# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=565 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 566 --- ## [Do different species of little birds ever hump and/or have eggs together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-different-species-of-little-birds-ever-hump-and-or-have-eggs-together/817570)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2018, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-different-species-of-little-birds-ever-hump-and-or-have-eggs-together/817570 "2018-07-10T02:09:31Z")
Yesterday, My Beautiful Wife and I were enjoying beers in our backyard when a stunning red cardinal appeared on our back fence. He was chirping and hopping and clearly was looking to score. Along came a finch or some o… --- ## [Any idea why I can't select any of my own text in a post or reply here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-i-cant-select-any-of-my-own-text-in-a-post-or-reply-here/817629)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2018, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-i-cant-select-any-of-my-own-text-in-a-post-or-reply-here/817629 "2018-07-10T01:43:45Z")
I was trying to write a reply to another thread when I discovered that I was completely unable to select anything I wrote, say to copy and paste! It’s true that I’m using a different browser (Chrome) than I have in the … --- ## [Acme thread angle design](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acme-thread-angle-design/817583)
**Author:** [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acme-thread-angle-design/817583 "2018-07-09T20:12:50Z")
Simple historical question: Why was the acme thread angle designed with a 29 degree pitch instead of a round 30 degrees, as is done with metric trapezoidal? --- ## [Why does perihelion and aphelion move around so irregularly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-perihelion-and-aphelion-move-around-so-irregularly/817367)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-perihelion-and-aphelion-move-around-so-irregularly/817367 "2018-07-09T19:48:05Z")
Here’s a list of Earth’s perihelia and aphelia through 2100. As you can see, the time these happen moves around within about a 4-day period, sometimes changing 2 days from year to year. This is not the kind of variation … --- ## [Georgia Tech distance learning.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-tech-distance-learning/817510)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-tech-distance-learning/817510 "2018-07-09T19:29:19Z")
Bit of a niche question, but… in 2003 Georgia Tech was offering an undergraduate mech engineering B.S. degree by Distance Ed. That was pretty unusual in 2003. They’ve dropped the program. Not many places find that engi… --- ## [How to get rid of social media links on web page?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-social-media-links-on-web-page/711456)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-social-media-links-on-web-page/711456 "2018-07-09T18:57:36Z")
More and more recently I’ve been seeing social media links in a vertical bar on the left hand side of the page – like this. These things block the text of the page so that I have to keep the text I want to read below th… --- ## [DOJ set a deadline for family reunification by HHS. What if deadline is missed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doj-set-a-deadline-for-family-reunification-by-hhs-what-if-deadline-is-missed/817572)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doj-set-a-deadline-for-family-reunification-by-hhs-what-if-deadline-is-missed/817572 "2018-07-09T17:33:18Z")
The Department of Justice has set a deadline for the Department of Health and Human Services to reunite children who have been separated from their families after crossing into the US. What happens if the deadline is mi… --- ## [Did many ancient humans suffer retinal damage during solar eclipses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-many-ancient-humans-suffer-retinal-damage-during-solar-eclipses/817456)
**Author:** [@EricaRoche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EricaRoche)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-many-ancient-humans-suffer-retinal-damage-during-solar-eclipses/817456 "2018-07-09T16:26:49Z")
We only know how dangerous eclipses are because of modern science and the danger isn’t apparent since it doesn’t cause immediate pain. I was wondering how people 500yrs ago on the equator in South America or Africa would… --- ## [Google price change for mapping API](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-price-change-for-mapping-api/817573)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-price-change-for-mapping-api/817573 "2018-07-09T14:32:57Z")
Does anyone know about this? Is it going to be a significant factor on the web at least for a while? According to this site, Google will start charging for the use of their mapping APIs-which are used every time anyone … --- ## [Computer (browser) problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-browser-problem/817505)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-browser-problem/817505 "2018-07-09T14:11:32Z")
On the 1-100 scale of importance, this rates somewhere between zero and 1. But it irritates me, so here goes. On my Mozilla browser, I employ the bookmarks toolbar (the horizontal bar near the top that shows small icons… --- ## [UK and Aussie Paving - why is it melting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-and-aussie-paving-why-is-it-melting/817426)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-and-aussie-paving-why-is-it-melting/817426 "2018-07-09T12:46:51Z")
I have seen several articles about pavement melting in the UK and Australia due to high temperatures. The linked articlesays that this happened because UK temps hit 33 C, or 91 F. In the US, that’s considered springtim… --- ## [Rearranging batteries in a remote.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rearranging-batteries-in-a-remote/817537)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rearranging-batteries-in-a-remote/817537 "2018-07-09T11:10:18Z")
Why does rearranging the batteries in a dead remote control (or any other DC device) temporarily (sometimes) revive it? --- ## [What Do You Feed Someone Near Starvation - Like, For Example, A Soccer Team Trapped In A Cave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-feed-someone-near-starvation-like-for-example-a-soccer-team-trapped-in-a-cave/817516)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-feed-someone-near-starvation-like-for-example-a-soccer-team-trapped-in-a-cave/817516 "2018-07-09T05:32:18Z")
What are the best practices in the military, international aid, a medical communities regarding feeding someone who has done without food for an extended period of time? I know that great care must be taken to not give t… --- ## [What Is The Equation On This Guy's Shirt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-equation-on-this-guys-shirt/817520)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-equation-on-this-guys-shirt/817520 "2018-07-09T05:03:47Z")
In this video? --- ## [What accent is this/does it still exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-accent-is-this-does-it-still-exist/817506)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-accent-is-this-does-it-still-exist/817506 "2018-07-09T04:46:16Z")
From this ridiculous ad for Bull of the Woods Chewing Tobacco. Probably circa 1950s, but not sure. The older bull (beginning at :12 seconds) speaks with a deep voice and hard-to-place accent that’s very archaic-sounding… --- ## [First time weed user](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-time-weed-user/817541)
**Author:** [@UCBearcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UCBearcats)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-time-weed-user/817541 "2018-07-09T03:53:07Z")
I will be going to a place where weed is legal. I have never used, but I am curious and want to try it. What are some tips for this first time user? --- ## [Zygote! How soon after do the other systems in the body become aware and change in embryogenesis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zygote-how-soon-after-do-the-other-systems-in-the-body-become-aware-and-change-in-embryogenesis/817489)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2018, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zygote-how-soon-after-do-the-other-systems-in-the-body-become-aware-and-change-in-embryogenesis/817489 "2018-07-09T03:31:36Z")
I don’t think I skipped this class in Health Ed. Zygote–\>morula (did I miss a step?)–\>blastocyst–\>embryo. The woman’s body obviously goes through enormous changes at the local and systemic level during early pregnancy. … --- ## [Educamate me on trade deficits, please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educamate-me-on-trade-deficits-please/817257)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educamate-me-on-trade-deficits-please/817257 "2018-07-08T23:45:24Z")
Right, it’s in the news, the Prez is agitated by trade deficits, economists say not to worry our pretty little heads, many columns are being written. Can anyone give me a primer on trade deficits and why they’re either … --- ## [Too old to party -- beer gives me painful gas.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-old-to-party-beer-gives-me-painful-gas/251506)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/too-old-to-party-beer-gives-me-painful-gas/251506 "2018-07-08T23:17:44Z")
Alright what’s the deal? I’m in my mid-thirties and have recently noticed that imbibing alcoholic beverages (particularly beer, but also wine to some extent) gives me trapped gas pains in my chest about the caliber of b… --- ## [How do they decide where to place highway mileage signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-decide-where-to-place-highway-mileage-signs/817502)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-decide-where-to-place-highway-mileage-signs/817502 "2018-07-08T22:04:22Z")
Drove I-55 from St Louis to the Chicago burbs today, and wondered why they place the highway destination mileage signs where they do. They generally list 3 towns/cities along the route, but I wasn’t able to discern any … --- ## [6 sided die after 13 rolls probability = .513858 all 6 numbers appear. Easier way to calculate this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-sided-die-after-13-rolls-probability-513858-all-6-numbers-appear-easier-way-to-calculate-this/817448)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-sided-die-after-13-rolls-probability-513858-all-6-numbers-appear-easier-way-to-calculate-this/817448 "2018-07-08T20:37:09Z")
Yes, this has been discussed before, but I have calculated the probability at 0.513858194042236 and the calculations are on my website: Occupancy Calculator Part 4 (I’m certain the calculations are accurate.) However, … --- ## [Natural Predators of the Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-predators-of-the-common-raccoon-procyon-lotor/817387)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-predators-of-the-common-raccoon-procyon-lotor/817387 "2018-07-08T17:42:16Z")
I am trying to compose a comprehensive list of the natural predators of the Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor). For the purposes of this list, I have established the following criteria: Natural predators excludes man, dom… --- ## [Pronunciation of the letter "x" in Latin and related languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-the-letter-x-in-latin-and-related-languages/817052)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronunciation-of-the-letter-x-in-latin-and-related-languages/817052 "2018-07-08T15:54:52Z")
I was reading about how the word raja, a title for a monarch or princely ruler in South and Southeast Asia, is a cognate of the Latin word rex or “king”, meaning both words have a have a common etymological origin. Simil… --- ## [What are the longest lasting rubber bands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-longest-lasting-rubber-bands/817488)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-longest-lasting-rubber-bands/817488 "2018-07-08T14:33:31Z")
I have a few things that I keep wrapped up with rubber bands and they break after a few months. They seem to get dried out and loose their stretch. Is there a particular type (or brand) of rubber bands that I can expec… --- ## [F4U Corsair vs. P-51 Mustang](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f4u-corsair-vs-p-51-mustang/817409)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f4u-corsair-vs-p-51-mustang/817409 "2018-07-08T11:24:54Z")
Both aircraft were impressive fighters (though the F6F Hellcat shot down more enemy aircraft than the Corsair did). Is there any factual data as to which was the better fighter, which was more ‘badass’? Given pilots of… --- ## [What are the biggest questions remaining in the study of recent human evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-biggest-questions-remaining-in-the-study-of-recent-human-evolution/817155)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-biggest-questions-remaining-in-the-study-of-recent-human-evolution/817155 "2018-07-08T07:46:12Z")
I thought this was most suited to GQ, even though some answers may be more opinion than factual – mods can feel free to move it if more suited for GD or IMHO. What are the biggest questions remaining about humanity’s re… --- ## [Doctor, Dentist, Podiatrist, and ....others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-dentist-podiatrist-and-others/817280)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2018, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-dentist-podiatrist-and-others/817280 "2018-07-08T02:50:32Z")
A recent thread about podiatrists got me to thinking - we have doctors (MDs, DOs) that could work on any part of the body, we have dentists that specialize on teeth and mouths, we have podiatrists we specialize on feet… … --- ## [How do birds/flying insects navigate in fog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-birds-flying-insects-navigate-in-fog/5477)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2018, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-birds-flying-insects-navigate-in-fog/5477 "2018-07-07T18:23:47Z")
I had never thought about this until last week, when I saw a humorous panel on the subject in an anthology from Mad. Granted, bats’ echolocation helps them find insects or avoid fixed objects, so they don’t rely so much … --- ## [Plural of 'torus'.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plural-of-torus/817198)
**Author:** [@Casparlatete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casparlatete)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plural-of-torus/817198 "2018-07-07T17:27:29Z")
A mathematical torus is defined as, A toroid generated by a circle; in simple terms, a surface having the shape of a doughnut. What is the correct way to describe more than one torus? --- ## [Do fire departments still come to get stuck cats out of trees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-fire-departments-still-come-to-get-stuck-cats-out-of-trees/817133)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-fire-departments-still-come-to-get-stuck-cats-out-of-trees/817133 "2018-07-07T16:01:43Z")
It’s kind of a Norman Rockwell-esque image - but do they still respond to such calls? Are they more likely to in small towns than in big cities, given the demands on their personnel? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=564) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=566)