# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=59 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 60 --- ## [Relativity paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-paradox/1012974)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-paradox/1012974 "2025-01-15T01:24:43Z")
Please correct me if I got anything wrong: As you accelerate towards the speed of light, time slows down, and distance forshortens. A from a photon’s point of view, there IS no spacetime trajectory to transverse…a lumi… --- ## [Did the Groom of the Stool literally have to wipe the royal bum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-groom-of-the-stool-literally-have-to-wipe-the-royal-bum/1012587)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-groom-of-the-stool-literally-have-to-wipe-the-royal-bum/1012587 "2025-01-14T22:06:32Z")
The Groom of the Stool was known to be the King’s bathroom attendant back in the day; say, King Henry VIII’s time. As it’s said, being that close to the king gave the person direct access to secrets and insider knowledg… --- ## [Go (name)! Go (name)! It's your birthday...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-name-go-name-its-your-birthday/138669)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-name-go-name-its-your-birthday/138669 "2025-01-14T18:12:23Z")
I am not sure if it’s “Go” or “Hey” but where the heck did this saying/chant/thing come from? --- ## [What is the purpose of jodhpurs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-jodhpurs/1006681)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2025, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-jodhpurs/1006681 "2025-01-13T22:49:30Z")
Since there’s already a thread on Puttees ( What was the purpose of puttees? - #11 by John\_DiFool ), I thought I’d bring up this topic. “Jodhpurs” are those weird pants with extra-wide thighs, but tight-fitting near the… --- ## [Brother printer, Linux drivers, rpm vs deb, typo maybe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brother-printer-linux-drivers-rpm-vs-deb-typo-maybe/1012665)
**Author:** [@zuer-coli](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuer-coli)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2025, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brother-printer-linux-drivers-rpm-vs-deb-typo-maybe/1012665 "2025-01-13T20:42:21Z")
Hello all, Please Note, this question may or may not have a factual answer. I’m looking into a new printer, I’m interested in this Brother printer: MFC-J1205W I don’t understand what’s going on with this page from Brot… --- ## [Hypothetically: could eggs laid by flu-stricken hens be eaten safely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-could-eggs-laid-by-flu-stricken-hens-be-eaten-safely/1012778)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2025, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetically-could-eggs-laid-by-flu-stricken-hens-be-eaten-safely/1012778 "2025-01-13T15:02:51Z")
The OP title is the question. You have a hen in your yard. The vet confirms that, yep, your hen has avian flu. Your hen still lays a few eggs. You collect the eggs, and decide to make them into scrambled eggs. There’s n… --- ## [What is a ceramic space-heater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-ceramic-space-heater/1012860)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2025, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-ceramic-space-heater/1012860 "2025-01-13T09:52:15Z")
Went to Canadian Tire today to get a space heater; we’ve got an old house and some rooms get a bit of a draft when it’s 30 below. On the box it says « Safe ceramic heat ». What is a ceramic space heater? And why is it… --- ## [When cancer "returns," where was it in the interim?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-cancer-returns-where-was-it-in-the-interim/1012279)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2025, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-cancer-returns-where-was-it-in-the-interim/1012279 "2025-01-12T19:39:33Z")
Prompted by an article about actress Olivia Hussey’s death, which mentioned that her breast cancer had “returned” ten years after her diagnosis and a double mastectomy. As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve long wondered, th… --- ## [Boeing 737 hovering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737-hovering/1012823)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2025, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737-hovering/1012823 "2025-01-12T19:02:36Z")
The linked video (Instagram) appears to show a 737 hovering essentially in one place. How strong do the winds have to be before this can happen? I notice that the trees are being blown but not that much. That’s assumi… --- ## [Ideal size of a parachute umbrella](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-size-of-a-parachute-umbrella/1012832)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2025, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ideal-size-of-a-parachute-umbrella/1012832 "2025-01-11T14:30:33Z")
I’m a criminal who wants to make a stylish escape by parachuting off of a roof using an umbrella. Is a regular rainy-day one too small, too flimsy, or just impossible? And if so, what size should my umbrella be for succe… --- ## [Why the lack of USB-C mouse's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-lack-of-usb-c-mouses/1009580)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2025, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-lack-of-usb-c-mouses/1009580 "2025-01-11T09:38:41Z")
If they exist I can’t find them. I got a new Dell XPS laptop 2 months ago and all the ports are usb-c. I have to use an adapter in the usb-c port to plug in my old wireless receiver. Its annoying having this thing … --- ## [Is SpaceX Overcharging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-spacex-overcharging/1012328)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2025, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-spacex-overcharging/1012328 "2025-01-11T01:51:06Z")
A few weeks ago, there was a discussion about the cost effectiveness of rockets. I had understood it, from discussions long ago, that the key to bringing down the cost per weight of space flight was in solving the probl… --- ## [How trivial/nontrivial could this wiring job be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-trivial-nontrivial-could-this-wiring-job-be/1011416)
**Author:** [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-trivial-nontrivial-could-this-wiring-job-be/1011416 "2025-01-10T14:04:29Z")
I am looking seriously at a fully electric Polestar 2 EV as my next vehicle. My house is older, with a 100 amp panel and a nearly full breaker box. My garage, which is detached, has 120V outlets and a couple of garage … --- ## [Accelerating Hubble Expansion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accelerating-hubble-expansion/1012752)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accelerating-hubble-expansion/1012752 "2025-01-10T03:14:47Z")
It is a given that the universe is expanding. It is said that the rate of this expansion is speeding up, by an unknown method scientists dubbed Dark Energy. How did they determine this? I would figure, the farther awa… --- ## [Where is voltage “stored”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-voltage-stored/1012739)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-voltage-stored/1012739 "2025-01-10T02:40:39Z")
Sigh. I’ve been working in Electronics for almost 50 years. I’ve designed electronic circuits that have been produced in the tens of thousands. But, I finally realized that I have a fundamental gap in my knowledge - wha… --- ## [I don't understand the account setup on my IRA (rather long, I'm afraid)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-account-setup-on-my-ira-rather-long-im-afraid/1011009)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2025, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-account-setup-on-my-ira-rather-long-im-afraid/1011009 "2025-01-09T14:57:08Z")
I am putting this in GQ because I’m hoping there are factual answers to be had. Also note that there is more further down in this post about why I’m not asking my current financial planner these questions. At the time I… --- ## [When was corporal punishment banned among adult criminals in the United States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-corporal-punishment-banned-among-adult-criminals-in-the-united-states/1012714)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2025, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-corporal-punishment-banned-among-adult-criminals-in-the-united-states/1012714 "2025-01-09T03:20:42Z")
Brown vs Mississippi in 1936 said that confessions obtained under torture were not admissable in the US justice system. But to my knowledge it didn’t ban corporal punishment among adult criminals. In the United Sta… --- ## [What happens if the President-Elect becomes incapacitated before Inauguration Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-president-elect-becomes-incapacitated-before-inauguration-day/1012689)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-president-elect-becomes-incapacitated-before-inauguration-day/1012689 "2025-01-08T23:55:16Z")
What happens if the President-Elect becomes incapacitated and isn’t able to take the oath of office on Inauguration Day? Is it the 20th Amendment, 25th Amendment, or both that would apply? Would the Vice-President-Elect … --- ## [Identify mysterious buried cable in my yard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-mysterious-buried-cable-in-my-yard/1012510)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-mysterious-buried-cable-in-my-yard/1012510 "2025-01-08T17:57:07Z")
While digging in my yard, I unearthed a strange cable. It’s actually two separate wires, each approximately 10 gauge, one brown and one black. They are configured as a twisted pair. It was only a few inches underground. … --- ## [Can a Windows laptop computer be used as a second monitor for a laptop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-windows-laptop-computer-be-used-as-a-second-monitor-for-a-laptop/1012688)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-windows-laptop-computer-be-used-as-a-second-monitor-for-a-laptop/1012688 "2025-01-08T08:49:20Z")
Here’s the situation. We have to travel by air next week. We will be gone for ten days. While we are away from home, my wife will have some work she needs to do for her employer. She has a laptop issued by her employ… --- ## [What if you don't activate a credit card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-dont-activate-a-credit-card/1012708)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-dont-activate-a-credit-card/1012708 "2025-01-08T04:05:49Z")
Last June, I tried to cancel a CC. The woman I spoke to basically refused and I told her to commit an impossible act and hung up, knowing it expired in Oct. A replacement came and I never activated it. Nonetheless the… --- ## [dB question for electrical and audio engineers...and anyone else](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-question-for-electrical-and-audio-engineers-and-anyone-else/1012648)
**Author:** [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2025, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/db-question-for-electrical-and-audio-engineers-and-anyone-else/1012648 "2025-01-08T00:12:06Z")
The fire alarm industry uses The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72) as a reference for fire alarm design. In the 2025 edition, NFPA 72 addresses calculations for the maximum length of wire that should be u… --- ## [Do air freshener gels actually do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-air-freshener-gels-actually-do-anything/1012194 "2025-01-07T23:43:35Z")
I mean THESE stupid things. Mrs. Beitz insists on having them in all three of our bathrooms (not in the weird piss closet in the garage, though). I know they’re only a buck but I don’t detect them doing a darn thing. Un… --- ## [Who "decides the (English-language) names of things"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-the-english-language-names-of-things/1012686)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-the-english-language-names-of-things/1012686 "2025-01-07T22:36:42Z")
The talk about Trump wanting to rename the Gulf of Mexico made me think: how are locations given their English-language names? Who decided that “Deutschland” should be “Germany,” or “Nippon” should be “Japan”? --- ## [German speakers: Um berufen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-um-berufen/236843)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-speakers-um-berufen/236843 "2025-01-07T19:23:23Z")
I came across this phrase in a Jeeves and Wooster story. It’s obviously an idiom, and my German dictionary and several online translation services have not been very helpful. Here’s the context: Bertie, speaking to his … --- ## [Calculating an RMD from an inherited IRA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-an-rmd-from-an-inherited-ira/1012631)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-an-rmd-from-an-inherited-ira/1012631 "2025-01-07T12:55:13Z")
I have an inherited IRA, and due to recent IRS rule changes, this is the first year that a required minimum distribution (RMD) will actually be required. There are calculators out there hosted by various investment inst… --- ## [Could Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) have received an OBE/et al...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-phil-lynott-thin-lizzy-have-received-an-obe-et-al/1012416)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-phil-lynott-thin-lizzy-have-received-an-obe-et-al/1012416 "2025-01-07T11:22:52Z")
To their credit, many British entertainers and such have turned down the offers of OBE’s or whatever - some medal from the Crown. I’ve no problem with Paul McCartney conspicuously wearing the OBE as a member on Sgt. Pep… --- ## [How Common Are Fatal Wild Animal-On-Human Attacks In (Western) Europe? Japan? Australia/NZ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-fatal-wild-animal-on-human-attacks-in-western-europe-japan-australia-nz/1000242 "2025-01-07T09:45:01Z")
In the US, you’re far more likely to be killed by a domesticated animal than a wild one. Nevertheless, I’d say we maybe lose 10-12 people per year from a combination of mountain lion attacks, bear attacks, shark attacks,… --- ## [How do I check if I have NET 6.0 on my PC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-check-if-i-have-net-6-0-on-my-pc/1012630)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2025, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-check-if-i-have-net-6-0-on-my-pc/1012630 "2025-01-07T02:03:58Z")
I want to install something, and it needs to know if I have NET 6.0. I’m nervous about changing anything critical. One website suggested I open something called the Registry Editor, but that sounds like something I shoul… --- ## [How dangerous are sprouting potatoes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-are-sprouting-potatoes/1012144)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dangerous-are-sprouting-potatoes/1012144 "2025-01-06T18:36:26Z")
I read both that you can break off the sprouts and peel, and that they will be fine, and also to be cautious and discard. We won 10 kg (22 lbs) and don’t use them that quickly. Normally, I only buy enough for what I’m p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=58) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=60)