# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=900 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 901 --- ## [How many times are aircraft carrier arrestor cables used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-are-aircraft-carrier-arrestor-cables-used/409833)
**Author:** [@aerodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aerodave)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-times-are-aircraft-carrier-arrestor-cables-used/409833 "2016-05-26T17:51:28Z")
As far as I know, the answer could be anywhere between once and hundreds of times. But does anyone have a real idea of how many stops they get out of a particular arrestor cable? The Wikipedia article says they get pul… --- ## [why is Dylann Roof charged with Federal Crimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-dylann-roof-charged-with-federal-crimes/755593)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-dylann-roof-charged-with-federal-crimes/755593 "2016-05-26T15:29:30Z")
CNN article here: At what point does something like this killing make it a Federal crime vs. a state crime? Most murders are charged with state crimes, what tips the balance in general, and specifically for this case … --- ## [Is it true that if a flight disappears from the website Flightradar it has crashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-if-a-flight-disappears-from-the-website-flightradar-it-has-crashed/755659)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-if-a-flight-disappears-from-the-website-flightradar-it-has-crashed/755659 "2016-05-26T14:25:50Z")
How could a flight disappearing from the screen on the Flight Radar app equate to a plane crash. Thats what the news agencies would have us believe. Its not true is it. --- ## [Why are train tracks flat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-train-tracks-flat/755352)
**Author:** [@BeefyMeats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeefyMeats)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-train-tracks-flat/755352 "2016-05-26T04:02:59Z")
I know it sounds dumb, but they have such difficulty going up the slightest of grades. If they had teeth (like gears) than they could kick some serious ass. I know its probably not cost effective, but hey… what do you t… --- ## [Windows 10, no keyboard, no mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-no-keyboard-no-mouse/755600)
**Author:** [@flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flight)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-no-keyboard-no-mouse/755600 "2016-05-26T01:53:26Z")
ARRRRGGGGHHH. I have been ignoring this damn Windows 10 upgrade for a year now, and one day I come home to find my desk top asleep and unable to wake. A restart shows why. I see a Windows 10 login screen (I guess it fin… --- ## [Can you drink and drive on private property](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-drink-and-drive-on-private-property/622148)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-drink-and-drive-on-private-property/622148 "2012-05-23T02:18:37Z")
If you own a large piece of property can you get drunk and drive on your property or is that considered a crime? --- ## [Cleaning up after rats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-up-after-rats/755699)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-up-after-rats/755699 "2016-05-25T23:20:00Z")
Building off my other thread: Effective rat deterrents? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board I do in fact have rats in the attic to a greater extent than usual. The professionals are in agreement that I n… --- ## [A question about prescription Motrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-prescription-motrin/228595)
**Author:** [@Club\_33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Club_33)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-prescription-motrin/228595 "2016-05-25T21:28:58Z")
Is there any difference between the Motrin that is prescribed by a doctor/dentist and what you buy in the store? My boyfriend went to the dentist and was given a prescription for 800 milligram tablets of Motrin. I told… --- ## [10-year-old Ibuprofen: Any good? Any bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-year-old-ibuprofen-any-good-any-bad/755583)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-year-old-ibuprofen-any-good-any-bad/755583 "2016-05-25T21:14:23Z")
If you want more background: 10 or so years ago, I banged up my foot. Went to the doc, and it turned out nothing broken, but but it was swollen and had some pretty colors for a week or so. Doc wrote me a prescription … --- ## [Do spiders know when their meal is ready to eat (i.e., 'drink)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spiders-know-when-their-meal-is-ready-to-eat-i-e-drink/755678)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spiders-know-when-their-meal-is-ready-to-eat-i-e-drink/755678 "2016-05-25T21:10:41Z")
So a spider envenomates its prey, and the digestive enzymes go to work dissolving the innards of the hapless bug (or whatever). Do they have an instinct for knowing when it’s ready to slurp up, or do they go back and … --- ## [Are phone numbers almost free now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-phone-numbers-almost-free-now/755575)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-phone-numbers-almost-free-now/755575 "2016-05-25T20:56:15Z")
I recall there was a time were it looked like we were going to run out of phone numbers, what with everybody having both a home number and a mobile number. But with people ditching their home lines and phone booths beco… --- ## [Kosher Eating Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kosher-eating-question/755467)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kosher-eating-question/755467 "2016-05-25T19:32:56Z")
I am aware that when eating kosher you’re not supposed to mix meat and dairy in the same meal. The question is, how much time needs to elapse before you can, say, follow up that roast beef and rye sandwich with an ice c… --- ## [Are all cancers unique to the individual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-cancers-unique-to-the-individual/755616)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-cancers-unique-to-the-individual/755616 "2016-05-25T17:03:34Z")
Hi I’ve search to find out whether each cancer is unique in nature to the individual. It probably is, but I haven’t been able to verify it. I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Question on this home built foundry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-this-home-built-foundry/755662)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-this-home-built-foundry/755662 "2016-05-25T16:46:41Z")
Here is the video of the foundry I want to make. We know it melts aluminum but would it melt copper or glass? --- ## [Would/could a container ship stop for a guy drifting in the ocean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-could-a-container-ship-stop-for-a-guy-drifting-in-the-ocean/753246)
**Author:** [@Chickenwrangler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chickenwrangler)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-could-a-container-ship-stop-for-a-guy-drifting-in-the-ocean/753246 "2016-05-25T15:13:01Z")
Recently watched the Robert Redford movie “All is Lost”. Basically the story is after his yacht sinks in an accident RR is adrift all alone in an inflatable life raft. After some time he drifts into the shipping lanes a… --- ## [How come serial killers in USA kill so many people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-serial-killers-in-usa-kill-so-many-people/755161)
**Author:** [@bomberswarm2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bomberswarm2)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-serial-killers-in-usa-kill-so-many-people/755161 "2016-05-25T11:36:09Z")
In Australia, the worst serial killers are John Bunting and Ivan Milat. Bunting killed 12 people and Milat at least 7, but both of them have exceptional circumstances as to why they were able to kill so many (Milat kille… --- ## [Why haven't humans ever evolved pointy elf-like ears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-humans-ever-evolved-pointy-elf-like-ears/734488)
**Author:** [@buddha\_david](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddha_david)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-humans-ever-evolved-pointy-elf-like-ears/734488 "2016-05-25T07:26:15Z")
It’s a common trope in fantasy and science fiction for non-human races like elves and Vulcans to sport distinctive, pointy ears. In fact, Spock’s pointy ears were developed as a really inexpensive way to make him instan… --- ## [Satellites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellites/755437)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellites/755437 "2016-05-25T04:02:49Z")
Whenever I watch these tv shows (24, for example) they always show them using satellites to spy on people. They can see faces, read tags on cars, and other stuff. Many people claim that this is accurate. Yet, when we … --- ## [Could we tell if time isn't constant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-tell-if-time-isnt-constant/755176)
**Author:** [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-tell-if-time-isnt-constant/755176 "2016-05-25T03:48:50Z")
OK, time for Kevbo’s crackpot cosmology idea: The evidence that space is expanding is pretty compelling. We also observe that this expansion is accelerating. Why? Who knows? it has been labeled Dark Energy as a plac… --- ## [When you stare at a cloudless blue sky and you see those floaty things.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-stare-at-a-cloudless-blue-sky-and-you-see-those-floaty-things/755618)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-stare-at-a-cloudless-blue-sky-and-you-see-those-floaty-things/755618 "2016-05-25T03:08:56Z")
What the hell are those? --- ## [Maximum number of primaries to legally vote in during a year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-number-of-primaries-to-legally-vote-in-during-a-year/755307)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-number-of-primaries-to-legally-vote-in-during-a-year/755307 "2016-05-25T02:12:58Z")
A co-worker of mine just moved from South Florida to Portland, and the Oregon primary was in the news. This made me think…primary elections are state events, not national. There are registration deadlines, but they are… --- ## [Where can you recycle a TV in Chicago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-you-recycle-a-tv-in-chicago/755557)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-you-recycle-a-tv-in-chicago/755557 "2016-05-25T02:07:52Z")
My GF has an old CRT television and CRT computer monitor sitting in her apartment. I agreed to take them to a recycling center for her. Neither of us has a car but I was going to rent a Zipcar to see it done…no biggie. … --- ## [Testing silver with magnets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-silver-with-magnets/755493)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-silver-with-magnets/755493 "2016-05-25T02:05:54Z")
I recently watched a video on how to check a silver ingot with a magnet. On the video they mentioned that you can’t use this to test a coin, because the coin is too small. But what if you had a series of coins? Say 6 or … --- ## [How to tell if a bathtub spout is slip fit or screw on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-if-a-bathtub-spout-is-slip-fit-or-screw-on/755582)
**Author:** [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-tell-if-a-bathtub-spout-is-slip-fit-or-screw-on/755582 "2016-05-25T00:07:53Z")
I’m replacing the fixtures in my tub and shower, and purchased a nice moen kit that had a shower head, shower faucet, and tub spout. When I took it home, low and behold it is a screw on spout, and my old spout was slip … --- ## [How much is a gallon of gas worth of energy cost for electricity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-a-gallon-of-gas-worth-of-energy-cost-for-electricity/755586)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-a-gallon-of-gas-worth-of-energy-cost-for-electricity/755586 "2016-05-24T23:18:16Z")
I’m trying to think of a useful way to come up with a comparative costs for fueling an electric car versus a gas one. How much does it actually cost to “fill up” a Tesla battery, for instance? If you can think of more … --- ## [Why are Silver Nitrate applicators not available in pharmacies ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-silver-nitrate-applicators-not-available-in-pharmacies/755499)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-silver-nitrate-applicators-not-available-in-pharmacies/755499 "2016-05-24T23:04:19Z")
My 8 year old kid occasionally gets tongue ulcers. Everytime she gets one, we visit a doctor who specializes in Otolaryngology. All she does is use a silver nitrate stick to treat the ulcer and it is soon gone. It usuall… --- ## [Rape on US colleges vs. World War II mass rapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-on-us-colleges-vs-world-war-ii-mass-rapes/752737)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-on-us-colleges-vs-world-war-ii-mass-rapes/752737 "2016-05-24T22:12:44Z")
It is claimed that a very high percentage of women on U.S. college campuses will be raped during their time in college. It is also a fact that when the Soviet army captured Nazi Germany in World War II, there was an extr… --- ## [Where could I find this \[folding bicycle\] part?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-could-i-find-this-folding-bicycle-part/755495)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-could-i-find-this-folding-bicycle-part/755495 "2016-05-24T19:57:57Z")
An important piece recently fell off of my bicycle, and I’ve been trying to find a replacement. Unfortunately, it’s far from standard: The bicycle folds in half, and the missing piece is part of the hinge assembly. I … --- ## [WTF D.O.L.? Final Overtime Rules Effective December 1, 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-d-o-l-final-overtime-rules-effective-december-1-2016/755226)
**Author:** [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-d-o-l-final-overtime-rules-effective-december-1-2016/755226 "2016-05-24T19:43:55Z")
Got this from my Payroll company. Final Overtime Rules Effective December 1, 2016 Now, I am all for raising minimum wage, all of my employees make considerably better than minimum wage. I am pretty much for most labor … --- ## [Blown Receptacles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blown-receptacles/755280)
**Author:** [@seamonkey74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seamonkey74)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blown-receptacles/755280 "2016-05-24T19:43:09Z")
I plugged an old lamp into a receptacle in my kitchen and it immediately “popped”…and made a black mark on the outside of the receptacle. Now that receptacle…along with 4 other receptacles beside it doesn’t work. It did… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=899) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=901)