# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=283 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 284 --- ## [Ten Essentials for Hiking Kit - Why is this so hard to find?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-essentials-for-hiking-kit-why-is-this-so-hard-to-find/939697)
**Author:** [@phxjcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phxjcc)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2021, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ten-essentials-for-hiking-kit-why-is-this-so-hard-to-find/939697 "2021-05-09T18:54:17Z")
A hundred years ago (ok, 40) I bought a Ten Essentials Kit to throw in my day pack. It was about twice the size of a tennis ball tube. Now, when I search ten essentials–I get kits the SIZE of a day pack. Anyone have a… --- ## [Dental records and braces](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-records-and-braces/941698)
**Author:** [@Uniqueorn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uniqueorn)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2021, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-records-and-braces/941698 "2021-05-09T18:22:57Z")
I just started wearing braces in my very late forties to correct a misalignment. The realignment will take about a year or so. If I were to die in a flaming inferno, could my remains be identified through existing denta… --- ## [Why do diesel-electric locomotives still use "notch" load control?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-diesel-electric-locomotives-still-use-notch-load-control/937934)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2021, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-diesel-electric-locomotives-still-use-notch-load-control/937934 "2021-05-09T12:26:09Z")
AIUI: Early diesel-electric trains employed a load control (“throttle”) lever that featured eight discrete forward settings, called “notches” (in addition to another position for idle, and still another position for dyn… --- ## [DVD burner question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-burner-question/941482)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2021, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-burner-question/941482 "2021-05-09T02:49:03Z")
I have a Windows 10 PC here that has an internal DVD-RW drive installed but for the past week or so, when I attempt to burn a disc, I get an error, “The write speed for the recordable disc is either too fast or too slow … --- ## [Simple physics question, I think, with regard to swinging your arms to regain your balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-physics-question-i-think-with-regard-to-swinging-your-arms-to-regain-your-balance/941088)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-physics-question-i-think-with-regard-to-swinging-your-arms-to-regain-your-balance/941088 "2021-05-08T20:43:40Z")
With your feet on the ground, if you begin to lose your balance and fall backward, you can swing your arms in a circle, front to back and regain you balance. Same for if you begin fall forward, you swing you arms forwar… --- ## ["waiting for" vs. "waiting on"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waiting-for-vs-waiting-on/941299)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waiting-for-vs-waiting-on/941299 "2021-05-08T18:33:02Z")
This question was inspired by the thread “in to” vs. “into” It drives me crazy when I hear something like, “I was waiting on so-and-so to get back to me about my question.” To me, this is a clear example where one shou… --- ## [Another math problem (measuring streaks)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-math-problem-measuring-streaks/941276)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-math-problem-measuring-streaks/941276 "2021-05-08T18:05:21Z")
I’m not sure what area of maths this comes under. But basically I play a lot of chess, and one thing I’ve noticed is that wins and losses tend to come in streaks. This is probably because my ability fluctuates day to da… --- ## [How universal is the concept of "a trial"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-universal-is-the-concept-of-a-trial/941621)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-universal-is-the-concept-of-a-trial/941621 "2021-05-08T17:38:17Z")
In the modern world criminal trials are pretty ubiquitous even in autocratic countries, but for the most part these can be traced to European Roman or Anglo-Saxon legal traditions either directly through colonialism or s… --- ## [Immune or not? seems simple. Apparently it's not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immune-or-not-seems-simple-apparently-its-not/941437)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immune-or-not-seems-simple-apparently-its-not/941437 "2021-05-08T14:16:55Z")
I do not understand the term, immunity, in regards to covid-19. I believe that some vaccines protect us from some diseases absolutely, and for a long time. Occasionally, but not always, we may have to get a booster. B… --- ## [Android wildly misreporting file sizes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-wildly-misreporting-file-sizes/941629)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-wildly-misreporting-file-sizes/941629 "2021-05-08T03:43:49Z")
I once had a crappy old LG phone with 8 GB of storage (around 4 GB usable) that misreported my DCIM filder to be several gigabytes when that was an impossible size for it. I could copy it to the Micro SD card and it woul… --- ## [Was the M 1917 Enfield rifle used in basic training for WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-m-1917-enfield-rifle-used-in-basic-training-for-wwii/940701)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2021, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-m-1917-enfield-rifle-used-in-basic-training-for-wwii/940701 "2021-05-08T01:24:36Z")
Not clear from my research that it was or that it wasn’t. --- ## [Ancient Rome and Our Vee Sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-rome-and-our-vee-sound/941472)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-rome-and-our-vee-sound/941472 "2021-05-07T19:53:54Z")
As I’ve said before, I find foreign language a fascinating topic. And I read about it every chance I get. But there’s one thing that is still unclear to me. Did the ancient Romans have our vee (V) sound? I know our vee… --- ## [Developing New Birthmarks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/developing-new-birthmarks/143814)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/developing-new-birthmarks/143814 "2021-05-07T18:04:20Z")
This morning I was doing my breast exam in the mirror and I noticed a new birthmark (?) on my ribcage. It’s a dark purple blob, sort of like a drop of wine, smaller than a dime. It’s not a mole, it’s not raised from th… --- ## [Examples of one country assassinating another country's leader](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-one-country-assassinating-another-countrys-leader/941107)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-one-country-assassinating-another-countrys-leader/941107 "2021-05-07T17:24:11Z")
Can anyone think of instances in the past 300 years in which one country’s government assassinated another country’s leader? It has to be extrajudicial – so not a case that went through courts and ended in an execution. … --- ## [Reservations at the Uffizi Museum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reservations-at-the-uffizi-museum/406674)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reservations-at-the-uffizi-museum/406674 "2021-05-07T17:05:15Z")
Well, I can’t get a reservation for the Uffizi for any of the days June 12-14. As I hate standing in line, is there any other way to get the reservation. I had heard rumors that it can be done at a couple of other muse… --- ## [What exactly was it that the Manhattan Project was working on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-it-that-the-manhattan-project-was-working-on/941243)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-was-it-that-the-manhattan-project-was-working-on/941243 "2021-05-07T16:15:28Z")
During the 1930s, numerous physicists around the world were doing research into radioactive substances. The first fission chain reaction took place, under lab conditions, in 1938. The theoretical explanation of what was … --- ## [A device that is fussy about choice of USB cable. How does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-device-that-is-fussy-about-choice-of-usb-cable-how-does-that-work/941573)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-device-that-is-fussy-about-choice-of-usb-cable-how-does-that-work/941573 "2021-05-07T15:46:40Z")
I just bought an AVR bootloader - this one to be precise: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/284232494592 At first I could not get any PC I owned (and I tried several each with different versions of Windows running) to even r… --- ## [Phone extensions in North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-extensions-in-north-america/939663)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-extensions-in-north-america/939663 "2021-05-07T14:12:25Z")
One of the great mysteries to us non-Americans is the North American numbering plan for telephones. We’re exposed to it in films and TV shows, but how it works exactly is a bit is not obvious to us (at lest not me). For … --- ## [Mathemagicians is the number 1 in this formula really necessary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mathemagicians-is-the-number-1-in-this-formula-really-necessary/939927)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mathemagicians-is-the-number-1-in-this-formula-really-necessary/939927 "2021-05-07T13:31:13Z")
Ok, I’m probably not giving enough info here, but let me try to explain. First, I was the typical “not good at math” kid all through school. So, please explain this like I’m 5. This formula is for figuring out damage … --- ## [What Foodstuffs causes the Smelliest Farts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foodstuffs-causes-the-smelliest-farts/93599)
**Author:** [@Chubbs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chubbs)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-foodstuffs-causes-the-smelliest-farts/93599 "2021-05-07T04:09:03Z")
I’m looking to fill up a trash bag with my gas. I need it to smell really bad. What are some foods that I can scarf down to blend it with my gastrointestinal juices to give it bad mojo? --- ## [What is this federal building?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-federal-building/941535)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2021, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-federal-building/941535 "2021-05-07T02:31:43Z")
I was visiting a nearby city’s park and came across this concrete building surrounded by barbed wire fencing. It looks like it was built in the 1950s or 60s, but there’s no sign saying what it is or what federal agency i… --- ## [Selecting text in MS Word has black background when it used to be light grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selecting-text-in-ms-word-has-black-background-when-it-used-to-be-light-grey/941514)
**Author:** [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selecting-text-in-ms-word-has-black-background-when-it-used-to-be-light-grey/941514 "2021-05-06T18:02:33Z")
I recently triggered Windows 10 Narrator by accident and it had an unintended consequence. Now whenever I select text in MS Word (Office 365 edition) the background is black instead of light grey. Note I’m not talking a… --- ## [Help with Latin translation of a simple phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-latin-translation-of-a-simple-phrase/941374)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-latin-translation-of-a-simple-phrase/941374 "2021-05-06T15:30:53Z")
No this isn’t homework. Latin is tough, man. It’s been awhile since I took it, and even matching my vague memories to translation bots isn’t helping, but how would one write “You will be destroyed?” I’ve come up with … --- ## [What's the problem with Peloton's treadmill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-problem-with-pelotons-treadmill/940271)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-problem-with-pelotons-treadmill/940271 "2021-05-06T11:42:01Z")
In case you missed it, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has been telling people to stop using one of Peloton’s treadmills. They posted this video to help communicate the hazard: Don’t worry, this… --- ## [Plants names from Native American languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plants-names-from-native-american-languages/941362)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plants-names-from-native-american-languages/941362 "2021-05-06T00:23:24Z")
What plant names come from Native American languages? I’m looking for common English names of plants, not the scientific names. The names do not have to be borrowed directly from Native languages but could come via Spani… --- ## [How do I use Airdrop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-use-airdrop/941497)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2021, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-use-airdrop/941497 "2021-05-06T00:20:57Z")
I get tired of emailing photos from my iPhone 6S to myself, so I thought I’d try Airdrop. This is what I did: Chose a photo. Clicked the Share icon. Clicked the Airdrop icon. Clicked the MacBook Pro icon. In Finder, … --- ## [Why isn't Bill Gates richer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-bill-gates-richer/850747)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-bill-gates-richer/850747 "2021-05-05T14:04:54Z")
He has been worth about ~$100 billion since the 90s from what I remember of him. His net worth dipped a bit in the aughts then recovered. But didn’t microsofts market cap peak at almost 1.5 trillion before the coronavir… --- ## [Sport Leagues Based on Size & Weight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sport-leagues-based-on-size-weight/941288)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sport-leagues-based-on-size-weight/941288 "2021-05-05T12:34:08Z")
In the US the Republicans are all excited about transgender people playing high school sports and having an unfair advantage over CIS people. (It is a bit of a red herring, you would have to look long & hard to find actu… --- ## [Measuring the world's average temperature](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-the-worlds-average-temperature/941425)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/measuring-the-worlds-average-temperature/941425 "2021-05-05T12:33:07Z")
How is it done? I read articles saying the “world’s average temperature this year is ‘x’ degrees, ‘y’ degrees higher than 10/50/100/1000 years ago”. Do they take a small number of points with reliable temperature record… --- ## [Is the amount of gas used by a car engine based solely on RPMs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-amount-of-gas-used-by-a-car-engine-based-solely-on-rpms/941237)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-amount-of-gas-used-by-a-car-engine-based-solely-on-rpms/941237 "2021-05-05T11:26:02Z")
Suppose that I’ve determined that my car uses 2 gallons of gas running for an hour at 60 mph and 3000 rpms. Does it follow that if I’m idling at 500 rpms I should use 1/6th as much gas or is there more than that to it? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=282) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=284)