# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=597 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 598 --- ## [Can a Constitutional Amendment be itself unconstitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-constitutional-amendment-be-itself-unconstitutional/812308)
**Author:** [@D\_Anconia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Anconia)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-constitutional-amendment-be-itself-unconstitutional/812308 "2018-04-12T20:35:27Z")
The House is debating a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. One member came to the floor and said that such an Amendment is “possibly unconstitutional”. Without getting into the politics or wisdom of said A… --- ## [Bill Gates' Prenuptual Agreement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-gates-prenuptual-agreement/41511)
**Author:** [@sh00z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sh00z)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2000, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-gates-prenuptual-agreement/41511 "2000-11-17T17:35:56Z")
Two- or three-part question: Is there any truth to the rumors about Bill and Melinda Gates’ prenup (that is, he is permitted to be unfaithful without having to split his fortune upon divorce)? If it’s false, how di… --- ## [If a defense attorney's office might be raided...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-defense-attorneys-office-might-be-raided/812310)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-defense-attorneys-office-might-be-raided/812310 "2018-04-12T19:33:31Z")
Can a defense attorney purposely not write down something which might be used against their client? Can a defense attorney write down all sorts of fake stuff on the off chance their office will be raided (with no attempt… --- ## [jobs for people with exceptional recall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-for-people-with-exceptional-recall/812226)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jobs-for-people-with-exceptional-recall/812226 "2018-04-12T18:08:56Z")
The recent raiding of Trump’s attorney’s office got me thinking: do law firms hire people with exceptional ability to recall things from their memory with no notes? If I am sufficiently engaged in something I can recall … --- ## [Zuckerberg not under oath: exact legal nuances?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zuckerberg-not-under-oath-exact-legal-nuances/812214)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zuckerberg-not-under-oath-exact-legal-nuances/812214 "2018-04-12T17:06:19Z")
According to: “While Zuckerberg will not be under oath, he will still be required to answer truthfully, as lying to Congress is a federal crime.” So why not get sworn in? It would look better from a PR standpoint. Are… --- ## [Did the Tornado Fighter-Bomber use standard 1980's cassettes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-tornado-fighter-bomber-use-standard-1980s-cassettes/812185)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-tornado-fighter-bomber-use-standard-1980s-cassettes/812185 "2018-04-12T15:45:09Z")
I’ve just watched this 1980’s RAF recruitment video: RAF Tornado GR1 - Recruitment Video - IX Squadron Training Flight - YouTube At 11:56 the navigator loads a data tape into the aircraft’s systems, it looks awfully lik… --- ## ["I'm coming!": orgasm lingo in other languages....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-coming-orgasm-lingo-in-other-languages/353155)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-coming-orgasm-lingo-in-other-languages/353155 "2018-04-12T14:39:11Z")
My girlfriend and I were eating dinner with some friends recently, and we got into the conversation, I don’t remember how, about the most typical phrases used to signal an orgasm. The group was Taiwanese, Chinese, Japa… --- ## [Why are burglars associated with striped jerseys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-burglars-associated-with-striped-jerseys/629061)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-burglars-associated-with-striped-jerseys/629061 "2018-04-12T13:43:39Z")
In the kids’ comics of the 50s (at least here in the UK) the burglar was always depicted with a domino mask, a red and black striped jersey and a bag marked SWAG. Just search for ‘burglars comics’ in Google Images and in… --- ## [Converting Insulin Dosages: How Many Units in ml?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-insulin-dosages-how-many-units-in-ml/812128)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-insulin-dosages-how-many-units-in-ml/812128 "2018-04-12T12:56:18Z")
Can someone explain how one insulin pen says 100 units/ml and another insulin pen says 200 units/ml? Yes, on one hand, I understand the latter pen contains more volume. However, a unit IS a unit, correct? A “unit” is a … --- ## [New names for things](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-names-for-things/810952)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-names-for-things/810952 "2018-04-12T10:12:29Z")
I have been off-planet for a while. On returning I found the following hacks had taken place. When did an APB become a BOLO? (police work) When did bolts become fasteners? (car work) When did disgusting become ewww? c… --- ## [Is this the proper way to figure this out? RE: Camera resolution and large scale printing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-proper-way-to-figure-this-out-re-camera-resolution-and-large-scale-printing/812095)
**Author:** [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-proper-way-to-figure-this-out-re-camera-resolution-and-large-scale-printing/812095 "2018-04-12T08:30:24Z")
I’ve got a Canon 40D, which has roughly 10 million effective pixels. I would like to have an image blown up to fit on a 12 foot by 10 foot wall at at least 300 DPI. 120 square feet. 120 X 144 = 17280 sq. inches. 1728… --- ## [Glue for nylon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glue-for-nylon/812212)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/glue-for-nylon/812212 "2018-04-12T05:32:44Z")
My car key comes apart into the electronic section and the key section. The little tab that keeps them together is loose or broke or whatever and my key comes apart easily. Had a mini crisis this morning when I got to … --- ## [Is an afterburning turbojet louder than a non-afterburning turbojet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-afterburning-turbojet-louder-than-a-non-afterburning-turbojet/811872)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-afterburning-turbojet-louder-than-a-non-afterburning-turbojet/811872 "2018-04-12T03:52:39Z")
Subject line is pretty much it. Suppose I have a turbojet engine which produces 30,000 pounds of thrust (and plenty of noise) when the afterburner is on. Suppose I have another turbojet that produces 30,000 pounds of t… --- ## [Reaction Engines' Sabre rocket engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reaction-engines-sabre-rocket-engine/663762)
**Author:** [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2018, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reaction-engines-sabre-rocket-engine/663762 "2018-04-12T00:44:59Z")
The article seem legit and it reads well but … it’s making some seriously big claims - is the writer and the company getting carried away a bit? --- ## [Can the signer of an NDA be forced to testify under oath?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-signer-of-an-nda-be-forced-to-testify-under-oath/811472)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-signer-of-an-nda-be-forced-to-testify-under-oath/811472 "2018-04-11T22:13:45Z")
I began to wonder if the signer of an NDA is under oath (in a courtroom, for example) is asked about matters they have agreed not to go public with is still bound to remain silent. Suppose there are financial penalties.… --- ## [What's the cheapest legal way to dispose of a human body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-legal-way-to-dispose-of-a-human-body/607858)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-legal-way-to-dispose-of-a-human-body/607858 "2018-04-11T20:18:31Z")
What’s the least expensive way to dispose of a human body that is allowed by law? Let’s say everyone involved is an American and this actually does have to be legal, as opposed to falling into the category “It’s illegal… --- ## [Do people use swamp coolers near Washington DC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-use-swamp-coolers-near-washington-dc/812025)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-use-swamp-coolers-near-washington-dc/812025 "2018-04-11T18:08:23Z")
I was watching a TV show that takes place in the area around Washington, DC (DC, Virginia, etc.). There was a house with a swamp cooler on the roof and I thought, ‘Ha! Not only does the landscape look more like Santa Cl… --- ## [Tanning Hides: Bulls, Goats, Deer, Coons - Is It All The Same?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tanning-hides-bulls-goats-deer-coons-is-it-all-the-same/811987)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tanning-hides-bulls-goats-deer-coons-is-it-all-the-same/811987 "2018-04-11T17:46:38Z")
Is there a fundamental difference in how one would approach tanning the hide of this animal vs. tanning the hide of that animal? Or is the process generally the same across all species (for terrestrial mammals, that is)? … --- ## [Moon mission from a more massive Earth.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-mission-from-a-more-massive-earth/812153)
**Author:** [@Hoppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoppy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-mission-from-a-more-massive-earth/812153 "2018-04-11T17:23:28Z")
Considering the Saturn 5 rocket first stage was 95% fuel; If the Earth was more massive and gravity say 10% greater, would a moon mission still be possible using rocket technology ? Would a (presumably) denser atmospher… --- ## ['Christmas tiger' origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tiger-origin/772129)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-tiger-origin/772129 "2018-04-11T16:41:42Z")
From Mr. Smith Goes To Washington: Oh, but he’ll vote, sure, just like his colleague tells him to. Yes sir, like a Christmas Tiger, he’ll nod his head and vote. You’re not a senator. You’re an honorary stooge. You ough… --- ## [Car insurance: what if I hit my own car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-what-if-i-hit-my-own-car/811128)
**Author:** [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-what-if-i-hit-my-own-car/811128 "2018-04-11T07:12:15Z")
This occurred to me today when I almost backed into my own car. We have four insured cars. What if I hit one of my cars whilst driving another? Do I make a claim against myself? What if my spouse is driving a car, I’m … --- ## ["Setter" in British and/or Indian dialect/slang?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/setter-in-british-and-or-indian-dialect-slang/811922)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2018, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/setter-in-british-and-or-indian-dialect-slang/811922 "2018-04-11T03:35:57Z")
I’ve been doing some British/Cryptic style crosswords on The Hindu, an Indian newspaper site. Some of the clues use the word “setter” in a way I haven’t been able to figure out. It doesn’t seem to correspond to dictionar… --- ## [Are bamboo paper products better for the environment than tree-based paper products?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bamboo-paper-products-better-for-the-environment-than-tree-based-paper-products/812081)
**Author:** [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-bamboo-paper-products-better-for-the-environment-than-tree-based-paper-products/812081 "2018-04-10T22:11:16Z")
Lately, I’ve been seeing bamboo-based paper towels, facial tissues, and other such products on store shelves. The makers tout the environmental benefits of using “rapidly renewable bamboo” that “helps combat deforestati… --- ## [Search warrant of Michael Cohen's office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-warrant-of-michael-cohens-office/812122)
**Author:** [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-warrant-of-michael-cohens-office/812122 "2018-04-10T21:26:47Z")
What are the evidentiary criteria that are necessary to obtain a search warrant of a lawyer’s files concerning a particular client given the lawyer client privilege? Would a federal judge have to see evidence of a crimi… --- ## [Who has control over The National Guard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-control-over-the-national-guard/811887)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-control-over-the-national-guard/811887 "2018-04-10T21:15:02Z")
Oregon’s Governor Kate Brown has said that she will refuse to send Oregon National Guard troops to the Mexican border if asked to do so by the President. Can she legally do this? --- ## [Why do car computers consistently overestimate MPG?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-car-computers-consistently-overestimate-mpg/811955)
**Author:** [@Textual\_Innuendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Textual_Innuendo)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-car-computers-consistently-overestimate-mpg/811955 "2018-04-10T21:08:39Z")
Something I’ve noticed in multiple makes and models of car and have long wondered about - when I do the crudest, most high-level of miles-per-gallon (MPG) calculation, which is take the odometer miles since the last fill… --- ## [Fish Biology - Bleeding from injury](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-biology-bleeding-from-injury/812172)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-biology-bleeding-from-injury/812172 "2018-04-10T19:41:44Z")
Among catch and release fishing proponents, it is often repeated that fish blood doesn’t clot and if you release a bleeding fish, especially one bleeding from the gills, it will soon bleed to death, no matter what. Now … --- ## [What exactly were the criteria for fitness to live according to Spartiate priests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-were-the-criteria-for-fitness-to-live-according-to-spartiate-priests/812130)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-were-the-criteria-for-fitness-to-live-according-to-spartiate-priests/812130 "2018-04-10T17:56:23Z")
Hi What exactly were the criteria for fitness to live according to Spartiate priests? What marks/skull shape/ anatomical features did they inspect to determine if an infant lived or died? Were the ‘unfit’ ones merely ex… --- ## [Confirmation of Climate change - observable by human senses ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-climate-change-observable-by-human-senses/811807)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confirmation-of-climate-change-observable-by-human-senses/811807 "2018-04-10T17:52:29Z")
Are any weather related phenomenon, hot summer days, longer winters, more number of hurricanes, or other phenomena like these in the contiguous United States can be definite proof ( definite as in statistically significa… --- ## [Temperature of jade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-of-jade/802570)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2018, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temperature-of-jade/802570 "2018-04-10T06:16:25Z")
Is jade cold to the touch? I read that in an Archie story once; granted Archie comics are not a reliable authority, I’m still curious. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=596) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=598)