# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=475 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 476 --- ## [Weed torches: yes? No?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weed-torches-yes-no/817540)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weed-torches-yes-no/817540 "2019-04-08T23:43:26Z")
La maison Piper has a lot of paving stones around it. That means lots of weeds sprouting up. I’ve heard of weed torches that use a small propane tank to burn the suckers. Anyone have any experience using them? Good? ba… --- ## [Canadian, English, French, American - what's the qoute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-english-french-american-whats-the-qoute/93905)
**Author:** [@whistlepig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whistlepig)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-english-french-american-whats-the-qoute/93905 "2019-04-08T20:21:19Z")
I’m in the Pit and trying to get a rise out of a Canadian (for fun). There’s a quote about Canada that goes better than the following mangled text: “The poor Canadians, they could have had American \_\_\_, French food and… --- ## [What were the purpose of the "discolered" floors in the old WTC buildings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-purpose-of-the-discolered-floors-in-the-old-wtc-buildings/832107)
**Author:** [@Orionizer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orionizer)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-purpose-of-the-discolered-floors-in-the-old-wtc-buildings/832107 "2019-04-08T19:40:29Z")
What were the purpose of the “discolored” floors in the old WTC buildings? The dark areas about 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up them? --- ## [Future for Electrified Airplanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-for-electrified-airplanes/831861)
**Author:** [@mako88sb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mako88sb)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-for-electrified-airplanes/831861 "2019-04-08T17:25:13Z")
Some interesting news from Vancouver’s Harbor Air and their plans to convert all of their seaplanes to 750 HP electric motors and lithium batteries. Pretty limited predicted range of only about 100 miles but they specia… --- ## [How long does it take to fossilize human bone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-fossilize-human-bone/832155)
**Author:** [@tangatawhenua16](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tangatawhenua16)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-it-take-to-fossilize-human-bone/832155 "2019-04-08T12:47:51Z")
Can anyone point to accurate analysis as to the time periods taken to turn a human bone, or any bone, into stone. All links and info would be most welcome. Cheers IJ --- ## [What is going on with Dickies work pants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-with-dickies-work-pants/832136)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-going-on-with-dickies-work-pants/832136 "2019-04-08T04:13:56Z")
I am having one hell of a time trying to buy new Dickies work pants that fit. I’m buying exactly the same pants I’ve been wearing for nearly 13 years. The last time I bought these pants at my current weight (~225 lbs) I… --- ## [Can an individual be forced to release their tax returns in a Deposition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-individual-be-forced-to-release-their-tax-returns-in-a-deposition/832190)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2019, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-individual-be-forced-to-release-their-tax-returns-in-a-deposition/832190 "2019-04-08T01:54:52Z")
Can an individual be forced to release their tax returns in a Deposition? --- ## [Boeing 737 Max 8 Q: Inherently unstable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737-max-8-q-inherently-unstable/832080)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737-max-8-q-inherently-unstable/832080 "2019-04-07T22:51:33Z")
I heard an interview with Ralph Nader and he claimed, or at least seemed to imply, that the Boeing 737 Max 8 is inherently unstable or needs software to keep it from stalling. He said it was due to the larger engines th… --- ## [Economic Impact of Aramco.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-impact-of-aramco/831924)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-impact-of-aramco/831924 "2019-04-07T14:45:53Z")
Aramco is the national oil company in Saudi Arabia. It has largely built this country. It is huge. The other day some accounting firm announced some fairly-firm numbers. The company made about $224B/year in “core earnin… --- ## [A Powerball math question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-powerball-math-question/831650)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-powerball-math-question/831650 "2019-04-07T14:41:09Z")
There’s obviously something wrong with my math, but: There are 40,664,815,074 differing number combinations in Powerball (1/69x1/69x1/60x1/69x1/69x1/26). Let’s say that 400,000,000 tickets are sold, probably an overest… --- ## [Feasibility of giant parachutes to save plummeting commercial airliners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feasibility-of-giant-parachutes-to-save-plummeting-commercial-airliners/832138)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feasibility-of-giant-parachutes-to-save-plummeting-commercial-airliners/832138 "2019-04-07T08:46:41Z")
There are small light aircraft that are fitted with giant parachutes meant to save the aircraft from a would-be crash. From an aerodynamic and engineering standpoint, would it be possible to have big airliners such as t… --- ## [Which payment option is better: pay $100 now for five years, or $25 annually for five years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-payment-option-is-better-pay-100-now-for-five-years-or-25-annually-for-five-years/832024)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-payment-option-is-better-pay-100-now-for-five-years-or-25-annually-for-five-years/832024 "2019-04-07T05:50:26Z")
My driver’s permit is coming due. They last for five years. I’ve got two payment options. I can pay $100 right now, and the permit is good for five years. Or, I can pay $25 each year, for a total of $125 after five y… --- ## [Help with unix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-unix/832139)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2019, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-unix/832139 "2019-04-07T03:07:14Z")
There must be a simple command that asks for a list of all the subdirectories of whatever directory you are in, but I don’t know it or how to find it. I can get a listing of all the files but I cannot tell which of them… --- ## [LLCs and drawing Social Security.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/llcs-and-drawing-social-security/832039)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/llcs-and-drawing-social-security/832039 "2019-04-06T17:13:59Z")
I will tell you up front that I’ve posed these questions to my accountant, but as might be expected, she’s crazy busy this time of year, so I may not hear back as fast as I’d like. I promise I’m not seeking legal advice… --- ## [Law Enforcement Vehicle Chase Quesiton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-enforcement-vehicle-chase-quesiton/831822)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-enforcement-vehicle-chase-quesiton/831822 "2019-04-06T16:33:29Z")
When someone is evading police in a motor vehicle, why don’t the police just shoot the evading vehicle in the radiator? With just about any ICE-powered vehicle, a 0.22 round in the radiator will result in the engine stop… --- ## [How do sports teams effectively ban fans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-sports-teams-effectively-ban-fans/831983)
**Author:** [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-sports-teams-effectively-ban-fans/831983 "2019-04-06T13:58:09Z")
Hi all, new here! Periodically you will here about professional teams permanently banning fans from an arena or stadium due to some inappropriate behavior. My question is how do they effectively enforce that ban? Team… --- ## [How do homeless people file income tax returns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-homeless-people-file-income-tax-returns/832086)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-homeless-people-file-income-tax-returns/832086 "2019-04-06T07:01:53Z")
I’m guessing that truly down-and-out homeless people don’t bother with filing income tax returns, especially if they have no job-related income to report. There are, however, people who have jobs but live out of their c… --- ## [How did Facebook do this (Ad-related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-facebook-do-this-ad-related/832063)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-facebook-do-this-ad-related/832063 "2019-04-06T05:37:49Z")
I am sitting at the kitchen table with my wife. She is on her iPhone - on cellular data, I am on my computer, connected to the home WiFi. I am looking at the website of a 3D printer manufacturer, and she suddenly gets a … --- ## [Why do we see streaks of light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-streaks-of-light/629099)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-see-streaks-of-light/629099 "2019-04-06T05:13:37Z")
Why do we see long streaks of light when driving? Is it because of the windshield? And why do we even see streaks of light when we are not driving? Is it because of our eyelashes? Edit: These streaks extend from light … --- ## [RAM utilities - do they work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ram-utilities-do-they-work/172269)
**Author:** [@hobbes730](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobbes730)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2003, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ram-utilities-do-they-work/172269 "2003-05-01T20:07:53Z")
The sub says it all - I’ve heard all about programs like RAMBooster and FreeRAM, and basically, I just want to know, do they work??? Or more appropriately, do they do anything noticeable? For some reason the idea of el… --- ## [Would liquid water from another planet be drinkable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-liquid-water-from-another-planet-be-drinkable/831900)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2019, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-liquid-water-from-another-planet-be-drinkable/831900 "2019-04-06T00:55:45Z")
Assuming, of course, it’s free of microbes, bacteria, and other assorted microscopic beasties? --- ## [Unusual pricing practice - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-pricing-practice-why/831911)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-pricing-practice-why/831911 "2019-04-05T22:43:11Z")
Most bars that I go to charge you $7.00 for a $7.00 craft beer draft pint and no receipt is given. One newer place (same city) charges the $7.00 plus a sale tax plus a city luxury tax. You get a printed receipt with ever… --- ## [Weird outdoor spigot problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-outdoor-spigot-problem/832020)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-outdoor-spigot-problem/832020 "2019-04-05T22:00:15Z")
We have an outdoor antisiphon spigot because of the freezing here in Colorado. I am sure it is leaking inside the wall but here’s the thing … only when it is turned on. If the spigot is closed no leaks. Can I unscre… --- ## [Double red cell blood donation and physical performance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-red-cell-blood-donation-and-physical-performance/831992)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-red-cell-blood-donation-and-physical-performance/831992 "2019-04-05T19:24:01Z")
I’ve made many whole blood donations before, but now they’re asking for a double red cell blood donation. In this procedure they extract all the red blood cells from two pints of blood, while replacing the volume, rather… --- ## [Is there a way to actually contact Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-actually-contact-facebook/831949)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-actually-contact-facebook/831949 "2019-04-05T15:50:57Z")
I’ve been trying to sign up for weeks; I managed to create an account, but was only able to login once. Now it keeps asking me to validate my phone number, but keeps insisting my phone number is invalid. It won’t let me … --- ## [plane water landing: why didn't they flare before touchdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plane-water-landing-why-didnt-they-flare-before-touchdown/832038)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plane-water-landing-why-didnt-they-flare-before-touchdown/832038 "2019-04-05T15:11:47Z")
Got some questions about a plane crash. In 2013, a small(ish) plane carrying 9 people suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff and performed a water landing just off of Hawaii. You can read the details here. T… --- ## [Restore session disabled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restore-session-disabled/832019)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2019, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restore-session-disabled/832019 "2019-04-05T14:06:10Z")
Lately, as I run an antimalware program on my computer…necessitating shutting down Firefox…relaunching Firefox dosen’t allow me to Restore Previous Session: neither a splash page tor choosing restore session from History… --- ## [Tastes From My Stomach That Just Won't Go Away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tastes-from-my-stomach-that-just-wont-go-away/832026)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2019, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tastes-from-my-stomach-that-just-wont-go-away/832026 "2019-04-04T23:53:31Z")
Why is it that the tastes of certain foods never leave my stomach? Not to get graphic. But it happens with certain foods esp., like fish oil or garlic. I keep bringing up that taste for the rest of the day, it seems. Bu… --- ## [What was the Reformation/Counter Reformation really about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-reformation-counter-reformation-really-about/832031)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2019, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-reformation-counter-reformation-really-about/832031 "2019-04-04T22:59:01Z")
Starting roughly with Luther’s theses and ending arguably not until Britain restored full civil rights for Catholics, the Protestant movement touched off centuries of war and political upheaval. Obviously this wasn’t ove… --- ## [Medical Ethics question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-ethics-question/814484)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2019, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-ethics-question/814484 "2019-04-04T21:59:43Z")
Could a doctor lose his medical license for beating his wife, or any other bad behavior that doesn’t happen on the job? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=474) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=476)