# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=570 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 571 --- ## [Is Boron Arsenide toxic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-boron-arsenide-toxic/816847)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-boron-arsenide-toxic/816847 "2018-06-27T18:34:36Z")
Specifically cubic boron arsenide. I read that in the future people might use cubic boron arsenide in electronic devices because its a more powerful and cheaper thermal conductor than diamond. But wouldn’t that result … --- ## [Does it violate US law to ask for asylum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-violate-us-law-to-ask-for-asylum/816772)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-violate-us-law-to-ask-for-asylum/816772 "2018-06-27T17:55:48Z")
Many commentators (not mention one DJT) seem to be asserting that the very act of showing up at the border and asking for asylum is a violation of US law and therefore not only justifies, but even requires, that any mino… --- ## [Social Security Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/816761)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-question/816761 "2018-06-27T17:44:32Z")
If a person passes away on the 26th of the month and their check arrives into a joint bank account on the 1st of the next month does the check have to be returned? --- ## [How effective are military arms/ammunition against dangerous animals? (possible SPOILERS)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-military-arms-ammunition-against-dangerous-animals-possible-spoilers/816739)
**Author:** [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-military-arms-ammunition-against-dangerous-animals-possible-spoilers/816739 "2018-06-27T17:36:00Z")
This question is based on a specific situation. In the movie “Annihilation” a small squad of 5 female soldiers/scientists is sent into this weird, dome-like thing to see what’s inside. At various times they are attacked … --- ## [Raccoons and skunks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raccoons-and-skunks/816794)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raccoons-and-skunks/816794 "2018-06-27T15:17:00Z")
We leave out food for feral cats. Of course this feeds raccoons and skunks also. Over the last two years we have noticed that it is often a pair of a young raccoon and a skunk, traveling together. Two different pairs. C… --- ## [Can you tell which computer has posted from a certain ISP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tell-which-computer-has-posted-from-a-certain-isp/816680)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tell-which-computer-has-posted-from-a-certain-isp/816680 "2018-06-27T15:12:11Z")
This is a question that’s been rattling around in my head for a while now. Just curiousity to understand how ISP connections work. There was a case awhile ago in Ottawa where certain Wikipedia articles about politician… --- ## [Environmentally friendly disposal of spoilt milk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/environmentally-friendly-disposal-of-spoilt-milk/806925)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/environmentally-friendly-disposal-of-spoilt-milk/806925 "2018-06-27T14:43:49Z")
So, it’s happened again, we lost another gallon of milk to spoilage. Blame a large wholesale chain that sells milk in two-gallon boxes. I poured the milk down the drain before crushing the plastic jug and tossing it into… --- ## [Are the male and female brains different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-brains-different/815671)
**Author:** [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-male-and-female-brains-different/815671 "2018-06-27T14:37:23Z")
I’ve heard the explanation of transgenderism as a “male brain in a female body” or vice versa. Now, I’m not knocking transgenderism. If you feel like you’re a woman and want to be treated as such, okay, whatever. My q… --- ## [Passport Help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-help/183836)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-help/183836 "2018-06-27T14:08:44Z")
Allow me to state in a rationale manner what I’d much prefer to do while using insulting language about the parentage of random government workers. I’m leaving the country next Monday. I have no passport. On June 12th… --- ## [2000 GMC 1500, is there an unswitched hot between the cab and the bumper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2000-gmc-1500-is-there-an-unswitched-hot-between-the-cab-and-the-bumper/816798)
**Author:** [@cornflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2000-gmc-1500-is-there-an-unswitched-hot-between-the-cab-and-the-bumper/816798 "2018-06-27T13:35:28Z")
Arcane question, but the title says it all. I want to install a 12V port in the bed to use occasionally. I know that the pinout for a 7-pin RV connector has 12V auxillary power on one of the pins, but this truck has a … --- ## [How foreign are Harley-Davidson motorcycles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foreign-are-harley-davidson-motorcycles/816765)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-foreign-are-harley-davidson-motorcycles/816765 "2018-06-27T13:03:46Z")
How many foreign-made parts are there on Harley-Davidson motorcycles? I’ve heard that they use Keihin carburettors and Showa shocks from Japan, Brembo brakes from Italy, wheels from somewhere-or-other, and wiring from M… --- ## [Reversed order causing reversed meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reversed-order-causing-reversed-meaning/816713)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reversed-order-causing-reversed-meaning/816713 "2018-06-27T12:52:02Z")
Is there a term for when reversing the order of words reverses the meaning? For example: “Commercial free” vs. “free commercial”. --- ## [What's the best substitute for dish washing liquid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-substitute-for-dish-washing-liquid/816744)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-substitute-for-dish-washing-liquid/816744 "2018-06-27T11:26:28Z")
I know you’ve had this happen: I ran out of dish liquid. Is there another household soap that will do? How about running out of other soaps? Which can be used instead of each other with what effect? --- ## [Looking for an Android app. Alternate phone book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-android-app-alternate-phone-book/816754)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-an-android-app-alternate-phone-book/816754 "2018-06-27T04:36:51Z")
I’m annoyed by how many apps declare that they must have full access to my phone s address book in order to work. I don’t see the need to let every app designer have access to my friends’ information. So… are there any… --- ## [Can a business refuse to co-operate with the Secret Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-business-refuse-to-co-operate-with-the-secret-service/816700)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-business-refuse-to-co-operate-with-the-secret-service/816700 "2018-06-27T03:12:53Z")
Follow-up to the Sanders restaurant issue, but I hope it can be kept in GQ. Suppose Vice-President Pence wants to go back and watch Hamilton again. He buys some tickets on the re-sale market. I’m assuming that when the… --- ## [Turning away undocumented migrants at the border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-away-undocumented-migrants-at-the-border/816782)
**Author:** [@peedin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peedin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-away-undocumented-migrants-at-the-border/816782 "2018-06-27T02:57:56Z")
From my brief perusal of the NY Times, I understand that people on American soil, citizens or not, are entitled to due process. But what about if they are standing at the border? Does the border patrol (or whoever is l… --- ## [A Device/Modem to Access External HDD Over a Network](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-device-modem-to-access-external-hdd-over-a-network/816704)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2018, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-device-modem-to-access-external-hdd-over-a-network/816704 "2018-06-27T00:04:11Z")
I have an external HDD which I do not want to connect directly with my laptop, as when you do that and you move the laptop a little there are constant disconnections due to the bad wiring of the usb port. And sometimes y… --- ## [Term Life Insurance premiums a business expense for an LLC/partnership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-life-insurance-premiums-a-business-expense-for-an-llc-partnership/809035)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-life-insurance-premiums-a-business-expense-for-an-llc-partnership/809035 "2018-06-26T21:31:53Z")
A friend of mine told me he started an LLC/partnership with his wife. There are only two employees, he and his wife and they are both officers in the company owning 50% each. He got a term life insurance policy for himse… --- ## [How long do regular herb garden seeds stay "potent?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-regular-herb-garden-seeds-stay-potent/816673)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-regular-herb-garden-seeds-stay-potent/816673 "2018-06-26T19:33:25Z")
See query. I ordered a bunch of seeds on-line, and found a few packs from last year I forgot about. Are they still good to go? PS: Haven’t they found seeds in archaeology digs, or whatever, which they can just plant an… --- ## [My car sounds like truck brakes when I turn on the A/C](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-car-sounds-like-truck-brakes-when-i-turn-on-the-a-c/816764)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-car-sounds-like-truck-brakes-when-i-turn-on-the-a-c/816764 "2018-06-26T17:44:56Z")
Just that. I start the car, all normal. I turn on the A/C and whoosh, from the front end, driver’s side, there is a quick outrush of air that sounds like truck brakes. 2007 Grand Marquis, with about 135000 miles. Any id… --- ## [Please help me identify this plant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-plant/816755)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-identify-this-plant/816755 "2018-06-26T16:36:41Z")
I was over at my friend’s house the other day, we were doing various tasks in the yard, and I noticed my favorite plant there was blooming! It’s the house he grew up in, and he says it’s never bloomed before. The flower… --- ## [eBay saved searches help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-saved-searches-help/816777)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-saved-searches-help/816777 "2018-06-26T14:53:12Z")
I’ve been getting emails recently for a search I saved a year or two ago. It wouldn’t be a problem, only the returns include a partial match of my search term. (i.e., it includes listings with an ‘e’ at the end of the … --- ## [Can you use reasoning to determine an unknown diseases etiology based on demographics and symptoms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-use-reasoning-to-determine-an-unknown-diseases-etiology-based-on-demographics-and-symptoms/816670)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-use-reasoning-to-determine-an-unknown-diseases-etiology-based-on-demographics-and-symptoms/816670 "2018-06-26T13:20:54Z")
Unsure if this is a dumb question (I obviously don’t know everything), but here goes. Autoimmune diseases tend to disproportionately affect women Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME disproportionately affects women ergo, CFS/… --- ## [Gravity Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-question/815514)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-question/815514 "2018-06-26T13:19:41Z")
In a PBS Space Time video the narrator states that, in Einstein’s opinion, an object perceived to fall to the ground should actually be viewed as the earth rising up to meet the object. I couldn’t quite follow the conce… --- ## [Will these phones work in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-these-phones-work-in-the-usa/816731)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-these-phones-work-in-the-usa/816731 "2018-06-26T05:49:31Z")
I don’t care what anyone thinks. I like my flip phone. If I buy one of these from overseas and put a “bring your own phone” sim card in it from Straight Talk, will it work? --- ## [Questions about Google Sheets on Google Drive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-google-sheets-on-google-drive/816686)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2018, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-google-sheets-on-google-drive/816686 "2018-06-26T02:43:59Z")
If a person opens a Google Sheets document on Google Drive, peruses it thoroughly but does not change anything, would this generate a timestamp for that user? Or looked at another way, if there is a timestamp for someon… --- ## [Something is slowing down my pc on start, but only on start, what could it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-is-slowing-down-my-pc-on-start-but-only-on-start-what-could-it-be/816666)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2018, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/something-is-slowing-down-my-pc-on-start-but-only-on-start-what-could-it-be/816666 "2018-06-25T23:43:22Z")
I suppose that it is normal for a pc to work slower for the first few seconds when you first start it up, but my pc completely crawls and freezes for around 5 minutes, even though in Task manager RAM&CPU usage is apparen… --- ## [Has Congress ever voted to cut its OWN salary, benefits, budget, or staff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-congress-ever-voted-to-cut-its-own-salary-benefits-budget-or-staff/816694)
**Author:** [@Lizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lizard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2018, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-congress-ever-voted-to-cut-its-own-salary-benefits-budget-or-staff/816694 "2018-06-25T17:34:49Z")
I seriously doubt it, but am not sure how to go about researching such a broad, vague question. I think of it every time I see anyone IN Congress on TV talking about government waste and “Big Government” as a problem. --- ## [How do your internal organs still work if you have a cervical spine fracture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-your-internal-organs-still-work-if-you-have-a-cervical-spine-fracture/816623)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2018, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-your-internal-organs-still-work-if-you-have-a-cervical-spine-fracture/816623 "2018-06-25T17:26:32Z")
If your neck breaks and you lose control of everything below one of your cervical vertebrae, how do all your internal organs still work? Your heart, spleen, digestive system, etc. all still work because if they didn’t, t… --- ## [Trailer tire highway speed question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trailer-tire-highway-speed-question/816212)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2018, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trailer-tire-highway-speed-question/816212 "2018-06-25T16:06:10Z")
I recently bought a 4’ x 8’ trailer I want to take on a trip up north this summer. The 4.80-12 tires say speed rating “K” which works out to 68mph max. Our highway speeds are 70mph on most of I-75, and anybody doing less… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=569) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=571)