# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=399 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 400 --- ## [Questions about making a ranking from submitted lists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-making-a-ranking-from-submitted-lists/846021)
**Author:** [@Art\_Rock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Art_Rock)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-making-a-ranking-from-submitted-lists/846021 "2020-01-08T18:57:27Z")
For a classical music board I’ve prepared a ranking of composers. In total 57 members sent in their top 30 composers, which I rated (40 points, gradually decreasing to 6 points, initially a bit steeper) and combined to a… --- ## [Is your airport changing its runway numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-airport-changing-its-runway-numbers/845955)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-airport-changing-its-runway-numbers/845955 "2020-01-08T18:04:21Z")
Is your airport changing its runway numbers? Yes - quite possibly it is - costing $$$$ in paint and signage each time it’s done. The reason - as explained in this 2018 article The shifting of the (north) magnetic pole… --- ## [Iconic Moon from what geographical location?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-moon-from-what-geographical-location/846002)
**Author:** [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iconic-moon-from-what-geographical-location/846002 "2020-01-08T15:39:56Z")
I’m curious if, the iconic Moon drawings correspond with an actual latitude and longitude. Assuming the local time is midnight, where might this be? If not Midnight, when would this be accurate for the Northern Hemispher… --- ## [Writing checks in the 21st century](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-checks-in-the-21st-century/846045)
**Author:** [@f.coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/f.coli)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-checks-in-the-21st-century/846045 "2020-01-08T15:32:49Z")
In the 20th century, your bank issued checks drawn on your checking account, which you would write out to pay your bills and send to creditors through the Post Office. I know, they still do that today, but, back then, t… --- ## [Postage stamp conspiracy theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postage-stamp-conspiracy-theory/845007)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2020, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/postage-stamp-conspiracy-theory/845007 "2020-01-08T01:00:17Z")
I think this is the first conspiracy theory I have started. I purchased some stamps from the self service machine which prints the stamps as you order them. They have one of those coded information fields with patterns … --- ## [Non-recursive/iterative self-similar function?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-recursive-iterative-self-similar-function/846022)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-recursive-iterative-self-similar-function/846022 "2020-01-07T23:45:04Z")
Is there any mathematical function in the world with the following properties? It has forms in at least the third and higher dimensions, all of which achieve this full set of properties. It includes a varying sample of… --- ## [Gang of Eight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gang-of-eight/845999)
**Author:** [@tim-n-va](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim-n-va)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gang-of-eight/845999 "2020-01-07T22:35:17Z")
One reason given for the Trump administration to not notify Congress, or even the gang of eight, in advance about recent military attacks is fear of leaks. Has the gang of eight or similar congressional leadership ever … --- ## [Subaru Forrester and ...bits of styrofoam leaking out??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-forrester-and-bits-of-styrofoam-leaking-out/845942)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subaru-forrester-and-bits-of-styrofoam-leaking-out/845942 "2020-01-07T21:30:34Z")
I have a 7-year old Subaru Forrester, low mileage, never any problems. This year I noticed little bits of what looked like rice under the dashboard on the passenger side , on the floor. It was styrofoam bits. I vacuume… --- ## [What is the singular version of À vos marques, prêts, partez!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-singular-version-of-a-vos-marques-prets-partez/846078)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-singular-version-of-a-vos-marques-prets-partez/846078 "2020-01-07T19:19:23Z")
Hi What is the singular version of À vos marques, prêts, partez!? Do the French ever use it in the singular. What would it be if you just said it to one person? "On your mark, get set go!. I haven’t come across it. I l… --- ## [My laser printer is telling me to replace the drum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laser-printer-is-telling-me-to-replace-the-drum/846035)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laser-printer-is-telling-me-to-replace-the-drum/846035 "2020-01-07T16:57:36Z")
I have a Brother MFC-L2700dw laser printer. A couple of weeks ago, it started sending me messages to replace the Drum Unit, but I’ve been ignoring that and have not noticed any bad effects. (I get these messages about on… --- ## [Question on extracting gold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-extracting-gold/845814)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-extracting-gold/845814 "2020-01-07T10:41:08Z")
Suppose I have some scrap gold. I saw a video that basically melted it into shot then socked it in nitric acid (to get rid of all other metals), rinse, aqua regia starting with muriatic acid then adding nitric acid, the… --- ## [Need help with non-linear inequality problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-non-linear-inequality-problem/846039)
**Author:** [@moes\_lotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moes_lotion)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-non-linear-inequality-problem/846039 "2020-01-07T05:55:54Z")
I have a situation involving two independent variables, each of which has constraints, and a measure derived from the ratio of the variables. I am trying to wrap my head around how to derive the solution space for the me… --- ## [Need Bulb Help - GU24s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-bulb-help-gu24s/845906)
**Author:** [@Wallet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallet)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2020, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-bulb-help-gu24s/845906 "2020-01-07T03:28:48Z")
We have a closet fixture that just burned out - I think it was replaced over 7 years ago. Under the globe it has a GU24 socket (sorry if that’s the wrong terminology), it takes a spiral bulb with 2 pins at the bottom. … --- ## [How is Magnesium Sulfate (epsom salts) a homeopathic remedy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-magnesium-sulfate-epsom-salts-a-homeopathic-remedy/845923)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-magnesium-sulfate-epsom-salts-a-homeopathic-remedy/845923 "2020-01-06T21:34:33Z")
Or, really, what is it a (homeopathic) remedy for? I know only 2 things about homeopathic medicine: It’s ineffective, at best, to put it very, very gently\* It’s based on a principle that symptoms can be treated with a… --- ## [How to resolve an email problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-resolve-an-email-problem/846010)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-resolve-an-email-problem/846010 "2020-01-06T18:57:34Z")
I own/use my own domain for email. It’s hosted with a reputable company (WebHostingHub). I have no problem sending messages to anyone with one exception…those who use Roadrunner for their ISP. Their email addresses end w… --- ## [Why would my HD tv suddenly be LD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-my-hd-tv-suddenly-be-ld/846006)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-my-hd-tv-suddenly-be-ld/846006 "2020-01-06T17:24:42Z")
It seems to have lost the High Def function. Picture looks more like old low-definition. Anyone have any ideas why? (I hope it wasn’t Mrs Piper’s Hallmark movie binge!) --- ## [One of our Marines now securing Baghdad embassy: what's he holding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-our-marines-now-securing-baghdad-embassy-whats-he-holding/845918)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-of-our-marines-now-securing-baghdad-embassy-whats-he-holding/845918 "2020-01-06T16:47:25Z")
This photo. With a fully informative caption, for once. The loopy thing. Radio? Scanner? --- ## [Why do small dogs walk so fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-small-dogs-walk-so-fast/845889)
**Author:** [@lingyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lingyi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-small-dogs-walk-so-fast/845889 "2020-01-06T02:53:38Z")
I was watching a guy walk his small dog (not sure what breed) and noticed like almost all small dogs I’ve seen, it was walking fast, but short of running as fast as it could. You rarely see large dogs do this. It’s usual… --- ## [How is data calculated on a smart phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-data-calculated-on-a-smart-phone/846016)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-data-calculated-on-a-smart-phone/846016 "2020-01-06T07:17:22Z")
I have never had a smart phone but there are times when it would be nice to look something up on Google when I am out and about. I don’t use my phone much at all just a few short calls a month. I have a basic Page Plus p… --- ## [Passenger aircraft : cabin air pressure control questions ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-aircraft-cabin-air-pressure-control-questions/845968)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-aircraft-cabin-air-pressure-control-questions/845968 "2020-01-06T02:57:01Z")
Having done a fair bit of air travel over the winter, I have been wondering about the following questions : Is there any regulation as to what the minimum cabin air pressure needs to be during normal operation of pass… --- ## [Can I learn to read hieroglyphics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-learn-to-read-hieroglyphics/845913)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-learn-to-read-hieroglyphics/845913 "2020-01-06T02:10:59Z")
I was listening to a podcast today about the collapse of the Bronze Age. In it they had a reading of a scroll (that was apparently) commissioned by Ramses III describing a battle with the “sea people”. Fascinating stuff.… --- ## [How do farm subsidies work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-farm-subsidies-work/845941)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2020, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-farm-subsidies-work/845941 "2020-01-06T01:09:21Z")
I have become interested in farm subsidies lately. I think there’s a lot to debate about whether they are a good use of tax dollars, whether they are a form of welfare, etc. – but those debates belong in a different for… --- ## [Red and green flash optical illusion in strong sunlight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-and-green-flash-optical-illusion-in-strong-sunlight/845982)
**Author:** [@cecinestpasunelogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cecinestpasunelogin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-and-green-flash-optical-illusion-in-strong-sunlight/845982 "2020-01-05T23:23:22Z")
I am posing this question on behalf of one cleverer than I. He has not yet learned to type, so here his words, as best I could transcribe. We submit to your wisdom hoping you’ll help answer: why, why, why? Dear Ce… --- ## [What is this belt contraption attached to thw rear wheel of a Chevy Volt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-belt-contraption-attached-to-thw-rear-wheel-of-a-chevy-volt/845711)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-belt-contraption-attached-to-thw-rear-wheel-of-a-chevy-volt/845711 "2020-01-05T22:28:00Z")
This is from a Reddit thread. A picture and discussion are at the link below. It was spotted on a highway. It’s a pully attached to the right rear wheel. It’s attached by a chain to something in the bumber. Whether the … --- ## [Sugar impact on body - quantity, or how it's ingested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sugar-impact-on-body-quantity-or-how-its-ingested/845650)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2020, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sugar-impact-on-body-quantity-or-how-its-ingested/845650 "2020-01-01T19:17:10Z")
Generally, which is more vital: Reducing your total intake of sugar, or modifying how it’s ingested? Scenario 1#: Someone eats 80 grams of sugar every day, but it’s always divided into several meals, accompanied by a lo… --- ## [Why do junkyards have core charges for trash parts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-junkyards-have-core-charges-for-trash-parts/845898)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-junkyards-have-core-charges-for-trash-parts/845898 "2020-01-05T20:11:14Z")
When I’ve gotten parts from the junkyard, they often have a core charge associated with them. This is true for many different parts from large to small. I can kind of understand something like a hood having a core cha… --- ## [Who is the fattest person to live to 100+ years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-fattest-person-to-live-to-100-years/841067)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-fattest-person-to-live-to-100-years/841067 "2020-01-05T16:44:28Z")
OK, so how the heck did this question come into my mind? I saw a picture of Henry Kissinger the other day. He’s 96, just four years away from 100. And, honestly, his posture has really declined and he looks quite heavy.… --- ## [Sluggish mouse on Windows PC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sluggish-mouse-on-windows-pc/845782)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sluggish-mouse-on-windows-pc/845782 "2020-01-05T09:56:49Z")
My home PC seems to be having persistent problems with multiple wireless peripherals, even when used one at a time. It’s Windows desktop PC, fairly new (~6 months), fairly high-end custom PC (i9-9900K, Z390, GTX 1080). B… --- ## [2019-2020 flu season: active virus strains and the flu shot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-2020-flu-season-active-virus-strains-and-the-flu-shot/845965)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2019-2020-flu-season-active-virus-strains-and-the-flu-shot/845965 "2020-01-05T07:16:54Z")
Can someone familiar with flu strains and vaccines help with interpreting the CDC and FDA websites? Basically I’m remembering last year when flu shots were supposedly just 30% effective and wondering whether the flu shot… --- ## [Congressional Authorization for an Assassination? How would that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-authorization-for-an-assassination-how-would-that-work/845884)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2020, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-authorization-for-an-assassination-how-would-that-work/845884 "2020-01-05T06:17:07Z")
So the President decides he wants to smite some guy halfway around the world. Since he is a military man, that’s cool. But he is also a political figure. President Ford banned political assassinations. Who is in charge … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=398) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=400)