# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=664 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 665 --- ## [Why can’t we get liquid wood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-we-get-liquid-wood/798831)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-we-get-liquid-wood/798831 "2017-10-14T17:37:08Z")
See query. Rocks—\>lava. Wood—\>nope… I understand phases of matter in the most vulgar sense. And yes I’ve read the Wiki, which seems well done. (This query running in tandem with one on the speed of molecules “in” boili… --- ## [How fast on average are H2O molecules zipping around/ricocheting in boiling water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-on-average-are-h2o-molecules-zipping-around-ricocheting-in-boiling-water/798589)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-on-average-are-h2o-molecules-zipping-around-ricocheting-in-boiling-water/798589 "2017-10-14T17:20:07Z")
See query. Thinking about kinetic energy recently, and wanted to ease my way into it, so to speak. --- ## [Do "Enhanced Radiation" nuclear weapons actually leave infrastructure usable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-enhanced-radiation-nuclear-weapons-actually-leave-infrastructure-usable/798777)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-enhanced-radiation-nuclear-weapons-actually-leave-infrastructure-usable/798777 "2017-10-14T16:02:37Z")
So for decades, the concept of a “neutron bomb” has been trotted around many times. It’s commonly used to describe a device that you could set off over a city and kill the population while leaving their stuff intact and… --- ## [Plaster on ceilings - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plaster-on-ceilings-why/351273)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plaster-on-ceilings-why/351273 "2017-10-14T14:32:09Z")
Why do homebuilders put plaster on ceilings? Is it just for looks? It just seems like plaster is an invevitable problem down the road when it starts flaking off, compared to just painting the ceiling. Plus you have to… --- ## [Moment of mammalian birth. First breath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moment-of-mammalian-birth-first-breath/798314)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moment-of-mammalian-birth-first-breath/798314 "2017-10-14T12:06:39Z")
How much is known about the biochemical aspects of the moment of birth when a new born mammal takes its first breath. What rapid changes are required for the lungs to start absorbing oxygen for the first time. How much i… --- ## [Refrigerator question. Leave door open or close it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-question-leave-door-open-or-close-it/798755)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-question-leave-door-open-or-close-it/798755 "2017-10-14T03:51:36Z")
Because of room temperature, I have to keep a prescription drug in the refrigerator. I take one once a day. It takes about 4 seconds to open the lid, take out the pill, close the lid and return to the refer. The refer … --- ## [Question on Health Economics or the Rothschild Stiglitz model](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-health-economics-or-the-rothschild-stiglitz-model/798778)
**Author:** [@Spud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spud)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-health-economics-or-the-rothschild-stiglitz-model/798778 "2017-10-14T03:47:58Z")
Ok, I know we used to not be able to answer homework questions, and this kind of qualifies but not quite. My daughter is working on her Masters and she just texted me to see if I knew anyone who had more info on the abov… --- ## [Strange seagull behavior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-seagull-behavior/397995)
**Author:** [@Catfood\_Purrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catfood_Purrito)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-seagull-behavior/397995 "2017-10-14T03:34:00Z")
I saw something that seemed kind of odd this morning, but maybe it wasn’t. I don’t have much experience with seagulls, having grown up in an area where there are none. For the past few weeks or so, every morning there … --- ## [What does the term "drop cord city" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-term-drop-cord-city-mean/798758)
**Author:** [@The\_Plutonium\_Kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Plutonium_Kid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-term-drop-cord-city-mean/798758 "2017-10-14T02:41:59Z")
The post is the title. What does the term “drop cord city” mean? Either my Google-fu needs a lot of polishing or the phrase just isn’t to be found on the internet. --- ## [CIA - Peace Corps connection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-peace-corps-connection/248639)
**Author:** [@JillGat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JillGat)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-peace-corps-connection/248639 "2017-10-14T02:27:47Z")
CIA regulations ban the use of journalists, clergy and U.S. Peace Corps volunteers overseas as undercover operatives. Peace Corps regulations prohibit anyone who has worked for the CIA or the U.S. military (in the last … --- ## [What's a good translation for Magnis Mensas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-good-translation-for-magnis-mensas/798752)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2017, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-good-translation-for-magnis-mensas/798752 "2017-10-14T01:08:50Z")
F. G. Rayer wrote a story called “Dues Ex Machina” in which a computer brain essentially runs England. The computer, which has extensions everywhere, is called Magnis Mensas. Not just once but throughout the story. When… --- ## [Fire Codes for California](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-codes-for-california/798696)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-codes-for-california/798696 "2017-10-13T22:04:33Z")
There is no such thing as a fire code. There hasn’t been for decades. We have Safety of Life Codes. The idea is to let the building burn but make sure the people can get out. (There was a famous “fireproof” hotel that b… --- ## [Electric eels and power generator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-eels-and-power-generator/798732)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-eels-and-power-generator/798732 "2017-10-13T20:10:50Z")
If you wanted to set up a process to harness power from electric eels what would be the biggest hurdle to surmount. Assume that money for the project is not an issue and there wont be animal rights groups creating barri… --- ## [How did Minnesotans diverge linguistically from "duck, duck, goose" to "duck, duck, grey duck"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-minnesotans-diverge-linguistically-from-duck-duck-goose-to-duck-duck-grey-duck/798450)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-minnesotans-diverge-linguistically-from-duck-duck-goose-to-duck-duck-grey-duck/798450 "2017-10-13T18:28:17Z")
This mystifies me. I also wonder why (in god’s name, why), but that is probably beyond the scope of GQ. If you are from one of the other 49 states, please read this from today’s Minneapolis Star Tribune: And no, thi… --- ## [Is this a scam? (mailer bingo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam-mailer-bingo/273764)
**Author:** [@beltbuckle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beltbuckle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-scam-mailer-bingo/273764 "2017-10-13T17:39:36Z")
Today in the mail I received a postcard-size “Bingo scratch & win” card. It has two bingo boards printed on the card, and a list of numbers after you rub off the waxy film, like a lottery ticket. Not surprisingly, I wo… --- ## [Which part of Instant Ramen Noodles costs more to make per pack? Soup packet or the noodles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-part-of-instant-ramen-noodles-costs-more-to-make-per-pack-soup-packet-or-the-noodles/798606)
**Author:** [@Monimonika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monimonika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-part-of-instant-ramen-noodles-costs-more-to-make-per-pack-soup-packet-or-the-noodles/798606 "2017-10-13T16:02:06Z")
A typical pack of Instant Ramen Noodles comes with freeze-dried noodles and a packet of soup base powder. What I am curious to know is, which part is more costly (is reflected more in the price) per pack: Soup base pack… --- ## [chloroplasts in plant cells](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chloroplasts-in-plant-cells/798655)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chloroplasts-in-plant-cells/798655 "2017-10-13T12:57:53Z")
Obviously, only green plant tissues will need chloroplasts. A plant starts life as a single cell which presumably does not contain chloroplasts. Where do they come from and how do they get their unique DNA inside them? … --- ## [how to get rid of my phone but keep the phone number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-my-phone-but-keep-the-phone-number/798578)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-my-phone-but-keep-the-phone-number/798578 "2017-10-13T08:30:44Z")
I’ve got a personal phone…I pay for I’ve got a work phone, that doesn’t have an issue if I use it for personal use. I’m tired of carrying both phones and want to make the migration to using my work phone only. I’ve fo… --- ## [Are cops civilians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cops-civilians/798618)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cops-civilians/798618 "2017-10-13T08:29:35Z")
does a cops power overturn that of a military personnel? If a soldier sees a cop violate the constitution can he legally in that moment disarm and arrest the cop? How far does being a civilian versus an active soldier go… --- ## [Looking for a more practical definition of "infringe" to differentiate it from "impinge"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-more-practical-definition-of-infringe-to-differentiate-it-from-impinge/798626)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2017, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-more-practical-definition-of-infringe-to-differentiate-it-from-impinge/798626 "2017-10-13T05:22:47Z")
Hi, The word infringe seems to be defined only in terms of rights and liberties. But I found it use differently here in terms of influence and interest: p. 317 " 1913: In Search of the World Before the Great War" by Ch… --- ## [Is it correct to translate "über mensch" as superman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-translate-uber-mensch-as-superman/798541)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-translate-uber-mensch-as-superman/798541 "2017-10-12T23:09:33Z")
(Regarding Nitche) It is popularly done so but I’ve just read a article by a philosophy populiser which claims that superman is not a correct interpretation. What say the minions? --- ## [Penalties for violating a non-disclosure agreement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penalties-for-violating-a-non-disclosure-agreement/798492)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penalties-for-violating-a-non-disclosure-agreement/798492 "2017-10-12T21:49:39Z")
Supposedly, there are several people who have worked for Donald Trump who settled various issues with him in the past with the signing of non-disclosure agreements. This is also true of people who settled with Harvey We… --- ## [How to graph change as a percentage of volume in Excel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-graph-change-as-a-percentage-of-volume-in-excel/798661)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-graph-change-as-a-percentage-of-volume-in-excel/798661 "2017-10-12T18:36:59Z")
Bad title, but this is what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to compare changes in production between two departments over the course of a year. The problem is one department is much bigger than the other and handles a lot m… --- ## [How does the Israeli Trophy tank active protection system differ from their "Iron Fist" APS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-israeli-trophy-tank-active-protection-system-differ-from-their-iron-fist-aps/798651)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-israeli-trophy-tank-active-protection-system-differ-from-their-iron-fist-aps/798651 "2017-10-12T18:00:04Z")
See query. (Wiki Trophy, Wiki Iron Fist). The former’s by Rafael and IAI, the latter by IMI. The US Army just announced a purchase of Trophy, and in Israel they’re talking about a “combination” of the two weapon systems… --- ## [California's sanctuary law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-sanctuary-law/798366)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-sanctuary-law/798366 "2017-10-12T17:56:45Z")
There’s a part of California’s new sanctuary law that I’m confused about: Now I recognize that under the 10th amendment, the federal government cannot compel states to enforce federal law. The confusing part is Cali… --- ## [Is there a meaningful difference between these two batteries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-meaningful-difference-between-these-two-batteries/798392)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-meaningful-difference-between-these-two-batteries/798392 "2017-10-12T16:40:13Z")
I was shopping online for some Eneloop AA’s and at Target, there were these two 12-packs. Both were: Panasonic eneloop AAA 2100 cycle, Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries - 12 Pack · Recharge up to 2100 times.\*\* … --- ## [Does this aircraft actually have an opening window in the cockpit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-aircraft-actually-have-an-opening-window-in-the-cockpit/798346)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-aircraft-actually-have-an-opening-window-in-the-cockpit/798346 "2017-10-12T13:17:42Z")
In Ozone’s Numa Numa video, one shot includes a singer closing a window in the cockpit of a medium-sized aircraft (think commuter size). Is/was there an aircraft with this actual feature? It looks real, but seems unlike… --- ## [Portable HDD refuses to transfer files onto friends computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-hdd-refuses-to-transfer-files-onto-friends-computer/798607)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-hdd-refuses-to-transfer-files-onto-friends-computer/798607 "2017-10-12T10:52:14Z")
So I own a “WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive” which I use as a backup drive to my computer. I have it hooked into my PC 24/7 and transfer stuff back and forth between them on a daily basis and have had absolu… --- ## [How do I tweet to a celebrity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tweet-to-a-celebrity/797629)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-tweet-to-a-celebrity/797629 "2017-10-12T05:09:10Z")
I’m just starting to use Twitter. Can someone explain to me how it works? I want to tweet photos to a celebrity. I know the first step is to follow them. Do I then post my tweet on their page or mine? Should my tweet … --- ## [Is it a simple procedure for a judge to rescind/void an order he/she has just given?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-simple-procedure-for-a-judge-to-rescind-void-an-order-he-she-has-just-given/798605)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-simple-procedure-for-a-judge-to-rescind-void-an-order-he-she-has-just-given/798605 "2017-10-12T00:32:35Z")
Hi Is it a simple procedure for a judge to rescind an order he/she has just given? In the following case a judge had granted a man joint legal custody of a child born to a woman who had been (unbeknownst to the judge at… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=663) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=665)