# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=429 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 430 --- ## [Was it 60 or 70 senators who were accused of conspiring against Julis Caesar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-60-or-70-senators-who-were-accused-of-conspiring-against-julis-caesar/839825)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-60-or-70-senators-who-were-accused-of-conspiring-against-julis-caesar/839825 "2019-09-10T20:42:29Z")
Hi, Is there any consensus as to how many senators conspired against Julius Caesar? How many were put to death following his assassination? I’ve read varying accounts that cite the number as being 60 or even 70 senators… --- ## [Did the United States Army stop training tank crews after Normandy in WW2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-united-states-army-stop-training-tank-crews-after-normandy-in-ww2/839963)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-united-states-army-stop-training-tank-crews-after-normandy-in-ww2/839963 "2019-09-10T20:42:24Z")
I recently read the book “Tank Men” by Robert Kershaw and he makes a claim I haven’t heard anywhere else. Basically the United States Army started winding down their tank program in mid-1944 as they were expecting the W… --- ## [Why are rhinos and tigers being hunted for "traditional medicines"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-rhinos-and-tigers-being-hunted-for-traditional-medicines/839969)
**Author:** [@GreenHell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenHell)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-rhinos-and-tigers-being-hunted-for-traditional-medicines/839969 "2019-09-10T18:03:54Z")
Rhino horn, tiger penis, etc. etc. . . . we’ve all heard about how virility can allegedly be restored via various body parts of these endangered species. But, why do people hunt them for this? If you are already willing … --- ## [AllPoetry.com down for anyone else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allpoetry-com-down-for-anyone-else/839993)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allpoetry-com-down-for-anyone-else/839993 "2019-09-10T17:36:06Z")
I keep getting the “Error 500” message. Nothing loads. And their Twitter profile is completely useless. So frustrating. https://allpoetry.com/ --- ## [OK, Hurricane Dorian Was Or Was Not Projected To Hit Alabama At Some Point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-hurricane-dorian-was-or-was-not-projected-to-hit-alabama-at-some-point/839939)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-hurricane-dorian-was-or-was-not-projected-to-hit-alabama-at-some-point/839939 "2019-09-10T17:23:40Z")
First the National Weather Service said it was never projected to hit Alabama. Now new maps are showing up on Twitter that supposedly show that some models did have it hitting Alabama. Also showing up are rumors that the… --- ## [Gravity, its the law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-its-the-law/832554)
**Author:** [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-its-the-law/832554 "2019-09-10T15:35:56Z")
So I was thinking , in relation to the planet does gravity extend in a one dimentional plane at the equator or is that overly simplistic and its several circumferences from pole to pole, but smaller as you visualize the … --- ## [In German, what is the distinction between im/am/beim Morgengrauen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-german-what-is-the-distinction-between-im-am-beim-morgengrauen/839979)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-german-what-is-the-distinction-between-im-am-beim-morgengrauen/839979 "2019-09-10T15:11:44Z")
Hi In German, what is the distinction between im/am/beim Morgengrauen? They all seem to mean ‘at’. Are 'im Morgengrauen" and “am Morgengrauen” at the moment of sun-up? Is “beim Morgengrauen” during dawn/sun-up? I have… --- ## [Yeah, but why ARE nitrogen bubbles smaller?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yeah-but-why-are-nitrogen-bubbles-smaller/605545)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yeah-but-why-are-nitrogen-bubbles-smaller/605545 "2011-12-08T22:50:14Z")
Just re-reading The Master’s tome on Guinness stout and the inclusion of nitrogen bubbles, and wondering just why ARE nitrogen bubbles smaller than CO2 bubbles? I would think, from just hazy familiarity with general gas… --- ## [does altitude have any affect on Seasonal Affective Disorder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-altitude-have-any-affect-on-seasonal-affective-disorder/839905)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-altitude-have-any-affect-on-seasonal-affective-disorder/839905 "2019-09-10T13:38:40Z")
latitude does, obviously, but I know I sunburn more easily at higher altitude. am I also less likely to have SAD at higher altitude? I gave a quick google and didn’t find anything. I’m pretty impatient, though, and nev… --- ## [UK PM Resigning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-resigning/839763)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-resigning/839763 "2019-09-10T06:04:06Z")
So I asked this in a thread in elections, and didn’t get the in-depth answer that I was desiring, so I’ll try here. What happens if the U.K. Prime Minister simply resigns? Specifically, how long does the largest party … --- ## [Gel Tabs Dissolving Themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gel-tabs-dissolving-themselves/839236)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2019, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gel-tabs-dissolving-themselves/839236 "2019-08-26T04:52:28Z")
I assume you all know what gel tabs are (vitamin E would be a common example–but there are many more). My question simply is, why don’t they dissolve themselves? They are liquid inside. They certainly dissolve once they… --- ## [Why don't horses have horns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-horses-have-horns/839006)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-horses-have-horns/839006 "2019-09-10T00:43:18Z")
Every other grazing animal I can think of has antlers or horns. Yet the horse/zebra/donkey family has nothing but the fantasy unicorn. Dennis --- ## [Monarch Butterfly Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monarch-butterfly-question/839361)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2019, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monarch-butterfly-question/839361 "2019-09-10T00:28:27Z")
I live on the west coast of northern Michigan after spending half my life on the Gulf Coast. I have read about Monarch butterfly migration, that they like milkweed plants (which is why I let those thrive along the prope… --- ## [What's the purpose of hose in steam room?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-purpose-of-hose-in-steam-room/839938)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-purpose-of-hose-in-steam-room/839938 "2019-09-09T22:02:11Z")
The gym I go to has a steam room in the locker room. There’s a relatively short (4 or 5 foot) hose attached to a spigot on the wall. What’s its purpose? It can’t be to spray the sensor plate to turn the steam on befor… --- ## [British Slang](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-slang/839927)
**Author:** [@Fleetwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fleetwood)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-slang/839927 "2019-09-09T21:16:29Z")
I recently watched some episodes of the British TV program The Bill from the early nineties. A couple of times they referred to prostitutes as Toms (or Thoms?). What is this word derived from? --- ## [Rodents vs. Instant mashed potato flakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rodents-vs-instant-mashed-potato-flakes/839870)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rodents-vs-instant-mashed-potato-flakes/839870 "2019-09-09T19:42:04Z")
Just ran across some “diy rodent control” involving instant mashed potato flakes. Something about the potato bits expanding in their digestive tract, yadda yadda. Is this true? Do instant mashed potato flakes kill rode… --- ## [Rust on a gas grill-need an opinion by tomorrow a.m.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rust-on-a-gas-grill-need-an-opinion-by-tomorrow-a-m/839853)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rust-on-a-gas-grill-need-an-opinion-by-tomorrow-a-m/839853 "2019-09-09T16:36:14Z")
This does not apply to the heavy steel grill plates we cook on. Those are well cleaned and rust free. The inside of the gas grill was left to sit all summer on the deck, and the inside of the grill, around the burners,… --- ## [Belt sheath upside down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belt-sheath-upside-down/839917)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/belt-sheath-upside-down/839917 "2019-09-09T16:22:30Z")
In this photo of the inimitable Don Knotts portraying Barney Fife, he is wearing something on the left front of his uniform’s belt that looks like a pocket knife sheath, except it appears that the opening is downward, so… --- ## [What's the best measure of inflation to compare the cost of a widget over time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-measure-of-inflation-to-compare-the-cost-of-a-widget-over-time/839892)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-measure-of-inflation-to-compare-the-cost-of-a-widget-over-time/839892 "2019-09-09T07:29:22Z")
I’ve heard that the consumer price index is not the best measure to compare the cost of a widget as purchased by a working or middle class family as the CPI is prone to manipulation by people that have an interest in kee… --- ## [Can you be forced to fully pay-off a dealership car on threat of arrest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-forced-to-fully-pay-off-a-dealership-car-on-threat-of-arrest/839707)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-forced-to-fully-pay-off-a-dealership-car-on-threat-of-arrest/839707 "2019-09-09T04:51:23Z")
The classic Christmas movie “Deck the Halls” features a scene where Matthew Broderick’s character is gifted a car from his rival, a car dealership owner played by Danny Devito. Driving it around for a day Broderick is su… --- ## [What If My PAssword Manager Company Goes Away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-my-password-manager-company-goes-away/839398)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-my-password-manager-company-goes-away/839398 "2019-09-09T04:34:48Z")
So the Failing New York Times is telling me I need to use a password manager. It will be fun they say. As I understand it, this program will enter my passwords for me, it will even create good strong passwords. I suppos… --- ## [Calling all MacGyvers. How do I mark a spot I can’t reach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-macgyvers-how-do-i-mark-a-spot-i-can-t-reach/839811)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-macgyvers-how-do-i-mark-a-spot-i-can-t-reach/839811 "2019-09-08T19:27:56Z")
I have an aerobic septic system that requires me to add bleach to it from time to time. The bleach goes into a 4” diameter ~6 foot long PVC tube that is mostly underground. Unfortunately, about 38” down from the top of t… --- ## [Why can't I get my toilet bowl bolt caps to clip on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-my-toilet-bowl-bolt-caps-to-clip-on/839814)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-get-my-toilet-bowl-bolt-caps-to-clip-on/839814 "2019-09-08T18:21:22Z")
I have fitted about a half dozen toilets in my day. Everything goes well until I get to those stupid white caps that cover the bolts. I have the toilet secure and leak free. Over the toilet there is the clip cap piece… --- ## [Dietary necessity of acidity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dietary-necessity-of-acidity/839800)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dietary-necessity-of-acidity/839800 "2019-09-08T17:16:51Z")
Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat book about the four essential ingredients (aspects? heat isn’t really an ingredient) of tasty food got me wondering. I can see obvious evolutionary adaptations to make us crave salt, fat… --- ## [What happens to all that burned land in the Amazon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-all-that-burned-land-in-the-amazon/839869)
**Author:** [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-all-that-burned-land-in-the-amazon/839869 "2019-09-08T16:29:22Z")
No, not that burned land. The stuff that burned back in 2004 and 2005. Apparently, more land burned back in the mid-2000s than in 2019 (\*). Has that land been in continuous use by cattle ranchers or soybean growers si… --- ## [Is the position of SCOTUS Justice an "Office of Profit or Trust"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-position-of-scotus-justice-an-office-of-profit-or-trust/839817)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-position-of-scotus-justice-an-office-of-profit-or-trust/839817 "2019-09-08T15:31:47Z")
This article on SCOTUS Justice Neil Gorsuch’s new book mentions some of his recent activities during the court’s break: This got me thinking about the plaque he brought home from Italy, and I couldn’t help but wonder i… --- ## [Traveling with an electric wheelchair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-with-an-electric-wheelchair/839865)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-with-an-electric-wheelchair/839865 "2019-09-08T13:19:50Z")
Anybody have experience.with this? Mrs. Nath uses a heavy(~300lb) electric wheel chair to go more than a.few yards. Not a problem anywhere locally as it fits in the minivan. We want to go.cross country though. Carryin… --- ## [What was the military induction process like for US women in the Vietnam era?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-military-induction-process-like-for-us-women-in-the-vietnam-era/839846)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2019, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-military-induction-process-like-for-us-women-in-the-vietnam-era/839846 "2019-09-08T01:00:39Z")
I’m currently reading ‘…and a hard rain fell’ by John Ketwig about his experiences during the Vietnam war. As he described his rather brutal training I realised I’d never really seen this part of the military experience … --- ## [Polishing copper, and the purity of the copper surface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polishing-copper-and-the-purity-of-the-copper-surface/839635)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2019, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polishing-copper-and-the-purity-of-the-copper-surface/839635 "2019-09-07T19:39:56Z")
I’m trying to figure out how to maintain a pure shiny copper surface. I have a big block of copper, several hundred pounds. It’s for laboratory experiments in which its flat top surface, a square somewhat over 1 foot in… --- ## [Where is REST used other than web services?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-rest-used-other-than-web-services/839823)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-rest-used-other-than-web-services/839823 "2019-09-07T18:40:41Z")
My question is about Representational State Transfer (REST). It is widely used in web services. I have learnt that it comes from a PhD thesis from Th. R. Fielding, “Architectural Styles and the Design of Network-based … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=428) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=430)