# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=256 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 257 --- ## [Any legitimate scientific reviews of the GI Microbial Assay Plus test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-legitimate-scientific-reviews-of-the-gi-microbial-assay-plus-test/950498 "2021-09-11T02:25:50Z")
My spouse was recommended to take the GI Microbial Assay Plus stool test by a naturopath. (Yes, I know. Don’t ask.) Are there any legitimate scientific reviews (or at least unbiased reviews) of this test? In order to… --- ## [Is there a way to enhance faded pencil and ink pen writing on a wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-enhance-faded-pencil-and-ink-pen-writing-on-a-wall/950341)
**Author:** [@dolfinwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolfinwriter)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-enhance-faded-pencil-and-ink-pen-writing-on-a-wall/950341 "2021-09-10T23:40:33Z")
Bottom line–I’ve tried to enhance digital images of this in GIMP with no success. There just isn’t enough detail to work with, AND it’s a textured wall that interferes as well. I need to enhance the writing itself and TH… --- ## [Locksmiths: key teeth up or down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locksmiths-key-teeth-up-or-down/235113)
**Author:** [@BraheSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BraheSilver)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locksmiths-key-teeth-up-or-down/235113 "2021-09-10T19:50:45Z")
We had our front door replaced a while ago, and just recently I’ve noticed that the locks on the door itself are “upside down” compared to how I’d always seen locks diagrammed. The flat part of the key is on the bottom … --- ## [Does every atom lead to a nuclear explosion if split in sufficient quantities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-every-atom-lead-to-a-nuclear-explosion-if-split-in-sufficient-quantities/950149)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-every-atom-lead-to-a-nuclear-explosion-if-split-in-sufficient-quantities/950149 "2021-09-10T18:45:55Z")
Suppose someone were able to split the atom nuclei of a small chunk of nitrogen, sodium, iron, gold or oxygen (don’t ask how; let’s just suppose it happened) - would it lead to a nuclear explosion just like a normal uran… --- ## [Excel: Turning multiple lines into one line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-turning-multiple-lines-into-one-line/950401)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-turning-multiple-lines-into-one-line/950401 "2021-09-10T18:12:16Z")
I’ve got a file that has ‘open item’ invoices instead of account totals. That is, there are duplicate account numbers with different amounts. I’d like to add the amounts together and out put a single record with a sing… --- ## [Volume of dissolved carbon dioxide in soft drinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volume-of-dissolved-carbon-dioxide-in-soft-drinks/950392)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volume-of-dissolved-carbon-dioxide-in-soft-drinks/950392 "2021-09-10T16:21:06Z")
Suppose I take a one-liter bottle of Coca Cola, measured to contain exactly 1000 cc of that drink. Then I let all the fizz escape in some magical manner that prevents any of the liquid from evaporating. What is the volum… --- ## [Simple and stupid wiring question...three prong outlet..where is ground?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-and-stupid-wiring-question-three-prong-outlet-where-is-ground/950226)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-and-stupid-wiring-question-three-prong-outlet-where-is-ground/950226 "2021-09-10T11:16:12Z")
Title pretty much says it. You are wiring a house…you have a bunch of left/right/fat bastard ground on the bottom. Does it go to the bottom or up? IOW: How should you orient the outlets? --- ## [New Boeing plane question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-boeing-plane-question/950200)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2021, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-boeing-plane-question/950200 "2021-09-10T07:49:48Z")
I just flew into SeaTac and the pilot mentioned after deplaning he was headed to Boeing to pick up a new jet for the company. Strictly by coincidence, I later drove by the Boeing ‘factory’. The doors were open and you c… --- ## [How do non-American nations do casualty notification? (soldier killed in combat)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-non-american-nations-do-casualty-notification-soldier-killed-in-combat/950323)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-non-american-nations-do-casualty-notification-soldier-killed-in-combat/950323 "2021-09-09T20:15:29Z")
It’s a well-known trope in cinema: A car pulls up, a few somber-looking army officers emerge and…the family at the doorway immediately knows what’s up even before a word is said. How do non-American nations do it, thoug… --- ## [About Wi Fi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-wi-fi/950280)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-wi-fi/950280 "2021-09-09T19:17:44Z")
Is Wi Fi in the router, or in my computer? I have been working from home, & wanted to improve my connection. So I was thinking of wifi antennas (as I do not want to upend my entire home. However, as usual, my knowledge… --- ## [Looking for a computer solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-computer-solution/950278)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-computer-solution/950278 "2021-09-09T17:04:06Z")
I havenn’t really had to search through accumulated pix on my computer for a while, last time was probably 5 or 6 years back. Back then, I just double clicked an image, and then I could click on teh right or left side o… --- ## [Do real estate agents collect the rent if you live in another city or do you need a property management company?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-real-estate-agents-collect-the-rent-if-you-live-in-another-city-or-do-you-need-a-property-management-company/950372)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-real-estate-agents-collect-the-rent-if-you-live-in-another-city-or-do-you-need-a-property-management-company/950372 "2021-09-09T14:49:13Z")
Let’s say you want to invest in a property that’s in another city or even in another country, for higher yield and so on, and you can’t collect the rent yourself. Who collects the rent then and makes sure the tennant pa… --- ## [Is the hunt still on for Lisa Gheradini's tomb and bones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-hunt-still-on-for-lisa-gheradinis-tomb-and-bones/950366)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-hunt-still-on-for-lisa-gheradinis-tomb-and-bones/950366 "2021-09-09T10:47:32Z")
Is the hunt still on for Lisa Gheradini’s tomb and bones? I have not seen any articles in years on the subject. Has anyone conclusively stated that they have found them? The aim was to recreate her face from the skull an… --- ## [How do I upgrade a 3-way light switch with dissimilar wiring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-upgrade-a-3-way-light-switch-with-dissimilar-wiring/950189)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-upgrade-a-3-way-light-switch-with-dissimilar-wiring/950189 "2021-09-09T05:08:04Z")
I’m upgrading two light switches in my kitchen. I’m replacing the existing 3-way switches installed God-only-knows how many years ago with new 3-way dimmers capable of handling LED and CFL bulbs. I’ve always understood … --- ## [Do people die of "old age" anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-die-of-old-age-anymore/950123)
**Author:** [@Somethingwitty1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Somethingwitty1)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-die-of-old-age-anymore/950123 "2021-09-09T03:33:40Z")
Or to put it another way, is every death attributable to some disease. Heart disease, etc. When I was younger nobody wandered what a 90 year old died from. They just assumed it was because he was 90. It was his time. … --- ## [1960' 1970's - clearly politically slanted news sources?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1960-1970s-clearly-politically-slanted-news-sources/948331)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1960-1970s-clearly-politically-slanted-news-sources/948331 "2021-09-08T21:18:11Z")
I understand that every news source expresses a point of view. But I believe that some attempt is made to limit clearly politically supportive attitudes in many mainstream media outlets. (I know, I know - that’s open t… --- ## [What's the Big Deal About Caesar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-caesar/950279)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-about-caesar/950279 "2021-09-08T19:53:32Z")
A lot of things are named after him. Jersey, England and Jerez, Spain are named after him. And so is Caesar Salad, for some reason. But more too the point, political leaders, especially of the past, have been named afte… --- ## [Were there any proven instances of the practice of demonology during the Middle Ages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-proven-instances-of-the-practice-of-demonology-during-the-middle-ages/950193)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-proven-instances-of-the-practice-of-demonology-during-the-middle-ages/950193 "2021-09-08T19:21:41Z")
Were there any proven instances (by modern scholars today) of the practice of demonology during the Middle Ages that resulted in the execution of actual practitioners or is that too difficult to prove at this remove? --- ## [If the polar caps were cut into ice cubes, would the global temperature rise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-polar-caps-were-cut-into-ice-cubes-would-the-global-temperature-rise/949908)
**Author:** [@mu34tant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mu34tant)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-polar-caps-were-cut-into-ice-cubes-would-the-global-temperature-rise/949908 "2021-09-08T16:31:18Z")
Would the unnatural loss of polar ice cause the global entropy to warm? --- ## [Can someone explain 4 USC 1 (Flag; stripes and stars on) to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-4-usc-1-flag-stripes-and-stars-on-to-me/950137)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-4-usc-1-flag-stripes-and-stars-on-to-me/950137 "2021-09-08T14:21:19Z")
Here, Here, here, and here. The law is that the US Flag shall have 48 stars. It appears it was never updated to add Alaska or Hawai’i. Elsewhere, the law does state that a star is added for every state on the July 4th… --- ## [I needed to pee. I didn't pee. Now it doesn't feel like I need to. What happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-needed-to-pee-i-didnt-pee-now-it-doesnt-feel-like-i-need-to-what-happened/950265)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2021, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-needed-to-pee-i-didnt-pee-now-it-doesnt-feel-like-i-need-to-what-happened/950265 "2021-09-08T02:55:27Z")
This frequently happens to me in the night. I’ll wake up with the feeling that I need to go to the bathroom but I find that if I lay there long enough, the feeling will go away even though I haven’t actually relieved my… --- ## [What is the best way to kill a wolf spider?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-kill-a-wolf-spider/949988)
**Author:** [@Cathy967](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cathy967)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2021, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-kill-a-wolf-spider/949988 "2021-09-07T20:46:05Z")
Hey y’all there’s a huge one in the basement right underneath the stairs. Almost 2 inches long. How do you kill it ASAP --- ## [California recall questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-recall-questions/950190)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2021, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-recall-questions/950190 "2021-09-07T15:34:23Z")
I had a couple of factual questions about the recall, so starting this thread in General Questions rather than posting in the one in Politics and Elections. If Question 1 (i.e. whether Newsom should be recalled) passes,… --- ## [Why would someone jam RF communication signals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-jam-rf-communication-signals/949722)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2021, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-jam-rf-communication-signals/949722 "2021-09-07T05:28:21Z")
I just read this news story on someone who used a couple “electronic signal-jamming devices” to jam WiFi, satellite signals, and cellular signals in their neighborhood. Why would someone do this? What would be their goa… --- ## [Does the design of a very large building have to account for the curvature of the Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-design-of-a-very-large-building-have-to-account-for-the-curvature-of-the-earth/949455)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-design-of-a-very-large-building-have-to-account-for-the-curvature-of-the-earth/949455 "2021-09-06T23:18:51Z")
This question is inspired by a facility being built by Tesla in southeast Austin. I drive by it from time to time and I am struck by how large it is. The building is not very tall, but it is going to cover a very large… --- ## [Why Do People Have To 'Register' As Sex Offenders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-have-to-register-as-sex-offenders/949462)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-have-to-register-as-sex-offenders/949462 "2021-09-06T19:55:17Z")
Rather sad memory. In 1997 my father desperately needed help. But he was totally noncoöperative. So we had to have him involuntarily committed (to a nice, private mental hospital). Yeah, he’d been bipolar all his adult l… --- ## [Question for metallurgists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-metallurgists/950159)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-metallurgists/950159 "2021-09-06T19:23:10Z")
What is the story here. This is the bracket that holds the UHF aerial to the bullbar on the front of my 4wd: Image of screws Both screws were put in at the same time. They have the same levels of exposure to water, s… --- ## [When was Arizona underwater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-arizona-underwater/950154)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-arizona-underwater/950154 "2021-09-06T14:09:07Z")
Arizona has some amazing geology. It’s full of beautiful rock stack with horizontal stripes like this. As far I understand, this was all once sea bed. The oceans deposited layer… --- ## [In Texas, could you be sued more than once for an abortion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-texas-could-you-be-sued-more-than-once-for-an-abortion/950045)
**Author:** [@The\_Piranha\_Brothers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Piranha_Brothers)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-texas-could-you-be-sued-more-than-once-for-an-abortion/950045 "2021-09-06T06:54:20Z")
I was just thinking of the old “double jeopardy” clause. Even though that is mostly for criminal prosecution. Suppose my best friend gets an abortion. Then I sue her. And then quietly give her back the money two weeks… --- ## [Why were Italians discriminated against so harshly in the early twentieth century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-italians-discriminated-against-so-harshly-in-the-early-twentieth-century/938461)
**Author:** [@CorpusNeptune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CorpusNeptune)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2021, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-italians-discriminated-against-so-harshly-in-the-early-twentieth-century/938461 "2021-09-06T03:05:20Z")
I’m currently reading the book Unbroken, which goes over the life of Louis Zamperini. Since he was Italian, he was often bullied by others in the neighbourhood, which leads him into trouble in his early years. This got m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=255) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=257)