# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=612 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 613 --- ## [What's the word for people with no limbs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-word-for-people-with-no-limbs/47843)
**Author:** [@Turpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turpentine)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-word-for-people-with-no-limbs/47843 "2018-03-04T18:45:47Z")
I need a word for these fraternal twins I know who are thalydimide babies- They don’t have any arms or legs. they can’t be called amputees, because they were born that way. What’s a polite way of referring to their co… --- ## [Colors of nuns' habits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-of-nuns-habits/602673)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colors-of-nuns-habits/602673 "2018-03-04T16:49:15Z")
I recently helped a lost nun find her car in a parking garage, and I while I should have asked her then, I was too shy - what the heck religious order wears lavender-colored habits? Google has failed me on this one - an… --- ## [Didn't stores used to have pads of blank checks for local banks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-stores-used-to-have-pads-of-blank-checks-for-local-banks/809785)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/didnt-stores-used-to-have-pads-of-blank-checks-for-local-banks/809785 "2018-03-04T15:47:39Z")
I’m pretty sure I remember that our local grocery store had pads of blank checks from the 2 local banks. I can remember my aunt telling the cashier the bank and asking for a check. She filled out her name, account number… --- ## [How do I remove myself from Facebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-remove-myself-from-facebook/809215)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-remove-myself-from-facebook/809215 "2018-03-04T05:30:38Z")
\[ul\] \[li\]I signed up years ago when an acquaintance with a mutual hobby-type interest asked me to. I friended a bunch of his friends with the same hobby. I used it for maaaaaybe a week or two. Tops.\[/li\]\[li\]I really hav… --- ## [Image looks different on my Monitor compared to my Phone.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-looks-different-on-my-monitor-compared-to-my-phone/809873)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-looks-different-on-my-monitor-compared-to-my-phone/809873 "2018-03-04T03:25:58Z")
I edited an image and added transparent background text to create a shadow behind the text. It was a semi-transparent dark brownish color, and on my monitor I see this image just as I drew it. However on my phone, I cann… --- ## [High boiling point yet evaporates quickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-boiling-point-yet-evaporates-quickly/809936)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-boiling-point-yet-evaporates-quickly/809936 "2018-03-04T02:31:30Z")
Is there a chemistry term for evaporation temperature? I read that the definition of a “volatile organic compound” is something that vaporizes quickly due to a low boiling point, yet that seems to be only weakly related … --- ## [Pronounciation of los Angeles by Anglos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronounciation-of-los-angeles-by-anglos/809584)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pronounciation-of-los-angeles-by-anglos/809584 "2018-03-04T02:17:38Z")
With some time on my hands, I’ve watched a few black and white films from the 40s, and in each one several characters pronounce “Los Angeles” Los Angle -ese". When did the angel dz sound enter into it? --- ## [Source of (sort of gloomy) quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-sort-of-gloomy-quote/809817)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2018, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/source-of-sort-of-gloomy-quote/809817 "2018-03-04T01:40:06Z")
For a few years now I have sought the source of a quote that I can only paraphrase: Nothing happens that is so good that someone doesn’t suffer or so bad that someone doesn’t benefit. Ring any bells? --- ## [How do you pronounce C\* (programming language)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-c-programming-language/809910)
**Author:** [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-pronounce-c-programming-language/809910 "2018-03-03T22:02:32Z")
I was browsing Wikipedia’s list of C family programming languages when I saw one I hadn’t heard of before: C\*. How is it pronounced? I know C# is pronounced “C sharp” so I don’t want to make any assumptions about how C\* … --- ## [Translate this Chinese(?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-chinese/809822)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-chinese/809822 "2018-03-03T22:00:54Z")
This occurs in a silent ‘Our Gang’ short. I’ve seen some comments that it’s just random Chinese characters that don’t really translate to a coherent sentence. Looking for confirmation. … --- ## [Lying in a cow pasture.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-in-a-cow-pasture/401160)
**Author:** [@SailedTheOceanBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SailedTheOceanBlue)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lying-in-a-cow-pasture/401160 "2018-03-03T20:20:33Z")
In the most recent Reader’s Digest, which I have recycled so I will be paraphrasing, a columnist wrote that if one were to lie down in a cow pasture, the cows will come over to have a look. She said (again, paraphrasing… --- ## ["Distraction Device" -- What is that, exactly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distraction-device-what-is-that-exactly/809364)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/distraction-device-what-is-that-exactly/809364 "2018-03-03T20:14:19Z")
A friend was commenting on a news story about a teen who had committed suicide. They found a “distraction device” in the kid’s backpack. What exactly are these things, anyway? --- ## [What' the big deal about no two snowflakes being alike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-big-deal-about-no-two-snowflakes-being-alike/809874)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-big-deal-about-no-two-snowflakes-being-alike/809874 "2018-03-03T20:08:25Z")
What’ the big deal about no two snowflakes being alike? No two anything are alike at an atomic level. Perhaps what is meant is that the crystalline structure at a higher level is different for every snowflake. But wo… --- ## [Can a 13" 2017 MacBook Pro run dual extended monitors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-13-2017-macbook-pro-run-dual-extended-monitors/794618)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-13-2017-macbook-pro-run-dual-extended-monitors/794618 "2018-03-03T18:24:03Z")
I was a Mac guy from way back, but switched to using PCs for my work environment years ago. I recently decided to get back to a mid-level MacBook for certain things I wanted to do, so I just purchased a brand new 2017 13… --- ## [Flatware design - nasco Germany grenadier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatware-design-nasco-germany-grenadier/809805)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flatware-design-nasco-germany-grenadier/809805 "2018-03-03T17:30:04Z")
I am trying to replace pieces in a set. How do I research the design of this? It’s not easy to find much that looks like it. The basic design is it is grooved and the finger fits that groove well, and the weight is perfe… --- ## [Are Special Relativity and quantized spacetime in contradiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-special-relativity-and-quantized-spacetime-in-contradiction/809717)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-special-relativity-and-quantized-spacetime-in-contradiction/809717 "2018-03-03T16:15:39Z")
If I’m informed correctly, Special Relativity does not presuppose any reason two bodies relative motion can’t be an infinitely precise value. And thus, their relative motion, time dilation and foreshortening are precisel… --- ## [Bathtub drains having a filter beyond just the haircatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathtub-drains-having-a-filter-beyond-just-the-haircatcher/809954)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathtub-drains-having-a-filter-beyond-just-the-haircatcher/809954 "2018-03-03T16:08:00Z")
Question for plumber Dopers (kind of need answer fast) : Is it typical for the average American bathtub drain to have one or more filters/traps in the drainpipe, some distance beyond what the eye can see? Or is it usual… --- ## [Can you spin lint into yarn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-spin-lint-into-yarn/104556)
**Author:** [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-spin-lint-into-yarn/104556 "2018-03-03T15:35:56Z")
I have an old, small, and inefficient dryer. I was cleaning it out today when I remarked upon the huge quantity of lint built up in the THREE CYCLES :mad: it takes to get a moderate sized load dry. Anyway, I got to wonde… --- ## [How do people get lighter-than-air fumes out of the house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-lighter-than-air-fumes-out-of-the-house/809857)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-lighter-than-air-fumes-out-of-the-house/809857 "2018-03-03T14:29:07Z")
And not have it collect in the ceiling? --- ## [Those new fangled doorbell/cameras](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-new-fangled-doorbell-cameras/809814)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-new-fangled-doorbell-cameras/809814 "2018-03-03T14:10:01Z")
I was thinking about getting one of those Ring security cams that replaces your doorbell. What’s to keep someone from just taping over the camera, or simply ripping the thing off the wall? --- ## [Help me prove my childhood memory (Credit Cards Aimed at Children)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-prove-my-childhood-memory-credit-cards-aimed-at-children/809797)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-prove-my-childhood-memory-credit-cards-aimed-at-children/809797 "2018-03-03T14:02:41Z")
I seem to remember back in 1998-2000, when i was 8-10 years old, there was a promotion going on where children could get their hands on a Coca-Cola credit card, to teach them about properly using a CC or something like t… --- ## [Do other languages have a word for "I am sorry that happened to you"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-languages-have-a-word-for-i-am-sorry-that-happened-to-you/809766 "2018-03-03T13:31:53Z")
Possibly I am just too English, but it always seems to me that the English language is missing a word for the concept of saying sorry because something happened, not because you did something happened. The classic case … --- ## [Is mineral oil bad for your skin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mineral-oil-bad-for-your-skin/809165)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mineral-oil-bad-for-your-skin/809165 "2018-03-03T04:57:29Z")
Does mineral oil or petroleum oil harm the skin in any way? It is known that technical grade mineral oil has carcinogens, but the kind of mineral oil that you get at the pharmacy is supposed to be highly refined. Miner… --- ## [How much do houseplants help regarding adding oxygen to your rooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-houseplants-help-regarding-adding-oxygen-to-your-rooms/809764)
**Author:** [@Silver\_lining](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_lining)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-houseplants-help-regarding-adding-oxygen-to-your-rooms/809764 "2018-03-03T03:34:27Z")
How much do houseplants help regarding adding oxygen to your rooms? --- ## [Clear liquids only! How clear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clear-liquids-only-how-clear/809516)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2018, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clear-liquids-only-how-clear/809516 "2018-03-03T01:35:26Z")
If you’re required to stick to clear liquids for a day, does commercial passion fruit juice count as clear? It has no seeds, and has been filtered, I believe. It’s pretty darn thin. But clear? What about a non pulp ora… --- ## [Scaling (deep gum and root cleaning) -- is this dental scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scaling-deep-gum-and-root-cleaning-is-this-dental-scam/809916)
**Author:** [@keno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keno)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2018, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scaling-deep-gum-and-root-cleaning-is-this-dental-scam/809916 "2018-03-02T21:21:30Z")
Is scaling (deep gum and root cleaning) the dental equivalent of car dealers’ “clear coat,” “fabric protection,” or “undercoating,” add-ons? Our dentist of 40+ years recently retired. Mrs. Keno goes to dentist recommen… --- ## [1935 Penny Worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1935-penny-worth/809828)
**Author:** [@DekaJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DekaJay)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2018, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1935-penny-worth/809828 "2018-03-02T21:19:38Z")
I have in my possession a penny from 1935 and I am intrigued to know the price! Could anyone help me out??? E-Mail me @Deka0934743@gmail.com if you know anything.:slight\_smile: --- ## [Papal Dispensations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papal-dispensations/809896)
**Author:** [@thecontantorbiter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thecontantorbiter)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2018, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/papal-dispensations/809896 "2018-03-02T16:24:32Z")
Anybody have any experience of requesting copies of papal dispensations? So far I’ve contacted a bishop, a canon, and a RC archivist. None of them seem to be able to tell me if copies of dispensations exists. I’m talkin… --- ## [Land development questions (gas stations)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-development-questions-gas-stations/809799)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2018, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/land-development-questions-gas-stations/809799 "2018-03-02T15:28:35Z")
On a corner near my house there is a gas station on one corner, a gas station on another corner, and a lot on a third corner that is being developed into…a gas station. There are intersections a mile or so west and sout… --- ## [Question from an infrequent flyer re: rates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-from-an-infrequent-flyer-re-rates/718093)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2018, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-from-an-infrequent-flyer-re-rates/718093 "2018-03-02T12:20:55Z")
We’re trying to book a flight to Gen Con (in Indianapolis, at the end of July) from San Francisco. Unfortunately, everything we can find is either ridiculously expensive, horribly inconvenient (as in, it takes way longer… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=611) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=613)