# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=64 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 65 --- ## [A person fell into a sinkhole. Dumb question about rescue operation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-fell-into-a-sinkhole-dumb-question-about-rescue-operation/1011200)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2024, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-person-fell-into-a-sinkhole-dumb-question-about-rescue-operation/1011200 "2024-12-07T03:09:41Z")
There are many news stories this week about a 64 year old woman fell into a sinkhole in Pennsylvania. The earliest photos show a small hole, maybe two to three feet in diameter. The rescue operation immediately starts to… --- ## [.amp in news links?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amp-in-news-links/1011269)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amp-in-news-links/1011269 "2024-12-06T19:57:16Z")
I’ve been noticing this in links to news articles: increasingly, there is “.amp” at some point in the url. I’ve noticed it in CBC, CNN and BBC links. What does it mean? --- ## [Treating a wooden cutting board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-wooden-cutting-board/1011123)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2024, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/treating-a-wooden-cutting-board/1011123 "2024-12-06T15:47:42Z")
As a present, I received a beautiful engraved wooden cutting board. Problem is, it is raw wood. I’m not going to cut on it, but it would be perfect for piling ribs or steaks or a brisket on for presentation. I think i… --- ## [What do the names of the days of the week in Spanish mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-names-of-the-days-of-the-week-in-spanish-mean/1011070)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2024, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-names-of-the-days-of-the-week-in-spanish-mean/1011070 "2024-12-05T22:12:34Z")
Lunes (Monday) I get, Luna being the word for Moon Martes (Tuesday)?? Miercoles (Wednesday)?? Jueves (Thursday)?? Viernes (Friday)?? Sabado (Saturday) = Sabbath Domingo (Sunday) = \[something akin to\] Lord’s Day --- ## [When walking, prefer to turn left](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-walking-prefer-to-turn-left/1011132)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-walking-prefer-to-turn-left/1011132 "2024-12-04T22:21:14Z")
With the colder weather outside I have started to do my daily hour long walk inside the house. 2 stories + basement making a loop around the kitchen table, then dining room table, upstairs into the guest bedroom down the… --- ## [What happens to safety deposit boxes years or decades after someone has died and it remains unclaimed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-safety-deposit-boxes-years-or-decades-after-someone-has-died-and-it-remains-unclaimed/1010724)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-safety-deposit-boxes-years-or-decades-after-someone-has-died-and-it-remains-unclaimed/1010724 "2024-12-04T21:32:55Z")
I just read about WC Fields having a ton of safety deposit boxes, some apparently under false names. A friend of his, in the late 1940’s, speculated much of his fortune/valuables might still be spread around in these bo… --- ## [Why would a stretch of city street have speed limit x in one direction, y in the other](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-stretch-of-city-street-have-speed-limit-x-in-one-direction-y-in-the-other/1011161)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-stretch-of-city-street-have-speed-limit-x-in-one-direction-y-in-the-other/1011161 "2024-12-04T20:17:40Z")
This stretch of road in Salem, Missouri has a speed limit of 35 for westbound traffic, 20 for eastbound traffic. I don’t get it – there’s no school nearby, although there is a public park/ swimming poo/ community center … --- ## [Is purified water dispensed by a plastic filter loaded with plastic microparticles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-purified-water-dispensed-by-a-plastic-filter-loaded-with-plastic-microparticles/1011121)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-purified-water-dispensed-by-a-plastic-filter-loaded-with-plastic-microparticles/1011121 "2024-12-04T20:11:35Z")
With the recent news about scientists detecting billions of microparticles and nanoparticles of plastic in a basic bottle of water, I’m left wondering: (a) if these tiny particles of plastic are also found in municipal d… --- ## [How effective would bullets be against giant insects/spiders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-would-bullets-be-against-giant-insects-spiders/1011057)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-would-bullets-be-against-giant-insects-spiders/1011057 "2024-12-04T18:06:04Z")
I’m thinking of handheld weapons vs giant ants or locusts. And yes, I’ve just watched The Beginning of the End and in the past watched both Them! and the Giant Spider Invasion. --- ## [Do witnesses really point at defendants during a trial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-witnesses-really-point-at-defendants-during-a-trial/1011067)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-witnesses-really-point-at-defendants-during-a-trial/1011067 "2024-12-04T18:05:02Z")
We’ve all seen it on TV a thousand times where the prosecuting attorney will ask the witness, “And is the person you saw in this courtroom today?” The witness will then point to the only person at the defense table that… --- ## [Spam with a link to twitter -- Dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-with-a-link-to-twitter-dangerous/1011151)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-with-a-link-to-twitter-dangerous/1011151 "2024-12-04T16:11:50Z")
I have received 4 spammy emails in the past 3 days from the same sender. Background info: The sender is a friend in my email contacts. The email “To” line contains 5 or 6 names, some of which are mutual friends of min… --- ## [How does this PayPal payment request scam work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-paypal-payment-request-scam-work/1011126)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-this-paypal-payment-request-scam-work/1011126 "2024-12-04T16:05:42Z")
I got two seemingly unrelated emails today notifying me that I have PayPal payment requests. I do have a PayPal account. There is a link in each email to go to PayPal to make payment. The link is for a paypal.com URL so … --- ## [Guidance on a new computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-on-a-new-computer/1006802)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2024, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guidance-on-a-new-computer/1006802 "2024-12-04T02:11:34Z")
Hwæt! I have a new computer. It’s a Windows type. I’ve never had a Windows type before, personally, although I’ve used them at work for mumblety-mumble years. At work, there’s the IT people who keep it running. Now, I… --- ## [Windows 11 - I can't see files copied to my Google Drive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11-i-cant-see-files-copied-to-my-google-drive/1011106)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-11-i-cant-see-files-copied-to-my-google-drive/1011106 "2024-12-03T19:30:27Z")
I bought a Windows 11 laptop. I installed the Google Drive App. Transfered some files down to the laptop. Works fine. I uploaded a new 3 GB video to Google Drive. It went way, way to fast for a Wii-Fi connection. It c… --- ## [Where are jingles for local radio commercials produced and recorded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-jingles-for-local-radio-commercials-produced-and-recorded/1011080)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-jingles-for-local-radio-commercials-produced-and-recorded/1011080 "2024-12-03T18:05:54Z")
Like the catchy jingle for the windshield/auto glass repair shop in the town where I work – did the radio station’s ad salesperson also have to write the jingle? And then he or she sent it off to … I dunno, somewhere in … --- ## [Can't hear voice from one number on mobile phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-hear-voice-from-one-number-on-mobile-phone/1011028)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-hear-voice-from-one-number-on-mobile-phone/1011028 "2024-12-03T14:46:06Z")
My cousin and I are best friends. When she calls me (Android phone to Android phone). It rings, I answer, but hear no sound or voice. When I call her, it rings and she can hear my voice. I cannot hear her. Doesn’t sound… --- ## [What was the deadliest calendar day in human history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-deadliest-calendar-day-in-human-history/1011022)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-deadliest-calendar-day-in-human-history/1011022 "2024-12-03T03:05:38Z")
I watched a new documentary series on the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. At the beginning of each episode, it is noted that 227,898 people died as a result of that natural disaster. I wondered if that date h… --- ## [Unusual Middle Names (not a mnemonic, but similar)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-middle-names-not-a-mnemonic-but-similar/1010867)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-middle-names-not-a-mnemonic-but-similar/1010867 "2024-12-02T22:15:41Z")
Several decades ago, I remember hearing a list of unusual middle names of famous people. It was something like “riddle strange only true”. “Strange” is the middle name of Robert S. McNamara, who was secretary of defens… --- ## [D.B.Cooper - Case closed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-b-cooper-case-closed/759802)
**Author:** [@Chickenwrangler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chickenwrangler)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-b-cooper-case-closed/759802 "2024-12-02T16:50:42Z")
Recently watched two part series D.B.Cooper-Case Closed which gave the impression that the case has at last been solved. Unfortunately that’s not true, just another bunch of theorist airing their views. Anyway these guy… --- ## [Is Rudy Giuliani destitute?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rudy-giuliani-destitute/1010820)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rudy-giuliani-destitute/1010820 "2024-12-02T12:37:51Z")
I get that he’s broke, but broke means different things to different people. If your monthly expenses are $100k and your income is $85k, you’re broke but not destitute. If you don’t know where your next meal is coming fr… --- ## [Is there a way to force settings on Andriod to stay the same?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-force-settings-on-andriod-to-stay-the-same/1011056)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-force-settings-on-andriod-to-stay-the-same/1011056 "2024-12-02T10:38:17Z")
I have a mother with dementia, shes is good at removing and deleting things she shouldt do. I found a solution to that. But she also somehow manages to turn off the alert sound on messages, resulting on her not getting t… --- ## [Why do we have tears](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-tears/1010743)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2024, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-have-tears/1010743 "2024-12-02T10:31:38Z")
When we are sad, we might drip from our eyes. What causes this dripping, what caused evolution to force us to drop tears? --- ## [Dick Simon Trucking Logo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-simon-trucking-logo/8446)
**Author:** [@spankboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spankboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2000, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dick-simon-trucking-logo/8446 "2000-03-12T05:31:00Z")
A couple of years back, the Dick Simon Trucking logo (seen all over in Washington state, and prolly the west coast) was a skunk holding a pirate flag. Since then, it has changed to the same skunk holding a flag, but with… --- ## [.avi files won't play on Windows laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avi-files-wont-play-on-windows-laptop/1010984)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/avi-files-wont-play-on-windows-laptop/1010984 "2024-12-01T13:23:40Z")
I bought my wife a trail camera for her birthday. In the last week, we captured 21 video files. I have a Juiced adapter with various input possibilities. We plugged it into her laptop, and inserted the memory card int… --- ## [Any economists or political hobbyists here? A few questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-economists-or-political-hobbyists-here-a-few-questions/1010888)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2024, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-economists-or-political-hobbyists-here-a-few-questions/1010888 "2024-12-01T04:34:48Z")
I came across a video and feel the need to ask: What were the specific actions that US gov did in 1997 (3:10), Sweden in 1997- (3:12), UK & Greece in 1998-9 (3:19), Japan in 2003 (3:48), Germany in 2006 (4:15), Nether… --- ## [What's the best way to store silver and platinum coins to avoid tarnish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-store-silver-and-platinum-coins-to-avoid-tarnish/1010866)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-store-silver-and-platinum-coins-to-avoid-tarnish/1010866 "2024-11-30T18:12:14Z")
Gold doesn’t tarnish. Titanium and aluminum tarnish to some extent, but the thin layer of corrosion resists further corrosion, or so I understand. What’s the best way to store silver and platinum bullion or coins that ar… --- ## [Name for a geometric shape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-a-geometric-shape/1010939)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-a-geometric-shape/1010939 "2024-11-30T15:20:42Z")
Is there a name for this shape: Basically a square or rectangle with curved sides. Two of those on opposite sides curve inward and the other two curve outward. If they have the same curvature and length, they’ll tile th… --- ## [How many members of Congress before we need a new chamber?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-members-of-congress-before-we-need-a-new-chamber/1010527)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-members-of-congress-before-we-need-a-new-chamber/1010527 "2024-11-30T07:42:20Z")
If the US House of of Representatives were to be increased in size how many members could the current chamber be remodeled to fit before an entirely new chamber would need to be built? Or even a new Capitol? --- ## [Does anyone know how Roman numerals were pronounced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-how-roman-numerals-were-pronounced/1007672)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2024, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-how-roman-numerals-were-pronounced/1007672 "2024-11-30T04:30:43Z")
In English, it’s fairly easy to imagine that, say, XIII could be pronounced “three-ten,” or thirteen. Don’t know about what that might be like in Latin, though - maybe something similar. But then what about XL? How i… --- ## [A basic question about income tax brackets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-basic-question-about-income-tax-brackets/1010857)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2024, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-basic-question-about-income-tax-brackets/1010857 "2024-11-29T14:24:34Z")
I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer to my straightforward question, so here we are. Suppose I am in the 12% income tax bracket if my Adjusted Gross Income is less than $60,000. And If my AGI is $60,000 or mor… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=63) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=65)