# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=92 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 93 --- ## [Explain to me the rise of GPUs (blockchain, AI)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-the-rise-of-gpus-blockchain-ai/1000501)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-me-the-rise-of-gpus-blockchain-ai/1000501 "2024-04-23T06:04:42Z")
ok, to me it seems that GPUs were once just graphic cards that helped representing the visual interface on monitors… Then about 15 years (or so?) ago, they became a thing of their own, due to “mining” … and now they ar… --- ## [Are COVID-related staffing shortages still a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-covid-related-staffing-shortages-still-a-thing/1000588)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2024, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-covid-related-staffing-shortages-still-a-thing/1000588 "2024-04-23T00:19:05Z")
In this thread ( How Many and What Kinds of Stores Are Open 24 hours a Day Near You?), there’s commentary about how COVID-related staff shortages are still going on in some areas. I’m not seeing it where I’m at, at leas… --- ## [The Moon's poles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moons-poles/989361)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-moons-poles/989361 "2024-04-22T22:47:05Z")
The Indian lander and rover is exploring the Moon’s southern pole. How do the two poles compare? Any reason to think one is a better prospect for ice and other resources than the other? --- ## [What is the simplest self-sustaining chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simplest-self-sustaining-chemical-system-capable-of-darwinian-evolution/999057)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-simplest-self-sustaining-chemical-system-capable-of-darwinian-evolution/999057 "2024-04-22T22:21:20Z")
Are there self-sustaining chemical systems that exist without a cell membrane? Of those, are any capable of Darwinian evolution? I can imagine placing 10 sugar cubes and 10 marbles in a bucket of water, waiting a day, a… --- ## [What were the exact number of battles the AEF engaged in in WWI. 10? 13? 17?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-exact-number-of-battles-the-aef-engaged-in-in-wwi-10-13-17/1000600)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-exact-number-of-battles-the-aef-engaged-in-in-wwi-10-13-17/1000600 "2024-04-22T18:15:30Z")
What were the exact number of battles the AEF engaged in in WWI. 10? 13? 17? I haven’t been able to find a reliable number. --- ## [What's "debt parking"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-debt-parking/1000530)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-debt-parking/1000530 "2024-04-22T16:57:15Z")
(I was going to post about this in P&E when it struck me that I ought to have at least a rudimentary understanding of the issue.) Apparently Donald Trump has reported a $50 million loan that may not actually exist. One… --- ## [What is the Language Spoken by the Native Americans in this Youtube Video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-language-spoken-by-the-native-americans-in-this-youtube-video/1000609)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-language-spoken-by-the-native-americans-in-this-youtube-video/1000609 "2024-04-22T15:02:53Z")
Spin-off from the excellent On the Naming of Canada Thread. The natives that Cartier encountered in Gaspé Bay were St. Lawrence Iroquoians. If this video was 100% accurate, the aboriginals would be speaking that langu… --- ## [Can we make an open nuclear reactor core? (spaceship power plant)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-make-an-open-nuclear-reactor-core-spaceship-power-plant/1000469)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2024, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-make-an-open-nuclear-reactor-core-spaceship-power-plant/1000469 "2024-04-22T12:42:57Z")
Nuclear reactors tend to produce quite a bit of heat. In a spaceship or space station, instead of trying to transfer that to heat transfer devices to radiate away from the ship, could we do it by just having the core it… --- ## [On The Mixing Of Local Wildlife And Exotic Animals In Captivity (better explained on OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-mixing-of-local-wildlife-and-exotic-animals-in-captivity-better-explained-on-op/1000587)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2024, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-mixing-of-local-wildlife-and-exotic-animals-in-captivity-better-explained-on-op/1000587 "2024-04-21T19:10:40Z")
Here in the US, there are places where predatory, carnivorous/omnivorous animals that aren’t native to the area are kept in captivity: zoos, unethical animal habitats (think: Joe Exotic), quasi-ethical rescue animal habi… --- ## [Did any soldiers in history ever used to put coleslaw inside their boots? My god, I have finally asked this question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-any-soldiers-in-history-ever-used-to-put-coleslaw-inside-their-boots-my-god-i-have-finally-asked-this-question/1000423)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2024, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-any-soldiers-in-history-ever-used-to-put-coleslaw-inside-their-boots-my-god-i-have-finally-asked-this-question/1000423 "2024-04-21T12:26:54Z")
When I was in the 6th grade- 11 years old- one of my classmates (who I think was possibly distantly related to German or Dutch- type ancestry) one day started saying “I need some coleslaw for my boots!” He kept repeating… --- ## [Cherry Hill, NJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cherry-hill-nj/91236)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2024, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cherry-hill-nj/91236 "2024-04-21T02:19:18Z")
Does anyone know of a rabbi ;j in Cherry Hill, NJ who is up on criminal charges - and they’re going for the death penalty? What’s the scoop here? Jinx --- ## [Do inflation numbers account for shrinkflation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-inflation-numbers-account-for-shrinkflation/1000477)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-inflation-numbers-account-for-shrinkflation/1000477 "2024-04-20T19:24:46Z")
And can shrinkflation be accurately measured? --- ## [Loop da loop in a jetliner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loop-da-loop-in-a-jetliner/1000475)
**Author:** [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loop-da-loop-in-a-jetliner/1000475 "2024-04-20T15:20:14Z")
I have a clear memory of the following but have been unable to find it online, which makes me think I have at least one major detail wrong (perhaps all of them). Maybe someone here remembers? Here’s how I recall it: In… --- ## [When will the LAST total solar eclipse be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-last-total-solar-eclipse-be/999940)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-the-last-total-solar-eclipse-be/999940 "2024-04-20T13:31:33Z")
Okay, based on random bits I’ve heard (and maybe totally misunderstood) over the years and especially the current mania about the coming eclipse: For a total solar eclipse the moon’s apparent size must be at least as la… --- ## [What's the maximum extent to which a private citizen is allowed to wage war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-maximum-extent-to-which-a-private-citizen-is-allowed-to-wage-war/1000434)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-maximum-extent-to-which-a-private-citizen-is-allowed-to-wage-war/1000434 "2024-04-20T09:24:56Z")
Let’s say that some super-rich billionaire (with, say the wealth of Musk, Gates or Bezos) decided he wanted to help out Israel, Ukraine, or some other side in a foreign war. Is he in violation of the Logan Act (or some … --- ## [Legal Types: Jury Instructions including Sentence? (12 Angry Men)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-types-jury-instructions-including-sentence-12-angry-men/1000317)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-types-jury-instructions-including-sentence-12-angry-men/1000317 "2024-04-20T02:41:41Z")
I’m watching 12 Angry Men while composing some music. At the start of the movie the judge is providing jury instructions. The last instruction is with regards to sentencing. The judge says “if you return a guilt verdict… --- ## [Questions about iPhone 13 charging options](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-iphone-13-charging-options/956799)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2024, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-iphone-13-charging-options/956799 "2024-04-20T00:23:18Z")
(I am not interested in MagSafe or other wireless options at this time, just trying to sort out wired choices) My new iPhone 13 comes with a charging cable that has, I believe, a Lightning connector at one end and a USB… --- ## [Do rotary nose-hair trimmers actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775)
**Author:** [@norvalnormal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norvalnormal)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-rotary-nose-hair-trimmers-actually-work/972775 "2024-04-19T22:24:42Z")
I just bought a “well-reviewed” one from Amazon, and it does not cut hair at ALL. I suddenly realized I have a half dozen of these things (two of them Panasonic-branded), and none did a decent job, and every single one o… --- ## [Elopement Stats For Drug Rehab Facilities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elopement-stats-for-drug-rehab-facilities/1000480)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elopement-stats-for-drug-rehab-facilities/1000480 "2024-04-19T15:26:33Z")
My Google Fu is failing me. I’m looking for a percentage of how many people leave x-day drug rehab treatment before completing. Like, if Sunny Acres averages about 30 new patients per month, how many of those will leave … --- ## [Who could replace Kim Jong Un?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-could-replace-kim-jong-un/1000237)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-could-replace-kim-jong-un/1000237 "2024-04-19T14:03:17Z")
The only thing I can find is that his daughter would be the favorite in a peaceful transition if Kim died. I wonder if she could be the ruthless leader her father is? In a country where the slightest opposition to the le… --- ## [Prince Harry working in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prince-harry-working-in-the-usa/938518)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prince-harry-working-in-the-usa/938518 "2024-04-19T13:41:50Z")
Just saw on the news that Prince Harry is working in the US. He’s Chief Impact Officer at BetterUp, a SF area tech company. Is he allowed to work in the US? Does he have a green card? When I visited England, I remembe… --- ## [When did showers become popular in the US (instead of baths)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-showers-become-popular-in-the-us-instead-of-baths/999135)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-showers-become-popular-in-the-us-instead-of-baths/999135 "2024-04-19T12:55:02Z")
Way back in the days of yore, people heated water in pots over a fire or on a stove, poured it into a tub, and took a bath. At some point, indoor plumbing and dedicated gas/electric water-heating appliances became a thi… --- ## [Weird issue with web browsing after router change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-issue-with-web-browsing-after-router-change/999818)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-issue-with-web-browsing-after-router-change/999818 "2024-04-19T12:12:44Z")
Yesterday I switched from TDS Cable internet to CenturyLink DSL 140Mbps. Everything is working fine and the speedtest comes back as it should except my son is having issues with the web. It is slow to load and sometime… --- ## [Is the average eukaryotic cell part of a larger organism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-average-eukaryotic-cell-part-of-a-larger-organism/1000491)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2024, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-average-eukaryotic-cell-part-of-a-larger-organism/1000491 "2024-04-19T08:38:16Z")
In other words, if you selected a currently living eukaryotic cell at random, would it be a single-celled organism or part of some multicellular entity? I think the answer to the question is clear when we look at all ce… --- ## [Brand names that changed in everyday usage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brand-names-that-changed-in-everyday-usage/998123)
**Author:** [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brand-names-that-changed-in-everyday-usage/998123 "2024-04-18T19:39:58Z")
It’s common - unremarkable, even - for a company to start marketing a product under a new brand name. (E.g. Electrasol detergent tabs became Finish in 2009.) Are there any examples where consumers started calling a produ… --- ## [Why were the mountains wearing tarps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-mountains-wearing-tarps/1000332)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-mountains-wearing-tarps/1000332 "2024-04-18T18:49:49Z")
Spotted to the east of I-81, near Scranton PA, on Saturday. I glanced to the left, and saw that several of the mountains there appeared to basically be covered in absolutely ginormous black fabric. I know there’s coal m… --- ## [What specs would digital music have to have to be indistinguishable from analog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-specs-would-digital-music-have-to-have-to-be-indistinguishable-from-analog/999851)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-specs-would-digital-music-have-to-have-to-be-indistinguishable-from-analog/999851 "2024-04-18T17:01:17Z")
I have heard about this war since the CD was invented. The main argument I hear about digital music is that the sampling rate is not good enough to match analog. What would the sampling rate have to be to produce music … --- ## [Why is the valuation so high for the SPAC merging with Truth Social?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-valuation-so-high-for-the-spac-merging-with-truth-social/999226)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-valuation-so-high-for-the-spac-merging-with-truth-social/999226 "2024-04-18T16:08:24Z")
Why is the SPAC merging with Truth Social valued at $42/ share when TS loses money hand over fist? Also, what’s the story on Digital World Acquisition Company, the SPAC in question? AIUI, its lifetime has exceeded two … --- ## [Can military tanks go backward as fast as forward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-military-tanks-go-backward-as-fast-as-forward/1000414)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-military-tanks-go-backward-as-fast-as-forward/1000414 "2024-04-18T13:22:25Z")
Inspired by a side discussion here: Do military battle tanks have the ability to travel backwards as fast as they can travel forwards? I’m wondering whether, once you identify an asymmetry in the “footprint” on the g… --- ## [Can a state prosecutor subpoena an out of state witness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-state-prosecutor-subpoena-an-out-of-state-witness/1000245)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-state-prosecutor-subpoena-an-out-of-state-witness/1000245 "2024-04-18T12:46:29Z")
Can a witness wiith no property or job within a state be subpoenaed and forced to testify at a trial? I know there are extradition agreements between states for suspected criminals. A person is driving through a city … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=91) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=93)