# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=53 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 54 --- ## [What food ingredient is making me feel sick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-food-ingredient-is-making-me-feel-sick/982539)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2025, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-food-ingredient-is-making-me-feel-sick/982539 "2025-03-05T17:38:18Z")
So I burnt my onion rings last night, but I still wanted them so I got some more today and om mom nom nom. Then I remembered why I don’t eat onion rings, they make me feel sick. It is something in the batter, because I f… --- ## [So, is Meghan still the Duchess of Sussex or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-meghan-still-the-duchess-of-sussex-or-not/998880)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2025, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-meghan-still-the-duchess-of-sussex-or-not/998880 "2025-03-05T01:23:11Z")
I just read today’s New York Times freebie version, and there were two stories about her, both calling her the Duchess of Sussex in the head lines. Didn’t I read stories just a few weeks ago that King Charles had named … --- ## [Conducting a Facebook Search (hypothetical)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conducting-a-facebook-search-hypothetical/1015076)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2025, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conducting-a-facebook-search-hypothetical/1015076 "2025-03-04T15:54:34Z")
Hypothetical — you’re a publicist for the main star of a future Oscar best picture nominee, and you’re a little bit on the cutthroat side so you want to follow up on a rumor that Suzy Hotthang, the apparent front-runner,… --- ## [What's the deal with CBD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-cbd/1015056)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2025, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-cbd/1015056 "2025-03-04T13:35:52Z")
Harrelsen’s Own CBD commercials say this to me: A mother says, ‘When the kids turn… “unholy”, Harrelson’s Own keeps my patience \[alive?\]."’ To me, a non-user, this says, ‘When my kids are too much. I get high.’ The com… --- ## [Can the Planets Ever Align?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-planets-ever-align/1014949)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2025, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-planets-ever-align/1014949 "2025-03-04T13:11:59Z")
I don’t mean “appear to be in a line as seen from Earth” like what is kind of happening now. I mean, given any orbital resonances and whatever else, and ignoring the differences in their orbital planes, has it ever been … --- ## [Traveling to the UK from USA. Do I need the Electronic Travel Authorization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-the-uk-from-usa-do-i-need-the-electronic-travel-authorization/1014245)
**Author:** [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-the-uk-from-usa-do-i-need-the-electronic-travel-authorization/1014245 "2025-03-03T22:15:47Z")
Title says it all. Headed to Heathrow from Logan in about a week. Have a nice valid USA passport. Will be staying for a few days doing touristy things (Watching Ireland play Wales in a Six Nations Rugby match in Cardi… --- ## [Does the Russian Communist Party still exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-russian-communist-party-still-exist/1015047)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-russian-communist-party-still-exist/1015047 "2025-03-03T13:28:08Z")
Does the Russian Communist Party still exist or has it been outlawed by Putin? If they do still exist, how strongly can they make their presence felt? Do they have to keep a low profile? --- ## [Fractional frames per second in advanced digital cameras?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fractional-frames-per-second-in-advanced-digital-cameras/1015051)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2025, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fractional-frames-per-second-in-advanced-digital-cameras/1015051 "2025-03-03T05:18:23Z")
I was reading about the Thomson Viper FilmStream Camera, an advanced (for the time) digital camera. It can operated at numerous fps rates. But some of them are not even fps and are slightly off. For instance the camera c… --- ## [Non-military use of "subdued" patches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-military-use-of-subdued-patches/1014975)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2025, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-military-use-of-subdued-patches/1014975 "2025-03-02T21:58:16Z")
I’m designing some swag for a group I work with. One of the products is a colorful patch. People have been asking for it in “subdued” colors, like this. I wasn’t familiar with the use of subdued patches so I had to look … --- ## [Peanut roundabouts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peanut-roundabouts/1012360)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2025, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peanut-roundabouts/1012360 "2025-03-02T11:42:42Z")
I’m trying to find where and when the first peanut roundabout was made. For those unfamiliar with them, peanut roundabouts are a two-lobed roundabout that makes a figure-8 pattern. They are not very common, but here’s a … --- ## [Driving In The U.S. With Foreign Plates In A Foreign Script](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-the-u-s-with-foreign-plates-in-a-foreign-script/968977)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2025, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-the-u-s-with-foreign-plates-in-a-foreign-script/968977 "2025-03-02T03:18:27Z")
This Polish woman is driving across the U.S. in her camper van, the vehicle proudly displaying Polish/EU plates. Some Googling seems to reveal that it’s perfectly OK to drive a vehicle in the US with foreign plates on it… --- ## [What happened to B-17 'Visibility Perfect', 401st Bomb Group?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-b-17-visibility-perfect-401st-bomb-group/1002117)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2025, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-b-17-visibility-perfect-401st-bomb-group/1002117 "2025-03-01T21:05:36Z")
What happened to B-17 ‘Visibility Perfect’, 401st Bomb Group? I have an idea it was a B-17E. --- ## [I've seen birds dance to music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-birds-dance-to-music/1014856)
**Author:** [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-birds-dance-to-music/1014856 "2025-03-01T19:41:39Z")
Does any other animal do that? My cats and dogs don’t seem to even hear it --- ## [What’s it called when you watch what’s on tv when it airs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-it-called-when-you-watch-what-s-on-tv-when-it-airs/1014950)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2025, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-it-called-when-you-watch-what-s-on-tv-when-it-airs/1014950 "2025-03-01T18:51:28Z")
I know you’re thinking “live TV,” a la the Super Bowl or Academy Awards or what have you, but that’s not what I’m asking about. I mean like at the doctor’s office where you watch Family Feud or whatever while it’s on. Or… --- ## [Do lawyers have to be licensed for specialties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lawyers-have-to-be-licensed-for-specialties/1014526)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2025, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lawyers-have-to-be-licensed-for-specialties/1014526 "2025-03-01T16:04:30Z")
If I’ve spent the last 10 years writing wills, is there any legal restriction stopping me from defending someone against a murder charge tomorrow? --- ## [Do most bathtubs have anti-slip floors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-bathtubs-have-anti-slip-floors/1014499)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2025, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-bathtubs-have-anti-slip-floors/1014499 "2025-02-28T23:15:34Z")
I had to buy a cheap mat for mine (and it’s been a little wiggly). So are most bathtubs built with anti-slip bumps or ridges? Or is that rare? It would seem to be a common sense idea. --- ## [Do animals (esp. mammals) get the same mental illnesses that humans are subject to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-esp-mammals-get-the-same-mental-illnesses-that-humans-are-subject-to/1012391)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2025, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-esp-mammals-get-the-same-mental-illnesses-that-humans-are-subject-to/1012391 "2025-02-28T18:27:25Z")
Can a squirrel be schizophrenic? Can a panther suffer from clinical depression? Can a badger be psychotic? I have found a couple of old threads on this but the discussion is anecdotes about domesticated animals/pets or … --- ## [Back up generator power quality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-up-generator-power-quality/1014892)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2025, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-up-generator-power-quality/1014892 "2025-02-28T16:05:11Z")
I have a 4000/6600 Watt (continuous/surge) gasoline powered generator for use as emergency back up power for my house. Its output frequency at low or no load is about 62.5 Hz. With about a 2000 watt (typical) continuous … --- ## [ACES "pumpkin" suit worn by shuttle astronauts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aces-pumpkin-suit-worn-by-shuttle-astronauts/1014733)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2025, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aces-pumpkin-suit-worn-by-shuttle-astronauts/1014733 "2025-02-27T17:41:29Z")
During ascent and descent, space shuttle astronauts wore the classic orange ACES pressure suit: In this picture: What is the nylon strap going from crotch to neck for, … --- ## [How do i get an app to appear on my android screen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-an-app-to-appear-on-my-android-screen/1014847)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2025, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-an-app-to-appear-on-my-android-screen/1014847 "2025-02-27T15:52:48Z")
I installed an app for my new Doorbell camera. It installs well, but doesnt appear on my user screen. So i goto setting and find it there in my apps, but there is no way to put it on my screen from there. Any ideas? --- ## [What could human hair be used for commercially?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-human-hair-be-used-for-commercially/995772)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2025, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-human-hair-be-used-for-commercially/995772 "2025-02-27T11:59:18Z")
For context: I was listening to a podcast about a Canadian movie called The Peanut Butter Solution. A kid gets scared and loses his hair, but friendly ghosts give him a solution. However, it works wrongly and his hair st… --- ## [(Theoretical) Winning Powerball Ticket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-winning-powerball-ticket/1014752)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-winning-powerball-ticket/1014752 "2025-02-26T08:22:40Z")
I know that in the U.S. that income from gambling winnings can be offset by gambling losses up to the amount of the winnings, but only if you itemize your deductions on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction… --- ## [What is the origin of the phrase "Nuke The Whales"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-nuke-the-whales/792151)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-nuke-the-whales/792151 "2025-02-26T04:40:41Z")
Just as the title says-I would like to know when and where that phrase came from. --- ## [Math problem (1 or 100) (obelus vs solidus)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problem-1-or-100-obelus-vs-solidus/715834)
**Author:** [@Machete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machete)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problem-1-or-100-obelus-vs-solidus/715834 "2025-02-26T01:59:24Z")
Hello, so, this problem appeared in my social feed today: 20 ÷ 2 (5+5) = ? I normally ignore these types of posts. Occasionally, I’d do the problem in my head but always just move on never bothering to reply. Howeve… --- ## [Buying a new vehicle, negotiating question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-new-vehicle-negotiating-question/1014749)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-new-vehicle-negotiating-question/1014749 "2025-02-26T01:56:15Z")
Maybe should go in IMHO. If so, please move. I ordered a new vehicle from the factory through a dealership. It has arrived and I have an appointment to take delivery this weekend. The price on the build sheet lists the … --- ## [Can anyone identify this encyclopedia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-identify-this-encyclopedia/615881)
**Author:** [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-identify-this-encyclopedia/615881 "2025-02-26T01:05:26Z")
When I was a wee flod, growing up in Pennsylvania, we had an encyclopedia, as many middle-class families did. It wasn’t one of the big names, though, and I’m trying to remember what it was called. Unfortunately my parent… --- ## [How is carbon dating greenland shark eye lenses accurate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-carbon-dating-greenland-shark-eye-lenses-accurate/1014217)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2025, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-carbon-dating-greenland-shark-eye-lenses-accurate/1014217 "2025-02-25T22:02:00Z")
I’m familiar with carbon 14 being generated by cosmic rays, then entering the food chain through photosynthetic plants and then eventually consumed by animals. I’m comfortable with the idea that carbon dating animal bon… --- ## [I don't understand the end game of the Graceland auction fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-end-game-of-the-graceland-auction-fraud/1014787)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2025, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-end-game-of-the-graceland-auction-fraud/1014787 "2025-02-25T20:30:25Z")
Lady who perpetuated the scheme pleads guilty I just don’t understand what she thought would happen. How did she decide this was a way to actually physically come out ahead? Can anyone explain the logic behind how sh… --- ## [Would this work– mechanical energy directly into chemical energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-work-mechanical-energy-directly-into-chemical-energy/1014757)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2025, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-work-mechanical-energy-directly-into-chemical-energy/1014757 "2025-02-25T05:33:59Z")
If an electrolytic cell or chemical battery was surrounded by spinning magnets, could it be set up in such a way that the energy of the magnets would directly create electrolytic potential in the cell; in effect, convert… --- ## [At what alcohol content does a beverage indefinitely remain 'safe' to drink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-alcohol-content-does-a-beverage-indefinitely-remain-safe-to-drink/1014649)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2025, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-alcohol-content-does-a-beverage-indefinitely-remain-safe-to-drink/1014649 "2025-02-25T02:26:13Z")
So its my understand that if you drink 80 proof liquors like whiskey or vodka that were opened and then resealed, they are still safe to drink decades later. The taste may not be as good due to things like oxidation, but… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=52) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=54)