the seaport was busier than it is today.) I’ve always imagined that the customs operations were carried out mostly at … --- ## [Rusting destroyed vehicles in Ukraine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rusting-destroyed-vehicles-in-ukraine/962401)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2022, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rusting-destroyed-vehicles-in-ukraine/962401 "2022-04-08T03:33:00Z")
Over the past few weeks we’ve seen lots of photographs depicting destroyed tanks and other vehicles. It seems like a high percentage of these blown up vehicles have significant areas of what appears to be rust on them. S… --- ## [There's been a Communist revolution and your house now belongs to the people. How did this play out in concrete terms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-been-a-communist-revolution-and-your-house-now-belongs-to-the-people-how-did-this-play-out-in-concrete-terms/962335)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2022, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-been-a-communist-revolution-and-your-house-now-belongs-to-the-people-how-did-this-play-out-in-concrete-terms/962335 "2022-04-08T01:34:20Z")
\[For context, I recently finished listening to Waiting For Snow In Havana, by Carlos Eire, who lived through the Cuban Revolution as a boy.\] Of course, I know that large estates/mansions belonging to former nobility and… --- ## [Launch codes enclosed in a small rigid thing that must be snapped in half](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/launch-codes-enclosed-in-a-small-rigid-thing-that-must-be-snapped-in-half/961610)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/launch-codes-enclosed-in-a-small-rigid-thing-that-must-be-snapped-in-half/961610 "2022-04-07T19:17:45Z")
In a few movies and other media (including Rick & Morty) I’ve seen the scenario where someone needs to use nuclear launch codes or other important access information and in order to get it, they have to break open a smal… --- ## [Why Do Some Viruses Never Leave The Body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-viruses-never-leave-the-body/962409)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-viruses-never-leave-the-body/962409 "2022-04-07T18:36:49Z")
Herpes would be one example. There are treatments for it. But once you have it you have it for life, no? Why? And HIV. With modern medicines you can get to the point where it is undetectable in your blood and other bodi… --- ## [North America running out of phone numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-america-running-out-of-phone-numbers/962187)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-america-running-out-of-phone-numbers/962187 "2022-04-07T15:12:02Z")
(meanwhile I am being told that my topic is similar to “teenage sex in Northern Europe vs North America” :slight\_smile: ) We all know that North America (Canada,USA, and a few Caribbean islands) are running out of are… --- ## [Need help with an iMac issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-an-imac-issue/962453)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-an-imac-issue/962453 "2022-04-07T14:36:00Z")
We are moving and the packers come in a week. Way back when I bought my iMac 27, I was able to figure out how to remove the Apple ID login requirement. I would like to restore this requirement, as the computer will be in… --- ## [The physics of the golf swing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-physics-of-the-golf-swing/962387)
**Author:** [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-physics-of-the-golf-swing/962387 "2022-04-07T05:10:43Z")
I realize this is sports related, but I have a very specific question that I hope our physics mavens can help me with. If the mods take exception, so be it. In golf, it is known and taught that a slice reduces distance… --- ## [Is there a name for this false memory phenomenon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-false-memory-phenomenon/962346)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-false-memory-phenomenon/962346 "2022-04-07T03:14:43Z")
I’m wondering if there is a name for when you’ve manufactured a memory, have learned that your memory is incorrect but maintain it just the same. My example. When my dad was in the hospital with COVID, I got to talk to… --- ## [Several questions on negative and positive charges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/several-questions-on-negative-and-positive-charges/962402)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/several-questions-on-negative-and-positive-charges/962402 "2022-04-07T01:40:02Z")
Would it be possible to take 2# of a fine powder and put positive charges on one pound and negative charges on the other pound? If this was done would they cancel each other out when they made contact with one another? C… --- ## [Amazon Prime on smart TV - Internet connectivity issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-on-smart-tv-internet-connectivity-issue/962428)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-on-smart-tv-internet-connectivity-issue/962428 "2022-04-07T01:16:49Z")
My wife has Prime, and we watch it on our Sony X800G smart TV. We have Xfinity Internet. When we select the Prime app, we get a message saying there is an Internet connectivity issue. After spending time on the phone wit… --- ## [Q about FB "Suggested for you" algorithm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-fb-suggested-for-you-algorithm/962412)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2022, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-fb-suggested-for-you-algorithm/962412 "2022-04-07T00:31:52Z")
The last few days I’ve noticed I’ve been getting a lot of rightwing MTG-level crazoid propaganda. There’s nothing about my feed that would point to this as something I’m interested in And these posts include no means of… --- ## [What does "tax return accepted" mean (in TurboTax)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-tax-return-accepted-mean-in-turbotax/962327)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-tax-return-accepted-mean-in-turbotax/962327 "2022-04-06T23:58:43Z")
When you get a message from TurboTax that your (federal) return was accepted, what exactly does this mean? Does it mean that there’s no more processing of the return being done, and all they need to do is to issue the re… --- ## [Is Dirty Electricity For Reals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dirty-electricity-for-reals/960526)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dirty-electricity-for-reals/960526 "2022-04-06T21:02:27Z")
I find myself wanting to overhaul a set of bedrooms in the top floor of a tri-level house. Although the floor plan is interesting enough, the result is the house is basically made of stairs. Now, stairs are loads of fu… --- ## [Scientifically-established correlation usable in jury selection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientifically-established-correlation-usable-in-jury-selection/962377)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientifically-established-correlation-usable-in-jury-selection/962377 "2022-04-06T20:04:08Z")
A recent report shows a high correlation between disbelief in evolution and prejudice against minorities, immigrants, and LGBT+. So would this correlation be usable in jury selection? Could they (the defense) put a qu… --- ## [Is the extent of moon visibility throughout the lunar cycle period consistent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-extent-of-moon-visibility-throughout-the-lunar-cycle-period-consistent/956303)
**Author:** [@civilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/civilis)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-extent-of-moon-visibility-throughout-the-lunar-cycle-period-consistent/956303 "2022-04-06T19:02:36Z")
…at all latitudes or is it possible that there is a region on earth where the moon is visible every day? --- ## [Invasive Species](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasive-species/961435)
**Author:** [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasive-species/961435 "2022-04-06T17:28:44Z")
We always hear about invasive species that reek havoc on an ecosystem or the environment, but are there times when a new species has been introduced and has actually been mostly positive. --- ## [Air Movement Above a Moving Non-frictionless Flat Surface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-movement-above-a-moving-non-frictionless-flat-surface/962279)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-movement-above-a-moving-non-frictionless-flat-surface/962279 "2022-04-06T17:01:47Z")
Intuitively it seems that if a non-frictionless flat surface begins moving horizontally in a gaseous fluid then eventually the fluid above the flat surface would start to move in the same direction that the flat surface … --- ## [How did this change in the Spanish alphabet affect software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-change-in-the-spanish-alphabet-affect-software/962290)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-change-in-the-spanish-alphabet-affect-software/962290 "2022-04-06T12:32:22Z")
When I studied Spanish in middle school years ago, I was taught that CH, LL, and RR were considered distinct letters in the Spanish alphabet. Years later, when I did some internationalization work on a Java database prod… --- ## [Computer screen illumination: white versus dark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-screen-illumination-white-versus-dark/962280)
**Author:** [@ASGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASGuy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-screen-illumination-white-versus-dark/962280 "2022-04-06T12:16:29Z")
In the days of cathode ray tube computer monitors it was considered wise to have a dark background (in Windows vernacular: wallpaper). A dark background reduced the intensity of the electron gun or guns illuminating the … --- ## [Did the use of Previtan by the German Army in WWII produce a huge number of addicts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-use-of-previtan-by-the-german-army-in-wwii-produce-a-huge-number-of-addicts/962309)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-use-of-previtan-by-the-german-army-in-wwii-produce-a-huge-number-of-addicts/962309 "2022-04-06T10:36:54Z")
Hello Everyone, During WWII Germany kept it’s army awake and moving by the liberal use of Previtan, I can’t remember now if it was amphetamine or meth amphetamine. Did the use of this freely distributed drug produce a l… --- ## [A Spanish language question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-spanish-language-question/962067)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-spanish-language-question/962067 "2022-04-06T09:58:45Z")
The question would also apply to any language which assigns genders to nouns: does deliberate switching of genders of the nouns factor in any wordplay like puns or jokes? And is anyone who accidentally misassigns a gende… --- ## [Does this type of smart light switch exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-type-of-smart-light-switch-exist/962054)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-type-of-smart-light-switch-exist/962054 "2022-04-06T06:03:35Z")
I’ve starting making the switch (no pun intended) to installing smart LED bulbs in and around my house. One issue is that when the light switch is turned off, the light is completely off and will no longer respond to vo… --- ## [Ink pens ink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ink-pens-ink/961713)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ink-pens-ink/961713 "2022-04-06T03:38:19Z")
Is it just me, or are pen manufacturers putting less ink in their pens? I have a Cross pen that I love but stopped using it because the refills don’t seem the last more than a few weeks. In my search for decent writing … --- ## [Did the UK have any trade relationship with North Vietnam during the Vietnam War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-uk-have-any-trade-relationship-with-north-vietnam-during-the-vietnam-war/962141)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-uk-have-any-trade-relationship-with-north-vietnam-during-the-vietnam-war/962141 "2022-04-06T02:35:00Z")
Was there any trade relationship between the UK and North Vietnam during the Vietnam War? Thank you in advance. --- ## [English place names, why two?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-place-names-why-two/961450)
**Author:** [@DooProcess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooProcess)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-place-names-why-two/961450 "2022-04-05T22:15:03Z")
I have noticed that English (the place not the language) often are given in pairs. Somethingshire, Otherthingford for example. This has proven difficult for me to figure out with search engines only providing results fo… --- ## [Is there a free e-file for higher income filers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-e-file-for-higher-income-filers/962013)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-e-file-for-higher-income-filers/962013 "2022-04-05T20:37:19Z")
Most free e-file sites have an income cut-off - around $73,000. Are there any free sites out there for higher incomes - federal or state? --- ## [Go-fund me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-fund-me/962238)
**Author:** [@stosh1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh1)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-fund-me/962238 "2022-04-05T20:11:49Z")
On these go-fund me things. How much do the people really get? --- ## [Indian Satellite Capabilities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-satellite-capabilities/962334)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-satellite-capabilities/962334 "2022-04-05T19:06:08Z")
This is in regards to the event at Bucha but just looking for factual answers. The US is saying that satellite imagery shows bodies lying in the street since several weeks ago. Does India have satellite imagery capable … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=214) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=216)