# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1112 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1113 --- ## [Anything I can do to help a canker sore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-i-can-do-to-help-a-canker-sore/365832)
**Author:** [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2015, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-i-can-do-to-help-a-canker-sore/365832 "2015-05-20T04:25:49Z")
I have the worst canker sore I’ve ever had on the inside of my mouth. It’s been really bad for 3 days, and I’m having a hard time eating and talking. Besides avoiding sugar, is there anything I can do to help it along?… --- ## [Why is sheet music published on odd sized paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-sheet-music-published-on-odd-sized-paper/720315)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-sheet-music-published-on-odd-sized-paper/720315 "2015-05-20T03:20:45Z")
Letter stock 8 1/2x11, legal 8 1/2 x 14, and tabloid 11x17 are the three standard US sizes. Which genius decided to use 9 1/4 x 12 for sheet music? Its a real nuisance to file. The extra width (9 1/4") is the biggest … --- ## [The science of washing and rinsing fabric...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-washing-and-rinsing-fabric/720187)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2015, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-science-of-washing-and-rinsing-fabric/720187 "2015-05-20T02:31:46Z")
Has anyone ever determined whether fabric that has been saturated with soapy water is more likely to repel the clear rinse water, or if the rinse water is more likely to drive out the soapy water? I figure this must hav… --- ## [Why does human hair have a grain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-human-hair-have-a-grain/720326)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2015, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-human-hair-have-a-grain/720326 "2015-05-20T01:59:20Z")
Most human hair emerges from the skin at an angle, not straight out. What’s more, individual hairs tend to emerge at the same angle as their neighbors. This happens on the head, on men’s faces, and on arms and legs. W… --- ## ["You're a savage little man aren't you?" Mr Joyce observed.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-savage-little-man-arent-you-mr-joyce-observed/720356)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2015, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-a-savage-little-man-arent-you-mr-joyce-observed/720356 "2015-05-20T00:43:44Z")
“You’re a savage little man aren’t you?” Mr Joyce observed. “I’m not even a little man, I’m six-foot-one.” Sandilands appeared not to understand the figure of speech." Sorry-what is the figure of speech they are talk… --- ## [Caulking - How do you do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caulking-how-do-you-do-it/720182)
**Author:** [@wellanuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wellanuff)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caulking-how-do-you-do-it/720182 "2015-05-19T20:51:44Z")
OK, whenever I watch someone who knows what they are doing, they lay down a straight bead of caulk and then they smooth it out with their finger and it looks wonderful and it stays secure for years. When I caulk, it com… --- ## [What is this pipe in the basement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-pipe-in-the-basement/719937)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-pipe-in-the-basement/719937 "2015-05-19T20:50:10Z")
The other day I got a call from the tenant in the basement apartment of my rental townhouse. He’s been having a wet carpet, and he pulled up the carpet to find a 10 inch vertical pipe, the top of which is almost level wi… --- ## [Can You Make Whiskey, Brandy Without Distillation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-whiskey-brandy-without-distillation/720308)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-make-whiskey-brandy-without-distillation/720308 "2015-05-19T20:49:05Z")
With the recent surge in micro-distillers, i wonder of you could make better liquor without distillation at all-if you used reverse osmosis, you could remove the alcohol from the mash/wine without heat at all. Distillati… --- ## [How do you stop videos from autostarting in Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-videos-from-autostarting-in-facebook/720339)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-stop-videos-from-autostarting-in-facebook/720339 "2015-05-19T20:48:26Z")
Basically, what the title says: When I go to Facebook, as soon as a video scrolls into view, it starts up. How do I stop this? --- ## [Looking for home pager/intercom system for elderly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-home-pager-intercom-system-for-elderly/720186)
**Author:** [@kmn711](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kmn711)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-home-pager-intercom-system-for-elderly/720186 "2015-05-19T17:03:16Z")
I am a caregiver for my elderly father. I need a wireless, portable pager or alert button type of system. I want something really simple with maybe just one button my father can push that will make a loud ringing or buzz… --- ## [Bill Cosby, Coca-Cola and false advertising](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-cosby-coca-cola-and-false-advertising/505729)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-cosby-coca-cola-and-false-advertising/505729 "2015-05-19T15:01:02Z")
I was going to post in this thread but I wanted to produce a cite first. Thing is, I can’t find a cite, so I’m starting a new thread rather than hijack the other. Does anyone else remember Bill Cosby having to retract f… --- ## [How Does A Nation Annex New Lands Now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-nation-annex-new-lands-now/720243)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-nation-annex-new-lands-now/720243 "2015-05-19T13:27:22Z")
This question is inspired by China’s recent efforts to annex the Spratley islands. Suppose a new island emerges in the South pacific-and the USA decides we would like it as a base. Do you just land troops on it and decl… --- ## [Can you bring a dried-out magic marker back to life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bring-a-dried-out-magic-marker-back-to-life/720136)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bring-a-dried-out-magic-marker-back-to-life/720136 "2015-05-19T13:10:11Z")
I know you can add a bit of water to the back end (assuming you can open it) to get the ink sponge damp again, and start ink flowing. I have done this for years, with variable success (never great). I am guessing the b… --- ## [Do Delta lands Naturally Subside?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-delta-lands-naturally-subside/720305)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-delta-lands-naturally-subside/720305 "2015-05-19T12:55:13Z")
Along with Global warming comes the threat of rising sea levels. Years ago, the island of Trinidad government was concerned, because their coastal beaches appeared to be washing away. However, a geological investigation… --- ## [Doing two things at the same time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-two-things-at-the-same-time/720329)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-two-things-at-the-same-time/720329 "2015-05-19T05:08:34Z")
I have heard it said that the human brain can’t focus on two things at the same time. This logic is used to explain why people can’t talk on the phone and drive a car simultaneously, but there are things we can do at the… --- ## [Basic solar string light repair and battery question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-solar-string-light-repair-and-battery-question/720347)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-solar-string-light-repair-and-battery-question/720347 "2015-05-19T04:52:44Z")
We’re getting ready for festival season and have a series of solar string lights that need care, feeding and repair. Here’san example of one of our lights. We let it charge in the yard for about a day and a half (which… --- ## [Pro's Kit Warranty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pros-kit-warranty/720264)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pros-kit-warranty/720264 "2015-05-19T02:32:50Z")
I have thisvideo game repair kit. I have had it for a little more than a year, and some of the bits are rusting out! I can’t seem to find any information about their warranty. Does Pro’s Kit have a warranty on these t… --- ## [Relativity say no absolute space & time, but what about mass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-say-no-absolute-space-time-but-what-about-mass/720265)
**Author:** [@doubled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubled)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relativity-say-no-absolute-space-time-but-what-about-mass/720265 "2015-05-19T02:15:21Z")
Three things I understand of of the theory of relativity: E=MC^2, as you approach the speed of light, time slows down and your mass increases. Everybody on this board has heard of that. there is no “correct” frame of r… --- ## [Time in history when christians broke the law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-in-history-when-christians-broke-the-law/720258)
**Author:** [@joe.russell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joe.russell)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-in-history-when-christians-broke-the-law/720258 "2015-05-19T01:58:59Z")
Was there ever a time in history, excluding bible times, when christians knowingly broke the law? Closest I can think of is morman sects that practiced polygamy. Its my understanding that it was ok during prohibition to … --- ## [Finances of prisoners](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finances-of-prisoners/720161)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2015, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finances-of-prisoners/720161 "2015-05-19T01:00:15Z")
I’ve often wondered about the finances of life imprisonment or the potential for life imprisonment. With Aaron Hernandez going to jail for life, what happens to his estate? Does he still control it? I assume he can’t … --- ## [The higher your IQ, the more forgetful you are?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-higher-your-iq-the-more-forgetful-you-are/720235)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-higher-your-iq-the-more-forgetful-you-are/720235 "2015-05-18T20:50:41Z")
I saw a picture on FB today with the caption ‘The higher your IQ, the more forgetful you are’. Anyone have a cite for that? (‘I would post a cite, but I forgot where it is.’ Beat you!) --- ## [Yet another Facebook question (Resurrection of Zombie Posts)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-facebook-question-resurrection-of-zombie-posts/720160)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-facebook-question-resurrection-of-zombie-posts/720160 "2015-05-18T20:17:08Z")
Lately, in the last week or so, every post that gets commented on or liked rises to the top of my wall, if that’s what you call it. Meaning zombie posts are now suddenly pushing all new information down. I sometimes ha… --- ## [Market penetration pricing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/market-penetration-pricing/720306)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/market-penetration-pricing/720306 "2015-05-18T19:49:51Z")
In the textbook that I study, a disadvantage for market penetration pricing is given as follows: “it is not suitable for products with a short product life cycle as there may not be enough time to recover from the initi… --- ## [How does Twitter know about my browsing history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-twitter-know-about-my-browsing-history/720294)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-twitter-know-about-my-browsing-history/720294 "2015-05-18T18:35:01Z")
Twitter regularly sends out “Popular in your network” emails. I’m assuming one of the reasons is to encourage some of the less active users (like me) to be more active on this social network. Today, Twitter informed me … --- ## [How much is fifty candle power in modern terms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-fifty-candle-power-in-modern-terms/720248)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-fifty-candle-power-in-modern-terms/720248 "2015-05-18T15:27:43Z")
I came across this in the New York Times for April 26, 1884. Yes, this is one of the nuttiest ideas even for the early years of electricity, when everyone was besotted by electric light. In fact, I’m arguing that the f… --- ## [Does the Flynn effect go back to the 19th century or earlier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-flynn-effect-go-back-to-the-19th-century-or-earlier/720205)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-flynn-effect-go-back-to-the-19th-century-or-earlier/720205 "2015-05-18T14:07:20Z")
When I have heard of the Flynn effect they usually use ~1920 as the starting point to document changes in intelligence. I believe this period around the start of the 20th century is when intelligence tests were first dev… --- ## [Electronic circuit double-check](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-circuit-double-check/665102)
**Author:** [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-circuit-double-check/665102 "2015-05-18T13:07:55Z")
I designed a simple circuit that uses an N-channel MOSFET and a optoisolator to switch a 12 V load when 12 V power is applied to the optoisolator’s input. The main purpose is a car PC that involves replacing the factory… --- ## [Death by hanging](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-by-hanging/720115)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-by-hanging/720115 "2015-05-18T12:54:13Z")
The Wikipedia page for hanging describes a couple of possible outcomes: for suspension or short-drop (in which the neck isn’t broken), the ligature typically compresses the carotid arteries, causing unconsciousness in a… --- ## [How do all the anti-acne chemicals work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-all-the-anti-acne-chemicals-work/720081)
**Author:** [@Cardboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardboard)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-all-the-anti-acne-chemicals-work/720081 "2015-05-18T08:28:41Z")
As someone who used to have acne, I put a variety of chemicals on my face to get rid of it. I was just curious, how do the following actually kill or fight acne? How do they work? Benzoyl peroxide Salicylic acid Glyco… --- ## [What species of lion is mentioned in the Bible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-species-of-lion-is-mentioned-in-the-bible/720253)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2015, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-species-of-lion-is-mentioned-in-the-bible/720253 "2015-05-18T07:28:47Z")
There are several references to lions, and I was curious what species would have been familiar to people at the time? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1111) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1113)