# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=502 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 503 --- ## [Amazon Prime Video weirdness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-video-weirdness/827404)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-prime-video-weirdness/827404 "2019-01-09T22:42:07Z")
So, I decided I want to find out what this Game of Thrones thing is about. My Wife has heard great things about it, and I must say it sounds good. I’m at home this weekend and sick with a cold, so figured a good time t… --- ## [Donating blood post-mortem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donating-blood-post-mortem/827358)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donating-blood-post-mortem/827358 "2019-01-09T22:22:33Z")
Conversation with a friend about organ donation led to discussion about “desirable” blood types for donations i.e. rare types and universal donor types. Which led us to wonder: is blood harvested from brain-dead people t… --- ## [Generator question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generator-question/827461)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/generator-question/827461 "2019-01-09T22:16:55Z")
We are buying a portable generator to with power outages. The one I am thinking of is rated at 4400 watts starting and 3500 running watts. A question has arisen about when two appliances, a new 10,000 BTU window ac and a… --- ## [billing a company for spam emails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billing-a-company-for-spam-emails/827474)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billing-a-company-for-spam-emails/827474 "2019-01-09T21:39:29Z")
I keep getting spam emails from a company that is not allowing me to ‘opt out’. They have method to ‘opt out’ but it is ineffective. I have the name and address of the company and have been in email contact with a pers… --- ## [A couple of questions about dinosaurs lifespan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-questions-about-dinosaurs-lifespan/827395)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-questions-about-dinosaurs-lifespan/827395 "2019-01-09T17:31:57Z")
I was reading a science article today that stated dinosaurs might have had a lifespan of several hundred years. First question, is this true and is there anyway to know? (I fully realize that there many, many types of di… --- ## [q aboutReagan vs gerald ford in the 74/75 gop primaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-aboutreagan-vs-gerald-ford-in-the-74-75-gop-primaries/827445)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-aboutreagan-vs-gerald-ford-in-the-74-75-gop-primaries/827445 "2019-01-09T17:18:43Z")
What would of happened if Reagan had won the nomination? this was brought up by a younger disgruntled repub I know who thinks if someone moderate (and a real republican in his words)challenged the current occupant th… --- ## [If the shutdown continues, what happens tax refunds from the IRS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-shutdown-continues-what-happens-tax-refunds-from-the-irs/827376)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-shutdown-continues-what-happens-tax-refunds-from-the-irs/827376 "2019-01-09T16:21:20Z")
My Facebook feed has suddenly blown up with people worried that the the IRS will not / can not sending tax refunds to those who qualify and file early. Simple question: is there any truth to this? The IRS website wasn’t… --- ## [Airports and the government shutdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airports-and-the-government-shutdown/827296)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airports-and-the-government-shutdown/827296 "2019-01-09T06:14:56Z")
I’ll be flying from Montreal to Florida in a couple of days. Can any US folks with airport familiarity tell me if I should expect any disruptions or hiccups at the destination as a result of the shutdown? Thank-you very… --- ## [Has the requirement that Fed employees work without pay been challenged in court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-requirement-that-fed-employees-work-without-pay-been-challenged-in-court/827438)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-requirement-that-fed-employees-work-without-pay-been-challenged-in-court/827438 "2019-01-09T02:03:15Z")
We live in unprecedented times. Essential Fed employees must report to work without getting paid until the shutdown ends. Has this been challenged in court? I can’t recall a situation like this where employees are for… --- ## [Another TSA Shutdown Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tsa-shutdown-question/827436)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tsa-shutdown-question/827436 "2019-01-09T01:25:55Z")
Apparently a few airports are experiencing sick-outs with some TSA agents staying home rather than working for no pay. Does anyone know which airports are impacted, or does it change on a day-to-day basis? --- ## [Do capes have any practical use as clothing or just decorative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-capes-have-any-practical-use-as-clothing-or-just-decorative/814847)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2019, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-capes-have-any-practical-use-as-clothing-or-just-decorative/814847 "2019-01-09T00:00:03Z")
I was re-watching the movie “Star Wars: Rogue One” and for some reason kept noticing bad guy Orson Krennic had a cape that I could discern no reason for him to have. Of course Darth Vader also had a cape as did lots of … --- ## [Wrong address. What can I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-address-what-can-i-do/825854)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-address-what-can-i-do/825854 "2019-01-08T21:14:35Z")
For the last few months, I keep getting mail for someone named Chase M. Richardson. I’ve contacted the Post Office, and they told me that as long as an address is valid, they will deliver the mail. If the address is a … --- ## [What is the cheapest way to ship one T shirt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-ship-one-t-shirt/827191)
**Author:** [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cheapest-way-to-ship-one-t-shirt/827191 "2019-01-08T17:35:27Z")
I have to deliver T shirts, one at a time, to folks who ordered from me online. I would like to do this for the cheapest price available. Here’s the terms: the shirt itself weighs next to nothing time is not an issue,… --- ## [Brit Dopers...Boxing Day question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dopers-boxing-day-question/826712)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-dopers-boxing-day-question/826712 "2019-01-08T17:04:54Z")
I’d heard about Boxing Day for years, but never bothered to look it up. I just now did and apparently at one point it was a day when public servants went around to houses extorting tips? Is this true and is this still th… --- ## [Questions regarding College Administrators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-college-administrators/827197)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-college-administrators/827197 "2019-01-08T07:49:48Z")
Hi I’ve always wondered how college administrators assess for grade inflation, which seems to be quite rampant, and not only in the US. If high school students are receiving inflated GPAs, and perhaps having their appl… --- ## [Triggered Liberal Meme origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triggered-liberal-meme-origin/827322)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triggered-liberal-meme-origin/827322 "2019-01-08T03:48:08Z")
The image of this enraged activist: What’s the story? --- ## [(need answer fast) If someone hacks into my Gmail, how long can they stay in there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-fast-if-someone-hacks-into-my-gmail-how-long-can-they-stay-in-there/827375)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2019, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-answer-fast-if-someone-hacks-into-my-gmail-how-long-can-they-stay-in-there/827375 "2019-01-08T01:10:04Z")
Long story short: I have reason to believe that an unauthorized person has logged into my Gmail under my name and with my password (from some other location.) I’ve changed my Gmail password, but if they logged in, does t… --- ## [Volume troubles with youtube...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volume-troubles-with-youtube/827377)
**Author:** [@Qwakkeddup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwakkeddup)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volume-troubles-with-youtube/827377 "2019-01-07T23:28:19Z")
This has been happening at least since I updated to Windows 10. Not that I am blaming Windows, just been happening for a long time. I set my pc volume to around 34. Youtube I will adjust according to the video sound qua… --- ## ["More Fun Than a Barrel of Monkeys" - Origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-origin/3767)
**Author:** [@tanstaafl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanstaafl)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-fun-than-a-barrel-of-monkeys-origin/3767 "2019-01-07T22:56:28Z")
When did a barrel of monkeys become the standard for fun? The phrase “more fun than a barrel of monkeys” is somewhat common. Where did it come from? My web searches have turned up nothing relevent (the domain belongs to… --- ## [Need help finding a simple website format](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-a-simple-website-format/827320)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-a-simple-website-format/827320 "2019-01-07T20:19:28Z")
I’m looking for a website format for photographs. One that I can allow several family member to post several photographs that all family members have access to. Maybe give each family member (maybe 30) their own page th… --- ## [How long does a nuclear explosion last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-nuclear-explosion-last/827248)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-nuclear-explosion-last/827248 "2019-01-07T20:08:34Z")
Or, how long do you have to wait before you can hit the site with another nuke? Obviously the nuclear explosion itself lasts a very short time indeed, but the after-effects - the fireball, mushroom cloud, etc - last a l… --- ## [Question about term insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-term-insurance/826906)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-term-insurance/826906 "2019-01-07T19:44:18Z")
I have seen numerous commercials for term insurance offering, say $500,000 or $700,00 insurance for, say, $30 a month. I don’t see how this makes sense. $30 a month is $360 a year, $3,600 in ten years, $18,000 in fifty… --- ## [What is this device? Remote control for meat thermometer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-device-remote-control-for-meat-thermometer/827365)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-device-remote-control-for-meat-thermometer/827365 "2019-01-07T18:57:01Z")
Anybody know what this device is? I found it in the electronic trash bin at work. Perhaps a control for a remote-controlled meat thermometer? What happens when you press the “taste” button, it tastes it for you and says … --- ## [How fast would you really lose consciousness in explosive decompression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-you-really-lose-consciousness-in-explosive-decompression/827264)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-you-really-lose-consciousness-in-explosive-decompression/827264 "2019-01-07T15:50:00Z")
So you’re in a plane at 40,000 feet, and a door falls off. Or something. Anyway, when I read about decompression in planes it seems I always read “you’ll only have 8-10 seconds of consciousness to get an O2 mask on bef… --- ## [Cubic inches, liters, and bore... I'm confused!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cubic-inches-liters-and-bore-im-confused/96945)
**Author:** [@vandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vandal)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cubic-inches-liters-and-bore-im-confused/96945 "2019-01-07T13:20:45Z")
When reading the specifications on various automotive engines, I always see things like “389 cubic inches” or “2.3 liters” or an “8 in bore.” I think these are all somehow intertwined. Meaning, you couldn’t have a 454, a… --- ## [Can a King/Queen be removed by the government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-king-queen-be-removed-by-the-government/826826)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-king-queen-be-removed-by-the-government/826826 "2019-01-07T12:23:10Z")
I don’t mean by an armed method , by a legal method. Can the UK, Sweden, Spain, etc. parliament decide one day to say “we prefer John Smith to be King and approve that law?” And the current King/Queen no longer has t… --- ## [Does all of our energy come from the Sun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-of-our-energy-come-from-the-sun/827249)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-of-our-energy-come-from-the-sun/827249 "2019-01-07T09:53:24Z")
I remember my high school physics teacher saying, Is that true? --- ## [What is the highest-level animal that regularly kills and eats other animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-level-animal-that-regularly-kills-and-eats-other-animals/827145)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-highest-level-animal-that-regularly-kills-and-eats-other-animals/827145 "2019-01-07T04:49:51Z")
What is the highest-;level animal that regularly kills and eats other animals? I DON't mean human beings who eat snails or other human beings when there is no choice. And I DON’T mean primates that may do so in times … --- ## [Self employed, taxes, healthcare and aca question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-employed-taxes-healthcare-and-aca-question/827080)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-employed-taxes-healthcare-and-aca-question/827080 "2019-01-07T03:50:18Z")
Ive been self employed this entire year and will likely remain so atleast through 2019 as well. As i understand it, i can either claim my health insurance premiums on my taxes, which will lower my tax burden, or claim t… --- ## [What percentage of national park funding comes from Congress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-national-park-funding-comes-from-congress/827298)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2019, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-national-park-funding-comes-from-congress/827298 "2019-01-07T01:15:36Z")
National parks have other ways to get money, including admission fees, bookstores, concessions, and private donations. How much of their budget comes from tax dollars? Are any parks self-sufficient? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=501) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=503)