# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=249 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 250 --- ## [Uh-oh...rooftop ice dam damage. Dammit!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uh-oh-rooftop-ice-dam-damage-dammit/569849)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uh-oh-rooftop-ice-dam-damage-dammit/569849 "2011-02-04T16:54:16Z")
so…this is a first. Never had really big icicles dripping from the gutter until this year. And then the dripping was…yellowish. Brownish. And now - inside - there’s a little bit of water dripping from the ceiling, do… --- ## [Behavior influencing evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/behavior-influencing-evolution/952246)
**Author:** [@nate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nate)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/behavior-influencing-evolution/952246 "2021-10-13T07:02:40Z")
Has behavior of a reproducing organism affected the genes it passes to its offspring? As far as I know random mutations + survival of the fittest have drawn the timeline of living things, but it almost seems too perfect … --- ## [Modern Windows O.S. Inquiry About Deleting A File](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-windows-o-s-inquiry-about-deleting-a-file/952043)
**Author:** [@ASGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASGuy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/modern-windows-o-s-inquiry-about-deleting-a-file/952043 "2021-10-13T05:23:04Z")
This is a question more about data integrity than anything else. In a Windows environment, many computer users know that when you delete a file using the trash the file data is not erased, but is simply marked as unavai… --- ## [Why does my computer do this (clock speed)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-computer-do-this-clock-speed/234814)
**Author:** [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-computer-do-this-clock-speed/234814 "2021-10-13T05:04:38Z")
I have an HP Athlon notebook that’s rated at 1.86 GHz with 448 MB of RAM (running XP Home). However, it doesn’t seem to think so. The first time after a reboot, if I go into My Computer and pick properties, it’ll tell me… --- ## [Should I be concerned that websites keep track of old passwords?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-concerned-that-websites-keep-track-of-old-passwords/952309)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-concerned-that-websites-keep-track-of-old-passwords/952309 "2021-10-13T03:37:05Z")
So, I’m working from home this AM, and had to access a non-frequent website. Naturally, my password expired, so I did the 2FA thing, and typed in a new password. The site responded, “This password has been used in the … --- ## [What is a pirate's smile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-pirates-smile/363513)
**Author:** [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-pirates-smile/363513 "2021-10-13T03:06:46Z")
It’s in Elton John’s Tiny Dancer and the song about Sally’s pigeons by Cyndi Lauper. All I could find by google is that it has the corners of the mouth held back. Prior to that my best buess was a smile with missing te… --- ## [iPod: Enter passcode](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-enter-passcode/952371)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipod-enter-passcode/952371 "2021-10-13T02:34:38Z")
I’m still using an iPod I bought… I don’t know how long ago. A dozen? Anyway, it’s an iPod Touch, 1st Generation. Mostly, I plug it into the dock of the clock radio on my desk twice a week when I come into the office.… --- ## [Question about Insider Trading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-insider-trading/951960)
**Author:** [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2021, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-insider-trading/951960 "2021-10-13T02:16:12Z")
This may wind up in GD; but I’m starting off, at least, with a GQ about what the law is. So, with reference to insider-trading laws, I keep seeing the phrase “material nonpublic information”: the goal seems to be that, … --- ## [Pollution emission: gas leafblower vs. Camry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pollution-emission-gas-leafblower-vs-camry/952265)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pollution-emission-gas-leafblower-vs-camry/952265 "2021-10-12T22:22:35Z")
Los Angeles TV station KTLA made this claim in an online news article today: “\[California\] state officials say running a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour emits the same amount of pollution as driving a 2017 Toyota Ca… --- ## [Could a ping pong ball in the gas tank cause the car to stall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-ping-pong-ball-in-the-gas-tank-cause-the-car-to-stall/952214)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2021, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-ping-pong-ball-in-the-gas-tank-cause-the-car-to-stall/952214 "2021-10-12T13:52:40Z")
I watched Law and Order CI episode Baggage from 2003. The victim’s car mysteriously stalled and she could start it after a short wait. Her dad test drove the car a couple blocks with no problem. The stalker followed th… --- ## [Embassy staff arrested in the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embassy-staff-arrested-in-the-us/951880)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2021, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/embassy-staff-arrested-in-the-us/951880 "2021-10-12T06:20:53Z")
In American cop shows, I often see someone getting away with serious crimes because they work at some foreign consulate or embassy. Is it that simple? Just flash your ID and walk away. I know they have to abbreviate thi… --- ## [What is the most successful, \*non-Tech\* company founded in America since 1980?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-successful-non-tech-company-founded-in-america-since-1980/945265)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2021, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-successful-non-tech-company-founded-in-america-since-1980/945265 "2021-10-12T01:18:12Z")
By “success”, assume the obvious metrics - revenues, profits, market cap. Given the answer can be proved by numbers, that’s why I put this in GQ… but if it’s moved, no big deal. “Non-Tech” is a bit harder. Like pornogra… --- ## [Remote control in osX Big Sur](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-control-in-osx-big-sur/952158)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2021, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-control-in-osx-big-sur/952158 "2021-10-11T16:19:39Z")
Backstory: IT Support shut off OpenVPN last night, and everyone had to switch to FortiClient. Couldn’t get it to work, so I had to get into contact with IT. Because of things going on here, it took a while; but I am fi… --- ## [Bedbugs by mail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bedbugs-by-mail/951605)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2021, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bedbugs-by-mail/951605 "2021-10-10T23:36:52Z")
I suspect I’m about to receive some unsolicited packages from a house that is chronically infested with bedbugs – books, most likely, but other items are possible. If I wanted to keep any of these items, am I right in t… --- ## [Were there ever nuclear weapons in South America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-ever-nuclear-weapons-in-south-america/952069)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2021, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-ever-nuclear-weapons-in-south-america/952069 "2021-10-10T10:10:36Z")
The Treaty of Tlateloco prohibits the “testing, use, manufacture, production or acquisition” of nuclear weapons in South America and the Caribbean. The last South American country to ratify the treaty was France, in 199… --- ## [What's a short-handled shovels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-short-handled-shovels/696830)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2021, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-short-handled-shovels/696830 "2021-10-10T09:53:03Z")
‘A short-handled shovel, right, is a shovel. And get this… it’s handle is short!’ I thought I’d get that out of the way at the beginning. The folk tune Big Rock Candy Mountain contains the lyric, ‘There ain’t no short… --- ## [Why can't the FBI just trace every phone inside the capitol building during the coup attempt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-the-fbi-just-trace-every-phone-inside-the-capitol-building-during-the-coup-attempt/930069)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-the-fbi-just-trace-every-phone-inside-the-capitol-building-during-the-coup-attempt/930069 "2021-10-09T21:38:01Z")
phones have location beacons, does the FBI have the right to trace every cell phone inside the building to determine if people were there legally (interns, aides, congress people, etc) or illegally? or is something with… --- ## [Industrial (for lack of a better choice of words) Uses for Animal Products, c. 1875](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/industrial-for-lack-of-a-better-choice-of-words-uses-for-animal-products-c-1875/951816)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/industrial-for-lack-of-a-better-choice-of-words-uses-for-animal-products-c-1875/951816 "2021-10-09T21:05:09Z")
I’m playing an Old West-themed video game, and of the gameplay mechanics involves running a business wherein I turn in animal products (whole carcasses are best) to a confederate who then turns them into profit. Yes, it’… --- ## [Why is the shaft of a soldiering iron burning hot bare metal instead of being insulated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-shaft-of-a-soldiering-iron-burning-hot-bare-metal-instead-of-being-insulated/952137)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-shaft-of-a-soldiering-iron-burning-hot-bare-metal-instead-of-being-insulated/952137 "2021-10-09T20:49:27Z")
A soldiering iron typically has a metal shaft a few inches long below the soldiering tip with the back half being plastic. You have to hold the iron by the plastic back end to avoid getting burned. This can make working… --- ## [What does the roll, pitch, and yaw image mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-roll-pitch-and-yaw-image-mean/952188)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-roll-pitch-and-yaw-image-mean/952188 "2021-10-09T17:33:39Z")
The Wikipedia page for Yaw has an image of a mnemonic device to remember angle names. Not knowing anything about angle names, the image makes no sense to me. Can someone please explain it? The cat represents roll. A pit… --- ## [Removing window tint adhesive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-window-tint-adhesive/952090)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-window-tint-adhesive/952090 "2021-10-09T14:59:09Z")
I recently bought a used auto that’s had window-tint film applied to the side windows an unknown number of years ago – the car is 20. Since nothing lasts forever the film has started peeling from the bottom, thanks to t… --- ## [Dynamo Effect Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dynamo-effect-q/952127)
**Author:** [@QMatic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QMatic)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dynamo-effect-q/952127 "2021-10-09T13:20:21Z")
This article on Earth’s Dynamo Effect states: Assume first (A) that there is present an initial poloidal magnetic field My simple question is what is the source of this initial field? --- ## [What is this linguistic phenomenon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-linguistic-phenomenon/938039)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-linguistic-phenomenon/938039 "2021-10-09T06:30:23Z")
I was griping today about the overuse of the term “gaslighting” which prompted a conversation about the broadening of a word’s definition to the point that it becomes almost meaningless. Examples used were “triggered” (a… --- ## [US Army officers not following orders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-officers-not-following-orders/951929)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-officers-not-following-orders/951929 "2021-10-09T05:22:29Z")
In episode 8 of Band of Brothers (WW 2) the company captures a few Germans one night and loses a man. They are ordered to repeat the mission the next night. Captain Winters tells everyone to sleep and ignore the o… --- ## [Help me make sense of processors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-make-sense-of-processors/952183)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-make-sense-of-processors/952183 "2021-10-09T03:56:05Z")
This was inspired by my inability to run Diablo 2 Resurrected, but I’m not specifically asking about that. I thought that the problem might be that my desktop PC is about 5 years old, so I thought that I’d look into rep… --- ## [What is the biggest defined finite number?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-biggest-defined-finite-number/952110)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2021, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-biggest-defined-finite-number/952110 "2021-10-09T01:15:25Z")
If this has been done before I apologize (I think it might have). I was watching a video on Rayo’s Number which, they suggest, is the biggest defined finite number ever. That whooshes right over my head. “Smaller” num… --- ## [Installing replacement wheel on a cart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-replacement-wheel-on-a-cart/951964)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2021, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/installing-replacement-wheel-on-a-cart/951964 "2021-10-08T22:31:54Z")
I need to replace the wheels on my lawn tractor cart. Simple process. I was inspired to do this browsing at Harbor Freight (a discount hardware store chain here in the states. emphasize discount and de-emphasize quality)… --- ## [Alternate applications of nuclear energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-applications-of-nuclear-energy/951975)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2021, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternate-applications-of-nuclear-energy/951975 "2021-10-08T21:36:31Z")
Commercial nuclear energy to all intents and purposes means electricity generation. Has anyone looked at using the tremendous heat produced by nuclear reactors directly for industrial purposes, e.g. steel production? --- ## [New Antiviral Drugs and HIV Research](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-antiviral-drugs-and-hiv-research/952108)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2021, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-antiviral-drugs-and-hiv-research/952108 "2021-10-08T17:29:56Z")
(And I present this as a purely factual question \[no hot debate please :slight\_smile: \].) I like to think that I am not too old. And I still remember when I was a child, if you had a virus, you were out of luck. They of… --- ## ["It's like a party in my mouth..." origin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-like-a-party-in-my-mouth-origin/952140)
**Author:** [@xfr3386](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xfr3386)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2021, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-like-a-party-in-my-mouth-origin/952140 "2021-10-08T15:34:24Z")
Does anyone know the origin of the phrase “It’s like a party in my mouth, and everyone’s invited”? I know that there are two Simpsons episodes that use the line, and a Futurama episode that uses a variation of it. Did … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=248) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=250)