# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=209 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 210 --- ## [Which forms of gout are curable? Or is gout simply manageble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-forms-of-gout-are-curable-or-is-gout-simply-manageble/963123)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2022, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-forms-of-gout-are-curable-or-is-gout-simply-manageble/963123 "2022-05-09T15:11:35Z")
Hi I’ve read conflicting reports online about the treatmen of gout. Is gout really curable or simply manageable with current medications/therapies? --- ## [Is there machine-readable text (not the scanned pdf) of the leaked Dobbs draft opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-machine-readable-text-not-the-scanned-pdf-of-the-leaked-dobbs-draft-opinion/964088)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2022, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-machine-readable-text-not-the-scanned-pdf-of-the-leaked-dobbs-draft-opinion/964088 "2022-05-09T14:52:26Z")
I’d like to read it, but I want to do so on my phone or an e-reader, and scanned pdfs are a pain. --- ## [Please Explain This Lighting Technoloogy To Me (and is it new?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-lighting-technoloogy-to-me-and-is-it-new/964140)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-this-lighting-technoloogy-to-me-and-is-it-new/964140 "2022-05-08T13:47:14Z")
Note the projections on Cinderella Castle in this pic: dull hosted at ImgBB — ImgBB Notice that the transition between one color and the next is kind of … dull (for lack of a better choice of words). Now note this one: h… --- ## [Calculating long-term capital gains tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-long-term-capital-gains-tax/964092)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-long-term-capital-gains-tax/964092 "2022-05-08T12:48:19Z")
Been trying to figure out long term capital gains tax. Multiple sources point to a rate of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income: Seems simple. But suppose we’re married and filing jointly, and our taxabl… --- ## [Do A Horse's Odds Directly Correlate to Exotic-Bet Payouts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-a-horses-odds-directly-correlate-to-exotic-bet-payouts/964139)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-a-horses-odds-directly-correlate-to-exotic-bet-payouts/964139 "2022-05-08T12:31:04Z")
Say Epitaph is at 5:1, Valentine at 6:1, and Paul Revere at 7:1. But those bets are Win bets only, aren’t they? Or do the monies bet on exotics (exacta, trifecta, superfecta, yada yada) also play into their odds? Like, c… --- ## [Is Cascade dishwasher powder being discontinued?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cascade-dishwasher-powder-being-discontinued/955593)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cascade-dishwasher-powder-being-discontinued/955593 "2022-05-08T11:50:02Z")
We’ve used Cascade Complete powder for decades, but recently, we cannot find it in any area stores. Amazon is gouging for delivery. All we can find are the new pods. I’m having a hard tie getting clear info on-line. A… --- ## [Is there a difference between middle school and junior high school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-middle-school-and-junior-high-school/963494)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-middle-school-and-junior-high-school/963494 "2022-05-08T11:20:42Z")
I went to junior high school in San Diego. Junior high was grades 7, 8 and 9. I went to high school in the L.A. Unified School District. I entered high school as a sophomore because LAUSD’s high schools were grades 9,… --- ## [Why doen't an automatic transmission just use 'automation' on a manual transmission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doent-an-automatic-transmission-just-use-automation-on-a-manual-transmission/964108)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doent-an-automatic-transmission-just-use-automation-on-a-manual-transmission/964108 "2022-05-08T08:27:21Z")
Something I have pondered, instead of redesigning the transmission with a torque converter and planetary gear set and bands, why not just use a standard transmission and external to the transmission have the manual cont… --- ## [What's the source of the "We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty" meme?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-source-of-the-weve-been-trying-to-reach-you-about-your-cars-extended-warranty-meme/964017)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-source-of-the-weve-been-trying-to-reach-you-about-your-cars-extended-warranty-meme/964017 "2022-05-08T02:52:51Z")
I’ve heard this joke used before, in the context of either aggressive telemarketing, persistent scammers, or both. What I don’t get is the context. Was this really a thing at some point, some car warranty broker just spa… --- ## [Why can humans inhale steam without problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-humans-inhale-steam-without-problems/964103)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2022, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-humans-inhale-steam-without-problems/964103 "2022-05-08T00:10:43Z")
As anyone who has gone swimming can attest it doesn’t take much water entering your lungs to have a very very bad coughing fit. But steam inhalation is a common procedure done to help alleviate respiratory issues. Wh… --- ## [Babies' Helen Keller Moment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babies-helen-keller-moment/963826)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babies-helen-keller-moment/963826 "2022-05-07T21:20:42Z")
You know that scene in The Miracle Worker when the young Helen Keller suddenly realizes that the gestures Annie has been trying to teach her have meaning? In one moment she discovered the ideas of language and communica… --- ## [How do I watch my MacBook Pro on our Sony Smart TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-watch-my-macbook-pro-on-our-sony-smart-tv/964115)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-watch-my-macbook-pro-on-our-sony-smart-tv/964115 "2022-05-07T20:58:48Z")
There are times I want to watch something on the TV instead of my computer (e.g., I want to show the wife something). I have paired my MacBook Pro with the TV. When I choose the Input option on the TV, it gives me a sc… --- ## [Can a SCOTUS judge be removed for perjury?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-scotus-judge-be-removed-for-perjury/963938)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-scotus-judge-be-removed-for-perjury/963938 "2022-05-07T19:29:55Z")
Just a reminder folks, this is factual questions. I don’t want anybody to get a warning so please keep it factual. :slight\_smile: Suppose a justice perjured themselves during their confirmation hearings, but this was on… --- ## [Question on the new high interest rate I Bonds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-new-high-interest-rate-i-bonds/963836)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-new-high-interest-rate-i-bonds/963836 "2022-05-07T19:13:26Z")
I have a similar question over at the 'Raffe, so forgive me if this seems repetitive. But I need repetition to get some simple financial concepts pounded into my head. If you’ve been reading, you can buy I Bonds throug… --- ## [Recycling cardboard, ins and outs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-cardboard-ins-and-outs/964117)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-cardboard-ins-and-outs/964117 "2022-05-07T17:03:57Z")
Does cardboard made from trees need to be separated from cardboard made from bamboo to be recycled? Note: Once that is answered I wouldn’t mind at all if this thread addressed anything and everything good, bad and ugly … --- ## [Google Street View car on Google Street View](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-street-view-car-on-google-street-view/964048)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-street-view-car-on-google-street-view/964048 "2022-05-07T12:24:59Z")
Sometimes when I’m bored I’ll look at random places in Google Street View. Just now I was looking at I-80 in the Nevada desert, and I spotted… A Google Street View car. So in other words, there are two Street View cars… --- ## [Could the President of the United States get a second job while in office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-president-of-the-united-states-get-a-second-job-while-in-office/963654)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-president-of-the-united-states-get-a-second-job-while-in-office/963654 "2022-05-07T12:17:11Z")
And by job I don’t mean largely passive income like owning a business or being on the board of some company. Not anything he could do while still sitting in the Oval Office. I literally mean, could the President of the … --- ## [Prevalence of abortion before Roe v Wade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevalence-of-abortion-before-roe-v-wade/964039)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevalence-of-abortion-before-roe-v-wade/964039 "2022-05-07T11:59:36Z")
I saw a tweet recently that claimed that a historian studying abortion concluded that the number of abortions performed after Roe v Wade was lower than the number performed before. The rationale was that, knowing she co… --- ## [Childhood development and understanding perspective](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-development-and-understanding-perspective/963933)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2022, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/childhood-development-and-understanding-perspective/963933 "2022-05-07T00:29:13Z")
I’m wondering if there’s a name for this so I can read more about it. A small child looking out the windshield of a car while sitting from the back seat will have a view something like this: … --- ## [Why do states with plastic bag bans also ban paper bags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-states-with-plastic-bag-bans-also-ban-paper-bags/963950)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-states-with-plastic-bag-bans-also-ban-paper-bags/963950 "2022-05-06T21:11:28Z")
I don’t know if this is due to the states or the retailers but I always assumed if there was a plastic bag ban we’d just revert to paper bags since they’re disposable. However living in California none of the retailers h… --- ## [Why does steam tend to gather on glass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-steam-tend-to-gather-on-glass/963935)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-steam-tend-to-gather-on-glass/963935 "2022-05-06T20:44:47Z")
Any time you have a shower running, the first things which gets fogged up are windows and mirrors. Other smooth non-porous surfaces (e.g. metal, porcelain) don’t get nearly as much moisture. And it’s not just about visib… --- ## [Capes: Sensible garment or fashion statement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capes-sensible-garment-or-fashion-statement/962524 "2022-05-06T19:04:22Z")
Were capes ever really popular, or is that just what period movies would have us believe? If so, when? And did they offer any real utility or were they just a flourish? Seems like a coat beats it in terms of being able t… --- ## [How do home sellers pay for repairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-home-sellers-pay-for-repairs/963518)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-home-sellers-pay-for-repairs/963518 "2022-05-06T17:01:15Z")
Or maybe the question is also when… Let’s pretend there’s been a return to Before Times standards and buyers are no longer vapidly waiving pre-purchase home inspections. A person or couple accepts an offer for their hom… --- ## [How does Livongo Meter get info to my phone when all communications are turned off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-livongo-meter-get-info-to-my-phone-when-all-communications-are-turned-off/964069)
**Author:** [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-livongo-meter-get-info-to-my-phone-when-all-communications-are-turned-off/964069 "2022-05-06T15:16:02Z")
So I started using the Livongo blood sugar meter a few weeks ago because my work offers it as a perk and the meter, test strips and lancets are free. It works pretty good but I am puzzled about how it is communicating … --- ## [Is there such a thing as an official IQ test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-an-official-iq-test/963819)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-an-official-iq-test/963819 "2022-05-06T13:50:33Z")
If so, who administers it? If not, why does it continue to be a reference in popular culture? --- ## [Talcum powder as... antiperspirant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talcum-powder-as-antiperspirant/963898)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2022, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talcum-powder-as-antiperspirant/963898 "2022-05-06T02:14:32Z")
From Here To Eternity is on TCM. (Working from home today.) Frank Sinatra is getting ready for a night on the town, and he’s covering himself with talcum powder. Was talcum powder used as (I assume) an anti-perspirant… --- ## [Is the potential damage from NSAIDs permanent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-potential-damage-from-nsaids-permanent/963808)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-potential-damage-from-nsaids-permanent/963808 "2022-05-05T17:45:35Z")
When I was younger, I went through a period that had me taking ibuprofen like it was candy. I eventually had a surgical procedure that fixed the issue. Yay! But I’ve been super leery about NSAIDs ever since because I kno… --- ## [Toothpaste--fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpaste-fluoride-or-nano-hydroxyapatite/963934)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpaste-fluoride-or-nano-hydroxyapatite/963934 "2022-05-05T17:26:32Z")
Which is better? Fluoride toothpaste is the gold standard for dental care in the US, but there are some claims that seem reliable that nano-hydroxyapatite is equally as good and may even be better. I switched to a nano-… --- ## [In a divorce what happens to the primary residence if multiple adult family members are currently living in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-divorce-what-happens-to-the-primary-residence-if-multiple-adult-family-members-are-currently-living-in-it/962902)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-divorce-what-happens-to-the-primary-residence-if-multiple-adult-family-members-are-currently-living-in-it/962902 "2022-05-05T16:57:04Z")
California btw. Scenario is thus, two older married people are getting a divorce. One of them wants to sell the house immediately for profit, other wants to keep it as their extended family lives there currently and are… --- ## [Why are my smoke detectors randomly going off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-smoke-detectors-randomly-going-off/963877)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2022, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-my-smoke-detectors-randomly-going-off/963877 "2022-05-05T09:17:35Z")
Its not the consistent “chirp” that occurs when an individual battery is dying. About once a day or two, several will go off, like they have detected smoke. But it lasts about 2 seconds, and then stops. I don’t know i… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=208) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=210)