# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=30 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 31 --- ## [Help finding laws that require a drug test for tramadol prescription](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-laws-that-require-a-drug-test-for-tramadol-prescription/1023233)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-laws-that-require-a-drug-test-for-tramadol-prescription/1023233 "2025-09-20T20:48:38Z")
Neither my rheumatologist nor physicians at pain centers can tell me the title or name of laws that require drug tests to receive a tramadol prescription. What should I google to find the titles of federal and Arkansas … --- ## [Where do I go for Washington State ticket information](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-for-washington-state-ticket-information/1023193)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-go-for-washington-state-ticket-information/1023193 "2025-09-20T20:22:40Z")
My attempt to get an Oregon Real ID was stalled because there is apparently some sort of ticket in the system in Washington State. All I have to go on is the ticket number-no “type of citation”, no county, no city, no d… --- ## [Lip-synching in concerts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-synching-in-concerts/481505)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lip-synching-in-concerts/481505 "2025-09-20T15:54:43Z")
How is lip-synching handled in concert, I can imagine during a world tour an artiste might perfer to lip-synch at least some of the time to protect their lungs. Wiki seems to think it happens all the time. --- ## [Do American Neo-Nazis care about German culture and the German language, or not really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-neo-nazis-care-about-german-culture-and-the-german-language-or-not-really/1023141)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-neo-nazis-care-about-german-culture-and-the-german-language-or-not-really/1023141 "2025-09-20T15:40:11Z")
So, in the midst of the heated MAGA-fascism Nazism debate, I had more of an FQ question although I’m sure the mods may move it to IMHO anyway: Do neo-Nazis, Stormfront, KKK, far-right or other fascists in America partic… --- ## [Optics for countering a rotating view?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optics-for-countering-a-rotating-view/1023215)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2025, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optics-for-countering-a-rotating-view/1023215 "2025-09-20T14:02:09Z")
Wikipedia’s article on the British Interplanetary Society and their proposed moon rocket has one rather remarkable cite tossed away virtually in passing: As it was considered that the cabin would have to rotate, BIS me… --- ## [Persistence of Vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/persistence-of-vision/1022142)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/persistence-of-vision/1022142 "2025-09-19T17:28:32Z")
You know how in Sixties-era Western TV shows like Bonanza, when they showed a wagon wheel rotating, it would look like the wheel was going backwards (primarily due to shutter speed on the camera doing the filming, AIUI)?… --- ## [Examples of internal demonyms as surnames?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-internal-demonyms-as-surnames/1022719)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-internal-demonyms-as-surnames/1022719 "2025-09-19T16:16:18Z")
In a recent Politics & Elections post, @John\_Bredin wrote the following about Hungarian politician Péter Magyar: John \_Bredin is right. Some (or even many) cultures do have demonyms serve as surnames. Most common are t… --- ## [Number of Christians in Indonesia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-christians-in-indonesia/1021806)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-of-christians-in-indonesia/1021806 "2025-09-19T08:26:31Z")
I’ve just come back from a wonderful two-week trip to Indonesia, Java and Bali specifically. What an amazing country, I’m already planning to go back next year. It is a well-known fact that Indonesians are overwhelming … --- ## [Thorium bomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thorium-bomb/991037)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thorium-bomb/991037 "2025-09-19T06:34:03Z")
Can a nuclear bomb be made with some amount of thorium? I understand that, although thorium itself is not fissionable, it can absorb neutrons and transmute into Uranium 233, which is fissionable. So, can a bomb be made… --- ## [How springy is railroad rail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-springy-is-railroad-rail/1022336)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2025, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-springy-is-railroad-rail/1022336 "2025-09-19T02:40:50Z")
Pic from June 1966 Scientific American How do they deal with this? If they cut the rail, won’t it spring back to straight? Or are the bends sharp enough to kink the rails? Is it possible to kink rails, or will they brea… --- ## [Why Does the Substack Algorithm Think I'm a Nazi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-substack-algorithm-think-im-a-nazi/1022961)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-substack-algorithm-think-im-a-nazi/1022961 "2025-09-18T03:20:12Z")
I’ve been on Substack for a bit, mostly to follow Nate Silver. There are some interesting folks on there, and also a lot of complete dipshits. But recently like 75% of the stuff showing up in my feed is frothing right-wi… --- ## [Quick philosophy or rhetoric question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-philosophy-or-rhetoric-question/1023063)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-philosophy-or-rhetoric-question/1023063 "2025-09-17T17:40:41Z")
What is the philosophy or rhetoric technique where a speaker argues both sides of the debate? I thought it was sophistry but looking it up, that’s not it. --- ## [If I win $10 million and pay taxes on it and then give $1 million to a friend do they also have to pay taxes on it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-win-10-million-and-pay-taxes-on-it-and-then-give-1-million-to-a-friend-do-they-also-have-to-pay-taxes-on-it/1023004)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-win-10-million-and-pay-taxes-on-it-and-then-give-1-million-to-a-friend-do-they-also-have-to-pay-taxes-on-it/1023004 "2025-09-17T17:15:48Z")
Title kinda says it all. Let’s say I won a lottery for $10 million (example, I have not). My understanding is the government will not hand me a check for $10 million. They will withhold taxes and give me what is left … --- ## [What happens if a state National Guard refuses to be federalized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-state-national-guard-refuses-to-be-federalized/1023075)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-state-national-guard-refuses-to-be-federalized/1023075 "2025-09-16T21:22:38Z")
How exactly does the President activate National Guard units? Does the order go from POTUS to the Secretary of Defense to the state Governor to the state Adjutant-General and so on down the line? At what point can an off… --- ## [Making the right edge of Firefox wider?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-the-right-edge-of-firefox-wider/1023078)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-the-right-edge-of-firefox-wider/1023078 "2025-09-16T20:12:47Z")
The slide bar is really narrow and shrinks even further if the cursor is not hovering. Seems like it used to be wider. --- ## [I am trying to find a certain puzzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-trying-to-find-a-certain-puzzle/1023093)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-trying-to-find-a-certain-puzzle/1023093 "2025-09-16T17:15:51Z")
I think it is called a “Smart Maze”. It is a variation of a Rubik’s cube, but every square contains a section of a track and the purpose is to move a small steel ball from the beginning to the end square by twisting the… --- ## [Tuberculosis in the mid 1950s: Diagnosis? Treatment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuberculosis-in-the-mid-1950s-diagnosis-treatment/1023017)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tuberculosis-in-the-mid-1950s-diagnosis-treatment/1023017 "2025-09-16T06:53:07Z")
I was doing some family history research and I came across a person who died of TB at 55 in 1954 (central South Carolina). Now, we’ll never know factually if that was the correct diagnosis, but my questions: Would a sm… --- ## [Does a Jacob's Ladder have any practical use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-jacobs-ladder-have-any-practical-use/1022811)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-jacobs-ladder-have-any-practical-use/1022811 "2025-09-16T06:22:39Z")
We’ve seen it in old movies: the mad scientist in his lab full of weird equipment, oddly shaped glassware and strange machines. There’s always a Jacob’s Ladder. There’s an electric a… --- ## [Are baseball caps universal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-baseball-caps-universal/1022282)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-baseball-caps-universal/1022282 "2025-09-16T05:53:12Z")
I just saw a photo of Trump showing his “MAGA hat” collection to some European leaders. It made me think - are baseball caps (the style, not caps with actual baseball team logos on them) universal around the world? Wher… --- ## [Removing algae from artificial turf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-algae-from-artificial-turf/1023071)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-algae-from-artificial-turf/1023071 "2025-09-16T00:09:26Z")
I have algae forming on my artificial putting green. Does anyone know the best way to remove the algae without harming the turf? I see methods online but I want it to be safe before I apply. --- ## [Phonetic Alphabet question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phonetic-alphabet-question/1022768)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2025, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phonetic-alphabet-question/1022768 "2025-09-16T00:03:26Z")
In the Phonetic Alphabet for the letter “L” one uses “lima”. Is it pronounced “lyma” like the bean or “leema” like the city in Peru? --- ## [How old a car can I buy without worrying about scarce parts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-a-car-can-i-buy-without-worrying-about-scarce-parts/1021874)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2025, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-a-car-can-i-buy-without-worrying-about-scarce-parts/1021874 "2025-09-15T20:04:56Z")
For 25 years my partner and I were happily carless, but we recently moved to a city where cars are virtual necessities. My father sold us his ten-year-old car, which my partner drives most days, and now I’m looking for … --- ## [How to tell what fuses to use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-what-fuses-to-use/1022905)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-what-fuses-to-use/1022905 "2025-09-15T14:59:06Z")
My 93-year-old aunt’s dryer went out today. The problem was a blown fuse (it’s an old house that still uses Edison-base fuses). When I looked in the fuse boxes, I saw that most of the fuses are 30 amp. A couple are 20 am… --- ## [The Wonder Bread Giant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wonder-bread-giant/660359)
**Author:** [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-wonder-bread-giant/660359 "2025-09-14T23:57:00Z")
Several years ago, my Grandma told me about a man known as the “Wonder Bread Giant.” He was apparently some sort of mascot for Wonder Bread. I don’t know exactly how tall he was, but I’m quite certain that he was over … --- ## [Discounted EE Savings Bonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discounted-ee-savings-bonds/1022969)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2025, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discounted-ee-savings-bonds/1022969 "2025-09-14T21:48:09Z")
US Savings Bonds - Series EE use to be sold at a discount. A $100 bond was sold for $50 and reached full value in 20 years. That has not been true for many years, or so I thought. I see so many videos insisting EE bon… --- ## [What are miles-per-gallon (MPG) displays in cars actually for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-miles-per-gallon-mpg-displays-in-cars-actually-for/1023027)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2025, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-miles-per-gallon-mpg-displays-in-cars-actually-for/1023027 "2025-09-14T16:55:30Z")
My new car has three different displays of the current gas mileage or MPG. But I don’t know what they’re used for. Obviously high gas mileage is good. Momentary MPG depends on lots of things, but whether you’re climbing… --- ## [Has this variant of a ‘book cipher’ ever been used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-variant-of-a-book-cipher-ever-been-used/1022837)
**Author:** [@Ferris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferris)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2025, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-this-variant-of-a-book-cipher-ever-been-used/1022837 "2025-09-13T11:42:08Z")
I’ve been mildly interested in book ciphers ever since learning about the Beale ciphers and I recently started thinking about using a ‘Word Finder’ puzzle grid and relative coordinates in place of a book and ‘page/line/w… --- ## [Is it possible to detect light without receiving it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-detect-light-without-receiving-it/1022689)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2025, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-detect-light-without-receiving-it/1022689 "2025-09-13T07:52:45Z")
Let’s say you had a perfect vacuum, a laser emitter at Point A, and a receiver at Point B. Could an observer standing outside of the beam detect it without receiving (or scattering or otherwise interfering with) part of … --- ## [New lossless heat preservation process developed(heat storage for years)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lossless-heat-preservation-process-developed-heat-storage-for-years/1022921)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2025, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-lossless-heat-preservation-process-developed-heat-storage-for-years/1022921 "2025-09-13T05:27:11Z")
ok sorry I had to abbreviate the title somewhat … its NEARLY lossless. Were this on YT, I’d chalk it up to the perpetuum mobile /flatearthers crazy bunch… but here is the news-article: https://science.orf.at/stories/3… --- ## [Does knitting use the same topology as nail binding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-knitting-use-the-same-topology-as-nail-binding/1022991)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2025, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-knitting-use-the-same-topology-as-nail-binding/1022991 "2025-09-13T00:55:53Z")
I guess there are a variety of “stitches” one can knit, and perhaps that’s true of nailbinding. But are there fabrics whose topology could have been produced by either one? (Don’t need answer fast.) @MrDibble ? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=29) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=31)