# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=928 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 929 --- ## [Relationship of SCOTUS to Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts in this case: Please clarify](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationship-of-scotus-to-supreme-judicial-court-of-massachusetts-in-this-case-please-clarify/750152)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relationship-of-scotus-to-supreme-judicial-court-of-massachusetts-in-this-case-please-clarify/750152 "2016-03-30T04:04:00Z")
In this case, what is the relationship between SCOTUS and the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts? Specifically, how and why did SCOTUS even get involved? Did the Massachusetts Court ask for SCOTUS’ input? Or, perha… --- ## [Copper Window Screen as Faraday Cage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copper-window-screen-as-faraday-cage/750105)
**Author:** [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/copper-window-screen-as-faraday-cage/750105 "2016-03-30T03:25:02Z")
With all the noise about hacker’s ability to commandeer cars, a though occurs: Could old-fashioned copper window screen (very fine copper wire forming a grid of ~1mm) be laminated to a car and prevent remote access? Fo… --- ## [Long-haul flights; how does the cockpit crew pass the time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-haul-flights-how-does-the-cockpit-crew-pass-the-time/743907)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-haul-flights-how-does-the-cockpit-crew-pass-the-time/743907 "2016-03-30T02:43:29Z")
I’ve flown to Japan several times now; from Detroit, the gate-to-gate time is about thirteen hours. The initial half-hour and the final half-hour of the flight are somewhat engaging as the plane is climbing, descending,… --- ## [Why did Armstrong land Apollo 11 instead of Aldrin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-armstrong-land-apollo-11-instead-of-aldrin/750277)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-armstrong-land-apollo-11-instead-of-aldrin/750277 "2016-03-30T02:15:22Z")
Buzz Aldrin is listed in all of the sources that I’ve read as “Lunar Module Pilot” while Neil Armstrong is the Commander. ISTM that landing the craft would be something for the pilot to do. Why was it Armstrong’s respo… --- ## [Eating poison ivy will make you immune to it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-poison-ivy-will-make-you-immune-to-it/255818)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-poison-ivy-will-make-you-immune-to-it/255818 "2016-03-30T01:27:47Z")
A friend swears that a person will become immune to the effects of poison ivy if they eat it before they reach the age of 10. I think it’s B.S., and dangerous to say the least. Is my suspicion correct? --- ## [Why is 'decoding a data file format w/o succumbing to an exploit' apparently an intractable problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-decoding-a-data-file-format-w-o-succumbing-to-an-exploit-apparently-an-intractable-problem/750032)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2016, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-decoding-a-data-file-format-w-o-succumbing-to-an-exploit-apparently-an-intractable-problem/750032 "2016-03-30T01:07:38Z")
This is something that has long puzzled me. Apparently there are always new exploits that work by malformed data in a data file (such as JPEG, PDF, ZIP) causing the software/operating system on the target system to execu… --- ## [New car battery: how long till the computer is good on a Subaru](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-car-battery-how-long-till-the-computer-is-good-on-a-subaru/750575)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-car-battery-how-long-till-the-computer-is-good-on-a-subaru/750575 "2016-03-29T22:57:57Z")
I have 2 more days to get my 2011 Subaru inspected. This morning 8 a.m. I found the battery was dead dead dead. Called AAA and got a new battery put in, called the garage. He said I have to drive it around a few days … --- ## [Car is dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-is-dead/749586)
**Author:** [@Dondan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dondan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-is-dead/749586 "2016-03-29T22:00:46Z")
I thought my car battery was dead,had all the tell tale signs.I bought a new battery,car still would’nt start.when I had the old battery in I could still roll the windows up and down,but now I can’t even do that,it is co… --- ## [To blow, perchance to sail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-blow-perchance-to-sail/750493)
**Author:** [@Herdthiscat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Herdthiscat)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-blow-perchance-to-sail/750493 "2016-03-29T21:16:18Z")
Help me, dear hive mind, with a question that has plagued me for too long, given its (apparent) simplicity and obvious answer. If I blow into a sail, will it move my boat forward, even if imperceptibly? Will it produce … --- ## [Are these actual korean sayings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-actual-korean-sayings/750497)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-these-actual-korean-sayings/750497 "2016-03-29T20:55:02Z")
An episode of QI included several sayings that are supposedly used in Korean. Can anybody tell me if these are (or were) actual sayings used in Korea? \[ul\] \[li\]“You wouldn’t notice even if a friend at the same table di… --- ## [I dropped the toilet handle down the toilet.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dropped-the-toilet-handle-down-the-toilet/750499)
**Author:** [@brooklyn84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brooklyn84)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dropped-the-toilet-handle-down-the-toilet/750499 "2016-03-29T20:32:31Z")
Sooooo I had finished doing my business and i went to flush and the handle came off and went straight into the flushing water :smack::smack::smack::smack: . Did I break the toilet?Should I call a plumber? What do I do? --- ## [Nothing "accurate" about calibrating an oven's temperature! Arrrgg!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-accurate-about-calibrating-an-ovens-temperature-arrrgg/750531)
**Author:** [@Me\_Billy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Me_Billy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nothing-accurate-about-calibrating-an-ovens-temperature-arrrgg/750531 "2016-03-29T20:26:29Z")
I bought a new (used) electric kitchen range. 1970’s model for $50 from Craigslist.org. So I decided to “calibrate” the oven for when I set it to 350 degrees F., the oven heats to that temperature… Well my cheap oven t… --- ## [Is it illegal, or proscribed in contract, for a pilot to abandon a \[hijacked\] plane? A sea captain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-or-proscribed-in-contract-for-a-pilot-to-abandon-a-hijacked-plane-a-sea-captain/750534)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-or-proscribed-in-contract-for-a-pilot-to-abandon-a-hijacked-plane-a-sea-captain/750534 "2016-03-29T18:08:17Z")
Yesterday’s EgyptAir hijacking; the plane is parked, pilot exits via window: EgyptAir hijacked plane: Suspected arrested after being branded an 'idiot' by Egyptian minister Obviously abnormal circumstances. I’m basing … --- ## [How much damage could a crazy POTUS do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-could-a-crazy-potus-do/747754)
**Author:** [@markdash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markdash)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-could-a-crazy-potus-do/747754 "2016-03-29T18:05:41Z")
(Hypothetical incoming) Suppose we elect a new President (feel free to call him “Tronald Dump” for the purposes of this exercise). Once assuming the presidency, he immediately begins to exercise every power available to… --- ## [The Constitution is silent on how a state is to choose its electors.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-constitution-is-silent-on-how-a-state-is-to-choose-its-electors/750266)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-constitution-is-silent-on-how-a-state-is-to-choose-its-electors/750266 "2016-03-29T18:01:23Z")
Hi The Constitution is silent on how a state is to choose its electors. I have a few questions on the subject. How uniform is the process of selecting electors across the US today? Do states change the rules for selec… --- ## [2001 Dodge Durango 4x4 Overheating.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2001-dodge-durango-4x4-overheating/746050)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2001-dodge-durango-4x4-overheating/746050 "2016-03-29T17:54:22Z")
I have a 2001 Dodge Durango 4x4 overheating. When I start the engine, there is no noise out of the ordinary. When the heat gauge gets to approximately 10 o’clock, there seems to be a regular dull tapping/thud, coming fr… --- ## [What would I have to do to earn the max $1000 fine for littering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-i-have-to-do-to-earn-the-max-1000-fine-for-littering/750434)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-i-have-to-do-to-earn-the-max-1000-fine-for-littering/750434 "2016-03-29T16:50:40Z")
Don’t need answer fast, I’m not in the habit of littering. Many US highways have signs detailing a maximum fine for littering. I would guess that it’s worded this way because it’s shown to be a more effective deterrent … --- ## [How much of a state's revenue comes from optional taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-states-revenue-comes-from-optional-taxes/750516)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-states-revenue-comes-from-optional-taxes/750516 "2016-03-29T16:01:00Z")
I’m thinking of things like vanity plates, cigarette/alcohol taxes, lottery tickets, hunting/fishing licenses. What percentage do they make up of a typical state’s income? --- ## [How Much Does Auto Customization Jack Up Insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-auto-customization-jack-up-insurance/749872)
**Author:** [@MegaNazz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MegaNazz)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-auto-customization-jack-up-insurance/749872 "2016-03-29T15:48:26Z")
I live in California where car culture is still pretty strong and I’ve been thinking of having some auto customizations done to my Honda Civic; nothing too fancy - probably just rims, exhaust. I’ve heard that really jack… --- ## [Building new houses in the rain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-new-houses-in-the-rain/750467)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-new-houses-in-the-rain/750467 "2016-03-29T13:40:31Z")
There’s a new housing development that I pass by each morning on the way to work. Typically, its pretty dry here in Southern California, but this morning it was raining. I know mold is an insidious problem that is real… --- ## [Were any Japanese generals of WWII held in high regard by their foes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-any-japanese-generals-of-wwii-held-in-high-regard-by-their-foes/532406)
**Author:** [@wedgehed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wedgehed)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-any-japanese-generals-of-wwii-held-in-high-regard-by-their-foes/532406 "2016-03-29T12:38:04Z")
Were any of their army commanders as well regarded as Rommel, Guderian, or Kesselring? Their navy seems to have had all the star power. --- ## [No garbage disposal--screening garbage away from drain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-garbage-disposal-screening-garbage-away-from-drain/750501)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-garbage-disposal-screening-garbage-away-from-drain/750501 "2016-03-29T11:57:57Z")
Several months ago I started a thread about the benefit of NOT having a garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. The problem I have is draining water out of a sink when the strainer is so full of food bits that the water wo… --- ## [Health insurance question re circumcision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-question-re-circumcision/750357)
**Author:** [@Waltzes\_with\_Cacti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waltzes_with_Cacti)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-question-re-circumcision/750357 "2016-03-29T04:46:08Z")
Does health insurance in the US cover the cost of routine infant circumcision? I’m looking for factual information on insurance coverage. Please, let’s avoid a debate on the pros and cons of the procedure, okay? --- ## [Another computer problem question (sigh)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-computer-problem-question-sigh/750144)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2016, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-computer-problem-question-sigh/750144 "2016-03-29T03:15:14Z")
I’m using a 2015 iMac 27, which defaults to Safari (though I usually browse with Firefox). When clicking on a particular link in an email, I get the following error message: “Requested resource does not allow requested … --- ## [What are the crows saying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-crows-saying/749978)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-crows-saying/749978 "2016-03-28T17:45:54Z")
‘Cah! Cah! Cah! Cah!’ (And yes, I’m familiar with the crows that are being killed in Boston.) This is the call when I toss some unsalted peanuts in the shell or other goodies into the yard. (Crows make marvelous ga… --- ## [Earth-Lunar-Solar orientation ignorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-lunar-solar-orientation-ignorance/750431)
**Author:** [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earth-lunar-solar-orientation-ignorance/750431 "2016-03-28T16:36:29Z")
Recently I’ve become interested in gaining some insight into celestial navigation. Unfortunately, the realization of my lack in understanding of basic principals related to terrestrial/moon/sun orientation has become ev… --- ## [How much caffeine is in leftover coffee grinds after brewing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caffeine-is-in-leftover-coffee-grinds-after-brewing/750265)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-caffeine-is-in-leftover-coffee-grinds-after-brewing/750265 "2016-03-28T16:28:18Z")
I feel like I’m wasting coffee when I brew liquid coffee then throw out the remaining coffee grinds. (This is bad for an ADHDer!) Coffee is very edible as-is. You can just chew/swallow raw beans like any solid food, o… --- ## [Is Obama really the first African-American President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-really-the-first-african-american-president/750221)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-really-the-first-african-american-president/750221 "2016-03-28T15:35:33Z")
Sure he’s the first black President, but if you go by the ‘one drop’ rule, is he really the first AA President? --- ## [Can you pay someone's debts anonymously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-pay-someones-debts-anonymously/749995)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-pay-someones-debts-anonymously/749995 "2016-03-28T13:48:50Z")
I was fantasizing about what I’d do if I won the lottery\* earlier. It went through the usual - the practical (college fund for the kids), the extravagant (my own island in the south pacific), the silly (definitely replac… --- ## [Identical quadruplets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identical-quadruplets/750454)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2016, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identical-quadruplets/750454 "2016-03-28T13:30:18Z")
My question actually applies to identical multiple births of any number, but was stimulated by the recent news of a mother being pregnant with identical quadruplets, and how unlikely that is. Give that the babies have n… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=927) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=929)