# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1101 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1102 --- ## [1)Why is the Navy firefighting robot Saffir bipedal?; 2)Word for robot/human interaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-why-is-the-navy-firefighting-robot-saffir-bipedal-2-word-for-robot-human-interaction/712592)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-why-is-the-navy-firefighting-robot-saffir-bipedal-2-word-for-robot-human-interaction/712592 "2015-06-07T20:42:23Z")
See subject. Bipedal is hard. The Navy, in this public rollout of a prototype, say that it is designed specifically for the service environment–that is, service in the physical/hard environment–and with their human/sof… --- ## [What's the deal with prawns and cholesterol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-prawns-and-cholesterol/721187)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Why\_Bother](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Why_Bother)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-prawns-and-cholesterol/721187 "2015-06-07T20:28:45Z")
I like prawns but I’m trying to watch my cholesterol. Should I cut them out of my diet, or is it ok to eat them once or twice a week or so? I’ve googled about but what I’ve read is contradictory and kinda confusing. C… --- ## [Excel charting help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-charting-help/721786)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-charting-help/721786 "2015-06-07T19:22:20Z")
I generally consider myself an advanced Excel user (I can do pivot charts), but I have a spreadsheet that’s acting really weird and I can’t figure it out. Hoping someone here can help me. I have Excel 2011 for Macintos… --- ## [What's the upside of L, S and C bands for military search radars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-upside-of-l-s-and-c-bands-for-military-search-radars/721853)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-upside-of-l-s-and-c-bands-for-military-search-radars/721853 "2015-06-07T17:46:40Z")
I understand why tracking radars would use X-band and higher the importance of resolution for tracking. For a given antenna size, though, a higher frequency also means that the antenna gain is greater which means more r… --- ## [Confused about hospice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confused-about-hospice/721751)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confused-about-hospice/721751 "2015-06-07T17:40:02Z")
I have a friend who had a stroke a few months ago. He seems to be stable with one side of his body paralyzed and he can’t swallow. he can talk but seems to halucinate about a lot of things. He has a feeding tube and rec… --- ## [Formula for "sector" of a circle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-for-sector-of-a-circle/721791)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/formula-for-sector-of-a-circle/721791 "2015-06-07T16:58:09Z")
Is there a general formula for a “sector” of a circle - by “sector,” I don’t mean a sector defined by two radii and the arc of the circle intercepted by the radii. What I mean is: Take any point in the circle. Now draw … --- ## [How do you select multiple pictures in Google Photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-select-multiple-pictures-in-google-photos/721789)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-select-multiple-pictures-in-google-photos/721789 "2015-06-07T16:52:05Z")
This might be a stupid question, but I can’t figure this out. I want to select about 300 pictures and group them into one album. I can’t figure out how to select all of them at once. There has to be a way of selecting a… --- ## [How to get rid of an e-mail that refuses to die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-an-e-mail-that-refuses-to-die/721675)
**Author:** [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-rid-of-an-e-mail-that-refuses-to-die/721675 "2015-06-07T16:38:24Z")
Months ago, I answered a craiglist ad about a glass greenhouse through e-mail, and eventually sent it to trash and then deleted it. A while later it pops back up in my draft folder. I delete it again. Day or two later, s… --- ## [How do I make a pie chart in Excel,](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-pie-chart-in-excel/721885)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-make-a-pie-chart-in-excel/721885 "2015-06-07T15:58:48Z")
I know very little about Excel. I want to make a pie chart showing the party distribution in the House of Commons in a particular year, which I’ll then import to a Power Point presentation. But I have no idea how to do… --- ## [what is this part on my bike tire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-part-on-my-bike-tire/721788)
**Author:** [@cornopean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornopean)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-part-on-my-bike-tire/721788 "2015-06-07T11:26:31Z")
Notice this part I circled. I don’t get what the function of this part is. can anyone tell me what good this part is? http://www.mediafire.com/view/lcuj1bqb1ki1crd/Capture.PNG --- ## [New toy question (smart phone)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-toy-question-smart-phone/721796)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-toy-question-smart-phone/721796 "2015-06-07T10:29:16Z")
Stepping into the present, buying an iphone 6 - and having lots of questions. The manual doesn’t help a whole lot. Don’t know a good source to find out so here I am. Presuming you’re out of wifi range, when does the … --- ## [Montesquieu quote translation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montesquieu-quote-translation/136355)
**Author:** [@Motog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motog)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2002, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/montesquieu-quote-translation/136355 "2002-11-12T07:03:37Z")
This is going to sound terribly pretentious, but here goes: I’m in the middle of reading an english translation of the “Analects of Confucius”. In the introduction the translator uses the following “famous statement” fr… --- ## [Defending your pet's life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defending-your-pets-life/721713)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defending-your-pets-life/721713 "2015-06-07T05:08:23Z")
Mods: If this thread more IMHO territory feel free to move it, but I think there should be a factual answer to this question. I believe that it’s justifiable in most jurisdictions to use deadly force to defend your life… --- ## [Why can't Medicare negotiate prices for drugs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-medicare-negotiate-prices-for-drugs/721799)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-medicare-negotiate-prices-for-drugs/721799 "2015-06-07T04:56:35Z")
I was reading an article that casually mentioned that Medicare is the nation’s largest drug-buyer (makes sense) but can’t negotiate the prices they pay for drugs (doesn’t make sense). Why? --- ## [Never drinking tap (public) water.. Bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-drinking-tap-public-water-bad/721715)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2015, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-drinking-tap-public-water-bad/721715 "2015-06-07T01:04:03Z")
When I say “tap” water, I am referring to city water, or water that is supplied to your home through a local water authority. Not well water. If you have a child and raise that child on nothing but bottled water, would… --- ## [Anatomy: why is it hard for a man to pee shortly after ejaculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anatomy-why-is-it-hard-for-a-man-to-pee-shortly-after-ejaculation/668385)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anatomy-why-is-it-hard-for-a-man-to-pee-shortly-after-ejaculation/668385 "2015-06-06T22:23:43Z")
Subject line contains the basic question: shortly after orgasm/ejaculation, it’s usually a few minutes before I can pass urine. What’s happening to produce this phenomenon? --- ## [Imprisoned for Satanism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imprisoned-for-satanism/721770)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imprisoned-for-satanism/721770 "2015-06-06T18:09:08Z")
In this Something Positive (web comic), they talk about the Satanist scare of a number of years ago. Among the things said is that some people were imprisoned as a result. Also see the note at the bottom about how the ar… --- ## [Why are contact lens solutions so expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-contact-lens-solutions-so-expensive/80476)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-contact-lens-solutions-so-expensive/80476 "2015-06-06T17:37:55Z")
I feel like I’m being ripped off whenever I buy contact lens solutions. What’s the profit margin on this stuff? What are the actual manufacturing costs involved, and wholesale costs, for a bottle of saline solution and/o… --- ## [Theoretical question about cracking copy protection.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-question-about-cracking-copy-protection/721733)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theoretical-question-about-cracking-copy-protection/721733 "2015-06-06T17:36:12Z")
So I was reminiscing about my old Apple II plus days and was reminded of a question that always bothered me. The question also applies to CD copying. Note to mods: I’m just asking out of curiosity – not seeking tutelage… --- ## [Henry VIII, Divorce and the Church of England](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-viii-divorce-and-the-church-of-england/721439)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/henry-viii-divorce-and-the-church-of-england/721439 "2015-06-06T14:19:32Z")
As I understand it, Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife because she didn’t give him a son, the Pope said no, and as a result the Church of England was then formed. It’s hard to imagine that it’s that simple, or that so… --- ## [Firefox keeps losing camel-camel-camel link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-keeps-losing-camel-camel-camel-link/721662)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-keeps-losing-camel-camel-camel-link/721662 "2015-06-06T13:24:04Z")
So I downloaded and installed camel-camel-camel. Like to browse amazon and set alerts for items I like when they reach my price point. The darn icon keeps going away! Anyone else experience this? Running windows 8.1 … --- ## [Plumbing Question (brass cleanout nut in PVC sink drain)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-brass-cleanout-nut-in-pvc-sink-drain/721734)
**Author:** [@Quercus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-brass-cleanout-nut-in-pvc-sink-drain/721734 "2015-06-06T09:09:07Z")
So I’m trying to unclog/clean out my sink. It’s PVC pipe with a standard P-trap, where the bottom of the trap is accessed not by unscrewing sections of the drain pipe (they’re all cemented together) but by unscrewing a … --- ## [How Can A Kidney Fail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-kidney-fail/721659)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-kidney-fail/721659 "2015-06-06T05:43:20Z")
As I understand it, a kidney is like a passive filter. Passive, as in, the kidney just sits there and the blood flows through like air through your HVAC filter. It is all through osmosis, a naturally occurring passive … --- ## [A Question Regarding Generic Prescription Drugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-regarding-generic-prescription-drugs/721697)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-regarding-generic-prescription-drugs/721697 "2015-06-06T05:35:08Z")
I understand the life cycle of drugs. A new drug is introduced, which costs millions of $$ to develop. The manufacturer prices the drug as high as possible, in an effort to recover their investment. As time goes by, oth… --- ## ["Phossy Jaw" - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phossy-jaw-why/721745)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phossy-jaw-why/721745 "2015-06-06T04:53:56Z")
The GQ thread on gender-related diseases mentioned phossy jaw, and that reminded me of something that has bugged me for a long time. WHY did the use of white phosphorus to make matches cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, ak… --- ## [Math in the Hastert case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-in-the-hastert-case/721458)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-in-the-hastert-case/721458 "2015-06-06T04:43:32Z")
OK, I admit I haven’t been following this case very closely. I read a column about the case in this morning’s Chicago Tribune. According to this article, Hastert paid $3.5 million to hush up the scandal. First, he mad… --- ## [Cheapest possible laptop that will run Office 365?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapest-possible-laptop-that-will-run-office-365/721687)
**Author:** [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapest-possible-laptop-that-will-run-office-365/721687 "2015-06-06T03:19:37Z")
Hey all, So it’s almost my birthday, and my sister has agreed to get me a laptop… but it must be CHEAP. All it needs to do, and I mean ALL, is to run Office. It will almost never even be used to go online. Just office. … --- ## [Seagate creating multiple back up folders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seagate-creating-multiple-back-up-folders/721753)
**Author:** [@Wesley38](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley38)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2015, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seagate-creating-multiple-back-up-folders/721753 "2015-06-06T01:46:13Z")
Hello, on my old seagate drive (500gb) I used to be able to backup my Mac using time machine and the back up would only be one folder for each back up. Then I noticed it recently started creating a series of folders for… --- ## [YouTube borked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-borked/721678)
**Author:** [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2015, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-borked/721678 "2015-06-05T22:57:52Z")
I’ve been uploading some short videos to YouTube and since yesterday, they aren’t showing up. No indication why. Anyone have any idea what is going on? --- ## [Has there been a false flag in recent American history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-false-flag-in-recent-american-history/721714)
**Author:** [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-false-flag-in-recent-american-history/721714 "2015-06-05T21:38:29Z")
9/11. Aurora. Sandy Hook. Columbine. Oklahoma City. Boston Marathon. All of these and others I can’t think of have been considered “false flag operations” by conspiracy theorists. None of them actually seem to have been… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1100) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1102)