# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=583 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 584 --- ## [Will Meghan Markle be able to hold a British passport after the wedding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-meghan-markle-be-able-to-hold-a-british-passport-after-the-wedding/814186)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-meghan-markle-be-able-to-hold-a-british-passport-after-the-wedding/814186 "2018-05-23T18:23:06Z")
So it looks like Meghan Markle will undergoing the normal naturalization process to obtain British citizenship, which takes several years, instead of there being a private act of parliament naturalizing her (like there w… --- ## [When is it illegal to carry ammunition across state lines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-it-illegal-to-carry-ammunition-across-state-lines/814297)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-it-illegal-to-carry-ammunition-across-state-lines/814297 "2018-05-23T17:40:23Z")
I saw a program on Investigation Discovery last night (don’t recall which one), and the suspect was detained for further investigation because it was discovered he had ammo that had been manufactured/purchased in another… --- ## [Earl of Wessex, Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex; how are these names determined? Who chooses them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earl-of-wessex-dukes-of-cambridge-and-sussex-how-are-these-names-determined-who-chooses-them/814533)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earl-of-wessex-dukes-of-cambridge-and-sussex-how-are-these-names-determined-who-chooses-them/814533 "2018-05-23T17:18:33Z")
If memory serves, the above titles are the three most recently granted to royal family members. With reference to those names in particular, how were those place names determined? In contrast to Charles as Duke of Corn… --- ## [Can I use a high-end blender to grind coffee beans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-high-end-blender-to-grind-coffee-beans/814620)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2018, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-high-end-blender-to-grind-coffee-beans/814620 "2018-05-23T05:41:20Z")
I seek normal grind. I’ve a huge bag, and a teeny tiny grinder. If I “Bump” the blender once or twice, stir up by hand to mix, “Bump” it again, could I wind up getting a reasonable grind going? Of am I going to wind up… --- ## [What happens is a sitting president refuses to obey a summons to appear in court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-is-a-sitting-president-refuses-to-obey-a-summons-to-appear-in-court/814364)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-is-a-sitting-president-refuses-to-obey-a-summons-to-appear-in-court/814364 "2018-05-22T22:50:44Z")
Hi What happens is a sitting president refuses to obey a summons to appear in court? Does he have the right to refuse? I look forward to your feedback. A Manhattan appeals panel has rejected President Trump’s reques… --- ## [Does anyone remember the "Denny's Dead" hoax?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-the-dennys-dead-hoax/814552)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-remember-the-dennys-dead-hoax/814552 "2018-05-22T22:37:04Z")
Back in the 1990s (I think), some person (or group of people) played a prank/ran a publicity stunt on a number of people (including (as I recall) a member of the Monty Python troup). The way it worked was Send an appa… --- ## [The media and misleading truth: How does libel/slander apply?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-and-misleading-truth-how-does-libel-slander-apply/814573)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-and-misleading-truth-how-does-libel-slander-apply/814573 "2018-05-22T22:12:05Z")
I once read a story - possibly apocryphal - in which a journalist went up to a politician and asked him a question to the effect of, “Did you take $200,000 in bribes last year?” and the politician indignantly denied taki… --- ## [Would Jesus find anything familiar in a modern synagogue other than the Torah?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-jesus-find-anything-familiar-in-a-modern-synagogue-other-than-the-torah/814507)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-jesus-find-anything-familiar-in-a-modern-synagogue-other-than-the-torah/814507 "2018-05-22T21:24:51Z")
Do any of the rites or chanting or anything else go back to his time? I guess the question is would he feel at all at home? --- ## [Quantum Computers, Cryptography and Lattices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-computers-cryptography-and-lattices/814522)
**Author:** [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-computers-cryptography-and-lattices/814522 "2018-05-22T21:11:33Z")
I read that traditional crypto schemes based on prime factorization can theoretically be broken by quantum computers but that lattice based crypto cannot. Question: Why the difference? I don’t really understand Shor’s… --- ## [How does VOID on check when copied work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-void-on-check-when-copied-work/814597)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-void-on-check-when-copied-work/814597 "2018-05-22T20:48:04Z")
First, I do not want to circumvent security features or do anything illegal. Do not try to tell me how to do that in this thread. I am just curious from an engineering standpoint. Many checks have what looks like a swi… --- ## [What is that Spanish Minority Group?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-spanish-minority-group/814550)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-spanish-minority-group/814550 "2018-05-22T20:43:50Z")
Hey, Nava (or anyone else), I forgot the name of that oppressed group in Spain and France. Famously, they speak the local language, practice the local religion and are loyal to the local governments. Despite this, they … --- ## [What's the big deal with "their" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-with-their/230858)
**Author:** [@Jodocus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodocus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-with-their/230858 "2018-05-22T19:25:39Z")
Why do grammarians have a problem with using “their” or “them” when referring to a person of unknown gender? “He or she” seems to defeat the purpose of using pronouns in the first place. I mean we use “you” to refer to … --- ## [Internet Explorer doesn't do some Google searches.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-doesnt-do-some-google-searches/814625)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-doesnt-do-some-google-searches/814625 "2018-05-22T19:00:08Z")
I come across this issue from time to time. I’ll paste something into the URL box to do a Google search. Usually I add double-quotes, sometimes I removed tabs. Sometimes Internet Explorer refuses to do the Google sear… --- ## [PHP vs Java advantages/disadvantages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/php-vs-java-advantages-disadvantages/271102)
**Author:** [@joazito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joazito)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/php-vs-java-advantages-disadvantages/271102 "2018-05-22T17:06:28Z")
I am not interested in knowing which of these languages is better. I simply want to know some facts about them. I am starting this thread here because at my local university this has become a religious topic. Example: “-… --- ## ["Indian Department of Telecommunications" or "India Department of Telecommunications"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-department-of-telecommunications-or-india-department-of-telecommunications/814608)
**Author:** [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-department-of-telecommunications-or-india-department-of-telecommunications/814608 "2018-05-22T15:46:06Z")
I can’t decide. Help. --- ## [Does lightning only damage power cords if devices were drawing power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lightning-only-damage-power-cords-if-devices-were-drawing-power/814514)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lightning-only-damage-power-cords-if-devices-were-drawing-power/814514 "2018-05-22T15:04:20Z")
Quick question: Can lightning damage a laptop adapter or cellphone charger inside an apartment even if no devices were attached and drawing power from the adapter/cables/charger at the time? --- ## [Quantum entanglement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-entanglement/814434)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-entanglement/814434 "2018-05-22T15:00:53Z")
I’ve been hearing a lot about Bell’s theorem lately in the news. Is it possible that spacetime at the quantum level has only two dimensions? Quantum entangled systems don’t recognize spatial separation. At least that wou… --- ## [How do we know old/ancient pronunciations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-old-ancient-pronunciations/813223)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-old-ancient-pronunciations/813223 "2018-05-22T12:22:40Z")
I have heard occasionally about the Great Vowel Shift, where English vowel pronunciation changed over a period of time. I just heard it referenced on the Lexicon Valley podcast. OK, so how do we know how people pronounc… --- ## [Prince Harry Wedding Questions (theadapalooza!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prince-harry-wedding-questions-theadapalooza/814470)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prince-harry-wedding-questions-theadapalooza/814470 "2018-05-22T07:12:31Z")
Why Windsor? Tradition for all Princes/esses not of Wales? Is that church 'the Royal Chapel" (not sure what that really means) separate from the (one of but the snazziest) churches for Windsor hoi polloi? 2.a. Is… --- ## [Bald Men and Dandruff.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bald-men-and-dandruff/814574)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bald-men-and-dandruff/814574 "2018-05-22T02:44:46Z")
Something that has perplexed me for some time now: Do bald men ever get Dandruff? I’ve never seen one. But maybe I am not looking closely enough. Also, women can sometimes go bald too. But I am thinking more the lines … --- ## [SRoyal Prenup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sroyal-prenup/814456)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2018, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sroyal-prenup/814456 "2018-05-22T01:08:53Z")
Have to assume there is some type of prenuptial signed by Meghan Markel (sp). Any educated guesses as to content? --- ## [Exoplanet Detection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exoplanet-detection/814022)
**Author:** [@USCDiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/USCDiver)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exoplanet-detection/814022 "2018-05-21T23:58:22Z")
My understanding of the Kepler and TESS missions is that they detect exoplanets by looking for changes in a star’s intensity as a planet transits in front of the star. Does this mean that we are only able to detect plan… --- ## [Blowtorch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blowtorch/814566)
**Author:** [@Deanna\_N](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deanna_N)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blowtorch/814566 "2018-05-21T22:34:59Z")
Can u get sick from inhaling fumes from a blowtorch --- ## [Question regarding the double slit experiment with electrons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-double-slit-experiment-with-electrons/814499)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-the-double-slit-experiment-with-electrons/814499 "2018-05-21T21:18:31Z")
I’ve heard of the double-slit experiment with electrons as described by Richard Feynman being carried out in such manner that electrons were sent out one at a time. I’m not sure whether or not I understood the experiment… --- ## [Is there a word for the concept of inner peace that comes from accepting that things won't work out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-the-concept-of-inner-peace-that-comes-from-accepting-that-things-wont-work-out/814422)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-the-concept-of-inner-peace-that-comes-from-accepting-that-things-wont-work-out/814422 "2018-05-21T19:08:51Z")
I don’t know if fatalism is the right word. But for example you try to be healthy in your 40s and 50s, being extremely neurotic about being in perfect health and then one day you accept that everyone’s health will fail, … --- ## [Is there a name for this phenomenon: a small benevolence removing the desire to do something more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-phenomenon-a-small-benevolence-removing-the-desire-to-do-something-more/814493)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-phenomenon-a-small-benevolence-removing-the-desire-to-do-something-more/814493 "2018-05-21T18:48:29Z")
I thought I remembered something from school, long ago, where a study was done where volunteers were given the opportunity to do some small good thing would remove their guilt and their desire to do something bigger? Fo… --- ## [Looking for the names of Hercules's daughters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-the-names-of-herculess-daughters/814335)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-the-names-of-herculess-daughters/814335 "2018-05-21T17:13:02Z")
Hi, Of all the names listed of Hercules’s children from different wives and lovers, wikipedia provides a list but no genders. I would be interested in knowing which names are female. I look forward to your feedback --- ## [Why Iron chisels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-iron-chisels/814523)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2018, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-iron-chisels/814523 "2018-05-21T01:14:48Z")
When the Columbia Rediviva sailed to the Pacific Northwest for the fur trade, they carried mostly iron chisels for trading to the natives. The natives were less than impressed and wanted copper or weapons. But why iron… --- ## [Why do I get these weird text strings instead of apostrophes and quotes and such?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-these-weird-text-strings-instead-of-apostrophes-and-quotes-and-such/814510)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2018, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-get-these-weird-text-strings-instead-of-apostrophes-and-quotes-and-such/814510 "2018-05-20T22:49:36Z")
Alphaboi867 has a thread title which has one of these things in it, meant to be a possessive: “&” And any time someone quotes Twitter I invariably get “—. Do I need to update my character set somewhere in Firefox … --- ## [Meat rationing in WWII](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meat-rationing-in-wwii/814511)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2018, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meat-rationing-in-wwii/814511 "2018-05-20T22:40:02Z")
I was searching the archives of a local newspaper and spotted an interesting article about something else (as I often do). This is from December 12, 1942. There was a question and answer column written by the Office of … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=582) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=584)