# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=961 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 962 --- ## [Do vultures ever kill ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-vultures-ever-kill/744612)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2016, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-vultures-ever-kill/744612 "2016-01-30T00:13:55Z")
I was wondering if vultures ever take live prey. Would they be able to kill a sick, weakened critter, or do they exclusively dine on dead things? --- ## [Armed Police Helicopters-Illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-police-helicopters-illegal/137281)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/armed-police-helicopters-illegal/137281 "2016-01-30T00:00:13Z")
A quick, but odd, question…Is it illegal for police helicopters to be armed? The only reference on this subject I can recall is the movie “Blue Thunder,” where Roy Schneider notes that normally, police helos weren’t allo… --- ## [How to feel confident a computer hasn’t been compromised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-feel-confident-a-computer-hasn-t-been-compromised/744495)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-feel-confident-a-computer-hasn-t-been-compromised/744495 "2016-01-29T23:22:28Z")
We have a ‘public’ computer in the house. It runs stock Windows firewall and antivirus and runs Firefox with AdBlock and Ghostery, but not NoScript. It has the free versions of MalwareBytes and Spybot. When people visit … --- ## [Excluding a Relative From Funeral and Burial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-a-relative-from-funeral-and-burial/589735)
**Author:** [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-a-relative-from-funeral-and-burial/589735 "2016-01-29T21:03:17Z")
I’m wondering who can be legally excluded from a funeral. For example, say one child murders his parents. Can the other child or other children legally prevent the suspect son from attending the funeral? My WAG is tha… --- ## [Do trees on either side of the road make a consious effort to meet their branches in the middle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-trees-on-either-side-of-the-road-make-a-consious-effort-to-meet-their-branches-in-the-middle/744373)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-trees-on-either-side-of-the-road-make-a-consious-effort-to-meet-their-branches-in-the-middle/744373 "2016-01-29T18:12:02Z")
In other words are the spread of branches on either side of the tree the same. IMHO they are not. The branches into the road are making a conscious effort to reach and touch the branches of the tree on the other side of … --- ## [Can it escape the event horizon if the wavelength is long enough?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-it-escape-the-event-horizon-if-the-wavelength-is-long-enough/744353)
**Author:** [@Zach29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zach29)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-it-escape-the-event-horizon-if-the-wavelength-is-long-enough/744353 "2016-01-29T18:09:06Z")
Can electromagnetic radiation escape from the event horizon of a Black Hole if the wavelength is long enough? What if a Black Hole contains electric charge, hypothetically supposing we dumped a large number of protons i… --- ## [What metric lingo is used in describing eye defects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-metric-lingo-is-used-in-describing-eye-defects/744555)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-metric-lingo-is-used-in-describing-eye-defects/744555 "2016-01-29T17:53:52Z")
Hi What metric lingo is used in describing eye defects? If someone has a 0.8 right eye and 1.0 left eye, what metric terms are used after the numbers themselves? I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Soldiers wearing civilian clothes for daily duty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldiers-wearing-civilian-clothes-for-daily-duty/744376)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldiers-wearing-civilian-clothes-for-daily-duty/744376 "2016-01-29T17:51:37Z")
I was wondering what type of military personnel is allowed (required) to wear civilian attire for their daily duty. The ones that come to mind are members of the military law enforcement community and intelligence person… --- ## [Why do large apps require wifi to download and update, when wifi is slower?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-large-apps-require-wifi-to-download-and-update-when-wifi-is-slower/744405)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-large-apps-require-wifi-to-download-and-update-when-wifi-is-slower/744405 "2016-01-29T17:14:33Z")
Specifically with regards to iOS apps. Some apps over a certain size will not download over the cellular connection. In my case I have AT&T in an area with LTE coverage. Wifi seems to me to be a lot slower and less relia… --- ## [How old must a car be to do "all the work yourself"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-must-a-car-be-to-do-all-the-work-yourself/744140)
**Author:** [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-must-a-car-be-to-do-all-the-work-yourself/744140 "2016-01-29T12:35:35Z")
How old must a car be to do “all the work yourself”? ETA: “new” cars you need to take it to a mechanic and use fancy diagnostic equipment to fix right? --- ## [Why did NAZI concentration camps warehouse prisoners instead of just killing them right away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-nazi-concentration-camps-warehouse-prisoners-instead-of-just-killing-them-right-away/744451)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-nazi-concentration-camps-warehouse-prisoners-instead-of-just-killing-them-right-away/744451 "2016-01-29T07:03:13Z")
I hope this isn’t an insensitive question and also I hope that it also has a factual answer that I am just missing. That is why I am putting it in GQ first. This also isn’t a hint of Holocaust denial on my part because I… --- ## [Benign conquest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benign-conquest/743115)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/benign-conquest/743115 "2016-01-29T06:45:28Z")
Examples of the opposite are numerous throughout history: a technologically or militarily superior tribe or culture conquers a weaker one and proceeds to kill (or possibly enslave) the men and steal the women along with … --- ## [why do we not use drone tanks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-not-use-drone-tanks/744326)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-not-use-drone-tanks/744326 "2016-01-29T04:02:48Z")
And drone self propelled artillery, drone light scout vehicles etc. I mean operator controlled, not autonomous ones. Seems to me they’d be not technologically that difficult to do and very useful in current asymmetric … --- ## [Is Under Armour "Infrared" technology effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-under-armour-infrared-technology-effective/744512)
**Author:** [@iceiso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iceiso)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-under-armour-infrared-technology-effective/744512 "2016-01-29T02:42:57Z")
Under Armour is a manufacturer of sports/active clothing. Their HeatGear claims to keep you cool and dry in the heat. Their ColdGear claims to keep you warm and dry in the cold. One of the technologies offered within the… --- ## [High sulfur steel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-sulfur-steel/744088)
**Author:** [@Henga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henga)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-sulfur-steel/744088 "2016-01-29T01:49:52Z")
The steel that was used for Titanic had a high sulfur content. This made it brittle, more like cast iron than modern steel. The problem was made worse by the cold water temperature of the North Atlantic. Thus, when th… --- ## [This "New Planet" I keep hearing about...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-new-planet-i-keep-hearing-about/744292)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-new-planet-i-keep-hearing-about/744292 "2016-01-29T01:28:27Z")
…Sedna?..Nibiru?..Nemesis?..if they found it, where is it? --- ## [What were the biggest wars/battles in America before 1492?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-biggest-wars-battles-in-america-before-1492/743967)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-were-the-biggest-wars-battles-in-america-before-1492/743967 "2016-01-29T00:09:51Z")
Pre-Columbian, that is before the Europeans pitched up and ruined everybody’s fun with smallpox. Are there any educated guesses through archaeology or tribal oral history what serious conflicts happened in the Americas … --- ## [So what's the deal with "ionic" hair dryers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-the-deal-with-ionic-hair-dryers/494005)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-the-deal-with-ionic-hair-dryers/494005 "2016-01-29T00:00:16Z")
I just got a Conair “ionic shine” “ionic ceramic” blow dryer. Is there anything to this ionic business? What does it actually do? What practical difference does it make? And for that matter, what is the “ceramic” all abo… --- ## [Biting your own tongue off](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biting-your-own-tongue-off/744269)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biting-your-own-tongue-off/744269 "2016-01-28T23:48:29Z")
It’s been used as a trope in movies, and there are martial arts speculation that biting your own tongue off will kill you, but has there ever been a documented case of someone biting straight through their own tongue? N… --- ## [Is there a call blocker app (iOS) that can block a series of numbers ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-call-blocker-app-ios-that-can-block-a-series-of-numbers/744381)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-call-blocker-app-ios-that-can-block-a-series-of-numbers/744381 "2016-01-28T20:07:07Z")
I have two iPhones with the following numbers ( numbers are made up for illustration) 745-420-3245 712-460-6681 On both phones I get annoying calls where the caller talks in Spanish and hangs up when I reply in Englis… --- ## [Junior Mint in an Open Wound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junior-mint-in-an-open-wound/744141)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junior-mint-in-an-open-wound/744141 "2016-01-28T19:51:02Z")
In an episode of Seinfeld, a junior mint (a chocolate candy) falls into the incision during a surgery. The incision is then sewn up without the mint being removed. In the episode, the mint staves off an infection. What … --- ## [What do you call it when survey respondents skew their responses due to (dis)liking the surveyor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-it-when-survey-respondents-skew-their-responses-due-to-dis-liking-the-surveyor/744421)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-it-when-survey-respondents-skew-their-responses-due-to-dis-liking-the-surveyor/744421 "2016-01-28T16:24:01Z")
Let’s say that Jon visits a museum/national park/zoo/attraction and is led through the experience by a guide, Sarah. Sarah is very friendly and funny and personable, but doesn’t know her subject matter very well and actu… --- ## [How does a woman's digestive system differ from a man's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-womans-digestive-system-differ-from-a-mans/744390)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-womans-digestive-system-differ-from-a-mans/744390 "2016-01-28T15:48:58Z")
What, if any differences are there between how women’s and men’s digestive systems work? --- ## [In the U.S., Highest Elected Office Held by a Person in a Mixed Race Marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-u-s-highest-elected-office-held-by-a-person-in-a-mixed-race-marriage/744167)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-u-s-highest-elected-office-held-by-a-person-in-a-mixed-race-marriage/744167 "2016-01-28T15:31:42Z")
If the answer is different for current vs. of all time, then broader discussion is welcome. Likewise, offering up possible nominees even if you’re not certain if that person indeed holds/held the highest elected office c… --- ## [How far does "dirty hands" go in legal cases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-does-dirty-hands-go-in-legal-cases/656006)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-does-dirty-hands-go-in-legal-cases/656006 "2016-01-28T15:19:49Z")
They way I understand it “dirty hands” means you cannot come into court and attempt to collect civilly from an illegal loss, I was trying to buy marijuana but got sold oregano for instance. How far does this? What if t… --- ## [Finding equivalent electronic repair components.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-equivalent-electronic-repair-components/744417)
**Author:** [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-equivalent-electronic-repair-components/744417 "2016-01-28T14:52:10Z")
I have a microscope who’s power/brightness potentiometer has seized up. I have been looking for a suitable replacement on Digikey, Mouser, et al but haven’t been able to find anything even close. It’s a 100K linear pot w… --- ## [Mythology of ornaments or design](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mythology-of-ornaments-or-design/744250)
**Author:** [@Dave\_Hartwick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave_Hartwick)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mythology-of-ornaments-or-design/744250 "2016-01-28T12:13:35Z")
For a game, I need a patron saint, demigod, or deity that would make a good subject for a shrine dedicated to interior decoration. The internet has suggested St. Benedict Biscop/Luke/Michael and Minerva. I’m not content… --- ## [lightning, static and blood pressure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-static-and-blood-pressure/744229)
**Author:** [@Henga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henga)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-static-and-blood-pressure/744229 "2016-01-28T08:51:02Z")
When I was 3 or 4 years old my mother and I were sitting in the living room floor. Directly outside was a giant oak tree. Lightning hit the tree and ran down the limbs and into the house. The electrical wiring gathere… --- ## [How does grapefruit affect drug action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-grapefruit-affect-drug-action/744446)
**Author:** [@Nefario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefario)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-grapefruit-affect-drug-action/744446 "2016-01-28T07:49:03Z")
I used to have the impression that grapefruit speeds up the absorption of certain drugs. Couldn’t this effect be used as a benefit? More recent warnings are more/less the nanny-state: “THIS IS DANGEROUS!” :eek: The on… --- ## [Laptop trackpad freezes randomly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-trackpad-freezes-randomly/744426)
**Author:** [@Yumblie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yumblie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-trackpad-freezes-randomly/744426 "2016-01-28T03:24:47Z")
I have a Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series laptop, with Windows 10. When I use a USB mouse, everything’s fine. But if I use the trackpad, every so often there will be no response for a few seconds before it “wakes up” again. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=960) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=962)