# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=380 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 381 --- ## [Which pre-1930 pistol round is best against late-medieval plate armor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-pre-1930-pistol-round-is-best-against-late-medieval-plate-armor/849995)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-pre-1930-pistol-round-is-best-against-late-medieval-plate-armor/849995 "2020-03-23T19:00:08Z")
Specialized time travel munition question time. Ultra-specialized, in fact: which \*pre-1930 \*pistol round would be the best for penetrating late-medieval plate armor? To be specific, a late-medieval cuirass—a fair enoug… --- ## [Do hawks commonly drown their prey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hawks-commonly-drown-their-prey/849993)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hawks-commonly-drown-their-prey/849993 "2020-03-23T18:20:02Z")
I was recently shown a video of a red-tailed hawk drowning a duck in a pond near my house. The duck thrashed for quite a while after the hawk landed on it and afterward the hawk tried to fly away with it but I don’t know… --- ## [Ceiling fan is possessed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fan-is-possessed/849402)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fan-is-possessed/849402 "2020-03-23T17:43:46Z")
I replaced our old ceiling fan/light with one that is remote controlled. It’s fine, but occasionally, the light turns on, or the fan turns off, or changes speeds, all with no input from the remote. Sometimes we’re not ev… --- ## [Is it possible to explain "sticky contents" without using computer terminology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-explain-sticky-contents-without-using-computer-terminology/849971)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-explain-sticky-contents-without-using-computer-terminology/849971 "2020-03-23T17:36:51Z")
More importantly what do they do on your computer? --- ## [Tiny flying endotherms and heat loss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-flying-endotherms-and-heat-loss/850091)
**Author:** [@Trancephalic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trancephalic)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-flying-endotherms-and-heat-loss/850091 "2020-03-23T14:23:57Z")
There’s major buzz about oculudentavis, and whether it was in fact a bird and not distantly-related reptile who convergently evolved a bird like head. Those in favor of the latter cite the dentition as being non-dinosau… --- ## [Why do we say "you are" instead of "you is"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-you-are-instead-of-you-is/849298)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-you-are-instead-of-you-is/849298 "2020-03-23T14:19:40Z")
I’m addressing another individual and I say “You are special.” Why don’t I say “You is special”? I’m only talking to a singular person not a group of people. If I was talking about somebody else I would say “He is spec… --- ## [Do hippos have baby teeth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hippos-have-baby-teeth/849982)
**Author:** [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hippos-have-baby-teeth/849982 "2020-03-23T09:26:03Z")
Mr. singular is an artist, and he has carved me a beautiful teeny tiny perfect replica of the Taj Mahal using hippo ivory. Today we were watching a YouTube video of Fiona, the Cincinnati hippo, and I speculated that perh… --- ## [Help with Spanish, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-spanish-please/849663)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2020, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-spanish-please/849663 "2020-03-23T08:29:43Z")
It’s a short passage. Normally I’m pretty good with stuff like this but she slurs a bit too much for me to catch it. I’m looking for the Spanish words - NOT the translation. Starting at 1:40: Thanks --- ## [Is a 100% tax unconstitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-100-tax-unconstitutional/849657)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-100-tax-unconstitutional/849657 "2020-03-22T22:12:55Z")
Since famously “the power to tax involves the power to destroy” (John Marshall), has US jurisprudence ever ruled that a 100% tax on the profits from selling something is unconstitutional? Note that I don’t mean doubling … --- ## [Statistically speaking, do tabloids fare better in law suits than the people they smear/libel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistically-speaking-do-tabloids-fare-better-in-law-suits-than-the-people-they-smear-libel/849920)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistically-speaking-do-tabloids-fare-better-in-law-suits-than-the-people-they-smear-libel/849920 "2020-03-22T19:05:55Z")
Hi Statistically speaking, do tabloids fare better in law suits than the people they smear/libel? I’m not sure whether laws vary from state to state in the US with regard to libel by the gutter press, but they probably … --- ## [Anyone else having problems with Primetimer.com today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-problems-with-primetimer-com-today/850042)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-problems-with-primetimer-com-today/850042 "2020-03-22T18:42:43Z")
It takes a really long time to load, and it wouldn’t load at all a few hours ago. Everything else loads fine, and there is nothing wrong with my Internet connection. --- ## [Help with Dell integrated webcam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-dell-integrated-webcam/849917)
**Author:** [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2020, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-dell-integrated-webcam/849917 "2020-03-22T03:47:58Z")
I have a Dell Inspiron 7786 2-in-1 laptop running Windows 10. It supposedly includes an integrated webcam and I can see the camera lens at the top of my screen, but I have never tried to use it before. When I try to us… --- ## [How did Spanish flu end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-spanish-flu-end/849988)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-spanish-flu-end/849988 "2020-03-22T01:11:29Z")
Specifically, how did it totally disappear? Why didn’t it just continue to infect newborns and pockets of people who had somehow escaped it? I recall hearing of an expedition to northern Norway to dig up frozen graves … --- ## [Thermometer questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thermometer-questions/849956)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thermometer-questions/849956 "2020-03-21T22:34:41Z")
We have a digital Braun (in the ear) that is around 22 years old now. Fresh 9 volt battery in it. My readings have been around 95.1°f and my wife using a different cover read 95.3°f Neither of us feel warm to the hand … --- ## [what determines virus durability on various surfaces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-virus-durability-on-various-surfaces/849969)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-virus-durability-on-various-surfaces/849969 "2020-03-21T18:40:22Z")
This is more broadly applicable than just the coronavirus, so I’m putting it in GQ. The news has reported a range of periods of viability for the coronavirus on various surfaces. Anywhere from a couple of hours adrift … --- ## [Same google doodle two days in a row?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-google-doodle-two-days-in-a-row/849954)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/same-google-doodle-two-days-in-a-row/849954 "2020-03-21T15:38:08Z")
Has anyone else noticed that? It’s still the same like it was yesterday. I’ve checked on several different browsers. Is it just me or is it like this for everyone? --- ## [Who teaches a new President the job?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-teaches-a-new-president-the-job/849645)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-teaches-a-new-president-the-job/849645 "2020-03-21T12:33:40Z")
Hello Everyone, When a newly elected President takes office Is there a team in place that teaches him the day in and day out of being a President? The position must be overwhelming and I have a hard time believing that … --- ## [All Presidential candidates are dead--Constitutional question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-presidential-candidates-are-dead-constitutional-question/849088)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-presidential-candidates-are-dead-constitutional-question/849088 "2020-03-21T05:32:27Z")
Thinking about how both Trump and Biden/Sanders are old enough to be in the higher risk category for the coronavirus, it made me wonder: the Presidential candidates for both main parties are locked in in the primaries. B… --- ## [Did Dylan or his doctors even figure out how he contracted the lung infection histoplasmosis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dylan-or-his-doctors-even-figure-out-how-he-contracted-the-lung-infection-histoplasmosis/849598)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dylan-or-his-doctors-even-figure-out-how-he-contracted-the-lung-infection-histoplasmosis/849598 "2020-03-21T05:08:59Z")
I thought I heard it was from his raising chickens, but I don’t know how accurate that is. --- ## [Effective homemade surgical face masks -- possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-homemade-surgical-face-masks-possible/849465)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effective-homemade-surgical-face-masks-possible/849465 "2020-03-21T04:51:00Z")
Since face masks are so badly needed by health care professionals, but in such short supply, I go to wondering whether it’s possible to make such masks. I suspect that years ago surgical masks were made of fabric and st… --- ## [Quotation about how tragedy and comedy end](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quotation-about-how-tragedy-and-comedy-end/845221)
**Author:** [@ozziemaland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ozziemaland)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2020, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quotation-about-how-tragedy-and-comedy-end/845221 "2020-03-21T00:20:05Z")
Re aphorism attributed by an online blog to Zach Helm in his screenplay for Stranger than Fiction (2006), voiced by the character Professor Jules Hilbert played by Dustin Hoffman: “Every tragedy ends in a death, and eve… --- ## [ffmpeg question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ffmpeg-question/847158)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ffmpeg-question/847158 "2020-03-20T18:31:57Z")
I have been using ffmpeg Media Encoder to transcode video into h.265. It has a number of built-in scripts, and the h.265 one has the video quality as -q:v 5. I’m really pleased with that combination of quality vs. size. … --- ## [What meaningful differences are there between air fryers and convection ovens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-meaningful-differences-are-there-between-air-fryers-and-convection-ovens/845938)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-meaningful-differences-are-there-between-air-fryers-and-convection-ovens/845938 "2020-03-20T17:18:39Z")
Just that. I have an air fryer. Never had a convection oven. The concept seems the same but don’t have a point of reference. --- ## [Explain like I'm dumb: Exactly how does the new relief bill/stimulus affect small businesses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-like-im-dumb-exactly-how-does-the-new-relief-bill-stimulus-affect-small-businesses/849861)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-like-im-dumb-exactly-how-does-the-new-relief-bill-stimulus-affect-small-businesses/849861 "2020-03-20T15:53:01Z")
(This is a factual nuts-and-bolts question regarding the new bill signed in to law. It is not about the virus so please don’t move me to Quarantined). My SO owns a pretty small but moderately successful dog grooming bus… --- ## [new spam tactic bypasses filter; what to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-spam-tactic-bypasses-filter-what-to-do/849821)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-spam-tactic-bypasses-filter-what-to-do/849821 "2020-03-20T15:20:42Z")
I am now getting a ton of spam from a source that uses an apparently inexhaustible supply of disposable email addresses, so my spam bin just fills up forever and there’s always more. What to do? --- ## [Raising a trillion dollars on short notice - what's actually happening? (layman explanation)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-a-trillion-dollars-on-short-notice-whats-actually-happening-layman-explanation/849819)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2020, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-a-trillion-dollars-on-short-notice-whats-actually-happening-layman-explanation/849819 "2020-03-20T04:08:36Z")
So the Trump administration now wants a $1 trillion economic stimulus, including sending out around $500 billion in direct payment checks to Americans. Ignoring the politics of Trump or Covid-19 for a moment, just what … --- ## [Easy return flight to US customs question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-return-flight-to-us-customs-question/849690)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easy-return-flight-to-us-customs-question/849690 "2020-03-19T23:46:17Z")
You’d think finding the answer to this via google would be easy but I can’t seem to get a straight answer from any source. I figure anyone here can give me a quick straight up easy answer. I have a flight from Cabo Mex… --- ## [Tapatalk: Subscribed Threads aren't added to Daily Email Notifications](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-subscribed-threads-arent-added-to-daily-email-notifications/849848)
**Author:** [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-subscribed-threads-arent-added-to-daily-email-notifications/849848 "2020-03-19T23:16:56Z")
I’m on a lo-computer diet and try to limit my websurfing, and therefore SD-surfing, to my cell phone. I’m set up at SDMB with Daily Email Notifications for threads I subscribe to or post in. On the computer, it’s always … --- ## [People On Respirators Face Down](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-on-respirators-face-down/849605)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-on-respirators-face-down/849605 "2020-03-19T18:46:39Z")
I keep seeing pictures of people in Italian ICU’s who are lying face down. This is supposedly because that makes artificial respiration more effective, but also that it’s a last-ditch method. I’ve never heard of this b… --- ## [Is ANYDESK software dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anydesk-software-dangerous/849785)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2020, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anydesk-software-dangerous/849785 "2020-03-19T17:37:45Z")
Because of the corona virus I may have to work from home, which I have never done before. I’ve been told to use Anydesk software to connect to my computer at work. But this seems dangerous and a violation of my priva… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=379) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=381)