# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=86 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 87 --- ## [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… --- ## [Ambassador Bridge etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambassador-bridge-etc/1002615)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ambassador-bridge-etc/1002615 "2024-06-09T04:22:05Z")
The Ambassador Bridge is a privately-owned toll bridge linking Detroit MI with Windsor ON. Google Maps shows no route numbers assigned to the US side, but highway 3 to the Canadian side. Are there any other privately-ow… --- ## [Were spectacles and eye-glasses once different things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-spectacles-and-eye-glasses-once-different-things/1002604)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-spectacles-and-eye-glasses-once-different-things/1002604 "2024-06-09T04:02:43Z")
In The Golden Pince-Nez, one of the last Sherlock Holmes stories, I noticed: Even the news brought back by Hopkins that he had found the children and that they had undoubtedly seen a woman exactly corresponding with Ho… --- ## [What was the first article of clothing that used word(s) as a decoration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-article-of-clothing-that-used-word-s-as-a-decoration/1002573)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-article-of-clothing-that-used-word-s-as-a-decoration/1002573 "2024-06-09T00:37:08Z")
These days a large percentage of clothing has words (often advertising) on it. But, what was the first time this was used? --- ## [flashing headlights when passing...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flashing-headlights-when-passing/50699)
**Author:** [@poohpah\_chalupa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poohpah_chalupa)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flashing-headlights-when-passing/50699 "2024-06-08T21:04:54Z")
Another driving question: I’ve heard that, if you’re signaling that you wish to make a lane change (a rarity in itself here in California) on the freeway, when someone behind you in the adjacent lane flashes their headl… --- ## [No sound on YouTube on my laptop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-sound-on-youtube-on-my-laptop/1002636)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2024, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-sound-on-youtube-on-my-laptop/1002636 "2024-06-08T21:01:30Z")
I have sound on Netflix and other streaming apps on my HP, but nothing on YouTube. Tried the troubleshooter, sound is turned on, etc. Nothing. Any clues? --- ## [Inverse rainbow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inverse-rainbow/1002624)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2024, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inverse-rainbow/1002624 "2024-06-08T03:42:17Z")
I saw a beautiful double rainbow today. I noticed that the primary bow had a faint inner color after the violet. What causes that? \[Alb… --- ## [Rain gutters — can’t believe this needs asking:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-gutters-can-t-believe-this-needs-asking/1002336)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2024, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-gutters-can-t-believe-this-needs-asking/1002336 "2024-06-07T22:56:57Z")
The gutters on our rental house (we’ve been here two years) have about a dozen little pine trees growing out of them. They were here when we moved in. I thought they would perish in the summer heat, but they are flourish… --- ## [Is motive required to prove murder in court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-motive-required-to-prove-murder-in-court/1002442)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-motive-required-to-prove-murder-in-court/1002442 "2024-06-07T17:54:34Z")
Very often we see on TV/movie crime shows that the police/prosecution need to show means, motive and opportunity to get a conviction. But, I was watching a recent LegalEagle video on YouTube reacting to the courtroom dr… --- ## [Digital price collusion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-price-collusion/1002441)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2024, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digital-price-collusion/1002441 "2024-06-07T12:50:14Z")
Countries generally have laws restricting competitors from colluding together to decide on a common price minimum. These laws are not always easy or possible to enforce. Apart from bidding, companies are generally awar… --- ## [Individuals tracing a phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/individuals-tracing-a-phone/1002549)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2024, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/individuals-tracing-a-phone/1002549 "2024-06-07T11:48:11Z")
I think that individuals and businesses do not have the ability to trace a phone call; it has to be done by law enforcement and/or under a court order. Have I been wrong? I’ve just read this in an article about a pizza… --- ## [Copyright question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question/1002478)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2024, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copyright-question/1002478 "2024-06-06T21:56:17Z")
I’ve made a shortcut for a application we are developing for work. It will only be a desktop icon for those working for our company. I drew it in paint I think. Not a direct copy. It’s very simple, (one shape, four line… --- ## [Why does Lithium-ion batteries hate being plug in for a long time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-lithium-ion-batteries-hate-being-plug-in-for-a-long-time/1002150)
**Author:** [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-lithium-ion-batteries-hate-being-plug-in-for-a-long-time/1002150 "2024-06-06T16:53:57Z")
They say laptops, phones and tablets and other devices should be charge to 80% and no more, that Lithium-ion batteries hate being at 100% even 90% that you will destroy the battery if the laptops, phones and tablets and … --- ## [Kayak recommendation on when to book a flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kayak-recommendation-on-when-to-book-a-flight/1002498)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2024, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kayak-recommendation-on-when-to-book-a-flight/1002498 "2024-06-05T17:07:49Z")
According to a site I found, The Best Flight Price Tracker Websites (awardwallet.com), Kayak will tell you when it’s a good idea to book a flight: “One great thing about KAYAK is that it uses an analysis of current and … --- ## [What determines the speed of flowing water at any given point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-speed-of-flowing-water-at-any-given-point/1002165)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-determines-the-speed-of-flowing-water-at-any-given-point/1002165 "2024-06-04T23:51:31Z")
When a mass of water is flowing down a river, or in a creek, stream, or lake, for example, what determines the speed at which it flows? --- ## [Is it fine to hang pants on a hanger with the belt on?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-fine-to-hang-pants-on-a-hanger-with-the-belt-on/1002461)
**Author:** [@wiskaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wiskaz)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-fine-to-hang-pants-on-a-hanger-with-the-belt-on/1002461 "2024-06-04T23:22:37Z")
Or it’s bad in some way? --- ## [Undocumented immigration to the USA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undocumented-immigration-to-the-usa/1002469)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undocumented-immigration-to-the-usa/1002469 "2024-06-04T20:33:36Z")
Looking for facts from a reliable source. How many undocumented immigrants came to the USA during Trump’s Presidency. And how many during Biden’s Presidency? I doubt the exact number is known, but a reasonable ballpar… --- ## [Enteric or capsule prep of potassium supplement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enteric-or-capsule-prep-of-potassium-supplement/1002404)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enteric-or-capsule-prep-of-potassium-supplement/1002404 "2024-06-04T12:30:20Z")
So, potassium supplements. I’m to take them, and have taken them for years. They are by prescription. The dose I was started on, 20 meQ, is a) enormous, b) dry and uncoated, c) gag-inducing, so I’ve been allowed to take … --- ## [Are there only two search engines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-only-two-search-engines/1002153)
**Author:** [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-only-two-search-engines/1002153 "2024-06-04T05:22:15Z")
Are there only two search engines? Some one said there is only two search engines and other search engines pull from them. They said Google and Bing are the main search engines and other search engines pull from them. Th… --- ## [On the launch pad, does a spacecraft physically stand on its engines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-launch-pad-does-a-spacecraft-physically-stand-on-its-engines/1002024)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2024, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-launch-pad-does-a-spacecraft-physically-stand-on-its-engines/1002024 "2024-06-04T00:37:56Z")
Perhaps this question reveals a naive understanding of engineering, but: When a spacecraft, such as a rocket, stands on its launch pad waiting for takeoff, is the entire weight of the craft resting on the engines at the … --- ## [In All Of Cuisine, Are There Any Recipes That Require Starting In A Cold Oven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-all-of-cuisine-are-there-any-recipes-that-require-starting-in-a-cold-oven/1002149)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2024, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-all-of-cuisine-are-there-any-recipes-that-require-starting-in-a-cold-oven/1002149 "2024-06-03T21:59:06Z")
It’s pretty much understood (in Western cuisine, anyway), that you preheat your oven before putting inside whatever you’re going to bake. But are there any foodstuffs where starting in a cold oven somehow produces a desi… --- ## [How legal is it for a person/company to block streets and parking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-legal-is-it-for-a-person-company-to-block-streets-and-parking/1002236)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2024, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-legal-is-it-for-a-person-company-to-block-streets-and-parking/1002236 "2024-06-03T14:08:02Z")
We’ve all seen it. Moving van blocking a street. Company blocking off a lane to repair a water main. I just found out that a cable company has put up signs that no one in the neighborhood can park by the curb for the n… --- ## [Statistical way to properly kickout an outlier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistical-way-to-properly-kickout-an-outlier/1002234)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2024, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistical-way-to-properly-kickout-an-outlier/1002234 "2024-06-03T03:34:17Z")
I’d like a proper and accepted way to kick out an outlier from a list of reviews. I have 4 reviewers, judging 5 pieces of art. I would like a statistical way to claim the number 5 (in orange) is an outlier (because rev… --- ## [Were my father and aunt British citizens at birth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-my-father-and-aunt-british-citizens-at-birth/1002315)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2024, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-my-father-and-aunt-british-citizens-at-birth/1002315 "2024-06-03T00:08:01Z")
The basic facts: Grandmother, born in Canada, 1914, moved to the U.S. in 1930 Never naturalized in the U.S. and was in all probability undocumented from her arrival in the U.S. until her death in 2006 (many people, inc… --- ## [Is some moron playing with a radiation source? (Russian translation needed.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-moron-playing-with-a-radiation-source-russian-translation-needed/1002084)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2024, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-some-moron-playing-with-a-radiation-source-russian-translation-needed/1002084 "2024-06-02T18:53:10Z")
Someone is trying to sell them on Facebook. Can light lights and shut down cell phones. --- ## [Travel from Portland Oregon to Vanuatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-from-portland-oregon-to-vanuatu/1002392)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2024, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-from-portland-oregon-to-vanuatu/1002392 "2024-06-02T04:53:21Z")
How? Expedia list a couple of airports in Vanuatu, but draws a complete blank on how to get to them. Can anyone help out here? --- ## [Does anyone know what kind of bird this is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-kind-of-bird-this-is/1002389)
**Author:** [@Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-what-kind-of-bird-this-is/1002389 "2024-06-01T23:40:20Z")
It’s medium-to-dark gray and the tips of its wings and and tips of its tail feathers are white. And when it’s standing on the ground it’s tail is at a 45-degree angle between the ground and the sky --- ## [If Congress passed a law next week forbidding convicted felons from holding federal office, would it apply to Trump (ex post facto)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-congress-passed-a-law-next-week-forbidding-convicted-felons-from-holding-federal-office-would-it-apply-to-trump-ex-post-facto/1002394)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-congress-passed-a-law-next-week-forbidding-convicted-felons-from-holding-federal-office-would-it-apply-to-trump-ex-post-facto/1002394 "2024-06-01T23:10:14Z")
I know that the Constiution forbids ex post facto sentencing. But does that apply to (for lack of a better choice of words) procedural legislation? Specifically, if Congress passed a law next week, and President Biden si… --- ## ["Qing" instead of "Manchu"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qing-instead-of-manchu/1002346)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/qing-instead-of-manchu/1002346 "2024-06-01T23:09:21Z")
About when did it become the standard in the west to refer to the last imperial dynasty of China as the Qing rather than the Manchu? --- ## [When you sue, can you offer the defendant different settlements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-sue-can-you-offer-the-defendant-different-settlements/1002396)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-sue-can-you-offer-the-defendant-different-settlements/1002396 "2024-06-01T22:04:41Z")
Let’s say I’m wronged in some tangible way by the MyTown Police Department. I sue, but I give the MTPD two options for relief: 1) $1 million, or 2) $1, on the condition that I get to personally witness the Chief of Polic… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=85) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=87)