# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=93 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 94 --- ## [Biodegradation of Plastics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biodegradation-of-plastics/1000366)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biodegradation-of-plastics/1000366 "2024-04-18T03:14:25Z")
Inspired by a post in another thread: We’ve only had plastics for a bit over a century. As noted by @puzzlegal, there are bacteria already evolving to eat it. Obviously, there are issues with plastics in water, too, a… --- ## [When were the first falsifying business records laws passed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-were-the-first-falsifying-business-records-laws-passed/1000349)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-were-the-first-falsifying-business-records-laws-passed/1000349 "2024-04-17T17:27:38Z")
According to Wikipedia, at least 8 states including New York penalize the falsifying of business records. In addition, Maine has a related statute called falsifying private records. Notable cases were prosecuted in 2005 … --- ## [Urban Legend - Man Sticks Penis Into Vacuum, Gets Cut Off - How true is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-legend-man-sticks-penis-into-vacuum-gets-cut-off-how-true-is-it/1000256)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2024, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urban-legend-man-sticks-penis-into-vacuum-gets-cut-off-how-true-is-it/1000256 "2024-04-17T14:02:31Z")
I feel this is one of those ancient jokes/stories, about a man who has the bright idea of sticking his penis into a vacuum cleaner to get a crude blowjob from it, only to have his penis cut off because his penis went int… --- ## [Aggravating issue with new smartphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aggravating-issue-with-new-smartphone/1000368)
**Author:** [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2024, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aggravating-issue-with-new-smartphone/1000368 "2024-04-17T09:54:12Z")
Finally had to replace my 8 year old one with a new one, Samsung Galaxy S24+ ( Android ). It’s a keyboard issue, and despite diddling with all my settings and internet searches, the solution seems to elude me. On my old… --- ## [How much damage can a Shahed drone do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-can-a-shahed-drone-do/1000319)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-damage-can-a-shahed-drone-do/1000319 "2024-04-16T22:31:19Z")
Shahed 136 drones were among the weapons used in the recent attack on Israel by Iran. According to Wikipedia, these are fitted with a 110-pound warhead, but no other detail is provided. They don’t fly very fast (115 MP… --- ## [How Could I (Ethically) Get To Touch A Chimp, Gorilla, Orangutan, Or Bonobo In The US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-ethically-get-to-touch-a-chimp-gorilla-orangutan-or-bonobo-in-the-us/1000248)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-i-ethically-get-to-touch-a-chimp-gorilla-orangutan-or-bonobo-in-the-us/1000248 "2024-04-16T19:49:06Z")
Is there an ethical great ape rehab facility in the US where a) the animals are used to humans enough that they’re not a threat, and b) the general public is allowed an audience (for lack of a better choice of words) wit… --- ## [Please Help Me save My Boxelder Tree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-save-my-boxelder-tree/1000267)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-save-my-boxelder-tree/1000267 "2024-04-16T15:07:00Z")
So a massive branch (nearly half the tree) tore off so my front year Boxelder has a massive wound. For the uninitiated, Boxelder wood is a step below balsa. It’s trash wood. It’s a trash tree. But it’s the only shade… --- ## [Family medicine practitioners keep disappearing -- why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-medicine-practitioners-keep-disappearing-why/1000012)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-medicine-practitioners-keep-disappearing-why/1000012 "2024-04-16T14:47:21Z")
Just got another medical appointment cancellation due to yet another family medicine practitioner disappearing. What is up with this? I had the same doctor for decades, then he retired a few years ago, and each one I’ve … --- ## [Tomatoes and knives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomatoes-and-knives/1000253)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2024, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tomatoes-and-knives/1000253 "2024-04-16T04:16:24Z")
If you want to slice a ripe tomato cleanly, you need a sharp knife. Or a serrated blade. What is the mechanical property of tomatoes or material property of tomato skin that makes them resistant to slicing? --- ## [Can a federal marshal arrest a sheriff or a state police officer or a Texas Ranger -- or a US Navy Seal in combat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-federal-marshal-arrest-a-sheriff-or-a-state-police-officer-or-a-texas-ranger-or-a-us-navy-seal-in-combat/999973)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-federal-marshal-arrest-a-sheriff-or-a-state-police-officer-or-a-texas-ranger-or-a-us-navy-seal-in-combat/999973 "2024-04-15T23:49:39Z")
In the United States, can a federal marshal arrest a sheriff or a state police officer or a Texas Ranger – or a US Navy Seal engaged in combat? These scenarios have long fascinated me. I realize the US Navy Seal in comba… --- ## [FQ About Bible Versions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fq-about-bible-versions/999554)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fq-about-bible-versions/999554 "2024-04-15T23:48:08Z")
Obviously inspired by Trump’s Bible, but looking for factual answers and so it doesn’t only apply to that example. Can anyone weigh in on what various religions say/would say about adding things like the Constitution an… --- ## [Is the abortion ban equating to higher birth rates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-abortion-ban-equating-to-higher-birth-rates/1000246)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-abortion-ban-equating-to-higher-birth-rates/1000246 "2024-04-15T23:00:02Z")
Simple question: Is the abortion ban (in some of the US states) equating to higher birth rates? --- ## [Algebraic proof of De Morgan's Laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algebraic-proof-of-de-morgans-laws/1000294)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algebraic-proof-of-de-morgans-laws/1000294 "2024-04-15T21:55:33Z")
My Discrete Math book (Epp, 5th edition) has a list of properties of the union and intersection operations for sets. The first five properties listed are the commutative laws for union and intersection, the associative … --- ## [Birthday candle numbers--which numeral is sold the most?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-candle-numbers-which-numeral-is-sold-the-most/1000304)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birthday-candle-numbers-which-numeral-is-sold-the-most/1000304 "2024-04-15T21:51:29Z")
I just attended a birthday party for a 12 year old. With a typical kid’s chocolate cake, horrible bright blue frosting–and three, yes three, candles: the numerals 3,4, and 5. I asked why, and the kid’s younger sister(a… --- ## [Guy on a Missile: What effect on the missile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guy-on-a-missile-what-effect-on-the-missile/1000296)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guy-on-a-missile-what-effect-on-the-missile/1000296 "2024-04-15T21:48:01Z")
In various movies, a person finds themselves on a bomb or missile. To what degree would that effect the aerodynamics of the missile? Of course this is going to depend on the missile, so let’s say: Minuteman III/Titan … --- ## [Were there any African American combat engineers/sappers on the Western Front in WWI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-african-american-combat-engineers-sappers-on-the-western-front-in-wwi/1000314)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2024, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-african-american-combat-engineers-sappers-on-the-western-front-in-wwi/1000314 "2024-04-15T18:00:08Z")
Were there any African American combat engineers/sappers on the Western Front in WWI? I couldn’t find any reference to any online. Could it have been one of the jobs not permitted them by the AEF? --- ## [What trouble might arise from switching a W-2 employee to 1099 contractor status and then back to W-2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-trouble-might-arise-from-switching-a-w-2-employee-to-1099-contractor-status-and-then-back-to-w-2/1000258)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-trouble-might-arise-from-switching-a-w-2-employee-to-1099-contractor-status-and-then-back-to-w-2/1000258 "2024-04-14T21:10:36Z")
I’ve been offered a job by a company in the US, but I had been planning to spend a year or so in Taiwan. They offered to let me work remotely in America first for a few months as W-2, then switch over to 1099 status whil… --- ## [Red light under penumbra](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-light-under-penumbra/1000027)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/red-light-under-penumbra/1000027 "2024-04-14T18:06:42Z")
What was the ruby dot at the bottom of the penumbra during the April 8 eclipse? --- ## [How much hair has there been?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-hair-has-there-been/1000213)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-hair-has-there-been/1000213 "2024-04-14T16:58:07Z")
Hair lasts a long time (compared to most other tissues) because few things break it down. What if nothing broke it down, and all hair that hasn’t been destroyed by heat was still around? How about an estimated mass? --- ## [What was the highest category of Croix de Guerre in WWI bronze palm or gold palm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-highest-category-of-croix-de-guerre-in-wwi-bronze-palm-or-gold-palm/1000264)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-highest-category-of-croix-de-guerre-in-wwi-bronze-palm-or-gold-palm/1000264 "2024-04-14T14:25:59Z")
What was the highest category of Croix de Guerre in WWI bronze palm or gold palm? Neither Wikipedia nor Britannica mention it. Is there a Croix de Guerre with a gold palm ? https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/rememb… --- ## [What does Contingent mean for Beneficiary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-contingent-mean-for-beneficiary/999980)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2024, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-contingent-mean-for-beneficiary/999980 "2024-04-14T13:38:32Z")
Filling out a Annuity claim form and the beneficiaries. It has 2 primary with percents and 1 contingent with a percent I’m not sure what contingent means in this context? Webster says depending on That’s not very hel… --- ## [What type of stone are fossils usually made of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stone-are-fossils-usually-made-of/1000115)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-type-of-stone-are-fossils-usually-made-of/1000115 "2024-04-13T20:08:06Z")
A discussion about gorgons led to the question “just what kind of stone do gorgon’s victims get turned into?”. Since that is not factually answerable the next best thing would be actual fossilization; what type of stone … --- ## [Delta between I and J?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delta-between-i-and-j/1000122)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delta-between-i-and-j/1000122 "2024-04-13T17:12:35Z")
I was looking at a site where an author had posted some stories they had written. One of the stories started with the letter Δ (it was a science fiction story). If I was filing that story alphabetically, I’d probably pu… --- ## [How to aim my electrically enhanced indoor antenna](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-aim-my-electrically-enhanced-indoor-antenna/1000166)
**Author:** [@coppens1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coppens1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-aim-my-electrically-enhanced-indoor-antenna/1000166 "2024-04-13T16:13:25Z")
I have a GE 34700 aerial with electrical enhancement. It has a flat plate, and dipole antennas. I seem to get the best reception when I aim the whole antenna 90 degrees from where I know the stations are. I don’t kno… --- ## [Has any airplane ever tried to race the eclipse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-airplane-ever-tried-to-race-the-eclipse/999976)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-airplane-ever-tried-to-race-the-eclipse/999976 "2024-04-13T01:45:58Z")
A commercial jet or even a fast private one should be able to extend the dark period by heading along with the shadow. The shadow is traveling at what, 1000 mph? If you fly at 600 mph you would a get a longer dark period… --- ## [Dental Digital Xrays](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-digital-xrays/1000111)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2024, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dental-digital-xrays/1000111 "2024-04-13T01:04:06Z")
Any Dentists in the house? I have requested a copy all of my dental records from my usual dentist, including all xrays. I’ve been thinking about changing my dental provider and I would also like a copy of those files fo… --- ## [How can I stop butt dialing the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-stop-butt-dialing-the-world/999894)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2024, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-stop-butt-dialing-the-world/999894 "2024-04-12T17:56:58Z")
I have a new nickname… “King of the Butt Dials”. At least once per day, but usually three or four times per day, I butt dial someone. Often it’s the last person I’ve talked to, but it can be some random person I’ve spoke… --- ## [Questions on Civil War terminology : What did US Civil War soldiers call 'base camp' and if they had such a thing a general military hospital for more long-term convalescence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-civil-war-terminology-what-did-us-civil-war-soldiers-call-base-camp-and-if-they-had-such-a-thing-a-general-military-hospital-for-more-long-term-convalescence/1000041)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2024, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-on-civil-war-terminology-what-did-us-civil-war-soldiers-call-base-camp-and-if-they-had-such-a-thing-a-general-military-hospital-for-more-long-term-convalescence/1000041 "2024-04-12T04:06:16Z")
What did US Civil War soldiers call 1,. ‘base’/HQ’ and if they had such a thing 2. ‘a general military hospital’ far behind the battlefield for more long-term convalescence? I wasn’t able to find any such terminology onl… --- ## [Can Ohtani get his money back from the bookmaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ohtani-get-his-money-back-from-the-bookmaker/1000147)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2024, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ohtani-get-his-money-back-from-the-bookmaker/1000147 "2024-04-12T00:59:33Z")
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter (Ippei Mizuhara) is current negotiating a deal to plead guilty for stealing millions of dollars from Ohtani to pay his gambling debt. https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/10/sport/shohei-ohtani… --- ## [How long do fabric moth eggs remain viable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-fabric-moth-eggs-remain-viable/1000153)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-do-fabric-moth-eggs-remain-viable/1000153 "2024-04-11T23:35:48Z")
I have a moth eaten old wool blanket that i recently used to protect my floor while using an angle grinder. Then i pulled it out as something to sit on during the eclipse. And i noticed it was a lot MORE moth eaten than … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=92) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=94)