# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=968 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 969 --- ## [Using muons to as dating tool (?) in archaeology? (A pyramid in Egypt)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-muons-to-as-dating-tool-in-archaeology-a-pyramid-in-egypt/743507)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-muons-to-as-dating-tool-in-archaeology-a-pyramid-in-egypt/743507 "2016-01-18T17:15:25Z")
News report: http://www.timesofisrael.com/particles-could-reveal-how-egyptian-pyramid-was-built/ According to this near-devoid-of-meaning article, muons remain (?) embedded (?) in materials and their “accretion” – the o… --- ## [How high could I jump if my legs were as powerful as a house cat's hind legs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-could-i-jump-if-my-legs-were-as-powerful-as-a-house-cats-hind-legs/220421)
**Author:** [@Ray\_Walker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ray_Walker)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-could-i-jump-if-my-legs-were-as-powerful-as-a-house-cats-hind-legs/220421 "2016-01-18T16:31:08Z")
Watching my three cats, I’ve noticed that they can, with little effort, jump as high as 4 or 5 feet, from standing still (no running jumps). Obviously, their hind legs are mighty powerful. Now let’s say you transferred… --- ## [Carfax - thirteen vehicle records?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carfax-thirteen-vehicle-records/743456)
**Author:** [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carfax-thirteen-vehicle-records/743456 "2016-01-18T16:07:22Z")
I bought a Toyota Yaris new back in '08. It has been back to the dealer once to check on a free warranty enhancement thing. The parts in question were determined sound and not replaced. I ordered one part from the dea… --- ## [GE air conditioner operation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ge-air-conditioner-operation/578031)
**Author:** [@GreenHell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenHell)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ge-air-conditioner-operation/578031 "2016-01-18T10:18:25Z")
How the hell complicated could an air conditioner be? How complicated indeed! This stupid thing is driving me nuts. I had it working last night, but now don’t remember exactly how I did it. The control panel has these b… --- ## [Is it possible that my Great Dane is blushing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-my-great-dane-is-blushing/743381)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-my-great-dane-is-blushing/743381 "2016-01-18T05:03:48Z")
Hello Everyone, Is it possible that dogs can blush? Gunner the Great Dane seems to when he is lovingly praised. If you talk to him like a baby and say things like “Oh, Gunner is soooooo pretty” he’ll roll in his back… --- ## [What (spider?) bit my wife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-spider-bit-my-wife/743152)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-spider-bit-my-wife/743152 "2016-01-18T05:02:30Z")
So a couple of days ago my wife noticed what looked like two tiny pimples very close in her cleavage area which she poked at only to have them become a 1x2 inch weeping sore a couple of hours later. She only showed it t… --- ## [What is the total payroll of everyone in the USA? Combined?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-total-payroll-of-everyone-in-the-usa-combined/743474)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-total-payroll-of-everyone-in-the-usa-combined/743474 "2016-01-18T04:08:50Z")
Not capital gains or other income. Not median income. Just payroll. My Google skills were inadequate to find this on my own. Thanks. --- ## [Is it true that some people just CANNOT lose weight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-some-people-just-cannot-lose-weight/609712)
**Author:** [@a35362](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a35362)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-some-people-just-cannot-lose-weight/609712 "2016-01-18T04:07:49Z")
…at least without seriously compromising their overall health? I have heard this claim that there are some heavy people who have a metabolism such that they can diet and exercise all they want but can never lose any sig… --- ## [Penn and Chappo on 60 minutes tonight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penn-and-chappo-on-60-minutes-tonight/743467)
**Author:** [@jerry\_smissingfinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jerry_smissingfinger)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2016, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penn-and-chappo-on-60-minutes-tonight/743467 "2016-01-18T01:53:56Z")
Chinese espionage, mountain lions and shit like that as well --- ## [How do I snag an image from a web-page and upload it on Wikimedia Commons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-snag-an-image-from-a-web-page-and-upload-it-on-wikimedia-commons/743298)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-snag-an-image-from-a-web-page-and-upload-it-on-wikimedia-commons/743298 "2016-01-17T23:47:11Z")
I’m doing a bio of a guy for wikipedia article. I found a picture of the guy on a webpage. Based on the age of the picture, I’m confident it meets wikipedia’s public domain criteria, so I’d like to upload it. How do I… --- ## [How do Neutron Stars emit light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-neutron-stars-emit-light/590840)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-neutron-stars-emit-light/590840 "2016-01-17T21:51:40Z")
First I will say it is apparent they do emit light. My confusion is in how the light is created. My understanding is a photon is created when an electron is agitated enough that it jumps into a higher shell (valence? … --- ## [Venice Bridge challenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venice-bridge-challenge/742799)
**Author:** [@willthekittensurvive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willthekittensurvive)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venice-bridge-challenge/742799 "2016-01-17T21:46:07Z")
Is it possible to cross all bridges in Venice once, but only once in one single walk? (except Giudecca of course) I think it’s possible if there are no more then two island conected by only one bridge…am I missing somt… --- ## [Can ice evaporate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ice-evaporate/743427)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ice-evaporate/743427 "2016-01-17T21:33:00Z")
In a very cold very dry climate will ice slowly evaporate?? --- ## [How Much Did east Germany Cost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-east-germany-cost/743407)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-did-east-germany-cost/743407 "2016-01-17T20:58:47Z")
When the Berlin wall fell, Germany made arrangements to absorb the former DDR (East Germany). It was an effectively bankrupt country, and the German Government had to assume control of thousands of bankrupt industrial en… --- ## [The "Miliitia" Question Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miliitia-question-again/742579)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-miliitia-question-again/742579 "2016-01-17T19:57:28Z")
Perhaps this would be better in GD, but there is a factual answer. A constitutional lawyer I know said that the “militia” in the 2d Amendment referred to three southern states (SC, Georgia, and Va.), which states had mi… --- ## [Did The germans Tap TransAtlantic Phone Cables in WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-germans-tap-transatlantic-phone-cables-in-wwii/220099)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-germans-tap-transatlantic-phone-cables-in-wwii/220099 "2016-01-17T17:00:02Z")
In Paul Johnson’s book “MODERN TIMES”, he relates that Adoldf Hitler occasionally listened in on Churchill’s conversations with President Roosevelt (via undersea cable). I find his haed to believe…these cables are very h… --- ## [Stove burners, room heating, and carbon monoxide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stove-burners-room-heating-and-carbon-monoxide/743145)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stove-burners-room-heating-and-carbon-monoxide/743145 "2016-01-17T16:30:13Z")
About a month ago our heater (built-in, with ducts) broke down. While we waited for repairs to be finished-- the repair guy had to take the blower motor with him and find parts for it–we turned burners on, on the kitchen… --- ## [Hyundai, bloody Hyundai](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hyundai-bloody-hyundai/742702)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hyundai-bloody-hyundai/742702 "2016-01-17T16:14:31Z")
I asked this as a ‘piggy back’ question six years ago and didn’t receive a reply. As I said, I pronounce it ‘hunday’, which rhymes with Sunday, which explains the thread title. But I still think it looks like it shoul… --- ## [Eagle emblem - what do these three stars mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagle-emblem-what-do-these-three-stars-mean/474071)
**Author:** [@Girl\_Hermit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Hermit)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagle-emblem-what-do-these-three-stars-mean/474071 "2016-01-17T15:30:10Z")
This eagle stenciled emblem is on the bulkhead in our kitchen, over the window. We’re wondering what exactly it represents. Why would it only have three stars above it? Lack of space for the other stars or does it act… --- ## [How fast does snow melt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-snow-melt/742896)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-snow-melt/742896 "2016-01-17T04:27:47Z")
I can’t seem to find a straight answer, but I get the impression it is about 1" a day when it is above freezing. Does it melt faster in rain as opposed to no rain? What role does temperature play in it (assume 33F vs 5… --- ## [The Naming of Time Zones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-naming-of-time-zones/738003)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-naming-of-time-zones/738003 "2016-01-17T01:49:28Z")
Being USA-centric, the thought hit me that the names of US time zones seem very North America centric, at best. For example, “Mountain Time” seems very USA-specific, maybe US-Canada specific. What says Mexico at the sa… --- ## [Q about Nobility, or Why aren't the British hip-deep in Dukes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-nobility-or-why-arent-the-british-hip-deep-in-dukes/741896)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2016, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/q-about-nobility-or-why-arent-the-british-hip-deep-in-dukes/741896 "2016-01-17T00:05:11Z")
So I had one of those nights when I couldn’t sleep much, and found myself muzzily pondering all sorts of strange things. In this case, why isn’t Britain positively infested with nobles? I mean, apparently those titles … --- ## [ID this car problem #672](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-car-problem-672/743057)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-car-problem-672/743057 "2016-01-16T21:39:22Z")
I drive a 2003 Hyundai Sonata that has about 165,000 miles on it and has had no significant performance issues during its lifetime. Over the last month or so, I’ve been noticing a loud roaring/buzzing-type sound coming f… --- ## [Calculating downward pressure on a pulley](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-downward-pressure-on-a-pulley/743238)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-downward-pressure-on-a-pulley/743238 "2016-01-16T20:47:11Z")
Suppose I had a rope and idler pulley set up. The idler pulley was set at 5 feet tall on a post. The rope hung straight down on the pulling side and on the object being pulled it would be at 90 degrees. Now inbetween the… --- ## [Dishwasher hookup question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwasher-hookup-question/743025)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwasher-hookup-question/743025 "2016-01-16T19:21:17Z")
Do you hook yours up to the hot or the cold input? Some say hot but others say it doesnt matter since the dishwasher has its own heating coil. --- ## [Fascinating probability question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fascinating-probability-question/743274)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fascinating-probability-question/743274 "2016-01-16T18:07:44Z")
Wasted all morning solving this. I know the answer, but I’d love a really satisfying and intuitively understandable explanation of why the answer is the answer. There’s a basketball player practicing free throws. He has… --- ## [Caffeinated and Vitamin E shampoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeinated-and-vitamin-e-shampoo/743247)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeinated-and-vitamin-e-shampoo/743247 "2016-01-16T16:45:18Z")
Nowadays you can buy shampoo infused with caffeine and/or vitamin E. Surely I’m not alone in thinking that caffeine and/or vitamin E in the eyes is a bad thing? (Any shampoo product will inevitably get in someone’s eye… --- ## [What the Hell Happened to Youtube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-happened-to-youtube/743301)
**Author:** [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-happened-to-youtube/743301 "2016-01-16T11:28:11Z")
Either Youtube just changed their format or my machine is flaky. And “flaky” for 48 hours and several on/off cycles. It was: Get to www . youtube .com and I got a video screen with a search bar at the top and a menu o… --- ## [Parasite removal in humans - dog chemicals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parasite-removal-in-humans-dog-chemicals/743221)
**Author:** [@Pmabz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pmabz)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parasite-removal-in-humans-dog-chemicals/743221 "2016-01-16T10:24:04Z")
Assuming you had a parasitic infection, could you use the “Spot on” stuff you apply to your dog or cat’s skin? Just curious … --- ## [Editing the content within tags in XML file](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-the-content-within-tags-in-xml-file/743261)
**Author:** [@fubar.gr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fubar.gr)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2016, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-the-content-within-tags-in-xml-file/743261 "2016-01-16T09:33:42Z")
I have an XML file I would like to edit. There are just three of four kinds of tags with numerical values, like \124.23\ \5643.45\ \765.12\ \12.44\ I would like to search … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=967) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=969)