How do touchscreens work?
Two main ways:
1. They detect changes in electrical fields or by
2. Measuring pressure on the screen's surface.
Capacitive screens use a coating that is conductive with electrostatic fields which can detect touch.
Resistive screens use two metallic layers with spacers between them that when touched, make contact.
https://www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-around-you/technology-our-lives/touchscreen (1nn1)
1 answer
May 01 25 by ozzz2002
1 answer
May 01 25 by pehinhota
Did the U.S. President Donald Trump serve in the Vietnam War?
No, he did not. He had both medical and educational exemptions.
[quote]Donald Trump attended New York Military Academy (1959-64), a private boarding school; Fordham University in the Bronx (1964-66); and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance and Commerce (1966-68), where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics. In 1968, during the Vietnam War, he secured a diagnosis of bone spurs, which qualified him for a medical exemption from the military draft (he had earlier received four draft deferments for education). Upon his graduation Trump began working full-time for his father's business, helping to manage its holdings of rental housing, then estimated at between 10,000 and 22,000 units.[/quote]
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Donald-Trump
(elburcher)
1 answer
May 01 25 by Philip_Eno
In 2000, what did Ines Ramirez of Mexico do that no other person since her was able to?
[quote]Ines Ramirez Perez, a 40-year-old mother of seven, made medical history on March 5, 2000, when she became the first woman ever to perform a C-section on herself in which both the baby and mother survived.
In her isolated, one-room cabin home, Perez performed a modern miracle. She was unable to seek immediate help or medical attention, with her husband-her usual birth coach and assistant during labor-out at a cantina in town that had no phone.[/quote]
https://healthyway.com/content/the-woman-who-successfully-performed-a-cesarean-section-on-herself/ (pehinhota)
1 answer
Apr 30 25 by Thesuperyoshi
Why is the torch held by the Statue of Liberty in its right hand no longer open to visitors?
It was shut down over safety concerns following damage from an explosion and years of deterioration.
[quote]In 1916, a number of events led to the closure of the torch's observation platform. On July 30, the "Black Tom" explosion occurred in New York harbor. A group of German agents set out to destroy a collection of United States military goods that were meant to be supplied to the Allies in World War I. The explosion reached as far as Liberty Island and caused some minor damage to the statue's exterior.
On top of the damage from the explosion, the right arm's structure was deteriorating from years of people climbing up and down. Truthfully, it was not meant to sustain that much weight and there were many reports that guests felt it shaking from within. For safety reasons, it was decided to not allow any more guests to the top.[/quote]
https://www.statueoflibertytour.com/blog/lady-libertys-torch-how-to-see-it-and-why-it-matters/ (elburcher)
3 answers
Apr 30 25 by pehinhota
Why is the torch held by the Statue of Liberty in its right hand no longer open to visitors?
The Statue of Liberty was damaged during the Black Tom explosion of 1916. This was a German terrorist plot to destroy US-made munitions that were being shipped to allies in World War I. Although the US was ostensibly neutral at that time, due to the British blockade of Germany, only allies were able to buy US made arms. 2,000,000 pounds of small arms and artillery ammunition were stored on Black Tom Island. A fire was lit by conspirators and soon engulfed the depot, leading to multiple explosions of the weapons. Fragments of the explosion struck the Statue of Liberty, mostly damaging the torch-bearing arm. The statue was closed to visitors for repairs, and when it reopened ten days later, the narrow ascent to the torch remained closed and has never re-opened to the public since then.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Tom_explosion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty
https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/frequently-asked-questions-statue-of-liberty.htm#:~:text=The%20torch%20has%20been%20closed,that%20ascends%20to%20the%20crown. (patrickk)
3 answers
Apr 30 25 by pehinhota
What is the difference between a gopher and a groundhog?
Difference between Groundhog and Gopher, Groundhog are larger and live above ground and Gopher is smaller and lives underground.
From: https://a-z-animals.com/animals/comparison/groundhog-vs-gopher-5-key-differences/
"Groundhog vs Gopher: 5 Key Differences - A-Z Animals
Gophers and groundhogs are both rodents that dig burrows, but they belong to different families and have distinct characteristics. Groundhogs are larger, stockier, and more likely to be seen above ground, while gophers are smaller, more secretive, and primarily live underground. Additionally, groundhogs hibernate in winter, whereas gophers do not."
(Philip_Eno)
1 answer
Apr 28 25 by chabenao1
Was there ever a "House of the Rising Sun" down in New Orleans?
There are multiple ways to interpret this question, so, as might be expected, the answer is murky. If the question is simply whether there has ever been a property in New Orleans with that name, then it seems there have been several, with several more places with similar names or which may have had such a nickname, including at least one currently, though that one was named after the song rather than the other way around. Whether any of these edifices were direct inspirations for the song, as well as whether the song refers to a brothel specifically, are likely impossible questions to answer definitively, particularly in light of the fact that it is a folk song of unknown original authorship that has been performed or recorded by dozens, if not hundreds of artists, going back well over 100 years, many of whom were not from anywhere near New Orleans. The song lyrics were published in 1925 and a recording was released in the early 1930's, but it was already a well-known song by then, probably dating to well before the turn of the 20th century. Folk music archivist Alan Lomax recorded versions of it in Appalachia in the 30's, and many versions had been recorded before the Animals had their big hit. The Animals recording was apparently based on the version Bob Dylan recorded for his first album, which in turn was borrowed quite directly from a version by Dave Von Ronk (though the Animals played in 6/8 time, whereas Dylan and Von Ronk's were both in 4/4). The lyrics vary from version to version, and the House itself is sometimes implied to be a brothel, other times a women's prison or sanitarium, but whether the song refers to a specific place that actually existed and had that name is likely to a question that will never be answered with certainty. [Edited to correct a typo.] (bergmania)
1 answer
Apr 28 25 by unclerick
Referring to the song "Kansas City", is there an actual corner of 12th Street and Vine?
Not any longer!
When the songwriters (Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller) wrote the song in 1952, they had never even visited Kansas City. There was a corner of 12th and Vine at the time, but it was razed in the 1960s during an urban renewal project. Where it previously stood, a park shaped like a grand piano with a path shaped like a treble clef, and a commemorative plaque, now exists.
Today, the corner of 18th and Vine still exists at the heart of the city's historic jazz district, leading some modern versions of the song to refer to this modern corner instead.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_(Leiber_and_Stoller_song)
https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2016-05-16/news-flash-to-the-world-kansas-city-has-no-12th-street-and-vine-heres-why (patrickk)
1 answer
Apr 28 25 by unclerick
Which species of birds have the longest and shortest life spans?
The longest lifespan may well be the Laysan albatross, which can live into their seventies.
https://chirpinghearts.com/birds-with-the-longest-lifespans/
The shortest lifespan is possibly the European Robin with an avergae expectancy of 1.1 years.
https://birdingpoint.com/birds-with-shortest-lifespan/
(GoodwinPD)
1 answer
Apr 27 25 by RedRobin7
After whom was the Reuben sandwich named?
Wikipedia suggest two possible answers:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuben_sandwich
Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born Jewish grocer from Omaha, Nebraska reportedly requested a corned beef and sauerkraut sandwich at his poker game in the Blackstone Hotel. The hotel's owner added Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing and the sandwich gained popularity.
Arnold Reuben, the German-Jewish owner of New York City's Reuben's Delicatessen allegedly created the "Reuben Special" around 1914 for actress Marjorie Rambeau
(GoodwinPD)
1 answer
Apr 27 25 by RedRobin7
Who wrote the words
"Their glory shall never die,
The whole wide world is their sepulchre,
Their epitaphs are written upon the hearts of mankind,
And whenever there is talk of noble deeds,
Their names will be held in grateful remembrance."
And what is the name of the poem?
Although the internet insists that the source is 'For the Fallen', that is actually the source for the words of the 'Ode of Remembrance', with a similar theme, that is recited on ANZAC Day (April 25) at countless memorial services around Australia.
[quote]They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.[/quote]
https://www.army.gov.au/about-us/history-and-research/traditions/ode
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57322/for-the-fallen, (looney_tunes)
2 answers
Apr 24 25 by ozzz2002
2 answers
Apr 24 25 by ozzz2002
KM Malta Airlines is the flag carrier of Malta. What does KM stand for?
'KM' was the IATA code of Air Malta and is the IATA code of its replacement, KM Malta Airlines.
[quote] After 50 years, Air Malta is no more. It was replaced by KM Malta Airlines on March 31, with 'KM' being the IATA code of Air Malta and its replacement.[/quote]
https://simpleflying.com/km-malta-airlines-different-to-air-malta/ (elburcher)
1 answer
Apr 25 25 by chabenao1
1 answer
Apr 23 25 by Lottie1001
What is the commonality between 'Sirach', 'Shepherd of Hermas', and 'Didache'?
The three books helped form Christian and in the case of the Book of Sirach both Jewish and Christian ethical and moral thought.
[quote]The Shepherd of Hermas is described as "a guide of Christian morality in the shape of an allegory or romance". It contains "two parallels to the first and second chapters of the Didache...[/quote]
https://www.wittenbergcomo.com/blog/the-didache-and-the-shepherd-of-hermas
[quote]Sirach has historically played an important role in shaping Jewish and Christian ethical thought[/quote]
https://biblehub.com/q/what_is_sirach.htm (elburcher)
1 answer
Apr 23 25 by odo5435
What was the title of the last song ever recorded by the Beatles as a group; and what else makes it unique?
The End
[quote]Fittingly, the very last thing the four members of The Beatles recorded together was the very end of their song 'The End', the full stop at the end of an expansive eight-song medley on the second side of the album they'd named after their famous studio, Abbey Road. On August 20th, they recorded the three-part, wordless vocal harmony heard during the climax of the song, which unusually included Starr alongside the other three Beatles.
Last-minute short instrumental overdubs to polish off the song were likely also recorded during the same session. The main instrumental material for the song, including intertwining guitar licks from Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, and Starr's only drum solo for the band, had already been completed earlier in the month.
Two days before that last session, the track's famous final lyrics, an epigrammatic couplet that seemed to signify the end of an age, was put down on tape, as well as its piano accompaniment. What better way for the four teenage friends from Liverpool, who'd brought us seminal moments of the 1960s like 'She Loves You' and 'All You Need Is Love', to give one another a final send-off? Singing in unison: "The love you take / is equal to the love you make." It was almost too perfect.
The Beatles decided it was and tacked the hidden track 'Her Majesty', a throwaway McCartney ditty cut from the final listing for Abbey Road, on the end of the LP. It was irreverent to the last, but an ending fit for rock royalty.[/quote]
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/final-beatles-song-recording-all-four-band-members/ (elburcher)
1 answer
Apr 23 25 by odo5435
1 answer
Apr 22 25 by pehinhota
How many chess variants are recognised?
According to FIDE's Laws of Chess, there are just two variants: Standard Chess and Chess 960, the latter being a variant where the starting positions are, within certain limits, randomized to make the game more about on the spot tactical thinking and less about memorizing prepared and proven opening lines.
Both variants are further subdivided by time controls - Classical, Rapid and Blitz - but those do not change the game as such, only the way certain tournament rules are enforced.
https://fide.com/FIDE/handbook/LawsOfChess.pdf
All other variants are casual and not "recognized" by an official chess authority. (WesleyCrusher)
3 answers
Apr 22 25 by RedRobin7
3 answers
Apr 22 25 by RedRobin7
1 answer
Apr 21 25 by pehinhota
Do cockroaches really carry as much disease as they're reputed to?
Roaches are more or less "transporters" than actually being the cause of disease and they are not carriers of disease.
[quote]Do Cockroaches Transmit Disease to Humans?
Although cockroaches have the potential to spread bacteria and parasites, most species are not major disease vectors. There are a few exceptions:
Salmonella - Roaches can carry this bacteria on their body and contaminate food that isn't properly stored or prepared. Salmonella food poisoning causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Dysentery - Cockroaches can transmit dysentery-causing amoeba cysts in their feces if they contaminate food and water.
Gastroenteritis - Roaches can spread the viruses, bacteria, or parasites that cause gastroenteritis through contact with food.
Typhoid fever - Roaches are not direct carriers, but can transmit typhoid between infected and non-infected humans if they walk over contaminated surfaces.
Polio - Cockroaches can pick up polio virus on their legs and antennae and transport it to food sources.
Cholera - Although not common, cockroaches may be able to transmit cholera bacteria in unsanitary conditions.
Despite these risks, most cockroach-human disease transmission requires the roaches to actually walk over contaminated surfaces or food. Their role is more as passive transporters, not hosts or reservoirs of disease.[/quote]
https://breathebetterair.org/household-helps/do-cockroaches-really-spread-disease/ (elburcher)
1 answer
Apr 21 25 by RedRobin7
1 answer
Apr 19 25 by odo5435
2 answers
Apr 17 25 by GBfan
Which of San Francisco's Twin Peaks is the tallest?
The taller of San Francisco's Twin Peaks is Noe Peak, also known as the South Peak, with an elevation of approximately 910 feet (277 metres). The other peak, Eureka Peak or North Peak, is slightly lower at about 904 feet (275 metres).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Peaks_%28San_Francisco%29 (wellenbrecher)
2 answers
Apr 18 25 by serpa
Which of San Francisco's Twin Peaks is the tallest?
It looks as though the South Peak (called Noe Peak) is slightly higher. The peaks are the third and fourth highest hills in San Francisco.
South (Noe Peak) - height of 910 ft (277 m)
North (Eureka Peak) - height of 904 ft (276 m)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hills_in_San_Francisco (Triviaballer)
2 answers
Apr 18 25 by serpa
Who caught Brett Favre's last touchdown pass as an NFL quarterback?
Brett Favre's final touchdown pass as an NFL quarterback was caught by Sidney Rice. This occurred during the 2009 NFC Championship Game on 24 January 2010 between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints.
The game ended in a 31-28 overtime victory for the Saints, and Favre would not throw another touchdown pass before retiring after the 2010 season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVfTz5e9OGQ
(wellenbrecher)
1 answer
Apr 17 25 by GBfan
1 answer
Apr 18 25 by DonaldD1970
What inspired the Beatles to write "Rocky Raccoon"?
[quote]"Rocky Raccoon" is a song by the Beatles from the double-disc album The Beatles (also known as The White Album). The song was primarily written by Paul McCartney, who was inspired while playing acoustic guitar with John Lennon and Donovan in India (where the Beatles had gone on a retreat).[/quote]
https://www.thebeatles.com/rocky-raccoon (elburcher)
2 answers
Apr 17 25 by GBfan
Which country is the furthest from the sea?
The country furthest from the sea is Kyrgyzstan. It's a landlocked country in Central Asia, and the shortest distance from its southern border to the Arabian Sea is a remarkable 1,260 km.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyrgyzstan (Shadowmyst2004)
1 answer
Apr 17 25 by gmackematix
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Apr 17 25 by GBfan
1 answer
Apr 17 25 by pehinhota
1 answer
Apr 17 25 by pehinhota
What "battle" lasting almost three hours, took place in Farnborough, Hampshire in 1860?
What is considered to be the first world championship boxing match took place on 17th April 1860 in Farnsborough, Hampshire. The match was between between Tom Sayers (Eng.) and John C. Heenan (U.S.), lasted for 41 rounds, and took almost 3 hours. It ended in a draw! (Obviously, the Marquess of Qeensbury had not introduced his 'rules' at that time.)
https://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/heenanandsayers.html
https://www.john-woodbridge.com/en/blog/83_heenan-sayers-boxing-farnborough-1860.html
https://sportinglandmarks.co.uk/heenan-v-sayers-the-fight-that-changed-boxing-forever-frank-keating-the-guardian/ (odo5435)
1 answer
Apr 17 25 by pehinhota
In the late 17th century, in which European city were the first seeds of the Asian Ginkgo tree, brought from Japan, planted?
Exact dates are not clear, but the first city was probably Utrecht. There is a tree there said to have been one of those planted in 1727. There is also one in Leiden, planted in 1785, which is currently considered the second-oldest European specimen.
[quote]In the western world, the tree became known through the German physician and traveler Kämpfer. He was part of a Dutch delegation to Japan in 1690 and found the tree species on the island of Nippon. Kämpfer published his description of the tree in 1712 and named it Ginkgo, and it took only 15 years before the first plants were introduced to Utrecht in the Netherlands. Ginkgo was introduced to England in 1754, to Austria in 1768 and to France in 1780. One of the first trees planted in Europe is found in Leiden in the Netherlands.[/quote]
https://www.uib.no/en/universitygardens/146973/ginkgo-biloba (looney_tunes)
1 answer
Apr 15 25 by pehinhota
1 answer
Apr 15 25 by pehinhota
In "Trouble", Elvis sings "My daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack", meaning what?
Apparently jack is a shortening of jackass, referring to a donkey. A mountain jack would live in the mountains or at least out in the wild. Applied to a person, there is an implication of living remotely and making a lot of noise, hollering around the place.
And, of course, someone who is called green-eyed is jealous and possessive. The song lyrics suggest the singer is definitely on the pugnacious side!
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=123743 (looney_tunes)
1 answer
Apr 14 25 by chabenao1
6 answers
Apr 11 25 by chabenao1
2 answers
Apr 03 25 by pehinhota
Where did Kruschen salts get their name from?
To add to the mystery, I Found this entry in "Grace's Guide to British Industrial History"
[quote]c.1911 Kruschen Salts were introduced by E. Griffiths Hughes (Kruschen) Ltd to the British market, and to the American market by E. Griffiths Hughes, Inc.[/quote]
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/E._Griffiths_Hughes (elburcher)
3 answers
Apr 10 25 by tjoebigham
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