# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=790 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 791 --- ## [How did I lose most of the internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-i-lose-most-of-the-internet/777142)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2017, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-i-lose-most-of-the-internet/777142 "2017-01-17T18:13:19Z")
This has happened to me a couple of time over the last few years, most recently just this morning. My computer says I have good internet access, and I can access a few big sites (Google, Wikipedia, Netflix, my email se… --- ## [Tsunami causes 100-foot-high waves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-causes-100-foot-high-waves/777359)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsunami-causes-100-foot-high-waves/777359 "2017-01-17T13:42:40Z")
I read about how tsunamis cause massively high, towering waves, but the YouTube footage of tsunamis - such as the March 2011 Tohoku quake - shows merely a lot of seawater relatively gently flooding over the Japanese coas… --- ## [How did Napoleon change the tax rate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-napoleon-change-the-tax-rate/777144)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2017, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-napoleon-change-the-tax-rate/777144 "2017-01-17T05:16:03Z")
I recall reading in a book years and years ago how many peasants would pay 70% or so of their income in taxes before Napoleon came to power but after his reforms the tax rate for them dropped to 30%. Does anyone know? I… --- ## [Calling your congressman. Really? Does this really work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-your-congressman-really-does-this-really-work/777056)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2017, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-your-congressman-really-does-this-really-work/777056 "2017-01-17T02:23:26Z")
The buzz all over my fb feed for a while has been that we should all be calling our congresspersons’ offices and registering our views on whatever they’re supposed to vote on soon. My fbfriends are leaving posts telling … --- ## [Massage therapist etiquette question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massage-therapist-etiquette-question/777180)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massage-therapist-etiquette-question/777180 "2017-01-16T23:39:04Z")
I won a free half-hour massage at a community event, and am scheduled to use this on Monday. :cool: Do I need to tip the masseuse? Just curious. --- ## [Gravity, how far?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-how-far/777012)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-how-far/777012 "2017-01-16T19:23:49Z")
If our current universe only had one star and one planet: How far out could the planet orbit? Would it be possible for them to be in intergalactic distance and still orbit? Is there a speed of gravity which I assume is… --- ## [Tide Pods - why don't they spontaneously disintegrate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tide-pods-why-dont-they-spontaneously-disintegrate/777227)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tide-pods-why-dont-they-spontaneously-disintegrate/777227 "2017-01-16T18:24:54Z")
I assume people know the product I am talking about, but just in case, see Tide Pods. I use Tide Pods for my laundry and they are quite convenient (no kids in the vicinity that might be at risk, so poisoning is not a co… --- ## [Natural regeneration of body parts in humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-regeneration-of-body-parts-in-humans/777126)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-regeneration-of-body-parts-in-humans/777126 "2017-01-16T16:43:48Z")
I’ve heard that large bones in the human body are naturally completely replaced (regenerated) every 10 or 15 years meaning the bone in your arm today is not the same one you had 10 or 15 years ago. And that these large b… --- ## [Addresses in South Korea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addresses-in-south-korea/777291)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/addresses-in-south-korea/777291 "2017-01-16T15:33:35Z")
A few years ago, the government of South Korea instituted a new address system, referred to as 도로명주소 (Doromyeongjuso/Road Name Address). The idea was to make it more easy, especially for police, firefighters, and ambulan… --- ## [Convert acceleration into distance traveled](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-acceleration-into-distance-traveled/777240)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-acceleration-into-distance-traveled/777240 "2017-01-16T14:00:42Z")
Suppose a ball was dropped from 200 ft high. Don’t allow for wind resistance or drag. How to figure how far it will have fallen and how long it took from any point within that 200 ft. I know 1 g accelerates at about 32 … --- ## [Do mechanical engineers routinely analyze the heat in new milling operations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mechanical-engineers-routinely-analyze-the-heat-in-new-milling-operations/777226)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mechanical-engineers-routinely-analyze-the-heat-in-new-milling-operations/777226 "2017-01-16T09:28:56Z")
Seeing CNC machines go through steel like butter: do the designers of the tool heads (which are sometimes replaceable I presume) perform tribological analysis of the normal functioning regime of the tool, such as finite-… --- ## [Old OS and new browser: incompatible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-os-and-new-browser-incompatible/777224)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-os-and-new-browser-incompatible/777224 "2017-01-16T01:30:44Z")
Some site, for some random reason, decided to warn me that my Firefox browser was out of date, I have mine set so it does not automatically upgrade. I was running 49-something, and the latest was 50-something, so upgrad… --- ## [Electrical Plug Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-plug-question/777094)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-plug-question/777094 "2017-01-16T00:50:54Z")
Hi all, I have a quick question. I have OCD-like tendencies that require me to check plug sockets and power strips daily to make sure they are fully inserted. Now, the house is correctly wired, no surge strips are overl… --- ## [Are Commercial Airplanes vulnerable to gun fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-commercial-airplanes-vulnerable-to-gun-fire/776932)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-commercial-airplanes-vulnerable-to-gun-fire/776932 "2017-01-16T00:09:22Z")
Don’t try this at home! :smiley: Strictly a hypothetical question. Laser pointers are a known risk for pilots and there have been arrests. I haven’t heard of any incidents of gunfire against private or commercial pla… --- ## [spelling/grammar pedantery Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-grammar-pedantery-q/777091)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spelling-grammar-pedantery-q/777091 "2017-01-15T23:55:59Z")
Would inappropriate substitution of a homonym be considered a grammar error or spelling error? Like writing throws where you mean throes. --- ## [How Lord "Snowdon" got his name and is this explanation easily understandable to hoi polloi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-lord-snowdon-got-his-name-and-is-this-explanation-easily-understandable-to-hoi-polloi/777054)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-lord-snowdon-got-his-name-and-is-this-explanation-easily-understandable-to-hoi-polloi/777054 "2017-01-15T22:26:24Z")
I’ve always been fascinated how queries on Brit royal lineages, successions, etc. have such a dedicated group here in GQ as core posters and that the threads get such high readership. With that in mind, I have two separ… --- ## [EBCD on a water fountain knob](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebcd-on-a-water-fountain-knob/616911)
**Author:** [@Three\_Packs\_a\_Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Three_Packs_a_Day)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebcd-on-a-water-fountain-knob/616911 "2017-01-15T20:10:16Z")
Today I walked through a high school hallway, and as I did I drank from every water fountain I could find, just for kicks and nostalgia. And I noticed something I’d forgotten from my youth- public school water fountains … --- ## [Phone/Data Consumption Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-data-consumption-question/777220)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-data-consumption-question/777220 "2017-01-15T19:38:53Z")
Without access to WIFI does listening to I Heart Radio consume a lot of data? --- ## [Small covers or tarps on brush piles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-covers-or-tarps-on-brush-piles/777237)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-covers-or-tarps-on-brush-piles/777237 "2017-01-15T17:57:43Z")
I’ve seen many, many times where brush piles have a small plastic tarp or maybe even just a plastic bag on top of them. The cover is tied down to the pile. These piles are big, standing as tall as 8’ or more and probably… --- ## [Have academic standards changed over the years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-academic-standards-changed-over-the-years/776596)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-academic-standards-changed-over-the-years/776596 "2017-01-15T17:15:33Z")
Not talking Common Core. In this thread about kids being held back from starting school (redshirting) the point of KG today having curricular standards and expectations more of first grade a few decades back came up. I… --- ## [Can You Become A Top-Tier Chef Without Formal Culinary School?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-become-a-top-tier-chef-without-formal-culinary-school/777089)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-become-a-top-tier-chef-without-formal-culinary-school/777089 "2017-01-15T17:06:38Z")
Define “Top-Tier” as you will. Can you reach that level simply through slogging it out in the kitchens, learning from the best, mastering the techniques, etc.? Or does any restaurant worth its salt require its executive/… --- ## [Nassau County Sheriff's Office (Florida)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nassau-county-sheriffs-office-florida/776814)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nassau-county-sheriffs-office-florida/776814 "2017-01-15T17:06:15Z")
For no good reason, I have begun a Wiki article on this organization. I found a few news stories. I have not been able to get to their web site. I have tried for a couple-of-three days, but no luck. Is it possible they … --- ## [True or false ... earliest known Irish surname is O’Clery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-false-earliest-known-irish-surname-is-o-clery/777083)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/true-or-false-earliest-known-irish-surname-is-o-clery/777083 "2017-01-15T15:26:14Z")
I won’t link to it, but I was wondering if this is true or false? --- ## [Homemade Glass Cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-glass-cleaner/777193)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homemade-glass-cleaner/777193 "2017-01-15T12:27:39Z")
I have a question, if anyone can answer. I created a homemade glass cleaner that is non-toxic (1-Liter spray bottle, capful vinegar, capful dish soap (dawn) and purified water (pur) and it works better than Windex and po… --- ## [Genetics question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-question/777121)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-question/777121 "2017-01-15T09:05:10Z")
Hi I found this exchange between two posters on a blog. I’m just calling them A and B for simplicity. I think both answers are flawed or incomplete. I’m trying to get a better answer. I look forward to your feedback. A… --- ## [The Great Horned Owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-horned-owl/777177)
**Author:** [@CatandMouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatandMouse)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-horned-owl/777177 "2017-01-15T01:26:55Z")
I’ve been watching this live feed on and off for two days. The mother has now been missing in action for over an hour. How long are owl eggs okay in freezing temperatures? --- ## [Refrigerator Compressor Heat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-compressor-heat/777097)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2017, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refrigerator-compressor-heat/777097 "2017-01-15T00:21:33Z")
Is it hot enough to melt the cord that comes with the appliance, or let’s say, ignite paper or something that may have fallen behind said refrigerator? Thanks in advance, this site has been proving to be a bastion of ho… --- ## [Will National Guards open fire or baton charge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-national-guards-open-fire-or-baton-charge/777106)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-national-guards-open-fire-or-baton-charge/777106 "2017-01-14T23:35:53Z")
If there is sustained disturbance at the Presidential inauguration, do the National Guards havecauthority to open fire in case of breach by enthusiastic group of college students. --- ## [2 questions on prescribed drugs and the law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-questions-on-prescribed-drugs-and-the-law/777103)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-questions-on-prescribed-drugs-and-the-law/777103 "2017-01-14T23:29:03Z")
The questions are prompted by idle curiosity, nothing else. If you’re prescribed a drug in one US state does that make it OK to have in your possession when you visit other states? Let’s say I’m prescribed a narcot… --- ## [Drunk how quick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drunk-how-quick/777168)
**Author:** [@Svt4Him](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Svt4Him)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drunk-how-quick/777168 "2017-01-14T23:28:54Z")
I’ve seen videos of people drinking large bottles of vodka, and immediately stand up drunk. I believe it takes about 20-30 min to process food, maybe less for liquid, but can someone get drunk that fast, as it usually ju… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=789) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=791)