# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=105 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 106 --- ## [Australian Dopers: Yannies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-dopers-yannies/183031)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/australian-dopers-yannies/183031 "2024-01-16T21:52:45Z")
I’ve just heard Men at Work’s Down by the Sea. There’s one part that says “Yannies in the wind”. What are “yannies”? And who is Captain Benbow? --- ## [How are electronic devices able to work with decaying voltages from batteries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-electronic-devices-able-to-work-with-decaying-voltages-from-batteries/995901)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-electronic-devices-able-to-work-with-decaying-voltages-from-batteries/995901 "2024-01-16T21:17:55Z")
One of the current topics in my AP Chem class is how the changing molarities of ions in galvanic cells make the voltage trend toward 0. Then the cell/battery is dead. If you put a voltmeter on a new AA cell, you get 1.5V… --- ## [Why would my whole life insurance policy decrease in value?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-my-whole-life-insurance-policy-decrease-in-value/996041)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-my-whole-life-insurance-policy-decrease-in-value/996041 "2024-01-16T20:59:00Z")
I’ve started checking the surrender value of my whole life policy and have found that the amount drops $11 everyday. Why would it do that? It seems like it should be going the other way. --- ## [How widespread is the word drug used as the past tense of drag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-widespread-is-the-word-drug-used-as-the-past-tense-of-drag/996104)
**Author:** [@Lord\_Mondegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Mondegreen)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-widespread-is-the-word-drug-used-as-the-past-tense-of-drag/996104 "2024-01-16T16:57:35Z")
I’m not a US resident, although I have spent plenty of happy times there. I also don’t believe there is any such thing as right or wrong in language, just usage. From time to time I have heard on TV a person using the … --- ## [Questions about the elements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-elements/995522)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-elements/995522 "2024-01-16T10:11:16Z")
Basically I am wondering if atoms go through an evolution of sorts, do they all start out the same? I know they decay but I am more concerned about how they start and form all of the elements. --- ## [Tesla Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-turbo/996092)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2024, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-turbo/996092 "2024-01-16T00:40:27Z")
No, I’m not discussing “souping-up” an electric car. The Tesla Turbine: Tesla Turbine | The interesting physics behind it (youtube.com) apparently holds theoretical promise if one can materially engineer discs 3 meter… --- ## [Excel Question - Using Offset and Match with only visible columns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-using-offset-and-match-with-only-visible-columns/996122)
**Author:** [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-using-offset-and-match-with-only-visible-columns/996122 "2024-01-15T20:51:15Z")
Okay, so I have a spreadsheet where Column A always has a value. Cells B through N may have values (or they may not - B and F might have values, but C D E would not). And this can different for every row in the table. … --- ## [Is my DVD player really digital?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-dvd-player-really-digital/995988)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2024, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-dvd-player-really-digital/995988 "2024-01-15T20:43:16Z")
So. I’ve got a ton of old DVDs. Would love to dump them onto an SSD. Plenty of devices similar to This item from B&H Photo. My DVD player does in fact have the old school RCA jacks on the back. How else to plug into yo… --- ## [Why is finding new material or new batteries take long time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-finding-new-material-or-new-batteries-take-long-time/996049)
**Author:** [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2024, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-finding-new-material-or-new-batteries-take-long-time/996049 "2024-01-15T20:42:32Z")
Reading this article here. Microsoft’s AI found a new material to replace li-ion batteries Microsoft collaborated with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to discover a novel materia… --- ## [How old are the oldest bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-are-the-oldest-bones/996008)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-old-are-the-oldest-bones/996008 "2024-01-14T19:38:56Z")
For example, dinosaur ‘bones’, as I understand it, are fossils which are formed by sediment covering the organism quickly after death, forming a cavity which is later filled with minerals of some sort. And I take it ther… --- ## [How can the batteries for e-cars burn under water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-batteries-for-e-cars-burn-under-water/994070)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2024, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-the-batteries-for-e-cars-burn-under-water/994070 "2024-01-14T18:02:47Z")
How can the batteries for e-cars burn under water? There was a thread a while ago with videos of e-cars that went under water and started burning. How is that possible? I always thought a fire needed oxygen? Or is ther… --- ## [National insignia / markings on WW2 tanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-insignia-markings-on-ww2-tanks/996020)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2024, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-insignia-markings-on-ww2-tanks/996020 "2024-01-14T18:01:15Z")
I know about the German cross and the American white star, and the Soviets sometimes had red stars on their tanks. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of, say, a British tank with a Union Jack on the turret, or a… --- ## [Life insurance question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-question/994124)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2024, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-insurance-question/994124 "2024-01-14T02:35:13Z")
John is driving home when a drunk driver crosses the center line hitting Johns car killing him. Johns life insurance pays out double because it is an accident. Does the life insurance company go after the drunk driver/… --- ## [What number is highest before using a form of "ten and \_\_\_\_\_"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-number-is-highest-before-using-a-form-of-ten-and/996014)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-number-is-highest-before-using-a-form-of-ten-and/996014 "2024-01-13T20:49:32Z")
In English, we get up to 12 before we say “thirteen”, which is an obvious reference to ten. What number, presumably in a foreign language, is the highest “distinct” number that doesn’t reference another number. I’m not… --- ## [Does a sedentary lifestyle burn the same amount of calories as an active lifestyle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-sedentary-lifestyle-burn-the-same-amount-of-calories-as-an-active-lifestyle/995835)
**Author:** [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-sedentary-lifestyle-burn-the-same-amount-of-calories-as-an-active-lifestyle/995835 "2024-01-13T17:55:17Z")
The question is the title, but basically, is a sedentary lifestyle burning roughly the same amount of calories per day as an active lifestyle? I’ve just read that it doesn’t matter, both burn roughly the same amount of … --- ## [How deep would you need to go to create a naturally warm basement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deep-would-you-need-to-go-to-create-a-naturally-warm-basement/995907)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-deep-would-you-need-to-go-to-create-a-naturally-warm-basement/995907 "2024-01-13T16:39:11Z")
Growing up, my parents didn’t ‘believe’ in air conditioning. (That should likely be read as 'thought spending money for cool air was wasteful giving our area only had high temperatures for maybe two months a year.) As … --- ## [Why all the sunglasses stores?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-sunglasses-stores/995734)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-sunglasses-stores/995734 "2024-01-13T15:37:18Z")
I’m in an airport terminal, standing in front of a store selling designer sunglasses. Such stores are everywhere in airports, malls, and shopping streets. Who’s buying these glasses? They’re not the el cheapo plastic kin… --- ## [Is English the only language that uses the "oʊ" sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-english-the-only-language-that-uses-the-o-sound/995820)
**Author:** [@Amikejo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amikejo)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-english-the-only-language-that-uses-the-o-sound/995820 "2024-01-13T05:56:21Z")
I can’t think of another language that uses it, and google yielded nothing. --- ## [Is there anything to prevent state legislatures from moving back to having only themselves vote for presidential electors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-to-prevent-state-legislatures-from-moving-back-to-having-only-themselves-vote-for-presidential-electors/995983)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-to-prevent-state-legislatures-from-moving-back-to-having-only-themselves-vote-for-presidential-electors/995983 "2024-01-13T04:49:55Z")
Prior to, I believe, the election where Jackson won, it was common for presidential elections to be voted on by state legislatures rather than direct votes by the citizenry determining the slate of electors. Is there an… --- ## [English usage question: Indirect objects](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-usage-question-indirect-objects/995798)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2024, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-usage-question-indirect-objects/995798 "2024-01-13T04:09:43Z")
It seems the verb ‘explain’ doesn’t take indirect objects. We say, “I’ll explain everything to you.” but not I’ll explain you everything." On the other hand either “I’ll tell you everything” or I’ll tell everything to … --- ## [Why don't we sneeze when we are sleeping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-sneeze-when-we-are-sleeping/531716)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-sneeze-when-we-are-sleeping/531716 "2024-01-12T23:31:18Z")
Title says it all. I assume we don’t anyway, because I am pretty sure I would be woken up by a sneeze. :wink: --- ## [Why are J words in English usually written with Dy in the Tagalog language (ex: Dyanitor instead of Janitor)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-j-words-in-english-usually-written-with-dy-in-the-tagalog-language-ex-dyanitor-instead-of-janitor/996012)
**Author:** [@Jagraze1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jagraze1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-j-words-in-english-usually-written-with-dy-in-the-tagalog-language-ex-dyanitor-instead-of-janitor/996012 "2024-01-12T19:33:08Z")
From what I know, I often hear that the English “J” sound does not exist in Tagalog. However, when I see words in Tagalog, there are often sounds that use English “j” (ex: Dyanitor). Why doesn’t Tagalog use J for \[dzh\] i… --- ## [What is the original definition of a Coulomb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-original-definition-of-a-coulomb/995863)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-original-definition-of-a-coulomb/995863 "2024-01-12T15:33:08Z")
I found this: physics - Origin of the coulomb and ampere - History of Science and Mathematics Stack Exchange " my question: why is the coulomb (and ampere) the size it is today, which an outrageous size that makes it… --- ## [Graphing functions with non-integer exponents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphing-functions-with-non-integer-exponents/995951)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphing-functions-with-non-integer-exponents/995951 "2024-01-12T14:21:19Z")
Look at the graph of x^2 R.036035c45a2ac01824e8245c46f1a534 (546×314) (bing.com) a nice “V” shape. here’s the graph of x^3 R.c6f80415c6f0a653349cdccae3032821 (1002×821) (bing.com) An “S” shape Essentially, any even… --- ## [Paypal rocket/hot air balloon choice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-rocket-hot-air-balloon-choice/995888)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-rocket-hot-air-balloon-choice/995888 "2024-01-12T11:26:48Z")
When I withdraw money back to my bank from Paypal I get 2 choices, the “rocket” which is instant and free or the “hot air balloon” which will take 2-3 days and may charge a fee. As I’ve never chosen the hot air ballon I … --- ## [Cleanliness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleanliness/995505)
**Author:** [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Replies:** 239\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2024, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleanliness/995505 "2024-01-12T00:24:18Z")
Every day there are articles in various mainstream media which purport to distill the sage advice of Scientists on the subject of hygiene. Not only how and when to clean one’s body, but also how often to wash your towels… --- ## [“Messages in this conversation”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/messages-in-this-conversation/995940)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2024, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/messages-in-this-conversation/995940 "2024-01-11T13:23:30Z")
Outlook, and possibly other email clients too, include a “messages in this conversation” feature. If you have a lengthy chain of correspondence with people ping-ponging emails to each other, you can open any one of them,… --- ## [Longest and shortest solar day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-and-shortest-solar-day/995569)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2024, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-and-shortest-solar-day/995569 "2024-01-11T10:31:43Z")
By the longest solar day I mean the longest time from one solar noon to the next. And similarly for shortest. My google-fu seems not up to the question although I found one site that claims December days are generally … --- ## [Help changing the region on my Android phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-changing-the-region-on-my-android-phone/995919)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-changing-the-region-on-my-android-phone/995919 "2024-01-10T22:21:38Z")
I moved from Israel to the states, and I am having problems installing some apps because Google Play Store says these apps are not available in my region. I have a Motorola G7 Android. I’ve looked for the region settings… --- ## [Shutting down iMac interrupts power on surge strip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-down-imac-interrupts-power-on-surge-strip/995914)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-down-imac-interrupts-power-on-surge-strip/995914 "2024-01-10T20:51:20Z")
I was on the phone doing remote tech support with my 83-year-old mother today. At one point, I asked her to shut down her iMac (a model at least 10 years old by now) and then power it back up again. She selected “Shut Do… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=104) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=106)