# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=424 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 425 --- ## [How secure is secure shell (SSH)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-secure-shell-ssh/840836)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-secure-shell-ssh/840836 "2019-09-27T20:59:43Z")
I’ve just been asked to port=forward a SSH endpoint. It’s not something I would do for myself: I always start with a VPN. But there is a kind of expectation that I’ll just do it: it’s done that way before and already. I… --- ## [How many princes are there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-princes-are-there/840745)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-princes-are-there/840745 "2019-09-27T20:10:07Z")
So about ten years ago we did How many princesses are there?. According to the criteria set out by the OP, the best-researched answer indicated that there were at least 64 European princesses (excluding those from depos… --- ## [Building a flexlible radiant heater](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-flexlible-radiant-heater/840827)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-flexlible-radiant-heater/840827 "2019-09-27T19:58:42Z")
One of the guys in our bow building group started using a small radiant heater to heat treat the limbs on his all wood bows. He is getting excellent results without the drawbacks we have using heat guns that will very of… --- ## [Legal: does it \*ever\* hurt to refuse to talk until you have a lawyer present? (US)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-does-it-ever-hurt-to-refuse-to-talk-until-you-have-a-lawyer-present-us/815909)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-does-it-ever-hurt-to-refuse-to-talk-until-you-have-a-lawyer-present-us/815909 "2019-09-27T18:24:50Z")
Generally speaking I understand it’s best to consult with a defense attorney before having a lengthy conversation with a police officer or prosecutor. Kevin Drum asks whether there are exceptions to this rule: \[INDENT\]\[I… --- ## [Name this logical fallacy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-logical-fallacy/840849)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-logical-fallacy/840849 "2019-09-27T17:15:00Z")
This is motivated by an ongoing argument in my neighbourhood about the rights and wrongs of local traffic restrictions. There have been several examples of the same basic form from both sides, but I will paraphrase just … --- ## [What powers are retained by the President during impeachment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-are-retained-by-the-president-during-impeachment/840721)
**Author:** [@UtterlyLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UtterlyLost)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-powers-are-retained-by-the-president-during-impeachment/840721 "2019-09-27T16:16:36Z")
If a sitting president (USA) is actively undergoing impeachment proceedings but has not yet been removed from office does the president retain the full authority of the office during the proceedings? For example, could t… --- ## [Property tax question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-tax-question/840789)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-tax-question/840789 "2019-09-27T15:40:21Z")
I live in Austin, Texas…this past weekend I visited in-laws in Alabama, and for the hell of it looked up houses in their area on Zillow - I noticed their property taxes and valuations seemed very low compared to where I … --- ## [How far away could a man-made receiver detect a signal sent from Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-away-could-a-man-made-receiver-detect-a-signal-sent-from-earth/840864)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-away-could-a-man-made-receiver-detect-a-signal-sent-from-earth/840864 "2019-09-27T13:00:29Z")
I’m asking this question in order to get a grasp for the (in)probability that an extraterrestrial society could pick up useful signals from the usual noise mankind produces all the time. I guess for a quick calculation, … --- ## [Define "Naronic"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-naronic/840893)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-naronic/840893 "2019-09-27T06:26:58Z")
The SS Naronic went missing with all hands in 1893. She was a White Star ship. That line tended to name ships with the adjectival form of words related to obscure and ancient civilizations. (But then again, they also had… --- ## [What happened to Atropine/Scopolamine smoking cessation treatment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-atropine-scopolamine-smoking-cessation-treatment/775576)
**Author:** [@The\_King\_of\_Soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_King_of_Soup)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-atropine-scopolamine-smoking-cessation-treatment/775576 "2019-09-27T04:13:57Z")
The title is the question. It wasn’t pleasant, but it worked. And years later, I can’t find anything about it in print or online to show other wannabe ex-smokers. Did it go away just because it was successful by repurpos… --- ## [USA 2020 Presidential elections. What do the polls say](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-2020-presidential-elections-what-do-the-polls-say/840874)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2019, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-2020-presidential-elections-what-do-the-polls-say/840874 "2019-09-27T00:46:49Z")
Have no polls been conducted about the 2020 elections. What are the current predictions? --- ## [Playground swings with hand pumps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playground-swings-with-hand-pumps/363446)
**Author:** [@Obeseus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obeseus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playground-swings-with-hand-pumps/363446 "2019-09-26T18:23:27Z")
Does anyone remember the swing sets with hand pumps? They were everywhere in the 1960s to mid-1970s then they disappeared. Are they still made? Is there a specific name for them? For those who haven’t seen them, you sit… --- ## [Why would rebooting my iPhone increase my WiFi speed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-rebooting-my-iphone-increase-my-wifi-speed/840477)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-rebooting-my-iphone-increase-my-wifi-speed/840477 "2019-09-26T17:44:48Z")
Consider the following results of an internet speed test taken approximately one minute apart. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190919/ff9d1350d8b27f1bf281ddc21f7c94b3.jpg https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190919/23… --- ## [Bird Decline, Bug Splats and Aerodynamics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-decline-bug-splats-and-aerodynamics/840723)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-decline-bug-splats-and-aerodynamics/840723 "2019-09-26T17:42:49Z")
Just saw a report on the evening news saying that the general bird population has decreased about 25% in the last 30 or 40 years. Then I vividly remembered when I was a kid (50’s & 60’s) driving cross country with my … --- ## [Divorce in the UK - what is the process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/divorce-in-the-uk-what-is-the-process/380655)
**Author:** [@Surok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surok)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/divorce-in-the-uk-what-is-the-process/380655 "2019-09-26T14:45:45Z")
I’ve had trouble pinning down precise information. I am currently not located in the U.K. and would like to get the process rolling when I’m back at the end of December. Background: Surok\_Spouse and I are separated an… --- ## [Understanding ignition coils (lawnmower)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-ignition-coils-lawnmower/840816)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-ignition-coils-lawnmower/840816 "2019-09-26T02:45:54Z")
I’m posting to ask for assistance/knowledge/advice concerning the coil on my lawnmower. In an earlier thread (with more info), I purchased 2, different, new coils for my lawnmower (JohnDeere 130 from the late 1980s). I c… --- ## [circle shaped radar return....an artifact or an actual event?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circle-shaped-radar-return-an-artifact-or-an-actual-event/840814)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circle-shaped-radar-return-an-artifact-or-an-actual-event/840814 "2019-09-26T01:39:59Z")
On a WeatherUnderground map called a Wundermap, around the city of Joliet, Ill., I saw a peculiar radar signal. It was roughly circular in shape with two large gaps, more like inward facing parentheses. It moved around… --- ## [Oldest English Common Law Cases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-english-common-law-cases/259284)
**Author:** [@Kel\_Varnsen\_Latex\_Division](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kel_Varnsen_Latex_Division)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-english-common-law-cases/259284 "2019-09-26T01:23:09Z")
What is the oldest English common law case that is known? What is the oldest case we know the decision of? What is the oldest case that we have the written decision of? What is the oldest case that would be likely/possib… --- ## [Can one buy digital clocks/thermometers that work outdoors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-buy-digital-clocks-thermometers-that-work-outdoors/840435)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-one-buy-digital-clocks-thermometers-that-work-outdoors/840435 "2019-09-26T00:55:22Z")
Please read the OP carefully. I do NOT want an outdoor sensor that sends the temp to an indoor base. Ideally what I want is a digital clock/thermometer combo that can stay in an unheated garage and be readable from any… --- ## [Blood test for inflammation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2019, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blood-test-for-inflammation/840703 "2019-09-26T00:15:39Z")
I know that there are blood test for general inflammation like C-reactive protein but this is not about those tests. I heard about a test that works like this: you eat a different variety of food over two weeks then thi… --- ## [Linus Pauling and His obsession with vitamin C](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linus-pauling-and-his-obsession-with-vitamin-c/840614)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linus-pauling-and-his-obsession-with-vitamin-c/840614 "2019-09-25T17:46:23Z")
From casual reading, it appears that the two times Nobel Laureate was into some sort of Vitamin C woo. Quote from How Linus Pauling duped America into believing vitamin C cures colds - Vox So was Pauling right about V… --- ## [Placebos work even when the patient knows it's a placebo ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/placebos-work-even-when-the-patient-knows-its-a-placebo/840564)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/placebos-work-even-when-the-patient-knows-its-a-placebo/840564 "2019-09-25T05:40:32Z")
Cite for the subject claim : Quote : “…But what if people were told, up-front, that they were getting a placebo and not an active medication? It stands to reason the placebo would have no effect. Right? Wrong.” Quot… --- ## [Barometric pressure effects on humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barometric-pressure-effects-on-humans/840741)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barometric-pressure-effects-on-humans/840741 "2019-09-25T05:39:29Z")
When there’s a change in barometric pressure\*, I’m more likely to get a migraine. Though that’s not the case with all migraine sufferers, I know others who experience the same thing, and I think the correlation is prett… --- ## [Birds don’t pee except hummingbirds ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-don-t-pee-except-hummingbirds/839887)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-don-t-pee-except-hummingbirds/839887 "2019-09-25T05:28:31Z")
The hummingbirds have taken over the backyard to my delight. I saw a hummingbird pee mid-flight and did some google searching and it seems like they need to pee because of their diet while most other birds don’t pee (the… --- ## [Hispanic names ending in -th](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hispanic-names-ending-in-th/840787)
**Author:** [@Kimble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimble)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hispanic-names-ending-in-th/840787 "2019-09-25T02:53:05Z")
Recently, I’ve noticed a few names of women from Hispanic countries of the form Y…th: Yenith, Yulieth, Yenileth, etc. I get that the initial ⟨y⟩ is pronounced similarly to the soft G in English (/dʒ/ or /ʝ/ or maybe /ʝʝ/… --- ## [What's this foreign mini-van?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-foreign-mini-van/840783)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-foreign-mini-van/840783 "2019-09-25T01:57:01Z")
Watching a video on Youtube, I noticed an unfamiliar vehicle during the “B-Roll” during the narration of a story. Tim index 11:47 European People Mover? --- ## [Help with portable fan, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-portable-fan-please/840289)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-portable-fan-please/840289 "2019-09-25T01:35:13Z")
I have an Ozark Trail 41-2243 2-Speed Portable Battery Operated Fan with Fluorescent Light that I am trying to restore to working order. Mainly, it needs new batteries. I know how to open the battery box once the fan … --- ## [Plasma donor question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plasma-donor-question/840449)
**Author:** [@Furmomma10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Furmomma10)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2019, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plasma-donor-question/840449 "2019-09-25T00:55:52Z")
I have been donating plasma regularly for a couple months now and the last two times I’ve had a difficult time with the donation. What I mean is that my veins seemed to have a harder time pushing blood through. And the … --- ## [Can someone explain the huge medicaid-for-all numbers that have been floating around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-huge-medicaid-for-all-numbers-that-have-been-floating-around/840573)
**Author:** [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2019, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-huge-medicaid-for-all-numbers-that-have-been-floating-around/840573 "2019-09-24T16:59:55Z")
We’ve had quite a few MFA threads over the past couple of years, but I couldn’t find a basic answer to this question. Currently we’re seeing something like $30-$50 trillion over what? 10 years? 20 years? Either way the … --- ## [Longest physically realized straight line on Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-physically-realized-straight-line-on-earth/840668)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2019, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-physically-realized-straight-line-on-earth/840668 "2019-09-24T15:46:52Z")
Not a hypothetical like a map line or a “longest possible sea voyage”. Something like a road, railroad track, power lines, data cables, pipeline, logging trail, canal, etc… Straight-by-compass-direction will be included … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=423) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=425)