# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=226 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 227 --- ## [Asbestos Remediation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asbestos-remediation/958671)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asbestos-remediation/958671 "2022-02-14T07:01:06Z")
We have some kind of sewer line problem it turns out, and we found out when one of our toilets overflowed when our washing machine drained. Anyway, so we got the line snaked, and it’s draining ok now (still have to figu… --- ## [Whitehouse security: how is it so easy to walk out the door with box upon box classified material?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitehouse-security-how-is-it-so-easy-to-walk-out-the-door-with-box-upon-box-classified-material/959343)
**Author:** [@mmmiiikkkeee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mmmiiikkkeee)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitehouse-security-how-is-it-so-easy-to-walk-out-the-door-with-box-upon-box-classified-material/959343 "2022-02-13T22:33:09Z")
Like many I used to think that the White House was someplace with eyes on every square inch 24/7 and nothing got in or out that shouldn’t be. But the current headlines about stolen records say otherwise, and even during… --- ## [Calling Biologists: From Freezing to Cryogenics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-biologists-from-freezing-to-cryogenics/959026)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-biologists-from-freezing-to-cryogenics/959026 "2022-02-13T21:28:04Z")
I understand freezing cells will cause cells to rupture because water expands upon freezing. That said: How do they successfully freeze sperm and eggs, for example? And, related to this, my trees have loads of bagworms… --- ## [Facebook notifications not being cleared after being tapped on and read; seems to apply to certain friends/contacts. Why](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-notifications-not-being-cleared-after-being-tapped-on-and-read-seems-to-apply-to-certain-friends-contacts-why/959415)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-notifications-not-being-cleared-after-being-tapped-on-and-read-seems-to-apply-to-certain-friends-contacts-why/959415 "2022-02-13T19:50:05Z")
(This is in the Android app) Usually when I check Facebook I just go through my notifications; I rarely just scroll my newsfeed. I’m sure part of this issue is familiar to many, namely that you tap on a notification, t… --- ## [Mass buildups of troops in peacetime: modern historical examples?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-buildups-of-troops-in-peacetime-modern-historical-examples/959184)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-buildups-of-troops-in-peacetime-modern-historical-examples/959184 "2022-02-13T14:23:13Z")
Regarding Russia’s current deployment of troops along the borders of Ukraine: Since the end of World War I, has there ever been, anywhere in the world, a rapid, focused mass buildup of troops comparable in scale to this… --- ## [Forces on 5th wheel, trailer hitches and railcar couplings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forces-on-5th-wheel-trailer-hitches-and-railcar-couplings/959330)
**Author:** [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forces-on-5th-wheel-trailer-hitches-and-railcar-couplings/959330 "2022-02-13T10:50:01Z")
I was watching a tractor hook up to a trailer in our parking lot and was wondering how much stress the fifth wheel and the chassis frame were subjected to when the pulling away from a stop and when in motion. Does the … --- ## [UK train etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-train-etiquette/959326)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2022, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-train-etiquette/959326 "2022-02-13T08:37:55Z")
Back in “the day”, many UK passenger trains were of the “slam door” variety - with multiple doors in each car/carriage, each serving a compartment (or unenclosed) group of usually 4 to 8 seats. This allowed passengers to… --- ## [What is the difference between being assassinated and murdered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-being-assassinated-and-murdered/959168)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-being-assassinated-and-murdered/959168 "2022-02-12T23:25:51Z")
Is it based on the importance of the dead person? --- ## [Why do sororities have "house mothers," but fraternities don't have "house fathers"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-sororities-have-house-mothers-but-fraternities-dont-have-house-fathers/458166)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-sororities-have-house-mothers-but-fraternities-dont-have-house-fathers/458166 "2022-02-12T21:54:34Z")
I saw the trailer for the new Anna Faris movie, The House Bunny, where her character gets a job as a sorority “house mother,” apparently a resident adult supervisor to the sisters. But my brother was in a fraternity and… --- ## [Shared DNA (simple mathematical question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shared-dna-simple-mathematical-question/959372)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shared-dna-simple-mathematical-question/959372 "2022-02-12T18:09:13Z")
A first cousin once removed just notified me that she has become a grandparent, and I thought of writing back to her that it was good to know that x% of my DNA will live on. I thought it would be simple arithmetic to fi… --- ## [Finding a Good Landline Phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-good-landline-phone/959229)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-good-landline-phone/959229 "2022-02-12T03:59:41Z")
I’m looking for one: With a volume control that stays at that level and doesn’t default loud every time it rings again With a way to turn off the ringer altogether With a speakerphone setting button With caller ID an… --- ## [Self checkout at grocery store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-checkout-at-grocery-store/957589)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-checkout-at-grocery-store/957589 "2022-02-12T03:30:49Z")
Why do they care if I put a scanned item in a bag or back in the cart? I assume it has something to do with stopping theft? --- ## [Ford found my wife and her phone number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-found-my-wife-and-her-phone-number/958930)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ford-found-my-wife-and-her-phone-number/958930 "2022-02-12T00:56:18Z")
My car was recalled to replace the air bags. I’ve been putting it off because I don’t want to sit in a waiting room for several hours with people not wearing masks. But I digress. They called my wife’s cell phone to g… --- ## [Commercial Truck Driver's Logbooks and other practices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-truck-drivers-logbooks-and-other-practices/958856)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-truck-drivers-logbooks-and-other-practices/958856 "2022-02-11T15:27:31Z")
I didn’t want to hijack the Highway Weigh Stations thread. But towards the end of the thread (as I read it now) was a comment about electronic weights and transponders, reminding me to ask about drivers logbooks. As I … --- ## [How to find an Ohio divorce record from 1945](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-an-ohio-divorce-record-from-1945/959262)
**Author:** [@garlandlyon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garlandlyon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-an-ohio-divorce-record-from-1945/959262 "2022-02-11T13:26:17Z")
How to find Ohio divorce records world war 2 some time in 1945 --- ## [Cryptocurrency and NFTs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptocurrency-and-nfts/959211)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptocurrency-and-nfts/959211 "2022-02-11T09:16:37Z")
Two things I don’t understand, despite many attempts by their aficionados to explain them to me. I wonder if there’s any connection between them, or if they just both happen to be concepts that seem to me incomprehensibl… --- ## [Who wrote the original "Heavy boots" story on the internet message boards. I'm thinking it was in the 1980s (but I could be wrong)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wrote-the-original-heavy-boots-story-on-the-internet-message-boards-im-thinking-it-was-in-the-1980s-but-i-could-be-wrong/959268)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-wrote-the-original-heavy-boots-story-on-the-internet-message-boards-im-thinking-it-was-in-the-1980s-but-i-could-be-wrong/959268 "2022-02-11T08:35:42Z")
Topic is the whole question. If you don’t know the “Heavy boots” story, this question is not for you. --- ## [Young People with Landlines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-people-with-landlines/959068)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-people-with-landlines/959068 "2022-02-11T03:03:25Z")
I occured to me the other day that I don’t know anyone under 30 who has a landline. (This includes people who have their own households, not people living with their parents.) I asked the youngest person I knew with a la… --- ## [Origin of phrase "Bat out of hell" (hint - not Meatloaf)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-phrase-bat-out-of-hell-hint-not-meatloaf/915328)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-phrase-bat-out-of-hell-hint-not-meatloaf/915328 "2022-02-11T00:12:33Z")
I was searching on-line for the origin of the title phrase. While most sites (that weren’t about the Meatloaf album) gave sort of hand-waving explanations about the meaning being “fast and reckless”; only one addressed … --- ## [Repairing moth hole in unlined wool jacket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-moth-hole-in-unlined-wool-jacket/959219)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-moth-hole-in-unlined-wool-jacket/959219 "2022-02-10T21:50:49Z")
Who can repair two tiny moth holes in an L.L.Bean boiled wool jacket? Dry cleaners, tailor, someone else? How do they do this–do they take fabric from some hidden spot? How much (ballpark) can I expect to pay? The jacket… --- ## [When the last Bitcoin is assigned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-last-bitcoin-is-assigned/959156)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-last-bitcoin-is-assigned/959156 "2022-02-10T20:38:56Z")
I’ve got a limited understanding of bitcoin, so let me know if I’ve got something wrong here: Bitcoins are finite, at some point, if the system survives long enough, the last new bitcoin will be mined and assigned own… --- ## [Sherman's march to the sea...why so significant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shermans-march-to-the-sea-why-so-significant/959133)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shermans-march-to-the-sea-why-so-significant/959133 "2022-02-10T19:41:40Z")
In the Civil War, General William T. Sherman, after capturing Atlanta, led a march to the sea. It’s entered our national myth & legend – there’s even a song about it (“While We Were Marching Through Georgia”). He gets … --- ## [Is Consumer Reports still as independent as it used to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-consumer-reports-still-as-independent-as-it-used-to-be/959152)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-consumer-reports-still-as-independent-as-it-used-to-be/959152 "2022-02-10T11:59:05Z")
I got a subscription to Consumer Reports online, and now with its products reviews it includes links to prices and where you can buy the products. They give a notice that Doesn’t that taint their objectivity? I used t… --- ## [Re-Installing Windows 10: Can I save a software RAID (dynamic drives) or will that RAID be lost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-installing-windows-10-can-i-save-a-software-raid-dynamic-drives-or-will-that-raid-be-lost/959174)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-installing-windows-10-can-i-save-a-software-raid-dynamic-drives-or-will-that-raid-be-lost/959174 "2022-02-10T04:09:36Z")
I know someone who has a PC with a C: drive that has Windows 10 on it and a D: drive which was configured in Windows as a software RAID. If they blow-away Windows 10 on the C: drive (complete erase of C:) and re-install… --- ## [Why do figure skaters always spin in the same direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-figure-skaters-always-spin-in-the-same-direction/959077)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-figure-skaters-always-spin-in-the-same-direction/959077 "2022-02-09T23:53:25Z")
From above, they all spin counter-clockwise. No matter what the move, it’s always done in the same direction? --- ## [Is Bread not considered Vegan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bread-not-considered-vegan/958647)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bread-not-considered-vegan/958647 "2022-02-09T22:40:53Z")
I was listening to a podcast hosted by a Vegan and he made the comment “Well this kind of stuff is my bread and butter. Of course since I’m vegan it would be my vegan bread and my vegan butter”. Is bread not vegan? --- ## [What's the earliest point at which the 6th Amendment kicks in (in a legal case)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-point-at-which-the-6th-amendment-kicks-in-in-a-legal-case/959031)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-point-at-which-the-6th-amendment-kicks-in-in-a-legal-case/959031 "2022-02-09T22:35:45Z")
Sixth Amendment says a defendant shall have the right to face and cross-examine plaintiffs/witnesses in court. But does this only apply during a trial itself (a great many cases never go all the way to trial; they end in… --- ## [If the prosecution violates a constitutional right, does the defense avoid drawing attention to it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-prosecution-violates-a-constitutional-right-does-the-defense-avoid-drawing-attention-to-it/958858)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-prosecution-violates-a-constitutional-right-does-the-defense-avoid-drawing-attention-to-it/958858 "2022-02-09T19:06:13Z")
Suppose that, during the course of a criminal prosecution in the United States, the prosecution violates some sort of constitutional right (such as not bringing the witnesses/accusers to court so that the defendant can c… --- ## [How tax return should be signed if I am the preparer but not a \*paid\* preparer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-tax-return-should-be-signed-if-i-am-the-preparer-but-not-a-paid-preparer/959160)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-tax-return-should-be-signed-if-i-am-the-preparer-but-not-a-paid-preparer/959160 "2022-02-09T15:34:54Z")
My mother-in-law has Alzheimer’s and has been incapable of managing her own affairs for years. My wife has a general durable power of attorney. I am doing her taxes. My MIL is not competent to sign. How should the return… --- ## [Student loans now dismissible by bankruptcy!?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/student-loans-now-dismissible-by-bankruptcy/959137)
**Author:** [@WhyWhyWhy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyWhyWhy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2022, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/student-loans-now-dismissible-by-bankruptcy/959137 "2022-02-09T04:44:39Z")
I thought they weren’t but know someone who recently wrote off $30,000 in student loans in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I have a copy of the complete filing. She is a child protection services (CPS) case manager for the stat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=225) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=227)