# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=788 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 789 --- ## [Why did they move the location of the headlight dimmer switch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-move-the-location-of-the-headlight-dimmer-switch/709563)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-they-move-the-location-of-the-headlight-dimmer-switch/709563 "2017-01-21T20:29:10Z")
When I learned to drive in the late 70’s, every car had the headlight dimmer switch on the floor near the “dead pedal” area. sometime in the 80’s it got moved to the steering column, usually on the signal light bar. WH… --- ## [What goes on when when a big plane dumps it's fuel ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-goes-on-when-when-a-big-plane-dumps-its-fuel/777331)
**Author:** [@DrumBum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrumBum)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-goes-on-when-when-a-big-plane-dumps-its-fuel/777331 "2017-01-21T20:23:36Z")
The airline we take from Luanda to the USA ( TAAG ) uses a somewhat aging Boeing 747 that has been modified to carry enough fuel for the 13 or so hour flight. A few weeks ago, we left on one of these trips. Shortly a… --- ## [Where does the AARP get its information?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-aarp-get-its-information/754456)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-aarp-get-its-information/754456 "2017-01-21T16:56:09Z")
I’m about a week away from turning 50, and a few days ago I received an invitation to join the AARP. Other people, a bit older than me, had “warned” me that would happen. So I was mentioning this to the general manager … --- ## [What does "DK1" mean in an airline reservation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-dk1-mean-in-an-airline-reservation/715313)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-dk1-mean-in-an-airline-reservation/715313 "2017-01-21T15:37:32Z")
Someone is booking a flight for us, and they just sent us the code-laden reservation information: Most of it I can figure out: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited = The name of the airline, obv. CX882 = The actual flight … --- ## [Why does my iPhone appear to have a bilingual spell-checker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-appear-to-have-a-bilingual-spell-checker/777693)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-appear-to-have-a-bilingual-spell-checker/777693 "2017-01-21T07:12:28Z")
Right - ever since I went to France last month, my iPhone appears to have a bilingual spell-checker on the auto-correct function. Most of the time, when it’s guessing what word I’m spelling, it gives me an English word,… --- ## [Do bones scar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bones-scar/777641)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-bones-scar/777641 "2017-01-21T00:59:32Z")
If you have a crack or a tooth mark or something in a bone, does it completely go away when the bone heals? Or is there a mark left over? --- ## [Reasons for infantry rifle change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-infantry-rifle-change/777394)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-for-infantry-rifle-change/777394 "2017-01-20T21:57:37Z")
We were issued M-16A1’s when I was in boot camp back in '83. At the time I recall one of the D.I’s remarking how it was “sad that we were reduced to using ‘plastic toy M-16’s’ and it never would have happened had we not … --- ## [What happens if I park in a Expecting Mothers space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-i-park-in-a-expecting-mothers-space/777436)
**Author:** [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-i-park-in-a-expecting-mothers-space/777436 "2017-01-20T21:28:54Z")
Besides being a jerk, is there anything to prevent me from parking in an Expecting Mothers or Electric Car space? Can I get ticketed/towed if I park my normal car while not being pregnant in those slots? I understand p… --- ## [Legal hypothetical - inadmissible evidence and lives in danger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-hypothetical-inadmissible-evidence-and-lives-in-danger/777659)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-hypothetical-inadmissible-evidence-and-lives-in-danger/777659 "2017-01-20T20:53:23Z")
Crazy hypothetical here: cops are hunting for a kidnapping victim. One of them has some reason to suspect Joe Smith, but has no legal basis for that suspicion. So he does something illegal… let’s say he breaks into Joe’s… --- ## [Locating a river in Chile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locating-a-river-in-chile/777572)
**Author:** [@Gymnopithys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gymnopithys)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locating-a-river-in-chile/777572 "2017-01-20T20:30:33Z")
I’m trying to locate Rio Guarasibo in Chile. No results in Google. Can you help ? --- ## [No One In the Presidential Line of Succession -- What Happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-in-the-presidential-line-of-succession-what-happens/777569)
**Author:** [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-in-the-presidential-line-of-succession-what-happens/777569 "2017-01-20T18:53:16Z")
What happens if there is no one in the Presidential Line of Succession? Possible hypothetical examples: During the State of the Union, someone bombs the capitol and assassinates the designated survivor. During the ina… --- ## [Draining a clogged bathtub](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/draining-a-clogged-bathtub/777210)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/draining-a-clogged-bathtub/777210 "2017-01-20T18:31:43Z")
I’ve got a bathtub that is totally clogged and it has water that has not drained since it was last used (yesterday) and I need to displace the water before I can pour one of those corrosive drain cleaners. How do I do th… --- ## [Legal question- can you get a handicapped parking ticket if you own the parking lot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-can-you-get-a-handicapped-parking-ticket-if-you-own-the-parking-lot/777383)
**Author:** [@jonpluc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonpluc)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-can-you-get-a-handicapped-parking-ticket-if-you-own-the-parking-lot/777383 "2017-01-20T18:23:24Z")
If you are the owner of an apartment building with on lot parking, handicapped spaces are required to be provided by law. If the owner parked in one of those spaces without a permit, and was ticketed, would the ticket st… --- ## [Do fish hooks dissolve quickly if left in the fish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-fish-hooks-dissolve-quickly-if-left-in-the-fish/777469)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-fish-hooks-dissolve-quickly-if-left-in-the-fish/777469 "2017-01-20T15:03:43Z")
I was told today that fish hooks are designed to quickly dissolve if left in the fish–so you just cut the line rather than pulling the hook out when you let them go. I think this is probably not true. Googling turns up … --- ## [Are there still hospital "visiting hours"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-still-hospital-visiting-hours/777405)
**Author:** [@justmeetee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justmeetee)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-still-hospital-visiting-hours/777405 "2017-01-20T14:34:12Z")
The last time I was in the hospital I had someone stop by to visit at 1:15 A.M. and none of the staff seemed to think this was a problem or even out of the ordinary. Today I’m watching an episode of Emergency and one of … --- ## [Conan Doyle, Fennimore Cooper, & Clark Russell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conan-doyle-fennimore-cooper-clark-russell/777371)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conan-doyle-fennimore-cooper-clark-russell/777371 "2017-01-20T12:34:42Z")
There seems to be tendency, when writing about authors who have three names, to refer to them by their second and third names. James Fennimore Cooper is sometimes just called Fennimore Cooper; Arthur Conan Doyle is some… --- ## [Why are there not more Muslims in Spain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-muslims-in-spain/777465)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-not-more-muslims-in-spain/777465 "2017-01-20T11:27:42Z")
According to Wikipedia in modern Spain 67.8% identify themselves as Roman Catholics, 27.5% as having no religion, and a meagre 2.2% are lumped into the Other Religions category. Yet the major part of Spain was Muslim fo… --- ## [Anyone use OTA TV? Channel 2 disappeared on me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-ota-tv-channel-2-disappeared-on-me/659580)
**Author:** [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-ota-tv-channel-2-disappeared-on-me/659580 "2017-01-20T10:39:04Z")
I’ve scanned and re-scanned and checked up and down the frequencies in case it’s not referring back to channel 2 for some reason. Channel 2 isn’t coming in at all any more. I haven’t changed anything, it just disappeared… --- ## [Modern skyscrapers are not as well built as old ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-skyscrapers-are-not-as-well-built-as-old-ones/777328)
**Author:** [@Kamaski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamaski)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-skyscrapers-are-not-as-well-built-as-old-ones/777328 "2017-01-20T03:41:33Z")
I’m wondering how accurate this article is http://vincentdunn.com/wtc.html The main point is that the modern construction methods used on the World Trade Center and other modern buildings are not nearly as good as the … --- ## [IRA (retirement fund) question: Can I transfer my savings into it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ira-retirement-fund-question-can-i-transfer-my-savings-into-it/777497)
**Author:** [@Chetumal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chetumal)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ira-retirement-fund-question-can-i-transfer-my-savings-into-it/777497 "2017-01-20T03:16:53Z")
First, I understand that there are set limits to how much I can contribute to my IRA per year in order to protect those funds from taxation. I think for 2017 it’s a maximum of $6,500. But is there any rule stopping me f… --- ## [How did the ACA get the nickname "ObamaCare"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-aca-get-the-nickname-obamacare/777512)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-aca-get-the-nickname-obamacare/777512 "2017-01-20T03:02:40Z")
Even Obama himself doesn’t call it Obamacare. It is the Affordable Care Act. Why does the media and GOP always call it Obamacare? Note: I am asking how it got the nickname, not looking for a debate on its merits or ef… --- ## [How easily could people start a fire before matches and lighters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easily-could-people-start-a-fire-before-matches-and-lighters/607606)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-easily-could-people-start-a-fire-before-matches-and-lighters/607606 "2017-01-20T02:10:36Z")
What sort of tools would be used? Was some sort of “fire starting kit” a common item? Maybe a gift on your 15th birthday or something? My question is regarding Roman and Medieval times. Or maybe in villages, there was … --- ## [New tooth where removed wisdom tooth used to be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tooth-where-removed-wisdom-tooth-used-to-be/777592)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tooth-where-removed-wisdom-tooth-used-to-be/777592 "2017-01-20T01:53:21Z")
Earlier today I felt a lump behind one of my 12 year molars. At first I thought it was a sore, but when I touched it it was obviously a tooth coming through (or at least a fragment of one). The thing is, the wisdom too… --- ## [Why does Pepto-bismol turn turds dark colored?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-pepto-bismol-turn-turds-dark-colored/777587)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-pepto-bismol-turn-turds-dark-colored/777587 "2017-01-20T00:46:07Z")
A simple scatological, or is it pharmacological, question. Why does Pepto-bismol turn turds dark colored? nm ‘’…sulfur in saliva and the colon to form bismuth sulfide.’’ SDMB is good. I find most of my answer while a… --- ## [EEs: Harmful to plug Philips Hue lights into switched outlet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ees-harmful-to-plug-philips-hue-lights-into-switched-outlet/777565)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ees-harmful-to-plug-philips-hue-lights-into-switched-outlet/777565 "2017-01-19T23:57:28Z")
I just bought a starter kit for Philips Hue smart light bulbs. These bulbs connect to a Hue hub, which connects to my router through an Ethernet connection. The bulbs can be controlled over the Internet with an app (or A… --- ## [Why is the Moto G phone so cheap compared to others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-moto-g-phone-so-cheap-compared-to-others/777341)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-moto-g-phone-so-cheap-compared-to-others/777341 "2017-01-19T23:14:49Z")
I just paid about $650 at Verizon for an LG G5. A friend of mine said he got a Moto G\[sup\]4\[/sup\] new, unlocked for about $250. Other than lining Verizon’s pockets, what else is my money buying me that I don’t get with t… --- ## [St. Louis Dopers: Need A Free Place To Park, Ride Metrolink To Union Station, No Transfers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-dopers-need-a-free-place-to-park-ride-metrolink-to-union-station-no-transfers/777575)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-dopers-need-a-free-place-to-park-ride-metrolink-to-union-station-no-transfers/777575 "2017-01-19T22:22:49Z")
I’ll be attending an event at Union Station in St. Louis on Saturday, and I’d like to park at one of Metrolink’s free park & ride lots and then take a train to Union Station. Unfortunately I can’t make heads or tails of … --- ## [One and Prime Numbers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-and-prime-numbers/777464)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-and-prime-numbers/777464 "2017-01-19T21:51:44Z")
Why isn’t the number one (1) considered a prime number? Prime numbers are any number not perfectly divisible by any other number, except themselves, and one. I get the idea. One is perfectly divisible by one. But isn’t… --- ## [Who would be king or queen of an independent Scotland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-king-or-queen-of-an-independent-scotland/681318)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-king-or-queen-of-an-independent-scotland/681318 "2017-01-19T21:25:06Z")
Assume that Scotland becomes independent and decides to remain a monarchy, but in order to better distinguish itself from the rump UK, decides not to keep Elizabeth II as its monarch. To whom are they most likely to off… --- ## [How much freedom do executive agencies in USA have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freedom-do-executive-agencies-in-usa-have/777555)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-freedom-do-executive-agencies-in-usa-have/777555 "2017-01-19T21:11:17Z")
Asking about agencies such as FDA, FCC, and many others under the US Executive Branch. When any of these agencies decides to change regulations,such as the FDA banning a previously allowed drug, do they need Congression… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=787) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=789)