# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=891 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 892 --- ## [whitish blobs in new olive oil: safe? (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitish-blobs-in-new-olive-oil-safe-need-answer-fast/757223)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitish-blobs-in-new-olive-oil-safe-need-answer-fast/757223 "2016-06-13T15:16:40Z")
Just made some sauce for dinner, and opened up a new bottle of olive oil for it. After finishing the sauce, I noticed that the olive oil bottle contains numerous tiny whitish/translucent blobs, each one maybe 2mm across… --- ## [My cat gave birth now her sibling hates her](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-gave-birth-now-her-sibling-hates-her/757189)
**Author:** [@Jojoandersen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jojoandersen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-cat-gave-birth-now-her-sibling-hates-her/757189 "2016-06-13T13:47:25Z")
I have 2 cats who are sisters. They have adored each other from day one. They would also sleep together with paws wrapped around each other. Well, one of them just had a litter 2 days ago. Now the 2 cats cannot stan… --- ## [Serious Hikers I have a question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-hikers-i-have-a-question/757013)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-hikers-i-have-a-question/757013 "2016-06-13T13:16:27Z")
I’m trying to find a reliable breakdown of who gets lost where when hiking. Day trippers stepping out to pee? More experienced hikers who decide to forge into rougher territory? Mountainous area hikers? Established trai… --- ## [why is my new air conditioner more efficient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-new-air-conditioner-more-efficient/757026)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-new-air-conditioner-more-efficient/757026 "2016-06-13T05:01:57Z")
Got new central air conditioning system installed last summer. Previous unit was ~20 years old. Didn’t get to see the new evaporator that was installed, but the condenser/compressor unit outside is enormous. As it’s … --- ## [So what does a hummingbird fight to the death look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-does-a-hummingbird-fight-to-the-death-look-like/665720)
**Author:** [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-does-a-hummingbird-fight-to-the-death-look-like/665720 "2016-06-13T03:34:00Z")
I have hummingbirds at my feeders. Or more specifically, I have one male who’s sure that they are his feeders, and I have a few other hummingbirds who make frequent attempts to fly in under the radar and have a few sip… --- ## [Are legal judgements dischargeable in ch. 11 bankruptcy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-legal-judgements-dischargeable-in-ch-11-bankruptcy/757033)
**Author:** [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2016, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-legal-judgements-dischargeable-in-ch-11-bankruptcy/757033 "2016-06-13T00:17:14Z")
looks like Gawker is filing for chapter 11; not that I’d be sad to see Gawker media go down in flames, but is it possible this is “strategic” to try to minimize the impact of the damages awarded to Hulk Hogan? http://w… --- ## [How did mitochondria become part of our DNA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-mitochondria-become-part-of-our-dna/756939)
**Author:** [@alsoknownas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alsoknownas)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-mitochondria-become-part-of-our-dna/756939 "2016-06-12T21:29:18Z")
If mitochondria originated as bacteria outside of our cells, how did they come to be part of our reproductive cycle? To me, it’s a bit like if a snail dug it’s way into a rabbit and then managed to be born as a baby sna… --- ## [I've discovered a probability distribution. Does it have a name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-discovered-a-probability-distribution-does-it-have-a-name/757190)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-discovered-a-probability-distribution-does-it-have-a-name/757190 "2016-06-12T18:35:25Z")
So I was bored this afternoon and I was browsing this webcomic. The linked comic contains a joke about Euler and his discovery of the natural logarithm and the number e. So continuing in my boredom I decided to graph th… --- ## [Why is Automotive paint so expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-automotive-paint-so-expensive/757144)
**Author:** [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-automotive-paint-so-expensive/757144 "2016-06-12T18:32:39Z")
What is the “stuff” that makes paint so pricey? I’m looking at top of the line auto paints and they run $200, $250, even $300+ per gallon. I can see some pigments, maybe they are derived from something rare or whatever, … --- ## [Help understanding quantum cat states and artificial atoms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-understanding-quantum-cat-states-and-artificial-atoms/757163)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-understanding-quantum-cat-states-and-artificial-atoms/757163 "2016-06-12T17:37:36Z")
So the May 27 issue of Science has this article which claims to demonstrate a “cat state” (an observable real world Schrödinger’s cat two states existing at the same time occurance, I think the same thing sometimes also … --- ## [What Happened at EDstock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-at-edstock/103847)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2002, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-at-edstock/103847 "2002-04-16T04:12:33Z")
I’m reading this book entitled: Cult TV: Your Guide to the Shows America Can’t Live Without, by John Javna. One page has a picture of a flier for “Edstock,” a concert/Mr. Ed convention that took place in Texas in the mi… --- ## [How Much Is the Earth Worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-earth-worth/756814)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-earth-worth/756814 "2016-06-12T05:08:37Z")
Some alien from another planet far far away wants to buy the earth. All of it. How much is the earth worth? Think about my question carefully. If you take all the gold mines, and all the platinum mines, and all the coal… --- ## [How do cell phones work, logically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-cell-phones-work-logically/748647)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-cell-phones-work-logically/748647 "2016-03-12T23:04:02Z")
This was prompted by a text message from AT&T saying that they would no longer support my 2G phone in 2017. Here are some of the issues I’d like to understand. I understand the concept of cells and switching cells as I… --- ## [Is ICSI in vitro fertilization germline genetic modification?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-icsi-in-vitro-fertilization-germline-genetic-modification/756962)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-icsi-in-vitro-fertilization-germline-genetic-modification/756962 "2016-06-12T02:47:37Z")
Since in ICSI you’re using a needle and the sperm and egg fuse in a different fashion than they would in regular conception or IVF, does this change the genetics of the embryo from what they would have been if they fused… --- ## [Are Apps on Google play store a subscription or one time payment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-apps-on-google-play-store-a-subscription-or-one-time-payment/756906)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-apps-on-google-play-store-a-subscription-or-one-time-payment/756906 "2016-06-12T02:24:24Z")
Most phone apps on Google Play are less than $5. Is that a one time charge or monthly subscription? I’m considering buying a $25 Google play card. To use for a few phone apps. But only if it’s a one time charge. I’m not… --- ## [White Holes- where?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-holes-where/756941)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2016, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-holes-where/756941 "2016-06-12T00:26:34Z")
A recently published article claims that new calculations reveal that black holes probably do not have an infinitely dense zero radius singularity inside, but rather wormholes to somewhere else. (The article just says “a… --- ## [Nationalities that are smaller in size](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationalities-that-are-smaller-in-size/757148)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationalities-that-are-smaller-in-size/757148 "2016-06-11T23:05:59Z")
Why do some countries have smaller people. Is it all to do with nutrition, disease and harsh conditions? Did these reasons over ride genetics or is it all in the genes. --- ## [Why don't "black boxes" float?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-black-boxes-float/756345)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-black-boxes-float/756345 "2016-06-11T22:49:18Z")
As they continue searching for the EgyptAir black boxes, I’m wondering why they aren’t encased in something that would float to the surface. Granted, they would float only if torn free from the rest of the wreckage, but … --- ## [Looking for a summer car accessory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-summer-car-accessory/757085)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-summer-car-accessory/757085 "2016-06-11T21:39:18Z")
I used to see a special auto accessory in mail-order catalogs: a solar-powered fan that fits on a car window and keeps the air inside a car, presumably parked out in the hot sun on a summer day, from becoming an oven in … --- ## [Speaker of the House Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-of-the-house-question/756958)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaker-of-the-house-question/756958 "2016-06-11T21:26:02Z")
In the US Congress does the Speaker of the House have the absolute power to decide which bills, if any, get presented to the House for a debate or vote? In other words, if he/she doesn’t want to present a bill then nobod… --- ## [Southern states used to only have one political party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-states-used-to-only-have-one-political-party/757072)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-states-used-to-only-have-one-political-party/757072 "2016-06-11T18:18:56Z")
I have heard that there were some states in the south that used to only have one party in elections. IIRC, it was called the Democratic party, but did not resemble the Democratic party we know today. Is any of this true… --- ## [Question About Amperage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-amperage/757039)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-amperage/757039 "2016-06-11T17:35:08Z")
Setting up the freezers and coolers in the new store and have a question about my amp usage. My panel has a 200 amp service. The total of my coolers and freezer amps is 158, then the air conditioner that is built in ab… --- ## [Can the "to:" part of an email on an iPhone be changed after it was sent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-to-part-of-an-email-on-an-iphone-be-changed-after-it-was-sent/757117)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-to-part-of-an-email-on-an-iphone-be-changed-after-it-was-sent/757117 "2016-06-11T16:55:15Z")
Meaning: I get a business related email. The “from” part has the persons name. The “to” part says something unflattering. Example: From: John Doe To: Asshole Tap on asshole and it has my email address. Is there any … --- ## [Do whales or elephants have any special abilities due to their large brains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-whales-or-elephants-have-any-special-abilities-due-to-their-large-brains/756748)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-whales-or-elephants-have-any-special-abilities-due-to-their-large-brains/756748 "2016-06-11T16:07:50Z")
Humans have three pound brains. Elephants are eleven pounds, sperm whales are eighteen pounds. Granted they are larger animals, but dinosaurs had brains the size of a baseball and they did fine. Do mammals with larger … --- ## [Do home made irrigation hoses work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-home-made-irrigation-hoses-work/756912)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-home-made-irrigation-hoses-work/756912 "2016-06-11T12:54:26Z")
I have about 30 new shrubs on the front of my property and an old crappy hundred foot hose that I haven’t used in years. So is it worth winding this among the shrubs and drilling holes where needed to directly water the… --- ## [Schools that use unusual or archaic names for degrees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schools-that-use-unusual-or-archaic-names-for-degrees/756281)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schools-that-use-unusual-or-archaic-names-for-degrees/756281 "2016-06-11T08:30:19Z")
In a recent thread, it was mentioned that some universities in the USA continue to issue degrees with Latin and/or characteristic names despite the fact that the vast majority of US schools have (sensibly) standardized o… --- ## [For surgical removal, are cataracts scraped or "peeled" off? Other eye-surgery techniques?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-surgical-removal-are-cataracts-scraped-or-peeled-off-other-eye-surgery-techniques/756801)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-surgical-removal-are-cataracts-scraped-or-peeled-off-other-eye-surgery-techniques/756801 "2016-06-11T03:48:39Z")
See query. Re “scraping” I was surprised to learn that calcium deposits on the eye, my eye, in fact, would be scraped off, at first, when they began to hurt too much. (“…intraocular calcium \[subsequent to phthisis bulbi\]… --- ## [What would a pile of neutrons look like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-pile-of-neutrons-look-like/756979)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2016, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-pile-of-neutrons-look-like/756979 "2016-06-11T01:20:51Z")
Let’s say I had a device that could slow down free neutrons to less than a few mm/s. I hook that up to a neutron emitter until I have a few kilograms of neutrons. Not enough to make neutronium, just enough to make a pile… --- ## [High altitude balloon project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-altitude-balloon-project/751296)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2016, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-altitude-balloon-project/751296 "2016-06-10T23:39:21Z")
I’ve been itching to do something fun, interesting, and crazy but lack of time and circumstances keep getting in the way. I think I found something doable though. I want to send a balloon up to high altitude with a cell… --- ## [Is ceremonial sunset later in high-rises? Re: Muslims & Jews.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ceremonial-sunset-later-in-high-rises-re-muslims-jews/757047)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ceremonial-sunset-later-in-high-rises-re-muslims-jews/757047 "2016-06-10T20:39:28Z")
On PRI’s The World today, amid stories of Muhammad Ali’s memorials, there was a little story about Ramadan, the yearly fasting. One man’s phone’s Ramadan app sounded at sundown, when they break the fast and eat. Similar… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=890) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=892)