# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=848 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 849 --- ## [D&D Dice rolls (statistics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-dice-rolls-statistics/764559)
**Author:** [@willthekittensurvive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willthekittensurvive)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-dice-rolls-statistics/764559 "2016-09-08T03:19:28Z")
We are playing a game of Dungeon and Dragons(actually Pathfinder\*) over email. when a player needs to roll we use the honour system. If a player wants to cheat, I don’t really mind one player is having a very lucky st… --- ## [Societies that required someone to die in battle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/societies-that-required-someone-to-die-in-battle/765212)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/societies-that-required-someone-to-die-in-battle/765212 "2016-09-08T00:29:22Z")
Are there any societies in history where if you didn’t die in battle you couldn’t go to whatever good afterlife they believed in? I’m thinking in terms of Klingons as an example. --- ## [Did Nurses Have a Rank in (old) US Army?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-nurses-have-a-rank-in-old-us-army/764827)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2016, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-nurses-have-a-rank-in-old-us-army/764827 "2016-09-08T00:17:33Z")
Acknowledging that the sitcom, MASH, was well written and researched, is it possible the nursing staff had no rank? Toward the end of the “Cease-Fire” episode, Col. Blake gives a farewell speech that begins addressing th… --- ## [Psychology: Rabid anti-literacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychology-rabid-anti-literacy/764925)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychology-rabid-anti-literacy/764925 "2016-09-07T20:39:02Z")
For some unknown reason, while at work yesterday, a memory of an old episode of Gunsmoke (I think — it suppose it could have been any of those old westerns) popped into my head. The episode in question centered around a… --- ## [Who is consulted on plea deals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-consulted-on-plea-deals/765236)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-consulted-on-plea-deals/765236 "2016-09-07T20:31:54Z")
Who is consulted in plea deal cases in which the crimes involve other civilians? For an explanation: I’ve been reading about the resolution of the Jacob Wetterling abduction - abducted in 1989, his abductor and killer c… --- ## [XKCD valuable shoebox revisited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-valuable-shoebox-revisited/765224)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-valuable-shoebox-revisited/765224 "2016-09-07T20:02:46Z")
https://what-if.xkcd.com/108/ I would like to see this redone with a few rules added to it. What is the maximum value that can be put into the shoebox with the following stipulations: Contents must be legal to purcha… --- ## [Who was that Japanese World War II soldier found in the 70s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-that-japanese-world-war-ii-soldier-found-in-the-70s/765124)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-that-japanese-world-war-ii-soldier-found-in-the-70s/765124 "2016-09-07T19:39:54Z")
I was trying to think of this man’s name. When he was found he refused to leave the post until his commanding officer ordered him to. Fortunately the C. O. was still alive; he was brought down to the Pacific island and o… --- ## [Any way to prevent the Postnet sticker from ending up on the front of a postcard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-prevent-the-postnet-sticker-from-ending-up-on-the-front-of-a-postcard/764927)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-way-to-prevent-the-postnet-sticker-from-ending-up-on-the-front-of-a-postcard/764927 "2016-09-07T15:55:33Z")
When you mail a postcard, sometimes the Post Office will put the postnet sticker on the front of the postcard instead of on the back where the writing is. Is there any way to prevent the sticker from ending up on the fr… --- ## [No "Blue" in the ancient world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-blue-in-the-ancient-world/764653)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-blue-in-the-ancient-world/764653 "2016-09-07T15:42:47Z")
The other day I heard bits of this RadioLab bit while during errands in the car on the lack of the concept “blue” in the ancient world. I was skeptical. But it does seem that there is rarely a word for blue in ancient l… --- ## [How do business directory websites get (and maintain) their data?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-business-directory-websites-get-and-maintain-their-data/602870)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-business-directory-websites-get-and-maintain-their-data/602870 "2016-09-07T14:50:27Z")
I have an idea for a niche business directory listing website. Something along the lines of say… finding the nearest open coin laundry in your local area. I am just wondering… how do the existing business directory webs… --- ## ["Coal Rollers:" can they be charged with assault?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coal-rollers-can-they-be-charged-with-assault/692669)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coal-rollers-can-they-be-charged-with-assault/692669 "2016-09-07T14:48:05Z")
Article here about “coal rolling,” in which diesel pickup trucks are deliberately modified to spew as much soot as possible. Some of these truck owners have made a pastime out of deliberately spewing black smoke on pede… --- ## [Do LCD Monitors get more susceptible to image persistence as they age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lcd-monitors-get-more-susceptible-to-image-persistence-as-they-age/765161)
**Author:** [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-lcd-monitors-get-more-susceptible-to-image-persistence-as-they-age/765161 "2016-09-07T14:30:02Z")
Note that I am talking about temporary image persistence here that disappears when the monitor has had a few hours rest. The monitor in question is a Samsung SyncMaster 245BW, which is probably about 8 years old, and be… --- ## [On the etymology of "sucks"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-etymology-of-sucks/558499)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-etymology-of-sucks/558499 "2016-09-07T06:47:06Z")
I’ve been reading Narnia books to my daughter recently, and midway through Prince Caspian I was quite startled to see, in among all the "By Jove"s and "Great Scott"s and the like, the following line: (context: Edmund ex… --- ## [Strange, Gurgling Sound from AC Condensate Drain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-gurgling-sound-from-ac-condensate-drain/764790)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-gurgling-sound-from-ac-condensate-drain/764790 "2016-09-07T05:59:30Z")
My AC is gurgling and it seems to be coming from these traps. I loosened the clamps and pulled the pipes from the condensate pump (not shown in this photo) reservoir. I did this (while I was plumbing our new dehumidifie… --- ## [Robocall of Possible Legal Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robocall-of-possible-legal-action/765216)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2016, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robocall-of-possible-legal-action/765216 "2016-09-07T00:30:55Z")
I received a generic Robocall that claimed to be from the desk of a named individual with the Legal Affairs of the US Treasury Department requesting I call back regarding “tax fraud against my name”. The call never deman… --- ## [Heavy metals still in U.S. newsprint?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavy-metals-still-in-u-s-newsprint/765187)
**Author:** [@dglevy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dglevy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavy-metals-still-in-u-s-newsprint/765187 "2016-09-06T22:51:28Z")
Hi all! I did some online research on the question of whether there are still heavy metals in newsprint in the usa. I couldn’t get a definitive answer. If someone can help me out, I’d appreciate it. Here’s what I’ve … --- ## [How to find sales history for house with no address?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-sales-history-for-house-with-no-address/765082)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-sales-history-for-house-with-no-address/765082 "2016-09-06T22:36:03Z")
I’m curious how many times the house I grew up in has been sold, and likewise my neighbors. I’d like to try looking them up online on realtor sites. But these houses did not have addresses. Mail came to the Post Office … --- ## [Why Did Ma Belle Avoid 555 numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-ma-belle-avoid-555-numbers/764824)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-ma-belle-avoid-555-numbers/764824 "2016-09-06T22:07:43Z")
While I know it’s been asked before why and when did Hollywood start using the 555 exchange, but the REAL question is…what’s the history to how it came to be that the 555 exchange was NEVER utilized by the phone company … --- ## [Hillary's campaign 737](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-campaign-737/765183)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-campaign-737/765183 "2016-09-06T21:05:01Z")
Hillary unveiled her campaign Boeing 737 replete with a fresh panting job. Who owns the plane? Is it a rental? Certainly, the paint scheme becomes useless in another nine weeks. Any idea how much it costs to paint an… --- ## [Practicality of creating a brand of compost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practicality-of-creating-a-brand-of-compost/765139)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/practicality-of-creating-a-brand-of-compost/765139 "2016-09-06T20:40:15Z")
My grocery store produces a fair amount of waste (maybe a ton or two per month) of breads, and produce. How feasible is it for me to buy an acre of land and use it as a compost heap, which we later harvest and sell in o… --- ## [Is there a word that means "unsure but okay with it"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-that-means-unsure-but-okay-with-it/764472)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-that-means-unsure-but-okay-with-it/764472 "2016-09-06T20:39:05Z")
As friend tells me there is a word that means you are uncertain of something that is very important (such as a major life decision), but that you are okay with that uncertainty. She’s trying to remember the word in somet… --- ## [What is this sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-sound/765157)
**Author:** [@fighting\_ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fighting_ignorant)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-sound/765157 "2016-09-06T16:56:15Z")
Heard at night in eastern PA and also upstate NY. https://www.dropbox.com/s/p4mdgtm6efh4yi5/Crickets.m4a?dl=0 Thanks! --- ## [Minimum crew to operate an aircraft carrier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-crew-to-operate-an-aircraft-carrier/765026)
**Author:** [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minimum-crew-to-operate-an-aircraft-carrier/765026 "2016-09-06T15:06:12Z")
Inspired by “Is it possible to capsize an aircraft carrier?” what’s the absolute minimum number and skill set of crew needed to operate a modern aircraft carrier? For the sake of argument, let’s say we enter a new age o… --- ## [water pipe question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-pipe-question/765154)
**Author:** [@ppeck50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ppeck50)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-pipe-question/765154 "2016-09-06T14:53:31Z")
I have a strange problem. Found a small leak under my sidewalk on the water pipe going into the house… After my plumber repaired it, I think there is another leak nearer the foundation under the front porch. This is a… --- ## [Q for Brits - Parliament: "The Rump"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-brits-parliament-the-rump/764992)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-for-brits-parliament-the-rump/764992 "2016-09-06T14:47:27Z")
I have mentioned more than once that, over the last several years, I have been working my way through The Cambridge Ancient/Medieval/Modern Histor\[ies\]. While these histories are very educational, I have pointed out that… --- ## [The Great Kersten Blunder: was it real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-kersten-blunder-was-it-real/753275)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-kersten-blunder-was-it-real/753275 "2016-09-06T14:42:30Z")
A Google search for “the great Kersten Blunder” turns up many results, such as this one. The claim is that a programmer named Kersten screwed up a measurement conversion factor, causing the $2B “Vigor space probe” to mi… --- ## [Between you and I, what's up with the misuse of "I"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/between-you-and-i-whats-up-with-the-misuse-of-i/764748)
**Author:** [@rickp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rickp)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/between-you-and-i-whats-up-with-the-misuse-of-i/764748 "2016-09-06T14:36:31Z")
Over the last 10 years or so, I’ve noticed more and more people misusing the first person nominative case, for example, “between you and I.” What I suspect has happened is that folks have become so fearful of using “me” … --- ## [How is the term "quantum decadence" used in quantum computing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-term-quantum-decadence-used-in-quantum-computing/765170)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-term-quantum-decadence-used-in-quantum-computing/765170 "2016-09-06T14:30:49Z")
Neuron stars are exceptionally sultry and are backed in opposition to encourage fall by quantum decadence force because of the Pauli prohibition guideline. This rule states that no two neutrons (or any viable fermionic… --- ## [If humans ran fast enough, could we run across water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-humans-ran-fast-enough-could-we-run-across-water/763585)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-humans-ran-fast-enough-could-we-run-across-water/763585 "2016-09-06T14:18:41Z")
There are small animals that can run across the surface of liquid water. I have heard people say that if we ran at some insanely high speed(I’ve heard both 70 and 200 mph) , we could do it too. Is there s hypothetical … --- ## [Windows 10 - Laptop Won't Shut Down Completely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-laptop-wont-shut-down-completely/765020)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2016, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-laptop-wont-shut-down-completely/765020 "2016-09-06T12:36:29Z")
I upgraded my laptop from Windows 8 to 10, and ever since have been having trouble with it not shutting down completely. I’ll select “shut down” and it appears to go through the steps to do so. The screen turns off, it… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=847) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=849)