# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=314 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 315 --- ## [Android messages out of order](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-messages-out-of-order/927518)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-messages-out-of-order/927518 "2020-12-08T22:33:30Z")
I have a Motorola phone and I message a lot with it. Tonight it misfiled a message…essentially it put the wrong time stamp on it. Even though I sent it at 5:35 CST on 12/7/2020, when I dove into the messages I found it… --- ## [Genetics vs environment vs bacteria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-vs-environment-vs-bacteria/927593)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-vs-environment-vs-bacteria/927593 "2020-12-08T20:58:35Z")
First I tell you a story dating back to my birth some 60 years ago. My father must have had a strong suspection about the events that led to my birth. I was a so-called “blue baby”. Both parents brown eyed and a nice kid… --- ## [Electric (non-boogaloo) airplanes 2: supercaps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-non-boogaloo-airplanes-2-supercaps/927374)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-non-boogaloo-airplanes-2-supercaps/927374 "2020-12-08T20:15:48Z")
Last year, I started a thread on electric airplanes. I recently had a thought about them that didn’t seem to be covered there. Rather than make everyone read through that long thread, er … topic, I figured I’d start a ne… --- ## [Need to get in touch with someone at the Chicago Defender](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-get-in-touch-with-someone-at-the-chicago-defender/927495)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-to-get-in-touch-with-someone-at-the-chicago-defender/927495 "2020-12-08T19:51:08Z")
I’m hoping that people in Chicago might have a better way of contacting editorial at the Chicago Defender than their contact page. I’ve tried the form, the email, Facebook messaging, and not heard back a word, not even g… --- ## [What's the lowest measured resting metabolic rate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-lowest-measured-resting-metabolic-rate/336492)
**Author:** [@dre2xl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dre2xl)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-lowest-measured-resting-metabolic-rate/336492 "2020-12-08T16:45:24Z")
I’m engaged in an argument with someone who thinks that hypothyroidism is no big deal–that it lowers the BMR only a couple hundred points. I’ve Googled this to no avail. What’s the lowest BMR measured for someone who w… --- ## [Has the USPS lost their minds again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-usps-lost-their-minds-again/927487)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-usps-lost-their-minds-again/927487 "2020-12-08T16:05:43Z")
So you all probably recall a few months ago when the US Postal Service was in the news because there was some drama with the Postmaster General, mail-in ballots, and removal of modern sorting equipment in many central po… --- ## [Computer Message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-message/927484)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-message/927484 "2020-12-08T14:47:39Z")
I always check my home email at work. I’ve been doing it for years. My email provider is the cable company. Suddenly I am receiving the following message after I enter my password: The info you’re about to submit is not… --- ## [Magnetic strips on hotel doors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-strips-on-hotel-doors/926319)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-strips-on-hotel-doors/926319 "2020-12-08T14:44:04Z")
How do magnetic strips on hotel doors work so that, if you fail to return one, you can’t break into the same hotel room, occupied by somebody else, the following night? --- ## [Two Quick Questions On Life In England, c. 1940-1950](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-quick-questions-on-life-in-england-c-1940-1950/927148)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-quick-questions-on-life-in-england-c-1940-1950/927148 "2020-12-08T13:29:16Z")
I’m listening to a (fiction) audiobook that takes place in England between the beginning of World War II (c. 1940) to the early stages of the Cold War (c. 1950). In/around 1940, the protagonist offers a maid five poun… --- ## [Blue light filter for eyeglasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-light-filter-for-eyeglasses/927174)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2020, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-light-filter-for-eyeglasses/927174 "2020-12-08T08:14:04Z")
Is this worthwhile or could there be a downside? I wear my glasses every waking minute. My circadian rhythms are already messed up. Thanks in advance. :slight\_smile: --- ## [A few questions about "Corpus delicti"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-corpus-delicti/923076)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-questions-about-corpus-delicti/923076 "2020-12-07T20:51:21Z")
Couple of things about “corpus delicti” that confuse me, and I would rather bunch them all into one thread than a separate one for each: Does corpus delicti only apply at a trial, or does it apply to an arrest or pre-a… --- ## [Editing NationBuilder tables](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-nationbuilder-tables/926988)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-nationbuilder-tables/926988 "2020-12-07T20:51:09Z")
There’s a popular political off-the-shelf data management / CRM/ etc package called NationBuilder. Under the hood, the database is apparently a PostGreSQL database. As such, it could be written to directly, using SQL c… --- ## [Why do paint cans pop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-paint-cans-pop/152717)
**Author:** [@Ashkicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashkicker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-paint-cans-pop/152717 "2020-12-07T20:42:41Z")
I have paint cans in the house. I noticed a popping sound coming from one that has been used and resealed. Why are they doing that? And is it dangerous, safe, normal? --- ## [Digital remastering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-remastering/927136)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-remastering/927136 "2020-12-07T18:42:10Z")
What exactly do they do when they remaster a recording that was originally an analog recording? Is it possible to remaster a recording that was recorded digitally to begin with? How do they ‘clean up,’ say, recordings of… --- ## [Colonoscopy how often?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-how-often/915885)
**Author:** [@smokey78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smokey78)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonoscopy-how-often/915885 "2020-12-07T17:29:14Z")
I had a colonoscopy done in 2011,and dr found polyps he removed. One was malignant. In 2012 did a repeat and dr said didn’t find anything. He said I could come back to do in ten years. But I read that with polyps I’m sup… --- ## [What law is preventing Biden from receiving security briefings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-law-is-preventing-biden-from-receiving-security-briefings/926186)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-law-is-preventing-biden-from-receiving-security-briefings/926186 "2020-12-07T03:23:57Z")
The GSA is refusing to release funds that would normally fall to the President Elect’s transition team, but Trumps refusal to concede is holding this up. If we assume that Trump never concedes, when is Biden authorized… --- ## [How to pronounce "Chateau d'Ax"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-chateau-dax/926685)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2020, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pronounce-chateau-dax/926685 "2020-12-07T01:01:07Z")
There is an international chain of furniture stores called Chateau d’Ax. There is a branch of the store near me with the name on the sign transliterated\* in the local language (Hebrew) as “Shat-oh Ducks”. Is this corre… --- ## [Relative weight of diamonds and rocks, for the purposes of disarming a trap (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-weight-of-diamonds-and-rocks-for-the-purposes-of-disarming-a-trap-need-answer-fast/927299)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-weight-of-diamonds-and-rocks-for-the-purposes-of-disarming-a-trap-need-answer-fast/927299 "2020-12-06T22:31:56Z")
Sadly, it’s not as exciting as the title makes out… I’m DMing an online Dungeons and Dragons session in about an hour. In a last-minute burst of creativity, I’ve come up with a trap that our brave heroes will encounter. … --- ## [Backyard mechanics I need a little help (Mounting a wheel to an electric motor)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backyard-mechanics-i-need-a-little-help-mounting-a-wheel-to-an-electric-motor/927219)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backyard-mechanics-i-need-a-little-help-mounting-a-wheel-to-an-electric-motor/927219 "2020-12-06T19:18:21Z")
I’m looking to make a DIY pitching machine for my kids and dog. I have an old Westinghouse 1/2 HP, 1725 RPM motor with a 5/8ths shaft and 3/16 keyway. I would like to mount a 8-12” wheel and tire to the motor. I thought… --- ## [What do container ship crews do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-container-ship-crews-do/925450)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-container-ship-crews-do/925450 "2020-12-06T16:56:55Z")
Inspired by my own post here, in which I mention the ability to book passage on a container ships. In some cases the ship can be at sea for as much as two weeks between ports. Never mind paying passengers - what do the… --- ## [What is "e-ink"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-e-ink/927158)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-e-ink/927158 "2020-12-06T16:04:19Z")
I’ve seen a few references to “e-ink”, including in the ongoing trhead about e-plates. What is “e-ink”, please? --- ## [Yahoo mail getting obnoxious about adblockers:any good alternatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-mail-getting-obnoxious-about-adblockers-any-good-alternatives/927307)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-mail-getting-obnoxious-about-adblockers-any-good-alternatives/927307 "2020-12-06T09:44:49Z")
They are starting to get really obtrusive about trying to get me to disable my adblocker. Which I am not about to do. So, does anyone have suggestions for a free email service which is reliable and seems to be establis… --- ## [Is there a dye for revealing athlete's foot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-dye-for-revealing-athletes-foot/927047)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-dye-for-revealing-athletes-foot/927047 "2020-12-06T02:12:14Z")
There’s an over-the-counter product known as disclosing tablets that’s intended to help people improve their toothbrushing. It is basically a dye that you apply to you teeth after brushing which conspicuously stains any … --- ## [mRNA lifetime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mrna-lifetime/927127)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mrna-lifetime/927127 "2020-12-05T16:20:26Z")
Once a ribosome has “read” a piece of mRNA to add an amino acid to a protein that is being constructed, what happens to the mRNA? Is the readout a destructive process, or does the mRNA just sort of “spool out” of the ri… --- ## [What are "error bars"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-error-bars/927266)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-error-bars/927266 "2020-12-05T14:43:17Z")
I see this phrase frequently in discussions of statistical analysis, but I’ve got no idea what it means? Is it something like margin of error? --- ## [What are the origins of the phrase - Every Swinging Dick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-phrase-every-swinging-dick/629652)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-origins-of-the-phrase-every-swinging-dick/629652 "2020-12-05T07:29:28Z")
Dad was First Sergeant of his Squadron and I heard this phrase a lot growing up. I’m fairly sure it’s military in origin but haven’t found a cite. It’s normally used to convey a sense of urgency. Like a large transpor… --- ## [Did pre-Columbian Mayans know the spherical nature of the Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-pre-columbian-mayans-know-the-spherical-nature-of-the-earth/926863)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-pre-columbian-mayans-know-the-spherical-nature-of-the-earth/926863 "2020-12-05T02:59:55Z")
Or any pre-European cultures living in what is now called the Americas, for that matter. I just listened to a podcast that talked about all of the remarkable astronomy that the Mayans are notably famous for yet that topi… --- ## [Has your Google gone to a sans-serif font?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-your-google-gone-to-a-sans-serif-font/927159)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2020, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-your-google-gone-to-a-sans-serif-font/927159 "2020-12-04T02:13:51Z")
Note the Google splash page, but the search results. They look different. I think they’ve switched to a sans serif font? --- ## [What computer specs are relevant to screencasting in real time? \[Blackboard Collab Ultra, teaching online\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-computer-specs-are-relevant-to-screencasting-in-real-time-blackboard-collab-ultra-teaching-online/927104)
**Author:** [@Ace309](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace309)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2020, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-computer-specs-are-relevant-to-screencasting-in-real-time-blackboard-collab-ultra-teaching-online/927104 "2020-12-03T20:44:53Z")
For reasons that don’t require explanation at this point, I’m doing a lot of real-time teaching online these days. I often show short video clips to my students using Youtube. I notice that occasionally while using Blac… --- ## [Burning mummies as locomotive fuel...would natural or freeze-dried mummies work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-mummies-as-locomotive-fuel-would-natural-or-freeze-dried-mummies-work/926701)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-mummies-as-locomotive-fuel-would-natural-or-freeze-dried-mummies-work/926701 "2020-12-03T18:30:41Z")
Many here, I’m sure, are aware of Mark Twain’s claim in The Innocents Abroad that Egyptian mummies were burned as locomotive fuel. “D–n these plebeians, they don’t burn worth a cent—pass out a King!” Let’s just cut to t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=313) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=315)