# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=81 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 82 --- ## [Insurance for expensive drugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-for-expensive-drugs/1001978)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-for-expensive-drugs/1001978 "2024-07-17T15:35:07Z")
The cost of simponi increased to the point that my insurance company refused to cover it, even though the manufacturer of the drug supplemented payments. An insurance company, “Infinity” was found by my physician that w… --- ## [Tourist \[allegedly\] dies from 'spider bite' in Brazil. Can you id from the necrosis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tourist-allegedly-dies-from-spider-bite-in-brazil-can-you-id-from-the-necrosis/1004383)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2024, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tourist-allegedly-dies-from-spider-bite-in-brazil-can-you-id-from-the-necrosis/1004383 "2024-07-17T14:46:33Z")
I say ‘allegedly’ because a) the link says ‘it was ascertained’ without saying by whom, and b) medical professionals aren’t necessarily good entomologists, and c) none of the info in the article is sourced to an onsite p… --- ## [Strange shower behavior following a power glitch question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-shower-behavior-following-a-power-glitch-question/1004121)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-shower-behavior-following-a-power-glitch-question/1004121 "2024-07-16T13:36:11Z")
I assume there’s a factual explanation, but after googling it for a while I can’t find an answer that makes sense to me, but I’m not a plumber. Here’s what happened. I live in a house with an on-demand water heater and … --- ## [Translate Spanish at end of CSN song "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" (I am yours, U are mine)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-spanish-at-end-of-csn-song-suite-judy-blue-eyes-i-am-yours-u-are-mine/274324)
**Author:** [@jgroub](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jgroub)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2024, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-spanish-at-end-of-csn-song-suite-judy-blue-eyes-i-am-yours-u-are-mine/274324 "2024-07-16T01:05:08Z")
I have always wanted to know: just what is the Spanish that Steven Stills is singing at the end of “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”? (That’s the Crosby, Stills song with the lyrics “I am yours, you are mine, you are what you a… --- ## [Icehouses in the American South](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icehouses-in-the-american-south/1004156)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icehouses-in-the-american-south/1004156 "2024-07-15T23:07:39Z")
How far south in the USA could 19th century icehouses operate before mechanical refrigeration? Now of course anywhere on the Atlantic coast and maybe even the Gulf coast could get ice shipped down from New England; but i… --- ## [Does "RMS" (Royal Mail Ship) still have any meaning today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rms-royal-mail-ship-still-have-any-meaning-today/1004244)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2024, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-rms-royal-mail-ship-still-have-any-meaning-today/1004244 "2024-07-15T22:56:11Z")
My understanding is any British ship with the label “RMS” was special. It was a ship the British government deemed suitable to carry mail which lent that ship a notion that it was fast and well run (safe…and I think Tit… --- ## [Muslim Dopers: Some Questions About The Hajj](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-dopers-some-questions-about-the-hajj/1002104)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-dopers-some-questions-about-the-hajj/1002104 "2024-07-14T01:16:30Z")
Here is a Pakistani Muslim saying he’s going to do the Hajj, and he says he’ll be away for two months. However, Al Jazeera says the process takes a few days. Is the Pakistani guy just taking an extended holiday or someth… --- ## [Two questions about European plumbing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-european-plumbing/987526)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2024, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-european-plumbing/987526 "2024-07-13T10:20:51Z")
I’ve just spent 20 days in Europe and noticed two things in bathrooms that puzzled me. Toilet tanks built into the wall, seen in several hotels. I’ve repaired enough toilets to think this is a bad idea. How are flappe… --- ## [Are there any US States which have an alcohol cut off time in bars before 2 AM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-us-states-which-have-an-alcohol-cut-off-time-in-bars-before-2-am/1003790)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2024, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-us-states-which-have-an-alcohol-cut-off-time-in-bars-before-2-am/1003790 "2024-07-13T04:12:37Z")
Title basically says it all. Also, statewide, not some local ordinance but for the entire state. Arizona was 1 AM for a long time but eventually moved it as the state attracted more large events. --- ## [How does the human body know which substances are toxic (and need excreting) and which are not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-human-body-know-which-substances-are-toxic-and-need-excreting-and-which-are-not/1003844)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2024, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-human-body-know-which-substances-are-toxic-and-need-excreting-and-which-are-not/1003844 "2024-07-13T03:38:09Z")
We live in an era where our bodies can encounter far more toxins - of various types - that it could have back in the ancient days. When encountering some new toxin that the body’s never seen before - let’s say, the firs… --- ## [Does poison ivy play any useful role in the ecosystem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-poison-ivy-play-any-useful-role-in-the-ecosystem/1003908)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-poison-ivy-play-any-useful-role-in-the-ecosystem/1003908 "2024-07-12T23:33:06Z")
Or can we get rid of it? --- ## [Physical limits on heat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-limits-on-heat/1002882)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physical-limits-on-heat/1002882 "2024-07-12T21:41:45Z")
Is there a Physical limit to how hot something could be if we didn’t care what happened to it? Thinking of before the big bang. --- ## [Things that make you shorter, as a teen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-make-you-shorter-as-a-teen/545207)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-make-you-shorter-as-a-teen/545207 "2024-07-12T21:13:49Z")
I am really not sure how to phrase this, but my question is, assuming otherwise good nutrition, are there things teenagers who are still growing can do that can result in shorter adult stature? (Anecdotal information: I… --- ## [Do children of the deceased have a right to see the will/trust?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-children-of-the-deceased-have-a-right-to-see-the-will-trust/1003132)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-children-of-the-deceased-have-a-right-to-see-the-will-trust/1003132 "2024-07-12T14:18:06Z")
More specifically, if the will or trust disinherits one of the descendants, does the descendant have a right to see the will or trust? Need answer fast. --- ## [Logic question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logic-question/1003627)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logic-question/1003627 "2024-07-11T21:52:00Z")
There are two envelopes containing money. You get handed one of them and it says on the back that the other envelope has an equal change of containing either half or double the amount of the current envelope. You calcul… --- ## [Strange behavior of my home inverter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-behavior-of-my-home-inverter/1004037)
**Author:** [@wisernow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wisernow)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-behavior-of-my-home-inverter/1004037 "2024-07-11T21:49:57Z")
I have a 1500W/970W home inverter. If I switch off the main incoming breaker to the house, the inverter kicks in immediately and there are no issues. However, when there is a power outage with the mains incoming supply,… --- ## [European flight compensation for canceled/late flights on Lufthansa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-flight-compensation-for-canceled-late-flights-on-lufthansa/1003677)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-flight-compensation-for-canceled-late-flights-on-lufthansa/1003677 "2024-07-11T20:19:13Z")
I had a flight for three people this past Saturday from Paris to Dublin on Lufthansa. We were meant to go from Paris to Munich to Dublin. Leaving Paris at 12:10 and getting in to Dublin at 16:55. The flight to Munich go… --- ## [Did Pre-Radio Brits Struggle to Understand the Standard American Accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-pre-radio-brits-struggle-to-understand-the-standard-american-accent/1003953)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-pre-radio-brits-struggle-to-understand-the-standard-american-accent/1003953 "2024-07-11T17:44:04Z")
As an American, it seems the Standard American accent (aka General American or Midwestern accent) would be much easier to understand to residents of Britain than accents traditionally heard in Maine, Boston, Long Island … --- ## [Can people still become Saints?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-still-become-saints/714541)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2024, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-people-still-become-saints/714541 "2024-07-11T01:22:55Z")
Hello Everyone, Does the church still bestow Sainthood on people? If so, how is it done? --- ## [Why did my coflex bandage stop sticking to itself? Blister Care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-coflex-bandage-stop-sticking-to-itself-blister-care/1004006)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-coflex-bandage-stop-sticking-to-itself-blister-care/1004006 "2024-07-10T21:19:16Z")
This is something I’d always called “vet wrap” but inside the roll is written coflex. I’ve kept it around for years so maybe it’s just old but it no longer sticks to itself which is it’s only job. I googled and found th… --- ## [Fence Visibility: Vertical vs. Horizontal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fence-visibility-vertical-vs-horizontal/1004012)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fence-visibility-vertical-vs-horizontal/1004012 "2024-07-10T20:29:21Z")
I see a new type of fence that has become popular. It has 4-5 inch slats that run horizontally and have a quarter-inch gap between them. This seems to allow a great deal more visibility than a vertically aligned fence … --- ## [5,800-character URL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-800-character-url/1004007)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5-800-character-url/1004007 "2024-07-10T19:48:32Z")
Over in this thread, I was trying to post a link to the new logo on the Dodge Hornet, and search results inlcuded this page, which features the H-like logo in an animated graphic. I right-clicked on the image of just the… --- ## [Could you actually board an airplane pre-9/11 with garbage bag carry-on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-actually-board-an-airplane-pre-9-11-with-garbage-bag-carry-on/1003288)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-you-actually-board-an-airplane-pre-9-11-with-garbage-bag-carry-on/1003288 "2024-07-10T18:29:35Z")
This was one of those YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE FLIGHT I WAS ON stories which I 100% don’t believe. It may have been on the SDMB but I can’t find it but somebody claimed it 100% happened to them. Basically they boarded an A… --- ## [How many unique things have humans made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-unique-things-have-humans-made/1002605)
**Author:** [@Trazyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trazyn)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-unique-things-have-humans-made/1002605 "2024-07-10T17:44:44Z")
Say I’m an alien archivist wanting to document the entirety of human material culture. I want one of every unique thing humans have made. To clarify, that doesn’t mean I want a T.V, a Blender etc, but one of every model … --- ## [Business casual in Italy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-casual-in-italy/1004001)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-casual-in-italy/1004001 "2024-07-10T15:32:53Z")
I am traveling to Rome and eating at a Michelin restaurant. A lot require a jacket but this one says “business casual”. Since I don’t think the rest of the world has the exact culture of the US, I’m curious what “busin… --- ## [Has the recent big Supreme Court ruling changed what a sitting president can do or what can be done to a sitting president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-recent-big-supreme-court-ruling-changed-what-a-sitting-president-can-do-or-what-can-be-done-to-a-sitting-president/1003764)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-recent-big-supreme-court-ruling-changed-what-a-sitting-president-can-do-or-what-can-be-done-to-a-sitting-president/1003764 "2024-07-10T12:26:12Z")
Please, for Gods sake, just answer yes or no. I’m still getting contradictory answers and I’m going kinda sick of it. --- ## [About how much does it cost to power an electric car at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-how-much-does-it-cost-to-power-an-electric-car-at-home/1003901)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2024, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-how-much-does-it-cost-to-power-an-electric-car-at-home/1003901 "2024-07-10T00:06:17Z")
My neighbor says her son is moving back home for financial reasons (loss of job, and he thinks this area has better opportunities for him) “temporarily” and while she’s happy to have him, she’s wondering about the cost t… --- ## [Who first put forth the idea that splitting atoms would make a powerful weapon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-put-forth-the-idea-that-splitting-atoms-would-make-a-powerful-weapon/1003367)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-put-forth-the-idea-that-splitting-atoms-would-make-a-powerful-weapon/1003367 "2024-07-09T15:35:14Z")
And when? (warning: layperson ignorance to follow) I’ve been reading up on it a bit and I kind of get the gist of the progression leading up to it (in a layman kind of way) but who first thought, ‘I could use this to b… --- ## [Can't get a live person at mortgage company](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-a-live-person-at-mortgage-company/1003889)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-get-a-live-person-at-mortgage-company/1003889 "2024-07-09T04:14:01Z")
My Daughter and her Beau bought a condominium last year. About 4 months ago they got notice that their mortgage was sold to another company. They need to talk to someone at that company regarding getting the PMI taken … --- ## [Two flags on parking meters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-flags-on-parking-meters/440801)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2024, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-flags-on-parking-meters/440801 "2024-07-09T00:39:14Z")
I’ve wondered this since I was a tot, so I guess it’s time to ask. I’ve passed by jillions of mechanical parking meters that have expired (with or without a car parked at it) and there’s a red Expired flag showing, like… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=80) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=82)