# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=395 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 396 --- ## [searching for a veterinary website I've lost the link to](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-a-veterinary-website-ive-lost-the-link-to/847006)
**Author:** [@cmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmore)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2020, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/searching-for-a-veterinary-website-ive-lost-the-link-to/847006 "2020-01-27T10:12:23Z")
there is/was a website that was hosted by a retired vet that I’m 99% sure lived in Texas. The websites info was layed out in symptom based sections and catered almost exclusively to just dogs and cats. The info was ver… --- ## [Can animals sense that a threat is existential?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-animals-sense-that-a-threat-is-existential/846904)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2020, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-animals-sense-that-a-threat-is-existential/846904 "2020-01-27T08:59:46Z")
I fell to pondering this when watching a whole bunch of videos of frogs being swallowed alive by snakes. The snakes generally grab them from the back and then slide them in bit by bit, incrementally. The frogs struggle a… --- ## [Food Porn, Real Estate Porn, Etc.: What Was The First Non-Sexual 'Porn'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-porn-real-estate-porn-etc-what-was-the-first-non-sexual-porn/846993)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2020, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-porn-real-estate-porn-etc-what-was-the-first-non-sexual-porn/846993 "2020-01-27T07:54:53Z")
I’ve been hearing the phrase “food porn” for at least a decade. I’ve also heard of “real estate porn” and, of late, “poverty porn” and “inspiration porn.” What was the first usage of “\_\_\_\_\_\_ porn,” where the word “porn”… --- ## [Audio problems - Samsung smart TV, Marantz receiver, and certain online streaming services - Dolby +](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-problems-samsung-smart-tv-marantz-receiver-and-certain-online-streaming-services-dolby/846474)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-problems-samsung-smart-tv-marantz-receiver-and-certain-online-streaming-services-dolby/846474 "2020-01-27T00:42:01Z")
I have a relatively new Samsung 4K HDTV. If it matters, the model is the UN55RU8000FXZA. It’s connected to a Marantz NR1403 receiver, which pushes sound through two Polk Monitor 65T floor speakers as well as a Polk cent… --- ## [How did my cell phone know this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-cell-phone-know-this/846886)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2020, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-cell-phone-know-this/846886 "2020-01-26T16:43:14Z")
On my cell phone (Galaxy S7) I enter text in a Google bar on my home screen to find a web page. Places I have searched for previously are in a drop down list. Today I searched for a couple of things on my home computer. … --- ## [How do big and tall people use regular public restrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-big-and-tall-people-use-regular-public-restrooms/846977)
**Author:** [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-big-and-tall-people-use-regular-public-restrooms/846977 "2020-01-26T15:23:37Z")
I’m short, 5’ 4", but kind of wide, okay FAT! :D, and find that sometimes I can barely manage to squeeze into a non-disabled person stall, where the door opens inward (turning sideways, my belly requires the same width … --- ## [What caused world GDP growth rates to skyrocket around the year 1000 AD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-caused-world-gdp-growth-rates-to-skyrocket-around-the-year-1000-ad/846704)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2020, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-caused-world-gdp-growth-rates-to-skyrocket-around-the-year-1000-ad/846704 "2020-01-26T07:13:14Z")
I don’t know if this video is accurate or not, but it implies world growth rates were slow then around 1000 AD they started growing much faster. Rates went from about a billion dollars every few decades to… --- ## [It it possible to own and register a car in a foreign country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-it-possible-to-own-and-register-a-car-in-a-foreign-country/846748)
**Author:** [@ntcrawler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ntcrawler)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-it-possible-to-own-and-register-a-car-in-a-foreign-country/846748 "2020-01-25T20:12:59Z")
Can you own and register a car to drive in a foreign country? --- ## [The suitability of a VTOL fighter as a scrambling interceptor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-suitability-of-a-vtol-fighter-as-a-scrambling-interceptor/839566)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-suitability-of-a-vtol-fighter-as-a-scrambling-interceptor/839566 "2020-01-25T14:35:36Z")
AIUI, the purpose of an interceptor is simple, just scramble and get airborne as quickly as possible. Wonder how well a VTOL jet like the F-35B would do as an interceptor - since it can just rise vertically (if it has a… --- ## [US law/Brit equivalents: what is the difference between theft and larceny+/- "grand")?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-law-brit-equivalents-what-is-the-difference-between-theft-and-larceny-grand/846860)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-law-brit-equivalents-what-is-the-difference-between-theft-and-larceny-grand/846860 "2020-01-25T13:27:32Z")
See query. An oldie no doubt, but I was thinking about a popular computer game, “Grand theft auto,” and realized I had no idea what that means, except for “stealing a car.” I’m coming from being aware of the concept of p… --- ## [Last President to have slaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-president-to-have-slaves/845382)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-president-to-have-slaves/845382 "2020-01-25T10:28:04Z")
Who was the last President to have slaves in the White House? Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk --- ## [California illegal weed shop employees: felony or misdemeanor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-illegal-weed-shop-employees-felony-or-misdemeanor/846884)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-illegal-weed-shop-employees-felony-or-misdemeanor/846884 "2020-01-25T05:50:46Z")
Is working in such an illegal shop a felony or misdemeanor in California? What are the possible penalties? I’m asking for a friend whose daughter just got arrested for working in an illegal shop. (Thank God my kids are … --- ## [British Dopers: My daughter wants to go to Oxford/Cambridge Law school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-my-daughter-wants-to-go-to-oxford-cambridge-law-school/846863)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-my-daughter-wants-to-go-to-oxford-cambridge-law-school/846863 "2020-01-25T02:44:49Z")
I’m Canadian so I’m a little confused. No, not BECAUSE I’m Canadian, well maybe a little but because the education system is so different. Ok let me start over. My daughter wants to go Oxford or Cambridge law school (y… --- ## [Can I override MS Word auto-correct for "Hawai'i"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-override-ms-word-auto-correct-for-hawaii/846636)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-override-ms-word-auto-correct-for-hawaii/846636 "2020-01-25T02:20:11Z")
Here in Hawai’i there is a strong push to celebrate and preserve Hawaiian language. Part of that means being respectful of the way that Hawaiian words are written. The state “Hawaii” is actually supposed to be written “H… --- ## [Does the SC declining to take a case lend additional force to the legal principle being challenged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-sc-declining-to-take-a-case-lend-additional-force-to-the-legal-principle-being-challenged/846906)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2020, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-sc-declining-to-take-a-case-lend-additional-force-to-the-legal-principle-being-challenged/846906 "2020-01-25T01:15:23Z")
Suppose someone is challenging a given law or court ruling on such-and-such basis. It gets up to the SC, which does not accept the case. The SC could refuse a case for various reasons, but one big one is that they think … --- ## [Possibly apocryphal worst estimate of probability?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possibly-apocryphal-worst-estimate-of-probability/846833)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possibly-apocryphal-worst-estimate-of-probability/846833 "2020-01-24T21:43:05Z")
My brain is telling me that three or four years ago there was a state legislator somewhere who, in the process of advocating for some position (probably abortion-related, but maybe not), brought up the possibility of men… --- ## [How do I prepare an image file with a transparent background?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-prepare-an-image-file-with-a-transparent-background/846788)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-prepare-an-image-file-with-a-transparent-background/846788 "2020-01-24T21:14:50Z")
I’m trying to prepare an image to be printed on a sweatshirt. The sweatshirt-printing-guy says to just send him the image file. The image is a couple of bars of music in black and white. I’m thinking I don’t want the wh… --- ## [Can somebody explain these space travel physics to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-these-space-travel-physics-to-me/843047)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-these-space-travel-physics-to-me/843047 "2020-01-24T21:07:53Z")
I was reading Randall Munroe’s new book How To and he talked about launching something from the Earth into the sun. And he said that the best way (assuming you’re not in a hurry) would be to launch it away from the sun. … --- ## [What happens when a bus passenger goes missing.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-bus-passenger-goes-missing/845512)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-bus-passenger-goes-missing/845512 "2020-01-24T20:46:55Z")
That’s the sum of it. I’m talking about a long trip cross country when there’s a lengthy rest stop. Does the bus driver keep a count? Does the bus start up and leave without someone? What if someone who, say, got lost … --- ## [WW2: What did the Axis Powers call the Allies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-did-the-axis-powers-call-the-allies/846855)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-did-the-axis-powers-call-the-allies/846855 "2020-01-24T12:48:21Z")
I’ve seen online that Mussolini made a speech in which he called the German/Italian alliance “the axis upon which the world will turn,” and the name stuck. But what did the Axis Powers call the Allies? --- ## [How does "private property" of the royals work in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-private-property-of-the-royals-work-in-the-uk/846659)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2020, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-private-property-of-the-royals-work-in-the-uk/846659 "2020-01-24T00:31:44Z")
I’ve participated in several “Megxit” threads and the information provided in them is very informative and interesting. But, as is usual, I have questions. It has been said that some of the Queen’s wealth comes from “C… --- ## [Holding device for Kindle when rowing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holding-device-for-kindle-when-rowing/846694)
**Author:** [@Grim\_Render](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Render)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/holding-device-for-kindle-when-rowing/846694 "2020-01-23T23:55:49Z")
I’ve found my cardio exercise is much, much easier when I can read while I do it. The Kindle has been a blessing to my fitness regime. Unfortunately, the number of machines I can use while reading is limited. The eliptic… --- ## [Running power to detached garage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-power-to-detached-garage/846684)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/running-power-to-detached-garage/846684 "2020-01-23T19:59:41Z")
So I have a detached garage on its own 100 amp service. The problem is that I use very little power in the garage, but still need to pay the $30 minimum monthly payment ($360 a year). My house is on a 100 amp service. … --- ## [Heating My Garage, Electric Forced Air Heater Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heating-my-garage-electric-forced-air-heater-question/846043)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heating-my-garage-electric-forced-air-heater-question/846043 "2020-01-23T19:30:29Z")
So I have a two car cinder block garage that measures 31’x25’ (775 square feet). Inside of that, I have one of the car slots turned into a home gym, a room that’s 11.5 x 14.5 (167 square feet), with uninsulated plywood … --- ## [When did the "rule of 80" become common in union retirement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-rule-of-80-become-common-in-union-retirement/846803)
**Author:** [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-rule-of-80-become-common-in-union-retirement/846803 "2020-01-23T19:00:56Z")
Where if age + years in service \>= 80, one could retire with a full pension. So, start working at 20, work for 30 years, retire at 50. Because 50 (age) plus 30 (years of service) = 80. I know some teachers unions use … --- ## [What has happened with movie tickets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-with-movie-tickets/846653)
**Author:** [@TomValois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TomValois)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-with-movie-tickets/846653 "2020-01-23T14:47:31Z")
In early November 2018, I bought tickets for our whole extended family to go see Bohemian Rhapsody, because my mom was turning 70 and that is what she wanted for her birthday. The show I bought tickets for was for Decemb… --- ## [AWD versus 4-Wheel Drive High](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awd-versus-4-wheel-drive-high/846320)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2020, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/awd-versus-4-wheel-drive-high/846320 "2020-01-23T00:35:15Z")
My wife has a 2017 Toyota Highlander with All Wheel Drive (AWD) while I have a 2019 Toyota Tacoma with 4-Wheel Drive (4WD). The Tacoma has both a 4WD high and low setting. Is my wife’s AWD equivalent to my truck’s 4WD h… --- ## [British Education: Being Expelled From (Or Dropping Out Of) Sixth Form](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-education-being-expelled-from-or-dropping-out-of-sixth-form/846747)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-education-being-expelled-from-or-dropping-out-of-sixth-form/846747 "2020-01-22T21:49:10Z")
Watching a show on Netflix that takes place in England. A teenager is expelled from her sixth-form school, and then goes to great lengths to scheme and sweet-talk her way back in. Putting aside plot convenience, in real… --- ## [How did my phone number get associated with this address?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-phone-number-get-associated-with-this-address/846805)
**Author:** [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-phone-number-get-associated-with-this-address/846805 "2020-01-22T21:02:39Z")
One of my grandmothers died a few months ago, and her house passed on jointly to my father, uncle, and cousin. I’ve started getting spam texts referencing the property address, some of them offering real estate and some … --- ## [Math on projecting lat/long to a small map](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-on-projecting-lat-long-to-a-small-map/846609)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2020, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-on-projecting-lat-long-to-a-small-map/846609 "2020-01-22T15:43:29Z")
I have: a specific map image covering the US, with an arbitrary size, and many latitude, longitude pairs I want to plot on that map. I want to convert them to x, y pixel pairs and plot. But the coordinates or pixels on t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=394) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=396)