# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=332 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 333 --- ## [How much say do journalists have about what they reveal and when?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-say-do-journalists-have-about-what-they-reveal-and-when/920356)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-say-do-journalists-have-about-what-they-reveal-and-when/920356 "2020-09-12T05:45:02Z")
How much say do journalists have about what they reveal and when? What do journalists have to reveal to their supervisors or editors of what they have uncovered ? I’ve had the feeling for a very long time that journalist… --- ## [What do I call that "window" inside my house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-that-window-inside-my-house/920296)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-that-window-inside-my-house/920296 "2020-09-11T20:38:31Z")
My upstairs hallway has an opening that overlooks the downstairs living area. It’s window-like in that it’s rectangular and has a sill, but surely there is some more appropriate word for this opening. Anyone know? --- ## [Gobekli Tepe: What do we really know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gobekli-tepe-what-do-we-really-know/820508)
**Author:** [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Replies:** 296\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gobekli-tepe-what-do-we-really-know/820508 "2020-09-11T18:11:47Z")
So, there’s this city, that we are currently digging up. That is older than we thought civilization was. But clearly we were humans peoples before we thought we were. Is anyone else excited about this? Here: A vide… --- ## [French adjective q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-adjective-q/920350)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-adjective-q/920350 "2020-09-11T16:44:48Z")
It’s feu ma tante, but ma feue tante. What’s the difference in meaning, if any Why does the adjective agree with the noun in the second case but remain invariable in the first case? Are there other examples? --- ## [Small engine problems, part 2 (governor?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-engine-problems-part-2-governor/920285)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-engine-problems-part-2-governor/920285 "2020-09-11T14:53:27Z")
My Honda GCV160 mower is giving me problems. When I move the throttle control lever to max, it pushes back and moves on its own down to half throttle or lower. This is mostly a problem in tall grass when I need the p… --- ## [Do clouds reflect sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-clouds-reflect-sound/920070)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-clouds-reflect-sound/920070 "2020-09-10T02:12:29Z")
Simple question. My wife feels that traffic noise is louder on cloudy days than clear days. Since we can talk perfectly well in a fog, ISTM that clouds should be transparent to sound, but what do I know? --- ## [Yet Another Brexit Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-brexit-question/920186)
**Author:** [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-brexit-question/920186 "2020-09-11T14:00:01Z")
I’m not from the UK, so I would like to know if this article from the BBC says what I think it says. The gist is that Boris Johnson would like to amend the terms under which the UK exits the EU and would like to give po… --- ## [Questions on the Danish school system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-the-danish-school-system/920304)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-the-danish-school-system/920304 "2020-09-11T03:15:25Z")
I’ve been binge-watching Rita on Netflix and am on season 3. So I understand the show is set in a folkeskole, which has the equivalent of kindergarten to 9th grade. I’m a little confused about the administrative hierarc… --- ## [I think I almost got scammed. Now what do I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-almost-got-scammed-now-what-do-i-do/920301)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-almost-got-scammed-now-what-do-i-do/920301 "2020-09-11T00:58:08Z")
I got an Echo Dot a couple years ago. Today I finally decided to plug it in. Alexa pipes up and tells me to set up through the Alexa app. What app? I seem to have lost instructions, etc. that came with it. Here’s where … --- ## [Will a pardoned Trump still face lawsuits regarding illegal acts committed while in office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-pardoned-trump-still-face-lawsuits-regarding-illegal-acts-committed-while-in-office/920224)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-pardoned-trump-still-face-lawsuits-regarding-illegal-acts-committed-while-in-office/920224 "2020-09-10T23:28:58Z")
I recently heard that one strategy that Trump may use if he loses the election is to have Mike Pence pardon him. Will a pardoned Trump still face lawsuits regarding illegal acts committed while in office? What can the So… --- ## [Copper ball claims](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copper-ball-claims/916458)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copper-ball-claims/916458 "2020-09-10T22:46:58Z")
I won’t provide a link to it(if you wish to look for it, it is called the “Trance Metals Solid Ooligodynamic Copper Sphere”), but there are adverts on Facebook and elsewhere for a 99.9% pure 1 kilogram copper ball that c… --- ## [Could 17th century man run a marathon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-17th-century-man-run-a-marathon/920101)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-17th-century-man-run-a-marathon/920101 "2020-09-10T19:40:50Z")
I was watching a triathlon with a friend and he casually mentioned how these contests were possible only in our recent history, as ancient men and women physically could not carry out these feats. I scoffed at the idea, … --- ## [What is Softbank doing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-softbank-doing/919898)
**Author:** [@Terwilliger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terwilliger)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-softbank-doing/919898 "2020-09-10T18:07:31Z")
Can someone explain in layman’s terms what this strategy is? And why it is “raising eyebrows”. Specifically, why buy both the stock and options? I have a basic a novice’s understanding of how options work. Also, whi… --- ## [Fires in California 200+ years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fires-in-california-200-years-ago/920261)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fires-in-california-200-years-ago/920261 "2020-09-10T18:03:01Z")
There’s a lot of press about all the out-of-control forest fires in California as well as many places west of the Rockies. Were there just as many fires 200 years ago? Are many of the current fires started or exacerbate… --- ## [Self defence by harming another innocent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defence-by-harming-another-innocent/920199)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defence-by-harming-another-innocent/920199 "2020-09-10T16:40:55Z")
This is not specific to any jurisdiction, but I’m wondering what crime John would generally be charged with, if any, in this situation. John is minding his own business, hasn’t caused the situation, but suddenly is in a… --- ## [Visual Studio USB problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-studio-usb-problem/920205)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-studio-usb-problem/920205 "2020-09-10T13:16:25Z")
I finally had to abandon VB6 and move to Visual Studio. Just downloaded Visual Studio Community and worked my way through some tutorials and now have reconstructed my present project. I have a MSP430f169 microcontroller… --- ## [What is this language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-language/920245)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-language/920245 "2020-09-10T11:48:39Z")
Though this question is opera-related, it’s a factual question about language, so I’m putting it in GQ. Near the end of the Berlioz opera The Damnation of Faust, which is mostly in French, a chorus of demons chants the … --- ## [Explain paper equivalency so that an idiot can understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-paper-equivalency-so-that-an-idiot-can-understand/920167)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-paper-equivalency-so-that-an-idiot-can-understand/920167 "2020-09-10T03:49:48Z")
Ok, I’m seeking 60 lb index paper. Before you chime in, I know about those charts that purport to show paper equivalency. Supposedly what I want is equal to 40 lb cover, or 73 lb offset text or 29 bond ledger or 109.11… --- ## [eBay buyer asking questions after he won the bid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-asking-questions-after-he-won-the-bid/917646)
**Author:** [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-buyer-asking-questions-after-he-won-the-bid/917646 "2020-09-10T02:07:55Z")
I’m selling a used iPad on eBay. The listing included a full description, photos, etc. The auction lasted a week, and after it ended the winning bidder asked for more photos and the serial number. The feels scammy to me… --- ## [What can I do with Bluetooth on my PC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-with-bluetooth-on-my-pc/919952)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2020, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-with-bluetooth-on-my-pc/919952 "2020-09-09T21:36:42Z")
I haven’t used Bluetooth before because I don’t see the point in having headphones and whatnot with batteries to wear down when you can just use a cord, but my new desktop PC came with it, so I have it. So far I paired i… --- ## [Hypothetical Speed of Light Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-speed-of-light-question/920150)
**Author:** [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2020, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-speed-of-light-question/920150 "2020-09-09T21:19:08Z")
Hi. The question is: How many Astronomical Units could you travel in 1 minute at 5000 times the speed of light? Is this math correct? 186,000 miles x 60 seconds = 11,160,000 miles per minute. 1 AU = 93,000,000 miles. … --- ## [Why do hornets have so much hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hornets-have-so-much-hair/920190)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2020, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hornets-have-so-much-hair/920190 "2020-09-09T18:55:39Z")
I found a dead hornet on my deck today. Was looking at it under a magnifying glass. It is covered in hair on all three body parts, even its legs. Why? Seems like the hair would just be a drag. Considering it has an … --- ## [Bad veins - any phlebotomists out there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-veins-any-phlebotomists-out-there/63987)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2020, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-veins-any-phlebotomists-out-there/63987 "2020-09-09T17:18:01Z")
I have bad veins - the kind that disappear as soon as someone tries to get blood, where the tech tries the right arm, then the left arm, then goes back to the right arm, then starts on the hands. OK, you get the picture. … --- ## [Looking for a reference to American bank loans on a 14-day basis to Weimar Germany](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-reference-to-american-bank-loans-on-a-14-day-basis-to-weimar-germany/920084)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2020, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-reference-to-american-bank-loans-on-a-14-day-basis-to-weimar-germany/920084 "2020-09-09T00:49:34Z")
I hope someone can help me find a reference to American bank loans to Weimar Germany on a 14-day basis. I had heard this in an online video recently but couldn’t find any reference to. --- ## [Do the Feds record the numbers of the bills they destroy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-feds-record-the-numbers-of-the-bills-they-destroy/920058)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-feds-record-the-numbers-of-the-bills-they-destroy/920058 "2020-09-08T18:56:39Z")
Idle curiosity, do not need an answer fast. I know the Fed bank (or some other unit) destroys worn out or damaged bills. Either by shredding or burning, or maybe both in sequence. What I’m wondering is if they keep tra… --- ## [Any beneficial effect of pregnancy "morning" sickness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-beneficial-effect-of-pregnancy-morning-sickness/919714)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-beneficial-effect-of-pregnancy-morning-sickness/919714 "2020-09-08T17:52:17Z")
I’m talking about the nausea, being unable to keep food down, etc. ISTM that it can potentially have some harmful consequences in depriving both mother and fetus of nutrients at a pretty crucial time. And yet, it’s prett… --- ## [Why are predators more concerned with hiding their waste than prey animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-predators-more-concerned-with-hiding-their-waste-than-prey-animals/919850)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-predators-more-concerned-with-hiding-their-waste-than-prey-animals/919850 "2020-09-08T15:06:32Z")
Cats, for example, go so far as burying their feces to make their presence less easy to detect, while mice in particular but also other rodents and lagomorphs all leave a trail of waste everywhere they go. Given the vuln… --- ## [What are these groups of bumps on flat Styrofoam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-groups-of-bumps-on-flat-styrofoam/919722)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-groups-of-bumps-on-flat-styrofoam/919722 "2020-09-08T12:52:53Z")
I saw these on a styrofoam product the other day and realized that I had seen them before. Not all styrofoam has them and I had to do a little searching to find a photo (here. Any ideas? --- ## [Why is Russ Hamilton perpetrator of the Ultimate Bet online poker scandal not in jail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-russ-hamilton-perpetrator-of-the-ultimate-bet-online-poker-scandal-not-in-jail/612799)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-russ-hamilton-perpetrator-of-the-ultimate-bet-online-poker-scandal-not-in-jail/612799 "2020-09-08T11:06:18Z")
He stole 22 million dollars.How can you do that and not be in jail? --- ## [What are the 'sandbags' on a turtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-sandbags-on-a-turtle/920083)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-sandbags-on-a-turtle/920083 "2020-09-08T10:45:54Z")
I’ve read recipes for cooking turtle and some mention ‘removing the sandbags’ when cleaning Note: Historic and Unusual Recipes…Just for fun !!! —- How to Cook a Terrapin (or Turtle) and Chowhound WHat, anatomically, … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=331) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=333)