# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=712 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 713 --- ## [How are ebooks digitized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-ebooks-digitized/789590)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2017, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-ebooks-digitized/789590 "2017-06-25T17:30:38Z")
Hello Everyone, I read 3 or 4 different ebooks per monthnon my Android phone using the Kindle app. I have to say that for the most part everything is formatted properly. However, I tend to notice some mistakes that s… --- ## [How do animals with acute hearing adjust to loud environments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animals-with-acute-hearing-adjust-to-loud-environments/789811)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2017, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-animals-with-acute-hearing-adjust-to-loud-environments/789811 "2017-06-25T17:26:24Z")
My mom’s Yorkies wake her almost every night. They hear deer outside in the yard. This is a house built in 1989 with heavily insulated walls. We can’t even hear a lawn mower out in the yard. But the Yorkies can hear deer… --- ## [Explain: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt sever diplomatic relations with Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-saudi-arabia-uae-egypt-sever-diplomatic-relations-with-qatar/788164)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2017, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-saudi-arabia-uae-egypt-sever-diplomatic-relations-with-qatar/788164 "2017-06-25T11:06:00Z")
This morning there is news that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain have all severed diplomatic ties with Qater, accusing the latter of supporting terrorism. My impression has always been that as f… --- ## [Medical marijuana for neuropathy - studies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-for-neuropathy-studies/789588)
**Author:** [@Azile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Azile)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2017, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-for-neuropathy-studies/789588 "2017-06-25T04:21:13Z")
Disclaimer: not asking for medical advice, just for information. My mother has peripheral neuropathy in one foot, so bad that it keeps her awake at night. She takes prescription medication, but it doesn’t always help an… --- ## [my "doors open" dash light is stuck on - will it drain my battery? - need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-doors-open-dash-light-is-stuck-on-will-it-drain-my-battery-need-answer-fast/789355)
**Author:** [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-doors-open-dash-light-is-stuck-on-will-it-drain-my-battery-need-answer-fast/789355 "2017-06-24T22:12:39Z")
I had an accident today. A truck pulled out of a side street and his bumper damaged both doors on the driver’s side of my car. I can’t open either door. After dark, I noticed that the interior light was on and I turned… --- ## [USA air-to-air kills](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-air-to-air-kills/789352)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-air-to-air-kills/789352 "2017-06-24T20:45:36Z")
Anyone know of a good source for recent air to air kills by the US military? Apparently a US F/A-18 shot down a Syrian Su-22 and I’m trying to figure out the last time one of our jets shot down someone else’s (manned) j… --- ## [Cat pitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-pitch/789536)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-pitch/789536 "2017-06-24T19:36:19Z")
Creamsicle seems to have pine pitch or cedar pitch in her fur. I’ve tried brushing it out, but it just annoys her. How can I get it out? (She also has a spot on the tip of her nose.) --- ## [How did we get multiple oceans? Why isn't it just one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-get-multiple-oceans-why-isnt-it-just-one/789476)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-get-multiple-oceans-why-isnt-it-just-one/789476 "2017-06-24T19:34:57Z")
I’m sure someone explained this to me in grade school, but I forget the answer. How did we end up with multiple oceans instead of one big “the ocean”? Are there actual cartographic/nautical lines that say “This is where… --- ## [What faculties is the human mind best at?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-faculties-is-the-human-mind-best-at/789537)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-faculties-is-the-human-mind-best-at/789537 "2017-06-24T19:20:29Z")
I realize the question is broad and could be interpreted in a few different ways so I’ll attempt to narrow it down: Compared to say, computers, human minds are not particularly good at number crunching. Compared to othe… --- ## ["Anger management" programs - can they work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anger-management-programs-can-they-work/789715)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anger-management-programs-can-they-work/789715 "2017-06-24T17:45:43Z")
Do anger management programs just teach people not to go nuts when they get angry, or do they actually remove the sources of the anger in people so that they’re not so angry? --- ## [How does whitepages.com know who my brother is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-whitepages-com-know-who-my-brother-is/789753)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-whitepages-com-know-who-my-brother-is/789753 "2017-06-24T16:32:59Z")
My brother lives across the country from me, and we haven’t lived together since we moved away from our parents. So how does whitepages.com know he’s my brother? --- ## [Redeem credit card rewards for past purchases- What's the point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redeem-credit-card-rewards-for-past-purchases-whats-the-point/789530)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redeem-credit-card-rewards-for-past-purchases-whats-the-point/789530 "2017-06-24T15:27:50Z")
I have a cashback rewards credit card. I get reward money which I can use in several ways: 1. Apply rewards to balance 2. Get mailed a check 3. “Redeem for purchase”- Similar to #1, but zeroes out a past purchase . 4.… --- ## [Insurance question: two claims for different damage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-question-two-claims-for-different-damage/789704)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-question-two-claims-for-different-damage/789704 "2017-06-24T13:52:23Z")
Some several years ago we had a hailstorm that did a lot of roof damage. While waiting for the insurance claim check there was another storm that also did damage. At this point I had not had the damage repaired, but di… --- ## [Finding a biological parent when you don't know who they are.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-biological-parent-when-you-dont-know-who-they-are/782076)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-a-biological-parent-when-you-dont-know-who-they-are/782076 "2017-06-24T13:21:58Z")
So, my brother revealed something to me last night. A bit stunning to say the least. His father-in-law emigrated from Poland after World War 2. His mother-in-law has been dead for many years. For about a year his wife … --- ## [How big/strong human body needs to be to withstand Taser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-strong-human-body-needs-to-be-to-withstand-taser/789539)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-strong-human-body-needs-to-be-to-withstand-taser/789539 "2017-06-24T13:07:14Z")
Not a need answer fast question. :slight\_smile: Assuming that the Taser’s barbs go into the flesh and the electrical current delivers the jolt as designed, how muscular or big does a person have to be in order to not s… --- ## [Why is it called a dewclaw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-called-a-dewclaw/318842)
**Author:** [@soulmurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/soulmurk)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-called-a-dewclaw/318842 "2017-06-24T10:40:32Z")
One of those questions that I’ve always wondered about, but never seriously looked into, until today. I dug around the web a bit and found plenty of sites either advocating or detracting the practice of removing them, l… --- ## [Bizarre Netflix problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bizarre-netflix-problem/789655)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bizarre-netflix-problem/789655 "2017-06-24T08:58:05Z")
Hello Everyone, I posted about this before with no response, but I have new info that might help. When I’m watching a movie on Netflix that have parts subtitled (like Inglorious Basterds when the actors are speaking F… --- ## [German Remote Controlled Glider Bombs at Anzio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-remote-controlled-glider-bombs-at-anzio/789666)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-remote-controlled-glider-bombs-at-anzio/789666 "2017-06-24T05:11:21Z")
Video Here. What the Hell is that? --- ## [no vegetables for breakfast-- why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-vegetables-for-breakfast-why/789203)
**Author:** [@sbunny8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbunny8)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-vegetables-for-breakfast-why/789203 "2017-06-24T02:00:26Z")
Why is it that you rarely see broccoli, or other vegetables, at breakfast? I’ve seen people eat salads for lunch or for dinner, never at breakfast. Exceptions are rare: sometimes you’ll see a quiche or an omelette with a… --- ## [How does Apple Computer keep product development a secret?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-apple-computer-keep-product-development-a-secret/789634)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-apple-computer-keep-product-development-a-secret/789634 "2017-06-24T00:35:05Z")
I’ve worked at companies where people sign a non-disclosure. So on the surface that seems this is likely what Apple Computer does to prevent leaks of product development. But I was thinking of the actual logistics of thi… --- ## [What airplane is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-airplane-is-this/787036)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-airplane-is-this/787036 "2017-06-24T00:14:50Z")
I was waiting for a bus near the airport today when I saw an aircraft type that I’ve never seen before. It was of a configuration similar to a Dash 8 - high wing monoplane, T-tail and twin engines - except that instead o… --- ## [Is my co-worker's car what he claims it is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-co-workers-car-what-he-claims-it-is/789127 "2017-06-23T19:27:21Z")
He claims that what he has is a 2005 Holden Monaro CV8 Z, a limited edition vehicle of which only 1100 were made. Monaros were sold in the U.S with left hand drives and rebadged as Pontiac GTOs. What makes me suspiciou… --- ## [Brushes for painting nails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brushes-for-painting-nails/789670)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brushes-for-painting-nails/789670 "2017-06-23T17:21:11Z")
Do any manicure enthusiasts here know which particular type of nail art brush would be best suited for painting nails, like the typical nail brush that comes with nail polish? I’m specifically looking for something simil… --- ## [Safety deposit box key](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safety-deposit-box-key/789555)
**Author:** [@llrn269](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/llrn269)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safety-deposit-box-key/789555 "2017-06-23T16:55:11Z")
Can anyone identify or give any info on where a safety deposit box key may have come from? Also, anyone know how I cam post a pic of said key? --- ## [What other animals besides dogs display anxiety during thunderstorms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-animals-besides-dogs-display-anxiety-during-thunderstorms/789076)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-animals-besides-dogs-display-anxiety-during-thunderstorms/789076 "2017-06-23T16:13:34Z")
Our dog, a mix of golden retriever and collie, gets VERY anxious during thunderstorms. Shivering, with his head down between his paws, he likes to hide behind the Mrs, and wants comfort. If she’s absent, the dog (unapt… --- ## [Do combination locks wear out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-combination-locks-wear-out/789323)
**Author:** [@El\_DeLuxo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_DeLuxo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-combination-locks-wear-out/789323 "2017-06-23T14:35:24Z")
We use a Master brand combination padlock to secure our apartment door; the current one has been in use for about two years. Sometimes when I try to open it, carefully lining up the little indicator arrow with the three … --- ## [How far could a sniper shoot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-could-a-sniper-shoot/175199)
**Author:** [@jovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jovan)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-could-a-sniper-shoot/175199 "2017-06-23T14:20:17Z")
So I was reading some of the adventures of Golgo 13, the world’s most terrifying hitman, the most mind-blowing (quite literally) sniper… and I got to wonder just how realistic his skills would be. It’s common knowledge … --- ## [How common are two-tone eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-two-tone-eyes/143650)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-are-two-tone-eyes/143650 "2017-06-23T12:54:58Z")
My youngest son just turned fourteen months. Unlike his siblings, his eveyes never completely changed from baby-blue to brown. He has a light brown “ring” around his pupil and the rest of his iris is blue or at most, blu… --- ## [Do steam train crews have any way to artificially cool the boiler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-steam-train-crews-have-any-way-to-artificially-cool-the-boiler/788922)
**Author:** [@Omi\_no\_Kami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omi_no_Kami)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-steam-train-crews-have-any-way-to-artificially-cool-the-boiler/788922 "2017-06-23T12:52:30Z")
So the basic operation of a steam train is fairly straightforward- add fuel to the fire, the fire heats water, hot water boils into steam, then the steam drives some pistons. Most of the stuff I’ve read surrounding boile… --- ## [If you got a nosebleed when asleep, could you bleed to death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-got-a-nosebleed-when-asleep-could-you-bleed-to-death/789584)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2017, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-got-a-nosebleed-when-asleep-could-you-bleed-to-death/789584 "2017-06-23T12:42:51Z")
So let’s say a normal healthy person with no medical problems or disabilities suddenly had a minor nosebleed when asleep. Not a bleed from the great vessels, just a normal breach. Could they bleed to death, or would the … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=711) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=713)