# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=736 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 737 --- ## [What's going on in this Shorpy picture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-this-shorpy-picture/786094)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-this-shorpy-picture/786094 "2017-05-07T23:48:17Z")
A great picture of a big Pabst sign and the Chicago skyline, but what’s going on in the lower right corner? A couple of rail cars connected by a cable or hose. Why? --- ## [zika virus, zika fever, and microcephaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zika-virus-zika-fever-and-microcephaly/744414)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zika-virus-zika-fever-and-microcephaly/744414 "2017-05-07T22:16:50Z")
Zika virus/fever is in the news these days as a suspected cause of microcephaly. The news isn’t exactly clear what the connection is. Is it: A)women who experience a bout of Zika fever (the illness caused by Zika viru… --- ## [Military question - the cooks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-question-the-cooks/785741)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-question-the-cooks/785741 "2017-05-07T17:11:30Z")
I constantly see soldiers earning medals and accolades for bravery on the battlefield or serving extra terms but I’d like to ask, what about the cooks? Have you ever seen for example, a cook earning the bronze star or s… --- ## [About old slides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-old-slides/785823)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-old-slides/785823 "2017-05-07T17:03:37Z")
When I was a kid and we took road trip vacations my dad took a LOT of pictures. Most often these were on slides, to be shown to others later. Can slides be transferred onto CD’s? I don’t care about the cost, if it’s p… --- ## [What does the Fund For The Public Interest actually do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-fund-for-the-public-interest-actually-do/786066)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-fund-for-the-public-interest-actually-do/786066 "2017-05-07T15:39:23Z")
I know that they send people door-to-door to collect donations, but I’m not sure what they actually do with all that money. I’ve never heard of them building anything, or offering scholarships, or in any way accomplishi… --- ## [Doctor Privilege with medical power of attorney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-privilege-with-medical-power-of-attorney/786008)
**Author:** [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-privilege-with-medical-power-of-attorney/786008 "2017-05-07T14:38:56Z")
Since this is a ‘how does the law work’ question based off of a situation in a television show, I don’t think it counts as asking for actual legal advice so I’m starting it in GQ. How does privilege work if someone else… --- ## [At what temperature do feathers burn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-temperature-do-feathers-burn/785976)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-temperature-do-feathers-burn/785976 "2017-05-07T12:21:22Z")
Clearly I’m not asking google the right questions, because I’m finding it difficult to find the answer to this: what’s the lowest temperature feathers will burn at? I ask because I have polymer clay that needs to bake a… --- ## [Can I switch my window screen side?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-switch-my-window-screen-side/785953)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-switch-my-window-screen-side/785953 "2017-05-07T12:09:37Z")
In my living room there is a large window with two panes, side by side. One side is screened and the other side is just the glass. I want the screen on the other side. Is it just a matter of popping both out and switchin… --- ## [Are there any words for the money given to beggars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-words-for-the-money-given-to-beggars/785569)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-words-for-the-money-given-to-beggars/785569 "2017-05-07T09:31:34Z")
Hi Are there any words to describe the money given specifically to beggars on a street? Are there any words for the money collected specifically by beggars on the street? I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [What are "Chills and Fever"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-chills-and-fever/785827)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-chills-and-fever/785827 "2017-05-07T08:23:37Z")
I’ve been off work for three days with bad head cold/hacking dry cough. I’ve been going through cycles of chills and fever: so hot for a while that I throw off the blankets, then it switches and I’m bone cold. Today, I … --- ## [Has anyone ever gotten drunk in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-gotten-drunk-in-space/785542)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2017, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-gotten-drunk-in-space/785542 "2017-05-07T01:40:13Z")
I’m reading through the excellent webcomic Questionable Content (again), and they have a brief storyline that takes place on a space station. At a birthday party, several people get drunk. Has anyone ever gotten drunk … --- ## [Can you avoid prostitution charges by filming the proceedings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-avoid-prostitution-charges-by-filming-the-proceedings/49181)
**Author:** [@SuaSponte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuaSponte)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-avoid-prostitution-charges-by-filming-the-proceedings/49181 "2017-05-06T19:08:04Z")
Not that I’d do such a thing. Here’s the premise: prostitution is illegal, but filming an X-rated film (and paying the actors to have sex on camera) isn’t. So, can you avoid being charged with soliciting (is that what j… --- ## [Questions regarding e-mails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-e-mails/785950)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-e-mails/785950 "2017-05-06T17:23:07Z")
Hi My question is twofold. Are e-mails mined for information by social media companies/search engines. I know there is a nominal privacy but Google, Microsoft and other companies store/warehouse huge databases of emai… --- ## [Would eugenics actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-eugenics-actually-work/785539)
**Author:** [@Dusk1983](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dusk1983)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-eugenics-actually-work/785539 "2017-05-06T15:45:15Z")
Let me caveat this first by saying I understand that eugenics is utterly reprehensible, morally and ethically. But is it practically/scientifically viable? If so, how? And if so, how long would it take for a significan… --- ## [Typical cause of electric mower motor burn out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typical-cause-of-electric-mower-motor-burn-out/614101)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typical-cause-of-electric-mower-motor-burn-out/614101 "2012-02-27T02:03:42Z")
I was cutting grass with my Black and Decker lawn hog and it quit working and smoke started coming out. What types of motor problems typically cause smoke to come out? I am trying to figure out if I should just junk it… --- ## [gravity vs freefall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-vs-freefall/784792)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-vs-freefall/784792 "2017-05-06T12:37:46Z")
I just read a Sci-Fi novel that featured a space elevator: i.e., a cable or stalk running from the earth to geosynchronous orbit. In the story, they stopped at the elevation of low earth orbit (same as the ISS). The st… --- ## [IS DUI Legal anywhere in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dui-legal-anywhere-in-the-world/612621)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2013, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dui-legal-anywhere-in-the-world/612621 "2013-07-19T08:42:21Z")
Is there anywhere in the world where DUI/Driving under the influence on public roads is LEGAL? That is, is there any jurisdiction where, if a cop pulled you over and found you intoxicated, you could NOT be charged with … --- ## [Is there a specific legal definition of "guest?" Re: Hotels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-legal-definition-of-guest-re-hotels/785873)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-specific-legal-definition-of-guest-re-hotels/785873 "2017-05-06T06:10:42Z")
Hotels and similar businesses always refer to their customers as guests. To me the word guest means someone you allow over to participate in blank without expectation of compensation. But when I go to a hotel I am refer… --- ## [Meteorology question - rain accumulation measurement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteorology-question-rain-accumulation-measurement/785935)
**Author:** [@Tranquilis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tranquilis)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meteorology-question-rain-accumulation-measurement/785935 "2017-05-06T04:36:10Z")
It’s raining here. Hard. I look on the deck, and several water dishes that were dry are now nearly brim-full. My question: If a straight-walled open container accumulates ‘X’ inches of water, does it mean that ‘X’ inche… --- ## [What percentage of the population has been in a porn movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-the-population-has-been-in-a-porn-movie/785792)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-the-population-has-been-in-a-porn-movie/785792 "2017-05-06T04:07:50Z")
I am given to understand, through, uh, friends who have told me and who would know such things, that the Internet has a fairly impressive amount of pornography, much if not most of it relatively low-quality “amateur” stu… --- ## [1) Which animal sleeps the most/least? 2) Sleep ethology of lambs and lions, barnacles and bears..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-which-animal-sleeps-the-most-least-2-sleep-ethology-of-lambs-and-lions-barnacles-and-bears/785735)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-which-animal-sleeps-the-most-least-2-sleep-ethology-of-lambs-and-lions-barnacles-and-bears/785735 "2017-05-06T02:47:28Z")
This is a general opening up of my OP and the (not many serious) posts in Do tapeworms sleep? If not, why not?, which for some reason was a burning question at the time. Query 1. Which animal spends the most time asleep… --- ## [What's on the USS Michigan's back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-the-uss-michigans-back/785222)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-on-the-uss-michigans-back/785222 "2017-05-06T01:50:03Z")
In some photos (of varying ages) there is, pretty clearly, a mini-sub on there. Not so much in this one or others. --- ## [Did this event in Saudi actually happen ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-event-in-saudi-actually-happen/785922)
**Author:** [@Bones\_Daley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bones_Daley)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-this-event-in-saudi-actually-happen/785922 "2017-05-06T01:35:56Z")
I have a distinct memory of reading , some years ago on the interweb, an account of an incident involving the teenage daughter of the American ambassador to Saudi Arabia. … I am hoping that my recollection is not of some… --- ## [How are manned fighter jets tasked in relation to drones? 2) current tactics applicable to swarms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-manned-fighter-jets-tasked-in-relation-to-drones-2-current-tactics-applicable-to-swarms/785938)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2017, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-manned-fighter-jets-tasked-in-relation-to-drones-2-current-tactics-applicable-to-swarms/785938 "2017-05-06T01:23:38Z")
See queries.\* For the first part: I’ve wondered about this in relation to defense needs or coverage of, e.g., drone bombers, drone recon, drone situational awareness reporting over ongoing battles, even bomb-damage asses… --- ## [Looking for a legal term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-legal-term/785788)
**Author:** [@newme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newme)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-legal-term/785788 "2017-05-05T21:54:00Z")
I a looking for a legal term, probably in Latin, they I seem to recall being mentioned in the last year or two here. I am keeping it deliberately vague; I am not seeking legal advice, only the name of the legal term. It … --- ## [how can I get my license back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-my-license-back/242722)
**Author:** [@nevermore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nevermore)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-my-license-back/242722 "2017-05-05T20:34:38Z")
My license is currently suspended until August 26th for refusing the breathalyzer when I was taken in for a DWI. I work late at night, when buses don’t run. I need my car. Paying for taxis sucks quite a bit of ass. Is … --- ## [A military question. What can go wrong firing mortars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-military-question-what-can-go-wrong-firing-mortars/785863)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-military-question-what-can-go-wrong-firing-mortars/785863 "2017-05-05T20:31:07Z")
A photo has been released just as the mortar exploded (in the tube) and killed several soldiers. Mortars like this are common in war films dating back to WWII. I’ve been reading about the weapons company that supports t… --- ## [Cell phone questions from a Dummy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-questions-from-a-dummy/785754)
**Author:** [@8100Gerry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/8100Gerry)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-questions-from-a-dummy/785754 "2017-05-05T18:18:52Z")
I’ve never had a cell phone, and I recently bought a Blu for my husband. I got him an unlocked cellphone, because I didn’t know which carrier he wanted. Neither of us have had time to hook up service with a carrier - b… --- ## [Can you find five birthday candles in this I Spy image?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-find-five-birthday-candles-in-this-i-spy-image/785891)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-find-five-birthday-candles-in-this-i-spy-image/785891 "2017-05-05T16:58:43Z")
My son is into his cool “I Spy” book. I can not, for the life of me, find the fifth birthday candle on this page. I have uploaded pics of the two page spread. I have circled in blue the four candles we have found. Note… --- ## [Is there any reason you can't "plead the Fifth" even if you have nothing to hide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-you-cant-plead-the-fifth-even-if-you-have-nothing-to-hide/785893)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2017, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-you-cant-plead-the-fifth-even-if-you-have-nothing-to-hide/785893 "2017-05-05T16:49:30Z")
Say, if you just don’t want to answer the question? I thought I knew the answer to this, but I couldn’t find confirmation, and I can think of arguments both ways. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=735) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=737)