# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=454 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 455 --- ## [Citizenship (elementary school)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizenship-elementary-school/835702)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizenship-elementary-school/835702 "2019-06-18T23:56:17Z")
A coworker from the East had never heard about Citizenship grades in elementary schools. (I guess the line ‘You’re a very bad citizen!’ on Star Trek, ‘Miri’, S1E8 would have gone over his head.) I thought I’d look up s… --- ## [Alcohol and dehydration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835639)
**Author:** [@Vic\_Parrish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vic_Parrish)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-and-dehydration/835639 "2019-06-18T21:30:18Z")
I’ve heard all my life that alcohol causes dehydration. I have also heard that people in the Middle Ages often drank beer or cider because it was less likely to carry bacteria than the local water supply. I have also not… --- ## [de Gaulle and Nazi pardons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-gaulle-and-nazi-pardons/835576)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/de-gaulle-and-nazi-pardons/835576 "2019-06-18T17:23:05Z")
In reading about Paris in the Second World War, I discovered that Nazis Carl Oberg and Helmut Knochen, having been sentenced to death and later life, were pardoned by Charles de Gaulle. Theses were some really bad guys, … --- ## [In Greek myth, are the men sown from dragon's teeth blond and blue-eyed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-greek-myth-are-the-men-sown-from-dragons-teeth-blond-and-blue-eyed/835160)
**Author:** [@Steken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steken)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-greek-myth-are-the-men-sown-from-dragons-teeth-blond-and-blue-eyed/835160 "2019-06-18T16:53:21Z")
As a child growing up in Sweden, I seem to recall reading a version of either the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece, or - less likely - the story of Cadmus, where the spartoi - those sown from dragon’s teeth - are des… --- ## [When did infinity pools become a 'thing'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-infinity-pools-become-a-thing/835163)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-infinity-pools-become-a-thing/835163 "2019-06-18T13:52:57Z")
Yes, I know that infinity pools were probably invented by Ogg the Builder Cave Man a quarter of a million years ago; but they didn’t seem to be a ‘thing’ until this century. I don’t know when I noticed them being discus… --- ## [U.S. immigration in Ireland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-immigration-in-ireland/835586)
**Author:** [@Emiliana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emiliana)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2019, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-immigration-in-ireland/835586 "2019-06-18T07:15:41Z")
We just came back from Scotland via Shannon airport in Ireland. Bags were checked through to our final destination in the U.S. In order to get to our connecting flight in Ireland, we had to enter the general arrivals a… --- ## [What is causing me to nearly burn my house down every time i heat Almond Oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-causing-me-to-nearly-burn-my-house-down-every-time-i-heat-almond-oil/835503)
**Author:** [@andrea\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrea_green)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-causing-me-to-nearly-burn-my-house-down-every-time-i-heat-almond-oil/835503 "2019-06-17T23:53:04Z")
So I’ve had a couple scary giant flames recently shooting out of my cast-iron pan when I am attempting to sear my food (I think this is still a science question not a cooking question) on my gas stove. My typical proced… --- ## [What kind of motorcycle is this? (Jeff Goldblum in Nashville)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-motorcycle-is-this-jeff-goldblum-in-nashville/835607)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-motorcycle-is-this-jeff-goldblum-in-nashville/835607 "2019-06-17T19:46:31Z")
Jeff Goldblum spends most of his screen time in Nashville dressed in silly clothes and riding around on an unusual three-wheeled motorcycle. What’s the general name for this type of motorcycle, and what’s the specific m… --- ## [Dr retires; recommends Dr so-and-so](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-retires-recommends-dr-so-and-so/835478)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-retires-recommends-dr-so-and-so/835478 "2019-06-17T16:47:54Z")
I’m wondering what’s the typical implication in this common situation. Suppose a long term doctor sends letters to all his patients, announcing his imminent retirement and recommending that everyone transfer to his estee… --- ## [What kind of bird eggs are these? Pics inside.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-bird-eggs-are-these-pics-inside/835628)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-bird-eggs-are-these-pics-inside/835628 "2019-06-17T15:01:27Z")
Southeast Michigan, USA. Picture taken on June 15, 2019. Next is in a pretty small bird house we made and the nest is tight twigs and has some feathers jammed in it as well. What kind of bird lays this kind of egg? 6-7… --- ## [How do I figure out what this diopter is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-figure-out-what-this-diopter-is/835068)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-figure-out-what-this-diopter-is/835068 "2019-06-17T12:46:03Z")
I’ve got a glass diopter. It goes into an optical relay and magnifies the image. Had it for decades, know it does the job. The person who added it to the kit is long dead. Who do I approach who can measure this thing an… --- ## [Is my solution to this puzzle reasonable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-solution-to-this-puzzle-reasonable/835289)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-solution-to-this-puzzle-reasonable/835289 "2019-06-17T08:00:00Z")
Note the deadline has passed so I’m not asking you to do my homework – though I am asking you to check it. First I assume the sat phone doesn’t have GPS nor is it a LEO system because that is too easy (since location c… --- ## [Leaking refrigerant; avoid cooking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaking-refrigerant-avoid-cooking/835548)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaking-refrigerant-avoid-cooking/835548 "2019-06-17T05:30:45Z")
So I have a dehumidifier that may be leaking refrigerant (either Freon or r410a.) Apparently that stuff turns into phosgene or hydrofluoric acid, respectively, if heated by an open flame - should I avoid cooking or bakin… --- ## [What is the current status of Guam's brown tree snake problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-status-of-guams-brown-tree-snake-problem/835450)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2019, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-status-of-guams-brown-tree-snake-problem/835450 "2019-06-17T02:33:28Z")
Several years back, reports from Guam made it sound as though the place was being completely overrun by the brown tree snake and was close to human uninhabitibility. Wikipedia says the snake population has declined some… --- ## [ID this motorcycle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-motorcycle/835605)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-motorcycle/835605 "2019-06-16T18:05:50Z")
This is a clip from a photo that is not sharp but it’s distinctive and someone familiar with this bike will be able to recognize it. It is in a display case on the upper deck of a yacht moored in Nice. I did not take th… --- ## [Are the pump batteries replaceable on 1gal Roundup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-pump-batteries-replaceable-on-1gal-roundup/835581)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-pump-batteries-replaceable-on-1gal-roundup/835581 "2019-06-16T12:15:31Z")
The switch got left in the on position. Batteries dead. I can’t tell if the pump is supposed to come apart to replace the batteries? Has anyone tried? I still have a old fashioned pump spray can. It’s a lot more hassl… --- ## [What's with this wierd number I got a call from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-this-wierd-number-i-got-a-call-from/835451)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2019, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-this-wierd-number-i-got-a-call-from/835451 "2019-06-16T12:13:34Z")
Today I got a call on my cell phone from a very strange number: +1 33825933151. Yes, that’s one too many digits to be a standard US phone number. The caller ID just listed the caller as “United States”. It rang twice… --- ## [Horns for the Grill of my Car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horns-for-the-grill-of-my-car/398857)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horns-for-the-grill-of-my-car/398857 "2019-06-15T21:16:10Z")
I see lawmen in Texas seem to have them. Are such things legal in the US? More critically, who the heck sells them? I have Googled for half an hour and found no leads. --- ## [why do Japanese chicken eggs have orange yolks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-japanese-chicken-eggs-have-orange-yolks/835484)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-japanese-chicken-eggs-have-orange-yolks/835484 "2019-06-15T20:23:15Z")
During a recent visit to Japan, I noticed that the chicken eggs I was served had very orange yolks compared to what I’m used to here in the US, where they’re somewhat more yellow. What’s the reason for this? Different … --- ## [How many cats of a certain age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-of-a-certain-age/835440)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cats-of-a-certain-age/835440 "2019-06-15T18:59:03Z")
I realize any answers will be speculation and not exact, but this board is good for well-reasoned speculation. My family had a female house cat (Felis catus) who lived to be about four months shy of 22 years old. Not ne… --- ## [How Can You Gain 278 lb. in 6 Weeks?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-gain-278-lb-in-6-weeks/835466)
**Author:** [@Sodalite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sodalite)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-gain-278-lb-in-6-weeks/835466 "2019-06-15T16:56:06Z")
Channel surfing at 1 AM and ran across “My 600-lb. Life” on TLC. The man started at about 900 lbs. He had gastric sleeve surgery a year or so before but gained the weight back. They worked with him again in a rehab facil… --- ## [If I got an ingrown hair after shaving my head - does that mean that the barber was bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-got-an-ingrown-hair-after-shaving-my-head-does-that-mean-that-the-barber-was-bad/835530)
**Author:** [@greenpurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenpurple)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-got-an-ingrown-hair-after-shaving-my-head-does-that-mean-that-the-barber-was-bad/835530 "2019-06-15T12:50:37Z")
… --- ## [Another Excel question: Tools-Options-etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-excel-question-tools-options-etc/835403)
**Author:** [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-excel-question-tools-options-etc/835403 "2019-06-15T12:15:49Z")
I’ve got a little problem with my beloved Excel 2003. I almost always set up the option in the Tools menu to hide all zeros. Keeps a lot of useless hay off of the spread sheet. However, my Excel 2003 insists on defaul… --- ## [US citizens serving in an allied foreign military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-citizens-serving-in-an-allied-foreign-military/835387)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-citizens-serving-in-an-allied-foreign-military/835387 "2019-06-15T06:03:55Z")
Reading a Snopes article about the deaths on D-Day compared to the number of Americans killed this year by firearms, it mentioned that a couple of US citizens died while serving in the Canadian army. I’ve also heard tha… --- ## [Garage Door Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garage-door-help/835531)
**Author:** [@uncle\_squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/uncle_squeegee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garage-door-help/835531 "2019-06-15T03:24:11Z")
I have a single piece garage door with a spring on each side. Currently, when it opens and closes, it rubs against one side of the jamb. I’ve searched for instructions on how to adjust this, but everything (both video an… --- ## [Omnibus criminal-justice questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-criminal-justice-questions/835431)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2019, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-criminal-justice-questions/835431 "2019-06-15T01:47:11Z")
Had a lot of questions about criminal justice, law, etc. and it wouldn’t be good to start a thread for each of them, so clumping them all together in one omnibus list (all pertaining to U.S. law, not foreign): \[ul\] \[li… --- ## [Glacier National Park glaciers growing, or melting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glacier-national-park-glaciers-growing-or-melting/835513)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glacier-national-park-glaciers-growing-or-melting/835513 "2019-06-14T19:35:40Z")
Climate change deniers claim that glaciers in Glacier National Park have grown by 25%. The article says that glaciers grow for nine months, and then melt for three months. Is it saying that the glaciers are 25% larger… --- ## [What is solitary confinement in US prisons like today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-solitary-confinement-in-us-prisons-like-today/835488)
**Author:** [@Chetumal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chetumal)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-solitary-confinement-in-us-prisons-like-today/835488 "2019-06-14T16:53:15Z")
I have been following the horrific murder case of The Watts Family.. For those unfamiliar, Chris Watts brutally murdered his pregnant wife, buried her in a shallow grave, suffocated his two young children and stuffed th… --- ## [How rich is Neil Young?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-rich-is-neil-young/810141)
**Author:** [@SayTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SayTwo)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-rich-is-neil-young/810141 "2019-06-14T16:13:20Z")
Like, rich enough to buy a yacht? To buy a small country? How rich is Crazy Horse? For that matter, who is Crazy Horse? In other words, did Neil Young manage to make commercial success from his very rampant fandom? --- ## [Shoot me with a"Rubber" bullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoot-me-with-a-rubber-bullet/835427)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoot-me-with-a-rubber-bullet/835427 "2019-06-14T14:39:07Z")
…what would it feel like? Might it pierce the skin? … put out an eye? …leave a welt? Are they shot from “normal” guns? …shaped like “normal” bullets? …literally rubber? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=453) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=455)