# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=273 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 274 --- ## [ID this weed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-weed/944905)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-weed/944905 "2021-06-24T17:12:03Z")
These weeds grow all over the place in NW Washington. The flowers in the first image are hard to see. Sorry everything blends in. What are they… --- ## [Does this rhetoric have a documented name ('you seem like a smart person; I'm surprised...')](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-rhetoric-have-a-documented-name-you-seem-like-a-smart-person-im-surprised/944896)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-rhetoric-have-a-documented-name-you-seem-like-a-smart-person-im-surprised/944896 "2021-06-24T09:00:25Z")
I’ve seen this a lot in internet discussions; opening debate comments of the form: “I’m surprised you said that you don’t believe in \[flying squid ghosts\] because you seem like a smart person” Specifically, this argume… --- ## [Muzzle velocity of a revolver vs. semi-auto/bolt-action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muzzle-velocity-of-a-revolver-vs-semi-auto-bolt-action/944845)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muzzle-velocity-of-a-revolver-vs-semi-auto-bolt-action/944845 "2021-06-24T01:36:20Z")
For a semi-automatic or bolt-action weapon, AIUI the barrel is sealed all the way from the brass cartridge to the muzzle (except for whatever gaps may exist because of rifling in the barrel), so all of the propellant gas… --- ## [What choices, exactly, must one make for Medicare? If it were a test, how many questions would there be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-choices-exactly-must-one-make-for-medicare-if-it-were-a-test-how-many-questions-would-there-be/944878)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-choices-exactly-must-one-make-for-medicare-if-it-were-a-test-how-many-questions-would-there-be/944878 "2021-06-23T19:50:42Z")
I’m doing retirement planning and trying to pin down a zillion details. How many details are involved in Medicare? Maybe there are four yes/no choices, for parts A, B, C and D? Are there any choices that aren’t simply … --- ## [Etymology of 'cap' \[Tik-Tok slang\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-cap-tik-tok-slang/944903)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-cap-tik-tok-slang/944903 "2021-06-23T17:37:46Z")
Before several minutes ago, I’d never heard ‘cap’ as Tik-Tok slang for ‘lie’. What is the etymology? Is it an acronym? --- ## [Detecting a change in a number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detecting-a-change-in-a-number/944853)
**Author:** [@Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detecting-a-change-in-a-number/944853 "2021-06-23T17:08:46Z")
People’s attention is limited and I need to see if there’s some work done is determining how people notice/act on a change in a number. Take for example a number on a screen. People may easily notice a 0 changing to a 1… --- ## [CarFax and Your Car History](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carfax-and-your-car-history/944543)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carfax-and-your-car-history/944543 "2021-06-23T15:37:46Z")
How does CarFax build a history on your car? Every time your car goes in the shop, I am sure it is entered into the shop’s computer system. Does Carfax tap into these systems automatically? And, if so, how can extensi… --- ## [I need the most accurate English to Latin translation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-the-most-accurate-english-to-latin-translation/944863)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-the-most-accurate-english-to-latin-translation/944863 "2021-06-23T14:47:12Z")
The phrase I am trying to translate to Latin is “Seize the joy”. I have tried a couple of online translate services and have been given “Carpe gaudium”…but I don’t know whether to trust plug in translators. Is “Carpe g… --- ## [Microsoft Excel and Office on line only?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-excel-and-office-on-line-only/944719)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-excel-and-office-on-line-only/944719 "2021-06-23T02:36:39Z")
So I got a new computer and I was out of the loop on office. It looks like they have it as an on line option only, and all docs open in a web browser. And it’s an annual subscription too?! it says maybe they will make a … --- ## [How does law enforcement figure out who was using a computer to commit cybercrime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-law-enforcement-figure-out-who-was-using-a-computer-to-commit-cybercrime/944842)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-law-enforcement-figure-out-who-was-using-a-computer-to-commit-cybercrime/944842 "2021-06-23T02:25:54Z")
Suppose that the feds were able to track down cybercrime (such as carrying out hacking operations, or viewing illegal porn, or hosting illegal content) to a particular computer at a particular location - but there were m… --- ## [Power supply substitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-supply-substitution/944795)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2021, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-supply-substitution/944795 "2021-06-23T00:40:31Z")
I have a “wall wart” power supply that plugs in to a 120volt outlet. The kind of supply one uses for chargers and small devices. The power supply got wet and is no longer producing power. The output is 12V and 1.6Aamps. … --- ## [Can I change my fingerprints?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835 "2021-06-22T22:42:09Z")
Given that identical twins do not share identical fingerprints, it seems that the patterns are due at least in part to something other than genetics. If I abrade my existing prints down past the bottoms of the troughs (… --- ## [A question about a "colador de cafe"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-a-colador-de-cafe/641173)
**Author:** [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-a-colador-de-cafe/641173 "2021-06-22T20:17:01Z")
So back in September, yet another Mr.Coffee bit the dust. Up front let me say that I have never liked the fact that they could not be disassembled and properly cleaned, nor are they in any way “user servicable”. While lo… --- ## [Trading in a car with two names on the title](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trading-in-a-car-with-two-names-on-the-title/944781)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trading-in-a-car-with-two-names-on-the-title/944781 "2021-06-22T13:13:50Z")
I’m thinking about buying a used car from a dealer about 150 miles from my home. The round trip, test drive, and paper work would take most of a day, and my wife doesn’t really want to come along. Trading in our current… --- ## [Facebook Messenger Notifications](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-messenger-notifications/944779)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-messenger-notifications/944779 "2021-06-22T12:28:16Z")
I don’t check FB that often and sometimes find that I had a message that I wasn’t aware of. I get notifications about emails, is there a way that I can get them for messages? --- ## [Why do most people find it easier to memorize songs than poems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-find-it-easier-to-memorize-songs-than-poems/944367)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2021, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-people-find-it-easier-to-memorize-songs-than-poems/944367 "2021-06-17T07:48:45Z")
I can probably count the number of poems I’ve memorized on two hands. Possibly even one. But I probably know hundreds of songs, and they include not only words, but music. And that’s likely true of most people. And I… --- ## [Is Juneteenth always the 19th for U.S. Federal observation or does it move like some other holidays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-juneteenth-always-the-19th-for-u-s-federal-observation-or-does-it-move-like-some-other-holidays/944566)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-juneteenth-always-the-19th-for-u-s-federal-observation-or-does-it-move-like-some-other-holidays/944566 "2021-06-22T01:17:08Z")
I thought I saw that June 18 is going to be the day next year, but perhaps I read wrong? I know the date is supposed to be June 19, but in terms of observing it federally, it it going to move like MLK day or is it always… --- ## [External Drives and Thumbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/external-drives-and-thumbs/944556)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2021, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/external-drives-and-thumbs/944556 "2021-06-22T00:41:14Z")
My daughter says only an external drive formatted as EXFAT can have PC files (ie, all types files created on a PC) recognized on today’s Macs and vice versa. Other formats will prevent file recognition by one or the othe… --- ## [The science of the reverse bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-the-reverse-bobble/944666)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-the-reverse-bobble/944666 "2021-06-21T20:12:18Z")
For those not familiar with it, a bobble is a thing in some Vernor Vinge books. A perfectly smooth sphere, it is impervious, indestructable, and 100% perfectly reflective to all radiation. It can be produced to last for … --- ## [Brand-new laptop exhibits random, unrelated glitches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brand-new-laptop-exhibits-random-unrelated-glitches/944767)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brand-new-laptop-exhibits-random-unrelated-glitches/944767 "2021-06-21T18:35:58Z")
I bought a new Asus Vivobook one month ago. It mostly runs fine, but there are seemingly random glitches that I can’t figure how they relate to each other. When I play music files, sometimes the music will be audible, b… --- ## [Origin of shaking head for 'no'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-shaking-head-for-no/944695)
**Author:** [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-shaking-head-for-no/944695 "2021-06-21T15:25:27Z")
After seeing my baby learn this gesture, I was wondering if it’s possible shaking your head to indicate ‘no’ comes from babies refusing food. Is there any evidence showing where gestures like this one originated? How man… --- ## [Can't type 'sc' in Safari search bar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-type-sc-in-safari-search-bar/944692)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-type-sc-in-safari-search-bar/944692 "2021-06-21T13:07:16Z")
I’ve asked this before, and found an answer to my own question; but Discourse doesn’t make it easy to search for posts so I’m asking again. When I try to use the search bar in Safari, I can’t type ‘sc’. For example, su… --- ## [(Probably a beginner's) question on dummy variables in linear regression](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-a-beginners-question-on-dummy-variables-in-linear-regression/944750)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probably-a-beginners-question-on-dummy-variables-in-linear-regression/944750 "2021-06-21T11:48:26Z")
Clarification at the beginning: This is not a homework assignment of any kind; it’s just me, as someone with a non-quantitative background, trying to familiarise myself with this topic out of personal interest. I’m play… --- ## [Soldering question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldering-question/944574)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldering-question/944574 "2021-06-21T01:54:15Z")
I’ve recently gotten into simple electronics with Arduino or Raspberry at a hobbyist level. I’ve (even more) recently noticed a number of YouTube videos like where they build cool little gadgets by soldering components d… --- ## [HOw do I e-mail a document from my Chromebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-e-mail-a-document-from-my-chromebook/944725)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2021, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-e-mail-a-document-from-my-chromebook/944725 "2021-06-21T01:00:01Z")
I’ve got a document that I’ve created with Google docs on my Chromebook. I want to send it to someone, but I can’t figure out how. I open Gmail, start an e-mail, and click on the little paper-clip. I open MyDrive, and… --- ## [Carbonated beverage question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbonated-beverage-question/944439)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2021, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carbonated-beverage-question/944439 "2021-06-20T23:33:55Z")
When you drink a carbonated beverage, does your body absorb any of the CO2? Is it all burped/whatever, or does some remain? --- ## [How does Spirit Halloween find managers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spirit-halloween-find-managers/944707)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2021, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spirit-halloween-find-managers/944707 "2021-06-20T22:11:33Z")
I’m sure they have no problem hiring store employees for a three month temporary job - but I can’t figure out how they find store and district managers when those are also temporary jobs (district managers start in July,… --- ## [Normal temperature cycling for refrigerator freezer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-temperature-cycling-for-refrigerator-freezer/944540)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2021, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/normal-temperature-cycling-for-refrigerator-freezer/944540 "2021-06-20T19:11:39Z")
I have an extra refrigerator in my garage. I keep a refrigerator thermometer in the freezer (the freezer is at the top of the fridge), because that’s the kind of person I am. I like to know stuff. Usually the temperatur… --- ## [Help ID this Critter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-critter/944667)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2021, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-critter/944667 "2021-06-20T03:59:34Z")
I see this critter swimming in the canal I live on all the time. For the first time, he jumped onto my dock and I was able to get a quick picture. I suppose he could be some kind of weasel, but he doesn’t look like pictu… --- ## [Location of Columbus' first landfall in the Americas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/location-of-columbus-first-landfall-in-the-americas/944472)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2021, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/location-of-columbus-first-landfall-in-the-americas/944472 "2021-06-20T02:35:08Z")
There is a debate among historians as to the identity of Guanahani, the island where Columbus first stepped on American soil on 12 October 1492; but the predominant view is that it is an island formerly known as Watling,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=272) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=274)