# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=880 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 881 --- ## [Cat travel options - cage with 2 levels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-travel-options-cage-with-2-levels/758946)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-travel-options-cage-with-2-levels/758946 "2016-07-04T18:56:48Z")
I have to drive 400 miles and back with a large cat and hoped to find some sort of car cage or carrier that included an upper sleeping shelf and a lower level for litter, food and water. Anybody know of one? Haven’t foun… --- ## [Maggots or Leaches Treating Wounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maggots-or-leaches-treating-wounds/758903)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maggots-or-leaches-treating-wounds/758903 "2016-07-04T10:01:15Z")
It seemed to work, back in the day; is anyone still doing this? --- ## [How is money laundering detected and proven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-money-laundering-detected-and-proven/758194)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-money-laundering-detected-and-proven/758194 "2016-07-04T09:50:54Z")
Whether it’s Al Capone or others, how does the police first suspect that someone is engaged in money laundering and then go about proving it? Can layering make it impossible to trace the money as opposed to just requiri… --- ## [Are cold viruses distributed throughout the body?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cold-viruses-distributed-throughout-the-body/759021)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-cold-viruses-distributed-throughout-the-body/759021 "2016-07-04T08:06:02Z")
Say a woman has a cold. She and her partner want to have sex. Is he more likely to catch her cold from kissing her or from cunnilingus? --- ## [Are you smarter than a terrorist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smarter-than-a-terrorist/759046)
**Author:** [@PotatOS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PotatOS)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-you-smarter-than-a-terrorist/759046 "2016-07-04T07:42:45Z")
Having accidentally resurrected an old thread on metal detectors, I got to thinking about the plots we’ve seen recently. Limiting the discussion to jihadists operating against America, the plots seem to be variations on … --- ## [Marital status and taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marital-status-and-taxes/758742)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marital-status-and-taxes/758742 "2016-07-04T04:20:37Z")
Does the IRS (or any state tax agency) ever check as to whether one is actually married or single, vis-à-vis one’s tax filing status? Last year my (male) partner and I finally were able to get married, and so last year … --- ## [ustvnow.com (emails)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ustvnow-com-emails/758745)
**Author:** [@albino\_manatee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/albino_manatee)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2016, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ustvnow-com-emails/758745 "2016-07-04T03:05:10Z")
one of the catches in having a free account with the ustvnow.com website is that, while one can disable spam-mail from third-party vendors (via member-prefs) … one cannot disable email from us… --- ## [Endogenous retroviruses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogenous-retroviruses/758958)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/endogenous-retroviruses/758958 "2016-07-03T21:50:58Z")
Is it possible that in vitro fertilization could/has already created new endogenous retroviruses in the human genome? For example, if a retrovirus from contaminant in the medium or from co-cultured animal cells penetrate… --- ## [Earliest usage of "panhandle" in reference to state geography.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-usage-of-panhandle-in-reference-to-state-geography/758998)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-usage-of-panhandle-in-reference-to-state-geography/758998 "2016-07-03T21:11:59Z")
In the US, several states have panhandle regions, but as nearly as I can tell, Oklahoma is the only state that could even remotely be described as pan shaped. Did much older states, such as Florida and West Virginia, ref… --- ## [LED lights cooling - Do I need it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-lights-cooling-do-i-need-it/759019)
**Author:** [@Meanie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meanie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-lights-cooling-do-i-need-it/759019 "2016-07-03T20:42:33Z")
Hello, it’s well know that you need to cool down (passively or actively) LED lamps, since they produce a lot of heat and the electronics of the LED assembly can’t stand it. Well, I’ve been meaning to install some LED li… --- ## [Elie Wiesel "Illegal" Quote Source](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elie-wiesel-illegal-quote-source/673035)
**Author:** [@ezgranet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ezgranet)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elie-wiesel-illegal-quote-source/673035 "2016-07-03T20:11:42Z")
I’ve seen a lot of references in the debate on immigration lately to a quotation by Elie Wiesel: “No human being is illegal.” I’ve been unable to find the context in which he said that quote; I would guess he is referri… --- ## [How would I figure this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-i-figure-this/759010)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-i-figure-this/759010 "2016-07-03T18:53:13Z")
Suppose I draw back a bow as in bow and arrow. As I release the bow the 1 oz arrow accelerates over a period of about 22 inches and picks up about 36# of kinetic energy. So I figure the arrow weighs about 1 1/2# roughly … --- ## [Orbital Ring - Version 2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orbital-ring-version-2/758787)
**Author:** [@MetroGnome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MetroGnome)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orbital-ring-version-2/758787 "2016-07-03T14:51:29Z")
So my 1st attempt at putting a stone ring around the earth crumbled at my choice of material. The Hamster King also linked to a discussion about why an orbital ring is inherently unstable (vs a Dyson sphere), and it’s th… --- ## [Identify this teaching book based on vague clues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-teaching-book-based-on-vague-clues/758935)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-teaching-book-based-on-vague-clues/758935 "2016-07-03T12:40:34Z")
Years ago, I used a picture book for language learning. It had absolutely no words. Instead, it had hand illustrated images of different items grouped logically. It was enormously useful for teaching and learning vocabul… --- ## [Do smartphones always use Wi-Fi for data (if available)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-smartphones-always-use-wi-fi-for-data-if-available/758876)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-smartphones-always-use-wi-fi-for-data-if-available/758876 "2016-07-03T12:03:37Z")
I’ve been using my Android phone at home with my Wi-Fi. Totally free. Getting ready to add a phone plan. Consumer Cellular offers 1.5GB for $20. Or I could get 3GB for $30. 4GB for $40. I think the smallest plan would… --- ## [How to make a bumper sticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-a-bumper-sticker/758930)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-make-a-bumper-sticker/758930 "2016-07-03T03:55:27Z")
I have until Friday morning to make a bumper sticker. I can do all the artwork and layout (couple simple vector images substituting for letters), but need to have it printed and delivered by Friday AM. Budget isn’t unlim… --- ## [Best way to find out who's living in the attic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-find-out-whos-living-in-the-attic/393689)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-find-out-whos-living-in-the-attic/393689 "2016-07-03T02:56:36Z")
There are creatures in my boyfriend’s attic. Scurrying scratching creatures. He’s going to go up there soon to look around (has to acquire a ladder first), to try and figure out what to do. Here’s the problem. They’re … --- ## [The Win 10 Question thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-win-10-question-thread/756122)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2016, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-win-10-question-thread/756122 "2016-07-03T02:34:29Z")
I think it’s time to put all these questions that come up in one thread so they’ll be easy to find. Like the Guitar thread. Anyway, I’ve had Win 10 on my desktop for maybe 2 months now. In the new “Improved” start windo… --- ## [Is there a religion in which believers also suffer and are punished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-religion-in-which-believers-also-suffer-and-are-punished/758559)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-religion-in-which-believers-also-suffer-and-are-punished/758559 "2016-07-02T22:41:50Z")
I’m thinking of a real-life version of the cult of Cthulhu, where believers will simply be eaten first and the rest of us will suffer. Of course, that begs the question why anyone would follow such a religion. I’d answ… --- ## [What kind of spider is this? -pics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-spider-is-this-pics/758957)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-spider-is-this-pics/758957 "2016-07-02T21:46:17Z")
Kind of tiny that’s a tile grout line it’s next to. Photos are bit mangled as “super macro” mode wasn’t that super. Locale is Eastern Shore area of Maryland. Stood completely still for multiple closeups with flash. Thou… --- ## [Could all the bolts of a tire loosen on their own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-all-the-bolts-of-a-tire-loosen-on-their-own/245682)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-all-the-bolts-of-a-tire-loosen-on-their-own/245682 "2016-07-02T20:52:25Z")
A buddy of mine is on a road trip today, and he told me that he heard a strange sound from one of his tires. He stopped, and found that all the bolts of one of his tires were loose, and the tire was almost falling off. … --- ## [Do freight trains run on fixed schedules?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-freight-trains-run-on-fixed-schedules/758398)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-freight-trains-run-on-fixed-schedules/758398 "2016-07-02T19:57:05Z")
I assume some of them do have a schedule, such as delivering coal to power plants. --- ## [Did they ever really "Roll Up The Sidewalks"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-ever-really-roll-up-the-sidewalks/33948)
**Author:** [@BobK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobK)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-ever-really-roll-up-the-sidewalks/33948 "2016-07-02T18:54:25Z")
I’ve occasionally heard a place described as where “they roll up the sidewalks at night”, meaning a really dull, no-action, place. Is there any historical basis for this? I’ve seen old photos of places with pretty primi… --- ## [Slang in English, Hebrew, and other languages: floppy/flabby flesh hanging from your upper arm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slang-in-english-hebrew-and-other-languages-floppy-flabby-flesh-hanging-from-your-upper-arm/758722)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slang-in-english-hebrew-and-other-languages-floppy-flabby-flesh-hanging-from-your-upper-arm/758722 "2016-07-02T18:00:09Z")
See query. It’s usually pointed out with (mock) despair by women, often at the same time as pointing out their signs-of-aging folds of skin under their chin:"\[Turkey\] wattles." I can’t remember what the floppy arm skin… --- ## ["Contiguous"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contiguous/758743)
**Author:** [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contiguous/758743 "2016-07-02T17:42:11Z")
The “Final Jeopardy” question this evening required the names of two contiguous, coastal states that had elevation changes within their own state that were over 14,000 feet. Now you may know that Washington and Californ… --- ## [What is name of this Georgian hat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-georgian-hat/758904)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-name-of-this-georgian-hat/758904 "2016-07-02T17:25:53Z")
Here is grainy screen shot of Georgian hat. What is name of Georgian hat? Was hat commonly worn by non-Georgians? --- ## [Is any recusal "requirement" for the AG, or any Executive Branch lawyer, ultimately political?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-any-recusal-requirement-for-the-ag-or-any-executive-branch-lawyer-ultimately-political/758926)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-any-recusal-requirement-for-the-ag-or-any-executive-branch-lawyer-ultimately-political/758926 "2016-07-02T17:03:01Z")
The current FBI-“recommendations”–quotes not sneer quotes, but because they must have a real name which I don’t know–as to Hillary’s culpability in various criminal matters are to be made to the Attorney General. The A… --- ## [Robot vacuum cleaner logic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-vacuum-cleaner-logic/758896)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-vacuum-cleaner-logic/758896 "2016-07-02T15:17:13Z")
Last weekend I got myself one of those robot vacuum cleaners (a Deebot, if it matters). It works well and it’s still new enough to me that it’s fun watching it work instead of doing the work myself instead. I noticed rig… --- ## [Privacy question about medical forms at work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privacy-question-about-medical-forms-at-work/758897)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privacy-question-about-medical-forms-at-work/758897 "2016-07-02T14:52:36Z")
(Note that I’m not asking for advice on how to handle the situation…just the legality of it happening.) My company switched insurance providers last month. Our HR team sent an e-mail today informing us that ur new prov… --- ## [Condition of victims of wild elephant attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condition-of-victims-of-wild-elephant-attacks/758825)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2016, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/condition-of-victims-of-wild-elephant-attacks/758825 "2016-07-02T10:39:51Z")
I was just wondering – how badly mangled / “squished” would a human be after getting attacked by a wild elephant (Asian or African)? Are they usually fairly intact? Or are they flattened? The elephant is one animal who… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=879) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=881)