# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=83 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 84 --- ## [Do "cool" names for military weapons really make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cool-names-for-military-weapons-really-make-a-difference/983887)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cool-names-for-military-weapons-really-make-a-difference/983887 "2024-07-01T13:36:22Z")
I assume it’s for intimidation or morale, but is naming your missiles “Storm Shadow”, for example, really needed or helpful? Or is it one of those nebulous “couldn’t hurt” traditions? --- ## [What kind of offices does an American courthouse house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-offices-does-an-american-courthouse-house/1003119)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2024, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-offices-does-an-american-courthouse-house/1003119 "2024-07-01T02:33:42Z")
This is another case of a European asking a question about America the answer to which would be obvious to any American. What kind of offices does a courthouse in a stereotypical small American town typically house? You’… --- ## [Filter to separate hydrogen from oxygen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/filter-to-separate-hydrogen-from-oxygen/1003492)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2024, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/filter-to-separate-hydrogen-from-oxygen/1003492 "2024-06-30T16:48:41Z")
Here’s a story about making green hydrogen (gift link). After electrolyzing the water, it says there’s a filter to separate the two gases. What kind of filter would this be? When we electrolyzed H in high school chem … --- ## [Is there any way for the public to find information on specific past traffic collisions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-for-the-public-to-find-information-on-specific-past-traffic-collisions/1003480)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-for-the-public-to-find-information-on-specific-past-traffic-collisions/1003480 "2024-06-29T18:41:43Z")
Friends of mine were in a horrific crash in 2022, in Cocoa, Florida. Thankfully, they are now doing amazingly well given the severity of their injuries. I recently visited them and heard some of the details of the collis… --- ## [Philadelphia & SEPTA. Need answers fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philadelphia-septa-need-answers-fast/1003421)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philadelphia-septa-need-answers-fast/1003421 "2024-06-28T22:48:29Z")
I will be flying into Philadelphia next week and I just found out that there is a train system that could put me out less than half a mile from my hotel near City Hall for $2.50. Flying on United (Terminal D I think). … --- ## [What the eff are these objects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-eff-are-these-objects/1003437)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-eff-are-these-objects/1003437 "2024-06-28T17:58:05Z")
Sorry for the vague subject line, I don’t know a succinct way to describe them. In the ad served to me on Facebook, they are a bra. Clicking on the link goes to something undescribed in a sunglasses store. But I can’t fi… --- ## [S. Res. 378 vs. S. Res. 382 in April 1982 \[Falklands war\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-res-378-vs-s-res-382-in-april-1982-falklands-war/1003195)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-res-378-vs-s-res-382-in-april-1982-falklands-war/1003195 "2024-06-28T16:18:27Z")
Why was S. Res. 378 （sponsored by Senator Biden on the Falkland Islands on April 27, 1982）referred to the Foreign Relations Committee for consideration and not brought up for discussion and vote in the full Senate, where… --- ## [Cars in the US: why are side mirrors on the doors instead of the hood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-in-the-us-why-are-side-mirrors-on-the-doors-instead-of-the-hood/1003265)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cars-in-the-us-why-are-side-mirrors-on-the-doors-instead-of-the-hood/1003265 "2024-06-28T14:13:45Z")
Pretty much every car sold in the US has its side mirrors mounted on the doors. In Japan, most taxis (and some privately owned vehicles) have the side mirrors mounted on the front fenders. It seems like this would do a… --- ## [How long would it take for Titanic to hit the sea-floor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-it-take-for-titanic-to-hit-the-sea-floor/748184)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-it-take-for-titanic-to-hit-the-sea-floor/748184 "2024-06-28T13:20:41Z")
So the ship gradually fills with water, going down steadily by the bow. Finally, the stern starts to tip upwards. Then the stern breaks off, and the two pieces of Titanic sink beneath the water. So how long from the m… --- ## ["Think outside the box" in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-outside-the-box-in-other-languages/1003401)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/think-outside-the-box-in-other-languages/1003401 "2024-06-28T11:01:40Z")
The clichéd expression “to think outside the box” has a long history in English despite its uncertain origin, certainly long enough to be familiar around the world. However, the expression is idiomatic, and when transla… --- ## [Why is there no yellow toothpaste?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-yellow-toothpaste/979045)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-no-yellow-toothpaste/979045 "2024-06-28T07:13:32Z")
I’ve seen lots of white toothpaste. Lots of toothpaste in greens or blues. Red Toothpaste (currently using cinnamon-flavored, in fact). Toothpaste striped in blue or green or red or some combination. There are even b… --- ## [Seeking clarity re projectors & “TV Sticks” and streaming..,](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-clarity-re-projectors-tv-sticks-and-streaming/998073)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2024, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-clarity-re-projectors-tv-sticks-and-streaming/998073 "2024-06-28T03:33:25Z")
I am a dedicated iOS user, because I have been dedicated Mac User since the 80s. For years my “television watching“ (who knows what the correct terms are anymore in these days of streaming), has been exclusively closeup… --- ## [Jupiters Great Red Spot - Always there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jupiters-great-red-spot-always-there/152801)
**Author:** [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jupiters-great-red-spot-always-there/152801 "2024-06-27T22:53:20Z")
From what I understand, Jupiters Great Red Spot was first seen by Robert Hooke in 1664. From what I also understand, Telescopes weren’t around terribly long before this, either. So, my question is this. Is it generally … --- ## [Credit card magnetic strips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-card-magnetic-strips/1003362)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-card-magnetic-strips/1003362 "2024-06-27T21:45:43Z")
Years ago, there seemed to be a concern that credit card magnetic strips can be damaged or erased by a magnet. We were even warned not to put the mag strips up against each other, because they could erase each other. F… --- ## [Hidden GPS Trackers on Cars—Is there an easy way to tell if you have one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-gps-trackers-on-cars-is-there-an-easy-way-to-tell-if-you-have-one/1003337)
**Author:** [@Bob\_Blaylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Blaylock)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2024, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hidden-gps-trackers-on-cars-is-there-an-easy-way-to-tell-if-you-have-one/1003337 "2024-06-27T18:40:49Z")
I’m given to understand that it is not an uncommon practice on cars that are bought on credit, for a dealer to install a hidden GPS tracker on it so that if the buyer fails to make the payments, the car can be tracked … --- ## [Electroshock paddles on someone’s head-likely result?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2024, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electroshock-paddles-on-someone-s-head-likely-result/1003009 "2024-06-27T14:34:52Z")
You know, you see them on TV and movies, the doc rubs them together and shouts “Clear!” Sorry, I just watched a mediocre horror movie where someone had them pressed against his temples and turned on. What would happen IR… --- ## [How do Li-On batteries avoid going over 104 F if the processor can get to 175 F?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-li-on-batteries-avoid-going-over-104-f-if-the-processor-can-get-to-175-f/1003298)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2024, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-li-on-batteries-avoid-going-over-104-f-if-the-processor-can-get-to-175-f/1003298 "2024-06-26T16:42:53Z")
Maybe I’m totally misunderstanding terminology, but I had read that Li-On batteries (in Dell laptops, for instance, which I have,) should not exceed 104 F, lest they run the risk of fire or venting gas. Yet I had read th… --- ## [Do naval vessels rescue enemy seamen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-naval-vessels-rescue-enemy-seamen/1003031)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2024, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-naval-vessels-rescue-enemy-seamen/1003031 "2024-06-26T05:27:07Z")
In the aftermath of a naval battle, where an enemy ship has been sunk and there is no longer any imminent threat to the victorious ship(s), does the victor make any effort to pick enemy seamen out of the water or just le… --- ## [Okay, how do I figure out why I can't log into Google?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-how-do-i-figure-out-why-i-cant-log-into-google/1002638)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2024, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-how-do-i-figure-out-why-i-cant-log-into-google/1002638 "2024-06-26T00:51:39Z")
I’ve narrowed the problem down to Chrome. On MS Edge no problems, in Chrome I load the choose an account page but it’s just an image with no links. Privacy and Security settings for accounts.google.com doesn’t flag anyth… --- ## [Charger for regular batteries (1960's/70's)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charger-for-regular-batteries-1960s-70s/1003047)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2024, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charger-for-regular-batteries-1960s-70s/1003047 "2024-06-25T19:16:37Z")
When I was a kid back in the 60’s/70’s my Uncle had a battery charger that would allegedly recharge regular batteries like Evereadies. It had a special slot for 9 volts and could also fit sizes as large as D cells. It … --- ## [After an air disaster, what happens to the victims' cars in the airport parking garage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-an-air-disaster-what-happens-to-the-victims-cars-in-the-airport-parking-garage/1003160)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2024, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-an-air-disaster-what-happens-to-the-victims-cars-in-the-airport-parking-garage/1003160 "2024-06-25T14:29:56Z")
Mildly morbid question, but… I recently took a short trip to the US, and as I was walking away from my parked car, I started randomly wondering about what would be done with it in the event my flight met with catastroph… --- ## [Is there a breaker that trips when the power goes out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-breaker-that-trips-when-the-power-goes-out/1003255)
**Author:** [@Mr.Baggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Baggins)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2024, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-breaker-that-trips-when-the-power-goes-out/1003255 "2024-06-25T12:53:18Z")
Where I live, there are power cuts that are becoming more frequent. A couple of weeks ago, an AC unit died and the technician told us that he’s seen a lot of those recently; apparently, the power goes out when the unit i… --- ## [How does public-available charging of electric vehicles work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-public-available-charging-of-electric-vehicles-work/999613)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2024, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-public-available-charging-of-electric-vehicles-work/999613 "2024-06-25T11:15:38Z")
Not meant to be a pro/con argument on the value of an EV, but more on the question of how those new charging stations work . . . Three weeks ago was on a business trip through Las Vegas, NV where my rental car company … --- ## [How did “red carpets” come to be adopted as the fancy color?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-red-carpets-come-to-be-adopted-as-the-fancy-color/1003266)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-red-carpets-come-to-be-adopted-as-the-fancy-color/1003266 "2024-06-24T21:25:41Z")
It’s seen at movie premieres and big events, and the phrase “roll out the red carpets.” Why did red specifically become the color to welcome the rich n’ famous? --- ## [What did Lewis and Clark imagine a Missouri-river Northwest Passage would look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-lewis-and-clark-imagine-a-missouri-river-northwest-passage-would-look-like/1003200)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-lewis-and-clark-imagine-a-missouri-river-northwest-passage-would-look-like/1003200 "2024-06-24T17:09:13Z")
I’m rewatching Ken Burns’ Lewis & Clark and am still puzzled by one thing: What did Jefferson, Lewis, Clark, et al imagine a Missouri-river Northwest Passage would look like? Did they hope there was a big lake that fed … --- ## [Obituary Listings- Where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obituary-listings-where/1003069)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obituary-listings-where/1003069 "2024-06-23T20:49:31Z")
I left my hometown of San Diego 20 years ago. I like to keep abreast of Obituary listings, because reasons. The only comprehensive notices have always been the San Diego Union, which charges outrageous prices for the p… --- ## [Help needed: friend's email has been spoofed and her email account settings have been changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-friends-email-has-been-spoofed-and-her-email-account-settings-have-been-changed/1003226)
**Author:** [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-needed-friends-email-has-been-spoofed-and-her-email-account-settings-have-been-changed/1003226 "2024-06-23T18:49:01Z")
I wonder if anyone can give me some help. I’ve seen things spoofed before and know some things to do but I didn’t think the spoofers would be able to make changes to the email account itself. But my friend discovered h… --- ## [Would I notice if co2 was absent in my immediate vicinity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-notice-if-co2-was-absent-in-my-immediate-vicinity/1003221)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-i-notice-if-co2-was-absent-in-my-immediate-vicinity/1003221 "2024-06-23T13:42:01Z")
If I entered a room (large enough for my own co2 emissions to have negligible contribution in the short term) with an otherwise normal atmosphere, except for the complete absence of co2, would I notice anything just from… --- ## [Who do I call for help with this building problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-i-call-for-help-with-this-building-problem/1003145)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-do-i-call-for-help-with-this-building-problem/1003145 "2024-06-23T13:03:22Z")
I’m stumped. We live on the first two floors of a three floor brick condo building. About 2-3 feet of wall next to the corner on both of our floors suddenly, after a big rain, show signs of water damage - blistering, b… --- ## [Under what circumstances is a Purple Heart awarded (US Army)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstances-is-a-purple-heart-awarded-us-army/1002839)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstances-is-a-purple-heart-awarded-us-army/1002839 "2024-06-23T07:01:44Z")
That is pretty much the question. Background: My son-in-law served in the Iraq war. He was a low-ranking enlisted man. My understanding is that he was a passenger in a vehicle (an M-RAP maybe) that struck an IED. I … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=82) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=84)