# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=605 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 606 --- ## [How hard is it to verify or debunk sound and/or video recordings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-verify-or-debunk-sound-and-or-video-recordings/810922)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2018, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-verify-or-debunk-sound-and-or-video-recordings/810922 "2018-03-21T02:51:22Z")
Given the resources available to A) a national news agency like the NYT or NBC or B) the NSA or other American government agency how hard would it be to definitively declare that an audio or video tape was authentic … --- ## [Residential vs. Commercial Generators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/residential-vs-commercial-generators/810639)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2018, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/residential-vs-commercial-generators/810639 "2018-03-21T01:37:40Z")
My 3-story office building has a full generator back-up. Back-up power kicks in shortly after the main power is lost. But, I was wondering: How come a commercial generator (apparently) does not need a MANUAL transfer swi… --- ## [What is the least populous surviving species?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-populous-surviving-species/792183)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2018, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-least-populous-surviving-species/792183 "2018-03-21T01:27:53Z")
What is the least populous surviving species? By “populous” I mean counting the number of individuals. By “surviving” I mean very likely to survive for the foreseeable future, so not threatened, endangered, extinct, etc.… --- ## [Master Legend/Key for Early 20th C. USGS Topographic Maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/master-legend-key-for-early-20th-c-usgs-topographic-maps/810830)
**Author:** [@Little\_Room](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Room)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2018, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/master-legend-key-for-early-20th-c-usgs-topographic-maps/810830 "2018-03-21T00:28:52Z")
Is anyone aware of a general legend or key that was published describing the symbols used on USGS topo maps from around 1909 - 1920ish? I know that the symbols are fairly standard, but the earliest master key I can find … --- ## [Did Cuban aborigines really disappear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-cuban-aborigines-really-disappear/810853)
**Author:** [@Nadnerb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nadnerb)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-cuban-aborigines-really-disappear/810853 "2018-03-20T22:01:19Z")
It would be the Amerindians that lived in Cuba prior to Spanish colonization. --- ## [Airplane Black Box Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-black-box-question/810914)
**Author:** [@Jimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-black-box-question/810914 "2018-03-20T21:35:11Z")
I was watching the show Air Disasters on the Smithsonian Channel and I noticed something. Whenever they brought up black boxes from the ocean and send them off to be analysed they put them in containers full of water. Wh… --- ## [How did Stephen Hawking live ~50 years with zero aerobic exercise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-stephen-hawking-live-50-years-with-zero-aerobic-exercise/810842)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-stephen-hawking-live-50-years-with-zero-aerobic-exercise/810842 "2018-03-20T19:23:10Z")
We are often told that living a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for…everything, and will shorten our lives significantly. So how is it that Stephen Hawking, who apparently couldn’t move much more than his face sinc… --- ## [Gamers & EEs: RCA to HDFI Conversion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gamers-ees-rca-to-hdfi-conversion/810804)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gamers-ees-rca-to-hdfi-conversion/810804 "2018-03-20T18:29:00Z")
My son wants to connect a Wii (not Wii U) to (A) a PC monitor, or (B) his laptop for better graphics. The output signals from the Wii cable is carried by three conductors terminated with RCA connectors (red, white, and y… --- ## [Nobility and the places they "represent"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nobility-and-the-places-they-represent/810571)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nobility-and-the-places-they-represent/810571 "2018-03-20T18:18:55Z")
Is there any governmental or even traditional role for someone who is a noble, related to the place they are … named for? If you’re the Duke of Cornwall (Prince Charles) do you do anything related to Cornwall itself? I … --- ## [What power does any government or executive have to “null/postpone elections” on any level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-does-any-government-or-executive-have-to-null-postpone-elections-on-any-level/810757)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-power-does-any-government-or-executive-have-to-null-postpone-elections-on-any-level/810757 "2018-03-20T18:02:23Z")
One conspiracy theory/fear I’ve seen in liberal circles is that Russia will make blatant efforts to interfere in November’s elections in favor of Democrats, nullifying those results and giving Trump an excuse to “postpon… --- ## [How do I manage media on a newer Android phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-manage-media-on-a-newer-android-phone/810624)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-manage-media-on-a-newer-android-phone/810624 "2018-03-20T17:36:56Z")
I have a new Android phone on the way. I’ve always used my Ipod Touch(4th generation) for my music and audio-books. I’ve done that mainly through itunes. When I put an audio-book in, usually in MP3 format, I just select… --- ## [Damn. I just caught the cockatiel eating poop.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-just-caught-the-cockatiel-eating-poop/810856)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-i-just-caught-the-cockatiel-eating-poop/810856 "2018-03-20T17:25:02Z")
At least it was her own. I wake up our house birds today as usual, by taking off their cage covers and yelling"let there be light!" Half-Note and Katie (the budgies–America’s Fun Couple!)want breakfast, natch, and now! … --- ## [Explain how “high meat” works](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-high-meat-works/810718)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-how-high-meat-works/810718 "2018-03-20T17:13:18Z")
I stumbled across a YouTube channel about a guy who eats raw meats, eggs, and high meat or pretty much fermented or rotted meat. According to him this used to be a staple in many older cultures. How does eating high me… --- ## [When and why did tonsillectomies stop being routinely done on kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-tonsillectomies-stop-being-routinely-done-on-kids/810659)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-and-why-did-tonsillectomies-stop-being-routinely-done-on-kids/810659 "2018-03-20T17:08:29Z")
I had mine out in 1958 when I was 10, along with something called my “adenoids”-- what the heck are those? The overnight experience was not a good one. I stayed out of hospitals for the next 50 years. I have a vague ide… --- ## [From where are they measuring distance from a city?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-where-are-they-measuring-distance-from-a-city/810772)
**Author:** [@dflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dflower)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-where-are-they-measuring-distance-from-a-city/810772 "2018-03-20T14:28:26Z")
In news reports, information is often given on a location in relation to a major city. Such as - The shooting occurred at The Oaks mall in the city of Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Los Angeles. I… --- ## [Two related questions about HEIGHT of Americans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-related-questions-about-height-of-americans/810866)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-related-questions-about-height-of-americans/810866 "2018-03-20T13:40:44Z")
Two related questions about HEIGHT of Americans It is occasionally observed that immigrants to the U.S., say Japanese or Mexican and their offspring, increase in height with time here. This is attributed to nutrition, … --- ## [Would it be possible to fly a fighter jet through a tunnel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-possible-to-fly-a-fighter-jet-through-a-tunnel/810704)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-possible-to-fly-a-fighter-jet-through-a-tunnel/810704 "2018-03-20T10:30:28Z")
Assuming it fits of course and there is an exit on the other end. This is the sort of thing I mean: DCS Harrier: Slow But Steady Wins The Race - YouTube (video of player flying a Harrier jet through a tunnel in DCS Worl… --- ## [Are there any Apps other than Tapatalk to access Discussion boards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-apps-other-than-tapatalk-to-access-discussion-boards/810792)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-apps-other-than-tapatalk-to-access-discussion-boards/810792 "2018-03-20T09:02:16Z")
Tapatalk is nagging me constantly about their paid ads free app. I really dislike the requirement to create a tapatalk account and sign into Tapatalk. Then you have to enter your board accounts and passwords into Tapata… --- ## [Replacing scissors spring on Swiss Army Knife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-scissors-spring-on-swiss-army-knife/657547)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-scissors-spring-on-swiss-army-knife/657547 "2018-03-20T01:19:31Z")
The scissors spring on my 20-year-old Swiss Army ‘Champion’ finally broke. I have replacements. Getting the broken spring out was fairly easy, using a small punch. It was definitely in there, though. Getting the new … --- ## [Add SSD for OS, keep hard drive for data, plus move Dropbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/add-ssd-for-os-keep-hard-drive-for-data-plus-move-dropbox/810314)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2018, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/add-ssd-for-os-keep-hard-drive-for-data-plus-move-dropbox/810314 "2018-03-20T00:01:29Z")
I have a 1TB hard drive that is getting full. I am thinking about reconfiguring to add an SSD that would have the OS and applications, and another (or the existing) hard drive that would have data. First, I am not sure … --- ## [When has the NRA allowed guns at its annual meeting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-has-the-nra-allowed-guns-at-its-annual-meeting/810002)
**Author:** [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-has-the-nra-allowed-guns-at-its-annual-meeting/810002 "2018-03-19T23:25:08Z")
In which years this century has the NRA allowed attendees to carry guns, whether open or concealed, at its annual meeting? This Huffington Post article makes it clear that carrying wasn’t allowed at the 2017 convention.… --- ## [What does this light and this icon mean on my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-light-and-this-icon-mean-on-my-phone/810759)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-light-and-this-icon-mean-on-my-phone/810759 "2018-03-19T21:39:47Z")
The more tech. questions I post lately, the older I feel. I just got a new phone and I have a couple questions. Phone seems fine, no issues. It’s this phone here: Huawei Mate SE It has a weird green light that only c… --- ## [Bringing a Blade into the UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-a-blade-into-the-uk/392457)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2007, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-a-blade-into-the-uk/392457 "2007-02-17T13:38:08Z")
I’m hoping some Dopers in the UK may be able to assist with a problem I have. The short of it - is it legal to bring a blade (dirk) back into the UK, if it as a single blade, purely for personal use, and likely a cosmet… --- ## [Stephen Hawking: Dead smart guy Nobel-less. What gave?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawking-dead-smart-guy-nobel-less-what-gave/810548)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawking-dead-smart-guy-nobel-less-what-gave/810548 "2018-03-19T19:31:19Z")
See subject. Reading obit I just kinda figured. --- ## [Which Lamp to Ripen an Avocado?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-lamp-to-ripen-an-avocado/810628)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-lamp-to-ripen-an-avocado/810628 "2018-03-19T18:56:19Z")
Has anyone done this, and what lamps did you use? I want to have more controlled conditions to know when my avocados ripen. --- ## [What's my shampoo? (The world's least thrilling GQ ever asked)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-my-shampoo-the-worlds-least-thrilling-gq-ever-asked/810696)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-my-shampoo-the-worlds-least-thrilling-gq-ever-asked/810696 "2018-03-19T18:09:25Z")
I finally found a shampoo at the supermarket that I liked but, figuring that there would be more of it the next time I went to the store, I threw away the bottle after I finished it. Surprise surprise, it was nowhere to … --- ## [Why do "supercontinents" reassemble after breaking up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-supercontinents-reassemble-after-breaking-up/810811)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-supercontinents-reassemble-after-breaking-up/810811 "2018-03-19T17:27:00Z")
Why do “supercontinents” reassemble after breaking up? Geologists tell that over the past billion years there have been at least three “supercontinents”, continents that consisted of nearly all the earth’s land, surroun… --- ## [No power to freezer for 6 days but it didn't defrost. Does that mean it stayed below freezing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-power-to-freezer-for-6-days-but-it-didnt-defrost-does-that-mean-it-stayed-below-freezing/810629)
**Author:** [@Yask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yask)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-power-to-freezer-for-6-days-but-it-didnt-defrost-does-that-mean-it-stayed-below-freezing/810629 "2018-03-19T15:46:43Z")
Two days short of a Hanukkah miracle. After a 6-day power outage, the sides of our chest freezer still had the same frost build-up on the interior walls ( 1/8-1/4") as before the outage. Doesn’t that thick a layer onl… --- ## [Tag Letters ..... line one AG.CO.QR line two LD.IH.VJ line three CO.PR.AN (maybe AM)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tag-letters-line-one-ag-co-qr-line-two-ld-ih-vj-line-three-co-pr-an-maybe-am/797820)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tag-letters-line-one-ag-co-qr-line-two-ld-ih-vj-line-three-co-pr-an-maybe-am/797820 "2018-03-19T15:40:24Z")
Hi, This may be a tough one. I found this tag, years ago (I don’t remember where or when) and it’s been sitting on my desk. It’s rectangular 1-11/16"X7/8"X1/16"(thick), with round ends. It’s made of metal (non magnetic)… --- ## [Huge cutting implements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-cutting-implements/810805)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2018, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huge-cutting-implements/810805 "2018-03-19T14:09:21Z")
Just watched the cheesy fun movie “Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan”, which leads me to the question: Where exactly would you get a piece of steel big enough for a six-foot long axe head? Or for that matter now that g… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=604) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=606)