# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=36 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 37 --- ## [How to get rid of a channel that comes in on my YouTube feed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-a-channel-that-comes-in-on-my-youtube-feed/1021255)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-a-channel-that-comes-in-on-my-youtube-feed/1021255 "2025-07-25T06:55:47Z")
There is a channel that keeps showing up on my YouTube feed and I want to get rid of it. It’s so disgusting. I have tried twice replying with really ugly comments against it but that hasn;t helped yet. I am afraid t… --- ## [Rotational energy inside somewhat modern jet engines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotational-energy-inside-somewhat-modern-jet-engines/1021282)
**Author:** [@Humbagger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Humbagger)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotational-energy-inside-somewhat-modern-jet-engines/1021282 "2025-07-25T03:09:42Z")
Inspired by the discussion about the Air India crash on this board, but seeking more general answers: Modern jet engines on commercial airlines have huge diameters, but the turbines inside probably rotate slower than ol… --- ## [British pub tipping etiquette Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-pub-tipping-etiquette-q/318892)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2025, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-pub-tipping-etiquette-q/318892 "2025-07-25T00:33:10Z")
According to Kate Fox’s Watching the English, a very readable piece of cultural anthropology, the approved way of tipping the publician/bar staff is buying him/her a drink with a round. The drink, will be consumed then … --- ## [England being invaded through a tunnel by soldiers wearing blue helmets? (Prophecy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-being-invaded-through-a-tunnel-by-soldiers-wearing-blue-helmets-prophecy/816404)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2025, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-being-invaded-through-a-tunnel-by-soldiers-wearing-blue-helmets-prophecy/816404 "2025-07-24T19:45:00Z")
I was thinking today about a something I read a long time ago, a prediction by an English prophet that in the future England would be invaded through a tunnel by soldiers wearing blue helmets. It was suggested that at th… --- ## [Road crews, mushroom shaped orange objects, maybe only in Oregon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-crews-mushroom-shaped-orange-objects-maybe-only-in-oregon/1021183)
**Author:** [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2025, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-crews-mushroom-shaped-orange-objects-maybe-only-in-oregon/1021183 "2025-07-24T10:04:15Z")
About 5 years ago I visited friends in Florence OR and we went for a drive up Hwy 101. It was summertime and there were a lot of road crews out making repairs. At almost every location, there were tall (maybe 7 feet?) or… --- ## [Do ovaries hurt like testicles do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ovaries-hurt-like-testicles-do/368994)
**Author:** [@Dead\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Pete)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2025, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-ovaries-hurt-like-testicles-do/368994 "2025-07-24T10:01:22Z")
Any male human being will testify to the reality of mind-numbing testicle pain when they are hit, abused, or squeezed too hard. My question is, how about ovary pain? Is it comparable to testicular pain, or are ovaries … --- ## [Is there an app, program, etc. that will simulate daylight conditions anywhere at any time (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-app-program-etc-that-will-simulate-daylight-conditions-anywhere-at-any-time-better-explained-in-op/1021182)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-app-program-etc-that-will-simulate-daylight-conditions-anywhere-at-any-time-better-explained-in-op/1021182 "2025-07-24T01:05:58Z")
Long story short, I want to visualize just how dark it gets in Chicago on September 28 each year at 5:30 pm, ideally the view would be simulated from home plate at Wrigley Field. I want to know just how dark it was when G… --- ## [Electric Trains on Hot Days](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-trains-on-hot-days/1020329)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-trains-on-hot-days/1020329 "2025-07-23T23:45:15Z")
Why do electrified trains have to obey a slower speed limit on hot days? I always thought it is because the overhead wires expand and droop more (from catenary action). Thus, the pantograph is more likely to snap a wire.… --- ## [How do I get live location updates in a vehicle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-live-location-updates-in-a-vehicle/1021151)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-live-location-updates-in-a-vehicle/1021151 "2025-07-23T20:55:02Z")
I’m a passenger traveling on the highway. I want to see a live map of my vehicle’s location. The current speed would be a nice feature. I’ve seen YouTube car revivals and the driver uses GPS to check speed. The 50 yea… --- ## [Was there an earlier attempt to build a Channel Tunnel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-an-earlier-attempt-to-build-a-channel-tunnel/1021105)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-an-earlier-attempt-to-build-a-channel-tunnel/1021105 "2025-07-23T20:54:48Z")
To answer my own question, yes: Wikipedia notes that it was proposed more than once, and work started on both the English and French side in 1882, abandoned in 1883 with over a mile of tunnel built. I was watching a hun… --- ## [Fuel economy of freight trains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-economy-of-freight-trains/449202)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-economy-of-freight-trains/449202 "2025-07-23T17:21:45Z")
Lately in the DC market, an ad has been running on the radio promoting freight trains as an efficient means of transportation. They say that a freight train can ship a ton of freight 476 miles on a gallon of gas. Later… --- ## [I am suddenly getting responses to somebody's spam email even though I am not To or cc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-suddenly-getting-responses-to-somebodys-spam-email-even-though-i-am-not-to-or-cc/1021198)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-suddenly-getting-responses-to-somebodys-spam-email-even-though-i-am-not-to-or-cc/1021198 "2025-07-23T02:33:59Z")
How can I be receiving emails that are not addressed to me? I have received about eight emails in rapid succession that all appear to be responses (they are autoresponses, except one, which is an angry screed against sc… --- ## [Roads Are Most Slippery Just After it Starts Raining](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roads-are-most-slippery-just-after-it-starts-raining/1021159)
**Author:** [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2025, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roads-are-most-slippery-just-after-it-starts-raining/1021159 "2025-07-23T00:36:12Z")
This is a frequently repeated claim, that roads/pavement are the most slippery in the first 10 minutes or so after rain starts, because the rain brings dirt, brake dust, tire rubber, and oils to the surface. After it’s … --- ## [Battle of Midway: what time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-midway-what-time/1021167)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2025, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-midway-what-time/1021167 "2025-07-22T19:50:45Z")
Everyone’s read about the history-making five minutes, 10:25 to 10:30, when the Dauntlesses hit the three Japanese carriers. Was that Hawaii time, or what? How far west did the battle take place? First guess is it was H… --- ## [Who was this early female aviator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-this-early-female-aviator/427125)
**Author:** [@Genital\_Warthog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Genital_Warthog)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2025, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-this-early-female-aviator/427125 "2025-07-21T23:59:44Z")
I remember reading about her in one of those Whatever Happened to… books from the 1970s, so she was still alive then. I can’t remember a single thing about her accomplishments except that she was a pioneering female avi… --- ## [Weird question I thought of about space trajectories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-question-i-thought-of-about-space-trajectories/946949)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2025, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-question-i-thought-of-about-space-trajectories/946949 "2025-07-21T22:47:43Z")
I wondered if space trajectories are straight. At first blush it would seem to be the most economical fuel-wise. But then I remembered that most deep flights slingshot around other planets. So I googled it only to find … --- ## [Can anyone provide context for the viral video (undercover FBI agent on plane puts cop in his place)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-provide-context-for-the-viral-video-undercover-fbi-agent-on-plane-puts-cop-in-his-place/1019381)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2025, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-provide-context-for-the-viral-video-undercover-fbi-agent-on-plane-puts-cop-in-his-place/1019381 "2025-07-21T16:43:33Z")
This video has been going around for a few weeks/months. An undercover FBI agent is questioned intensively by a flight attendant and cop demanding ID, and he keeps insisting that he doesn’t have to give ID and keeps aski… --- ## [Sceloporus Hybrids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sceloporus-hybrids/1021099)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2025, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sceloporus-hybrids/1021099 "2025-07-20T23:21:37Z")
In a place that I frequently go to photograph wildlife I often see many lizards of the genus Sceleporus. Some have the classic markings of the Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus). (For a discussion of whether or not … --- ## [If I put dry ice in my bong, will I inhale a dangerous amount of CO2 and pass out or something?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-dry-ice-in-my-bong-will-i-inhale-a-dangerous-amount-of-co2-and-pass-out-or-something/1021090)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2025, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-put-dry-ice-in-my-bong-will-i-inhale-a-dangerous-amount-of-co2-and-pass-out-or-something/1021090 "2025-07-20T20:34:22Z")
I have a bong with ice catchers in the neck and I’ll put (water) ice into it to cool the smoke. But if I wanted industrial strength cold, could I use dry ice? Or does this present a suffocation risk? --- ## [VBA for excel; natural log, "LN()"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vba-for-excel-natural-log-ln/1021048)
**Author:** [@bizzwire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizzwire)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vba-for-excel-natural-log-ln/1021048 "2025-07-19T21:09:22Z")
I’m writing a VBA application in Excel. It’s coming back to me, but not entirely; to get the natural log of a cell value, the syntax is “Ln(number)” right? where number is a positive number. The program hangs up on t… --- ## [Why aren't cars with "sovereign citizen" plates summarily impounded and drivers charged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-cars-with-sovereign-citizen-plates-summarily-impounded-and-drivers-charged/1020658)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-cars-with-sovereign-citizen-plates-summarily-impounded-and-drivers-charged/1020658 "2025-07-19T18:08:09Z")
I just saw a reddit post of a “sovereign citizen” type of license plate seen on the road in a DC suburb of Virginia. I have never seen one in the wild but have seen a lot of photos of them. Cops will pull you over if yo… --- ## [Is there a word for different religions under the same god?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-different-religions-under-the-same-god/1020631)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-different-religions-under-the-same-god/1020631 "2025-07-19T14:05:31Z")
A single religion will sometimes be split into many distinct subgroups which have their own customs, traditions, and rules they follow. We call these subgroups “denominations”. But what about splits at a higher level, wh… --- ## [How Long to Fly From New York to Havana, c. 1950](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-fly-from-new-york-to-havana-c-1950/692427)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-to-fly-from-new-york-to-havana-c-1950/692427 "2025-07-19T08:32:07Z")
Guys & Dolls is on right now. When Sky took Miss Sarah to Havana, how long would the flight have taken in whatever aircraft they’d have used for such a flight, c. 1950? --- ## [jet plane flight height - what's the determining factor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jet-plane-flight-height-whats-the-determining-factor/73252)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jet-plane-flight-height-whats-the-determining-factor/73252 "2025-07-19T00:13:41Z")
When I fly from the USA to visit the family in Europe, I notice that the plane usually travels at a height of between 9,000 to 10,000 metres. Is this because: \[list=A\] \[li\]international airspace law requires that heigh… --- ## [Why is First Class in the front?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-class-in-the-front/770790)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-class-in-the-front/770790 "2025-07-18T23:49:26Z")
I know there is likely not a good reason for this. . . but, why, on planes, is First Class in the front? First Class patrons have to watch “2nd Class” patrons file by. . . and it’s generally safer to be at the rear in ai… --- ## [Origin of "high on the hog"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-high-on-the-hog/1021043)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-high-on-the-hog/1021043 "2025-07-18T21:28:43Z")
Looking for a first citation for this or its alternate “high up on the hog.” So far with my somewhat limited archive resources the earliest I’ve been able to find is 1919 . It seems to have really taken hold in a 1920 … --- ## [Honolulu to Nairobi (and back) in 1961](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honolulu-to-nairobi-and-back-in-1961/580008)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honolulu-to-nairobi-and-back-in-1961/580008 "2025-07-18T13:03:31Z")
Yes, it’s a birther-related question but no, I am not a birther. Rather, I’ve been wondering: let’s assume for one hypothetical moment that in 1961 Obama’s mother travelled to Kenya and back. Even with today’s quality … --- ## [Legitimate substance that really promotes healing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legitimate-substance-that-really-promotes-healing/1019903)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legitimate-substance-that-really-promotes-healing/1019903 "2025-07-18T03:31:57Z")
I’m sure there are multiple salves and ointments that claim to hasten healing of scrapes and cuts, but are there any legitimate peer reviewed materials that are really proven to hasten and promote healing? I can’t trust… --- ## [Steam train electricity generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-train-electricity-generation/355814)
**Author:** [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2025, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-train-electricity-generation/355814 "2025-07-18T00:03:24Z")
I assume that, at least in the later years, there were trains with steam locomotives that had electric power for lighting, cooking, fans, etc. How was the electricity generated? A generator powered by a wheel on the tra… --- ## [Steam locomotive "cheeks"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-locomotive-cheeks/479347)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steam-locomotive-cheeks/479347 "2025-07-17T23:15:36Z")
On some steam locomotives, what are the purpose of the vertical plates which stick out either side from the front of the boiler, a bit like cheeks? Example picture. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=35) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=37)