# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=448 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 449 --- ## [Fermenting Fruit & Veggies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermenting-fruit-veggies/836843)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermenting-fruit-veggies/836843 "2019-07-10T19:08:31Z")
Where do the bacteria come from? I assume these veg & fruit were likely frozen at Walmart and killed off most what was alive in them? Aren’t all the chains freezing them though? Even if the bacteria are just from the r… --- ## [During the holocausts, weren't the "Jews" being murdered the distant relatives of the Germans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-holocausts-werent-the-jews-being-murdered-the-distant-relatives-of-the-germans/836674)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-holocausts-werent-the-jews-being-murdered-the-distant-relatives-of-the-germans/836674 "2019-07-10T17:50:00Z")
I had a thought the other day. If you’re an oppressed minority, perpetually subject to discrimination, and you look the same as the people oppressing you, there’s an obvious thing to try. Just convert to the dominant c… --- ## [Is the York Avenue stoplight the longest in New York (Manhattan)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-york-avenue-stoplight-the-longest-in-new-york-manhattan/836540)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-york-avenue-stoplight-the-longest-in-new-york-manhattan/836540 "2019-07-10T17:44:00Z")
This may be a question no one can answer. But why not give it a shot. Is the York Avenue stoplight the longest in New York (Manhattan)? --- ## [Does any other public transit system in the USA accept contactless cards for payment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-other-public-transit-system-in-the-usa-accept-contactless-cards-for-payment/836592)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-any-other-public-transit-system-in-the-usa-accept-contactless-cards-for-payment/836592 "2019-07-10T15:48:18Z")
The CTA in Chicago allows you to pay for rides on trains and busses using a contactless card or Apple Pay/Android Pay. This also works in London, UK. In Washington DC, at least as of January, you still needed a SmarTrip… --- ## [Lifespan of solar panels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lifespan-of-solar-panels/836765)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lifespan-of-solar-panels/836765 "2019-07-10T14:24:44Z")
How long does a solar panel last? Someone’s spreading rumors on facebook that they only last for 3 years and then are toxic waste that needs to be disposed of. --- ## [what is the mechanism for getting Alpha-gal allergy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mechanism-for-getting-alpha-gal-allergy/836832)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mechanism-for-getting-alpha-gal-allergy/836832 "2019-07-10T14:14:14Z")
This is an affliction that seems to be transmitted by the lone star tick. I don’t understand how this could cause an allergic response. The person is regularly exposed to the alpha-galactose sugar from eating meat; th… --- ## [You Can Feel An Earthquake On The Ground, Right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-feel-an-earthquake-on-the-ground-right/836666)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-feel-an-earthquake-on-the-ground-right/836666 "2019-07-10T13:41:07Z")
The Dodgers and Padres gamely played on while the stadium shook and fans screamed in horror during a 7.1 quake the other day. I can see how being in a building would somehow amplify (or something) the motion, but surely … --- ## [Plant identification (Fruit-bearing tree)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-identification-fruit-bearing-tree/836630)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-identification-fruit-bearing-tree/836630 "2019-07-10T13:08:03Z")
What kind of tree is this? --- ## [Question about latest generation of Amazon Echo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-latest-generation-of-amazon-echo/836701)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-latest-generation-of-amazon-echo/836701 "2019-07-10T13:01:05Z")
Can the latest generation of the Amazon Echo be programmed to report heuristic information about personal schedules? And just in case I’m not using the word “heuristic” properly, let me clarify. Let’s say that every wee… --- ## [Definition of a "tech company"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-a-tech-company/836808)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-a-tech-company/836808 "2019-07-10T08:51:51Z")
What makes a company a “tech company”? The term seems to be used in misleading and inconsistent ways. For example WeWork is often referred to as a tech company, even though most of their revenue comes from renting real… --- ## [Has a vice-president ever run against a U.S. president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-vice-president-ever-run-against-a-u-s-president/836545)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2019, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-vice-president-ever-run-against-a-u-s-president/836545 "2019-07-10T02:30:46Z")
Has a U.S. vice-president ever run against the U.S. president in a presidential election, when the president is seeking re-election for a further term? If not, is it technically possible for a vice-president to do so? --- ## [Another Social Security / retirement question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-retirement-question/836244)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-retirement-question/836244 "2019-07-09T20:22:20Z")
There is another Social Security thread going on that has got me thinking. I don’t want to hijack so I am taking it here. My main intent is to sort out the advantages and disadvantages of drawing SS early vs. waiting. I… --- ## [Electronics in apartment getting zapped by lightning (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-in-apartment-getting-zapped-by-lightning-need-answer-fast/836737)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronics-in-apartment-getting-zapped-by-lightning-need-answer-fast/836737 "2019-07-09T17:12:42Z")
So we are currently in the middle of a rather ferocious lightning storm here in Austin - strongest one I’ve seen here ever, in fact. Being a layman on all things electrical, I could use help: Power flickered on and o… --- ## [Slicing a tesseract](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slicing-a-tesseract/836715)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slicing-a-tesseract/836715 "2019-07-09T15:17:54Z")
tl;dr What 3D shapes can you get by slicing a hypercube? What 2D shapes? I fell into a deep hole of hypergeometry after talking to some high schoolers about hypercubes (specifically a 4-cube, a tesseract). I wrote my ow… --- ## [Gettysburg Address and chunks of time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gettysburg-address-and-chunks-of-time/835876)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gettysburg-address-and-chunks-of-time/835876 "2019-07-09T15:14:08Z")
When Lincoln gave his famous speech, was “score” a common term or was he just being eloquent and poetic? --- ## [Can you fit a 9'6" surfboard in a Nissan Leaf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fit-a-96-surfboard-in-a-nissan-leaf/820972)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fit-a-96-surfboard-in-a-nissan-leaf/820972 "2019-07-09T10:21:00Z")
Apparently you can fit a 9’6" in a Chevy Bolt. I don’t particularly want a Chevy, and I have to drive a considerable distance to go surf my 9’6". Roof racks apparently murder range in electric vehicles, so if I could cra… --- ## [Rail station codes: when first used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-station-codes-when-first-used/835569)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-station-codes-when-first-used/835569 "2019-07-09T05:40:23Z")
In the early days of railroading they used telegraph for communication between and among stations. Sending info by telegraph is relatively slow process. Transmitting the names of stations was a common occurance, so it’d … --- ## [Why Would You Plow Your Crop Under?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-plow-your-crop-under/836693)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2019, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-you-plow-your-crop-under/836693 "2019-07-09T01:09:44Z")
In the Failing New York Times yesterday was the sad story of a Venezuelan farmer who had to plow his crop of carrots under because of economic disorder in his country. Why bother? There was no way to take the carrots to… --- ## [Probability question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question/836694)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question/836694 "2019-07-08T21:55:59Z")
What is the probability that from a well shuffled, 52 card deck that is dealt to 4 different people (13 cards each), the 5, 4, 3 and 2 of hearts end up in different hands? The 5 will be in one of the hands. Probability… --- ## [Can AI create “funny stuff” ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ai-create-funny-stuff/836669)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ai-create-funny-stuff/836669 "2019-07-08T20:40:23Z")
Inspired by this thread : What makes things funny?https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=878180 From my understanding of AI and machine learning, they are getting smarter day by day. Are there existing A… --- ## [Non-erotic question about a disclaimer before an adult film scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-erotic-question-about-a-disclaimer-before-an-adult-film-scene/836590)
**Author:** [@Helmut\_Doork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helmut_Doork)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-erotic-question-about-a-disclaimer-before-an-adult-film-scene/836590 "2019-07-08T20:28:58Z")
I assume indecent adult film topics are frowned upon here, but I would think this one is allowed- if not, please close and accept my sincere apology- it is not my intent to turn this board into a cesspool of filth. Abou… --- ## [Do Gravitons Even Exist At All?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gravitons-even-exist-at-all/836608)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gravitons-even-exist-at-all/836608 "2019-07-08T20:24:19Z")
Of the Four Forces…Gravity, Electromagnetizm, Weak and Strong Nuclear Forces…only 3 are described by the Standard Model. Gravity alone must have it’s own unique theory. Einstein always believed that what we perceive a… --- ## [Why are there no Russian consumer products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-russian-consumer-products/836323)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-russian-consumer-products/836323 "2019-07-08T17:55:47Z")
I’m talking about any available in the US. I have seen Russian (or Soviet) products for sale in the past, but those were always military surplus, or collectables. I can’t think of a single Russian-made consumer product. … --- ## [Broad Spectrum Vaccine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broad-spectrum-vaccine/836595)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broad-spectrum-vaccine/836595 "2019-07-08T14:36:29Z")
Why don’t they just take a few soil samples (which contain so many different bacteria), kill them (with say radiation) and make a much broader vaccine? I realize virus vaccines may be hard, but what is the issue with ba… --- ## [China, Taiwan, Japan, and Trade Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-taiwan-japan-and-trade-question/836707)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-taiwan-japan-and-trade-question/836707 "2019-07-08T13:41:36Z")
I am not exactly sure if this qualifies as a FACTUAL question or not because I don’t quite understand territorial waters, and treaties, etc. From this Atlantic article (Bolding mine): What? If China took Taiwan, why … --- ## [Wet iPad. Drying options?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-ipad-drying-options/836691)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-ipad-drying-options/836691 "2019-07-08T12:15:32Z")
A friend reports that her iPad got wet when its waterproof case failed. She’s been saving all of her silica gel packets for a while now, and wants to use the desiccants to dry the thing out. It hasn’t failed completely, … --- ## [Question regarding the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and the distortion of Spain's coastline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-1755-lisbon-earthquake-and-the-distortion-of-spains-coastline/836660)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-1755-lisbon-earthquake-and-the-distortion-of-spains-coastline/836660 "2019-07-08T02:50:45Z")
Hi Other than a few general references online, I have been unable to find anything scientific on how the 1755 Lisbon earthquake distorted Spain’s coastline, particularly where the Wharf of the three Caravels is now sit… --- ## [Wi-Fi repeaters on a public network](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wi-fi-repeaters-on-a-public-network/836591)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wi-fi-repeaters-on-a-public-network/836591 "2019-07-08T01:36:44Z")
Wi-fi reception in my new room blows chunks. Is there anything I can do to remedy this? Do repeaters need to be installed by IT if it’s not my network? --- ## [Donkeys immune to botulism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donkeys-immune-to-botulism/836599)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Ecks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ecks)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donkeys-immune-to-botulism/836599 "2019-07-08T01:12:24Z")
I just read a World War II anecdote about botulism toxin being smuggled into China for use on Japanese officers by the resistance. To insure the plan would work, the local resistance tested the poison on donkeys, and ab… --- ## [What Makes Things Funny?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-things-funny/836509)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-things-funny/836509 "2019-07-08T00:26:27Z")
Scientifically speaking, I mean, and specifically psychologically. I know one time a nurse told me, laughter helps distance you from your problems. But I don’t know how much psychological training a registered nurse wou… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=447) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=449)