# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=418 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 419 --- ## [Why did mail-order items back in the day take "4 to 6 weeks" or "6 to 8 weeks" to arrive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mail-order-items-back-in-the-day-take-4-to-6-weeks-or-6-to-8-weeks-to-arrive/841741)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2019, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-mail-order-items-back-in-the-day-take-4-to-6-weeks-or-6-to-8-weeks-to-arrive/841741 "2019-10-18T11:12:15Z")
As someone who bought a lot of mail order stuff in the late 80’s and 90’s, seeing the shipping times for items was always a shock. Four to six weeks seemed to be the norm but some things specified six to eight weeks, usu… --- ## [Why Ms Clinton instead of Mrs Clinton?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ms-clinton-instead-of-mrs-clinton/841683)
**Author:** [@HeweyLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeweyLogan)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2019, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-ms-clinton-instead-of-mrs-clinton/841683 "2019-10-18T07:24:15Z")
Politics aside, why the tendency to write it (and say it, as far as I know) Ms instead of Mrs? I routinely see it used either way. For instance, “Kearson: Why do you think Ms. Clinton is unelectable?” https://boards.st… --- ## [Who comes up with the CIA's special tools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-comes-up-with-the-cias-special-tools/841856)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2019, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-comes-up-with-the-cias-special-tools/841856 "2019-10-18T01:39:42Z")
Occasionally, the CIA and various groups within it, like the Special Operations Group, use equipment that isn’t just off-the-shelf. The biggest, flashiest example is the Fulton surface-to-air recovery system, or that sky… --- ## [Cometh the hour cometh the man.......different meanings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cometh-the-hour-cometh-the-man-different-meanings/841896)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cometh-the-hour-cometh-the-man-different-meanings/841896 "2019-10-17T15:07:26Z")
For decades I have heard this phrase and took the literal meaning. In the time of need (hour) the real man comes to the fore… But I have also heard laughter at the phrase and assumed that the phrase was used to signify … --- ## [Steady pace vs. interval training--which better for cardio health?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steady-pace-vs-interval-training-which-better-for-cardio-health/841843)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steady-pace-vs-interval-training-which-better-for-cardio-health/841843 "2019-10-17T14:53:11Z")
When using a cardio machine like a stationary bike, is it more beneficial to get your heart rate up to a sustainable level, say 75% of your max, and keep it there? Or better to do interval training where your heart rate … --- ## [Etymology of the name Neander](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-the-name-neander/841858)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-the-name-neander/841858 "2019-10-17T11:34:06Z")
According to Wikipedia the name of the man the Neander valley was named after is derived from the German name Neuman(n). This seems a bit too coincidental. Is this true? --- ## [Is there any way to tell if a baby has a dirty nappy other than by sniffing around them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-tell-if-a-baby-has-a-dirty-nappy-other-than-by-sniffing-around-them/841815)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-tell-if-a-baby-has-a-dirty-nappy-other-than-by-sniffing-around-them/841815 "2019-10-17T10:28:58Z")
Well I have to say first and foremost that this is a rather disgusting thread about the subject of dirty nappies. I have very limited knowledge of this area and I suppose it is similar to alot of people who may have seen… --- ## [why is quartz such a big deal on watches and clocks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-quartz-such-a-big-deal-on-watches-and-clocks/841780)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-quartz-such-a-big-deal-on-watches-and-clocks/841780 "2019-10-17T02:46:20Z")
So many analog clocks and watches say “QUARTZ” prominently on the face. Why is that such a big deal? I mean, I guess it explains what kind of oscillator the watch/clock uses, but isn’t it pretty commonplace today? --- ## [Why is whey protein so cheap compared to casein](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-whey-protein-so-cheap-compared-to-casein/841879)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-whey-protein-so-cheap-compared-to-casein/841879 "2019-10-17T00:30:58Z")
Whey protein is usually the cheapest form of protein powder I’ve seen. Cheaper than other milk based proteins, plant based proteins, etc However my understanding is that cows milk produces protein that is 80% casein, 20… --- ## [Trouble with Mac Catalina Upgrade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-with-mac-catalina-upgrade/841748)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-with-mac-catalina-upgrade/841748 "2019-10-17T00:15:58Z")
I have a MacBook Air, just under 2 years old, connected to a Canon MG3090 Pixma printer/scanner. After the Catalina update of a couple days ago, the printer works fine, but it will no longer scan. I tried re-installing … --- ## [How much did the WW2 German military know about the German atomic bomb project?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-the-ww2-german-military-know-about-the-german-atomic-bomb-project/841542)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2019, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-the-ww2-german-military-know-about-the-german-atomic-bomb-project/841542 "2019-10-17T00:00:59Z")
I was watching the 1966 film “Is Paris Burning?” and Hitler is seen assuring a German general that despite the D-Day landings Germany can still win the war, as Germany is developing a “new weapon” which will annihilate w… --- ## [Why would fabric softener sheets be prohibited in a jail/rehab program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-fabric-softener-sheets-be-prohibited-in-a-jail-rehab-program/841726)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-fabric-softener-sheets-be-prohibited-in-a-jail-rehab-program/841726 "2019-10-16T22:59:17Z")
Nephew is in a residential probation program designed to educate and encourage non-violent offenders to become productive members of society. On the list of contraband is “fabric softener in sheet form.” Why? --- ## ["2/3 of the Senate" - votes cast, or merely votes "present?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-3-of-the-senate-votes-cast-or-merely-votes-present/841493)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-3-of-the-senate-votes-cast-or-merely-votes-present/841493 "2019-10-16T21:06:56Z")
(A non-political, technical-only question): As I understand it, Senators can choose to vote “present” on a bill - which is not the same as abstaining from voting, nor is it the same as voting yes or no. So, suppose tha… --- ## [Single-syllable words with the most spellings.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-syllable-words-with-the-most-spellings/841774)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-syllable-words-with-the-most-spellings/841774 "2019-10-16T20:27:39Z")
One I was thinking about today is oar (boat acessory) ore (raw material) or (conjunction) and Orr (surname.) Are there single-syllable sounds with 5 or 6 or more real-world spellings? (Probably better stick to alphabetis… --- ## [Windows 10 desktop - what the hell happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-desktop-what-the-hell-happened/841691)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-desktop-what-the-hell-happened/841691 "2019-10-16T20:03:47Z")
You know how, in Windows 10, if you click on the Start menu it will show a bunch of large, ugly icons such as photos, the weather, a few games, etc.? These icons, for reference, are the ones that occasionally spin random… --- ## [Are domestic animals living longer, nowadays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-domestic-animals-living-longer-nowadays/841842)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-domestic-animals-living-longer-nowadays/841842 "2019-10-16T19:28:57Z")
I was wondering if domestic dogs and cats are enjoying longer lifespans nowadays. It seems that more people are living longer; is the same true for our beloved critters? --- ## [Which side is the term "Indian Giver" perjorative towards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-side-is-the-term-indian-giver-perjorative-towards/841355)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-side-is-the-term-indian-giver-perjorative-towards/841355 "2019-10-16T17:26:20Z")
I don’t know why the term just entered my head, but some years ago I used it for some reason and was told it was insulting to Native Americans. I always thought it was referring to Europeans being the bad guys . As … --- ## [Ventless Gas Heaters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ventless-gas-heaters/841801)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ventless-gas-heaters/841801 "2019-10-16T17:11:28Z")
So, what’s the SD on ventless gas heaters as far as safety goes? We are considering one to heat a ground level area that was formerly for storage a but is now a sleeping/living area for a family member. Most, if not all… --- ## [Has The Popularity Of (Sport) Hunting Remained Consistent Over The Years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-popularity-of-sport-hunting-remained-consistent-over-the-years/841150)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-popularity-of-sport-hunting-remained-consistent-over-the-years/841150 "2019-10-16T17:02:57Z")
Is hunting for wild game, as a sport (not as a means of sustenance), more popular now than it’s ever been? Less popular? Has it been generally the same ever since hunting for sport (rather than out of necessity) became a… --- ## [Are Planck units really the smallest units?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-planck-units-really-the-smallest-units/841807)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-planck-units-really-the-smallest-units/841807 "2019-10-16T15:48:28Z")
I had always heard that Planck units are the smallest meaningful units in our universe but no one ever explained why beside they are very very small. Then I found out that Planck units are simply the units by which the … --- ## [What did the original use of the phrase "seven seconds" refer to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-original-use-of-the-phrase-seven-seconds-refer-to/841684)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-original-use-of-the-phrase-seven-seconds-refer-to/841684 "2019-10-16T15:39:46Z")
I’m sking this here and not in Café Society because I’m not referring to the Netflix series–although the popularity of that show has made it impossible to search the net for any other meaning. I think the first time I h… --- ## [Why are peppers called peppers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-peppers-called-peppers/841825)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-peppers-called-peppers/841825 "2019-10-16T15:25:22Z")
Today’s Straight Dope column on the east and west Indies reminds of something I have wondered about. I hope it has a GQ answer. Many years ago an old professor of mine claimed that the reason capsicum peppers are so ca… --- ## [That Nasty Cat Pee Smell: How Do I Kill It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-nasty-cat-pee-smell-how-do-i-kill-it/76251)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2001, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-nasty-cat-pee-smell-how-do-i-kill-it/76251 "2001-10-01T01:03:33Z")
Mrs. RickJay and I have three cats, and over time, even if you keep the place clean (As we do) the cat urine smell starts to seep around. I HATE that smell. Absolutely hate it. So we recently embarked on a massive apart… --- ## [Nutrition label on pork rinds, protein content](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutrition-label-on-pork-rinds-protein-content/841822)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutrition-label-on-pork-rinds-protein-content/841822 "2019-10-16T14:14:46Z")
I’ve noticed on a few brands of pork rinds and cracklins protein per serving up to 9 grams. But next to that a disclaimer that it’s not a significant source or protein. Don’t see that after the 7g listed for peanut butte… --- ## [Question regarding Paine Field, new regional airport north of Seattle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-paine-field-new-regional-airport-north-of-seattle/830600)
**Author:** [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-paine-field-new-regional-airport-north-of-seattle/830600 "2019-10-16T12:58:37Z")
I see that there’s a nice new regional airport at Everett, Washington. I can catch a nonstop flight from San Jose to Everett if I want, thereby skipping Seatac and all the traffic of Seattle. But try as I might, I can’… --- ## [Tell Me About Police Blotters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-police-blotters/841752)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-police-blotters/841752 "2019-10-16T12:37:39Z")
So in Fort Worth a policeman killed a lady. The Department has not given out the name of the officer. How hard could this be? The desk blotter is a public record. Just grab that and see who was on duty on Monday and who… --- ## [When does hobby become a business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-hobby-become-a-business/748435)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-hobby-become-a-business/748435 "2016-03-09T19:58:42Z")
California. Hypothetical. Denise likes to restore old furniture. She searches craigslist for items being given away, goes to garage sales and estate sales and picks up old stuff on the cheap. She restores or sands and … --- ## [If Pathfinder (or any other dormant probes) started transmitting again, would we know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pathfinder-or-any-other-dormant-probes-started-transmitting-again-would-we-know/841820)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-pathfinder-or-any-other-dormant-probes-started-transmitting-again-would-we-know/841820 "2019-10-16T08:59:48Z")
In The Martian, an astronaut stranded on Mars finds and boots up Pathfinder to contact NASA. Thankfully, they’ve been watching him via satellite and figure out what he’s doing, so they’re ready for the signal. But I’m c… --- ## [Iphone Data Recovery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-data-recovery/841770)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-data-recovery/841770 "2019-10-16T05:04:50Z")
My iphone xswon’t get past the apple logo. Gives me error 2009 and 4013. I have not backed it up in quite awhile and would really like to get my photos out of it. What is the best way to try to this? Lots of software… --- ## [Other than a strict authoritarian government, in what ways is China still communist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-a-strict-authoritarian-government-in-what-ways-is-china-still-communist/841646)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2019, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-a-strict-authoritarian-government-in-what-ways-is-china-still-communist/841646 "2019-10-16T02:23:27Z")
It’s indisputable that the government of China is brutal and authoritarian. And also, arguably, the most effective government in absolute terms of the last 20-30 years. (In absolute terms they have increased their econ… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=417) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=419)