# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=63 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 64 --- ## [Have we reached the peak of media compression technology or is it still advancing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-reached-the-peak-of-media-compression-technology-or-is-it-still-advancing/1008652)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-reached-the-peak-of-media-compression-technology-or-is-it-still-advancing/1008652 "2024-12-14T12:41:39Z")
I’m not sure if this is a factual question or not. But my impression is 25 years ago, the MP3 was the best compressed form for audio. It is about 90% smaller than a lossless, non-compressed file. I don’t know much about … --- ## [Tracking down which username and password are compromised](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracking-down-which-username-and-password-are-compromised/1011616)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracking-down-which-username-and-password-are-compromised/1011616 "2024-12-13T20:41:51Z")
I occasionally go to a website and log in, and Chrome will tell me to update my password because that username/password combo has been compromised. Is there any way for me to get access to the data that Chrome is using?… --- ## [Can I stream BBC World Service on autoplay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-stream-bbc-world-service-on-autoplay/1011536)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2024, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-stream-bbc-world-service-on-autoplay/1011536 "2024-12-13T16:59:03Z")
I can’t find anything about this. I had a link in my phone that I think was put there by the manufacturer of this alarm app, but it doesn’t play. I want my Android alarm app to turn on and wake me up with a live stream … --- ## [What Do Modern, Well-Equipped Armies Do When They Discover Enemy Weapons Caches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-modern-well-equipped-armies-do-when-they-discover-enemy-weapons-caches/1010018)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2024, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-modern-well-equipped-armies-do-when-they-discover-enemy-weapons-caches/1010018 "2024-12-12T21:13:55Z")
Given the current state of the world, I regularly come across various reports of presumably well-equipped armies discovering weapons caches left behind by fleeing/dead enemies. What do they do with those weapons ? I can… --- ## [What are you supposed to do if you're stopped at a red light that just does not change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-supposed-to-do-if-youre-stopped-at-a-red-light-that-just-does-not-change/1011452)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-supposed-to-do-if-youre-stopped-at-a-red-light-that-just-does-not-change/1011452 "2024-12-12T19:52:58Z")
I read this anecdote in a Buzzfeed article about shenanigans in court. Blockquote "I had a case where a guy was charged for running a red light. The thing is, he had been sitting at the lights for five minutes, and it … --- ## [Drones- Price check please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-price-check-please/1011257)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2024, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-price-check-please/1011257 "2024-12-12T19:03:58Z")
Local news item that our city council has decided for use of the police (and other departments) to purchase a drone for $22,500. What??? I am not into drones, but the high end ones I have seen in stores or mall kiosks we… --- ## [Acceptable synonyms for "Little People," and the movie Foul Play](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-synonyms-for-little-people-and-the-movie-foul-play/1010794)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2024, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acceptable-synonyms-for-little-people-and-the-movie-foul-play/1010794 "2024-12-12T05:34:59Z")
I just saw Foul Play on TV recently, and I hadn’t seen it since I was in Jr. high when it was first in theaters, so, loooooong time ago. In it (and this is not a spoiler) Goldie Hawn’s character, Gloria Mundy is told to… --- ## [Crew question for an AC-130 gunship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crew-question-for-an-ac-130-gunship/1011511)
**Author:** [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2024, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crew-question-for-an-ac-130-gunship/1011511 "2024-12-11T23:17:45Z")
I just saw a quick clip that showed the 3 primary weapons of the AC-130 Gunship. It included a 105mm Howitzer, which I was aware of, but seeing the footage made me wonder. Are those gunners airmen who ended up getting … --- ## [Why is there a T in "Antarctica"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-t-in-antarctica/1011381)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2024, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-t-in-antarctica/1011381 "2024-12-11T22:55:27Z")
We have the arctic. And we have a linguistic rule that says you can make something mean the the opposite by adding an “a” (or “an” if needed to account for an initial vowel/H sound) prefix: Social; asocial Hedonia; an… --- ## [Amazon delivery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-delivery/1011430)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2024, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-delivery/1011430 "2024-12-11T21:34:37Z")
What is going on when Amazon tells you a package is “out for delivery” and expected by 10 p.m. then a later notice tells you it will arrive 3 days hence. I only ordered it yesterday. The tracking info showed it moving t… --- ## [Troubleshooting a new-ish Riding Mower engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-a-new-ish-riding-mower-engine/1011360)
**Author:** [@Limmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Limmin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2024, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-a-new-ish-riding-mower-engine/1011360 "2024-12-11T15:39:02Z")
Hi all, While this might not be the “best” place to ask these questions, I figured many of you would have practical experience that might help. Topic: one year old riding mower. Craftsman, 19.5 hp Kohler engine. Used… --- ## [Web site redirects to unrelated site, but only on Chrome (Edge OK)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/web-site-redirects-to-unrelated-site-but-only-on-chrome-edge-ok/1007809)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2024, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/web-site-redirects-to-unrelated-site-but-only-on-chrome-edge-ok/1007809 "2024-12-11T01:37:37Z")
I have a web site www.stringtheoryjazz.com that suddenly starting redirecting to www.shaadicreations.com a completely unknown (to me) site. I am working with my hosting company (GoDaddy) and when they tested it, it … --- ## [Why do police think those two photos are the same person (Thompson murder)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-police-think-those-two-photos-are-the-same-person-thompson-murder/1011312)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-police-think-those-two-photos-are-the-same-person-thompson-murder/1011312 "2024-12-10T21:08:54Z")
The news is plastered with one photo of a masked man with a backpack with light-colored straps, who could well be the killer, and another photo of a smiling guy (in Starbucks I think) in a coat that looks different to me… --- ## [Superman goes supersonic: What would people below him experience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-goes-supersonic-what-would-people-below-him-experience/1011260)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-goes-supersonic-what-would-people-below-him-experience/1011260 "2024-12-10T18:52:19Z")
Let’s say Superman is standing in a crowd of people and suddenly flies straight up into the sky, as quickly as he can, reaching supersonic speed at an altitude of, say, 100 feet, as he flies straight up, high above Earth… --- ## [Tracing Network Drops to Ports in Network Switches {question answered & already ordered}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracing-network-drops-to-ports-in-network-switches-question-answered-already-ordered/1011403)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tracing-network-drops-to-ports-in-network-switches-question-answered-already-ordered/1011403 "2024-12-10T12:25:28Z")
We have a cranky drop in the main office that is used by the receptionist for her phone. The drop has no designation so, by eye, there is no way to match it up with the port to which it is connected in the IDF. There i… --- ## [Is Columbia a manifestation of Liberty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-columbia-a-manifestation-of-liberty/1010209)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2024, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-columbia-a-manifestation-of-liberty/1010209 "2024-12-10T01:13:28Z")
Columbia is the personification of the United States of America like Britannia is for Great Britain. But is Columbia also a manifestation of the Liberty persona? The reason I am asking is we are familiar with the “Wal… --- ## [At what rough point in time did the Pyramids become a mystery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-rough-point-in-time-did-the-pyramids-become-a-mystery/1011063)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-rough-point-in-time-did-the-pyramids-become-a-mystery/1011063 "2024-12-09T19:23:43Z")
The Great Pyramids - all the pyramids of Egypt, actually - are old. Really, really old. As people are fond of pointing out, the Great Pyramids in Giza were more ancient to Cleopatra than Cleopatra is to us today. They… --- ## [Why does my apartment require so much water from my humidifier to increase the humidity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-apartment-require-so-much-water-from-my-humidifier-to-increase-the-humidity/1011329)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-apartment-require-so-much-water-from-my-humidifier-to-increase-the-humidity/1011329 "2024-12-09T15:35:24Z")
I’m not sure if this is the right forum, but here is the situation. My apartment is small, maybe 175 cubic meters. At around 70F air can hold something like 18 grams of water per cubic meter at 100% humidity, so thats 3… --- ## [HEIC Files-assist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heic-files-assist/1011174)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heic-files-assist/1011174 "2024-12-09T13:10:40Z")
Somebody sent me some HEIC files, in an email. First I’ve ever encountered. Is there a free way to view them, & then convert them to jpegs? One that works? --- ## [The grammar of teaching (not the teaching of grammar)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-grammar-of-teaching-not-the-teaching-of-grammar/1010194)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-grammar-of-teaching-not-the-teaching-of-grammar/1010194 "2024-12-09T12:46:58Z")
In the verb “to teach”, is the student who is being taught the indirect object and the subject matter the direct object? I would think so: A sentence like “The professor taught the students English” could be rewritten as… --- ## [Whats the difference between \[ \] and ( )?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-and/1010659)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-and/1010659 "2024-12-08T23:44:48Z")
I probably learned in school, but have forgotten. I see them used quite arbitrarily. I never use \[ since i dont know when to use it. --- ## [Criminals donning conspicuous apparel then dumping it to aid escape - ever been a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/criminals-donning-conspicuous-apparel-then-dumping-it-to-aid-escape-ever-been-a-thing/1011307)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/criminals-donning-conspicuous-apparel-then-dumping-it-to-aid-escape-ever-been-a-thing/1011307 "2024-12-08T14:10:59Z")
This question is prompted by the 4 December assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO where the dark clad murderer wore a distinctive light backpack, and may have dumped it later. I have reflected on on crime witnesses … --- ## [Space Shuttle parking when not in use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-parking-when-not-in-use/1011332)
**Author:** [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-shuttle-parking-when-not-in-use/1011332 "2024-12-08T04:21:26Z")
At any one time, NASA had, at most, four space shuttle orbiters: Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, and Atlantis. Endeavor came online after the loss of Challenger, and there were no replacements for Columbia. They only ge… --- ## [Lightning striking ocean water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-striking-ocean-water/1011158)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-striking-ocean-water/1011158 "2024-12-08T04:10:07Z")
The ocean covers a good 3/4s of our planet’s surface. Salt water is a good electrical conductor. When lightning strikes somewhere on Earth, logically, a high probability will be the surface if oceanwater. How does a l… --- ## [Can this ornament be fixed? If so, how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-this-ornament-be-fixed-if-so-how/773422)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2024, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-this-ornament-be-fixed-if-so-how/773422 "2024-12-08T03:39:53Z")
I have a Christmas ornament that was given to me many years ago. It’s of the shuttlecraft from the original Star Trek show. You plug it into the socket that held a Christmas light, and it lights up. There’s a button o… --- ## [Odd Windows Issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-windows-issue/1011315)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-windows-issue/1011315 "2024-12-07T19:41:18Z")
I’ve got Windows 11. I just got an Update notice. But the computer won’t update. I tried directly, then went to the Windows Update page. Neither Fox nor Edge works for the update. What gives? --- ## [Range of pH Scale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/range-of-ph-scale/1011271)
**Author:** [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/range-of-ph-scale/1011271 "2024-12-07T18:23:53Z")
Continuing the discussion from The Trump Administration: The Clusterfuck Continues: I thought this was too much of a hijack to continue in the linked thread. This is a common misconception but is nevertheless incorrec… --- ## [Peak Foliage by year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-foliage-by-year/1011261)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-foliage-by-year/1011261 "2024-12-07T12:39:28Z")
Each year I see reports that say “here’s the best week to see fall colors” with maps of when to go leaf peeping in different areas. I’m curious if these peak weeks have been changing at all due to climate change. Is the… --- ## [After a person dies, how long is their SSN kept inactive before it can be used again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-a-person-dies-how-long-is-their-ssn-kept-inactive-before-it-can-be-used-again/1010821)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-a-person-dies-how-long-is-their-ssn-kept-inactive-before-it-can-be-used-again/1010821 "2024-12-07T11:49:30Z")
This is a spinoff of the safety-deposit box question. I know that Social Security numbers are rendered invalid for that person upon their deaths, but I’m curious - how long is the number kept dormant, if you will, befor… --- ## [How do I make a Facebook "friend request" just disappear?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-facebook-friend-request-just-disappear/1011234)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-facebook-friend-request-just-disappear/1011234 "2024-12-07T04:52:28Z")
That’s the question. I don’t want to accept it, and I don’t want to delete it. What to do? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=62) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=64)