# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=225 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 226 --- ## [Does the Constitution have a limit on how much US law can control US citizen behavior abroad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-constitution-have-a-limit-on-how-much-us-law-can-control-us-citizen-behavior-abroad/959680)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-constitution-have-a-limit-on-how-much-us-law-can-control-us-citizen-behavior-abroad/959680 "2022-02-18T18:12:07Z")
There are certain acts for which US law can/will prosecute US citizens who commit them abroad. If you travel abroad to sell classified secrets to another country, you will be prosecuted (espionage.) If you sexually abuse… --- ## ["Evil Underling has all the King's Loyal Armies sent out of country so he can have his own Evil Armies take over with no Opposition"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-underling-has-all-the-kings-loyal-armies-sent-out-of-country-so-he-can-have-his-own-evil-armies-take-over-with-no-opposition/959654)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evil-underling-has-all-the-kings-loyal-armies-sent-out-of-country-so-he-can-have-his-own-evil-armies-take-over-with-no-opposition/959654 "2022-02-18T18:07:11Z")
This is one of those fictional tropes you see every so often, the idea that the rightful leader of the country (King, Ruler, President etc.) has a strong support of his nations military, so the bad guy who’s second-in-co… --- ## [Atomic surface tests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-surface-tests/959743)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-surface-tests/959743 "2022-02-18T15:46:52Z")
What are those vertical lines of smoke we see in many old photos of atomic bomb tests before the ban? The Five Biggest Nuclear Bomb Tests Ever | The National Interest How were they made and what function did they serve… --- ## [Mortgage calculation with extra principal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-calculation-with-extra-principal/959713)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-calculation-with-extra-principal/959713 "2022-02-18T13:15:40Z")
I have tried several online mortgage calculators and am getting different answers. Here are the details of the loan: $94,000 - 20 year fixed mortgage at 3.45% Original payments were $543/month. After 10 months I added… --- ## [Weird electrical event?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-electrical-event/959702)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-electrical-event/959702 "2022-02-18T00:32:39Z")
So the other day, I noticed that several electrical devices in my house were acting very strangely at the same time. My fridge had an error code that was saying there’s some kind of communication problem between the mai… --- ## ['Lit', slang term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lit-slang-term/959647)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lit-slang-term/959647 "2022-02-17T22:55:32Z")
There’s a commercial where the spokesperson says he’s not ‘lit’ (or is; I forget which). What does he mean? AFAIK, ‘lit’ means ‘drunk’. --- ## [Questions about USB quick chargers, and buzzing sounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-usb-quick-chargers-and-buzzing-sounds/959698)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-usb-quick-chargers-and-buzzing-sounds/959698 "2022-02-17T21:53:10Z")
First: I just noticed a very faint buzzing, even a little clicking on my Samsung quick charger. I have to get close to hear it so I’m not sure how long it’s been going on. Search pulls up a lot, but what is different fro… --- ## [What happens chemically if voltage is applied to two stainless steel electrodes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-chemically-if-voltage-is-applied-to-two-stainless-steel-electrodes/959628)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-chemically-if-voltage-is-applied-to-two-stainless-steel-electrodes/959628 "2022-02-17T19:38:42Z")
My electrochemistry is rusty (heh…a joke). If I apply a DC voltage to two stainless steel electrodes in regular hard water, what will happen at the electrodes? I know water will be split into hydrogen and oxygen gas, bu… --- ## [One more time... Getting files onto an iPhone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-more-time-getting-files-onto-an-iphone/959685)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-more-time-getting-files-onto-an-iphone/959685 "2022-02-17T19:18:36Z")
I got a new QR code for my COVID vaccinations. Now I want to put it into my Wallet on my iPhone. The ‘share’ option on the vaccination website doesn’t work, so I printed it as a .pdf file and saved it to my desktop. T… --- ## [Need help with a statistics problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-a-statistics-problem/959605)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-a-statistics-problem/959605 "2022-02-17T15:57:41Z")
So I’m trying to solve this statistics problem, for no other reason than someone showed it to me and I didn’t know how to do it (I’ve never actually taken statistics, but I was bored and curious so I took a stab at it). … --- ## [How to find the source of references in academic articles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-the-source-of-references-in-academic-articles/959660)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-the-source-of-references-in-academic-articles/959660 "2022-02-17T14:35:57Z")
The thesis of this article is that the timing of the Malvinas inva- sion, and the subsequent miscalculation that the United States would tacitly assist Argentina, were partly shaped by U.S. policies. Al- though the princ… --- ## [Legal status of laws with constitutionality under appeal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-status-of-laws-with-constitutionality-under-appeal/959622)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-status-of-laws-with-constitutionality-under-appeal/959622 "2022-02-17T01:11:40Z")
In Washington State, a capital gains tax was passed by the Legislature and went into effect Jan 1, 2022. The constitutionality of the law is currently being challenged in Douglas County court. (Digression: the argument … --- ## [How non-ballistic are ski jumpers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-non-ballistic-are-ski-jumpers/959548)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-non-ballistic-are-ski-jumpers/959548 "2022-02-17T01:04:56Z")
It’s understood that long-distance ski jumpers can win or lose based on how they manage their aerodynamics after they leave the ramp. But how much difference does it actually make? If I launch a 150-pound steel missil… --- ## [Geometry question - constructing an integer triangle in 3 dimensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-question-constructing-an-integer-triangle-in-3-dimensions/958848)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-question-constructing-an-integer-triangle-in-3-dimensions/958848 "2022-02-16T20:07:44Z")
I’m learning about descriptive geometry, which uses compass/straightedge techniques to do some nifty things like figure out intersections of cones with cones and find the shortest distance between solids in space. I’m tr… --- ## [The Soviets copied... (space shuttle, Concorde etc)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-soviets-copied-space-shuttle-concorde-etc/959607)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-soviets-copied-space-shuttle-concorde-etc/959607 "2022-02-16T19:28:39Z")
Back in the day I used to hear complaints that the Tu-144 was a rip-off of the Concorde and the Buran was a rip-off of the American space-shuttle. My question is, given the performance requirements and the various stress… --- ## [What are the colored dots on my new tires for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-colored-dots-on-my-new-tires-for/959616)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-colored-dots-on-my-new-tires-for/959616 "2022-02-16T18:54:44Z")
Just put new rubber on my car. A buddy noticed the red and yellow dots on the sidewall, and said his new tires had the same thing. What are these for? Spin balancing reference points? Any tire people know? --- ## ["Outsider" trading with non-public information](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outsider-trading-with-non-public-information/959611)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outsider-trading-with-non-public-information/959611 "2022-02-16T18:43:53Z")
Suppose someone has non-public information about a company that is not derived from him or anyone else having inside knowledge about that company. Is it legal to trade on it? I can think of a couple of examples offhand: … --- ## [Questions About Travel In The US Prior To The Automobile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-travel-in-the-us-prior-to-the-automobile/959608)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-travel-in-the-us-prior-to-the-automobile/959608 "2022-02-16T17:21:09Z")
Let’s say it’s the Old West (say 1880, because why not), and you’re traveling from Here to There via train. I assume boarding your horse Here was a trivial matter: keep him in your own barn and have a friend/family membe… --- ## [What would happen to a human body if a tanks armor piercing shell was fired at it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-to-a-human-body-if-a-tanks-armor-piercing-shell-was-fired-at-it/959095)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2022, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-to-a-human-body-if-a-tanks-armor-piercing-shell-was-fired-at-it/959095 "2022-02-16T12:39:41Z")
Armor piercing only no explosives. We will keep it classic with an M4 Sherman firing a 76mm gun with HVAP (iirc it was the highest velocity armor piercing no explosive shell for it)an M60 wIth a 105mm tungsten carbide p… --- ## [Stroke to the right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stroke-to-the-right/842711)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stroke-to-the-right/842711 "2022-02-15T17:11:04Z")
This phrase was used in a book I’m reading, and I have no idea what it’s supposed to mean. Here’s the exchange: “How would I find one of these women?” “Stroke to the right, big guy,” Payne said. I tried searching for … --- ## [Can Jello be \*re\*set?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-jello-be-re-set/174483)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-jello-be-re-set/174483 "2022-02-15T16:28:00Z")
Okay, I screwed up. I was supposed to let the jello ‘thicken’ before adding fruit and pouring into the mold. I got distracted, and when I remembered the jello it was already completely hard. I was wondering: I know Je… --- ## [Is this story about the military paying in $2 bills true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-story-about-the-military-paying-in-2-bills-true/693016)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-story-about-the-military-paying-in-2-bills-true/693016 "2022-02-15T13:35:25Z")
I was looking through my dad’s coin and currency collection with my mom. He had saved several $2 bills (consecutive years) from the mid 1950’s. My mom said it was from his military pay. The local town was bitching about… --- ## [Queen Regent or Queen Consort?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-regent-or-queen-consort/958992)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/queen-regent-or-queen-consort/958992 "2022-02-15T04:29:08Z")
I just saw an article on Yahoo News today that Queen Eliz gives her blessing to Camilla to become Queen Consort when Charles becomes King. The article explains the difference between Queen Consort and Queen Regent, for … --- ## [Eyelash mites & mascara](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyelash-mites-mascara/959396)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eyelash-mites-mascara/959396 "2022-02-15T01:30:18Z")
What happens to eyelash mites when you apply mascara? Don’t need answer fast. Was getting ready for work and started idly wondering. Is it like Godzilla attacking? Do they run screaming for their little lives, covered … --- ## [Circle of light on my wall: what’s happening here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circle-of-light-on-my-wall-what-s-happening-here/959367)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circle-of-light-on-my-wall-what-s-happening-here/959367 "2022-02-14T19:20:36Z")
On some sunny mornings, I’ve noticed a circle of bright light on a wall in my bedroom. The light is obviously coming from a gap around the molding of my poorly installed air conditioner. The light comes in through the … --- ## [Oxygen = Life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oxygen-life/959337)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oxygen-life/959337 "2022-02-14T18:25:31Z")
If we were to discover oxygen on an exoplanet, say with the Webb Telescope, would that necessarily indicate life there? --- ## [Volodymyr Zelenskyy (spelling)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volodymyr-zelenskyy-spelling/959468)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volodymyr-zelenskyy-spelling/959468 "2022-02-14T17:09:24Z")
Why is this man’s name spelled this way in Roman letters? (I assume the native spelling is in Cyrillic.) Is this based on pronunciation? Is Vododymyr supposed to be pronounced differently than Volodimir would be? How wou… --- ## [What is going on with this memory card? (Folder names copy, but not the contents)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-with-this-memory-card-folder-names-copy-but-not-the-contents/959467)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-with-this-memory-card-folder-names-copy-but-not-the-contents/959467 "2022-02-14T17:13:23Z")
I’m trying to copy a bunch of folders and the files inside them to a new memory card from my laptop. But for some reason, it keeps copying just the folder names and not the contents. (If the folder has just files inside … --- ## [How do I get my computer audio back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-computer-audio-back/959417)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-my-computer-audio-back/959417 "2022-02-14T16:45:09Z")
While I was watching a video on my computer, the audio suddenly quit. I might have inadvertently hit a key on the keyboard, but I don’t know which one (and I don’t know if any key would control this). In any case, the … --- ## [I need help tracking a US military crash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-tracking-a-us-military-crash/958991)
**Author:** [@DrMemory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrMemory)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-tracking-a-us-military-crash/958991 "2022-02-14T10:59:46Z")
Dear Friends… In 1979 I was a member of a Sierra Club Service trip. In July or August of 1979, 20 or so us went to the back country of Yosemite to take apart a One man military jet that had crashed some years beore. My m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=224) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=226)