# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=244 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 245 --- ## [Why are there small countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-small-countries/953787)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2021, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-small-countries/953787 "2021-11-14T03:33:09Z")
You would think that bigger countries would tend to invade smaller countries throughout history. At least to the point where it becomes hard to govern because of the size. We now have close to 200 countries in the world.… --- ## [Non-braking Hybrid/EV cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-braking-hybrid-ev-cars/953635)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-braking-hybrid-ev-cars/953635 "2021-11-13T18:34:40Z")
We recently tried out a Tesla and my wife decided that she mostly hates that the car tries to slow down at a fairly hefty rate if you let off the gas any tiny amount, rather than rolling freely, as an IC car does. Are t… --- ## [How do you clear cookies and cache on Safari? Would it also erase your passwords?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clear-cookies-and-cache-on-safari-would-it-also-erase-your-passwords/954268)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clear-cookies-and-cache-on-safari-would-it-also-erase-your-passwords/954268 "2021-11-13T18:17:11Z")
I don’t use Safari as a web browser, but my best friend does, and it’s very important I give her accurate information. How do you clear cookies and cache on Safari, and does it work without erasing your passwords? --- ## [Can Someone Suggest a LISP Editor (not VLISP or Notepad please)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-suggest-a-lisp-editor-not-vlisp-or-notepad-please/953858)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-suggest-a-lisp-editor-not-vlisp-or-notepad-please/953858 "2021-11-13T15:04:47Z")
I just bought a copy of progeCAD, and I need a lisp editor. VLISP is an AutoCAD product and I don’t want to use it. Until something better comes along, I am using wordpad. So, can someone suggest a good LISP editor? T… --- ## [Which world's fair is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-worlds-fair-is-this/954270)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-worlds-fair-is-this/954270 "2021-11-13T06:59:49Z")
Nm, i figured it out. --- ## [Is there a rig that would let me regularly switch out two computers with two monitors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-rig-that-would-let-me-regularly-switch-out-two-computers-with-two-monitors/954120)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-rig-that-would-let-me-regularly-switch-out-two-computers-with-two-monitors/954120 "2021-11-13T05:52:04Z")
I work from home on a work-issued Dell laptop, and never use my personal PC for work. My work laptop gets connected to a work-issued Dell docking station like this one: The cable that runs from the docking station to t… --- ## [Veterans Day Observance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-day-observance/953975)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2021, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-day-observance/953975 "2021-11-13T00:28:54Z")
As we Americans all know, most of our single day observances are celebrated on a Monday; Columbus Day, Presidents’ Day, etc. In Illinois, Lincoln’s Birthday is celebrated on whatever day is actually his birthday. That’… --- ## [Why do legal documents use obvious and transparent pseudonyms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-legal-documents-use-obvious-and-transparent-pseudonyms/954136)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2021, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-legal-documents-use-obvious-and-transparent-pseudonyms/954136 "2021-11-12T16:06:38Z")
You see this all the time. Someone gets indicted for something and the document is full of references to “Cooperating Witness 2” and “UK person 1” and the like, where the identity of the person so described is easily dec… --- ## [Question about Sketchy-Sounding Investment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-sketchy-sounding-investment/954209)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2021, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-sketchy-sounding-investment/954209 "2021-11-12T14:08:27Z")
So, with trepidation inspired by the ongoing thread about scams, I was talking to my dad about an investment opportunity that his financial advisor has suggested. I believe this is an ACTUAL financial advisor working for… --- ## [Mildew on Suit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildew-on-suit/954112)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mildew-on-suit/954112 "2021-11-11T23:50:35Z")
So, I pulled my suit out of the closet to check it out, and it had some mildew on it (inside the pants). I have had mold and mildew problems before (that will be another thread), and had some mold killer, and sprayed th… --- ## [What are the advantages, if any, of living in a home rule-class city in the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-advantages-if-any-of-living-in-a-home-rule-class-city-in-the-united-states/953140)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-advantages-if-any-of-living-in-a-home-rule-class-city-in-the-united-states/953140 "2021-11-11T23:13:00Z")
I’ve never heard of a home rule-class city. Just reading up on it now. Are there distinct advantages for the average home owner or renter to living in a city that makes use of these laws? I see they’re set state-by-stat… --- ## [What is a Genset?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-genset/953578)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-genset/953578 "2021-11-11T22:07:26Z")
Drive past a tractor-trailer. Underneath and half way back was this wide sticker: \<------MOUNT GENSET HERE ------\> What’s a Genset? --- ## [How do calculate the energy release of an A-bomb from first principles (eg, Trinity)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-calculate-the-energy-release-of-an-a-bomb-from-first-principles-eg-trinity/741607)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-calculate-the-energy-release-of-an-a-bomb-from-first-principles-eg-trinity/741607 "2021-11-11T19:47:33Z")
I was thinking about the infinitismal, but real energy created/released (I don’t think I really understand the difference) when, on the rare occasion, a neutrino zaps into my retina. (Neutrinos just came up in a thread; … --- ## [Vinyl plank flooring over carpet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vinyl-plank-flooring-over-carpet/953499)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vinyl-plank-flooring-over-carpet/953499 "2021-11-11T19:40:20Z")
I am currently in the process of renovating a commercial space for my new grocery store. The space is completely covered in carpet, but its the super thin, commercial carpet for high traffic. I really want to put down … --- ## [Spare Tire Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spare-tire-question/953187)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spare-tire-question/953187 "2021-11-11T08:05:59Z")
A few months ago my wife purchased a new Mercedes GLC 300 with run-flat tires and no spare tire. She went to Costco today to purchase a set of snow tires and was told that they could sell her the tires but that it was ag… --- ## [Can you induce ejaculation by massaging the prostate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-induce-ejaculation-by-massaging-the-prostate/467411)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-induce-ejaculation-by-massaging-the-prostate/467411 "2021-11-11T07:00:49Z")
So, I’m watching the movie Road Trip, which includes a scene where a character gets “stimulated” to donate a sperm sample by a nurse who massages his prostate with her fingers. Painful, perhaps, but does this work? --- ## [Maritime engineering: old fashioned vertical prows versus modern sharply angled ones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maritime-engineering-old-fashioned-vertical-prows-versus-modern-sharply-angled-ones/954160)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maritime-engineering-old-fashioned-vertical-prows-versus-modern-sharply-angled-ones/954160 "2021-11-11T06:24:57Z")
Google up old photos of any ocean liner from the days before the jets took over, and notice how the prow always comes down at what looks like a sheer 90-degree angle relative to the surface of the water. Then hit up so… --- ## [Microwave popcorn instructions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-popcorn-instructions/954021)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2021, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-popcorn-instructions/954021 "2021-11-11T02:38:36Z")
All modern microwave ovens, other than the lowest of the low-end maybe, have a “Popcorn” button for automatic managing of popcorn popping. Every package of microwave popcorn I’ve ever seen says explicitly to not use tha… --- ## [Conical outbuildings in rural areas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conical-outbuildings-in-rural-areas/954085)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conical-outbuildings-in-rural-areas/954085 "2021-11-10T19:30:01Z")
I recently had occasion to drive cross-country and on the trip I saw a style of building new to me. Does anyone know anything about these? Couldn’t find a great picture of one but this gives you some idea: … --- ## [Veterinary syringes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterinary-syringes/954039)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterinary-syringes/954039 "2021-11-10T17:29:26Z")
So there are these sterile single-use disposable syringes: https://kruuse.com/Files/Images/Products/112419\_02.jpg They come with or without a 25-gauge needle. On the packaging it s… --- ## [Charging an Iphone on a pad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-an-iphone-on-a-pad/954086)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-an-iphone-on-a-pad/954086 "2021-11-10T11:47:49Z")
Mine quit charging on a pad, and the first solution I googled was to turn it off and back on, my advice for many PC users. It worked. I was embarrassed. How is this a software issue? I thought there would be an inductio… --- ## [What am I? (weird vintage electronic device)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-weird-vintage-electronic-device/953704)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-am-i-weird-vintage-electronic-device/953704 "2021-11-10T11:23:25Z")
I picked this up at a surplus sale when I was in college, in the late 70’s. It’s most likely some microwave device, but what? I should have put a ruler for scale, but it’s around 3” x 1.5” x 1.5”, silver plated (hence t… --- ## [Room sealed off by police contains live modem/router. Reason for concern?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/room-sealed-off-by-police-contains-live-modem-router-reason-for-concern/953920)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/room-sealed-off-by-police-contains-live-modem-router-reason-for-concern/953920 "2021-11-10T09:05:37Z")
I have just had the unfortunate experience of a flatmate, who was afflicted by cancer, being found dead in his room and standing by while the police, coroner and undertakers took care of the situation and dealt with the … --- ## [What has DNA sequencing taught us about taxonomy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-dna-sequencing-taught-us-about-taxonomy/954018)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-dna-sequencing-taught-us-about-taxonomy/954018 "2021-11-10T08:15:25Z")
Just about every species must have had it’s genome sequenced by now. I’m curious as to what has been learned about taxonomy as a result. Are there species we now know to be related that used to be thought unrelated (or v… --- ## [Identify this device, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-device-please/953876)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2021, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-device-please/953876 "2021-11-10T05:39:31Z")
Photo I found in the pages of a book I snagged from a Little Free Library. It was a cookbook, but I don’t think this has anything to do with food. I thought it might be an old telegraph key, but now I’m not sure. Google… --- ## [Batch change Chrome HTML Document (.pdf) back to Adobe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batch-change-chrome-html-document-pdf-back-to-adobe/954053)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/batch-change-chrome-html-document-pdf-back-to-adobe/954053 "2021-11-09T20:43:47Z")
Windows 10. After the last update, all of my PDFs now appear on my desktop with the Chrome icon and “Chrome HTML Document (.pdf)” as their property. How do I shift them back to appearing as an Adobe document so I can eas… --- ## [Is there a social security number equivalent to Jenny's number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-social-security-number-equivalent-to-jennys-number/953937)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-social-security-number-equivalent-to-jennys-number/953937 "2021-11-09T20:23:10Z")
Just a weird thought that struck me. I’m not sure it counts as a ‘factual’ question, but I don’t see that it fits anywhere else. Sorry if a mod has to move the post. Most everybody knows about “Jenny’s number” – from … --- ## [Digital zooms on cameras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-zooms-on-cameras/954030)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-zooms-on-cameras/954030 "2021-11-09T18:01:35Z")
Like most digital cameras, my phone offers a “digital zoom” function whereby I can take close-up pictures of an object. But of course this function cannot do anything about the hardware constraints of the camera, such as… --- ## [A horse question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-horse-question/953945)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-horse-question/953945 "2021-11-09T13:15:27Z")
I saw a clip from an upcoming rodeo type program, and one of the riders had his horse do what might be a common move for equestrian events, but I have never seen it. The horse was trotting with his front legs extended no… --- ## [How fast can I accelerate an M-Type asteroid without destroying it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-i-accelerate-an-m-type-asteroid-without-destroying-it/953868)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-i-accelerate-an-m-type-asteroid-without-destroying-it/953868 "2021-11-09T10:29:27Z")
Okay, the setup: I want to take an 8-900 meter M-Type asteroid—the type that’s mostly metallic, hence the “M”—attach an engine to it, and fly it around the solar system a little. Nevermind where I’m getting the engine t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=243) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=245)