# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=61 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 62 --- ## [Switching car seats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-car-seats/1012164)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-car-seats/1012164 "2024-12-27T20:43:27Z")
My drivers side car seat is pretty worn. Could I swap the passenger side seat with the drivers seat? --- ## [Do car jumpboxes die over time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-car-jumpboxes-die-over-time/1011529)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2024, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-car-jumpboxes-die-over-time/1011529 "2024-12-27T20:12:37Z")
I have an old jumpbox, maybe 6-7 years old. Used very few times. It is not a lithium but rather an AGM battery. I seems like it has just died and rechrging isn’t doing anything. The battery itself goes into maintenan… --- ## [Any except Jews start day at sundown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-except-jews-start-day-at-sundown/1012198)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-except-jews-start-day-at-sundown/1012198 "2024-12-27T15:28:02Z")
The account in Genesis of the seven days of creation–And the evening and the morning was the first day–is, I assume, the reason Jews celebrate a day as starting at sundown and ending on the next day. I would have though… --- ## [Wood working ( math)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-working-math/1012200)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wood-working-math/1012200 "2024-12-27T01:34:59Z")
I am making a small barrel out of 1X4’s. 11.5 diameter. I am dividing the circumference by 12=3.013 inches for each board cut on 15 degrees. When I am finished the 12 points will be about 1/8" higher than the flat spot o… --- ## [Compression socks and copper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks-and-copper/1012142)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compression-socks-and-copper/1012142 "2024-12-26T19:38:46Z")
What’s the deal about copper as an ingredient of compression socks? How does copper make them better? I see lots of claims that various socks have copper, but I’ll be damned if I can figure out how that would work. You’d… --- ## [Could they design helicopters based on drones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-they-design-helicopters-based-on-drones/786180)
**Author:** [@Born\_to\_be\_Mild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Born_to_be_Mild)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2024, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-they-design-helicopters-based-on-drones/786180 "2024-12-26T17:48:34Z")
The title says it all really, Could the way drones fly (with four sets of rotors) influence the design of passenger carrying aircraft? Are there any examples already in use? (I’ve only seen helicopters with 2 sets of r… --- ## [Rotation of axes update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotation-of-axes-update/1012163)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2024, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rotation-of-axes-update/1012163 "2024-12-26T10:48:47Z")
Rather than hyperzombize this old thread: Rotation of axes - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board Rotation in the fourth dimension looks like THIS: (2) 4-Dimensional Rotation - YouTube --- ## [In what condition are Marie Curie's remains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-condition-are-marie-curies-remains/1012090)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2024, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-condition-are-marie-curies-remains/1012090 "2024-12-25T23:17:38Z")
As I understand it, Marie Curie’s remains are in a coffin lines with an inch of lead, because they’re radioactive. Would the radioactivity tend to preserve her body? Or would she rot like everyone else? --- ## [What handgun ammunition has the most kinetic energy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-handgun-ammunition-has-the-most-kinetic-energy/1011959)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2024, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-handgun-ammunition-has-the-most-kinetic-energy/1011959 "2024-12-25T21:46:48Z")
My impression is the 50 caliber desert eagle and the 44 magnum are the most powerful ammunition available on a handgun. I’ve seen guns that look like stock-less, short barreled AK-47s that fire 7.62x39 ammunition, but I… --- ## [What Event(s) were crucial for Dutch language and cultural awakening?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-event-s-were-crucial-for-dutch-language-and-cultural-awakening/1012054)
**Author:** [@DerSchneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DerSchneck)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2024, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-event-s-were-crucial-for-dutch-language-and-cultural-awakening/1012054 "2024-12-25T01:49:39Z")
…in order to cement the people of what is now the Nederland as a separate entity from German(y)? --- ## [Does the spelling of a name have some significance in Japanese?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-spelling-of-a-name-have-some-significance-in-japanese/1009114)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2024, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-spelling-of-a-name-have-some-significance-in-japanese/1009114 "2024-12-25T01:04:02Z")
I’ve been reading some of Haruki Murakami’s books recently, and one of the things that strikes me is that some times there will be a mention of how someone’s name is spelled. It might be about how two names sound the sa… --- ## [How to write an "x"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-write-an-x/1012009)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2024, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-write-an-x/1012009 "2024-12-24T22:02:46Z")
I write an “x” by drawing two straight lines that cross in the middle, the first from upper left to lower right, and the second from upper right to lower left. But I’ve been watching the Youtube channel “Stand-up Maths” … --- ## [Heart rate after running question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-after-running-question/1011720)
**Author:** [@WalterBishop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WalterBishop)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heart-rate-after-running-question/1011720 "2024-12-23T23:23:44Z")
I’m not in great shape and I’ve just started jogging. I’ll do a 20 minute slow jog and my heart rate will go up to 130 - 140ish. When I stop, I’ll walk for a few minutes to cooldown and my heart rate will go down to abou… --- ## [Do we remember only 3% of our lives? \[origin of "factoid"\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-remember-only-3-of-our-lives-origin-of-factoid/1011977)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-remember-only-3-of-our-lives-origin-of-factoid/1011977 "2024-12-23T13:34:06Z")
I was sure I’ve come across this claim before, but google has been unhelpful. With Bing (!), I finally found this YouTube-short making the claim in the title, but well, that’s a less than reliable source. So is there an… --- ## [Storing lithium batteries during the winter - Do you bring them in from the cold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-lithium-batteries-during-the-winter-do-you-bring-them-in-from-the-cold/992442)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/storing-lithium-batteries-during-the-winter-do-you-bring-them-in-from-the-cold/992442 "2024-12-23T10:14:16Z")
I have several lithium batteries in my garage that go with yard maintenance tools. I usually bring them into the house for the winter, but lately I’ve been reading reports of batteries exploding and causing fires. I’ve … --- ## [No sending Catholic things into Germany?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-sending-catholic-things-into-germany/1011183)
**Author:** [@DerSchneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DerSchneck)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-sending-catholic-things-into-germany/1011183 "2024-12-23T09:13:42Z")
Has anyone ever had success sending religious themed items from USA into Germany? USPS denied my Weihnachtsgeschenke (Christmas gifts) to my gf because half of them are catholic themed stuff. Was told by the worker that … --- ## [Mark Levin Brooch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-levin-brooch/998384)
**Author:** [@n5tp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/n5tp)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-levin-brooch/998384 "2024-12-23T03:01:23Z")
What is the brooch on Mark Levin’s right lapel? --- ## [Why are most battery cells around 1.5 volts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-battery-cells-around-1-5-volts/1011995)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2024, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-most-battery-cells-around-1-5-volts/1011995 "2024-12-23T01:37:23Z")
There are odd cells out there but for the most common ones they all seem to be around 1.2 to 1.5 volts. Lead-acid puts out 2 volts and lithium cells are 3.7volts. Is this just due to the valances of the various elements … --- ## [YouTube audio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-audio/1011876)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-audio/1011876 "2024-12-22T16:48:41Z")
I often download a few YouTube videos to a USB stick using Real Downloader for later viewing (without commercials) on my TV. Lately I’ve noticed that some videos with English audio on YouTube play back with German audio… --- ## [High schools, YMCAs, and nude swimming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-schools-ymcas-and-nude-swimming/379807)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-schools-ymcas-and-nude-swimming/379807 "2024-12-22T16:29:27Z")
At one time it was common for YMCAs, schools, and colleges to require males to swim nude unless women were present. What/when was the last YMCA to require it? Last school? Is the pratice still common in other countr… --- ## [Mega-Millions question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-question/1011898)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mega-millions-question/1011898 "2024-12-22T15:38:06Z")
If I decide to take the annuity (currently at over 6 mil after taxes), how safe is my money from further taxation/fees/confiscation down the line? Can our government decide that they get the money instead of me if certa… --- ## [Why would exterior house lights blink?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-exterior-house-lights-blink/1011710)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-exterior-house-lights-blink/1011710 "2024-12-22T13:48:29Z")
Walking the dog around the block, a few days ago we noticed blinking exterior lights on a house behind us. These are “coach lights” on either side of his garage door. The blinking seems to occur at a constant rate, rat… --- ## [How to turn off highlights in Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-turn-off-highlights-in-excel/1011825)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2024, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-turn-off-highlights-in-excel/1011825 "2024-12-22T03:50:29Z")
Excel has been weird the last couple of days. I don’t know if there was an update to Office 360, of I accidentally turned something on. When I click on a cell, the row and column are highlighted in light green (the cel… --- ## [Car Engine Won't Start. Two hours later Does](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-engine-wont-start-two-hours-later-does/1011652)
**Author:** [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-engine-wont-start-two-hours-later-does/1011652 "2024-12-21T21:49:17Z")
Given how cold it is out I thought it was the Battery. But then, two hours later, the car started fine. Is it the battery? Plugs? Distributor Cap? --- ## [Explain this sentence from Dickens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-sentence-from-dickens/1011871)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-sentence-from-dickens/1011871 "2024-12-21T21:01:49Z")
Reading ‘Hard Times’ and I came across this sentence that I cannot make sense of. Can someone more familiar with 19th century English explain this? “‘What does he come here cheeking us for, then?’ cried Master Kiddermi… --- ## [Statistical oddity: Trendline flattening out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistical-oddity-trendline-flattening-out/1011975)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistical-oddity-trendline-flattening-out/1011975 "2024-12-21T17:59:52Z")
As you probably know, I’m a teacher. I was recently looking at some statistics on the two most recent tests, in my two Honors Algebra II classes. One thing I did was to look at a scatter plot of the second test scores … --- ## [Peculiar phenomenon in tea made in a microwave - what is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peculiar-phenomenon-in-tea-made-in-a-microwave-what-is-it/1011929)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2024, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peculiar-phenomenon-in-tea-made-in-a-microwave-what-is-it/1011929 "2024-12-21T16:45:07Z")
When I heat up tea in a microwave and take it out, there is an irregular thin layer of foam, made of tiny tiny bubbles, of course. If I then slightly jiggle the mug, the foam arranges itself into parallel lines, sometime… --- ## [I’d like an illuminated, solar powered house number - doable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-like-an-illuminated-solar-powered-house-number-doable/1011726 "2024-12-20T20:08:16Z")
Old house, wiring is difficult to change. I’ve had delivery people tell me they couldn’t see my unilluminated house number. Is there such a thing as a solar powered house number? I’ve googled and not found anything, b… --- ## [Reverse Disease Transfer Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-disease-transfer-question/684501)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-disease-transfer-question/684501 "2024-12-20T18:28:32Z")
While the white man was spreading west across North America during the 19th century it’s well documented that the Indians living on the plains were exposed to, and succumbed to, a variety of diseases passed to them from… --- ## [What is this metal plate on a British soldier's Revolutionary War uniform? {Ghosts-US}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-metal-plate-on-a-british-soldiers-revolutionary-war-uniform-ghosts-us/1011673)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-metal-plate-on-a-british-soldiers-revolutionary-war-uniform-ghosts-us/1011673 "2024-12-20T16:51:09Z")
DISCLAIMER: There may, of course, be multiple historical inacurracies in the Costume Department of a network sitcom, so let’s not quibble about that. Assuming that British soldiers really did dress like this, then what… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=60) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=62)