# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=445 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 446 --- ## [help identifying a plant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-a-plant/837188)
**Author:** [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-a-plant/837188 "2019-07-19T15:53:16Z")
This stuff is growing like crazy on my patio in between the pavers, and the tiny patch of dirt I use as a garden. as near as I can tell it’s common purslane. if so, it’s supposed to be edible so if it’s not going to ki… --- ## [Why are spies (mostly) not given prisoner of war status?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-spies-mostly-not-given-prisoner-of-war-status/837303)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-spies-mostly-not-given-prisoner-of-war-status/837303 "2019-07-19T14:52:50Z")
I think that it’s fairly safe to assume that most, if not all, countries use spies in one capacity or another to get information about foreign governments. And yet, these operatives of the government when captured can b… --- ## [Alternate double slit experiment explanation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-double-slit-experiment-explanation/836938)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-double-slit-experiment-explanation/836938 "2019-07-19T14:16:44Z")
A quite uninformed supposition. But possible? What if the double slit experiment is indicating a sort of step level of interactions of particles and such? For instance. A photon travels through a slit. If it goes very … --- ## [Translate this (eh, Latin???)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-eh-latin/837273)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-eh-latin/837273 "2019-07-19T13:25:42Z")
Here is a Woody Woodpecker cartoon from the 1950 movie “Destination Moon.” The planners are making a sales pitch to the investors, and using Woody to show how space travel might work. Around the projection screen, ther… --- ## [new laptop sitting in hot temperatures - maybe hot sunshine all day - leads to problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-sitting-in-hot-temperatures-maybe-hot-sunshine-all-day-leads-to-problems/837276)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-laptop-sitting-in-hot-temperatures-maybe-hot-sunshine-all-day-leads-to-problems/837276 "2019-07-19T12:05:02Z")
So I got a new laptop in the mail today. Only hitch is that its package apparently has been sitting in hot temperatures for a very long time, maybe even sitting in direct hot Texas sunshine for hours. Despite being tu… --- ## [Officer Ranks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officer-ranks/837179)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officer-ranks/837179 "2019-07-19T03:34:14Z")
A major clearly outranks a lieutenant. So, why then does a “Lieutenant General” have 3 stars and a “Major General” only 2 stars? How is that not backwards? --- ## [How is the estate (inheritance/death) tax constitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-estate-inheritance-death-tax-constitutional/837221)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-estate-inheritance-death-tax-constitutional/837221 "2019-07-19T02:02:14Z")
My understanding is that any tax on property is a direct tax and thus under the Constitution if the Feds implement a property tax must be apportioned to the states based on population. An estate tax is in effect a tax o… --- ## [How can an engine run on both gasoline and diesel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-engine-run-on-both-gasoline-and-diesel/837250)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-engine-run-on-both-gasoline-and-diesel/837250 "2019-07-19T00:53:55Z")
When I was a volunteer fire fighter, we had a few old army trucks that had been converted to tanker trucks. There was a plate on the dash of these trucks that said that they could run on either gasoline or diesel and th… --- ## [An embroidery of a chant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-embroidery-of-a-chant/837249)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-embroidery-of-a-chant/837249 "2019-07-19T00:26:56Z")
The Guardian is currently headlining an article, “Trump rally crowd chants ‘send her back’ after president attacks Ilhan Omar”. Here is an excerpt: I’ve highlighted the phrase “an embroidery of a chant” above as it st… --- ## [Turkish coffee pot size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-coffee-pot-size/837260)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkish-coffee-pot-size/837260 "2019-07-18T19:15:31Z")
I have a little Turkish-style coffee pot (small with a long handle). It is made from 18-8 stainless steel. The handle is stamped “4”. 4 what? Cups? It holds about 9 cl. --- ## [Iran/Persia, Thailand/Siam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-persia-thailand-siam/837121)
**Author:** [@TaoPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaoPilot)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-persia-thailand-siam/837121 "2019-07-18T19:12:21Z")
There are many countries in the world that don’t care what English speakers call them. Germany doesn’t seem to mind that we don’t call them Deutschland, and China doesn’t seem to mind that we don’t call them ZhongGuo. … --- ## [Why are most marine mammals “largish”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-marine-mammals-largish/837157)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-marine-mammals-largish/837157 "2019-07-18T14:43:09Z")
Most marine mammals like Whales, Orcas, seals, dolphins, etc are fairly large animals. Whereas on land mammals come in all sizes like mice to elephants, why are marine mammals mostly large ? --- ## [Is there any kind of "phone number ombudsman" who can free a number in limbo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-kind-of-phone-number-ombudsman-who-can-free-a-number-in-limbo/837243)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Downtown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Downtown)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-kind-of-phone-number-ombudsman-who-can-free-a-number-in-limbo/837243 "2019-07-18T14:33:08Z")
I’d like, if possible, to reclaim a 312 (Chicago) number I lost in limbo when I moved from PagePlus to FreedomPop. The number never made it, so I’ve limped along for a couple of years using my Google Voice number instead… --- ## [Toilet paper from recycled paper -- is it helpful environmentally speaking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toilet-paper-from-recycled-paper-is-it-helpful-environmentally-speaking/837023)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toilet-paper-from-recycled-paper-is-it-helpful-environmentally-speaking/837023 "2019-07-18T13:57:30Z")
For some time (decades, actually) the toilet paper we’ve bought has been from 100% recycled paper, typically at least partially “post-consumer.” It’s not all that easy to find (some stores don’t carry it), it’s nowhere … --- ## [How is the "success" of special ed programs assessed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-success-of-special-ed-programs-assessed/836403)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-success-of-special-ed-programs-assessed/836403 "2019-07-18T08:02:38Z")
Not sure if there is a factual answer to this or if it will drift into IMHO territory. As I understand it, special ed programs are intended to provide an appropriate educational experience for each student and to enable… --- ## [Any single chip DC to AC converters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-single-chip-dc-to-ac-converters/837234)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-single-chip-dc-to-ac-converters/837234 "2019-07-18T04:12:56Z")
Hypothetically what’s the simplest way to run a NE-2 lamp off say a 9 volt battery nowadays? The Radio Shack “Goofy Lights” kit that I had as a kid used a 9 volt battery and an inverter with discrete components including… --- ## [Best Value for Money Antioxidants Product](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-value-for-money-antioxidants-product/837205)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-value-for-money-antioxidants-product/837205 "2019-07-18T04:09:54Z")
I am looking for the best value for money product that would combine as many different ones as possible, and would not overkill on the dosage. Is there a ranking of their efficacy? A liquid of natural origin maybe? --- ## [Box springs question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/box-springs-question/837103)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/box-springs-question/837103 "2019-07-18T02:58:07Z")
I haven’t had a “real” bed for years. Went from a water bed to air bed (both a pain). Picked up a queen mattress and box springs but no bed frame. Was thinking about using six concrete blocks underneath the box springs. … --- ## [How do you find phone numbers anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-find-phone-numbers-anymore/837039)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2019, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-find-phone-numbers-anymore/837039 "2019-07-18T00:07:37Z")
I’ve not gotten a phone book with white pages in it for years. So looking for phone numbers, I have to turn to the internet. But all I find there are pay sites. All I want is a fucking phone number. How the hell can … --- ## [John Paul Stevens - did he have a son?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-paul-stevens-did-he-have-a-son/837215)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-paul-stevens-did-he-have-a-son/837215 "2019-07-17T22:56:01Z")
I went to Kenwood school in Chicago in Hyde Park in the late 40s and early 50s. I sort of remember a guy in my class who told me his grandfather owned the Stevens Hotel. I think. According to recent obits, that boy cou… --- ## [Naval Tactics: Chasing Splashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naval-tactics-chasing-splashes/675719)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naval-tactics-chasing-splashes/675719 "2019-07-17T22:37:25Z")
I’ve read several accounts of ships engaged in surface warfare where the ships would attempt to chase the splashes of the other side’s last salvo. Why is that? It seems like one would want to get as far away from where t… --- ## [Which article of the US Constitution was the Harrison Tax Act of 1914 able to challenge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-article-of-the-us-constitution-was-the-harrison-tax-act-of-1914-able-to-challenge/836973)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-article-of-the-us-constitution-was-the-harrison-tax-act-of-1914-able-to-challenge/836973 "2019-07-17T22:09:36Z")
Hi I had heard that the ingestion of narcotics was a constitutional right until it was successfully challenged by the Harrison Tax Act of 1914. Does the “constitutional right” refer to states’ rights or the 'pursuit of … --- ## [Has A Spacecraft Ever Captured Photos/Video Of Another Spacecraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-spacecraft-ever-captured-photos-video-of-another-spacecraft/837140)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-spacecraft-ever-captured-photos-video-of-another-spacecraft/837140 "2019-07-17T17:28:38Z")
I know that the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has captured images of the Apollo landing sites, including some equipment that was left up there. Is this only example of one spacecraft capturing images of another spac… --- ## [Did Germany ask for their gold back that's stored in the USA? Did the US refuse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-germany-ask-for-their-gold-back-thats-stored-in-the-usa-did-the-us-refuse/836885)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-germany-ask-for-their-gold-back-thats-stored-in-the-usa-did-the-us-refuse/836885 "2019-07-17T15:23:46Z")
What’s the straight dope on this? --- ## [why don't nuts go bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-nuts-go-bad/837178)
**Author:** [@TGWATY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGWATY)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-nuts-go-bad/837178 "2019-07-17T14:50:41Z")
I know. Nuts do go bad. But it takes months, up to a year. Meat goes bad quickly. Both are full of protein and fat. Meat has more water obviously. But what is the biggest significant difference? --- ## [Question about atomic emission spectra.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-atomic-emission-spectra/837181)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-atomic-emission-spectra/837181 "2019-07-17T14:45:54Z")
I’m watching the Great Courses Chemistry course and am confused about a few things about atomic emission spectra and can’t readily find an answer via Google so I’m hoping to get a little help here. Thanks in advance! … --- ## [YouTube's new terms and conditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtubes-new-terms-and-conditions/837069)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtubes-new-terms-and-conditions/837069 "2019-07-17T13:16:43Z")
A while ago, I received a notification about the update of YouTube’s terms and conditions (for European users only). The notification also contained a link to the document/text on YouTube, explaining the changes. But tha… --- ## [Has the survival rate of heart attacks (acute myocardial infarctions) increased significantly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-survival-rate-of-heart-attacks-acute-myocardial-infarctions-increased-significantly/837175)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-survival-rate-of-heart-attacks-acute-myocardial-infarctions-increased-significantly/837175 "2019-07-17T01:23:40Z")
This link indicates an overall 30% mortality rate, with 50% of the deaths occurring before arrival at a hospital. Any info as to how that would have compared to maybe 50 or so years ago? --- ## [Why doesn't iOS passwords save my Google password?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-ios-passwords-save-my-google-password/837165)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2019, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-ios-passwords-save-my-google-password/837165 "2019-07-16T22:07:07Z")
It drives me fricking nuts to have to manually enter (after my cache is cleared) my Gmail address and password for every damn app (I’m talking to you Quora) that uses it because iOS passwords doesn’t seem to save it. I’… --- ## [Why does my car change its "stance" when I load the driveline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-car-change-its-stance-when-i-load-the-driveline/837133)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2019, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-car-change-its-stance-when-i-load-the-driveline/837133 "2019-07-16T20:49:07Z")
I have a 2016 Infiniti Q50. If I step on the brake (so that the wheels cannot turn) and shift from park to drive, the rear of the car squats and/or the front of the car rises, just a smidge. If I keep my foot on the br… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=444) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=446)