# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=426 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 427 --- ## [Why are some website broken by their own cookies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-website-broken-by-their-own-cookies/840581)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-website-broken-by-their-own-cookies/840581 "2019-09-20T22:49:18Z")
Certain websites I visit frequently for work almost never work until I delete all of the cookies from my browser. They don’t work without cookies allowed, and yet it appears that their website is broken by their own cook… --- ## [French grammar question : 'couvert de' preceding a plural noun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-couvert-de-preceding-a-plural-noun/840541)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-couvert-de-preceding-a-plural-noun/840541 "2019-09-20T21:06:58Z")
Hi I’m interested in why ‘couvert de’ precedes a plural noun. The answer seems to be ‘haplologie’. . Can anyone verify the grammar rule behind ‘covert de’ and the rule posted below. I look forward to your feedback. ht… --- ## [How secure is Windows Remote Desktop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-windows-remote-desktop/825618)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-windows-remote-desktop/825618 "2019-09-20T20:33:11Z")
For as long as I remember, I have used Windows Remote Desktop over my local LAN to operate my computers. I never connect to any of my computers directly from outside of my LAN. So I have never allowed access to port 338… --- ## [managing two Google accounts on one Android phone: addresses not found by maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-two-google-accounts-on-one-android-phone-addresses-not-found-by-maps/840554)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-two-google-accounts-on-one-android-phone-addresses-not-found-by-maps/840554 "2019-09-20T16:30:31Z")
Mods, if this belongs in some other forum, please move it. This is my best guess. I have two Google accounts that I use on this phone. One is myname@gmail.com and is the account I use for backing up addresses, Google dr… --- ## [Will they ever make a large format digital camera?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-they-ever-make-a-large-format-digital-camera/340000)
**Author:** [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2006, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-they-ever-make-a-large-format-digital-camera/340000 "2006-01-15T15:39:31Z")
Like a 4x6 and larger? --- ## [The mechanism of flatulence? \[Gas going down instead of up\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mechanism-of-flatulence-gas-going-down-instead-of-up/840515)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mechanism-of-flatulence-gas-going-down-instead-of-up/840515 "2019-09-20T14:37:18Z")
Peristalsis, maybe? Anyway, most of us can visualize the transverse colon, the descending colon, and the rest of the GI tract. Gas is expelled downward. But normal physics would seem to want the gas to gather in the t… --- ## [Why did the French implement decimal time during the French Revolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-french-implement-decimal-time-during-the-french-revolution/840390)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-french-implement-decimal-time-during-the-french-revolution/840390 "2019-09-20T13:06:16Z")
Sounds like an odd and impractical decision. Any historians or people otherwise knowledgeable on the subject who can explain that shortlived change? Thank you. --- ## [How much freedom does a DA have NOT to prosecute? (sexually explicit)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freedom-does-a-da-have-not-to-prosecute-sexually-explicit/840433)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freedom-does-a-da-have-not-to-prosecute-sexually-explicit/840433 "2019-09-20T12:40:51Z")
Let’s say a father finds out a creepy 30-something year old raped his daughter. So he finds out where the guy lives and shoots him dead in his own home. (clearly premeditated) The DA then discovers the man in question … --- ## [Should I be doing something to remove wax from my ears to use in-ear headphones successfully?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-doing-something-to-remove-wax-from-my-ears-to-use-in-ear-headphones-successfully/840322)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-doing-something-to-remove-wax-from-my-ears-to-use-in-ear-headphones-successfully/840322 "2019-09-20T12:35:59Z")
Kinda gross, sorry. Are most people able to use in-ear headphones just naturally without them getting clogged with and covered with ear wax? Or do most people regularly clear the wax from the inside of their ears, perh… --- ## [Sign Language and Dreams](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-language-and-dreams/840533)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-language-and-dreams/840533 "2019-09-20T10:16:10Z")
I doubt there is a measured factual answer to this, although if anyone knows of a study by all means tell us. But I’m putting it here because I’d like to hear only from first person experience, and ask folks to refrain … --- ## [Is an insect the smallest species that we can see with the naked eye?....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-insect-the-smallest-species-that-we-can-see-with-the-naked-eye/840495)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2019, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-insect-the-smallest-species-that-we-can-see-with-the-naked-eye/840495 "2019-09-20T03:12:29Z")
Is an insect the smallest species that we can see with the naked eye? Are any insects too small for the naked eye to see. What is the largest species the naked eye can not see. --- ## [What happens if they testify anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-they-testify-anyway/840363)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-they-testify-anyway/840363 "2019-09-19T23:40:59Z")
White House orders 2 former aides to defy House subpoenas What if one or both of them testified anyway? What repercussions would there be for them? --- ## [Did Barack Obama choose to put his middle name on the ballot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-barack-obama-choose-to-put-his-middle-name-on-the-ballot/840258)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-barack-obama-choose-to-put-his-middle-name-on-the-ballot/840258 "2019-09-19T23:34:47Z")
Bill Maher and Michael Moore made a bet about this on HBO on Friday night. I would have predicted that Bill’s contention, that it was not his choice, was correct. A couple outlets are reporting that Maher lost the bet, b… --- ## [Heat Death of the Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heat-death-of-the-universe/840272)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heat-death-of-the-universe/840272 "2019-09-19T20:22:31Z")
One of the more widely accepted conjectures on the ultimate fate of the universe is “heat death.” In short, the heat death of the universe is a consequence of the inevitable increase in entropy of the entire universe wh… --- ## [Better than just moving to "junk" folder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-than-just-moving-to-junk-folder/840372)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-than-just-moving-to-junk-folder/840372 "2019-09-19T19:35:09Z")
Is there a way to send a response back to unwanted email that looks like it is from the server saying the email address doesn’t exist? I keep marking stuff as spam but of course they’ll keep sending it. I would imagine t… --- ## [Does watering the flower part of a plant do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-watering-the-flower-part-of-a-plant-do-anything/840452)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-watering-the-flower-part-of-a-plant-do-anything/840452 "2019-09-19T19:14:53Z")
If I’m watering a plant I usually do a quick “all over” of the plant, flowers, leaves etc, then put a bulk of the water directly in the pot to get the roots. Is the initial step necessary? Does it do anything? --- ## [Masonry Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonry-question/840450)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonry-question/840450 "2019-09-19T17:22:26Z")
I’m purchasing a house that has a 2-foot high cement block retaining wall in the backyard. Here are two pics that show you what it looks like. Pic 1 Pic 2 Upon close inspection I was able to determine that the blocks … --- ## [Anyone else getting "Internal server error" message or something similar when using Google today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-getting-internal-server-error-message-or-something-similar-when-using-google-today/840224)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-getting-internal-server-error-message-or-something-similar-when-using-google-today/840224 "2019-09-19T01:56:21Z")
It happened to me a few times today. But when I click “Search” the second time it usually loads fine. Weird. --- ## [Question about caesium clocks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-caesium-clocks/840447)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2019, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-caesium-clocks/840447 "2019-09-19T00:00:16Z")
If the detector on a caesium clock requires a consistent stream of excited atoms, how is the rate of the stream itself held constant? That is, what regulates the rate of release of atoms from the caesium oven? I’m gues… --- ## [Is there any state gun ban that doesn't have a grandfather clause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-state-gun-ban-that-doesnt-have-a-grandfather-clause/840438)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-state-gun-ban-that-doesnt-have-a-grandfather-clause/840438 "2019-09-18T22:48:44Z")
I realize that, for instance, California’s ban on certain guns exempts guns purchased before the enactment. Is there any state that restricts certain guns that doesn’t grandfather old guns? In other words, you’re caugh… --- ## [Does the inverse square law remain true for large distances?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-inverse-square-law-remain-true-for-large-distances/840445)
**Author:** [@Carlarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carlarm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-inverse-square-law-remain-true-for-large-distances/840445 "2019-09-18T22:01:55Z")
The inverse square law applies because as you recede from a light source the area that must be illuminated increases with the square of the distance. But if you are viewing a star that is a thousand light years away that… --- ## [What drug is this a pipe for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drug-is-this-a-pipe-for/840439)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-drug-is-this-a-pipe-for/840439 "2019-09-18T20:21:09Z")
The glass pipe is about 5" long, with a globe about an inch in diameter. The globe has a carburetor. The only thing I know for sure is that it’s not for weed. --- ## [Does pure ethanol have a taste?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-pure-ethanol-have-a-taste/655004)
**Author:** [@Qwertol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertol)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-pure-ethanol-have-a-taste/655004 "2019-09-18T20:11:47Z")
When you’re drinking vodka or other similar alcohols the taste comes mostly form contamination. But does a pure ethanol (like in laboratory pure - 99% or more) have a taste itself? --- ## [Ho exactly did the magistrate in Paris in 1911 order Picasso to give testimony?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-exactly-did-the-magistrate-in-paris-in-1911-order-picasso-to-give-testimony/840379)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ho-exactly-did-the-magistrate-in-paris-in-1911-order-picasso-to-give-testimony/840379 "2019-09-18T17:22:10Z")
Hi With regard to the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, how exactly did the magistrate in Paris in 1911 order Picasso to give testimony? He wasn’t arrested, (was he arraigned?). How did the process of giving testimony wor… --- ## [Is there a GQ response to the right wing marketing of gold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-gq-response-to-the-right-wing-marketing-of-gold/517433)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-gq-response-to-the-right-wing-marketing-of-gold/517433 "2015-03-29T21:11:59Z")
GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ-GQ I don’t watch/read a lot of it, but I do take in a non-trivial amount of right wing content. Nothing fancy nor shmancy, just Fox, Drudge, AM radio, etc. I also take … --- ## [Car Stereo Wiring to mon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-stereo-wiring-to-mon/840341)
**Author:** [@walkerhollis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/walkerhollis)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-stereo-wiring-to-mon/840341 "2019-09-18T13:45:52Z")
I have a factory created to location to add a speaker in the dash of my vehicle. It is mid-range. Ordinarily, this would be for a more costly separate amp setup. I would like to tap into the front left and right (befo… --- ## [Slow Internet Connection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-internet-connection/840306)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-internet-connection/840306 "2019-09-18T10:23:06Z")
Background: There are five devices with the capability of connecting to the internet in my home: two PCs (one desktop, one laptop), one MacBook Air, and two cell phones (one Android, one iPhone). One computer, the lap… --- ## [Notre Dame lead roof - health effects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notre-dame-lead-roof-health-effects/832595)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notre-dame-lead-roof-health-effects/832595 "2019-09-18T09:47:22Z")
Notre Dame cathedral had a massive lead roof that is now apparently completely destroyed. When such a roof burns, are lead fumes released into the atmosphere? I know that lead fumes are a concern when simply using lead b… --- ## [Is the Martin Kemp /Pascale Cotte debate over Cotte's Mona Lisa findings over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-martin-kemp-pascale-cotte-debate-over-cottes-mona-lisa-findings-over/840408)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-martin-kemp-pascale-cotte-debate-over-cottes-mona-lisa-findings-over/840408 "2019-09-18T08:17:31Z")
Hi Is the Martin Kemp /Pascale Cotte debate over Cotte’s Mona Lisa findings over? The last I heard was that Martin Kemp had held Pascale Cottle’s findings ‘untenable’. Has the issue been resolved? I look forward to yo… --- ## [Anyone else having problems with Reddit today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-problems-with-reddit-today/840328)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2019, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-having-problems-with-reddit-today/840328 "2019-09-18T04:42:49Z")
Whenever I try to post something, it says than an error has occurred. Code 500. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=425) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=427)