# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=754 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 755 --- ## [How much is tracking data really worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-tracking-data-really-worth/783243)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-tracking-data-really-worth/783243 "2017-03-29T22:16:48Z")
Online companies like Google and Facebook, among many others, make their money by tracking their users and selling this information for marketing purposes. How much is this data worth, per person, per year? --- ## [Do emitted photons accelerate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-emitted-photons-accelerate/783269)
**Author:** [@Chief\_Pedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Pedant)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-emitted-photons-accelerate/783269 "2017-03-29T21:36:44Z")
Suppose a photon is emitted in a vacuum (for example) and so we perceive it to be moving at C (whether as a particle or a propagating wave form). As I understand it, the speed of the photon would be C immediately, so to… --- ## [How much does it cost to hire a new employee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-new-employee/783096)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-it-cost-to-hire-a-new-employee/783096 "2017-03-29T21:14:32Z")
There is a charity in my town that is always churning through door-to-door fundraisers. They set unrealistic fundraising goals for their new employees, and fire the majority of them within a week. I’ve read a number of… --- ## [Math problem; I don't even know where to start](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problem-i-dont-even-know-where-to-start/783148)
**Author:** [@Mr.Baggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Baggins)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-problem-i-dont-even-know-where-to-start/783148 "2017-03-29T20:53:19Z")
I’m an engineer, so I do know my way around simple Math, and I’d certainly expect to ace middle-school level algebra. Then my son came home with this problem and I’m stumped. I think there’s some missing data. So, if yo… --- ## [Why doesn't it take fat people longer to starve to death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-it-take-fat-people-longer-to-starve-to-death/537981)
**Author:** [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-it-take-fat-people-longer-to-starve-to-death/537981 "2017-03-29T18:40:47Z")
I’ve thought of this question before, but I was reminded of it by this thread. 1.) Fat people don’t last any longer without food than normal people, do they? 2.) Why not? Don’t camels survive on the fat in their humps? … --- ## [SR-71 Blackbird, what's that red outline on it's back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sr-71-blackbird-whats-that-red-outline-on-its-back/782459)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sr-71-blackbird-whats-that-red-outline-on-its-back/782459 "2017-03-29T14:10:51Z")
See here. I’m pretty sure that’s just a model, but I think it’s accurate. What’s that outline for? --- ## [banking curves on exit ramps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banking-curves-on-exit-ramps/783145)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banking-curves-on-exit-ramps/783145 "2017-03-29T13:57:26Z")
They tilt train tracks around curves based on the expected speed. Why don’t they bank curved high-speed roads, like at interstate entrance/exit ramps? (or do they?) --- ## [Do (or Did) Some Fraternities Initiate Pledges by Paddling Them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-or-did-some-fraternities-initiate-pledges-by-paddling-them/99338)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-or-did-some-fraternities-initiate-pledges-by-paddling-them/99338 "2017-03-29T13:23:44Z")
Watching National Lampoon’s Animal House on DVD last night raises the question in the title. I know that most forms of “hazing” are illegal these days. I also know that when I rushed Sigma Nu in college I saw a paddle h… --- ## [Canadian Dopers...is Skookum a family friendly word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-is-skookum-a-family-friendly-word/782807)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-dopers-is-skookum-a-family-friendly-word/782807 "2017-03-29T13:12:54Z")
I hear this word quite a bit on one Canadian fellow’s Youtube channel, but he curses liberally so I want to be sure it’s not an offensive term. In fact, I find myself often wanting to describe something as skookum. My w… --- ## [How Much Do Cigarettes Cost in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-cigarettes-cost-in-the-uk/782882)
**Author:** [@I\_Love\_Me\_Vol.I](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Love_Me_Vol.I)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-do-cigarettes-cost-in-the-uk/782882 "2017-03-29T10:56:15Z")
Sadly, I haven’t quit smoking yet. I will be in England in April so I’m wondering how much a pack of cigarettes costs there. I’d like to know if the price varies much depending on what part of the country you are; e.g. … --- ## [Under what powers was the Reichstag Fire Decree issued?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-powers-was-the-reichstag-fire-decree-issued/783217)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-powers-was-the-reichstag-fire-decree-issued/783217 "2017-03-29T06:34:26Z")
At the time of the Reichstag Fire Decree (Germany, 1933), there were still two legislative bodies that voted on legislation before it was enacted in to law - the Reichstag and Reichsrat. I’m trying to understand how Pre… --- ## [help me understand my oven fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-my-oven-fire/783078)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-my-oven-fire/783078 "2017-03-29T03:07:33Z")
My oven was preheating this morning when the bake element started to arc, somewhere along the middle of its length. Not arcing to the oven wall, but somehow internally. Despite hitting the off button, the arcing contin… --- ## [What is the name of device: printed scales you line up with a ruler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-device-printed-scales-you-line-up-with-a-ruler/783045)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-device-printed-scales-you-line-up-with-a-ruler/783045 "2017-03-29T00:25:05Z")
Kinda hard to explain, but on a paper, three scales are printed, looking sort of like slide-rule scales. Numbers. Say the top one is gross pay, the middle one is a percentage, and the bottom one is net pay. You lay a … --- ## [One person victorious VS Many fights, historical examples?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-person-victorious-vs-many-fights-historical-examples/783239)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-person-victorious-vs-many-fights-historical-examples/783239 "2017-03-29T00:17:35Z")
Its a common scene in Hollywood movies where the hero takes on and defeats multiple opponents at once in a fight scene, are there any confirmed historical examples and what was the largest mismatch in numbers with the si… --- ## [Technologically Speaking, How Small Can An Air Conditioner Be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technologically-speaking-how-small-can-an-air-conditioner-be/783244)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technologically-speaking-how-small-can-an-air-conditioner-be/783244 "2017-03-29T00:09:57Z")
Is it possible, with current technology, to make an air conditioner small enough to cool a very small area - like, say, the size of a tent (a few dozen square feet at most) - that is also relatively lightweight and porta… --- ## [Things illegal for US Citizens to to abroad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-illegal-for-us-citizens-to-to-abroad/597548)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-illegal-for-us-citizens-to-to-abroad/597548 "2017-03-28T22:08:14Z")
Are there any things that it is illegal for a US\* Citizen to do whilst visiting another first world countryɫ, even though the act they perform is legal inside that country, to the point they can be prosecuted when they g… --- ## [does painting "K-9 Unit" on a vehicle considered police impersonation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-painting-k-9-unit-on-a-vehicle-considered-police-impersonation/783192)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-painting-k-9-unit-on-a-vehicle-considered-police-impersonation/783192 "2017-03-28T21:40:43Z")
I saw an SUV driving down the road with the phrase “K-9 Unit” painted on the side of the vehicle. At first I thought it was some sort of law enforcement officer but a few minutes of being stuck behind it (and the closer… --- ## [Could sodium hydroxide permanently destroy human tastebuds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-sodium-hydroxide-permanently-destroy-human-tastebuds/782691)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-sodium-hydroxide-permanently-destroy-human-tastebuds/782691 "2017-03-28T20:59:58Z")
It seems that from what I’ve read, tastebuds are extremely rigorous. They do get destroyed but even from drinking boiling water or consuming oven hot cheese, they manage regrow again with mild-severe pain; though the tas… --- ## [Question on the names of N Korean leaders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-names-of-n-korean-leaders/783223)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-names-of-n-korean-leaders/783223 "2017-03-28T20:35:56Z")
OK, I know Kim Il Sung was the father of Kim Jong Il who in turn was the father of Kim Jong Un. Here’s what isn’t immediately obvious, at least to me. The Kim part is the family name, right? Handed down by the father? Bu… --- ## [How do hackers test for virtual machines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hackers-test-for-virtual-machines/783013)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hackers-test-for-virtual-machines/783013 "2017-03-28T20:02:01Z")
I was recently reading an article about Google’s efforts to keep its app store free from malware. It’s mostly an automated process and very efficient but some malware does get through to the store in spite of their safeg… --- ## [Approximately what percentage of Muslims abstain from alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/approximately-what-percentage-of-muslims-abstain-from-alcohol/782550)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/approximately-what-percentage-of-muslims-abstain-from-alcohol/782550 "2017-03-28T18:16:44Z")
First a clarification. I have seen so many threads on Muslims here which purport to ask an innocent question but in reality have an anti-Muslim agenda. This is not one of those. As many Christians are rather lax about l… --- ## [Why are HydroCodone used with Tylenol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-hydrocodone-used-with-tylenol/782811)
**Author:** [@SigMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SigMan)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-hydrocodone-used-with-tylenol/782811 "2017-03-28T17:15:32Z")
Why not Ibuprofen or Aspirin? --- ## [What happens if congress refuses to appropriate money for ACA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-congress-refuses-to-appropriate-money-for-aca/783001)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-congress-refuses-to-appropriate-money-for-aca/783001 "2017-03-28T17:10:20Z")
I assume there is a GQ answer to the question, but I don’t object to moving it. I just saw on this morning’s Votemaster posting that 27% of the federal budget goes for medicare, medicaid, and ACA. Suppose congress were… --- ## [Firing squads before the advent of firearms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firing-squads-before-the-advent-of-firearms/782905)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firing-squads-before-the-advent-of-firearms/782905 "2017-03-28T15:21:40Z")
The Christian martyr Sebastian was famously sentenced to death by shooting. Of course, since this supposedly took place in Ancient Rome, the executioners were armed not with guns but with bows and arrows. (It’s lesser … --- ## [Federal law enforcement vs. State laws (CA prop 64)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-law-enforcement-vs-state-laws-ca-prop-64/782563)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-law-enforcement-vs-state-laws-ca-prop-64/782563 "2017-03-28T15:15:28Z")
I’m sure it’s come up in some way before but my search skills are failing me today. In light of CA prop 64 recreational marijuana sales and production. Once the state starts issuing permits/licences is there any mechan… --- ## [How fast of internet connection do I need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-of-internet-connection-do-i-need/782449)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-of-internet-connection-do-i-need/782449 "2017-03-28T13:18:35Z")
I’m getting ready to drop Comcast, because they are shit. I am currently using them for cable, internet and phone. I will be dropping them for everything. My question is, what internet speed do I need to watch somethi… --- ## [TK421......bizarre coincidence or running gag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tk421-bizarre-coincidence-or-running-gag/76284)
**Author:** [@Evno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evno)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tk421-bizarre-coincidence-or-running-gag/76284 "2017-03-28T12:26:36Z")
There’s two incidents I can think of where the code “TK421” was used in movies: STAR WARS: When Han, Luke, ObiWan, Chewie, r2d2 and c-3p0 were hiding out in the MF’s cargo bays, and then the humans in the party suckered… --- ## [Twins in utero: Does each's development influence the other?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-in-utero-does-eachs-development-influence-the-other/783113)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twins-in-utero-does-eachs-development-influence-the-other/783113 "2017-03-28T12:20:08Z")
All my “expertise” (NOT!) on twins is courtesy of Profs Wiki & Google in the last hour. I had a rogue thought that twins, and specifically fraternal twins one of each gender might have some gender-ish influence on one a… --- ## [Can vegans celebrate Passover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-vegans-celebrate-passover/783117)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-vegans-celebrate-passover/783117 "2017-03-28T11:55:15Z")
I read that during a seder, one is commanded to, among other things, eat lamb. I’ve been vegan for the past two years, does this mean I can’t celebrate Passover without breaking a commandment? --- ## [What's the quality of an exotic sports car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quality-of-an-exotic-sports-car/782765)
**Author:** [@dirty\_hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dirty_hippie)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2017, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quality-of-an-exotic-sports-car/782765 "2017-03-28T02:15:22Z")
I was wondering what the quality of an exotic sports car is in terms of materials used and craftsmanship. When you’re paying $200k or up to half a million dollars, exactly what do you get other than a race-inspired, supe… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=753) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=755)