# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=434 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 435 --- ## [Construction fall picture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-fall-picture/838978)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2019, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/construction-fall-picture/838978 "2019-08-24T01:59:03Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m sure some of you have seen the photo that appears in numerous construction fail lists that shows a two story home and what appears to be a garage door on the second story. The photo in question is t… --- ## [Juicing a watermelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/juicing-a-watermelon/838971)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/juicing-a-watermelon/838971 "2019-08-23T21:21:16Z")
Would it be possible to juice a watermelon without destroying the rind, either by shaking it vigorously or in a centrifuge? Let’s say you could put small holes in the rind to let air in if necessary, but the rind should… --- ## [Did the astronauts have to assemble the Lunar Rovers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-astronauts-have-to-assemble-the-lunar-rovers/839041)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-astronauts-have-to-assemble-the-lunar-rovers/839041 "2019-08-23T20:49:45Z")
Or did they just come down a chute from the LEM, straight from the dealer? (And, did the re-sale value drop as soon as they rode off the lot in them?) Would they still be operational today? --- ## [What did iron age Estonians and Finns knew about ancient Rome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-iron-age-estonians-and-finns-knew-about-ancient-rome/839036)
**Author:** [@dr\_zippermeyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dr_zippermeyer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-iron-age-estonians-and-finns-knew-about-ancient-rome/839036 "2019-08-23T19:19:35Z")
I wonder if contemporary people knew a lot about Roman empire in the farthest corner of Europe? They must have heard of something because of trade and also because people didn’t have much else to do than share stories du… --- ## [The mark of Cain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mark-of-cain/838607)
**Author:** [@Dana\_Scully](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dana_Scully)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mark-of-cain/838607 "2019-08-23T18:08:00Z")
Has anyone ever figured out what this was? I know the LDS church taught for years that being black was the mark of Cain and restricted membership of anyone who could be considered black from any kind of priesthood. In 19… --- ## [Double slit experiment - quantum mechanics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-slit-experiment-quantum-mechanics/836552)
**Author:** [@antechinus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antechinus)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-slit-experiment-quantum-mechanics/836552 "2019-08-23T16:32:17Z")
Am trying to understand a bit about wave-particle duality and I suppose a good place to start is the double slit experiment. An answer to this question will help me. Take the typical set-up of this experiment, with phot… --- ## [F 35 Deployment an Air Quality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-35-deployment-an-air-quality/839097)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-35-deployment-an-air-quality/839097 "2019-08-23T15:09:02Z")
The local Air National Guard (177th Fighter Wing - NJ) currently flies F 16s. Apparently, they are long in the tooth and half of the jets are down for maintenance or repair at any given time. They requested to have the j… --- ## [Another retirement question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-retirement-question/838945)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-retirement-question/838945 "2019-08-23T13:25:44Z")
The scenario: Husband and wife both work full time. Wife’s job does not offer benefits but she is covered under husband’s work benefits. Husband is 2 years older than wife. Husband reaches Medicare age and wants to ret… --- ## [Gmail telling me I have 2 new emails when I have only one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-telling-me-i-have-2-new-emails-when-i-have-only-one/839079)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-telling-me-i-have-2-new-emails-when-i-have-only-one/839079 "2019-08-23T10:52:52Z")
Since yesterday or so, Gmail has had this strange glitch whereby it will tell me that I have 2 new emails when I have only one. This has happened multiple times. Is the system double-counting emails? --- ## [how were slaves "bred"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-slaves-bred/139794)
**Author:** [@Pantone\_Swatchbook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantone_Swatchbook)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2014, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-slaves-bred/139794 "2014-08-13T20:42:41Z")
inspired by the other thread about slaves: As I understand it, American slaves of African origin were bred according to excellent physical characteristics - strength, durability, health - but what practices did slaveown… --- ## [Berries in the Bighorn Mountains (blueberry? edible?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/berries-in-the-bighorn-mountains-blueberry-edible/839072)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2019, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/berries-in-the-bighorn-mountains-blueberry-edible/839072 "2019-08-23T08:02:16Z")
I recently returned from a trip into the bighorn mountains and found several of these low plants with blue berries on them. I don’t know if they are a type of edible “Blueberries”, huckleberries, buffalo berries or what… --- ## [Questions on the education system in England: GCSE, A Levels, Universities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-the-education-system-in-england-gcse-a-levels-universities/838702)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-the-education-system-in-england-gcse-a-levels-universities/838702 "2019-08-22T21:45:43Z")
I’m particularly interested in England, but comments about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are appreciated as well. So, today on Twitter, #alevelresults is trending. From my very basic understanding, a GCSE is sim… --- ## [If I ran like "Baby" from Baby Driver in a public place, would I be arrested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-ran-like-baby-from-baby-driver-in-a-public-place-would-i-be-arrested/838872)
**Author:** [@jhamm007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jhamm007)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-ran-like-baby-from-baby-driver-in-a-public-place-would-i-be-arrested/838872 "2019-08-22T21:17:19Z")
I am referring to this scene in the 2017 film “Baby Driver”: Baby Driver "Running Scene" (1080p) - YouTube (robbery goes awry and Baby runs to avoid law enforcement) Ever since I saw this scene back in 2017, it motivate… --- ## [Did Darwin take the phrase "survival of the fittest"directly from Herbert Spenser?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-darwin-take-the-phrase-survival-of-the-fittest-directly-from-herbert-spenser/839050)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-darwin-take-the-phrase-survival-of-the-fittest-directly-from-herbert-spenser/839050 "2019-08-22T20:30:07Z")
Hi Did Darwin take the phrase "survival of the fittest"directly from Herbert Spenser or by way of Charles Lyell? I’m asking because according to the following (see link below) the author (Frank M. Turner) appear to be… --- ## [Forming/Shaping your skates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-shaping-your-skates/147838)
**Author:** [@d12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d12)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-shaping-your-skates/147838 "2019-08-22T20:06:48Z")
In the trailer outside the local outdoor rink I was listening to some guys telling someone how to form their skates. They said that you put them into boiling water with your feet in for half an hour (ouch). Now I’m a lit… --- ## [What are those ads that slide in from the low right corner of my screen and how do I kill them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-those-ads-that-slide-in-from-the-low-right-corner-of-my-screen-and-how-do-i-kill-them/838994)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-those-ads-that-slide-in-from-the-low-right-corner-of-my-screen-and-how-do-i-kill-them/838994 "2019-08-22T18:42:17Z")
Lately, instead of pop-ups, some websites use square ads that slide in from the low right corner of your screen. Googling “blocking slide-in ads” gives pointers how to stop that. However, I have similar notifications on… --- ## [Looking for a definition of "solvent to"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-of-solvent-to/839039)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-definition-of-solvent-to/839039 "2019-08-22T18:09:38Z")
Hi, I’m looking for a definition of “solvent” in the context of " their ideas…constituted an effective solvent to the values and institution of the old society" I look forward to your feedback. adjective 1. capable … --- ## [Is There Anything To This Vintner's Seemingly-Outlandish Claims About His Winemaking Process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-to-this-vintners-seemingly-outlandish-claims-about-his-winemaking-process/839000)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-to-this-vintners-seemingly-outlandish-claims-about-his-winemaking-process/839000 "2019-08-22T16:54:33Z")
This Croatian vintner ages his wine a few meters under the surface of the ocean. He claims that, among other things, the silence of the bottom of the sea protects the wine from damage from sound (!). It all sounds like … --- ## [What’s the physics behind this lightning strike ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-physics-behind-this-lightning-strike/838973)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-physics-behind-this-lightning-strike/838973 "2019-08-22T15:58:23Z")
There are many videos of this lightning strike on the internet. You can find them here : Romulus McNeill lightning - Google Search It appears that a huge discharge rises from the ground to the man’s umbrella. Am I seein… --- ## [Why can’t I read my Facebook notifications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-read-my-facebook-notifications/838870)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-read-my-facebook-notifications/838870 "2019-08-22T15:17:33Z")
Haven’t been on Facebook in ages, and now I’m forgetting how it all works. I have several notifications waiting, so I click on the little bell, and… nothing. The little wheel is turning, forever. So I click on “See all” … --- ## [First non-hatch car to have interior handle to close trunk.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-non-hatch-car-to-have-interior-handle-to-close-trunk/839014)
**Author:** [@Orwell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orwell)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-non-hatch-car-to-have-interior-handle-to-close-trunk/839014 "2019-08-22T14:26:08Z")
I tried to do a web search for the answer, but came up empty. I drive a 2016 Nissan Maxima, and it has an interior handle that you grab to pull the trunk closed. That way, you don’t get your hand dirty or wet on the ex… --- ## [How many cowboys died in bar room shootings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cowboys-died-in-bar-room-shootings/838761)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2019, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cowboys-died-in-bar-room-shootings/838761 "2019-08-22T02:20:32Z")
The film and print media glorifies a bar room brawl where guns are drawn, over the flimsiest of reasons, a shootout ensues and cowboys are killed. Is there any historically accurate count of how many such cowboy deaths … --- ## [Can your body ever become totally resistant to insulin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-body-ever-become-totally-resistant-to-insulin/839018)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-your-body-ever-become-totally-resistant-to-insulin/839018 "2019-08-21T22:54:57Z")
On the subject of type 2 diabetes my understanding is the process is you develop insulin resistance. At first your pancreas makes more insulin but soon you are so resistant the pancreas can’t keep up and blood sugar rise… --- ## [Why is Tetracycline (antibiotic) so expensive ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-tetracycline-antibiotic-so-expensive/838950)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-tetracycline-antibiotic-so-expensive/838950 "2019-08-21T21:33:44Z")
So I understand the laws of supply and demand but Tetracycline is a very old generic antibiotic, so I was very surprised to see the price of it was 700+ dollars (without insurance) at CVS pharmacy. After insurance it wa… --- ## [How Did Aleister Crowley 'Get Away' With It?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-aleister-crowley-get-away-with-it/838904)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-aleister-crowley-get-away-with-it/838904 "2019-08-21T20:31:21Z")
I was interested in studying the occult about 30 years ago. But I didn’t read too much about English occultist Aleister Crowley (1875-1947). From what I understand, he was rumored at least, to be a Satanist. (Maybe that’… --- ## [How advanced and powerful is the Chinese military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-advanced-and-powerful-is-the-chinese-military/659182)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-advanced-and-powerful-is-the-chinese-military/659182 "2019-08-21T20:30:41Z")
The Chinese military spending is about $100 billion a year. How large and advanced is their military? There is some info here obviously But I’m wondering how that translates into how effective they would be at waging… --- ## [My commode allows sewer gasses to come into the house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-commode-allows-sewer-gasses-to-come-into-the-house/839008)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-commode-allows-sewer-gasses-to-come-into-the-house/839008 "2019-08-21T18:00:14Z")
I’m having a bit of a plumbing issue. When I flush the toilet, sewer gasses come into the house. Sometimes, the smell isn’t too bad. Other times, it is overpowering. Does anyone have suggestions on how to remedy this… --- ## [Identify these fruits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-these-fruits/838962)
**Author:** [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-these-fruits/838962 "2019-08-21T17:33:20Z")
I went for a walk in a park recently with my mom and her friend. We walked up a trail to an area in the park with farm animals and plants that are tended to by park employees. We saw a plant with some kind of fruit growi… --- ## [Notches in a (wooden) Ceiling Joist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notches-in-a-wooden-ceiling-joist/838929)
**Author:** [@swaneycpcc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swaneycpcc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notches-in-a-wooden-ceiling-joist/838929 "2019-08-21T15:02:23Z")
I know it’s hard to explain 3D objects in words, so I’m sorry this is so wordy. The previous owner of my house had an outdoor patio cover/roof put in and to do so they cut the rafter tails, which were only about 10 inch… --- ## ['u' with 'oo' sound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-with-oo-sound/838878)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-with-oo-sound/838878 "2019-08-21T14:09:36Z")
I just heard ‘zumba’ mispronounced by my in-car speach-to-text: around here it’s pronounced “zoomba” Which got me wondering: What English words do you know that use u for oo sound? Is it more common in Brazil/Port… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=433) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=435)