# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=494 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 495 --- ## [Can websites tell if I'm using Caps Lock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-websites-tell-if-im-using-caps-lock/828792)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2019, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-websites-tell-if-im-using-caps-lock/828792 "2019-02-02T06:11:34Z")
If my password on a website was MrShine999 but I kept entering mRsHINE999 due to accidentally leaving caps lock on, can the website tell the difference between me actually typing mRsHINE999 without caps lock and typing … --- ## [How do Modern People pose a health threat to native people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-people-pose-a-health-threat-to-native-people/828794)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2019, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-people-pose-a-health-threat-to-native-people/828794 "2019-02-02T01:21:57Z")
I had childhood Chicken Pox and Measles. I’ve had the flu at least once. If I go deep into the jungle and shake a native’s hand. How could I transfer any diseases? I know the European explorers are blamed for passing o… --- ## [Do photons have wavelength only in the direction of travel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-photons-have-wavelength-only-in-the-direction-of-travel/828364)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2019, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-photons-have-wavelength-only-in-the-direction-of-travel/828364 "2019-02-02T00:13:54Z")
I understand that light comes in packets called photons, which have two waves associated with each packet, a magnetic and an electrical wave. My question really is about the direction of the wave though. In the textbooks… --- ## [Definition of startup company](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-startup-company/828764)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-startup-company/828764 "2019-02-01T22:31:48Z")
What makes a new company a startup, and when does it stop being one? You often hear this description applied to tech companies, but I have never seen a clear definition. Also, does a company have to sell certain produc… --- ## [What do we know about the evolution of jackfruit trees ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-know-about-the-evolution-of-jackfruit-trees/828760)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-know-about-the-evolution-of-jackfruit-trees/828760 "2019-02-01T18:22:03Z")
First of all I understand that not all features in a species have evolutionary advantage. Some features are just random mutations. With that foreground, here are my two questions : The jackfruit has all the fruits on… --- ## [I don't know anything about computers, but I think there's something disabled I need to able](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-anything-about-computers-but-i-think-theres-something-disabled-i-need-to-able/828791)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-know-anything-about-computers-but-i-think-theres-something-disabled-i-need-to-able/828791 "2019-02-01T16:58:06Z")
I switched to a new computer a couple months back, and I’m noticing a pattern. I play a lot of browser games, and I keep having problems with save slots that I’ve never had before. I’ll save the game, or be playing a gam… --- ## [Romans and Greek Slaves.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romans-and-greek-slaves/828653)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romans-and-greek-slaves/828653 "2019-02-01T15:27:11Z")
These two items I once read in a book. So you understand why I can’t provide an immediate cite, as such. But if anyone asks for one, I will certainly try to provide one (Wikipedia to the rescue, I’m sure). Anyways, I on… --- ## [Windows 10 Password Issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-password-issue/828763)
**Author:** [@Tilt-A-Whirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tilt-A-Whirl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-password-issue/828763 "2019-02-01T05:29:18Z")
I’ve had a laptop for a couple years now, and it will ONLY ask for a password when it’s waking up from sleep, not when it’s being turned on from a completely off state. I’ve googled, I’ve poked around in the menus, I ca… --- ## [Amazon revenue chart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-revenue-chart/828762)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-revenue-chart/828762 "2019-02-01T03:55:53Z")
If you look at this article and scroll down, there’s a chart of Amazon’s revenue vs. profit: https://www.recode.net/2018/2/1/16961598/amazon-jeff-bezos-record-profit-11-quarter-q4-2017-earnings Why does revenue growth … --- ## [Geologists...Help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geologists-help/828759)
**Author:** [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2019, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geologists-help/828759 "2019-02-01T03:00:58Z")
What determines the layers as seen in this photo of the dover cliffs in England: https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailv2&iss=VSI&form=ENAIMG&q=imgurl:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fth%3Fid%3DABTAD5FCAED6BB2522749… --- ## [Question about betting odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-betting-odds/795043)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2017, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-betting-odds/795043 "2017-09-02T20:39:15Z")
Hi I’m trying to understand the logic of “The dramatic drop in odds for Irishman has been attributed to a number of factors;” followed by what look like positive attributes. Why would the odds drop in his favor then? Wh… --- ## [Does anyone have the 1980s article about climate change making Chicago winters worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-the-1980s-article-about-climate-change-making-chicago-winters-worse/828670)
**Author:** [@J2bryson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J2bryson)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-have-the-1980s-article-about-climate-change-making-chicago-winters-worse/828670 "2019-01-31T23:34:18Z")
I remember first reading that global warming will cause climate oscillations and colder winters in Chicago back in the 1980s in the Straight Dope in the Chicago Reader. I’m trying to find that column to show we’ve expect… --- ## [Why would a higher bitrate MP3 include more high frequency noise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-higher-bitrate-mp3-include-more-high-frequency-noise/828750)
**Author:** [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-higher-bitrate-mp3-include-more-high-frequency-noise/828750 "2019-01-31T21:43:38Z")
(I know just enough about this topic to accomplish what I need to, so please forgive layman’s terms.) I use a PC to time-shift some radio shows I like. Most of the shows are very talk-heavy; I record those at 96 Kbps be… --- ## [Hash tags (again)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hash-tags-again/828696)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hash-tags-again/828696 "2019-01-31T20:37:14Z")
I’m sure this has already been asked, but I’m being lazy. Last night a commercial for a channel I was watching said, ‘Join the conversation at #\[name\].’ What does that actually mean? I only recently discovered that I … --- ## [Is there any thing like a normal phone book anymore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-thing-like-a-normal-phone-book-anymore/828034)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-thing-like-a-normal-phone-book-anymore/828034 "2019-01-31T20:14:28Z")
For shit sake, I know his name, I know the city he lives in, and I would recognize the street if I saw it Is there a way anymore to find the number of a dude my phone lost? without the stalker search shit? --- ## [Terminal Velocity ( Archery Related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminal-velocity-archery-related/828492)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminal-velocity-archery-related/828492 "2019-01-31T19:44:40Z")
One of our archer competitors in flight shooting recently made the statement that shooting an arrow much past it’s terminal velocity speed is counter productive. This individual is also a physicist so he is usually prett… --- ## [How much Freon in average home freezer/fridge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freon-in-average-home-freezer-fridge/828710)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freon-in-average-home-freezer-fridge/828710 "2019-01-31T18:35:57Z")
How much Freon in the coils/reservoir (i.e., 1 liter, or 300 cubic cm, or?) Edit: Also, if stuff leaked out, would it leak \*\*out \*\*the exterior of the fridge, or \*\*into \*\*the fridge (food compartment?) --- ## [The pirate code and shares](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pirate-code-and-shares/828622)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pirate-code-and-shares/828622 "2019-01-31T18:30:44Z")
If I understand it correctly, during the heyday of pirates, several notorious figures established a code of conduct aboard their ships. Among those rules was how any prizes or loot would be split among the crew. It see… --- ## [“Oh the humanity”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-the-humanity/828657)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-the-humanity/828657 "2019-01-31T17:14:28Z")
I’ve often wondered about this and tonight’s final Jeopardy answer brought it up again. The question was basically, what three word phrase was made famous by Herbert Oglevee “Herb” Morrison while covering the Hindenburg… --- ## [When did they begin putting a specific minute of the day on birth and death certificates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-they-begin-putting-a-specific-minute-of-the-day-on-birth-and-death-certificates/828521)
**Author:** [@scarface54345](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scarface54345)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-they-begin-putting-a-specific-minute-of-the-day-on-birth-and-death-certificates/828521 "2019-01-31T17:03:31Z")
I recently learned that Michael Jackson was born at 7:33PM on the day that he was born, and this was in 1958. However, I know many people who were born after 1958, yet their birth certificates don’t have a specific time … --- ## [Medicaid and private insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-and-private-insurance/828629)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicaid-and-private-insurance/828629 "2019-01-31T16:26:00Z")
(putting in GQ since I think there are factual answers to be had) So Moon Unit is living in another state right now (at a therapeutic residential facility). They encouraged her to apply for Medicaid as of this year. Sh… --- ## [What happens at the end of the Mueller investigation if his conclusion is Trump broke a law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-at-the-end-of-the-mueller-investigation-if-his-conclusion-is-trump-broke-a-law/807559)
**Author:** [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-at-the-end-of-the-mueller-investigation-if-his-conclusion-is-trump-broke-a-law/807559 "2019-01-31T14:50:39Z")
Not staying it’s necessarily going to happen, but if, at the end result of the Mueller investigation, he concludes there is enough evidence indicating Trump should be tried for Obstruction of Justice (or some other crime… --- ## [What's the electromagnetic equivalent of reverberation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-electromagnetic-equivalent-of-reverberation/824665)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-electromagnetic-equivalent-of-reverberation/824665 "2019-01-31T13:43:32Z")
Light and sound can both reflect off objects. When sound reflections last long enough, they’re perceived as reverberation, right? So what would be the equivalent(s) of reverberation when it comes to visible light, infrar… --- ## [Do you do "image streaming" visualization with your mind or phosphenes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-do-image-streaming-visualization-with-your-mind-or-phosphenes/828053)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-do-image-streaming-visualization-with-your-mind-or-phosphenes/828053 "2019-01-31T02:14:39Z")
I’m trying to improve my visualizing skills, which are on the lowest possible level, I think it’s called Aphantasia and it’s hard or impossible to imagine things in meaningful detail for me. To fix this, I found an exer… --- ## [What is--and isn't--a dinosaur?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-and-isnt-a-dinosaur/828027)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2019, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-and-isnt-a-dinosaur/828027 "2019-01-31T00:07:37Z")
In another recent thread, somebody asked about the possibility of the Loch Ness Monster being a Plesiosaur. The general consensus was “no.” But one person weighed in with the statement that the Plesiosaur was not a dinos… --- ## [Is there a high social/verbal ability equivalent to autism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-high-social-verbal-ability-equivalent-to-autism/828640)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2019, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-high-social-verbal-ability-equivalent-to-autism/828640 "2019-01-30T19:12:31Z")
People on the autism spectrum sometimes have increased mathematical, reasoning and spatial orientation abilities along with frequently impaired social and verbal abilities as part of their condition. Is there some con… --- ## [Flying with medications](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-with-medications/828572)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2019, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-with-medications/828572 "2019-01-30T14:26:27Z")
A guy at work is flying for a week long vacation with his family next month. One family member (preschooler) is on a liquid medication that needs to be refrigerated. Another liquid medication does not. The timing is th… --- ## [Interference with photons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interference-with-photons/828624)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2019, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interference-with-photons/828624 "2019-01-30T09:56:59Z")
Suppose I shine hundreds of laser pointers at a point on a wall. I manage to get the interference patterns to overlap such that there is no visible dot on the wall. Is spot heating up? If not, where is the energy of t… --- ## [High fructose corn syrup versus sugar question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-fructose-corn-syrup-versus-sugar-question/828459)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2019, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-fructose-corn-syrup-versus-sugar-question/828459 "2019-01-30T08:23:15Z")
Lets say I have two glasses of sweetened water with equal amount of water and equal Calories. If you’d like to get more specific - let’s say we have two glasses with 200 ml of solution in each such that each glass has 10… --- ## [Another view of the physical reality of "nothing".](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-view-of-the-physical-reality-of-nothing/828630)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2019, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-view-of-the-physical-reality-of-nothing/828630 "2019-01-30T05:54:54Z")
If I understand it, which I may well not, the quantum electrodynamics view of a vacuum, of “nothing”, is that there is no such thing. A vacuum is a field of probabilities, often exceedingly small, but never zero. These p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=493) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=495)