# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=7 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 8 --- ## [Those crazy birds: what triggers the "dawn chorus"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-crazy-birds-what-triggers-the-dawn-chorus/1030762)
**Author:** [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-crazy-birds-what-triggers-the-dawn-chorus/1030762 "2026-06-27T14:54:30Z")
As a sleepless nighthawk and denizen of the early hours, I’ve been fascinated by the cacophony of bird singing in the early hours, long before sunrise. I now have actual numbers – the little beasts burst into song at 3:… --- ## [Why wasn't Banastre Tarleton executed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-banastre-tarleton-executed/519949)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2026, 9:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-banastre-tarleton-executed/519949 "2026-06-27T09:38:06Z")
Tarleton, a dashing British cavalry officer during the American Revolution, was also a brutal, cruel, vicious cutthroat, according to his critics. He was notorious for killing prisoners after they’d surrendered, or no… --- ## [Does the U.S. Navy have many ships present in the Persian Gulf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-u-s-navy-have-many-ships-present-in-the-persian-gulf/1031180)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-u-s-navy-have-many-ships-present-in-the-persian-gulf/1031180 "2026-06-25T22:47:53Z")
I once read that the U.S. Navy was keeping the Gerald Ford in the Arabian Sea, away from Iran, because of the threat of missiles such as the Shaheed III, which has a range of about 2000 km. Presumably, then, air strikes … --- ## [Why are some cigarette filters wrapped in paper colored to resemble cork?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-cigarette-filters-wrapped-in-paper-colored-to-resemble-cork/1031116)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-cigarette-filters-wrapped-in-paper-colored-to-resemble-cork/1031116 "2026-06-24T22:09:00Z")
I recently switched brands to one that has this feature, and it occurred to me to wonder why. Did actual cork cigarette holders used to be a thing? --- ## [Early planning for Apollo: how could they think it would work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-planning-for-apollo-how-could-they-think-it-would-work/1031118)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-planning-for-apollo-how-could-they-think-it-would-work/1031118 "2026-06-24T12:33:04Z")
One Giant Leap (by Charles Fishman; it’s at least tied for the best book ever written) tells how John Houbolt had to struggle to get Apollo planners to choose Lunar Orbit Rendezvous. Roughly everyone else was debating th… --- ## [Fission Fragment Rockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fission-fragment-rockets/1031139)
**Author:** [@spacecadet86](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spacecadet86)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2026, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fission-fragment-rockets/1031139 "2026-06-24T00:23:15Z")
Just how practical would fission fragment rockets be in the distant future for reaching 550AU or greater distances in human lifetimes? Would fission fragment reactors ever be a practical source of energy generation on la… --- ## [WW2 - German and Italian POW's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-german-and-italian-pows/1031000)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-german-and-italian-pows/1031000 "2026-06-23T23:08:37Z")
In North Africa during WW2, the Allies captured about 250,000 enemy combatants. A documentary shows some/all of them corralled in a barbed-wire enclosed field. How were they housed and fed? In general - the Allies treat… --- ## [How much junk is orbiting the Earth, and where is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-junk-is-orbiting-the-earth-and-where-is-it/1031103)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-junk-is-orbiting-the-earth-and-where-is-it/1031103 "2026-06-23T22:29:35Z")
In another FQ thread about sending info centers out in space, it was mentioned as a possibility that rather than repair and refit them we could just let them die and replace them with new ones. Is there reliable data be… --- ## [EVs and road noise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evs-and-road-noise/1031124)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2026, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evs-and-road-noise/1031124 "2026-06-23T17:00:32Z")
I have been on walking trails and state park trails that have one annoying feature- they are located near highways or interstate. If all the vehicles, cars and trucks, were EVs would there still be a ‘significant’ amount… --- ## [How is this (text-initiated) scam supposed to work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-text-initiated-scam-supposed-to-work/1031008)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-text-initiated-scam-supposed-to-work/1031008 "2026-06-22T04:59:29Z")
I received a text message that said: “We’ll never call or text for ID Code 1234567. Please use only to complete your purchase with Ticketmaster for 339.22 USD using card ending in 9876” The text purported to come from … --- ## [Benjaman Kyle needs some help.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benjaman-kyle-needs-some-help/556404)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benjaman-kyle-needs-some-help/556404 "2026-06-22T01:59:46Z")
He’d like to know who he is. I linked to his story in a Cafe Society thread a while ago. But it keeps popping up in my own head, Wikipeda entry. Long story short: It’s a real case of Soap Opera Amnesia. So, questio… --- ## [Merlin - Bird Identification App](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merlin-bird-identification-app/1031073)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merlin-bird-identification-app/1031073 "2026-06-21T21:31:54Z")
How does Merlin identify a Northern Mocking bird within the first call or two of numerous “mocked” calls. To my ear these calls sound like the original but I’ve never listened to a side-by-side comparison. --- ## [Shipping - tolls on waterways](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-tolls-on-waterways/1031053)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-tolls-on-waterways/1031053 "2026-06-21T20:13:02Z")
Major canals (maybe partly man-made) throughout the world (e.g. Suez, Panama) charge tolls for ships passing through them. With the Straits of Hormuz in the news - are there any other natural bodies of water over which s… --- ## [Discouraging copper-stealing -- how does it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-copper-stealing-how-does-it-work/1031058)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-copper-stealing-how-does-it-work/1031058 "2026-06-21T16:27:38Z")
A PG&E substation in Berkeley has a sign on the fence saying it uses “Proof Positive copper with TraceID technology”. Does that mean a scrap dealer can examine offered copper hoping to learn where it came from? Or that t… --- ## [What is the type of ship shown in some articles about the Strait of Hormuz?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-type-of-ship-shown-in-some-articles-about-the-strait-of-hormuz/1031069)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-type-of-ship-shown-in-some-articles-about-the-strait-of-hormuz/1031069 "2026-06-21T14:07:01Z")
Articles about that strait being blocked often are illustrated with pictures about a crowd of ships at anchor waiting for the strait being opened again. Sometimes these vessels shown are typical crude tankers, but from … --- ## [Photoshop Elements: How to highlight an image of text?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photoshop-elements-how-to-highlight-an-image-of-text/1031028)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photoshop-elements-how-to-highlight-an-image-of-text/1031028 "2026-06-20T12:04:25Z")
I have taken a screenshot of a magazine article. I would like to highlight some text in the image. Note that the only thing I know how to do in PE is to add text to an image. There aren’t any classes or anything to le… --- ## [Will the Earth ever run out of CO2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-earth-ever-run-out-of-co2/1030996)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-earth-ever-run-out-of-co2/1030996 "2026-06-20T02:46:09Z")
Trees require CO2 to breathe, and release oxygen afterwards (iirc). So when will we run out of CO2? --- ## [Cattle herding in Caspian forests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-herding-in-caspian-forests/1029868)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2026, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-herding-in-caspian-forests/1029868 "2026-06-20T02:34:28Z")
Reading the Wiki on the White Revolution in Iran and I came across this “While the Caspian forests were nationalized, the forest inhabitants—primarily cattle herders—were expelled by the government and relocated to near… --- ## [Adding a ringtone to iPhone SE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-a-ringtone-to-iphone-se/1031023)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adding-a-ringtone-to-iphone-se/1031023 "2026-06-19T23:30:21Z")
I’ve downloaded a 1994 Nokia ringtone that I would like to use on my iPhone SE. I’ve saved the .mp4 file in iCloud. How do I put it on my phone? --- ## [Where Can I Get a Watchband Replaced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2026, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-get-a-watchband-replaced/1030979 "2026-06-19T11:40:25Z")
A simple one for you all. The wristband of my Casio watch broke. I would like to replace it. In most countries the jewelry shop will do this for you with a smile. Here I cannot even find a display full of plastic watchba… --- ## [How many breaths would the average human take in a year? in a lifetime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-breaths-would-the-average-human-take-in-a-year-in-a-lifetime/1030995)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-breaths-would-the-average-human-take-in-a-year-in-a-lifetime/1030995 "2026-06-18T23:29:34Z")
This question may be beyond a concrete answer because there are too many variables. Still, this seemed like the place to ask it. Mods, please move it if you think it doesn’t belong here. The question is straight-forwa… --- ## [Basic income tax question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-income-tax-question/1030963)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-income-tax-question/1030963 "2026-06-18T09:08:40Z")
I’m sure there is an easy answer to this, but I don’t even know how to Google it. I have an inherited IRA that requires mandatory minimum withdrawals. When withdrawing, I will have taxes withheld, both state and federal… --- ## [Humvee gunner question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humvee-gunner-question/1030948)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/humvee-gunner-question/1030948 "2026-06-18T01:33:58Z")
I’m watching the first Iron Man and noticed the gunner in the Humvee is sticking up into the air waist deep. He has a Ma Deuce, not a Gatling gun. Looks like a sitting duck. It would seem a ring of armor could wrap aroun… --- ## [People who tend to clog toilets. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-tend-to-clog-toilets-why/1028484)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-tend-to-clog-toilets-why/1028484 "2026-06-17T17:54:46Z")
I have a friend who I’ve known for over 40 years, and he’s probably clogged more toilets (when i my vicinity) than all my other friends combined. His wife complained that it was a regular occurrence at home as well. Wh… --- ## [Korean(?) translation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-translation/1030964)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-translation/1030964 "2026-06-17T12:57:01Z")
Here’s a pic of a restaurant that recently closed. The non-Latin writing appears to be Korean, but I couldn’t approximate the name of the restaurant using a translation table. Any ideas what it’s trying to say? --- ## [Aborting a takeoff on an airliner because of windshear](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aborting-a-takeoff-on-an-airliner-because-of-windshear/1030931)
**Author:** [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aborting-a-takeoff-on-an-airliner-because-of-windshear/1030931 "2026-06-16T13:43:28Z")
Yesterday, I flew back from Taiwan to Japan. The flight was delayed after we had boarded the plane. We taxied to the runway, they revved the engines and off we were, with the normal feeling of acceleration. Except abou… --- ## [B-52 crash question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-52-crash-question/1030919)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-52-crash-question/1030919 "2026-06-16T12:24:36Z")
What model of B-52 just crashed at Edwards AFB today right after takeoff? --- ## [Smuggling TVs into Reagan-era Mexico! Can anyone ID tiny, grainy 1980s electronics box photo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smuggling-tvs-into-reagan-era-mexico-can-anyone-id-tiny-grainy-1980s-electronics-box-photo/1030905)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smuggling-tvs-into-reagan-era-mexico-can-anyone-id-tiny-grainy-1980s-electronics-box-photo/1030905 "2026-06-16T11:57:48Z")
I just picked up an interesting book, “Over and Back” by “Wild Bill” Callahan, the other day. A memoir about the practice, in the 1980s, of smuggling consumer electronics—TVs, phones, etc—from the United States into Mexi… --- ## [Styrofoam Usage Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/styrofoam-usage-question/1030886)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/styrofoam-usage-question/1030886 "2026-06-15T23:28:05Z")
We’ve got a large pot in our yard, approximately 20” in diameter and about the same deep. What’s planted in it requires very little soil. Is it problematic to fill much of the void with styrofoam to save weight and soil… --- ## [Sets vs. Plain-language Groups](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sets-vs-plain-language-groups/1030636)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2026, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sets-vs-plain-language-groups/1030636 "2026-06-15T09:28:58Z")
Is the musical group that recorded the album ‘Revolver’ identical with the set {Harrison, Lennon, McCartney, Starr}? If so, then how can an abstract object (in this case, a set) perform a physical act (record ‘Revolver’… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=8)