# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=233 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 234 --- ## [Is the "now the rats only eat rat" story from Skyfall plausible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-now-the-rats-only-eat-rat-story-from-skyfall-plausible/957533)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-now-the-rats-only-eat-rat-story-from-skyfall-plausible/957533 "2022-01-10T21:25:54Z")
In the James Bond film Skyfall, villain Raul Silva introduces himself by telling a story to Bond: Silva: Hello, James. Welcome. Do you like the island? My grandmother had an island. Nothing to boast of. You could walk a… --- ## [Do mandatory reporting laws override attorney/client privilege, confessional and spousal privilege?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mandatory-reporting-laws-override-attorney-client-privilege-confessional-and-spousal-privilege/823935)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mandatory-reporting-laws-override-attorney-client-privilege-confessional-and-spousal-privilege/823935 "2022-01-10T20:24:37Z")
I was reading something that noted Oklahoma (and perhaps other states, I do not know) has a mandatory reporting law (any one who becomes aware of child abuse must report it to the state) that covers everyone in the state.… --- ## [Screen captures from Google Maps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-captures-from-google-maps/957427)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-captures-from-google-maps/957427 "2022-01-10T18:24:46Z")
What’s the best way to capture a photo from Google Maps? When I’m in street mode, and I zoom in on a building or a house I’d like a photo of, I can’t figure out how to make a copy. Help, please? --- ## [In the UK, is the term “shire” frequently used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-uk-is-the-term-shire-frequently-used/957444)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-uk-is-the-term-shire-frequently-used/957444 "2022-01-10T14:14:53Z")
Assuming that we’re not talking about LotR, are any of the counties commonly referred to as shires? Does it matter if we’re talking about a county with -shire as the suffix? --- ## [Taxes over the years in blue v red states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-over-the-years-in-blue-v-red-states/957388)
**Author:** [@Mdm.President](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdm.President)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-over-the-years-in-blue-v-red-states/957388 "2022-01-10T13:43:38Z")
Apparently my googling skills aren’t the best. I’m looking for citable information on how the talking point of blue states railroading higher taxes has played out over the last several decades. Has there really been tha… --- ## [How does the bank know the bill(s) I want to pay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-bank-know-the-bill-s-i-want-to-pay/956510)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-bank-know-the-bill-s-i-want-to-pay/956510 "2022-01-10T08:02:59Z")
Today, I got bills for my driver’s licence and car registration. The first is due by my birthday in late January and second at the end of January based on my last name. I decided the time had come to figure out how to … --- ## [I scratched my copper tile, any help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-scratched-my-copper-tile-any-help/957499)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-scratched-my-copper-tile-any-help/957499 "2022-01-10T05:23:36Z")
Copper tile on a wall in the kitchen. I was too aggressive cleaning it and it’s scratched. I’ve looked up and tried everything on line - baking soda/salt/lemon juice/ car wax. Nada. Any ideas? --- ## [Dissection of Mobius Strip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissection-of-mobius-strip/957478)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissection-of-mobius-strip/957478 "2022-01-10T04:23:02Z")
I know what happens if I dissect a Mobius strip with a cut along the centerline and also with a cut one-third of the way across the strip. What happens with the dissections one fourth, one fifth, one sixt, etc. all the w… --- ## [Amazon Echo Show Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-show-question/957480)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2022, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-echo-show-question/957480 "2022-01-10T01:11:37Z")
I’ve got a 5" show next to my bed and use it for an alarm, clock, and to play music. The upper left corner displays the outdoor temperature, But it’s usually incorrect. For example it’s currently 35 degrees, but the dis… --- ## [Lost Passport Question (TV Show Related, not Real Life)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-passport-question-tv-show-related-not-real-life/957176)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-passport-question-tv-show-related-not-real-life/957176 "2022-01-09T18:41:33Z")
Based on a plot device in a show. Suppose a person arrives in the US, having somehow lost his passport between the time he boards the plane and the time he arrives at US customs. In the show that inspired the question, … --- ## [Looking for an all AND non terrain vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-all-and-non-terrain-vehicle/957475)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-all-and-non-terrain-vehicle/957475 "2022-01-09T17:40:14Z")
So I was watching the Wacky Races the other morning and I see Professor Pat Pending’s “Convert-A-Car”, which got me wondering: There are cars that can float like a boat, and there are cars that can fly like a plane, but… --- ## [Battery life--much improved for cars, but not for phones and laptops. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-life-much-improved-for-cars-but-not-for-phones-and-laptops-why/957093)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-life-much-improved-for-cars-but-not-for-phones-and-laptops-why/957093 "2022-01-09T16:15:33Z")
This thread is inspired by a scene I saw recently in a doctor’s waiting room: there was only one electric outlet, but 4 people wanting to charge their devices. It was comical, but also a bit ugly, to see 4 adults fight… --- ## [Electric cars are the future. Is producing electricity to charge them cleaner than gasoline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-are-the-future-is-producing-electricity-to-charge-them-cleaner-than-gasoline/956684)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-are-the-future-is-producing-electricity-to-charge-them-cleaner-than-gasoline/956684 "2022-01-09T08:49:45Z")
I presume it is since the big push is for electric vehicles. My brother-in-law is a pretty big believer in the future of electric vehicles. He has tested a Tesla(he does not own one) and was apparently really impressed. … --- ## [Is this etymology for cheerio correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-etymology-for-cheerio-correct/955009)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-etymology-for-cheerio-correct/955009 "2022-01-09T04:25:58Z")
I just read a factoid about the etymology of the word cheerio and I’m dubious. It claimed the word has nothing to do with cheer. It’s supposedly originated in a period when well-to-do people rode around in sedan chairs … --- ## [What are the laws that legally keeps the IRS from just sending everyone a bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-that-legally-keeps-the-irs-from-just-sending-everyone-a-bill/957170)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2022, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-laws-that-legally-keeps-the-irs-from-just-sending-everyone-a-bill/957170 "2022-01-09T04:11:17Z")
I mean, what are the specific laws that TurboTax and the other accounting companies supposedly lobby Congress to retain? What were their original purpose? Is that purpose obsolete these days? --- ## [StarLink and the Chinese space station](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starlink-and-the-chinese-space-station/956924)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starlink-and-the-chinese-space-station/956924 "2022-01-08T18:50:36Z")
I’ve seen a lot of stuff from the CCPs state-run media and official diplomatic messages about this, but I haven’t seen a lot from other sources. Does anyone know what the straight dope is on this event? The Chinese are… --- ## [Somebody tried to scam my Mom...I think](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-tried-to-scam-my-mom-i-think/957338)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somebody-tried-to-scam-my-mom-i-think/957338 "2022-01-08T15:11:42Z")
Backstory: Until her death at age 101 last month, Mom was residing in a care home. I had been managing her affairs, including her finances, for the past 3-4 years. The only bank accounts that Mom had were two savings … --- ## [Overtime pay for hourly workers...is it 40 hours per week or can an employer mess with the calculation (60 hours one week, 0 hours the next week)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overtime-pay-for-hourly-workers-is-it-40-hours-per-week-or-can-an-employer-mess-with-the-calculation-60-hours-one-week-0-hours-the-next-week/957251)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2022, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overtime-pay-for-hourly-workers-is-it-40-hours-per-week-or-can-an-employer-mess-with-the-calculation-60-hours-one-week-0-hours-the-next-week/957251 "2022-01-08T04:47:58Z")
The title basically lays it out. Some workers, such as oil rig divers, may need to work for 100% of the time being stuck a few hundred feet under water. But, then they are given a month (or more) off. If they are hour… --- ## [How does the \*67 blocking your Caller ID thing work on a phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-67-blocking-your-caller-id-thing-work-on-a-phone/957343)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2022, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-67-blocking-your-caller-id-thing-work-on-a-phone/957343 "2022-01-07T21:30:23Z")
So, apparently dialing \*67 at the beginning of a phone call has the effect of making that call anonymous, hiding your Caller ID. But how exactly does that work, and is it some sketchy third-party service that is doing th… --- ## [Do lawyers have to prove they are lawyers before they go to court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lawyers-have-to-prove-they-are-lawyers-before-they-go-to-court/956382)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2022, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lawyers-have-to-prove-they-are-lawyers-before-they-go-to-court/956382 "2022-01-07T19:15:11Z")
I’m watching some Leverage reruns, and there have been two so far where someone in the team (Nate and Hardison) act as lawyers in court. Of course they aren’t actual lawyers. Plus there was one Law & Order (Nowhere Man)… --- ## [Could a planet exist (i.e. be intact) inside of the event horizon of a sufficiently large black hole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-planet-exist-i-e-be-intact-inside-of-the-event-horizon-of-a-sufficiently-large-black-hole/956946)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2022, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-planet-exist-i-e-be-intact-inside-of-the-event-horizon-of-a-sufficiently-large-black-hole/956946 "2022-01-07T15:00:06Z")
Basically, the question is in the title. I know there are some real monsters in the universe, black holes that are billions of solar masses in size. I recall hearing that in some of the larger black holes, you could cr… --- ## [Info needed from a fisherman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/info-needed-from-a-fisherman/957314)
**Author:** [@Grestarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grestarian)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2022, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/info-needed-from-a-fisherman/957314 "2022-01-07T00:48:10Z")
I’ve been looking on-line at Teardrop Split Rings that I’m thinking of using for a project. The problem is that I can’t seem to find the measurements of the rings themselves and I can’t seem to find them at the local Bi… --- ## [Why is a crescent moon special in Islam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-crescent-moon-special-in-islam/957205)
**Author:** [@QMatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QMatic)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2022, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-crescent-moon-special-in-islam/957205 "2022-01-06T20:18:15Z")
As I was out walking this evening I noticed just how beautiful the two day old crescent moon was. This got me wondering why a new moon is of significance in Islam, and I am ashamed to say I have no idea. --- ## [Question about acupuncture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-acupuncture/956699)
**Author:** [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2022, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-acupuncture/956699 "2022-01-06T13:49:51Z")
Is it standard practice for an acupuncturist to hold a lit stick of incense to your fingernails and toenails, and ask you to tell them when it starts to feel hot? To determine your ‘kidney lines’ or ‘liver lines’ or some… --- ## [Faxing From a Computer Document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faxing-from-a-computer-document/957016)
**Author:** [@Tarataratara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarataratara)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2022, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/faxing-from-a-computer-document/957016 "2022-01-06T02:16:02Z")
I need to fax a document from my computer. Fax Zero will only allow three pages. Does anyone know a free and secure way to do this? Thanks. --- ## [Water for various crops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-for-various-crops/957059)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2022, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-for-various-crops/957059 "2022-01-06T00:47:48Z")
I just read an ad in a local paper that claims that a square mile of cannabis crops require 300 million gallons a year. This was brought to me by the “Coalition for responsible cannabis”, which I’m sure is anything but. … --- ## [Vegetable steamer has water sitting in it for a few years- Is it safe to use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetable-steamer-has-water-sitting-in-it-for-a-few-years-is-it-safe-to-use/957224)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2022, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vegetable-steamer-has-water-sitting-in-it-for-a-few-years-is-it-safe-to-use/957224 "2022-01-05T22:53:00Z")
Visiting my Aunt. In the kitchen she has a Cuisinart steamer. It hasn’t been used in a few years and has water inside of the reservoir tank. We were thinking of using it, but I see there is green algae on the inside of t… --- ## [German translation: "Himmelherrgottheiland teufeldonnerwetter"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-translation-himmelherrgottheiland-teufeldonnerwetter/957211)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-translation-himmelherrgottheiland-teufeldonnerwetter/957211 "2022-01-05T20:38:29Z")
From the 1926 movie “Flesh and the Devil.” A soldier has been out all night, not making it back to the barracks. One of his neighbors exclaims “He’ll catch \[the above word\]!” I’m guessing it means something like “All … --- ## [Do Barn Swallows echo locate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-barn-swallows-echo-locate/450591)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2022, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-barn-swallows-echo-locate/450591 "2022-01-05T20:21:07Z")
Barn Swallows, we have a lot of them around the house because we have a large barn on the lot next door. Can’t see it from the house, because of a large stand of oak trees and brush but it’s about 500 yards from my back … --- ## [Offering ride to minor = "Luring"? (legally)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/offering-ride-to-minor-luring-legally/953800)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2022, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/offering-ride-to-minor-luring-legally/953800 "2022-01-05T16:38:35Z")
Search for driver in attempted luring of 13-year-old girl in Jackson Township, New Jersey She was walking along Pitney Lane near Danielle Court in Jackson Township on Saturday around 12:28 p.m. That’s when the man bac… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=232) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=234)