# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=373 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 374 --- ## [Any Health Benefits To Coca-Cola?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-health-benefits-to-coca-cola/851388)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-health-benefits-to-coca-cola/851388 "2020-04-14T14:47:12Z")
i just had my first Coca-Cola in more than ten years. A taste for the stuff. Meh. But–are there any actual Health or Nutritional benefits to the stuff? Besides calories from sugar, I mean. --- ## [What did people in traditional desert societies do for toilet paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-people-in-traditional-desert-societies-do-for-toilet-paper/851671)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-people-in-traditional-desert-societies-do-for-toilet-paper/851671 "2020-04-14T13:18:16Z")
Something I’ve been wondering about. Deserts are kind of short in the “soft flat leaves” department. (As far as I know). (I am not an expert on deserts). There’s not a lot of water to waste pouring over your nethers, eit… --- ## [N95 masks and odors - what is the science?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n95-masks-and-odors-what-is-the-science/851713)
**Author:** [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/n95-masks-and-odors-what-is-the-science/851713 "2020-04-14T13:18:16Z")
Dear Daughter, ICU RN, reported to me today that when she is wearing a properly-fitted N95 mask, she can still smell coffee brewing, and patient’s bowel movements. Q1: is this cause for alarm? Q2: if this is expected, … --- ## [What would be a good greek name for a half man half pear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-greek-name-for-a-half-man-half-pear/851694)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 7:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-greek-name-for-a-half-man-half-pear/851694 "2020-04-14T07:35:59Z")
Say that you, quite bizarrely I know, had a character in fiction that was half man half pear. What would be a good name derived from Greek? --- ## [Geometry proof of triangle sides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-proof-of-triangle-sides/851632)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometry-proof-of-triangle-sides/851632 "2020-04-14T04:30:22Z")
The online math tutor I’m using has an exercise that at one point depends on angles being congruent based on the side-side-side triangle postulate. The problem is I can’t find where that premise was explicitly proven- th… --- ## [Could Bruce Lee really pop all those joints?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-bruce-lee-really-pop-all-those-joints/318566)
**Author:** [@Corporate\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporate_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-bruce-lee-really-pop-all-those-joints/318566 "2020-04-14T03:18:23Z")
I’m referring specifically to the scene in Return of the Dragon right before Tang Lung (Bruce Lee) and Colt (Chuck Norris) fight it out in the coliseum. Bruce Lee does a drawn out, pre-fight warm up where he takes off h… --- ## [New world monkeys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-world-monkeys/851162)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2020, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-world-monkeys/851162 "2020-04-14T02:14:05Z")
What’s the current thinking on how new world monkeys got to the new world? Thanks. --- ## [ID this small green insect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-small-green-insect/851477)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-small-green-insect/851477 "2020-04-13T23:10:25Z")
Encountered earlier today in South Carolina. For scale, those stringy things that resemble magnified arm hairs are magnified arm hairs. --- ## [Dual external monitors with Macbook Pro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dual-external-monitors-with-macbook-pro/851455)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dual-external-monitors-with-macbook-pro/851455 "2020-04-13T23:04:25Z")
I am a Windows guy but my GF has 2012 Macbook pro with 2 thunderbolt ports. Do we need 2 thunderbolt to HDMI adapters or is else something else needed? Right now the setup is HDMI cable to the 1 external monitor. … --- ## [Postage stamps on eBay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postage-stamps-on-ebay/851504)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postage-stamps-on-ebay/851504 "2020-04-13T19:47:35Z")
I need to buy a roll of 100 forever stamps. If I go to the U.S. Post Office, they’ll charge me the face of $55. I want to avoid human contact. Amazon has prices $65-$70 a roll. Fine, a small profit and shipping charge… --- ## [Is there an opposite to relativistic speed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-opposite-to-relativistic-speed/851605)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-opposite-to-relativistic-speed/851605 "2020-04-13T17:44:19Z")
Maybe a nonsense question, but, is it hypothetically possible to become motionless relative to the universe? Meaning that from your point of view you have zero motion along any axis and the universe is moving away from … --- ## ["Not available in all Areas"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-available-in-all-areas/850984)
**Author:** [@Sdowiat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sdowiat)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-available-in-all-areas/850984 "2020-04-13T17:07:52Z")
Wouldn’t it be more logical for advertisements that say “Not available in all Areas” to instead say “Not available in SOME areas”? Can’t the original statement be taken to mean: “In all areas they aren’t available” whil… --- ## [problem with Skype](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-skype/851700)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-skype/851700 "2020-04-13T16:35:09Z")
I am breaking in a new computer. On March 31 I downloaded what I assume was the latest version of Skype but didn’t actually try it till yesterday. When I double-clicked on the desktop icon (this is Win-10) what came up… --- ## [In Visio, how do you...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-visio-how-do-you/851698)
**Author:** [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-visio-how-do-you/851698 "2020-04-13T15:21:43Z")
In Visio, how do you…… Back at the turn of the century I studied AutoCAD and worked in a professional office making architectural drawings. They used version 14 at that time, but I had a student version of 2000 with mo… --- ## [Looking for a picture of a given asteroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-picture-of-a-given-asteroid/851448)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-picture-of-a-given-asteroid/851448 "2020-04-13T15:17:25Z")
I would like to find a telescope picture of a certain asteroid, where I know the exact number and entry on the Minor Planet Center. As an example, here is an entry of a similar asteroid (not the exact one I’m looking fo… --- ## [What influences someones behavior when intoxicated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-influences-someones-behavior-when-intoxicated/851193)
**Author:** [@aaronhernandez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aaronhernandez)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-influences-someones-behavior-when-intoxicated/851193 "2020-04-13T14:30:46Z")
I’ve always wondered this. Why can some people have two or three drinks and don’t change much. They can even function normally as alcoholics with the exception of the smell of alcohol under their breath. Others take the … --- ## [Minimum temperature required to generate carbon monoxide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-temperature-required-to-generate-carbon-monoxide/851678)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-temperature-required-to-generate-carbon-monoxide/851678 "2020-04-13T12:53:51Z")
How high does a material (say, a piece of cloth, or wood, or whatever) temperature have to reach before it can begin emitting CO? Can it be generated merely by being heated, but not actually combusting yet? --- ## [Anisotropic universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anisotropic-universe/851651)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anisotropic-universe/851651 "2020-04-13T04:29:42Z")
This has to do with a Bad Astronomer column: Are some parts of the Universe expanding faster than others? Maaaaaaybe. I’d discuss this in the comments, but you have to have a facebook or twitter account and I don’t have … --- ## [The Logistics Of Streetwalker Prostitution (Not Asking How To Break The Law)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logistics-of-streetwalker-prostitution-not-asking-how-to-break-the-law/851511)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logistics-of-streetwalker-prostitution-not-asking-how-to-break-the-law/851511 "2020-04-13T02:32:20Z")
When one “contracts” with a street-walker sex worker (viz, prostitutes who hang out on street corners in seedy neighborhoods), I assume the john takes her back to his place or to a nearby motel room for the deed. If the… --- ## [Warbler ID question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warbler-id-question/851641)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2020, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warbler-id-question/851641 "2020-04-13T02:00:23Z")
I’ve posted before about my annual challenge of trying ti ID local migrating warblers. Any thoughts about this one? Western burbs of Chicago, My best guesses are Bell’s Vireo or Tennessee Warbler. -Pretty nondescript… --- ## [Wire Gauge Standards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wire-gauge-standards/851590)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wire-gauge-standards/851590 "2020-04-12T19:32:17Z")
I need to know the difference if any between AWG ratings on extension cords vs. USW vs. AWG SJTW vs. SJTW. Are these standards all the same? At best, Google says USW is for the steel workers. But I an unclear how that re… --- ## [Why are there more varieties of some flower plants ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-more-varieties-of-some-flower-plants/851589)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-more-varieties-of-some-flower-plants/851589 "2020-04-12T16:43:34Z")
Roses have 100s if not thousands of varieties. Whereas flowers like hibiscus and oleanders have maybe 10s of varieties or less. I understand that humans have actively played a part in artificial selection of roses but i… --- ## [What's the best way to make a bookcase out of 1 X 10 lumber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-make-a-bookcase-out-of-1-x-10-lumber/851534)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-make-a-bookcase-out-of-1-x-10-lumber/851534 "2020-04-12T13:46:27Z")
I want to make a series of bookcase out of 1 X 10 cedar. Is it as simple as screwing together four pieces to make the top and sides and then putting plywood on the back annd intermediate shelves in? Is a 1 X 8 too thin t… --- ## [Primaries and other elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/primaries-and-other-elections/851387)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/primaries-and-other-elections/851387 "2020-04-12T01:29:07Z")
Awhile back we had primaries here in Texas. I’ve never voted in one. The polling place nearest me was apparently for democrats. That got me to thinking… My plan is to vote for not Trump. Earlier on there was a whole… --- ## [Could you really freeze a person's arm and shatter it with a hammer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-really-freeze-a-persons-arm-and-shatter-it-with-a-hammer/851367)
**Author:** [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2020, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-really-freeze-a-persons-arm-and-shatter-it-with-a-hammer/851367 "2020-04-12T01:12:20Z")
Lest some of you don’t recognize the reference and think I’m some kind of a freak, the question is about a scene in the movie Snowpiercer. I saw it a couple of years ago when it was on tv and I tuned in just as some dude… --- ## [Ethernet cables - Cat 5 vs 6 vs 7...and I guess there is now a Cat 8?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-cat-5-vs-6-vs-7-and-i-guess-there-is-now-a-cat-8/851559)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2020, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-cat-5-vs-6-vs-7-and-i-guess-there-is-now-a-cat-8/851559 "2020-04-11T21:44:59Z")
Main question: These are backwards compatible, yes? If I stick a Cat 8 in to replace a Cat 5, it may or may not work better but it will not do harm? The specifics: I’ve decided I need to move my router from the basemen… --- ## [When sites ask for your email address to register, and ask for your password](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-sites-ask-for-your-email-address-to-register-and-ask-for-your-password/851478)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2020, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-sites-ask-for-your-email-address-to-register-and-ask-for-your-password/851478 "2020-04-11T19:37:00Z")
How secure could this be? I’ve refused to engage this way before. Don’t they have access to my email? --- ## [Are there any records of dictators reactions to movie depictions of themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-records-of-dictators-reactions-to-movie-depictions-of-themselves/810688)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-records-of-dictators-reactions-to-movie-depictions-of-themselves/810688 "2020-04-11T19:36:38Z")
I was watching a youtube video of the famous speech by Charlie Chaplin in ‘The Great Dictator’, that combined with fond memories of Saddam Hussein in Hot Shots Part Deux and Kim Jong Il in Team America World Police made … --- ## [Why Aren't the Northern Lights Dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-the-northern-lights-dangerous/851490)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-the-northern-lights-dangerous/851490 "2020-04-11T17:17:53Z")
IANAScientist. But I think I understand some things fairly well. Like the earth’s magnetic field. It apparently protects us from the Sun’s radiation, which is a good thing. Life wouldn’t be possible on earth without it. … --- ## [Is this Hong Kong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-hong-kong/851331)
**Author:** [@greenpurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenpurple)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-hong-kong/851331 "2020-04-11T16:06:10Z")
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