# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=333 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 334 --- ## [When did McDonalds start changing their fryers from tallow to vegtable oil in the U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-mcdonalds-start-changing-their-fryers-from-tallow-to-vegtable-oil-in-the-u-s/919835)
**Author:** [@CanTak3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanTak3)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-mcdonalds-start-changing-their-fryers-from-tallow-to-vegtable-oil-in-the-u-s/919835 "2020-09-08T09:14:32Z")
As a kid I have a very vivid memory of McDonalds fries being amazing and then turning into flavored garbage one day. I was a small child at the time and I remember it so distinctly because I couldn’t believe anyone would… --- ## ["$145 dollar queen-sized pillowtop mattress"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/145-dollar-queen-sized-pillowtop-mattress/920030)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/145-dollar-queen-sized-pillowtop-mattress/920030 "2020-09-08T00:42:47Z")
$145 Queen Sized Mattress For maybe the past 20 years, in various cities in Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska and Michigan, I’ve come across signs promoting a queen-sized pillowtop mattress (usually a set) for sale at a ludi… --- ## ["Mandatory reporting" - only in professional context, or elsewhere as well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandatory-reporting-only-in-professional-context-or-elsewhere-as-well/919923)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandatory-reporting-only-in-professional-context-or-elsewhere-as-well/919923 "2020-09-08T00:34:43Z")
Let’s use elder abuse, or child neglect, as examples. When encountering such things on the job, doctors, counselors and teachers would be required to report, of course. But what about when off the job - does the same leg… --- ## [Do casinos manipulate the odds of slot machines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-casinos-manipulate-the-odds-of-slot-machines/745143)
**Author:** [@Squallous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squallous)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-casinos-manipulate-the-odds-of-slot-machines/745143 "2020-09-07T16:20:11Z")
Is the casino allowed to manipulate the odds / payouts of a particular slot machine tailored to the specific individual playing it? Casinos, especially those in hotels, resorts, and cruise ships, will give their guests … --- ## [Are there any Non-Religious child sponsor agencies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-religious-child-sponsor-agencies/393343)
**Author:** [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2015, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-religious-child-sponsor-agencies/393343 "2015-01-25T01:00:10Z")
I’m interested in sponsoring an international child, but would prefer a non-religious agency. Does such a thing exist? --- ## [Sceloporus undulatus consobrinus or Sceleporus consobrinus (Fence Lizard or Prairie Lizard)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sceloporus-undulatus-consobrinus-or-sceleporus-consobrinus-fence-lizard-or-prairie-lizard/919284)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2020, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sceloporus-undulatus-consobrinus-or-sceleporus-consobrinus-fence-lizard-or-prairie-lizard/919284 "2020-09-07T01:54:10Z")
Are there any herpetologists here? Is the Prairie Lizard found in northern New Mexico a subspecies of the Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus consobrinus) or is it a separate species (Sceloporus consobrinus)? I … --- ## [Why is it still difficult to find toilet paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-still-difficult-to-find-toilet-paper/916983)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2020, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-still-difficult-to-find-toilet-paper/916983 "2020-09-07T00:45:29Z")
I am not sure if this should be in GQ…if not please move. Title kinda says it all. I am going to the market to get food and what-not and still the toilet paper aisle is empty of everything but that single-ply junk they… --- ## [Why are poppy seeds legal but not marijuana seeds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-poppy-seeds-legal-but-not-marijuana-seeds/919193)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2020, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-poppy-seeds-legal-but-not-marijuana-seeds/919193 "2020-09-06T22:41:29Z")
I am hoping there is a factual answer, if not please move. Also I understand that marijuana seeds are legal in some states. This is about the broader picture / Federal level. --- ## [Cleave the ABS from the zirconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleave-the-abs-from-the-zirconia/919776)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2020, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleave-the-abs-from-the-zirconia/919776 "2020-09-06T21:15:04Z")
OK, now this this is a homework question. But for my grad student son. He has a disk of ABS plastic, about 3cm in diameter, about 2 cm thick. Imbedded in the disk is an approx 1cm cube of very smooth zirconia. It’s fo… --- ## [Electronics design question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-design-question/919771)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-design-question/919771 "2020-09-06T19:05:25Z")
I have two inputs A and B to trigger a timing/counter device. I want a trigger on either input to start the timer/counter. A trigger on the opposite input will stop the timer. But. If input A happens first. I want a gree… --- ## [Grain that was cultivated 'accidentally' with other grain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grain-that-was-cultivated-accidentally-with-other-grain/919913)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2020, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grain-that-was-cultivated-accidentally-with-other-grain/919913 "2020-09-06T18:38:09Z")
A few years ago, I attended a ‘living history’ museum. My memory is very hazy, but there was a field of a grain…(barley? rye? buckwheat? oats?) that was eluded to as a coincidentally cultivated grain. Again, I’m not su… --- ## [The Use of Deadly Force in Self-Defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-use-of-deadly-force-in-self-defense/919777)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2020, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-use-of-deadly-force-in-self-defense/919777 "2020-09-06T00:31:24Z")
I understand local laws will vary. Nonetheless, someone on the internet got my attention by this puzzling statement. If I throw a hand grenade at you, and if you survive, you may not shoot me in self-defense as I am una… --- ## [Can anyone tell me where to find these "geoglyphs" in Kansas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-where-to-find-these-geoglyphs-in-kansas/919489)
**Author:** [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-tell-me-where-to-find-these-geoglyphs-in-kansas/919489 "2020-09-05T23:23:52Z")
On the Science Channel program “What On Earth?”, in Season 7 Episode 7, one of the segments discusses a grouping of black “symbols” on the ground in Kansas that can be seen by satellite. They do not mention where in Kans… --- ## [Windows laptop: Don't sleep when lid closed, but ONLY if an external monitor is plugged in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-laptop-dont-sleep-when-lid-closed-but-only-if-an-external-monitor-is-plugged-in/919896)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-laptop-dont-sleep-when-lid-closed-but-only-if-an-external-monitor-is-plugged-in/919896 "2020-09-05T22:45:33Z")
On a Windows 10 laptop, I know you can make it so that the computer doesn’t go to sleep when you close the lid. However, is there a way to change that setting depending on whether an external monitor is connected? If I’… --- ## [Browning in autoclaved dextrose solutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browning-in-autoclaved-dextrose-solutions/919745)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browning-in-autoclaved-dextrose-solutions/919745 "2020-09-05T18:21:49Z")
Since both caramelization and the Maillard reaction normally occur at temperatures above 121C, can I assume the added pressure is causing these reactions to occur at a lower temperature, or is there some other dynamic in… --- ## [How \*\*does\*\* a neutron split an atom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-neutron-split-an-atom/919807)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-neutron-split-an-atom/919807 "2020-09-05T13:31:00Z")
I did a bit of nuclear physics in college, like the most basic of basic stuff so I understand a bit of what takes place, a neutron hits the nucleus of an atom, and it splits into two smaller nuclei of different elements,… --- ## [Orthopaedic / physio question about my knees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orthopaedic-physio-question-about-my-knees/919775)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orthopaedic-physio-question-about-my-knees/919775 "2020-09-05T06:25:37Z")
For reasons, I’m doing 55 mile a day on a bicycle. My thighs were sore at first, but I’m over that. What still hurts is the front of my knees, in front of my knee caps. At first it was like kneeling on glass, now I’m le… --- ## [Could you live on meat and mushrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-live-on-meat-and-mushrooms/586496)
**Author:** [@Weaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weaver)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2020, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-live-on-meat-and-mushrooms/586496 "2020-09-05T05:26:45Z")
A while ago I came across a post-apocalyptic novel where the survivours lived on a diet of meat (specifically pork) and mushrooms. This seemed somewhat doubtful to me but given that the novel’s setting seemed fairly well… --- ## [What are the top navies of the world after the US navy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-top-navies-of-the-world-after-the-us-navy/919823)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-top-navies-of-the-world-after-the-us-navy/919823 "2020-09-04T16:45:05Z")
America is and will be number one in naval strength for awhile. But who is the distant second and third? Where do Britain, France and Japan rate? --- ## [Why does nobody have cheap Chromebooks in stock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-nobody-have-cheap-chromebooks-in-stock/919637)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-nobody-have-cheap-chromebooks-in-stock/919637 "2020-09-04T14:29:46Z")
Why does nobody have cheap Chromebooks in stock? Does it have anything to do with the China trade war, or is there some other reason? --- ## [If we converted ALL the world's currency into pennies, how many would we have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-converted-all-the-worlds-currency-into-pennies-how-many-would-we-have/919649)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-converted-all-the-worlds-currency-into-pennies-how-many-would-we-have/919649 "2020-09-04T14:20:09Z")
I’m just trying to see if this is in any way comparable to “More stars in the sky then grains of sand on all the beaches in the world.” Also just currious. --- ## [Boosting a Router's Wi-Fi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boosting-a-routers-wi-fi/919568)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boosting-a-routers-wi-fi/919568 "2020-09-04T04:31:28Z")
Does anyone know the answer to the following: My daughter wants to buy a device to boost our (downstairs) wi-fi signal received in her upstairs bedroom. The device claims it has a range of 1200 ft^2. (I assume this means… --- ## [Is a diagnosed mental health condition enough of an excuse to get you out of serving on a jury in a murder case?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-diagnosed-mental-health-condition-enough-of-an-excuse-to-get-you-out-of-serving-on-a-jury-in-a-murder-case/919563)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-diagnosed-mental-health-condition-enough-of-an-excuse-to-get-you-out-of-serving-on-a-jury-in-a-murder-case/919563 "2020-09-04T04:07:28Z")
I’m in treatment for bipolar disorder with manic-depression. It’s severe enough that I’m considered disabled and am receiving Social Security disability, though thankfully I’m mostly asymptomatic at this time. A lot of … --- ## [Domestic Cat Ancestors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/domestic-cat-ancestors/919558)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2020, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/domestic-cat-ancestors/919558 "2020-09-04T02:27:59Z")
In a thread about dog species, someone mentioned cats. Rather than derail that thread, I thought I would start a new one, What is/are the ancestor(s) of the domestic cat? Is it Felis silvestris or Felis lybica or both… --- ## [Military slang "pickle"...where did it come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-slang-pickle-where-did-it-come-from/657008)
**Author:** [@Davey10244](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Davey10244)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-slang-pickle-where-did-it-come-from/657008 "2020-09-03T19:25:38Z")
In many books and movies, I’ve heard the term “pickle” used to refer to the act of dropping a bomb from an aircraft, physically releasing it, or also the switch allowing the pilot to do it. For example, in the movie “To… --- ## [How many species of dogs are there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-species-of-dogs-are-there/919480)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-species-of-dogs-are-there/919480 "2020-09-03T19:13:20Z")
Apparently, there are 38 species of cats including domestic cats, cheetahs, lions, and so forth. How many species (not breeds) of dogs are there, including wolves, domestic dogs, foxes, etc.? --- ## [What happened to this Ebay auction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-this-ebay-auction/919203)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-this-ebay-auction/919203 "2020-09-03T16:16:40Z")
I bid on an item on Ebay. Seller had a large amount of positive feedback (thousands). Auction was set to end today (Thursday) at noon. There was no “Buy it Now” option. Tonight I checked my email and there were no messa… --- ## [What does a drill sergeant do if a recruit arrives at the recruiting depot then realizes what he's gotten himself into and refuses to participate and demands to be sent home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-drill-sergeant-do-if-a-recruit-arrives-at-the-recruiting-depot-then-realizes-what-hes-gotten-himself-into-and-refuses-to-participate-and-demands-to-be-sent-home/918288)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-a-drill-sergeant-do-if-a-recruit-arrives-at-the-recruiting-depot-then-realizes-what-hes-gotten-himself-into-and-refuses-to-participate-and-demands-to-be-sent-home/918288 "2020-09-03T13:22:37Z")
I imagine it happens from time to time… --- ## [Any garage door experts among the Teeming Millions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-garage-door-experts-among-the-teeming-millions/919270)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-garage-door-experts-among-the-teeming-millions/919270 "2020-09-03T03:58:04Z")
I have a Genie Series II screw-drive garage door opener. It is attached to a four-panel, metal, two-car door. The door travels on rollers that move through a track on either side of the door. We have had this set-up f… --- ## [PC Virus Encyclopedia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-virus-encyclopedia/919466)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2020, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-virus-encyclopedia/919466 "2020-09-03T02:32:53Z")
For those who work in the computer world: Is there some free website that is a dictionary or an encyclopedia providing a list and facts about various viruses, trojans, malware, etc.? Thanks. Admin: If you feel this ques… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=332) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=334)