# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=323 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 324 --- ## [Japan's "rabbit-hutch" housing: who said it, and when?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japans-rabbit-hutch-housing-who-said-it-and-when/923498)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2020, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japans-rabbit-hutch-housing-who-said-it-and-when/923498 "2020-10-25T12:30:58Z")
ISTR some time a few decades ago when a westerner, commenting on Japan, described the people there as living in “rabbit hutch housing” (i.e. really cramped residences). Googling brings up mentions of this description, b… --- ## [Can a dog, identify another dog by the smell of its pee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-dog-identify-another-dog-by-the-smell-of-its-pee/923731)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2020, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-dog-identify-another-dog-by-the-smell-of-its-pee/923731 "2020-10-25T03:12:50Z")
Although, the subject is about dogs, this is question is about mammals who mark in general. So dogs are said to mark so as to leave a calling card identifying themselves. So are there unique compounds in their pee iden… --- ## [Car battery died and I lost settings. Can I replace it myself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-died-and-i-lost-settings-can-i-replace-it-myself/923254)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2020, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-died-and-i-lost-settings-can-i-replace-it-myself/923254 "2020-10-25T02:03:05Z")
I started my car several times yesterday running errands as well as driving about 80 miles. Each time I started it, the engine turned over less vigorously before catching. Finally, the last time, it made a partial rotati… --- ## [Theoretical Coldest Maximum Temperature in the Tropics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-coldest-maximum-temperature-in-the-tropics/481290)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2020, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-coldest-maximum-temperature-in-the-tropics/481290 "2020-10-24T20:06:52Z")
Could an arctic air blast (like what is currently punishing the upper midwestern US) theoretically plow through the US, into Mexico, down into Guatemala and Honduras and points south, plunging San José, Costa Rica into a… --- ## [Larger Number, Stars in Universe or Raindrops in Earth's History?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-number-stars-in-universe-or-raindrops-in-earths-history/923719)
**Author:** [@Drummond\_Bays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drummond_Bays)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2020, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-number-stars-in-universe-or-raindrops-in-earths-history/923719 "2020-10-24T14:02:04Z")
This question was asked recently on a forum I lurk, but there is unquestionally no better place to ask this than The Dope. As the title suggests, akin to the “grains of sand vs. stars” thought excercise, are there more … --- ## [Hi my mother had a heart attack, what is it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-my-mother-had-a-heart-attack-what-is-it/921205)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2020, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hi-my-mother-had-a-heart-attack-what-is-it/921205 "2020-10-24T01:24:10Z")
What is this attack? --- ## [Does my wife really need a new phone? Our cell company is saying she does](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-my-wife-really-need-a-new-phone-our-cell-company-is-saying-she-does/923445)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-my-wife-really-need-a-new-phone-our-cell-company-is-saying-she-does/923445 "2020-10-23T22:00:14Z")
Here is the exact message they sent us. They are saying upgrades to technology have made it so her phone is going to be non-functioning starting January 1, 2021. Her phone is a Huawei\* Honor 6, which you can read about… --- ## [E^(pi i) = -1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-pi-i-1/923344)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/e-pi-i-1/923344 "2020-10-23T19:23:16Z")
I actually first saw it in a cartoon. e^(pi i) = -1. I still find it hard to believe for a simple reason. ‘i’ is an imaginary number. It has no real value. So how could the answer be negative one? It should be an irra… --- ## [Distinctive Zoom choppy audio problem, but all else fine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distinctive-zoom-choppy-audio-problem-but-all-else-fine/923641)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distinctive-zoom-choppy-audio-problem-but-all-else-fine/923641 "2020-10-23T14:34:47Z")
On Zoom meetings with many participants, the audio starts fine but eventually transitions to an extreme choppy Dalek-like distortion that is unintelligible. If I leave the meeting and then rejoin, the audio will be fine … --- ## [Problem with the toilet (no discussion of bodily functions required)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-the-toilet-no-discussion-of-bodily-functions-required/922086)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-the-toilet-no-discussion-of-bodily-functions-required/922086 "2020-10-23T10:58:05Z")
Around six months ago, the toilet in the master bathroom started leaving dark, dirt-like deposits in the bowl. This material is of unknown origin. The other two toilets in the house do not exhibit this behavior, nor do… --- ## [How deadly is novichok and other nerve agents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-is-novichok-and-other-nerve-agents/922795)
**Author:** [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deadly-is-novichok-and-other-nerve-agents/922795 "2020-10-23T08:58:32Z")
Considering that Iwan Kivelidi died after three days of being poisoned with a novichok agent in 1995, that Sergei and Yulia Skripal survived a novichok poisoning in England in 2018, and that Alexei Nawalny has survived t… --- ## [Computer Graphic card recommendation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-graphic-card-recommendation/923585)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-graphic-card-recommendation/923585 "2020-10-23T04:11:13Z")
I’m kinda lost here. Not a computer hardware guy. I just bought a Samsung CJ89 43" Curved UltraWide 3840 X 1200 Resolution monitor. My graphics card in my Gateway tower will only go up to 1900 x 1200 so my screen is quit… --- ## [Meaning of Old Christian Symbol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-old-christian-symbol/923184)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2020, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-old-christian-symbol/923184 "2020-10-23T03:29:37Z")
I first saw it in the Roman Catholic church I went to as a child. It was emblazoned on one its stain glass window, with a bunch of other obscure symbols. And it is on the masonry of a Presbyterian church near my home. I … --- ## [Question about farmed trees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-farmed-trees/923378)
**Author:** [@bumble\_ardee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bumble_ardee)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-farmed-trees/923378 "2020-10-22T22:48:52Z")
How does one prevent buttressed roots? Does regular spading work? Thanks. --- ## [Can I take something like a jar of pâté in a carryon on an airpane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-something-like-a-jar-of-pate-in-a-carryon-on-an-airpane/923559)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-take-something-like-a-jar-of-pate-in-a-carryon-on-an-airpane/923559 "2020-10-22T22:06:25Z")
I know there are rules about liquids in your carryon but what about food such as some pâté in a jar (like this but sealed shut)? FWIW I am travelling in a month and I’d like to bring some as a gift for my hosts but I’d … --- ## [Seemingly Pointless Message Board Spam Attack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seemingly-pointless-message-board-spam-attack/923601)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seemingly-pointless-message-board-spam-attack/923601 "2020-10-22T20:05:21Z")
I am a Mod on an Excel discussion board and lately I have been playing whack-a-mole with a series of nearly identical spam posts. Subject: Where is Administration excelforum.com ?? Can I contact Administration? It is… --- ## [Are there any links between Northern Ireland's paramilitary groups and white supremacist groups in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-links-between-northern-irelands-paramilitary-groups-and-white-supremacist-groups-in-the-us/922812)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-links-between-northern-irelands-paramilitary-groups-and-white-supremacist-groups-in-the-us/922812 "2020-10-22T19:36:09Z")
Are there any links between Northern Ireland’s paramilitary groups and white supremacist groups in the US?. Other than quite a few Irish names within the white supremacist groups, I haven’t been able to find any direct l… --- ## [Are all asteroids the product of The Big Bang?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-asteroids-the-product-of-the-big-bang/923485)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-asteroids-the-product-of-the-big-bang/923485 "2020-10-22T14:53:23Z")
Disclaimer: I stand second to none in my deep respect and love for the space program, space exploration and science in general. That said, I gotta question. This article states that asteroids are the product of the Big … --- ## [Aluminum cookware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-cookware/55883)
**Author:** [@curiousgeorgeordeadcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curiousgeorgeordeadcat)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-cookware/55883 "2020-10-22T10:56:28Z")
I have read the Straight Dope classic http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a971219.html and now I am wondering how much aluminum my aluminum rice cooker puts into my rice. I am hoping that since rice and water is not… --- ## [Australian Law Dopers: How do you cite the Australian Constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-law-dopers-how-do-you-cite-the-australian-constitution/923072)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2020, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-law-dopers-how-do-you-cite-the-australian-constitution/923072 "2020-10-22T03:38:12Z")
I’m curious about something: how do Australians cite their Constitution? The Oz Constitution was enacted by means of a British statute, after it had been approved by the six Australian colonies. The statute was the Co… --- ## [Why are 7 mm Allen wrenches so rare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-7-mm-allen-wrenches-so-rare/593747)
**Author:** [@633squadron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/633squadron)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-7-mm-allen-wrenches-so-rare/593747 "2020-10-21T22:51:11Z")
If you’re a Maker type like me, you know that Allen wrenches are an indispensable item in the modern toolbox. I ride both bicycles and BMW motorcycles, so I know that having the right metric Allen wrench is critical. I … --- ## [How do military academies prevent relationships between cadets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-military-academies-prevent-relationships-between-cadets/922883)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-military-academies-prevent-relationships-between-cadets/922883 "2020-10-21T18:46:26Z")
AIUI, service academies such as the U.S. Air Force Academy officially prohibit relationships between cadets. I don’t believe for one moment, though, that when you have 4,000 cadets interacting with each other for four ye… --- ## [What life expectancy would men have if they behaved like women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-life-expectancy-would-men-have-if-they-behaved-like-women/923134)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-life-expectancy-would-men-have-if-they-behaved-like-women/923134 "2020-10-21T16:44:17Z")
To the extent it’s possible, if men consulted healthcare professionals, smoked, drank, did drugs, engaged in risky behavior, engaged in self-preserving behavior as much as women, what would their life expectancy be like … --- ## [What Is a 'Neoplatonic Magic Rite'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-neoplatonic-magic-rite/923436)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-neoplatonic-magic-rite/923436 "2020-10-21T15:49:12Z")
I have to confess to you, as I write this, I am watching the Star Trek: TNG episode Emergence, episode #175, apparently first aired on (or around?) May 9, 1994. Anyways, at the beginning of the show, Data is performing … --- ## [What was the first SUV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-suv/923369)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2020, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-suv/923369 "2020-10-21T02:08:24Z")
A Chevrolet commercial claims they made the first, in the '30s. I was thinking Willys in the late-'40s. --- ## [Do weather systems travel around the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-weather-systems-travel-around-the-world/678981)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2014, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-weather-systems-travel-around-the-world/678981 "2014-01-17T05:03:12Z")
If we have a low pressure system move over us with accompaning storms, can that low pressure system continue to travel around the world and affect us again in a few days? I ask because the recent storms perhaps associat… --- ## [Spam Emails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-emails/923125)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2020, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-emails/923125 "2020-10-20T18:55:50Z")
I’ve lately been getting an increased slew of spam emails. A couple of questions about them. They all seem to have email addresses which consist of a lot of random letters and numbers along with a few dashes thrown in… --- ## [Windows laptop and using an app I'm used to using with android phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-laptop-and-using-an-app-im-used-to-using-with-android-phone/923385)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2020, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-laptop-and-using-an-app-im-used-to-using-with-android-phone/923385 "2020-10-20T18:05:14Z")
So I bought a windows laptop today. I’m trying to get into a game I play on my droid phone. Haven’t used windows since XP. I have the game downloaded but can’t get to it. Any ideas? --- ## [Coke and aspirin effects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-and-aspirin-effects/923356)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2020, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coke-and-aspirin-effects/923356 "2020-10-20T15:44:36Z")
I have heard of this having odd effects on people, but I don’t recall what it was supposed to do. In my father’s college yearbook from 1945 this is printed on one page of witty sayings: “Coke and aspirin, they don’t mix… --- ## [In which countries is the constitution automatically statute law? Some exaples please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-countries-is-the-constitution-automatically-statute-law-some-exaples-please/921969)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2020, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-countries-is-the-constitution-automatically-statute-law-some-exaples-please/921969 "2020-10-20T14:54:05Z")
In which countries is the constitution automatically statute law? I believe England is one. Is the US among them? Is there a legal term for such a constitution and what is its opposite legally referred to as? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=322) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=324)