# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=87 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 88 --- ## [Jury ID protection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-id-protection/1002331)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-id-protection/1002331 "2024-06-01T21:32:39Z")
After following the Trump trial and thinking about the toxicity of the Trumpists, MAGAts, and GOP, I was thinking about the safety of the jurists. As such, for the legal experts here, if I was a juror, would it be legal … --- ## [Insulting a judge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulting-a-judge/1002378)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insulting-a-judge/1002378 "2024-06-01T19:15:29Z")
I understand that Trump has said rude things about the judge in his recently-concluded case and that the judge has allowed some of it and fined Trump for other remarks. My first question is: does this set any sort of pr… --- ## [Can On-Line Lottery Formulas Actually Win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-on-line-lottery-formulas-actually-win/1002154)
**Author:** [@john\_b\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/john_b_2)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-on-line-lottery-formulas-actually-win/1002154 "2024-06-01T12:39:10Z")
I know this sounds like a stupid question, and it probably is, but I just wanted to check in here,–not for a specific formula–to see if anyone has won, or has good things to say about them, and I say them because I’m gue… --- ## [Was there an IBM computer where a memory upgrade was flicking a switch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-an-ibm-computer-where-a-memory-upgrade-was-flicking-a-switch/1002272)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-an-ibm-computer-where-a-memory-upgrade-was-flicking-a-switch/1002272 "2024-06-01T12:16:46Z")
A long time ago I heard an anecdote about an IBM corporate computer where they ordered a memory upgrade, and the service engineer came by and simply flicked a switch in the enclosure. Apparently the memory bank was alrea… --- ## [Who’s the richest person to ever do time for a felony?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-the-richest-person-to-ever-do-time-for-a-felony/1002308)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2024, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-s-the-richest-person-to-ever-do-time-for-a-felony/1002308 "2024-06-01T03:05:48Z")
Apropos of today’s news… I’m sure it’s hard to pin down someone’s real worth, but let’s try our hardest. It’s often been said that Trump is too rich to do time, but is he? Have wealthier people gone to prison? --- ## [Kindle question: Why doesn't my Kindle show me targeted book ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-question-why-doesnt-my-kindle-show-me-targeted-book-ads/1002001)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2024, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-question-why-doesnt-my-kindle-show-me-targeted-book-ads/1002001 "2024-05-31T23:38:56Z")
I’m no fan of ads. But I accept that they’ll be there. I’m not a fan of targeted ads as a rule either, but since I love books, and since the Amazon website (thru which I manage my Kindle) does show me targeted ads for … --- ## [What is the mass of water? (be precise)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mass-of-water-be-precise/1002162)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2024, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mass-of-water-be-precise/1002162 "2024-05-31T16:41:53Z")
When the metric system was first invented, mass and volume were tied to water, so that 1 kg was defined as the mass of 1 litre of water at STP , and a litre is a 10x10x10 cube. So 1cc of water had a mass of exactly 1 … --- ## [Is this car AC maintenance idea valid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-car-ac-maintenance-idea-valid/1001663)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2024, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-car-ac-maintenance-idea-valid/1001663 "2024-05-31T07:26:29Z")
I have heard it once place ever and it sounds good in theory but I’m wondering if it holds up in reality. The idea is to run your car’s AC for 15 minutes every month (even in the winter) to circulate the oil to keep the… --- ## [What variation of the American flag did I see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-variation-of-the-american-flag-did-i-see/1002248)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2024, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-variation-of-the-american-flag-did-i-see/1002248 "2024-05-30T20:30:39Z")
On my way home, I saw a neighbor flying some strange variation of the American flag. The stripes were alternating red and white, but were vertical instead of horizontal and thicker than on the actual flag. The canton f… --- ## [What information can dogs glean from unknown animal smells?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-information-can-dogs-glean-from-unknown-animal-smells/1002202)
**Author:** [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-information-can-dogs-glean-from-unknown-animal-smells/1002202 "2024-05-30T17:49:06Z")
On her daily walks, my dog spends what I consider an inordinate amount of time smelling around as we slowly circle the block. Normally I don’t mind but if the weather is bad or I’m in a hurry it can be a battle to get he… --- ## [My GTX 1650 blew out on my Ideapad L340. Can I purchase that part/component online and have it installed again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-gtx-1650-blew-out-on-my-ideapad-l340-can-i-purchase-that-part-component-online-and-have-it-installed-again/1002108)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2024, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-gtx-1650-blew-out-on-my-ideapad-l340-can-i-purchase-that-part-component-online-and-have-it-installed-again/1002108 "2024-05-30T15:09:27Z")
Best way I can describe it as “blew out”. I loaded up Ghost of Tsushima with gameday drivers pre-installed. Game loaded to the menu and when I was using it, the computer made a weird noise, like a crackle or pop. I had… --- ## [Is it dangerous to let dry ice subliminate inside the house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-dangerous-to-let-dry-ice-subliminate-inside-the-house/1002200)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-dangerous-to-let-dry-ice-subliminate-inside-the-house/1002200 "2024-05-30T14:13:37Z")
I get food deliveries to my home, and in the past, when the delivery involved a big package of dry ice, I just let it subliminate away inside the house. Is this a risk for putting too much CO2 in the house air? Never th… --- ## [Proving real ID if accused of fake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proving-real-id-if-accused-of-fake/827357)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2024, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proving-real-id-if-accused-of-fake/827357 "2024-05-29T01:55:30Z")
I tried googling but only got sites for spotting fake IDs, how to buy/make fake IDs, penalties for being caught, etc. But I want to know the reverse: what happens if I am accused of a fake ID when all I have is a legit c… --- ## [How is property seized by a loan holder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-property-seized-by-a-loan-holder/1001926)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2024, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-property-seized-by-a-loan-holder/1001926 "2024-05-28T18:48:45Z")
The current story of Graceland almost being actioned as well as the recent Planet Money episode on “zombie mortgages” make me confused and curious as to how a lender gains control of a property. It seems that company can… --- ## [Why does the outdoor temperature FALL as the sun is just rising?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-outdoor-temperature-fall-as-the-sun-is-just-rising/1002145)
**Author:** [@dgy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dgy)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2024, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-outdoor-temperature-fall-as-the-sun-is-just-rising/1002145 "2024-05-28T14:05:43Z")
Or, is this related to local geography (we live at the base of a mountain range so it could be that colder air “falls” off the mountain as the sun comes up)? --- ## [What muscle in my arm is hurting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-muscle-in-my-arm-is-hurting/1002156)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2024, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-muscle-in-my-arm-is-hurting/1002156 "2024-05-27T21:16:36Z")
Picture a brick on a table. You are sitting at the table, and the brick is in front of you, pointed away from you (i.e. the long way is pointed “forward” and “back” rather than side to side). You stick out your right ar… --- ## [How do I make Google Maps use GPS on my Android phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-google-maps-use-gps-on-my-android-phone/1002079)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2024, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-google-maps-use-gps-on-my-android-phone/1002079 "2024-05-27T02:07:03Z")
I am on a cruise with my family. We are currently somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean. I am using Starlink internet. When I use Google Maps it says I am in Hamburg. How do I fix that? --- ## [Can I use record cover images to promote my record store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-record-cover-images-to-promote-my-record-store/1001869)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-record-cover-images-to-promote-my-record-store/1001869 "2024-05-26T21:00:36Z")
I’m starting a record store. (See the full thread here.) My question is for lawyers and/or trademark experts: Can I use images of album covers I own and intend to sell in my promotional materials? Or would this run afou… --- ## [How significant is the damage stemming from an airliner making a belly landing without wheels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-significant-is-the-damage-stemming-from-an-airliner-making-a-belly-landing-without-wheels/1002006)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2024, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-significant-is-the-damage-stemming-from-an-airliner-making-a-belly-landing-without-wheels/1002006 "2024-05-26T20:56:29Z")
We see these belly landings every couple months – a big passenger airliner or freight jet has to land with wheels up. The plane slides for several hundred feet, maybe a thousand of more, across the concrete runway. Then… --- ## [UK Dopers - Visa & Mastercard question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-dopers-visa-mastercard-question/1001770)
**Author:** [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2024, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-dopers-visa-mastercard-question/1001770 "2024-05-26T09:59:34Z")
Spike (17) is going on a school trip to Scotland and England in a couple of weeks. We were going over his packing list, and one item stated that Visa and Mastercard were not widely accepted over there. That doesn’t sou… --- ## [Series that converges on π-3](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/series-that-converges-on-3/1002048)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2024, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/series-that-converges-on-3/1002048 "2024-05-26T00:44:29Z")
I once read about an interesting formula/series for π that rather than converging on pi or some multiple or fraction of it, instead converged on the decimal portion of it, π minus the 3. Another part that I might be mis… --- ## [Why do these two subway trains have a different acceleration sounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-these-two-subway-trains-have-a-different-acceleration-sounds/1001994)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-these-two-subway-trains-have-a-different-acceleration-sounds/1001994 "2024-05-24T20:41:39Z")
Here is an old (long out-of-service) H-series Toronto subway train. On acceleration, it has a distinctive warm, cricket-like sound (@0:35). Here is a newer (soon likely to be obsolete) T1-series train. It has a deeper, … --- ## [Homeowners Insurance for treehouses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-for-treehouses/1002008)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homeowners-insurance-for-treehouses/1002008 "2024-05-24T20:05:13Z")
How difficult is it to get homeowners insurance for a treehouse? Can you get coverage for beaver damage? Under “Type of foundation” do you put “root”? Are you covered if a branch from the same tree the house is in fal… --- ## [Does anyone here use Xojo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-xojo/1002034)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-here-use-xojo/1002034 "2024-05-24T18:37:27Z")
My version is too old to generate MacOS/64bit apps. I’d like to generate an modern app from my old code. --- ## [Question on cleaning car leather](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cleaning-car-leather/1002028)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-cleaning-car-leather/1002028 "2024-05-24T17:49:32Z")
To clean our leather couches, we use Weiman’s cleaner and conditioner. Is the leather used for car dashes/door panels & seats different enough that I should not be using this when cleaning my car? Is there a better way… --- ## [What would color-blind aurora watchers see?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-color-blind-aurora-watchers-see/1001526)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-color-blind-aurora-watchers-see/1001526 "2024-05-24T03:41:22Z")
Would they just see lighter or brighter areas, or would they see the aurorae in the same colors that they would see that pink, green, etc. if it was clothing, flowers, signs, etc.? --- ## [Are there real differences between various toothpastes or are they largely the same thing that are marketed differently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-real-differences-between-various-toothpastes-or-are-they-largely-the-same-thing-that-are-marketed-differently/1001182)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-real-differences-between-various-toothpastes-or-are-they-largely-the-same-thing-that-are-marketed-differently/1001182 "2024-05-24T03:18:32Z")
I am bewildered when I go to the store at the variations of toothpaste on offer. Not just from different manufacturers but options the same manufacturer offer. Here is a sample of only some of the offerings from Crest: … --- ## [US gold coins as currency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-gold-coins-as-currency/931657)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2024, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-gold-coins-as-currency/931657 "2024-05-24T00:50:49Z")
The US minted gold coins until the 1930’s (and then a long gap). The denominations were: $2.50 (quarter eagle), $5 (half eagle), $10 (eagle), and $20 (double eagle). Would they have been used in daily transactions, or we… --- ## [Do Any Of The 50 States Have An Honor And Awards System?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2024, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740 "2024-05-23T22:18:32Z")
You know how like, in the UK, you can be awarded OBE (Order of the British Empire), or in the US you can be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Do any of the 50 US states have a similar system? Like, could Missou… --- ## [Dinosaur extinction event](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinosaur-extinction-event/1001527)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2024, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinosaur-extinction-event/1001527 "2024-05-23T21:12:20Z")
The Nicaraguan asteroid/comet impact 65 million years ago wiped out all the dinosaurs… …and other species, I presume. How did species like crocodilians and other reptiles survive? Why didn’t plesiosaurs make it like o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=86) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=88)