# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=723 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 724 --- ## [What are the oldest nuclear wepons in the US arsenal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-oldest-nuclear-wepons-in-the-us-arsenal/787816)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-oldest-nuclear-wepons-in-the-us-arsenal/787816 "2017-06-01T15:08:13Z")
I’m not asking about design; I’m wondering about the specific bombs or missiles or what have you. Heck, for that matter: 'What’s the oldest physical nuclear weapon in the world? --- ## [Life cycle of an organism. The most complex and bizarre](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-cycle-of-an-organism-the-most-complex-and-bizarre/787765)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-cycle-of-an-organism-the-most-complex-and-bizarre/787765 "2017-06-01T13:14:59Z")
Many organisms have complicated and bizarre life cycles. Which one is the longest (most stages) in terms of metamorphosis with each individual step resulting in a visibly different organism, and which one is the most biz… --- ## [dumb dinosaur question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-dinosaur-question/771346)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-dinosaur-question/771346 "2017-06-01T12:48:33Z")
ok in kids shows and movies with dinosaurs there’s usually a character that’s adopted by another dinosaur that’s totally different species (dinosaur train has a flying dino hatching a t rex egg land before time has s… --- ## [When does mail become your property?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-mail-become-your-property/787305)
**Author:** [@WashingtonDCResident](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WashingtonDCResident)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-mail-become-your-property/787305 "2017-06-01T10:48:53Z")
Many years ago I had a problem with receiving mail for what we presumed were deceased former residents of my house. Returning To Sender and writing “Not at this address” did not seem to help as we got monthly/quarterly … --- ## [Poison ivy in garden](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-in-garden/787774)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 10:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poison-ivy-in-garden/787774 "2017-06-01T10:40:15Z")
I’m pretty sure I have poison ivy growing in my garden. Not extensive, just a couple three foot long strands. What’s my next move? --- ## [Need facts about a B-17 ball turret gunner who died in a belly landing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-facts-about-a-b-17-ball-turret-gunner-who-died-in-a-belly-landing/722815)
**Author:** [@CounterPoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CounterPoint)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-facts-about-a-b-17-ball-turret-gunner-who-died-in-a-belly-landing/722815 "2017-06-01T05:54:40Z")
According to an article in Snopes regarded a Reagan anecdote, there is a story by Andy Rooney(in his book “My War”) about a stuck ball-turret gunner who was crushed when his B-17 had to belly land. Who was this gunner? … --- ## [How is evolutionary fitness defined?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-evolutionary-fitness-defined/787777)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-evolutionary-fitness-defined/787777 "2017-06-01T03:01:51Z")
See query: “Mere” survival of a species over x generations? Which I know begs the questions on speciation, but I’m expecting that the discussion doesn’t get tautological. The temporal aspect noted above: I’m assuming … --- ## [Why does poison ivy want to make me itch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-poison-ivy-want-to-make-me-itch/787792)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-poison-ivy-want-to-make-me-itch/787792 "2017-06-01T02:53:24Z")
How does it benefit the plant? I mean, why did it evolve to be so mean? --- ## [For the noun "address," which syllable gets accented?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-noun-address-which-syllable-gets-accented/787778)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-noun-address-which-syllable-gets-accented/787778 "2017-06-01T01:35:50Z")
Not a spin-off, but a coincidence with a current thread on the accentuation of “harass.” Regional? National (Anglosphere)? Cultural? (Like, I believe, 'po-lice is an Afro-American thang.) --- ## [Countries With Most Number of Top Leaders Assassinated Since the 20th Century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-with-most-number-of-top-leaders-assassinated-since-the-20th-century/787699)
**Author:** [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-with-most-number-of-top-leaders-assassinated-since-the-20th-century/787699 "2017-05-31T22:52:51Z")
Throughout all of history I don’t think any political entity has had more leaders assassinated as ancient Rome. But the point of my thread is which countries have had more than two leaders assassinated in the modern era,… --- ## [Use of "compliancy" versus "compliance"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-compliancy-versus-compliance/737708)
**Author:** [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-compliancy-versus-compliance/737708 "2017-05-31T22:07:10Z")
I’m in a training class this week where we are discussing adherence to governmental and industry standards such as HIPAA, GLBA, Sarbox, etc. yeah, I know, sounds exciting, right? Anyway, the dude presenting this mornin… --- ## [Why does poison ivy want to make me itch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-poison-ivy-want-to-make-me-itch/787793)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-poison-ivy-want-to-make-me-itch/787793 "2017-05-31T19:28:08Z")
How does it benefit the plant? I mean, why did it evolve to be so mean? SORRY FOR DUPLICATE POST!!!:smack: --- ## [Are there any restraints on people with dual citizenship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restraints-on-people-with-dual-citizenship/786057)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restraints-on-people-with-dual-citizenship/786057 "2017-05-31T18:39:00Z")
In other words are they full and equal citizens of both countries with all the rights inherent thereto. Let us suppose for instance that I had dual citizenship of Canada and the US, or even of Russia and the US like Stev… --- ## [Whence the extra chromosomes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-the-extra-chromosomes/787729)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whence-the-extra-chromosomes/787729 "2017-05-31T18:13:31Z")
I understand the basics of evolution. Random mutation, survival of advantageous characteristics leading to new species arising. Got it. Genes mutate, okay. So how do animals end up with extra chromosomes? Horses and don… --- ## [What will concrete stain do to masking tape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-concrete-stain-do-to-masking-tape/787543)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-concrete-stain-do-to-masking-tape/787543 "2017-05-31T17:35:52Z")
I am creating a shuffle board court on the concrete slab in front of my home. The plan is to stain a 6 foot wide green strip in the center of the slab 50 feet long ( the width of the slab). Before the staining, I want … --- ## [Kavalier and Clay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kavalier-and-clay/168638)
**Author:** [@slipster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slipster)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kavalier-and-clay/168638 "2017-05-31T16:16:36Z")
Just now I am reading Michael Chabon’s novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavelier and Clay, and two questions vex me. First: Chabon refers to someone “blocking” like a “back” for Sammy Clay’s “beloved Dodgers”. Joe Kaval… --- ## [Men's names that nick to "Mac"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-names-that-nick-to-mac/787610)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-names-that-nick-to-mac/787610 "2017-05-31T15:49:58Z")
I am trying to compile a list of men’s names that would justify the nickname “Mac.” (Okay, if you insist, “Mack,” too.) I guess many Celtic family names could be used as a first name, but Mackenzie seems to be the only … --- ## [Manchester Bomber - Intelligence Leaks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manchester-bomber-intelligence-leaks/787378)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manchester-bomber-intelligence-leaks/787378 "2017-05-31T15:44:10Z")
What possible reason could the American Intelligence Services have for releasing sensitive information to the press, and damaging the intelligence sharing agreements between The USA and Britain? --- ## [Did the pronunciation of "harass" and "harassment" change over the last 50 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-pronunciation-of-harass-and-harassment-change-over-the-last-50-years/787759)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-pronunciation-of-harass-and-harassment-change-over-the-last-50-years/787759 "2017-05-31T15:40:52Z")
Or are there two distinct words I’ve mistakenly considered to be one and the same? Or does it have something to do with my dialect? (Note: I considered using only IPA symbols, but demurred over concerns it might be too… --- ## [Why do warships not use composite armor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-warships-not-use-composite-armor/787639)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-warships-not-use-composite-armor/787639 "2017-05-31T15:22:44Z")
So, why aren’t warships armored with composites, like most modern tanks? Would composites even work in this context, or are they better used in land vehicles where weight seems to matter more? What if the composite was … --- ## [Which animals (besides humans) have eye colors other than brown/black, and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-animals-besides-humans-have-eye-colors-other-than-brown-black-and-why/787649)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-animals-besides-humans-have-eye-colors-other-than-brown-black-and-why/787649 "2017-05-31T15:17:50Z")
Obviously human eyes come in many colors, but it seems black/brown eyes are the overwhelming majority across the animal kingdom. The exceptions I’m personally familiar with are dogs and cats. Some varieties of both are … --- ## [Muscles and Steroids.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muscles-and-steroids/787708)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muscles-and-steroids/787708 "2017-05-31T15:05:05Z")
For many years now, I, probably like the rest of you, have marveled at some men’s physiques. Some men just seem to have big muscles, and the classic six-pack abs, it would seems. And they get it by working out. Anyways,… --- ## [Is this a real aircraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-real-aircraft/787718)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-real-aircraft/787718 "2017-05-31T14:30:22Z")
I was visiting a major news site, and in their links to external “Paid Content” was an article about how a basketball star’s jet was “disgusting”, accompanied by this picture. Having not seen an aircraft like it before, … --- ## [How much does the US spend on NATO?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-us-spend-on-nato/787756)
**Author:** [@Bookkeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bookkeeper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-us-spend-on-nato/787756 "2017-05-31T14:25:53Z")
Trump keeps talking about how most NATO members are not meeting the target goal of 2% of GDP on military spending. While it is clear that the US spends well above this figure (~ 4.7% of GDP for FY 2010), how much of that… --- ## [Question on robin nesting behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-robin-nesting-behavior/787135)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-robin-nesting-behavior/787135 "2017-05-31T13:43:49Z")
So right in front my monitor is a window that looks out on a small holly. A pair of robins have built a good size nest in it, the one robin looked heavy with eggs or was well fed. The smaller robin comes and goes now. I … --- ## [Options for mounting a coin on a necklace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/options-for-mounting-a-coin-on-a-necklace/787735)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/options-for-mounting-a-coin-on-a-necklace/787735 "2017-05-31T13:36:13Z")
I have a coin/medallion that I’d like to wear as a necklace, but I’d rather not deface or permanently alter it (i.e. challenge coin rules). They do make “bezels”- metal rings for mounting coins and other round objects, b… --- ## [What happens if your eyeball is accidentally piecered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-your-eyeball-is-accidentally-piecered/787480)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-your-eyeball-is-accidentally-piecered/787480 "2017-05-31T13:28:17Z")
Let’s say a hypodermic syringe pierces through the eyeball and into the vitreous. By chance the eye was numbed with an anesthetic so one didn’t feel any pain. Would you lose the strength of your vision (need glasses)? … --- ## [240v question - fitting a 10-30P in a 10-50R](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/240v-question-fitting-a-10-30p-in-a-10-50r/787437)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2017, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/240v-question-fitting-a-10-30p-in-a-10-50r/787437 "2017-05-31T02:55:50Z")
So I just bought a new dryer for the new house. For some dumb reason, somebody wired up a 10-50R receptacle on the dryer circuit. Despite the fact that it’s on a 30A breaker. The dryer came with a 10-30P cord. Does a … --- ## [What is a secure line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-secure-line/787535)
**Author:** [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-secure-line/787535 "2017-05-30T23:40:06Z")
All this talk about Jared Kushner wanting to utilize a secure line inside Russian facilities to talk to the Kremlin without US intelligence catching on got me to wondering, exactly what is a secure line? I assume it isn… --- ## [Solar eclipse will strain California's electric supply?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-eclipse-will-strain-californias-electric-supply/787634)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2017, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-eclipse-will-strain-californias-electric-supply/787634 "2017-05-30T22:03:42Z")
Can somebody explain this to me? According to the Sacramento Bee, the August solar eclipse will strain California’s electric supply because so much of California power comes from solar collectors. How can this happen? … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=722) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=724)