# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=321 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 322 --- ## [USPS tracking percent delivered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usps-tracking-percent-delivered/924595)
**Author:** [@sbright33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbright33)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usps-tracking-percent-delivered/924595 "2020-11-02T22:32:00Z")
I’ve been sending and receiving tracked packages and envelopes my whole life. Never lost a package without the tracking showing it was delivered and when. In those cases someone stole it from the mailbox or step. In o… --- ## [Math homework - sanity check](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-homework-sanity-check/924310)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-homework-sanity-check/924310 "2020-11-02T21:43:24Z")
Yesterday I was helping my granddaughter with her 8th grade algebra. The assignment she was working on was working with fractions and order of operations. It was an online quiz where it would display an equation and then… --- ## [Piston-engine efficiency at altitude vs. in ground effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piston-engine-efficiency-at-altitude-vs-in-ground-effect/924505)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piston-engine-efficiency-at-altitude-vs-in-ground-effect/924505 "2020-11-02T15:36:10Z")
We’re watching The Spirit Of St. Louis (1956), and it got me wondering: Is it more efficient fuel-wise to fly at a cruising altitude, or in ground effect? As altitude increases, air density decreases; thus the fuel mixt… --- ## [Are there any free VPNs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-free-vpns/924073)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-free-vpns/924073 "2020-11-02T14:59:20Z")
I posted in IMHO about any free VPNs for android but no responses. So now I’m wondering if there are any at all. Don’t mean this as a cross-post since I’m not asking for recommendations, just want to know if there are an… --- ## [Stormwater -- Drilling for a PVC snap-on Tee fitting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stormwater-drilling-for-a-pvc-snap-on-tee-fitting/922673)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stormwater-drilling-for-a-pvc-snap-on-tee-fitting/922673 "2020-11-02T07:19:32Z")
I can get a snap-on T fitting for my stormwater drain: it seems to be a fairly standard part: https://www.holmanindustries.com.au/product/storm-pvc-snap-tee/ I can snap it on, and I know how to cement PVC, but I don’t k… --- ## [Accountants: How does a company account for an ongoing lawsuit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-how-does-a-company-account-for-an-ongoing-lawsuit/841225)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2019, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accountants-how-does-a-company-account-for-an-ongoing-lawsuit/841225 "2019-10-04T23:49:23Z")
100% hypothetical. A publicly traded company is being sued for $100M. Do they make an accounting entry for the potential liability, or is there no entry until the case is settled or adjudicated? Seems like a big chunk to… --- ## [New Windows laptop, want to use Windows Fresh Start tool, but](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-windows-laptop-want-to-use-windows-fresh-start-tool-but/924395)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-windows-laptop-want-to-use-windows-fresh-start-tool-but/924395 "2020-11-02T05:33:31Z")
I have a fresh laptop in which I want to create a clean slate. This link: Fresh Start …tells me about the Fresh Start tool. Sounds great, but it seems to delete Microsoft Edge. My question: How will I access the inte… --- ## [Another ‘what is this’ question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-is-this-question/923969)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-what-is-this-question/923969 "2020-11-02T05:19:07Z")
I was hiking in Los Flores Ranch Park (California) and came across this thing: (Sorry, the pic is rotated left) Anyway the pipe is about 5 or 6 inches in diameter and about 16 to 25… --- ## [How can a two headed snake manage to live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-two-headed-snake-manage-to-live/923973)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-two-headed-snake-manage-to-live/923973 "2020-11-02T05:08:16Z")
The story, here. The two-headed snake was the result of two monozygotic twins failing to separate. In the wild two heads are not better than one because they tend to make different decisions that will affect the animal’… --- ## [Facebook question-](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question/924228)
**Author:** [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2020, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question/924228 "2020-11-02T00:53:02Z")
I keep getting a message at the bottom of the feed that says: Something Went Wrong This may be because of a technical error that we’re working to get fixed. Try reloading this page. It won’t scroll down any farther. … --- ## [Spirit of St. Louis signatures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spirit-of-st-louis-signatures/924504)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spirit-of-st-louis-signatures/924504 "2020-11-01T19:44:04Z")
We’re watching The Spirit Of St. Louis (1956). A scene shows builders of the aircraft signing the inside of the starboard cowl panel. Did they actually do this? If so, are there any photos? (The inside of the propell… --- ## [Where do trees get their mass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-trees-get-their-mass/923297)
**Author:** [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-trees-get-their-mass/923297 "2020-11-01T19:12:23Z")
I mean I have a vague concept of how Trees convert sunlight to energy through photosynthesis using CO2+Sunlight releasing O2. As well as consuming water and nutrients. But my understanding is that the majority of the wat… --- ## [Question on a cell-phone charging port aka USB issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-cell-phone-charging-port-aka-usb-issues/924433)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-a-cell-phone-charging-port-aka-usb-issues/924433 "2020-11-01T19:00:22Z")
I’ve had a few phones now that over time will not charge unless you put pressure on the cable in a certain direction. Not seeing the internals it is almost as if there is a small break and that you are using the cable t… --- ## [Is the glue on many soda cans toxic or bad for you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-glue-on-many-soda-cans-toxic-or-bad-for-you/924348)
**Author:** [@wiskaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wiskaz)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2020, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-glue-on-many-soda-cans-toxic-or-bad-for-you/924348 "2020-11-01T13:15:02Z")
I’m creeped out even touching it. It’s basically cooled down hot glue they use to seal the cartons with cans. --- ## [In federal cases, does the grand jury come before or after arrest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-federal-cases-does-the-grand-jury-come-before-or-after-arrest/923911)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-federal-cases-does-the-grand-jury-come-before-or-after-arrest/923911 "2020-10-31T21:53:23Z")
Federal crime cases seem a bit complex, but I think I understand the ingredients of the case, just not the order they come in. The ingredients are: Feds launch an investigation, prosecutor assembles a grand jury, the gr… --- ## [Calculating organization attrition/turnover](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-organization-attrition-turnover/924415)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-organization-attrition-turnover/924415 "2020-10-31T18:59:30Z")
I know how to do the math. The question is what type of separations to include in these calculations: Only voluntary separations (resignations, retirements)? This version gives a measure of workforce job satisfaction. … --- ## [Why does Mexico not have large coastal cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-mexico-not-have-large-coastal-cities/920690)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-mexico-not-have-large-coastal-cities/920690 "2020-10-31T16:39:39Z")
When I think about the US, the majority (not all of course) of our biggest cities are coastal or are big ports: New York Chicago (on great lakes) Los Angeles Boston Philadelphia San Francisco Miami Houston Detro… --- ## [Q about the non-digestibility of fiber](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-the-non-digestibility-of-fiber/923412)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-the-non-digestibility-of-fiber/923412 "2020-10-31T12:23:05Z")
So my not-at-all deep understanding of digestion goes something along the lines of: We chew up food and swallow it. Various acids and enzymes and bile and whatever have at the mixed glop, in the stomach and small intes… --- ## [SCOTUS Impeachment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-impeachment/924141)
**Author:** [@Ranch\_Dip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranch_Dip)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-impeachment/924141 "2020-10-31T03:37:46Z")
I heard recently that the Senate has the power to impeach all federal officers. The person I heard was speculating that IF the senate flips and is democrat majority they can impeach the newest judge. Assuming a new maj… --- ## [The Word "Stop" and Telegrams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-word-stop-and-telegrams/846041)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-word-stop-and-telegrams/846041 "2020-10-31T01:49:49Z")
I’m sure this has been asked before, but I can’t seem to find an answer to it. Back in the day, Western Union would apparently charge you by the word and punctuation mark for a telegram, but you could use the word “stop”… --- ## [Transferring Google Play Music to Youtube Music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-google-play-music-to-youtube-music/923605)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2020, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transferring-google-play-music-to-youtube-music/923605 "2020-10-31T01:26:23Z")
Yesterday, I saw this on my sister’s Facebook wall. (I apologize for the lack of capitalization; it’s her particular style). if anyone knows how to transfer my music from the now defunct google play music to youtube m… --- ## [Curveball injury - Young pitchers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curveball-injury-young-pitchers/259356)
**Author:** [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curveball-injury-young-pitchers/259356 "2020-10-30T23:45:18Z")
Will throwing curveballs injure a young pitcher’s arm? Is the possibility of injury even worse for young pitchers than an older person? --- ## [Are there any political youth camps in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-political-youth-camps-in-the-usa/924049)
**Author:** [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-political-youth-camps-in-the-usa/924049 "2020-10-30T15:33:50Z")
After reading the post on re-education camps, it reminded me of the horrible massacre in Norway at the Workers Youth League summer camp. While a terrible event, I couldn’t stop thinking how creepy the idea of a youth ca… --- ## [Is c=(E/m)^1/2 true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-c-e-m-1-2-true/922616)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-c-e-m-1-2-true/922616 "2020-10-30T12:26:29Z")
Since school and college, I have loved to rearrange formulae. Its actually a very good way to learn about the relations between various quantities (for instance F=ma and p=m/v and m=pv, therefore F=pva, you can see the r… --- ## [Do dogs have 'handedness'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-have-handedness/924112)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dogs-have-handedness/924112 "2020-10-30T04:57:48Z")
99% sure that Luna here is a lefty. She is very front-paw able - the dog pokes me in the leg to get attention, for example- and while I’ve seen her use both left and right paws, she definitely shows a preference for her … --- ## [Is Youtube mandatory ads now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-youtube-mandatory-ads-now/922967)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-youtube-mandatory-ads-now/922967 "2020-10-30T03:14:52Z")
As of two days ago, Youtube videos will not run unless I disable ad blocking for the site. I notice they now have a prominent ad for their premium pay-for-no-ads version. --- ## [What exactly are Reeducation Camps? Are they concentration camps or just summer camps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-are-reeducation-camps-are-they-concentration-camps-or-just-summer-camps/923957)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2020, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-are-reeducation-camps-are-they-concentration-camps-or-just-summer-camps/923957 "2020-10-30T02:01:22Z")
Specifically, the Communist style “Reeducation Camps” that popped up in places such as Vietnam after the 1975 Victory, Cuba after the Cuban Revolution, and the various Soviet Reeducation Camps throughout its existence. I… --- ## [Thansgiving dates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thansgiving-dates/924126)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thansgiving-dates/924126 "2020-10-29T22:04:03Z")
My friends birthday is Nov. 26, and it is Thanksgiving this year. He wants to know how often the 26th has been on thanksgiving from his birth in 1960 til now. I tried to look, but it won’t show anything earlier than 2011… --- ## [It's 2020. Why does it still take DAYS for a check to clear?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-2020-why-does-it-still-take-days-for-a-check-to-clear/922533)
**Author:** [@DoctorPurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorPurple)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-2020-why-does-it-still-take-days-for-a-check-to-clear/922533 "2020-10-29T16:14:31Z")
It’s 2020. Why does it still take DAYS for a check to clear?! I just started a freelance job 2-1/2 weeks ago. I got my first check on Tuesday and it still has not cleared the issuing bank! How can they not instantly ver… --- ## [Percentage of online clothing purchases which get returned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percentage-of-online-clothing-purchases-which-get-returned/923974)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2020, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/percentage-of-online-clothing-purchases-which-get-returned/923974 "2020-10-29T14:25:30Z")
My wife does an enormous amount of shopping for clothing online for her and our daughters. But part of the reason she does so much of it is that about 80% of what she buys is returned, after which she goes back to shoppi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=320) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=322)