# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=720 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 721 --- ## [Our Grandmothers were sisters: what are we?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-grandmothers-were-sisters-what-are-we/788335)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2017, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-grandmothers-were-sisters-what-are-we/788335 "2017-06-08T00:05:55Z")
I have a cool relative in the US. His grandmother and my grandmother are sisters. What relation is that? --- ## [Is this "Fail" photo real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fail-photo-real/779411)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-fail-photo-real/779411 "2017-06-07T22:55:08Z")
Just a slideshow featuring photos of construction goofs. This one looks real enough and might show up on Google Street View if we knew where it was. A Google image search turns up an endless list of “Fail” URLs. Can anyo… --- ## [A Vietnam War memorial in every Russian town/city?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-vietnam-war-memorial-in-every-russian-town-city/788262)
**Author:** [@Kamaski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamaski)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-vietnam-war-memorial-in-every-russian-town-city/788262 "2017-06-07T22:37:16Z")
I remember hearing this a while ago maybe on a history channel documentary. That there is a wall in every medium size Russian town or city which has the names of the soldiers who fell in the war from that city. And since… --- ## [Rocket dashcam footage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-dashcam-footage/788339)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-dashcam-footage/788339 "2017-06-07T20:57:09Z")
Is there any dashcam-style footage of a rocket going far enough into orbit that you can see the whole earth, or at least a significant portion of it, in the background? All the videos I see are very unsatisfying edited … --- ## [Mushroom Identification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mushroom-identification/788326)
**Author:** [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mushroom-identification/788326 "2017-06-07T20:34:31Z")
Okay Dopers! What kind of mushrooms are these? I could have sworn I had a copy of the Field Guide, but apparently it’s gotten lost in one several moves. I spent a while looking at Go… --- ## [Hair conditioners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-conditioners/788371)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-conditioners/788371 "2017-06-07T20:00:00Z")
I believe they are massaged into the hair after the shampoo step. Apparently they replace essential oils into the hair which has been washed away by the shampoo soap. So question is If shampoo washes away oils then how… --- ## [Honda Odyssey A/C problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-odyssey-a-c-problem/788354)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honda-odyssey-a-c-problem/788354 "2017-06-07T19:26:44Z")
2007 Honda Odyssey. A/C was blowing uncooled air. I bought a kit to recharge and that indicated the compressor clutch was not engaging. I pulled the relay. When I put it back the clutch engaged, the compressor came o… --- ## [Origin of Nigger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-nigger/325385)
**Author:** [@Debuhdee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debuhdee)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-nigger/325385 "2017-06-07T19:26:20Z")
Long time lurker, first time poster. I’m black, so calm down. What is the origin of the word nigger? Wikipedia tells me all sorts of things I already know, but it doesn’t tell me what the origin of the word is. Can D… --- ## [Unanimous Verdict Overturned Unanimously](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unanimous-verdict-overturned-unanimously/758522)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unanimous-verdict-overturned-unanimously/758522 "2017-06-07T15:48:20Z")
Just happened in the case of (former VA governor) Bob McDonnell. His conviction had been upheld on appeal by a 3-0 majority, but the USSC just overturned that verdict 8-0. How common is something like this? --- ## [How much should I pay for a Windows 10 Activation key?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-i-pay-for-a-windows-10-activation-key/772744)
**Author:** [@Oglomott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oglomott)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-should-i-pay-for-a-windows-10-activation-key/772744 "2017-06-07T14:51:10Z")
I just upgraded an old Windows XP laptop to Windows 10 by using a Windows 10 ISO burned to a DVD. I want to activate it; how much should I pay for a legit activation key? I’ve seen them on the web for anywhere from $19… --- ## [Electricity generating potential of Yellowstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricity-generating-potential-of-yellowstone/788244)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricity-generating-potential-of-yellowstone/788244 "2017-06-07T14:22:14Z")
If we decided to scrap the Yellowstone national park and instead turned it into the Yellowstone national power plant how much energy could it conceivably produce? --- ## [Does lying (to get a legit answer) negate that legit answer (in legal court?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lying-to-get-a-legit-answer-negate-that-legit-answer-in-legal-court/788292)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lying-to-get-a-legit-answer-negate-that-legit-answer-in-legal-court/788292 "2017-06-07T14:16:15Z")
Strangely worded question, but I had no other way to put it: Suppose that a car dealer says, “I refuse to do business with Hispanic customers.” A white person thinks, “This is wrong,” and so decides to do a sting opera… --- ## [2 radios, side by side, same station, signal delay?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-radios-side-by-side-same-station-signal-delay/788290)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-radios-side-by-side-same-station-signal-delay/788290 "2017-06-07T03:31:25Z")
Why? How is that possible? Same Brand, different models, one is new, the other is 20yrs old. 740 AM news radio, KCBS :confused::confused::confused: --- ## [Old high quality color sound film of people just being themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-high-quality-color-sound-film-of-people-just-being-themselves/787454)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2017, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-high-quality-color-sound-film-of-people-just-being-themselves/787454 "2017-06-07T03:20:41Z")
The Woodstock documentary features a lot of interviews and footage of the festival attendees just being themselves. The image and sound quality of the film (for its time) is very good in my opinion. The combination of th… --- ## [Who is the anonymous donor behind the Odyssey Scholarship](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-anonymous-donor-behind-the-odyssey-scholarship/788311)
**Author:** [@wallysmithjr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wallysmithjr)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-anonymous-donor-behind-the-odyssey-scholarship/788311 "2017-06-06T22:48:29Z")
Hi, I have been curious for a while as to who the anonymous donor of the University of Chicago’s Odyssey Scholarship might be. This person, an alumnus, gave a $100 million gift to the University in 2007 as well as a wr… --- ## [Can we tell if a DVD set is bootleg (like this one)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-tell-if-a-dvd-set-is-bootleg-like-this-one/788252)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-tell-if-a-dvd-set-is-bootleg-like-this-one/788252 "2017-06-06T22:23:57Z")
http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Art-of-Buster-Keaton-Collection-30-Movie-11-DVD-Box-Set-NEW-SEALED-/222242430367? I don’t mind if the box has Chinese on it, but I’d rather not support pirates. Is this probably licensed to a… --- ## [Please explain these (possible) stock "poison pill" provisions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-these-possible-stock-poison-pill-provisions/788282)
**Author:** [@whitetho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whitetho)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-these-possible-stock-poison-pill-provisions/788282 "2017-06-06T19:41:56Z")
Background: Cumulus is the second largest radio operator in the U.S., with over 400 stations. Although it makes a modest operational profit, it is drowning in debt of about $2 billion. One review of the stock said it was… --- ## [Trump or Pence swearing officials in? Has this been done in the past by the POTUS or VPOTUS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-or-pence-swearing-officials-in-has-this-been-done-in-the-past-by-the-potus-or-vpotus/788253)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-or-pence-swearing-officials-in-has-this-been-done-in-the-past-by-the-potus-or-vpotus/788253 "2017-06-06T17:37:46Z")
Occasionally in the news I have heard that the President or Vice President has sworn in some new appointee. According to my Black’s Law Dictionary, the POTUS is the supreme magistrate of the land, so it seems there’s no… --- ## [Is there a name for this investment strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-investment-strategy/788222)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-investment-strategy/788222 "2017-06-06T17:20:32Z")
and/or does anyone have a critique about it? The strategy is to buy stocks in proportion of their (expected) yield. So Let’s say I want to buy stock A yielding 10%\*, stock B at 8% and stock C at 6%. I would buy them i… --- ## [Reading Comic Strips on TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-comic-strips-on-tv/788156)
**Author:** [@pompeybear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pompeybear)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-comic-strips-on-tv/788156 "2017-06-06T17:02:55Z")
I remember as a small child there was a show on TV (probably local) where someone would show the comics from the Sunday newspaper and read them to the camera. A strange thing looking back. I’m not sure what the point wa… --- ## [Is it healthier (or less unhealthy) to eat glucose instead of sucrose based sweets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-healthier-or-less-unhealthy-to-eat-glucose-instead-of-sucrose-based-sweets/781925)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-healthier-or-less-unhealthy-to-eat-glucose-instead-of-sucrose-based-sweets/781925 "2017-06-06T17:00:31Z")
A short time ago I watched this video about the health affects of fructose (which is a component of sucrose). I am normally quite suspicious of ‘nutritional science’ advice, because so much of it is conflicting. But this… --- ## [gaps in eidetic memory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaps-in-eidetic-memory/788234)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaps-in-eidetic-memory/788234 "2017-06-06T15:47:56Z")
Anyone here have eidetic memory? Does “eidetic” literally mean that you can remember absolutely everything in perfect detail, or do you shed stretches of time that are of minimal interest. And is eidetic memory reliably… --- ## [2nd-storey garage 'engineering mistake'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-storey-garage-engineering-mistake/788275)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2nd-storey-garage-engineering-mistake/788275 "2017-06-06T15:00:30Z")
I think this has already been discussed, but I can’t seem to find it now. This garage is often shown as an ‘engineering mistake’ or ‘What were they thinking?’ funny picture. In reality, it’s just not finished, and ther… --- ## [What is the origin of the phrase "Tie one on"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-tie-one-on/787785)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-tie-one-on/787785 "2017-06-06T14:12:01Z")
…as in “To get drunk”? --- ## [Need some help deciphering an eyeglasses prescription](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-help-deciphering-an-eyeglasses-prescription/788242)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-some-help-deciphering-an-eyeglasses-prescription/788242 "2017-06-06T12:41:57Z")
I’m trying to help my daughter get some online glasses Rx note Pic Here The online eyeglasses site www.eyebuydirect.com Has these categories for eyeglasses Rx input Sphere (SPH) Cylinder (CYL) … --- ## [How does the State Department's extreme vetting delay a visa when no travel ban has been enforced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-state-departments-extreme-vetting-delay-a-visa-when-no-travel-ban-has-been-enforced/788259)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-state-departments-extreme-vetting-delay-a-visa-when-no-travel-ban-has-been-enforced/788259 "2017-06-06T09:27:39Z")
How does the State Department’s extreme vetting delay a visa when no travel ban has been enforced? I don’t understand how that works.I look forward to your feedback. This article does not clarify the procedure. "Pres… --- ## [Is there, or was there ever, a language called Trabresh? Is it called something else now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-or-was-there-ever-a-language-called-trabresh-is-it-called-something-else-now/788258)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-or-was-there-ever-a-language-called-trabresh-is-it-called-something-else-now/788258 "2017-06-06T08:11:38Z")
One of my favorite novels, from the early pre-WWII of modern sci-fi, is Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp. The protagonist Martin Padway is a graduate archaeology student who gets struck by lightening while strol… --- ## [Can some one explain what's going on in Brazil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-one-explain-whats-going-on-in-brazil/752701)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-one-explain-whats-going-on-in-brazil/752701 "2017-06-06T07:41:37Z")
I don’t know enough about Brazil to make sense of what I see in the news. Something about the current President of Brazil giving a position to the former President, which sheltered the former president from a corruption… --- ## [Can any convincing case be made that the Nazi persecution of the Jews was religious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-convincing-case-be-made-that-the-nazi-persecution-of-the-jews-was-religious/788161)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-convincing-case-be-made-that-the-nazi-persecution-of-the-jews-was-religious/788161 "2017-06-06T02:01:08Z")
Hi I had always thought of the persecution of the Jews in Nazi Germany as racial rather than religious since Hitler was not religious (though baptized a Catholic). There probably were quite a few religious-minded Nazis … --- ## [Correct Term for Bias](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correct-term-for-bias/788018)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2017, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/correct-term-for-bias/788018 "2017-06-06T01:34:47Z")
I’m curious what phrase or term is used to describe those who think they know better than anyone else. A Few Examples: 1.) People who always think their “people” are the best (like how I am with my mechanic’s garage) … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=719) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=721)