# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=478 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 479 --- ## [The Secret Life of "The Secret Life of."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-life-of-the-secret-life-of/831621)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-life-of-the-secret-life-of/831621 "2019-03-28T16:09:34Z")
Triggered by the pennies question, what is the history of this phrase? It is used often, but what is the first time, Walter Mitty? --- ## [What does "tenure" actually mean for primary and secondary school teachers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-tenure-actually-mean-for-primary-and-secondary-school-teachers/831625)
**Author:** [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-tenure-actually-mean-for-primary-and-secondary-school-teachers/831625 "2019-03-28T15:51:09Z")
The question is really in the title - but here’s some background. I hear/see people complain about tenure for teachers as if it’s something that only applies to teachers- but as far as I have ever been able to tell , the… --- ## [EU and Brexit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-and-brexit/831630)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-and-brexit/831630 "2019-03-28T15:47:06Z")
So why does the EU care about the timeline for Brexit? It seems to me that if they want to keep the EU together, it would make sense to just tell the UK to negotiate within themselves for as long as they need to, then w… --- ## [Solar panels on wind turbine towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-panels-on-wind-turbine-towers/831522)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-panels-on-wind-turbine-towers/831522 "2019-03-28T13:32:17Z")
Is there any reason that solar panels can’t be placed on the towers of wind turbines? I’m thinking mostly down low rather than up high. Perhaps only on the lowest 10 to 20 meters of the tower. The only possible objection… --- ## [Will I Make It to Texas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-make-it-to-texas/831628)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-make-it-to-texas/831628 "2019-03-28T13:19:11Z")
I am scheduled to fly to Love Field in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on April 19 for Spring Break. I am flying Southwest Airlines, and they use a LOT of the Boeing 737 MAX planes that are currently grounded. If these peop… --- ## [Which "obscure-ish" computer program made someone the most money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-obscure-ish-computer-program-made-someone-the-most-money/830776)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-obscure-ish-computer-program-made-someone-the-most-money/830776 "2019-03-28T11:53:30Z")
So we all know of the huge wealth that flowed to the well-known creators/exploiters of Microsoft, Paypal, Youtube, Google, Facebook… Can you identify computer programs/applications that might be less readily familiar to… --- ## [Australian dopers, what's a "horror run"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-dopers-whats-a-horror-run/831605)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-dopers-whats-a-horror-run/831605 "2019-03-28T06:39:49Z")
Today I’ve encountered the phrase “horror run” in two different Australian articles about traffic accidents. What does it mean? article one article two --- ## [Over head cam roller buckets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-head-cam-roller-buckets/831513)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2019, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-head-cam-roller-buckets/831513 "2019-03-28T01:17:47Z")
In over head cam engines, the cam follower…nicknamed a bucket…fits around the valve spring and acts upon the valve directly. Now, in high performance pushrod engines … --- ## [Term for a Certain Joke/Smart-ass Remark Format](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-a-certain-joke-smart-ass-remark-format/831572)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-a-certain-joke-smart-ass-remark-format/831572 "2019-03-27T20:48:49Z")
“Program speakers are determined by application, invitation, or result of an arm-wrestling match.” “I’ve always loved Los Angeles…the beach, the weather, the horrific traffic.” What is it called when you make a tripart… --- ## [What’s with easy challenges on Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-with-easy-challenges-on-facebook/831483)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-with-easy-challenges-on-facebook/831483 "2019-03-27T20:15:59Z")
The latest I saw said “If you think your English is good, I challenge you to write any word that starts with T and ends with T.” Others I’ve seen are just as easy and have just as little need for good English. Interestin… --- ## [Why do people recommend vinegar + baking soda as a cleaner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-recommend-vinegar-baking-soda-as-a-cleaner/831587)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-recommend-vinegar-baking-soda-as-a-cleaner/831587 "2019-03-27T19:46:50Z")
Cleaning tips (eg item 4 here) often suggest mixing vinegar with baking soda to shift limescale and other stubborn stains. Lemon juice + baking soda is another common one. Is there any rationale for doing this? Surely y… --- ## [The Secret Life of Pennies...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-life-of-pennies/831596)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-secret-life-of-pennies/831596 "2019-03-27T19:09:45Z")
And other coins, but mainly pennies. I typically count my change at the end of the day. Important thing to do. Because at the end of the month most of it goes into the Coin Star machine. Anyways, I am shocked by the st… --- ## [When did European hotels first have en-suite rooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-european-hotels-first-have-en-suite-rooms/831521)
**Author:** [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-european-hotels-first-have-en-suite-rooms/831521 "2019-03-27T17:54:00Z")
I’m reading Jeffrey Archer’s book Paths of Glory (fiction based on the life of the mountaineer George Mallory). On visiting Venice in 1914, it’s mentioned that the Baedeker guide says: 1914 seems late for Europe to ha… --- ## [Old timey movie trope where somebody frantically jiggles the phone hook--what was that about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timey-movie-trope-where-somebody-frantically-jiggles-the-phone-hook-what-was-that-about/831534)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timey-movie-trope-where-somebody-frantically-jiggles-the-phone-hook-what-was-that-about/831534 "2019-03-27T17:40:41Z")
If you’ve ever watched movies from what they call the Golden Age Of Hollywood, you’ve probably seen a bit where a character is on the phone with someone who has just hung up, presumably in an abrupt or unexpected manner.… --- ## [Challenges of learning a new subject in a second (or third, etc) language.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/challenges-of-learning-a-new-subject-in-a-second-or-third-etc-language/831578)
**Author:** [@Mona\_Lisa\_Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mona_Lisa_Simpson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/challenges-of-learning-a-new-subject-in-a-second-or-third-etc-language/831578 "2019-03-27T17:13:31Z")
Sorry for the clumsy title. I am having a hard time searching for research articles done on this subject, maybe my wording is off. I have a project about cognition and I thought a great subject would be about learning … --- ## [Beer Bellies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beer-bellies/831497)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beer-bellies/831497 "2019-03-27T13:12:58Z")
From Wikipedia Question then is whether there’s any basis for the colloquialism. Again from Wiki: I would suggest another possibility. ISTM that serious beer drinkers are prone to drink massive amounts of fluid in a… --- ## [What to do about being an active sleeper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-being-an-active-sleeper/831492)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-about-being-an-active-sleeper/831492 "2019-03-27T07:16:45Z")
So apparently I am a very active sleeper. I kick off my covers, steal other people’s covers, and last night it escalated to punching and kicking to the point where the person I was sharing the bed with went off to sleep … --- ## [Are there any opiates on the market or coming to market for pain that don't get you high](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-opiates-on-the-market-or-coming-to-market-for-pain-that-dont-get-you-high/825733)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-opiates-on-the-market-or-coming-to-market-for-pain-that-dont-get-you-high/825733 "2019-03-27T04:39:03Z")
I’m reading up on how the DEAs war on drugs is making is harder and harder for chronic pain patients to get medication for their condition out of fear that the drugs will end up on the street. So I’m wondering has there… --- ## [If the reason day care or kindergarten children get sick a lot is because their immune system is sti](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-reason-day-care-or-kindergarten-children-get-sick-a-lot-is-because-their-immune-system-is-sti/831415)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-reason-day-care-or-kindergarten-children-get-sick-a-lot-is-because-their-immune-system-is-sti/831415 "2019-03-27T03:28:34Z")
It makes sense that children who are for the first time being exposed to many germs will get sick a lot and that’s why it is expected for many months that the child will get sick at very high frequency. It is said that … --- ## [Copyfraud, Watermarks, and Terms of Use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyfraud-watermarks-and-terms-of-use/831457)
**Author:** [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyfraud-watermarks-and-terms-of-use/831457 "2019-03-27T01:16:26Z")
One of the less talked about examples of copyright misuse is what’s known as copyfraud. This is where a person or organization asserts copyright (or copyright-like) restrictions on a work to which they have no legal rig… --- ## [UK PM / Speaker Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-speaker-questions/831508)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2019, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-speaker-questions/831508 "2019-03-27T01:01:08Z")
So I thought that I had a decent understanding of the parliamentary system, but I guess I don’t. I have some very basic questions that Wikipedia seemed to not clear up. First, I believe that the PM comes from the House… --- ## [Can somebody explain Article 13 to this American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-article-13-to-this-american/831575)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-article-13-to-this-american/831575 "2019-03-26T22:02:59Z")
What is Article 13, and what is its impact going to be on the Internet? And will it apply to the UK after Brexit? --- ## [When is someone "the late" John Smith?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-someone-the-late-john-smith/831449)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-someone-the-late-john-smith/831449 "2019-03-26T21:03:49Z")
Seems like if someone has died recently I see articles that say “the late John McCain” but you don’t see that if someone died long ago like JFK. Is there a rule about when you just say the person’s name without “the… --- ## [Meaning of a Shakespeare line](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-a-shakespeare-line/334750)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-a-shakespeare-line/334750 "2019-03-26T18:22:09Z")
In Act 5, scene iii of Richard III, Richard is trying to rally his troops for the Battle of Bosworth. Someone brings him a note that says “Jockey of Norfolk, be not so bold, For Dickon thy master is bought and sold.” … --- ## [Testing door bell.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-door-bell/831504)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-door-bell/831504 "2019-03-26T16:24:55Z")
My door bell hasn’t worked for months. The outside remote is powered by two CR2032s, which are dead. The inside chime is plugged into the wall. I checked the remote by running a 6volt source across it’s poles and pressi… --- ## [Tell me about Kratom Tea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-kratom-tea/831313)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-kratom-tea/831313 "2019-03-26T12:17:34Z")
OK, so some people are pitching this stuff at me. Sounds dodgy. They’re looking for financial representation and come highly referred by a CPA I trust. But I want to get my head around this stuff. It sure looks like … --- ## [Good solution to sending a .pdf back to someone after signing it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-solution-to-sending-a-pdf-back-to-someone-after-signing-it/489670)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2011, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-solution-to-sending-a-pdf-back-to-someone-after-signing-it/489670 "2011-04-24T14:30:29Z")
I have to send a couple pages in a pdf file after signing them. I’ll probably end up printing them and then faxing them or scanning and emailing them. Anybody have a better way? I have a scanned-in signature that migh… --- ## [Why does computer external monitor show different screen skew/dimensions when unplugged+plugged](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-computer-external-monitor-show-different-screen-skew-dimensions-when-unplugged-plugged/831498)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-computer-external-monitor-show-different-screen-skew-dimensions-when-unplugged-plugged/831498 "2019-03-26T02:17:55Z")
Pulled some cables out of my external monitor, replugged them back in and then turned it back on - and lo and behold, a screen that was too wide (everything had been skewed to look “fat”) was now too thin - everything sk… --- ## [what's the difference between honourable vs. "right honourable" in UK parliament.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-honourable-vs-right-honourable-in-uk-parliament/831434)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-honourable-vs-right-honourable-in-uk-parliament/831434 "2019-03-26T01:23:13Z")
In watching videos of the UK’s House of Commons I hear MP’s referred to as the “the honourable gentleman” or “the right honourable gentleman” (or lady). Why are some people called called ‘honourable’ and others are calle… --- ## [What happened to KV65?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-kv65/831467)
**Author:** [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2019, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-kv65/831467 "2019-03-25T18:26:15Z")
This was, possibly, the 65th tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings. Apparently discovered in 2008, I can’t find much about it since then. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=477) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=479)