# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=449 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 450 --- ## [How come a political party gets to decide who gets into the VIP section on public land?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-a-political-party-gets-to-decide-who-gets-into-the-vip-section-on-public-land/836544)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2019, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-a-political-party-gets-to-decide-who-gets-into-the-vip-section-on-public-land/836544 "2019-07-08T00:06:57Z")
I’d really appreciate it if this could stay in GQ land. How come the Republican National Committee got to decide who got tickets to the VIP section on the Mall, which I understand to be public land? :confused: how does … --- ## [Has the Same Lottery Number Ever Come Up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-same-lottery-number-ever-come-up/836360)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-same-lottery-number-ever-come-up/836360 "2019-07-07T11:24:12Z")
This would be a good question for you staticians out there. Cause as I understand it, there is just as much chance of the same lottery numbers coming up as there is for any other combination. But has that ever happened?… --- ## [Apple Music and information sharing: a case study?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-music-and-information-sharing-a-case-study/836208)
**Author:** [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-music-and-information-sharing-a-case-study/836208 "2019-07-07T05:05:04Z")
So my wife (a Windows user) went so see a popular movie a couple of days ago. She subsequently searched the internet for schwag relating to the movie and ended up putting a few items related to that movie on her Amazon … --- ## [Traveling on all lines of the Paris Métro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-on-all-lines-of-the-paris-metro/621029)
**Author:** [@RadicalPi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadicalPi)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-on-all-lines-of-the-paris-metro/621029 "2019-07-07T04:12:41Z")
It’s no secret (but I suppose it’s not well known either) that I’ve always loved the Paris Métro. One of the things that I’ve always wanted to do is to ride on every single line. Since I’ve lived in Paris before, I’ve co… --- ## [iPad: VPN? Remote Desktop? Office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-vpn-remote-desktop-office/836603)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-vpn-remote-desktop-office/836603 "2019-07-07T03:28:21Z")
With my aging MacBook in the shop, and currently being on a PowerBook G4 that can’t connect to my email, it might be a good idea to have a backup computer. (I’m thinking of biting the bullet and getting a new MacBook Pr… --- ## [What happens if the Queen survives an heir (UK)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-queen-survives-an-heir-uk/836144)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-queen-survives-an-heir-uk/836144 "2019-07-07T03:15:14Z")
Kinda straightforward… but what happens if Prince Charles suddenly, and unexpectedly passes away (heart attack, double-decker bus attack, abduction by aliens attack, etc…) leaving her on the throne? On her passing, does… --- ## [Formula for calculating air temperature when heated only momentarily by an object?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-for-calculating-air-temperature-when-heated-only-momentarily-by-an-object/836441)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2019, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-for-calculating-air-temperature-when-heated-only-momentarily-by-an-object/836441 "2019-07-07T00:47:22Z")
So I read that despite the temperature inside a clothing dryer ranging from 120-150 F, the temperature of the dryer’s heating mechanism itself only often hits 210 F max. That surprised me, since the air presumably only f… --- ## [Toe bone connected to the foot bone. And the foot bone is connected ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toe-bone-connected-to-the-foot-bone-and-the-foot-bone-is-connected/836610)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2019, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toe-bone-connected-to-the-foot-bone-and-the-foot-bone-is-connected/836610 "2019-07-06T22:29:33Z")
Not bones, nerves. So I had this itch at the very top of my head. I scratched it. It was one of those “large” pieces of dander up there that needed removal. So I did. But as I scratched it loose and away, the roof o… --- ## [Has the US Census ever been carried out late or skipped entirely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-census-ever-been-carried-out-late-or-skipped-entirely/836489)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2019, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-census-ever-been-carried-out-late-or-skipped-entirely/836489 "2019-07-06T18:30:46Z")
I searched quickly on the internet and found this nifty history of US Census Tabulation and Processing, but it focuses on the mechanical aspects of it is all. The Constitution mandates a census every 10 years. The 1880… --- ## [Is there a normal distribution of intelligence among bears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-normal-distribution-of-intelligence-among-bears/824172)
**Author:** [@SayTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SayTwo)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-normal-distribution-of-intelligence-among-bears/824172 "2019-07-06T18:22:04Z")
If so, how is it made manifest? --- ## [Renumbering of houses when one city is annexed by another. How does this work? (Venice & L.A.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renumbering-of-houses-when-one-city-is-annexed-by-another-how-does-this-work-venice-l-a/836471)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2019, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renumbering-of-houses-when-one-city-is-annexed-by-another-how-does-this-work-venice-l-a/836471 "2019-07-06T04:27:24Z")
For many years I’ve wondered how the Venice district of L.A. was able to retain its old house numbering scheme, instead of falling into line like every other town that was annexed by the city. Palms, Hollywood, and many… --- ## [Do lasers always need something in the air to make their beam appear visible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lasers-always-need-something-in-the-air-to-make-their-beam-appear-visible/836490)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2019, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lasers-always-need-something-in-the-air-to-make-their-beam-appear-visible/836490 "2019-07-06T00:11:03Z")
Are there (fairly small, compact) lasers that are powerful enough that they can appear as a straight line in the air without the need for something to fog up the air to make their beam visible, or is that not how it work… --- ## ["Not responsible for debts without written authority" - newspaper notice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-responsible-for-debts-without-written-authority-newspaper-notice/836438)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2019, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-responsible-for-debts-without-written-authority-newspaper-notice/836438 "2019-07-05T22:46:24Z")
I’ve been browsing recently through old digitised newspapers for pieces related to my family history, and came across this little notice, written by my grandfather in the 1940’s “PLEASE Take Notice, that I, \, of \ **Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2019, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-limits-on-microsd-sizes/836314 "2019-07-05T12:52:26Z") I can understand limits thanks to different hardware standards (a phone that uses up to 32 GB SDHC cards not being able to use a 64 GB SDXC card) and different software standards (supporting FAT32 but not exFAT) but my c… --- ## [Lakewood - Catalpa Bomb (PLUS! Link to Cecil's SD-Chi column)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lakewood-catalpa-bomb-plus-link-to-cecils-sd-chi-column/533414)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2019, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lakewood-catalpa-bomb-plus-link-to-cecils-sd-chi-column/533414 "2019-07-05T12:46:09Z")
I grew up in the Lakewood/Balmoral area of Edgewater. Circa 1955-56 a bomb was detonated at the NE corner of Lakewood/Catalpa, sometime after midnight. It (rather instantly) killed the guy who was carrying it. There was … --- ## [Effect of fireworks on wildlife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-fireworks-on-wildlife/836546)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2019, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-fireworks-on-wildlife/836546 "2019-07-05T02:26:39Z")
Are there any studies on how all the noise and debris effect wildlife? --- ## [Spacebar and arrow keys stop working until reboot on laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spacebar-and-arrow-keys-stop-working-until-reboot-on-laptop/836518)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2019, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spacebar-and-arrow-keys-stop-working-until-reboot-on-laptop/836518 "2019-07-05T01:44:02Z")
Before I order and install a replacement keyboard, just wanted opinions. If this was a hardware problem, why would a reboot fix it? So any software issues that could cause this? Dell L502X w/ Windows 10. --- ## [Hard Drive Recovery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-drive-recovery/392492)
**Author:** [@vibrotronica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vibrotronica)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2007, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hard-drive-recovery/392492 "2007-02-16T23:50:11Z")
A friend of mine just posted a call for help on myspace. The hard drive containing his feature film, which he has spent at least a year making, appears to have met an untimely end. Mood: hysterical. Can anyone recommend … --- ## [Who is Jerry Ogdin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-jerry-ogdin/836537)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-jerry-ogdin/836537 "2019-07-04T21:56:24Z")
He is widely quoted as saying, “A debugged program is one for which you have not yet found the conditions that make it fail.” But none of the sources say anything about him, and when I Google him all I find is this quote… --- ## [What was this car I saw? 80s looking, sport hatchback, "S" emblem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-this-car-i-saw-80s-looking-sport-hatchback-s-emblem/836485)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-this-car-i-saw-80s-looking-sport-hatchback-s-emblem/836485 "2019-07-04T19:16:23Z")
I was driving the other day in traffic and saw a car parked in a driveway facing the house. At first glance I thought it looked a little like a DeLorean, although I knew right away that it wasn’t one, but it had a simila… --- ## [Origin of “If you don’t weaken” (Life is Good)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-if-you-don-t-weaken-life-is-good/836410)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-if-you-don-t-weaken-life-is-good/836410 "2019-07-04T17:56:25Z")
One of my catchphrases is “Life is good.” When I used it around my wife’s parents and their friends (now dead) I would often get the reply, “If you don’t weaken.” They were born in the mid-1930s, and several were Korean… --- ## [Post-Surgery Leg Massage Device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-surgery-leg-massage-device/502429)
**Author:** [@tumbleddown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tumbleddown)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-surgery-leg-massage-device/502429 "2019-07-04T17:30:51Z")
A few years back I had surgery, and when I was back in my room afterward and finally woke up from the sedation, I recall that my lower legs were in this boot-type device that was massaging and kneading my legs, ostensibl… --- ## [Life of a US Passport Card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-of-a-us-passport-card/836482)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-of-a-us-passport-card/836482 "2019-07-04T16:48:55Z")
We are planning to drive to Canada in August for a week and then return. Our son (under age 16) was issued a US Passport card in Dec 2015. By August 2019, his US Passport card will have 4 months life left. I understand a… --- ## [Effect of high humidity on electrical wiring in floor lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humidity-on-electrical-wiring-in-floor-lamp/836332)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humidity-on-electrical-wiring-in-floor-lamp/836332 "2019-07-04T01:23:46Z")
I have a tall floor lamp that needs to be left in storage (temperature and climate not controlled) that would probably average 60-85% humidity for the upcoming week. Would that damage the electrical wiring inside the lam… --- ## [Arkansas mystery cones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-mystery-cones/836425)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arkansas-mystery-cones/836425 "2019-07-04T00:09:25Z")
What are these things? I have come across photos of a few only in central Arkansas. None of them seem to still be there. Dennis --- ## [Warming effect of different substances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warming-effect-of-different-substances/836435)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2019, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warming-effect-of-different-substances/836435 "2019-07-04T00:06:04Z")
Over the weekend I undertook an experiment on myself. Its not up there with the guys who won a Nobel prize for ingesting gut bacteria, but I will accept a cheque if there is spare Nobel money going around. First, I ate… --- ## [What is this huge "Audrey II” plant. And should I nuke it from orbit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-huge-audrey-ii-plant-and-should-i-nuke-it-from-orbit/836480 "2019-07-03T23:27:35Z")
We just arrived at our place in Williams, AZ, and found an astonishing variety of weeds growing. There must be 25-50 different varieties, including this monster. What the hell is it, and should I be very afraid? (I hav… --- ## [Facebook not loading pics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-not-loading-pics/836458)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-not-loading-pics/836458 "2019-07-03T23:26:02Z")
Many images are not being displayed on Facebook. I tried clearing cache and logging in again, but I’m still getting ‘broken images’. There are notices like ‘Image may contain: One or more people, people sitting, and te… --- ## [Did I unwittingly help someone launder money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-unwittingly-help-someone-launder-money/836299)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-unwittingly-help-someone-launder-money/836299 "2019-07-03T18:17:23Z")
Several months ago, I purchased some furniture from a furniture store for my parents. It was a very stressful time for all of us as we were in the process of moving them into an assisted living facility. I wasn’t payin… --- ## [Let's talk about chiropractors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chiropractors/299783)
**Author:** [@chefIL11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefIL11)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-chiropractors/299783 "2019-07-03T13:28:21Z")
So, I have enormous knots in my back and I can barely relax… almost painful. I was given the advice to see a chiropractor. Okay, I’m willing to try almost anything. Well some questions arise… I have often heard chirop… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=448) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=450)