# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=262 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 263 --- ## [Physics of forces in skateboarding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-forces-in-skateboarding/948254)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2021, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-forces-in-skateboarding/948254 "2021-08-10T01:50:08Z")
In park or vert skateboarding, the riders are able to go as long as they like without putting down a foot. The flatland/street people have to push the board around, but these people are imparting unequal forces, overcomi… --- ## [Black hole formation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-hole-formation-question/948263)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2021, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-hole-formation-question/948263 "2021-08-10T00:01:59Z")
Once a large enough star expends the fuel needed to sustain equilibrium, how fast will that star collapse into a black hole? Days, weeks, years? I’m trying to picture what it would look like to witness that. --- ## [Fixing up an old aluminum cake plate (is spraypaint safe?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-up-an-old-aluminum-cake-plate-is-spraypaint-safe/108967)
**Author:** [@racinchikki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racinchikki)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-up-an-old-aluminum-cake-plate-is-spraypaint-safe/108967 "2021-08-09T17:13:46Z")
So my grandmother moved into a nursing home. So all her old stuff is up for grabs. So I, as the youngest one in the family and the only one who doesn’t already own everything she needs, get to take what I want and sell… --- ## [Any idea what kind of uniform this is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-kind-of-uniform-this-is/948170)
**Author:** [@Fish\_Cheer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish_Cheer)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-kind-of-uniform-this-is/948170 "2021-08-09T15:56:15Z")
Photo Year is 1943, location probably Berlin, Germany Thanks! --- ## [Am I an INTJ or ISTJ type of personality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-intj-or-istj-type-of-personality/948294)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-an-intj-or-istj-type-of-personality/948294 "2021-08-09T14:47:11Z")
Maybe this is more for some sort of specialized MBTI forum or reddit, but I tried there (I’m copying the text from it) and didn’t get an answer, so maybe someone here knows. I’ve been doing MBTI tests for a few years fr… --- ## [How high before the sky turns black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-before-the-sky-turns-black/442406)
**Author:** [@Engywook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Engywook)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-before-the-sky-turns-black/442406 "2021-08-09T11:17:53Z")
This has probably been done before… but not since search was available. My apologies if it’s a chestnut. A number of questions about what one would actually see as one approaches space: How high above sea level does t… --- ## [What kind of American accent does this podcaster have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-american-accent-does-this-podcaster-have/947487)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-american-accent-does-this-podcaster-have/947487 "2021-08-09T02:02:53Z")
Lately I’ve been listening to the Court Junkie podcast. It’s a great podcast if you like the true crime genre. I’m curious about the podcaster’s accent. She says she is in the Chicago area, though not whether she gre… --- ## [Living Alcatraz inmates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-alcatraz-inmates/828033)
**Author:** [@Hingle\_McCringleberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hingle_McCringleberry)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2021, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-alcatraz-inmates/828033 "2021-08-09T00:48:44Z")
How many inmates are living as of Jan 2019? The prison closed in 1963 with 1576 inmates registered, a few being repeats. I’ve done some research and found between 13 and 25 living inmates: 575 TIPPETT, ELLIS MATTHEW 24 … --- ## [why are frogs/toads climbing on my windows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-frogs-toads-climbing-on-my-windows/697161)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2021, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-frogs-toads-climbing-on-my-windows/697161 "2021-08-08T13:15:54Z")
Living in Ann Arbor. Many evenings this summer (after dark), wife and I have noticed frogs or toads climbing on our windows. It’s been a relatively cool/damp summer this year, which might explain their tendency to roam… --- ## [What was the Khmer Rouge's goal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-khmer-rouges-goal/948227)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2021, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-khmer-rouges-goal/948227 "2021-08-08T09:38:27Z")
I’m watching The Killing Fields on TCM tonight. One thing that strikes me: the Khmer Rouge government doesn’t want intellectuals, or anybody who knows how to do anything other than plant seeds and pick plants. It kills… --- ## [Evidence of Genetic Modification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-of-genetic-modification/948052)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2021, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-of-genetic-modification/948052 "2021-08-08T06:42:37Z")
Just looking for a straight up-or-down on the assertion made in the recent publication about the Covid-19 origin: Dr. Ralph Baric, assisted in creating a method to leave no trace of genetic modification as early as 200… --- ## [What's the most significant digits, mass measurement, possible of an iphone X?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-significant-digits-mass-measurement-possible-of-an-iphone-x/948137)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2021, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-significant-digits-mass-measurement-possible-of-an-iphone-x/948137 "2021-08-07T12:32:32Z")
Inspired by this thread : Whats the best possible accuracy, of an off the shelf weighing machine, that can measure an object approximately as big as the iphone X (~0.4 lbs or 0.2 kg) ? By off the shelf, I mean a bala… --- ## [Norwegian Elkhounds & War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norwegian-elkhounds-war/284495)
**Author:** [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2005, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norwegian-elkhounds-war/284495 "2005-01-15T19:23:48Z")
I have been on a Dog Book kick, reading over and over and over again about dog breeds. One rather hefty tome from the library mentions in the Norwegian\* Elkhound write up that ‘in the event of war the Secretary (whateve… --- ## [Is there a theoretical limit to how deep a solid structure can travel into Jupiter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-theoretical-limit-to-how-deep-a-solid-structure-can-travel-into-jupiter/948164)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2021, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-theoretical-limit-to-how-deep-a-solid-structure-can-travel-into-jupiter/948164 "2021-08-07T03:41:47Z")
I was reading this article, which seems to suggest that the deepest any man made object can travel into Jupiter is about 430 miles, or about 1% of the distance to it’s center, before it is crushed. Is there a theoretica… --- ## [Probability of throwing three sixes in a row?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-of-throwing-three-sixes-in-a-row/947574)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-of-throwing-three-sixes-in-a-row/947574 "2021-08-06T22:09:30Z")
(There was a time I knew this, sigh) A basic probability calculation would yield 1/216, or (1/6)(1/6)(1/6), But, surely that’s the probability of throwing just three identical numbers not just three 6’s. Throwing three… --- ## [Are there any nations that will allow anyone to become a citizen if you join the military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-nations-that-will-allow-anyone-to-become-a-citizen-if-you-join-the-military/948158)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-nations-that-will-allow-anyone-to-become-a-citizen-if-you-join-the-military/948158 "2021-08-06T16:20:45Z")
I know in the US you can obtain citizenship faster if you join the military. What I’m wondering is are there any nations on earth where anyone from any nation can move there, join the military and obtain citizenship that… --- ## [Are Plastic Parts Inside Engines a Good Idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-plastic-parts-inside-engines-a-good-idea/721444)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-plastic-parts-inside-engines-a-good-idea/721444 "2021-08-06T15:00:46Z")
I ask because a friend just had to have his Jaguar XJ engine overhauled-it seems that the camshaft chains are held by plastic guides that deteriorated, causing the engine to lose valve timing. The replacement parts were… --- ## [Two MS Excel questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-ms-excel-questions/948003)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-ms-excel-questions/948003 "2021-08-06T14:39:42Z")
Q 1: when I use the search function in Excel I find the highlight/indicator almost invisible and difficult to see in the middle of a spreadsheet. Is there a setting to adjust this so that it is more contrasting and visib… --- ## [Is selective IGA deficiency considered immunocompromised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-selective-iga-deficiency-considered-immunocompromised/948151)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-selective-iga-deficiency-considered-immunocompromised/948151 "2021-08-06T13:25:23Z")
We recently sent a note to my wife’s immunologist, who had been treating her many respiratory symptoms for a few years this topic question. He wrote back to say she should come into the office. I thought it might be a … --- ## [What other matches were at the Baer vs Campbell fight on Aug 25 1930](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-matches-were-at-the-baer-vs-campbell-fight-on-aug-25-1930/948134)
**Author:** [@CanTak3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanTak3)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-matches-were-at-the-baer-vs-campbell-fight-on-aug-25-1930/948134 "2021-08-06T12:37:33Z")
This famous boxing match is where Cambell died, knocked out by Max Baer. It was mentioned in the movie Cinderella Man and is a fairly famous event in the world of boxing. Now, at most boxing matches there isn’t just one … --- ## [Delivery drone security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delivery-drone-security/948054)
**Author:** [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delivery-drone-security/948054 "2021-08-06T11:28:55Z")
I’m aware that some, such as Amazon, are working on making deliveries via drone. How do they manage to protect the drone and its cargo from capture and theft? --- ## [Patrilineal male relative--how far back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrilineal-male-relative-how-far-back/947913)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrilineal-male-relative-how-far-back/947913 "2021-08-06T07:14:34Z")
Suppose a sperm sample at a crime scene is consistent with a person and any “patrilineal male relative.” How far back does that mean? 1 generation? 2? 50? Thanks. --- ## [How will remote-learning university examinations be invigilated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-remote-learning-university-examinations-be-invigilated/849615)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2021, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-remote-learning-university-examinations-be-invigilated/849615 "2021-08-06T04:10:21Z")
Hi In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and a switch to remote university courses, how will remote-learning examinations be invigilated? How do remote-learning apps prevent cheating on examinations? I look forward to yo… --- ## [Electronics question - current sensing resistors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-question-current-sensing-resistors/948012)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-question-current-sensing-resistors/948012 "2021-08-05T22:37:33Z")
Amongst my many mental issues, one is that I can’t help fiddling around with electronics. I bought a six port USB charger which has a little display on the front that rotates through the six ports, showing the current b… --- ## [Zahau family v Shacknai](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zahau-family-v-shacknai/817240)
**Author:** [@ozziemaland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozziemaland)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zahau-family-v-shacknai/817240 "2021-08-05T22:10:39Z")
On April 4, 2018, a jury in San Diego County awarded over $5 million in damages to the family of Rebecca Zahau in their wrongful death case against Adam Shacknai. The defendant vowed to appeal. QUESTION: Since 60 days w… --- ## [Another Social Security question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-question/940279)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-question/940279 "2021-08-05T14:42:33Z")
Say I quit working at age 65, but don’t need to take any social security distributions for awhile. I’m able to delay taking payment from them until I’m 70. Will my expected future payments still continue to go up the l… --- ## [Do we have any native Polish speakers here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-native-polish-speakers-here/948072)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-native-polish-speakers-here/948072 "2021-08-05T14:40:24Z")
I have seen the following in Polish in an email: Awanturę robi się temu According to google this translates as “you make a fuss about it”. But this is ambiguous about whether this is a direction (eg I am asking you to… --- ## [If you discover some new scientific or math thing, who are you supposed to contact?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-discover-some-new-scientific-or-math-thing-who-are-you-supposed-to-contact/947589)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-discover-some-new-scientific-or-math-thing-who-are-you-supposed-to-contact/947589 "2021-08-01T01:39:52Z")
Say you suddenly stumble across some huge scientific discovery one day, or find some new math theorem that’s as monumental as the Pythagorean Theorem. Who should you contact, to get your thing its proper attention, or t… --- ## [Why Mark Antony? Why is no other Roman name Anglicised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-mark-antony-why-is-no-other-roman-name-anglicised/947591)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-mark-antony-why-is-no-other-roman-name-anglicised/947591 "2021-08-05T13:11:23Z")
The historical individual know as Marcus Antonius is remembered in English as Mark Atomy. Why is his name anglicised when most other historical Roman names aren’t? --- ## [How would a jetpack work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-jetpack-work/947737)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-jetpack-work/947737 "2021-08-05T10:32:42Z")
The LAX jetpack guy thread made me start to wonder: how would a jetpack work? What would the aerodynamics be? No wings; how would there be any stability? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=261) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=263)