# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=549 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 550 --- ## [Amish Food Preservation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amish-food-preservation/819539)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2018, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amish-food-preservation/819539 "2018-08-19T22:07:15Z")
I was recently watching this program on satellite TV. It was about the Amish. Lovely people. Did you know they are all pacifists? Truly admirable. Anyways, they are apparently very sociable too. In fact, in the summerti… --- ## [The Tower Of Babel in Google Maps - what is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tower-of-babel-in-google-maps-what-is-it/819350)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2018, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-tower-of-babel-in-google-maps-what-is-it/819350 "2018-08-19T17:14:53Z")
If you search Googe Maps for “Tower Of Babel”, you actually get something in/near the ruins of Babylon, that looks like the base of an ancient building. Assuming it’s not the actual base of a tower that is the basis of … --- ## [Was Shylock a real name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-shylock-a-real-name/429145)
**Author:** [@Ronald\_C.Semone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ronald_C.Semone)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2018, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-shylock-a-real-name/429145 "2018-08-19T16:24:47Z")
Was Shylock a real name in use among Jews (or others) before Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice? Or did Shakespeare invent the name? --- ## [Female genitalia and genetics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-genitalia-and-genetics/819641)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2018, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-genitalia-and-genetics/819641 "2018-08-18T21:18:35Z")
I can easily find article upon article discussing whether penis size is inherited from either the mother or father, buy none discussing the hereditary nature of the external appearance of female genitals. Does anyone hav… --- ## [Pearl Harbor: How much advance notice to get the battleships out to sea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearl-harbor-how-much-advance-notice-to-get-the-battleships-out-to-sea/819418)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearl-harbor-how-much-advance-notice-to-get-the-battleships-out-to-sea/819418 "2018-08-18T17:39:27Z")
I’m assuming it’s more complicated than just turning a key, turning the wheel and driving out of port. So, an hour? six hours? a day? And would that have even been the best move? Or with short notice, would having ev… --- ## [Social Security work credits: Once you get 40 of them, does it make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-work-credits-once-you-get-40-of-them-does-it-make-a-difference/819783)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2018, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-work-credits-once-you-get-40-of-them-does-it-make-a-difference/819783 "2018-08-18T05:05:39Z")
So I am on pace to get to 40 Social Security credits by age 33 or 34, assuming I continue to stay and work in the United States. For benefits/retirement/disability purposes, does it make any difference if I continue to a… --- ## [Is the stretch reflex a real thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-stretch-reflex-a-real-thing/819820)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2018, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-stretch-reflex-a-real-thing/819820 "2018-08-18T03:10:29Z")
I’ve heard when you are trying to lengthen a muscle, the stretch reflex could be activated and the muscle will contract to counterbalance the stretch. So supposedly you should only stretch for a few seconds at a time, r… --- ## [Excel formula doesn't want to work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-formula-doesnt-want-to-work/819688)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2018, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-formula-doesnt-want-to-work/819688 "2018-08-18T02:26:36Z")
TL;DR: Concatenate function doesn’t do its thing and I don’t know why. I have a \*.txt file that I want to be more user friendly. It is a data dump of a several thousand component parts list kept in SAP. The SAP softwa… --- ## [More Non-Euclidean things like Pasch's axiom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-non-euclidean-things-like-paschs-axiom/819746)
**Author:** [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-non-euclidean-things-like-paschs-axiom/819746 "2018-08-17T21:54:33Z")
I took a lot of Math courses, including a geometry grad course. So I’ve known all about Elliptic and Hyperbolic Geometry. But recently I came across the Wikipedia article on Pasch’s axiom (1882). An “obvious” property … --- ## [Weird Chewing Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-chewing-problem/819681)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-chewing-problem/819681 "2018-08-17T18:50:30Z")
This thread made me think of my own wacky issue. Lately (within the last 6mos?) I have been almost constantly biting my tongue, lower lip or inner cheek. I have no idea why or what has possibly changed but it’s driving… --- ## [Military sunglasses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-sunglasses/819745)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-sunglasses/819745 "2018-08-17T18:43:30Z")
Are there standard issue military sunglasses? Asking because I just saw on yahoos page two air force guys. Both had sunglasses on. Can’t tell if they are the same (the sunglasses). I don’t recall seeing military folks… --- ## [How Did The Germans Treat American POW's in WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-germans-treat-american-pows-in-wwii/91551)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-germans-treat-american-pows-in-wwii/91551 "2018-08-17T15:35:49Z")
I’ve heard horror stories about how the Japanese treated our POW’s. And the Germans’ treatment of Jewish prisoners during WWII is not even open to interpretation or debate. However, how did they treat our POW’s? I’ve ne… --- ## [What's the cheapest way to get network television on-demand without cable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-way-to-get-network-television-on-demand-without-cable/819526)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-way-to-get-network-television-on-demand-without-cable/819526 "2018-08-17T12:13:19Z")
And I mean one that has practically everything on the network. I have hulu, which is lacking, and I’m considering Hulu live if that fills in the gaps. But I wouldn’t mind getting rid of hulu altogether if there’s somet… --- ## [Why did it take so long for the witch trials to begin to happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-for-the-witch-trials-to-begin-to-happen/819562)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-for-the-witch-trials-to-begin-to-happen/819562 "2018-08-17T10:28:40Z")
When people ask about the Salem witch trials of 1692, they often wonder how people could have believed their neighbors were literally witches. A common explanation is that people were much more superstitious than we are … --- ## [DNA based menu plan - Legit or more woo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-based-menu-plan-legit-or-more-woo/819682)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2018, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-based-menu-plan-legit-or-more-woo/819682 "2018-08-17T08:19:34Z")
Ran across this article. Seems science has found that certain genetic markers can guide one to wiser food choices. Is this really a thing? And how do they determine elk is better choice than venison or buffalo? --- ## [Why are these lions intimidated by a dog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-lions-intimidated-by-a-dog/819516)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-these-lions-intimidated-by-a-dog/819516 "2018-08-16T23:52:42Z")
Here is a video of a dog barking and snapping at two lions (one male, one female). The limping dog backs them both up. Is there a reason that a dog would attack lions (besides just being really stupid)? There does not … --- ## [If we knew this or that what could we invent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-knew-this-or-that-what-could-we-invent/818379)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-knew-this-or-that-what-could-we-invent/818379 "2018-08-16T20:15:05Z")
I have a few negative OPs out there, but this is different. Besides of this opening, my effort stops here. So to clarify, I want to know several scientific unknowns like anti-gravity. If we knew how to repel gravity, wha… --- ## [Does Gmail (and other browsers/sites???) actually read one's email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-gmail-and-other-browsers-sites-actually-read-ones-email/819686)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-gmail-and-other-browsers-sites-actually-read-ones-email/819686 "2018-08-16T16:31:52Z")
No doubt I am naïve, or at least behind the times, but I was astonished to learn that Gmail (and perhaps other browsers/sites???)can read one’s email. Is this true? If so, no doubt they claim that they read only materi… --- ## [Greatest Efficiency - Cooling Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-efficiency-cooling-problem/819622)
**Author:** [@Nawth\_Chucka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nawth_Chucka)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greatest-efficiency-cooling-problem/819622 "2018-08-16T16:06:38Z")
Say you live in an apartment w/ two main rooms - one’s the bedroom w/ a regular 8’ ceiling and the other an open plan kitchen/dining area 1.5 times the size of the bedroom w/ an 18’ ceiling (no ceiling fans in either roo… --- ## [Conservative "Originalist"/"Literalist" views of the Constistution'sAmendments eleven and above.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-originalist-literalist-views-of-the-constistutionsamendments-eleven-and-above/819527)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-originalist-literalist-views-of-the-constistutionsamendments-eleven-and-above/819527 "2018-08-16T13:11:25Z")
RE: Conservative “Originalist”/“Literalist” views of the Constistution’sAmendments eleven and above. What is the "Originalist "/“Literalist” view of Amendments eleven and above? Is it: The Constitution provides an Ame… --- ## [Weird swallowing problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-swallowing-problem/819621)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-swallowing-problem/819621 "2018-08-16T10:44:46Z")
You are not my doctor, this is not medical advice, I am going to seek medical treatment, etc. You know how sometimes when you are drinking something and occasionally it “goes down the wrong pipe” and you cough and such… --- ## [Paramedic choosing destination ER](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paramedic-choosing-destination-er/819483)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paramedic-choosing-destination-er/819483 "2018-08-16T05:07:39Z")
A family member had an accident and I had to call 911 for ambulance transport recently. They were taken to the nearest ER, but then that hospital decided they needed to send her on to another hospital with a trauma cent… --- ## [How do I turn on the Active Friends sidebar in Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-on-the-active-friends-sidebar-in-facebook/819711)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-turn-on-the-active-friends-sidebar-in-facebook/819711 "2018-08-16T03:04:48Z")
There used to be a sidebar on the right side of the Facebook window that showed active and recently-active friends. Now it’s not there. I tried searching for help, finding a question asking how to see which friends are… --- ## [I Want to Visit My Friend in China: What do I Need to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-visit-my-friend-in-china-what-do-i-need-to-do/819706)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-visit-my-friend-in-china-what-do-i-need-to-do/819706 "2018-08-16T02:59:56Z")
I have a friend in Shenzhen. We’ve been talking about me visiting him in a month or so. I’m a Canadian citizen (with passport), and born in the UK. Apart from booking a plane ticket, is there something else I need to k… --- ## [Actuarial Rent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actuarial-rent/819404)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actuarial-rent/819404 "2018-08-16T01:03:04Z")
It’s the era of data-driven business. It’s the era of upending old business models. It’s the era of using information to make decisions. (Horrifying, I know.) So let’s cut to it: Would it be legal for a company or pers… --- ## [Are Baretta and Luger hand-guns the same thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-baretta-and-luger-hand-guns-the-same-thing/819474)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-baretta-and-luger-hand-guns-the-same-thing/819474 "2018-08-16T00:52:32Z")
I’m reading two reports on a shooting and they describe a pistol differently. The judge in the criminal proceedings describes the individual as armed with a Luger, while a fatalities inquiry into the same episode refers… --- ## [Math Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-question/819620)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2018, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-question/819620 "2018-08-16T00:10:19Z")
Question: Does there exist number, n, such that: 2…n has a lower percentage of prime numbers than does 2…2n? The answer must be one of the following: There is a proof that there is no such number. There is a proof th… --- ## [What bird is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bird-is-this/819660)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2018, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bird-is-this/819660 "2018-08-15T22:16:18Z")
Seen late at night on top of the door to a rest stop vending machine area in the Tennessee/North Carolina border region. I was trying to photograph a huge pine sawyer that had been flying around inside when I noticed the… --- ## [Is This A Scam? (Monthly Subscription For ED Medications)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam-monthly-subscription-for-ed-medications/819557)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2018, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam-monthly-subscription-for-ed-medications/819557 "2018-08-15T21:31:18Z")
I won’t link here because if it is spam, I don’t want to be responsible for propagating it. An ad came up on my FB feed for a service that provides ED medication on a subscription basis. The name of it is what you would… --- ## [Emailing Photos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emailing-photos/819678)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2018, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emailing-photos/819678 "2018-08-15T19:36:00Z")
What’s the easiest way for me to email a lot of photos? I know I need to reduce the size, but not sure how. I have the pictures on my iPhone and on my desktop computer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=548) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=550)