# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=85 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 86 --- ## [Who developed the math operators + - / x?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-developed-the-math-operators-x/1002406)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-developed-the-math-operators-x/1002406 "2024-06-16T02:41:54Z")
The Roman numbering system is older then the Arabic but did it have any operators? It appears the Roman numerals were good for years and numbers of things but cumbersome for math. When the Arabic system came along was i… --- ## [Insider trading laws and corporate executives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insider-trading-laws-and-corporate-executives/1002807)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2024, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insider-trading-laws-and-corporate-executives/1002807 "2024-06-16T02:26:28Z")
I read a recent online article which said that the CEO of a company sold a large amount of stock in the company shortly before a report was publicly issued which said the company’s profits were lowered than expected whic… --- ## [Rules for speaking Alfalfa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-speaking-alfalfa/313687)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2024, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-for-speaking-alfalfa/313687 "2024-06-15T22:22:22Z")
My relatives who grew up in the 40’s mentioned this pig latin like language to me many years ago. I can’t find rules on how to speak it. --- ## [Opinion polls and the State Department](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-polls-and-the-state-department/1002668)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinion-polls-and-the-state-department/1002668 "2024-06-15T19:42:56Z")
Does the State Department care about opinion polls when shaping foreign policy? If yes, any books talking about how opinion polls impact the State Department’s shaping of foreign policy? Also, does considering the opinio… --- ## [Little help on fixing scratches on my car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-help-on-fixing-scratches-on-my-car/1002105)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2024, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-help-on-fixing-scratches-on-my-car/1002105 "2024-06-15T12:19:53Z")
I was backing my 2008 Silver Toyota Aygo and it had a bit of an altercation with a stone bird bath. Six fairly shallow 6" Scratches up to and slightly on the plastic of the headlight assembly (no visible problems, crac… --- ## [What should I do with a Top Secret document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-with-a-top-secret-document/985751)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2024, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-do-with-a-top-secret-document/985751 "2024-06-15T00:02:10Z")
This is an entirely hypothetical question, of course. Assume you’re going through the papers of a deceased relative and among them are documents that seem to be marked Top Secret or titles of that kind, and after some… --- ## [Is there such a thing as a United League of Major Cities? (either national or global)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-united-league-of-major-cities-either-national-or-global/1002843)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-united-league-of-major-cities-either-national-or-global/1002843 "2024-06-14T19:59:52Z")
Recently I realized that another way of seeing the United States and also the world is to see it as a collection of major, significant, powerful cities, rather than as a collection of countries, states, continents, regio… --- ## [Question on cashing out a Roth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cashing-out-a-roth/1002797)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2024, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cashing-out-a-roth/1002797 "2024-06-14T01:20:04Z")
I have a $6000 capital loss for this year via a regular stock investment. I was thinking of cashing out my Roth IRA because someone promised I could double my money with FOREX in 20 minutes (no, not really). The Roth (… --- ## [Civil War/slave question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civil-war-slave-question/1002781)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civil-war-slave-question/1002781 "2024-06-13T16:44:54Z")
During the Civil War, if a slave approached the Union army and asked for protection, what would happen? Would the Union forces welcome runaway slaves? Would they turn them away? Would it depend on circumstances? I suspec… --- ## [Did Emperor Menelik II really ingest Bible pages as a healing method, and die after (and possibly as a result of) eating the entire Book of Kings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-emperor-menelik-ii-really-ingest-bible-pages-as-a-healing-method-and-die-after-and-possibly-as-a-result-of-eating-the-entire-book-of-kings/1002438)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-emperor-menelik-ii-really-ingest-bible-pages-as-a-healing-method-and-die-after-and-possibly-as-a-result-of-eating-the-entire-book-of-kings/1002438 "2024-06-13T12:02:29Z")
There’s a widely-circulated factoid about Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II that he ingested Bible pages as a healing method when ill, and that he died after (and possibly as a result of?) ingesting the entire Book of Kings. … --- ## [In criminal investigations, what DNA is being tested?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-criminal-investigations-what-dna-is-being-tested/1002643)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-criminal-investigations-what-dna-is-being-tested/1002643 "2024-06-13T09:54:53Z")
When there’s a criminal investigation, modern science often allows the police to compare DNA collected from the scene with that of various suspects. It’s my understanding that scientists are usually looking for skin cel… --- ## [How to coil my car charger cable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-coil-my-car-charger-cable/1002756)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2024, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-coil-my-car-charger-cable/1002756 "2024-06-13T03:16:10Z")
I have an EV. The AC charging cable is thick and heavy and about 5 metres long. When I’ve finished using it, I roll it up into loops of about 1 foot diameter and stow it in a pocket in the side of the trunk. Here’s the … --- ## [PIT Maneuver and Motorcycles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-maneuver-and-motorcycles/1002680)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-maneuver-and-motorcycles/1002680 "2024-06-12T20:30:04Z")
Just watched a police video of a hot pursuit against a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist delighted themself several times by taunting the cop immediately behind him, only to speed away. The video ended before there was an… --- ## [Reason(s) for Discontinuation of 2007 Documentary Film](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-s-for-discontinuation-of-2007-documentary-film/1002747)
**Author:** [@Simmerdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simmerdown)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reason-s-for-discontinuation-of-2007-documentary-film/1002747 "2024-06-12T19:11:03Z")
Seems I might have a better chance here than in CS. Mods, please move if necessary. Shadow of the Holy Book is a 2007 documentary film by Finnish director Arto Halonen, which explores the effects of foreign investment i… --- ## [Annuity Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annuity-question/1002667)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annuity-question/1002667 "2024-06-12T15:26:13Z")
I have a tax deferred annuity that I can start drawing on. I now know that this wasn’t the wisest investment but here I am. What’s the best way to to get the money with the least tax hit? My initial advisor retired and g… --- ## [How much does rest help refresh, as apposed to sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-rest-help-refresh-as-apposed-to-sleep/1002729)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-rest-help-refresh-as-apposed-to-sleep/1002729 "2024-06-12T14:56:14Z")
…If any? You miss REM sleep (correct?), which obviously means you enter you’re Dreamland, (where Kirby lives) with ‘What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?’ cranked up in your skull, on loop, only stopping upon exhibiting the dre… --- ## [Do mathematicians assume certain mathematical hypothesis to be true while waiting for a proof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mathematicians-assume-certain-mathematical-hypothesis-to-be-true-while-waiting-for-a-proof/1001824)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2024, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-mathematicians-assume-certain-mathematical-hypothesis-to-be-true-while-waiting-for-a-proof/1001824 "2024-06-12T12:05:48Z")
Using the Reimann Hypothesis as an example: It certainly appears to be true (if I recall right, it’s shown itself to be true for trillions of digits thus far, via supercomputers, and there hasn’t yet been an exception fo… --- ## [Broadly speaking, is the shift to cloud computing net carbon positive or negative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broadly-speaking-is-the-shift-to-cloud-computing-net-carbon-positive-or-negative/1002542)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broadly-speaking-is-the-shift-to-cloud-computing-net-carbon-positive-or-negative/1002542 "2024-06-11T14:02:00Z")
A few years ago, my company moved its client-facing web applications from a small local host (we were one of four tenants) to a cloud service operated by one of the Big Three. My management is now asking whether we can a… --- ## [Dragon vs Starliner instrument panel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragon-vs-starliner-instrument-panel/1002639)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragon-vs-starliner-instrument-panel/1002639 "2024-06-11T13:48:12Z")
There have been discussions on touchscreen panels in cars and it’s my impression that the SpaceX Dragon capsule is predominantly touchscreen (perhaps that’s a misconception on my part, if so please correct me). Today I … --- ## [What’s actually loose when referring to “loosest” slots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-actually-loose-when-referring-to-loosest-slots/1002666)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-actually-loose-when-referring-to-loosest-slots/1002666 "2024-06-11T13:41:14Z")
I first saw the term “loosest slots” in a Simpsons episode, and which I thought was a pun of some sort. Since then I’ve seen or heard it numerous times when referring to slot machines that purportedly pay out more than … --- ## [Can Magnifying Glass Boil any Water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-magnifying-glass-boil-any-water/197198)
**Author:** [@MortonC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortonC)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-magnifying-glass-boil-any-water/197198 "2024-06-11T12:38:10Z")
Can any amount of water be heated enough to cause evaporation or possibly to boiling point by using a magnifying glass? How big would a magnifying glass have to be in proportion to the amount of water? If a glass conta… --- ## [Download of attachments in Yahoo mail not working?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/download-of-attachments-in-yahoo-mail-not-working/1002705)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2024, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/download-of-attachments-in-yahoo-mail-not-working/1002705 "2024-06-11T09:25:45Z")
Anyone else experiencing this? It seems to have happened recently: last 24 hours or so. Clicking the download icon no longer has any effect. I don’t think I have recently changed any configurations or settings, either… --- ## [MS Office Professional 2021 for $35. Catch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-office-professional-2021-for-35-catch/972924)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2024, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-office-professional-2021-for-35-catch/972924 "2024-06-10T21:06:42Z")
I was reading Daily Beast and saw this advertised: https: //www.citizengoods.com/ sales/microsoft-office-professional-plus-2021-for-windows?aid=a-9oq5pvp6&utm\_source=thedailybeast.com&utm\_medium=referral&utm\_campaign=mi… --- ## [How does one refuse to be subpoenaed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-refuse-to-be-subpoenaed/1002558)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-refuse-to-be-subpoenaed/1002558 "2024-06-10T17:13:46Z")
No not me. I was watching a Sovereign Idiot video and he wanted to subpoena Supreme Court Clarence Thomas. I’m assuming that Thomas has no knowledge of the case and has no clue who this guy is. So when Thomas gets the… --- ## [Is there legal precedent for a court ordering a defendant to just LISTEN to the plaintiff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-legal-precedent-for-a-court-ordering-a-defendant-to-just-listen-to-the-plaintiff/1002629)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-legal-precedent-for-a-court-ordering-a-defendant-to-just-listen-to-the-plaintiff/1002629 "2024-06-10T13:59:08Z")
This question is inspired by the story of Michael Cassidy, a Christian who got upset over a (perfectly legal) statue of Baphomet in the Iowa State Capitol and destroyed it. He became a cause celebre among the Christian R… --- ## [What happened to "Lovers Lanes"? Do they still exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-lovers-lanes-do-they-still-exist/941447)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2024, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-lovers-lanes-do-they-still-exist/941447 "2024-06-10T12:32:51Z")
A common feature of 50’s films (and leading well until the 80’s in films I can remember) was the idea of a “Lovers Lane”, a usually wooden place on the outskirts of town either overlooking the town or overlooking a body … --- ## [Word For Male Mistress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-for-male-mistress/1000882)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-for-male-mistress/1000882 "2024-06-09T12:44:30Z")
Comedian Ali Wong was on radio, claiming that paternalistic American society “did not have a word for a male mistress”. Is she right? In genetics class in medical school, they claimed a surprising percentage of births … --- ## [Butterscotch smell in the woods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butterscotch-smell-in-the-woods/1002589)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/butterscotch-smell-in-the-woods/1002589 "2024-06-09T12:20:42Z")
Hiking regularly, I often smell butterscotch in the woods. My companions do too. What is it??? Ponderosa pine is famous for this, but it’s a Western US tree. Jeffrey pine also. I’m hiking in the area between Baltimore M… --- ## [Cancer and Asparagus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-asparagus/1002616)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-and-asparagus/1002616 "2024-06-09T07:46:11Z")
Recently in passing I heard that cancer patients should never eat asparagus because… well, I didn’t hear that part exactly. Some kind of enzyme? Whatever. I have many, many doubts. When attempting to search on this i… --- ## [Prehistoric Postures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prehistoric-postures/1002600)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prehistoric-postures/1002600 "2024-06-09T06:44:21Z")
Did ancient humans have good posture or were they a bunch of slouchers? Artists’ renderings seem to base the depiction of prehistoric man on whether they wanted to show him as advanced or primitive. “Cave men” are show… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=84) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=86)