# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1152 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1153 --- ## [Help ID this bug](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-bug/714720)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-id-this-bug/714720 "2015-03-13T21:15:05Z")
On my daily walk, I’ve been seeing a LOT of this one type of bug, and it would be interesting to know what it was. Here’s a description: It’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, with a mostly charcoal-colored, teardrop-shaped … --- ## [charlie horse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charlie-horse/714896)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charlie-horse/714896 "2015-03-13T20:11:29Z")
Charlie horse or charely horse, why when our calf muscles cramp we call it that? --- ## [Do any natural products increase norepinephrine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-natural-products-increase-norepinephrine/714927)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-natural-products-increase-norepinephrine/714927 "2015-03-13T20:05:44Z")
I know that some natural products increase serotonin but here I am specifically asking for norepinephrine/noradrenaline. By “increase” I mean either increase the production or transfer or decrease the reuptake or elimina… --- ## [Visual Basic help: dynamically renaming an Excel sheet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-basic-help-dynamically-renaming-an-excel-sheet/714923)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-basic-help-dynamically-renaming-an-excel-sheet/714923 "2015-03-13T17:59:01Z")
Whenever I need a macro I just turn on the recorder, and sometimes I’m able to interpret and edit the results. But this one has me stumped. I have .xls spreadsheet. The worksheet has a generic name (let’s say “Workshe… --- ## [Mail Order Prescription Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-prescription-questions/714731)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-prescription-questions/714731 "2015-03-13T16:34:46Z")
I work for a large company and they use CVS Caremark for their employee’s prescriptions. I have only one prescription that I will likely have to take it for the rest of my life. I have nothing against CVS, and have it se… --- ## [Excel 2013 - Disabling All Done box on find and replace](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-2013-disabling-all-done-box-on-find-and-replace/714825)
**Author:** [@Khendrask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khendrask)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-2013-disabling-all-done-box-on-find-and-replace/714825 "2015-03-13T16:01:05Z")
Okay, not a big fan of Office 2013, I had to be dragged kicking and screaming from the 2000 version, but there it is. Anyway, does anybody out there know of a way to disable the “All Done. We made xx replacements” popu… --- ## [Why does it feel "good" to hurt your gums and teeth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-feel-good-to-hurt-your-gums-and-teeth/458473)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-feel-good-to-hurt-your-gums-and-teeth/458473 "2015-03-13T14:49:47Z")
Right now I’m idly sticking a toothpick between two of my molars, really jamming it in there so it squeezes against the gums and the flesh between the teeth. It hurts, but it’s also quite pleasurable. I know I’m not alon… --- ## [Brits: Lots of Left-Hand Drive cars in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-lots-of-left-hand-drive-cars-in-the-uk/714690)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-lots-of-left-hand-drive-cars-in-the-uk/714690 "2015-03-13T11:50:50Z")
I was looking at this wiki about which countries drive on which side of the road: Left- and right-hand traffic - Wikipedia In the section titled “Safety aspects” there was this sentence: Which gives rise to my questio… --- ## [Is it true Booze must leave the liquor store in a bag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-booze-must-leave-the-liquor-store-in-a-bag/714771)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-booze-must-leave-the-liquor-store-in-a-bag/714771 "2015-03-13T11:46:21Z")
I’ve had clerks claim booze must be bagged. They even have these special “bottle bags” that fits snugly. Think of the wino swigging from hisbagged bottle. Is this true in every state? Does it only apply to liquor stor… --- ## [What is this thread NSFW?---(today's "Threadspotting" about conspiracy theories)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thread-nsfw-todays-threadspotting-about-conspiracy-theories/714773)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thread-nsfw-todays-threadspotting-about-conspiracy-theories/714773 "2015-03-13T04:03:32Z")
The current favorite thread featured in “threadspotting” is labelled Not Safe For Work. The thread is about wacky conspiracy theories from different countries. It’s an interesting thread, and it’s funny (or scary) to … --- ## [How do the pulse monitor and pedometer on my Fitbit bracelet thingie work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-pulse-monitor-and-pedometer-on-my-fitbit-bracelet-thingie-work/714546)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-pulse-monitor-and-pedometer-on-my-fitbit-bracelet-thingie-work/714546 "2015-03-13T03:29:32Z")
See subject. It occurred to me I never knew how any pedometer works. My guesses, each of which I think is too complicated by half: Heart rate monitor: Strain-guage for pressure sensation from vein; or CMOS that note… --- ## [How valid are these life expectancy charts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-valid-are-these-life-expectancy-charts/714782)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-valid-are-these-life-expectancy-charts/714782 "2015-03-13T02:32:41Z")
This is about life expectancy by income. The top 10% of income have about 11 extra years of life expectancy at 55 than the bottom 10%. http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/04/18/3428500/rich-poor-life-expectancy/ Howev… --- ## [WHO carried the mail through Death Valley?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-carried-the-mail-through-death-valley/714865)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-carried-the-mail-through-death-valley/714865 "2015-03-13T01:55:41Z")
When my dad and uncles would meet, a common greeting would be ‘Who carried the mail through Death Valley?’ Since I’m working from home today, I have the TV on in the background. The Rifleman episode ‘The Most Amazing M… --- ## [non-ferous straight pins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-ferous-straight-pins/714591)
**Author:** [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2015, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-ferous-straight-pins/714591 "2015-03-13T01:44:49Z")
Google has failed me. My MIL gave me all of her sewing stuff when we got married. This included a box of striaght pins and a pin cusion. Ove the years I’ve lost a few but, I’ve been in the habit of dragging a magnet ar… --- ## [ESL folks who can't pronounce "th"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esl-folks-who-cant-pronounce-th/714745)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esl-folks-who-cant-pronounce-th/714745 "2015-03-12T21:02:17Z")
Why are some furriners totally unable to pronounce the “th” sound, in spite of the fact that it’s not terribly complicated (Just rest your tongue against the tips of your front teeth . . . and blow)? --- ## [Animals Brought Back From The Brink of Extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-brought-back-from-the-brink-of-extinction/714769)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animals-brought-back-from-the-brink-of-extinction/714769 "2015-03-12T20:23:02Z")
What are some animals that were close to extinction, but are now thriving (or close to it)? Three examples that I can think of: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): In elementary school (early 70’s), I was taught tha… --- ## [Do animals have any concept of their own mortality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-have-any-concept-of-their-own-mortality/714298)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-have-any-concept-of-their-own-mortality/714298 "2015-03-12T18:44:59Z")
Hello Everyone, Is obvious that animals are aware they can become injured, but are they aware of death? Judging by some of the bonehead moves I’ve seen by some I wonder if they are aware they can die. Things like a do… --- ## [Is There Really An Unconscious Mind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-an-unconscious-mind/714811)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-really-an-unconscious-mind/714811 "2015-03-12T18:17:03Z")
It was the cornerstone of Freud’s theories. I know when I took a psychology class in community college, some time back, the teacher said, according to Freud, there were three levels of the human mind: the conscious, the… --- ## [Will I have to reduce calorie intake as I lose weight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-have-to-reduce-calorie-intake-as-i-lose-weight/714697)
**Author:** [@Shadowfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadowfyre)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-have-to-reduce-calorie-intake-as-i-lose-weight/714697 "2015-03-12T18:08:27Z")
Currently I’m eating about 1700 to 1800 calories a day. For the past couple months, I’ve maintained a weight loss rate of about 2lbs per week (with a stumble or two along the way). If I can maintain this rate, I should b… --- ## [Tankless Hot Water Heaters--your experience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tankless-hot-water-heaters-your-experience/714549)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tankless-hot-water-heaters-your-experience/714549 "2015-03-12T17:04:46Z")
How much space do they use? (I’d like to reclaim some closet space). Are they prone to breaking? Useful for home clothes washing machines? Electric, or gas? Cost? Any general info, at all? --- ## [Can anyone think of a free way to measure how much force it takes to open a door?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-think-of-a-free-way-to-measure-how-much-force-it-takes-to-open-a-door/714698)
**Author:** [@mischievous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mischievous)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-think-of-a-free-way-to-measure-how-much-force-it-takes-to-open-a-door/714698 "2015-03-12T17:02:31Z")
I need to check that my doors are in compliance with building code - can anyone think of a way to do this without actually buying a door pressure gauge (which is apparently a real thing that really exists)? --- ## [How bad is ash for the environment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-ash-for-the-environment/714685)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-ash-for-the-environment/714685 "2015-03-12T12:42:33Z")
Just read about a power company getting in trouble over their ash ponds leaking. It makes me wonder just how bad ash is pollution-wise. I know that ash from waste incineration is EXTREMELY toxic and that some places v… --- ## [automobile Mini abbreviated as MNNI on registration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automobile-mini-abbreviated-as-mnni-on-registration/714710)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automobile-mini-abbreviated-as-mnni-on-registration/714710 "2015-03-12T11:02:17Z")
Colorado, California, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Minnesota, and probably others abbreviate the make “Mini” (or “MINI”) as “MNNI” on vehicle registration forms. I’ve seen guesses that it’s to distinguish Cooper Min… --- ## [Legend of 1900 Piano Duel Music](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legend-of-1900-piano-duel-music/63838)
**Author:** [@Astroglide](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroglide)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legend-of-1900-piano-duel-music/63838 "2015-03-12T07:56:26Z")
Great movie, IMHO. Does anyone know the name of the piece 1900 played to win the duel with Jelly Roll Morton? Can’t seem to find it through Google or a couple of other search engines. I assume the piece is by Morricon… --- ## [Illinois Dopers: Is There A Timeline For When Medical Marijuana Is Actually Going To Happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-dopers-is-there-a-timeline-for-when-medical-marijuana-is-actually-going-to-happen/714695)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-dopers-is-there-a-timeline-for-when-medical-marijuana-is-actually-going-to-happen/714695 "2015-03-12T04:03:22Z")
Not living in Illinois any more, I don’t keep up with Illinois news as much as I used to. Last I heard, your governor either issued, or told the legislature to issue, cultivation licenses after months of foot-dragging (… --- ## [Volcanoes and Eathquakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcanoes-and-eathquakes/714770)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcanoes-and-eathquakes/714770 "2015-03-12T02:58:15Z")
I read somewhere that it’s not unusual to have increased earthquake activity associated with volcanic eruptions. Does that mean there is a relationship between volcanoes and earthquakes, or could it be just a coincidenc… --- ## [Do you need to warm up a car with a supercharger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-warm-up-a-car-with-a-supercharger/714694)
**Author:** [@funky\_little\_lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/funky_little_lee)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-need-to-warm-up-a-car-with-a-supercharger/714694 "2015-03-12T01:17:03Z")
While on lunch break yesterday, some of the guys were talking about a guy they knew who has a new Porsche Carrera. They all agreed that he was nuts because he started the engine and then took off without letting the car … --- ## [Physics: Surviving a fall while suspended in water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-surviving-a-fall-while-suspended-in-water/714497)
**Author:** [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2015, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-surviving-a-fall-while-suspended-in-water/714497 "2015-03-12T00:34:40Z")
Imagine you’re falling from a great height while suspended in a sphere of water. Basically a giant rain drop. Do you survive the impact? I know above a certain height falling into a body of water is similar to hitting s… --- ## [Extension Cord Hell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extension-cord-hell/714757)
**Author:** [@Kamakiri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamakiri)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extension-cord-hell/714757 "2015-03-11T23:41:13Z")
I know Nikola Tesla was determined to find a way to transmit electricity wirelessly, but until he does, does anyone have an elegant alternative to extension cord? The situation is this: I have one outlet with two socket… --- ## [Is a calorie a calorie which is a calorie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-calorie-a-calorie-which-is-a-calorie/714620)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2015, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-calorie-a-calorie-which-is-a-calorie/714620 "2015-03-11T23:08:50Z")
My wife who IMHO embraces naturalistic fallacies was showing my son something on her phone about an otherwise healthy man who ate right and exercised regularly and decided that he would see what happened if he drank 10 c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1151) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1153)