# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=696 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 697 --- ## [How accurate are recordings made circa 1912?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-accurate-are-recordings-made-circa-1912/792447)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-accurate-are-recordings-made-circa-1912/792447 "2017-07-31T08:49:32Z")
I ask because I was listening to a 1912 speech by TR. I read in a comment (yes, a Youtube comment) that his voice probably sounded very different because microphones circa 1912 couldn’t pick up bass tones very well. I’m … --- ## [Planning a Trip: Interplanetary Temperature Gradient.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-trip-interplanetary-temperature-gradient/792423)
**Author:** [@Toxgoddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxgoddess)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-a-trip-interplanetary-temperature-gradient/792423 "2017-07-31T07:56:27Z")
Our neighborhood has a “planet walk” - signposts representing the planets of the solar system, spaced out to scale over 1 mile, which gives a good idea of the relative distance of the various bodies in the solar system. … --- ## [Why did my rooster bring food to my hen today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-rooster-bring-food-to-my-hen-today/792429)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-rooster-bring-food-to-my-hen-today/792429 "2017-07-31T07:10:58Z")
Hello Everyone, I saw something interesting today. Our rooster saw a worm, went over and speared it with it’s beak, then picked it up and brought it to our hen for her to eat. Wow, I swear this is the first time I’… --- ## [Why Doesn't my Cat have Fleas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-cat-have-fleas/158449)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-my-cat-have-fleas/158449 "2017-07-31T03:57:35Z")
I have had a lot of cats and dogs in my life, and lived in a variety of different places and climates in the US. And I have always had to deal with flea problems both on the animals and in my house. In the old days we … --- ## [If (Og Forbid) August 21 (Great American Eclipse Day) Is A Cloudy Day Where I Am...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-og-forbid-august-21-great-american-eclipse-day-is-a-cloudy-day-where-i-am/792404)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2017, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-og-forbid-august-21-great-american-eclipse-day-is-a-cloudy-day-where-i-am/792404 "2017-07-31T03:52:03Z")
Let’s say the Universe punishes me by sending clouds overhead on the day of the Great American Eclipse, and the nearest clear skies are too far away for me to drive there. Assume total cloud cover. (I’m talking about wit… --- ## [Can I Put Dry Ice In A Zip-Loc Bag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-dry-ice-in-a-zip-loc-bag/792408)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-put-dry-ice-in-a-zip-loc-bag/792408 "2017-07-30T23:03:11Z")
Going away for a few days to a place with severely limited fridge space. Normally we just start with ice, drain, buy a few more bags of ice. It does make for some soaking/ wet stuff issues every year. Can I put chunks o… --- ## [Dog got sprayed, but not skunk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-got-sprayed-but-not-skunk/467425)
**Author:** [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-got-sprayed-but-not-skunk/467425 "2017-07-30T22:20:36Z")
My dog just came in the house, shaking his head and mildly foaming at the mouth, and then I smelled it. But it didn’t really smell like a skunk, more like strong garlic. I grabbed him up and bathed him with green apple s… --- ## [What is up with sites that make the screen go black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-sites-that-make-the-screen-go-black/792352)
**Author:** [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-up-with-sites-that-make-the-screen-go-black/792352 "2017-07-30T18:51:23Z")
More & more, I am running into mostly news sites that while I am look at them, my screen goes totally black for a second or three. Sometimes only once or twice but some like this one http://www.nationalreview.com/articl… --- ## [Why do gas prices show these strange patterns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gas-prices-show-these-strange-patterns/792298)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gas-prices-show-these-strange-patterns/792298 "2017-07-30T18:07:44Z")
I am a member of Gasbuddy, so, while I could ask this on their forum, I’ve found that’s it’s a pretty pointless place for in-depth discussions, so I’m asking here. Anyhoo, first of all go and click on this chart. The s… --- ## [Old-timers: Were people less polite in the 1930s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timers-were-people-less-polite-in-the-1930s/100737)
**Author:** [@KXL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KXL)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-timers-were-people-less-polite-in-the-1930s/100737 "2017-07-30T17:20:10Z")
I know that popular entertainment is not exactly the best record of actual American culture, but … Listening to radio shows and watching movies from the 1930s I can’t help but be struck by how RUDE everyone is to eachoth… --- ## [Why are domestic cats plagued with renal issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-domestic-cats-plagued-with-renal-issues/792264)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-domestic-cats-plagued-with-renal-issues/792264 "2017-07-30T12:15:11Z")
According to an article I read 1 in 3 cats suffers from kidney disease, why is the number so high? Here is the article:http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/kidney-disease-in-cats-what-c… --- ## [Does a circle really exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-circle-really-exist/792312)
**Author:** [@abashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abashed)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-circle-really-exist/792312 "2017-07-30T07:17:05Z")
My concept of a circle is a continuous, smooth transition from one angle to another, however, on thinking about this further it occurred to me that any portion of a circle, i.e. an arc, can always be simplified in terms … --- ## [What is the largest spider that is dangerous to people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-spider-that-is-dangerous-to-people/792197)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-largest-spider-that-is-dangerous-to-people/792197 "2017-07-30T04:27:19Z")
I’m pretty sure that I remember reading that the largest spiders (tarantulas and the like) do not have venom that is particularly harmful to humans. What would be the largest arachnid species which could inflict a danger… --- ## [Power Outage on the Outer Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-outage-on-the-outer-banks/792394)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2017, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-outage-on-the-outer-banks/792394 "2017-07-30T01:20:46Z")
My wife and family are spending the week on the Outer Banks. The other (southern) end of the barrier island has been evacuated due to a power outage. A crew building (repairing?) a bridge sunk a piling in exactly the wr… --- ## [Why Did It Take So Long to Pass the ADA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-to-pass-the-ada/792252)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-to-pass-the-ada/792252 "2017-07-29T23:56:18Z")
I am looking at my Easter Seals calendar as I write this. And it says the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed July 26, 1990. Wtf? I don’t know about the rest of you. But I am in my 40’s. And I consider that recen… --- ## [What is this concrete structure/contraption photographed at a German concentration camp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-concrete-structure-contraption-photographed-at-a-german-concentration-camp/792243)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-concrete-structure-contraption-photographed-at-a-german-concentration-camp/792243 "2017-07-29T22:59:17Z")
I took these pictures back in 2009 during a visit to a concentration camp near Berlin. This concrete thing confused the hell out of me, and I meant to post the pictures here to see if it could be identified. Yea…… --- ## [cardgames.dll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardgames-dll/792295)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardgames-dll/792295 "2017-07-29T21:48:43Z")
I am using win 10 (against my better judgment). After asking here I was able to download a suite of win 7 games. But after one of my weekly upgrades (it seems, maybe I exaggerate) when I try to run any of them I get th… --- ## [How background searches find data](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-background-searches-find-data/792296)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-background-searches-find-data/792296 "2017-07-29T19:55:07Z")
Question is pretty much the title. How do these background search sites find this information they use and post it to their sites? When I checked my name on Mylife.com it says “Environmental Supporter” and “Second Amend… --- ## [Viking Ride ON Mower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viking-ride-on-mower/792387)
**Author:** [@slideplayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slideplayer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/viking-ride-on-mower/792387 "2017-07-29T15:54:53Z")
Hi peeps, I need some info about a Viking T6 MT6112 ride on mower, 2008 vintage. The problem is it has snapped 2 transaxle drive belts. All pullys and tensioner are good, but I have noticed a fair bit of free movement in… --- ## [Why doesn't shocking someone that's flatlined work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-shocking-someone-thats-flatlined-work/792165)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-shocking-someone-thats-flatlined-work/792165 "2017-07-29T14:07:30Z")
I’ve read enough medical threads that I firmly believe that TV is wrong and that doctors don’t shock patients that have flatlined in order to revive them. My question is, why doesn’t it work? I know that when doctors p… --- ## [Writing Pens go bad quickly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-pens-go-bad-quickly/792286)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-pens-go-bad-quickly/792286 "2017-07-29T14:05:48Z")
On a regular basis I pickup a pen and it works for about 2-3 words. Then it stops working. (Bic type pens not something fancy) Is this a common problem and if so what can I do about it? --- ## [Math Q: Calculus, Maximization / Optimization Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-q-calculus-maximization-optimization-problem/792078)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-q-calculus-maximization-optimization-problem/792078 "2017-07-29T11:14:43Z")
Hi folks, I can sure use your help. A teen from my church is struggling with this problem, and he asked for my help. I am stumped. Can you solve this problem for me? With that solution, I will not give him the solution, … --- ## [Looking for a math problem and solution as a transition between Algebra II and Calculus I](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-math-problem-and-solution-as-a-transition-between-algebra-ii-and-calculus-i/792270)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-math-problem-and-solution-as-a-transition-between-algebra-ii-and-calculus-i/792270 "2017-07-29T00:41:59Z")
Hi I’ve been searching for an ideal math problem and solution that encompasses both Algebra II and Calculus I. I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Got a new roof, still finding roofing nails on my driveway. Normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-new-roof-still-finding-roofing-nails-on-my-driveway-normal/792199)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-a-new-roof-still-finding-roofing-nails-on-my-driveway-normal/792199 "2017-07-29T00:36:14Z")
I got a new roof on the house nearly 2 weeks ago. The roofer did a great job, was very conscientious, etc. He also warned me that I was likely to find roofing nails on my property for the next several days. I thought tha… --- ## [Growing crops after chemical attack requires lots of insect larvae - ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-crops-after-chemical-attack-requires-lots-of-insect-larvae/792335)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growing-crops-after-chemical-attack-requires-lots-of-insect-larvae/792335 "2017-07-29T00:14:57Z")
Reading Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, and in his part about a possible Soviet chemical attack on West Germany, the book says that in order to grow crops again after such an attack, a lot of insect larvae would need to b… --- ## [Can you bypass the First-to-File patent system by publishing your invention?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bypass-the-first-to-file-patent-system-by-publishing-your-invention/792250)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2017, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bypass-the-first-to-file-patent-system-by-publishing-your-invention/792250 "2017-07-28T23:20:46Z")
In the U.S. patent law switched (in 2012?) from First-to-Invent (FTI) to First-to-File (FTF) system, joining a lot of other countries already under FTF. In the old system, if you invented something but DIDN’T patent it,… --- ## [Byrd Rule - Any consquence for breaking it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/byrd-rule-any-consquence-for-breaking-it/792116)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2017, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/byrd-rule-any-consquence-for-breaking-it/792116 "2017-07-28T21:17:12Z")
So my understanding of the Byrd rule is it basically prevents certain changes from being included in Budget Reconcilation. Wikipedia says this: So if the Parliamentarian says “this breaks the Byrd rule” and the presid… --- ## [220volt which side has the current?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/220volt-which-side-has-the-current/792285)
**Author:** [@virtually\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/virtually_yours)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2017, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/220volt-which-side-has-the-current/792285 "2017-07-28T20:33:59Z")
Hello. which side of a 220 plug is being used? My main breaker gets hotter on one side when acs and dryer are running to the extent that it burned out the fuse. I have three phase, so how do i know which end of the 220v… --- ## [Factual question re: Title VII protections for sexual orientation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-question-re-title-vii-protections-for-sexual-orientation/792278)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/factual-question-re-title-vii-protections-for-sexual-orientation/792278 "2017-07-28T20:32:56Z")
This story has been hitting my FB feed since yesterday: \[QUOTE=WaPo\] Trump administration, intervening in major LGBT case, says job bias law does not cover sexual orientation \[/QUOTE\] I believe Bricker, among others,… --- ## [best way to portage gear...all at once or....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-portage-gear-all-at-once-or/792258)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-portage-gear-all-at-once-or/792258 "2017-07-28T16:57:15Z")
I’m going on a trip soon and there will be 3 of us with 3 canoes and gear. There is a particularly long portage we will have to deal with. I normally just take all of my gear in one go, and drop off some gear halfway t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=695) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=697)