# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1142 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1143 --- ## [When you eat a mint and it makes your mouth cool, does it actually drop the temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-eat-a-mint-and-it-makes-your-mouth-cool-does-it-actually-drop-the-temperature/716350)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-eat-a-mint-and-it-makes-your-mouth-cool-does-it-actually-drop-the-temperature/716350 "2015-03-30T19:56:30Z")
Or does it only feel like it has? WAG here, but maybe it does something to your receptors in your mouth to fool you into thinking its cooler? --- ## [Relative strength of equal-area cross sections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-strength-of-equal-area-cross-sections/716085)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relative-strength-of-equal-area-cross-sections/716085 "2015-03-30T17:48:57Z")
This started out as a seemingly straightforward question but the more I thought about it the less sure I was. Here’s the question: given two bars the same length and the same cross-sectional area, which will be stronger-… --- ## [English-language folk saying; counterparts in other languages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-language-folk-saying-counterparts-in-other-languages/716214)
**Author:** [@Sangahyando](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sangahyando)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-language-folk-saying-counterparts-in-other-languages/716214 "2015-03-30T16:24:48Z")
I’ve always liked the English-language expression “robbing Peter to pay Paul”. See it as generally signifying: frantically and probably unsuccessfully, trying to make something work (likely, but not invariably, in the … --- ## [Two women under one roof is "misery" in Chinese. Or not.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-women-under-one-roof-is-misery-in-chinese-or-not/427087)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-women-under-one-roof-is-misery-in-chinese-or-not/427087 "2015-03-30T16:07:31Z")
I’ve heard this factoid for a number of years, pre e-mail glurge too, but is there any truth to it? The “two women…” part is attributed to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, any language with pictograms. It’s also said to mean m… --- ## [Eliminating surplus degree of freedom in unbiased way](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-surplus-degree-of-freedom-in-unbiased-way/716334)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-surplus-degree-of-freedom-in-unbiased-way/716334 "2015-03-30T13:53:53Z")
What methods are there for reforming data so that the number of variables matches the number of degrees of freedom, in a way that does not favor or disfavor particular variables? For example, if we are studying alloys m… --- ## [Why does thermal effusivity have a square root in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-thermal-effusivity-have-a-square-root-in-it/716335)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-thermal-effusivity-have-a-square-root-in-it/716335 "2015-03-30T13:46:02Z")
Thermal effusivity and thermal diffusivity are nice basic properties of materials. The diffusivity tells how quickly temperature change propagates through a material, and it’s equal to the conductivity divided by the vol… --- ## [Does an active case of dengue make you more delicious to mosquito species that transmit dengue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-active-case-of-dengue-make-you-more-delicious-to-mosquito-species-that-transmit-dengue/716090)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-active-case-of-dengue-make-you-more-delicious-to-mosquito-species-that-transmit-dengue/716090 "2015-03-30T08:49:33Z")
I’m down with a case of dengue and have noticed that I’m surrounded by mosquitoes all day (which is when dengue carriers like to bite). I’m slathering on repellent, as I don’t want to further the spread of dengue by gett… --- ## [Do they really have used panty vending machines in Japan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-really-have-used-panty-vending-machines-in-japan/126451)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Patrol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Patrol)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-really-have-used-panty-vending-machines-in-japan/126451 "2015-03-30T06:43:13Z")
A radio host I was listening to this morning claimed that there are vending machines in Japan that dispense used, unwashed panties. And that Japanese men like to buy the panties and then sniff them throughout the day. S… --- ## [Dented Cans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dented-cans/716188)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dented-cans/716188 "2015-03-30T06:04:44Z")
We sometimes find canned goods in the store that are dented; we look for other, non-dented cans. It’s my understanding that there is something wrong with the food inside a dented can. Is this so? --- ## [Why no titles for George VI's girls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-titles-for-george-vis-girls/579906)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-titles-for-george-vis-girls/579906 "2015-03-30T01:48:33Z")
When George VI became king after Edward VIII’s abdication, his daughters . . . well nothing changed for them. If they had been boys they would have gotten titles automatically. So why didn’t Elizabeth become Duchess of… --- ## [Black plastic gloves on officials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-plastic-gloves-on-officials/716302)
**Author:** [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-plastic-gloves-on-officials/716302 "2015-03-30T01:18:31Z")
I often watch various programs like “Border Security”, “Cops”, etc. I frequently see police and border patrol on those programs using black gloves that look like typical exam gloves except that they are black. As well, w… --- ## [Significance of my "Address" in credit reports](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/significance-of-my-address-in-credit-reports/716277)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/significance-of-my-address-in-credit-reports/716277 "2015-03-29T21:32:08Z")
My credit reports list several addresses for me, but I’ve only ever lived at one of them. The others are associated with one of my children, presumably because I cosigned leases or mortgages. They’re just called “Address… --- ## [Why does brushing your teeth not remove tea stains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-brushing-your-teeth-not-remove-tea-stains/716041)
**Author:** [@Macca26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Macca26)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-brushing-your-teeth-not-remove-tea-stains/716041 "2015-03-29T21:04:20Z")
I’ve always managed to get tea stains out of my teacups just by scrubbing them. No bleach or heavy cleaners needed, just normal soap and water. Why is it brushing your teeth does not do the same thing for your teeth? Is … --- ## [What software and OS did Clinton's email server utilize?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-software-and-os-did-clintons-email-server-utilize/716284)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-software-and-os-did-clintons-email-server-utilize/716284 "2015-03-29T18:55:41Z")
I’ve been looking through the various news reports. Lots of hyperbole and angst. Gasp, she’s wiped her server.Has any reporter actually researched and gotten specifics? The OS and software? Yeah, I know its asking a lot… --- ## [Germanwings plane crash in France: Can a pilot be locked out of the cockpit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/germanwings-plane-crash-in-france-can-a-pilot-be-locked-out-of-the-cockpit/716003)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/germanwings-plane-crash-in-france-can-a-pilot-be-locked-out-of-the-cockpit/716003 "2015-03-29T16:59:02Z")
The New York Times is reporting that in the recent crash of a Germanwings plane in France the pilot was locked out of the cockpit. It suggests he was trying his level best to break the door down to get back in. Obvious… --- ## [Any good, free PC diagnostic software for Windows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-free-pc-diagnostic-software-for-windows/716213)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-free-pc-diagnostic-software-for-windows/716213 "2015-03-29T14:56:07Z")
Does anyone have a recommendation for good, free diagnostic software for Windows? Specifically, Windows 7. I’ve looked through the “PC Problems” sticky threads but (a) they are old and (b) seem to be mostly for finding a… --- ## [If I time travel to the American Revolution, how should I expect the food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-time-travel-to-the-american-revolution-how-should-i-expect-the-food/715968)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-time-travel-to-the-american-revolution-how-should-i-expect-the-food/715968 "2015-03-29T14:48:25Z")
I’m not a picky eater; I don’t like to eat organs (I’m looking at you, liver), blood, and guts (no offal for me, thankyouverymuch), but I’m pretty game to try most “normal” cuisine. But, I worry that if I ever get a cha… --- ## [Pot Cultivation Question (No, I'm Not Asking How To Grow Pot)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pot-cultivation-question-no-im-not-asking-how-to-grow-pot/716124)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pot-cultivation-question-no-im-not-asking-how-to-grow-pot/716124 "2015-03-29T14:42:56Z")
All these strains that you can buy at the dispensary - Purple Nurple, OG Kush, Sour Diesel, etc. - is this Indica-dominant strain fundamentally different from that Indica-dominant strain? Or are they all just marketing t… --- ## [Can I Get An Ancient Hebrew Scholar, Or A Knowledgeable Jew, Please? (Old Testament Translation Q)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-an-ancient-hebrew-scholar-or-a-knowledgeable-jew-please-old-testament-translation-q/716271)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-an-ancient-hebrew-scholar-or-a-knowledgeable-jew-please-old-testament-translation-q/716271 "2015-03-29T14:32:30Z")
Does the Hebrew in this passage specify is Saul was doing #1 or #2, or does it use a generic, non-specific term for “relieving himself”? --- ## [HD vs Full HD in a digital camera???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hd-vs-full-hd-in-a-digital-camera/715957)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hd-vs-full-hd-in-a-digital-camera/715957 "2015-03-29T13:01:13Z")
Just got a new little digital (Canon S120) and it has video settings of Standard, HD, and Full HD. When I read what’s on line, I see reference to tv’s and can barely make sense of what’s being said. For home movies tha… --- ## [Windows 10 and HP Officejet 4575](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-and-hp-officejet-4575/716218)
**Author:** [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-and-hp-officejet-4575/716218 "2015-03-29T12:35:58Z")
Does anyone know if my HP Officejet 4575 will work with Windows 10? --- ## [Why does lying down always help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-lying-down-always-help/716174)
**Author:** [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-lying-down-always-help/716174 "2015-03-29T11:48:32Z")
Whenever something is wrong with you–headache, soreness, sickness, injury, etc.–it seems that lying down always seems to help you feel better. At least, it is better than anything else you can do. Is this some sort of e… --- ## [St. Patrick's Cathedral -- seeing it as a tourist.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-patricks-cathedral-seeing-it-as-a-tourist/716050)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-patricks-cathedral-seeing-it-as-a-tourist/716050 "2015-03-29T11:05:34Z")
My daughter has spring break coming up next week, and she is not able to raise the money to fly home. So she’s staying on her own in student housing in Manhattan. All of her friends at school are leaving town, and she’s… --- ## [What is Jade Helm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-jade-helm/715425)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-jade-helm/715425 "2015-03-29T08:20:26Z")
Apparently there’s going to be a joint services exercise in the west for an 8-week span this summer; that’s all the neutral information I have about it. All the cites I’ve found mentioning it are fringe sources screaming… --- ## [What is it about water softeners that make your skin slippery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-water-softeners-that-make-your-skin-slippery/449928)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-water-softeners-that-make-your-skin-slippery/449928 "2015-03-29T08:06:55Z")
If you’ve ever taken a shower with sodium or potassium chloride water softener, you know what I mean. Until you get used to it, you don’t know when the soap film’s gone because your skin is so sleek (okay, slimy). What … --- ## [How do copiers recognize cash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-copiers-recognize-cash/715985)
**Author:** [@iljitsch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iljitsch)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-copiers-recognize-cash/715985 "2015-03-29T03:01:36Z")
I got myself a combo scanner/printer a few weeks ago. It also makes copies. So I tried to copy some cash (euros). But that only resulted in error messages. I gather that it’s a common feature of copiers to refuse to cop… --- ## [How water heater leaking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-water-heater-leaking/716169)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-water-heater-leaking/716169 "2015-03-29T00:46:53Z")
Gas heater. Leaking from the cold inflow pipe where it attaches to the unit. The water is off now, but I suspect, but do not know, that the solution is fairly straight forward. I tried to tighten the fixture at that c… --- ## [Diagnosis leaking tub/shower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diagnosis-leaking-tub-shower/605786)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2015, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diagnosis-leaking-tub-shower/605786 "2015-03-29T00:26:02Z")
We have a tub/shower combination that leaks into the ceiling below. We called in a plummer, who looked around and said he didn’t know where the leak was coming from and wanted to tear the wall apart. That seemed a litt… --- ## [Changing Compact Flash Memory Size used as boot hard drive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-compact-flash-memory-size-used-as-boot-hard-drive/716233)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2015, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/changing-compact-flash-memory-size-used-as-boot-hard-drive/716233 "2015-03-28T22:36:52Z")
I have a VIA EPIA-M series Mini-ITX Mainboard. http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/embedded/LegacyProducts.jsp?productLine=1&id=81&tabs=1#Manual This is running a Linux based firewall called Smoothwall. http://www.smoot… --- ## [Profitability of stealing or counterfeiting stock certificates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profitability-of-stealing-or-counterfeiting-stock-certificates/716134)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2015, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/profitability-of-stealing-or-counterfeiting-stock-certificates/716134 "2015-03-28T15:48:23Z")
I’m assuming that in this day and age, stealing or counterfeiting stock certificates (i. e. the actual documents) with the intent to sell or otherwise redeem them and thereby eventually turning them into cash wouldn’t ev… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1141) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1143)