# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=146 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 147 --- ## [HTML tag question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/html-tag-question/983353)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2023, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/html-tag-question/983353 "2023-05-01T09:59:59Z")
Is there a tag in HTML that will force a line break in my chosen spot if the entire line is too long to fit without wrapping? Here’s a line that I want you to imagine is very long. It might fit on some screens, but not … --- ## [Do I need to register a gift gun for display?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-register-a-gift-gun-for-display/982165)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2023, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-need-to-register-a-gift-gun-for-display/982165 "2023-05-01T02:53:06Z")
So my father some years back (maybe 20 years?) took a trip to the American West and picked up at auction an antique pistol that was part of a gift (with a matching cane) to a local lawman. I think it’s very handsome, but… --- ## [Death Penalty: A Conflict](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-a-conflict/983133)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2023, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-a-conflict/983133 "2023-04-30T22:43:51Z")
If a Federal crime is serious enough, in some cases, they can seek the death penalty. But, what if the case if tried (in a Federal court) located in a State that does not have the death penalty? What happens then? Does … --- ## [BNSF and NS Engines on Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bnsf-and-ns-engines-on-train/983357)
**Author:** [@leswax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leswax)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2023, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bnsf-and-ns-engines-on-train/983357 "2023-04-30T17:16:34Z")
I live near a Norfolk Southern main line, and use an at-grade crossing with the tracks pretty frequently. About a week ago I was stopped at the crossing and noticed the train was pulled by a Norfolk Southern engine with … --- ## [Expanding universe - why not galaxies with orbits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expanding-universe-why-not-galaxies-with-orbits/983255)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2023, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expanding-universe-why-not-galaxies-with-orbits/983255 "2023-04-30T16:34:51Z")
“The Doppler red-shift of light observed from distant stars and galaxies gives evidence that the universe is expanding (moving away from a central point)”. This sentence sort of justifies The BigBang Theory. If there wer… --- ## [Core strength question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/core-strength-question/983209)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2023, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/core-strength-question/983209 "2023-04-30T16:28:36Z")
This may be better in IMHO. But I think it is a factual question. I work from home. In a chair all day. Over the years I found that standing and not moving really hurts my lower back. About 15 minutes is all I can take… --- ## [Mortgage rates in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-rates-in-the-us/983273)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2023, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-rates-in-the-us/983273 "2023-04-30T07:03:31Z")
I’m used to variable rate mortgages, but in the US I understand the situation is different. If you take out a mortgage when the interest is low, you can keep it forever at that low interest. This is true even if the int… --- ## [Balls and Buckets: a probability/simulation brainteaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balls-and-buckets-a-probability-simulation-brainteaser/983299)
**Author:** [@MaceMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaceMan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2023, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balls-and-buckets-a-probability-simulation-brainteaser/983299 "2023-04-29T23:26:15Z")
Bob has “n” identical buckets, each with “x” compartments. He has “y” balls, that he rolls down a ramp. The ramp randomly distributes each ball among the various buckets. But depending on the angle of the ramp when Bob s… --- ## [Are Electronic Monitoring Ankle Bracelets no longer considered reliable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-electronic-monitoring-ankle-bracelets-no-longer-considered-reliable/582609)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2023, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-electronic-monitoring-ankle-bracelets-no-longer-considered-reliable/582609 "2023-04-29T15:26:39Z")
I was under the impression Electronic Ankle Bracelets were trusted and reliable for prisoners on home detention. Is that no longer the case? I’m puzzled because Dominique Strauss-Kahn bail has the following conditions. … --- ## [HPV path of infection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hpv-path-of-infection/749127)
**Author:** [@butterfiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/butterfiles)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2023, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hpv-path-of-infection/749127 "2023-04-29T11:19:34Z")
Can an HPV infection transmitted via oral intercourse lead to cervical infection and dysplasia? I know viruses are tricky. I’ve done google research & have a good overall sense of the variety of ways that HPV is spread… --- ## [Stall Speed And Seagulls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stall-speed-and-seagulls/983312)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2023, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stall-speed-and-seagulls/983312 "2023-04-29T09:55:32Z")
To remain in the air fixed wing aircraft need to maintain airspeed above their stall speed. I assume this also applies to birds. If so, anyone know the stall speed of a sea gull who sometimes appear standing still? Obv… --- ## [Is there one best way to use a lawn string trimmer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-one-best-way-to-use-a-lawn-string-trimmer/983288)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2023, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-one-best-way-to-use-a-lawn-string-trimmer/983288 "2023-04-28T22:38:30Z")
I feel like such an idiot that I never know exactly what is the “best” way to use a string trimmer to edge my lawn. I know pros have different equipment and do it all the time, but I see them just walk in one direction … --- ## [What defines "grip"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-defines-grip/983244)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2023, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-defines-grip/983244 "2023-04-28T20:59:33Z")
What is the physical mechanism by which we grab hold of things? Can one improve upon their grip? Is the mechanism fundamentally different when you’re grabbing something to prevent yourself from falling, as opposed to pre… --- ## [What is meant by information in the context of QM?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-information-in-the-context-of-qm/983199)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-meant-by-information-in-the-context-of-qm/983199 "2023-04-28T20:37:57Z")
Specifically, why would we expect it to be conserved? --- ## [How long does a DNA match take?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-dna-match-take/983202)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2023, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-a-dna-match-take/983202 "2023-04-28T18:25:11Z")
A criminal leaves a trace of their DNA at a crime scene. A suspect has been found, and a DNA sample taken. How long does it take to test, and declare a match or no match? I’m talking about the actual lab procedure. I … --- ## [Celebrities named in class action are the latest looped into meteoric FTX fall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrities-named-in-class-action-are-the-latest-looped-into-meteoric-ftx-fall/975234)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2023, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celebrities-named-in-class-action-are-the-latest-looped-into-meteoric-ftx-fall/975234 "2023-04-28T05:58:51Z")
Can celebrities who publicly endorsed FTX now be successfully sued? In the linked article it states that suing them is being justified since they played the role of “brand ambassador” of the now failed product. Can th… --- ## [How to copy a large number of files without corrupted files derailing process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-copy-a-large-number-of-files-without-corrupted-files-derailing-process/983167)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-copy-a-large-number-of-files-without-corrupted-files-derailing-process/983167 "2023-04-27T19:03:56Z")
I’m retiring very soon! And one of the few remaining tasks is to copy all of my work computer files to a shared networked location (already designated). The trouble is, in the past whenever I have tried to do this by sel… --- ## [How do you distinguish between an aphorism, adage, proverb or epigram (or idiom or maxim)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-distinguish-between-an-aphorism-adage-proverb-or-epigram-or-idiom-or-maxim/983239)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-distinguish-between-an-aphorism-adage-proverb-or-epigram-or-idiom-or-maxim/983239 "2023-04-27T17:52:00Z")
In a recent post on the SDMB I said, “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging,” and called that an aphorism. I asked my GF, who is a professional editor, if I got that right. She thought adage might be a better fi… --- ## [How important is the motor oil you use (if changed every 5K miles)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-the-motor-oil-you-use-if-changed-every-5k-miles/983182)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-the-motor-oil-you-use-if-changed-every-5k-miles/983182 "2023-04-27T17:38:03Z")
Mods, if this slips into debate, feel free to move. I have a new car and I will be changing the oil every 5K miles with synthoil. I was thinking of using Pennzoil Platinum but Valvoline apparently gives less wear and b… --- ## [Does a crime negate a financial debt or civil obligation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-crime-negate-a-financial-debt-or-civil-obligation/983253)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-crime-negate-a-financial-debt-or-civil-obligation/983253 "2023-04-27T17:26:12Z")
I was watching news yesterday about a woman who was mad because another woman had borrowed $700 but not repaid, so she poured boiling water over her. Needless to say, the lender has now been charged with assault. Now, t… --- ## [Critter ID (sorry, no pics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critter-id-sorry-no-pics/982716)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critter-id-sorry-no-pics/982716 "2023-04-27T15:28:08Z")
We were nearing the pass in the WA Cascades (around 5500’) at about 5am in September some years ago when we had to stop for a creature lying on the warm pavement. It was, of course, as startled by us as we were by it, a… --- ## [Etymology of "Rasputin"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-rasputin/983130)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/etymology-of-rasputin/983130 "2023-04-27T06:27:29Z")
I tried to research this myself and- well, got stuck in the mud. The word (or two closely spelled words that are conflated?) is given variously as “crossroads”, “debauchee” or “Mud Season”. Doubtless this makes more sens… --- ## [What's the quickest way to cool down metal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quickest-way-to-cool-down-metal/983112)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2023, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-quickest-way-to-cool-down-metal/983112 "2023-04-27T05:20:22Z")
Lately I’ve become slightly addicted to videos where a very hot metal ball is placed on something and a reaction occurs. It led me to wonder-what would be the quickest way to cool down this object? --- ## [Why do siblings compete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-siblings-compete/983147)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-siblings-compete/983147 "2023-04-26T20:05:39Z")
Siblings of diploid-style creatures are roughly 50% genetically related, just like either parent is to a child. In a lot of species, parents (especially mommies, because (one assumes) maternity is never in doubt) take he… --- ## [How can I regulate the multi-click rate on a mouse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-regulate-the-multi-click-rate-on-a-mouse/983215)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-regulate-the-multi-click-rate-on-a-mouse/983215 "2023-04-26T19:44:23Z")
Suddenly my mouse has adopted a strange behavior. If, for example, I am in a topic in TSD and I click the back key to return to the forum, it is likely to go back two screens to the opening of TSD rather than to the for… --- ## [Why Doesn't Excel Like this Formula?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-excel-like-this-formula/983174)
**Author:** [@Fear\_the\_Turtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_the_Turtle)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-excel-like-this-formula/983174 "2023-04-26T17:37:55Z")
I have a rather large spread sheet (50k lines) and Excel keeps chewing up large amounts of memory (and I get the spinny circle) when I try to use: “=COUNTIF($A$2:A2,A2)”. It works eventually but God forbid I then try t… --- ## [How much water is there on earth, per human?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-is-there-on-earth-per-human/966433)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2023, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-water-is-there-on-earth-per-human/966433 "2023-04-26T15:52:30Z")
Thinking about all the stories about the current droughts, and how climate change is disrupting everything and how likely it is to lead to mass migrations and water wars and all… Suppose we decided to be really “fair” a… --- ## [Catfishing and Telegram, WhatsApp, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catfishing-and-telegram-whatsapp-etc/982565)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2023, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catfishing-and-telegram-whatsapp-etc/982565 "2023-04-25T19:00:06Z")
I got an obvious catfishing text yesterday (“what’s up?” from a random number). I figured I’d string them along for a bit to see what happens. At some point, “Monica” started getting pretty insistent that we switch to … --- ## [Phone constantly short on storage space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2023, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721 "2023-04-25T16:25:22Z")
I have a low-end Samsung Android, a Galaxy A01. It officially has 16G of storage in the main chip. I keep getting notifications that I am running out of internal storage and memory management reports 95-97% full. But I a… --- ## [Today's Electrical Question: 'Fridge Tripping Breaker--Options](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-electrical-question-fridge-tripping-breaker-options/982724)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2023, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/todays-electrical-question-fridge-tripping-breaker-options/982724 "2023-04-25T09:10:54Z")
Here’s the background: A friend has a mountain cabin that is a 7-hour drive away. As such he visits it infrequently. There is power to the cabin but said power gets interrupted at random times. When the power is resto… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=145) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=147)