# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=987 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 988 --- ## [Italian Police Uniforms? Fashion Houses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italian-police-uniforms-fashion-houses/740600)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italian-police-uniforms-fashion-houses/740600 "2015-12-16T15:12:29Z")
A while ago, the Italian National Police (Carabinieri) decided to solicit ideas for new uniforms, from major Italian fashion houses…my question, did anything come of this? Has any military ever consulted fashion design… --- ## [What on Earth did I find in my friend's shed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-did-i-find-in-my-friends-shed/738398)
**Author:** [@DoggyDunnit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoggyDunnit)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-did-i-find-in-my-friends-shed/738398 "2015-12-16T14:08:36Z")
I have a friend who lives with his wife, three kids, and grandmother-in-law, in GIL’s house. The GIL has hoarded quite a bit over the years, and, recently, has started allowing some of the stuff to be sold/disposed of/gi… --- ## [How hard would it be to forge a d20?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-forge-a-d20/740528)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-would-it-be-to-forge-a-d20/740528 "2015-12-16T08:01:21Z")
I sometimes do blacksmithing with a couple of my friends. Since we also play D&D together, I think it would be awesome if we could make our own D20s out of steel. --- ## [Preventing blast damage to your eardrums](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preventing-blast-damage-to-your-eardrums/740548)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preventing-blast-damage-to-your-eardrums/740548 "2015-12-16T06:00:10Z")
There’s an old episode of Doctor Who (the fourth Doctor, “Hand of Fear”) in which Sarah and the Doctor are advised to open their mouth and hold their nose closed in preparation for a nearby missile strike, the idea being… --- ## [Combination/Permutation Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combination-permutation-problem/740566)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2015, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combination-permutation-problem/740566 "2015-12-16T01:01:17Z")
I have a population of 28 golfers going on a 4 day golf trip. Other than brute force is there an easy way to line up these golfers in seven foursomes per day so that no player plays with any other player more than once. … --- ## [Paper folding math](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-folding-math/740397)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-folding-math/740397 "2015-12-15T21:38:38Z")
I hesitate to even ask this due to the source (quora), but they claim that: “2. If you could fold a piece of paper in half on itself 100 times, the height of the resulting folded paper would not fit within the current k… --- ## [how are old mineral rights transferred and kept track of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-old-mineral-rights-transferred-and-kept-track-of/740391)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-old-mineral-rights-transferred-and-kept-track-of/740391 "2015-12-15T20:35:33Z")
My uncle apparently purchased some mineral rights in Oklahoma in the 60s, He died in 1980 without transferring them to my aunt; who died in 1995 without transferring them to her only heir, my father; who died in 2003 wit… --- ## [Li-ion battery safety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/li-ion-battery-safety/740527)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/li-ion-battery-safety/740527 "2015-12-15T19:53:45Z")
Do lithium-ion batteries only melt down during an energy transaction (i.e. when being charged/discharged), or do a significant number of meltdowns happen when the battery is just sitting on a shelf? Wondering how concer… --- ## [Bringing you own phone to Verizon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-you-own-phone-to-verizon/739824 "2015-12-15T18:08:14Z")
We’re likely going to switch back to Verizon in the coming months. I talked to Verizon and they said we could use our existing phones as long as they were 4G. Then I went online. . . They have this “checker” where you… --- ## [Excluding the batteries, what is the cost of an electric car](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-the-batteries-what-is-the-cost-of-an-electric-car/740476)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-the-batteries-what-is-the-cost-of-an-electric-car/740476 "2015-12-15T18:00:19Z")
Assuming 100% electric, not a hybrid. What would be the cost? Electric cars shouldn’t have engines, transmissions, and I’m assuming a variety of other mechanical parts. Then again I’m guessing they do have parts other c… --- ## [Big Crunch, Freeze and Rip](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-crunch-freeze-and-rip/738474)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-crunch-freeze-and-rip/738474 "2015-12-15T17:28:18Z")
I was watching a video discussing possible ends of the Universe, namely the Big Freeze, the Big Crunch and the Big Rip. For those that don’t know, the Big Freeze is when the last black holes have evaporated due to hawki… --- ## [Drug seeker - What is a doctor to do in this scenario?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-seeker-what-is-a-doctor-to-do-in-this-scenario/740534)
**Author:** [@iceiso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iceiso)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-seeker-what-is-a-doctor-to-do-in-this-scenario/740534 "2015-12-15T17:23:33Z")
The players: Patient: Has an addiction to opiates (which he does \*\*not \*\*disclose to any doctors). Also has some physical abnormality (generally painful) that can be treated with a risky surgery, after which he is presc… --- ## [How did the quality and quantity of tanks in WW2 compare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-quality-and-quantity-of-tanks-in-ww2-compare/739484)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-quality-and-quantity-of-tanks-in-ww2-compare/739484 "2015-12-15T15:06:24Z")
Comparing German, Japanese, Soviet, French, UK, US, etc. tanks in WW2 what were the quality and quantity like? I"ve heard the Germans had something like 5000 tanks, and they were high quality but broke down constantly. … --- ## [Is This A Rip-off Attempt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-rip-off-attempt/740444)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-rip-off-attempt/740444 "2015-12-15T13:42:20Z")
I got the following in my G-mail account just now. \[quote\] Hi \[redacted\], Your Google Account \[my Gmail address} was just used to sign in from Internet Explorer on Windows. \[quote\] There’s a link to “Explore my Devi… --- ## [Banking question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banking-question/740335)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banking-question/740335 "2015-12-15T07:54:42Z")
This question is regarding multiple signers on an account. I am a trustee on a non profit foundation. My only job is to sit on a bank account and if needed transfer money back to the board of directors. We have 3 signers… --- ## [The English expression “It is one thing to ... but another to ...”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-english-expression-it-is-one-thing-to-but-another-to/740427)
**Author:** [@Melia\_Antiqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melia_Antiqua)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-english-expression-it-is-one-thing-to-but-another-to/740427 "2015-12-15T07:44:48Z")
I’ve just used this expression in the sentences below, and I wonder if my use of it can be somewhat misleading. More specifically, I’m talking about the “to” in front of the “fully appreciate”. I’ve used it to mean “in … --- ## [How do I send something I bought online to the post office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-send-something-i-bought-online-to-the-post-office/740481)
**Author:** [@dylmajic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dylmajic)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-send-something-i-bought-online-to-the-post-office/740481 "2015-12-15T07:37:06Z")
I don’t want what I ordered online to come straight to my house. I’d prefer to pick it up at the post office. --- ## [Are all USB chargers compatible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-usb-chargers-compatible/740466)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-usb-chargers-compatible/740466 "2015-12-15T05:09:24Z")
Leaving aside the difference between USB, mini-USB, and micro-USB, can all such chargers be used interchangeably. Specifically, I have a charger that plugs into the wall and terminates in a mini-USB plug. Is it safe to… --- ## [Hypnosis and Anxiety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnosis-and-anxiety/740398)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnosis-and-anxiety/740398 "2015-12-15T03:15:46Z")
So, a quick preface: my SO is very suggestible. I’ve been using hypnosis to some non-trivial extent for the past 2 years of the relationship, and I’d argue I’m at least halfway decent at it, and I can state that it works… --- ## [Are there fewer female pedophiles than male?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-fewer-female-pedophiles-than-male/740347)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-fewer-female-pedophiles-than-male/740347 "2015-12-15T02:57:07Z")
I just saw the film Spotlight and it made me wonder if female pedophilia as common as that from males (obviously the Church scandal was a unique situation based on the males-only clergy and cover up by high officials), o… --- ## [Why do banks leave forclosed houses to rot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-banks-leave-forclosed-houses-to-rot/740366)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-banks-leave-forclosed-houses-to-rot/740366 "2015-12-15T02:15:46Z")
There has been a foreclosed house across the street from me for about 2 years. it’s been just left to rot there has been no maintenance on it at all and I can see it falling apart. Why don’t they either take care of the … --- ## [eBay question for sellers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-question-for-sellers/740343)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebay-question-for-sellers/740343 "2015-12-15T01:53:44Z")
Two questions: 1) When someone sends you a question about your item, what information do you receive about the person inquiring? And 2) if I actually place a bid, what information do you see on your end? The reason I am… --- ## [Machine Gun Vs. Assault Rifle: What's the Difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/machine-gun-vs-assault-rifle-whats-the-difference/120166)
**Author:** [@tsunamisurfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tsunamisurfer)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2015, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/machine-gun-vs-assault-rifle-whats-the-difference/120166 "2015-12-15T01:43:53Z")
Okay, let’s see if I’ve got this straight. An AK-47 and M-15/16 are purportedly “assault rifles.” A .50 “machine gun” is an, um, machine gun. A SAW (squad automatic weapon) is a light machine gun, I suppose. An M1 carb… --- ## [Ball-point fountain pen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ball-point-fountain-pen/740378)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ball-point-fountain-pen/740378 "2015-12-14T23:28:37Z")
Listening to an old radio episode of “Dragnet.” They’re investigating a murfer and one of the items found is “a ball-point fountain pen, a cheap one you can get at the drug store for 79 cents.” (Quoting from memory) I k… --- ## [This is not a local maximum--what is it called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-local-maximum-what-is-it-called/740384)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-not-a-local-maximum-what-is-it-called/740384 "2015-12-14T21:51:14Z")
I am identifying the maximum Y value of a subset a of set of values such that the subset is a contiguous block of values above the mean of the entire set. The data set is a bit like the sum of a sine wave at a low freque… --- ## [Could frame shifting alone capture a 'moon'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-frame-shifting-alone-capture-a-moon/740442)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-frame-shifting-alone-capture-a-moon/740442 "2015-12-14T21:22:38Z")
For a object to be captured by some bigger ‘planet’ and made to orbit it seems like something needs to happen. Either a collision, or other force (perhaps a co-orbiting body), needs to basically slow it down so it won’t… --- ## [Declaration of War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/declaration-of-war/740205)
**Author:** [@Stinky\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stinky_Pete)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/declaration-of-war/740205 "2015-12-14T21:20:04Z")
A very short time after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the United States. If Germany didn’t declare war first, did the USA intend to declare war on Germany? Or would the US have only fought a … --- ## [Who did San Marino execute in 1468?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-san-marino-execute-in-1468/740439)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-did-san-marino-execute-in-1468/740439 "2015-12-14T20:22:42Z")
I was reading a thread on reddit where someone mentioned that the last execution that occurred in the tiny republic of San Marino occurred in 1468 (They finally abolished the death penalty in 1865). There are plenty of c… --- ## [Triton captured Satellite.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triton-captured-satellite/740252)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/triton-captured-satellite/740252 "2015-12-14T19:58:40Z")
Neptune’smoon Triton is thought to be a captured dwarf Planet. Why is this not more common, that large rounded objects get captured. --- ## [Appealing from a Civil Law jurisdiction to a Common Law court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appealing-from-a-civil-law-jurisdiction-to-a-common-law-court/740338)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appealing-from-a-civil-law-jurisdiction-to-a-common-law-court/740338 "2015-12-14T17:54:23Z")
You know, Christmas used to be the time for Erie stories. “A Christmas Carol” is a ghost story, after all. If a case starts in Louisiana, with purely Louisiana parties involved, and gets appealed up to the Federal level… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=986) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=988)