# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=264 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 265 --- ## [How does engineering professor Frank Incropera pronounce his name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-engineering-professor-frank-incropera-pronounce-his-name/947656)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-engineering-professor-frank-incropera-pronounce-his-name/947656 "2021-08-01T02:26:56Z")
Frank Incropera is a world expert on heat and mass transfer. His work is often cited as a reference. How does he pronounce “Incropera”? Guess 1: all the vowels have short sounds, and the accent is on the “crop”. Guess … --- ## [A Question About Corn (Maize)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-corn-maize/947622)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-corn-maize/947622 "2021-08-01T02:19:16Z")
I have it in my head that the wheat most commonly grown in the US as a commercial crop is a mutant or dwarf variety. It only grows to about 3 feet tall as opposed to the non mutant or dwarf variety which grows as much a… --- ## [The Sum of All Fears](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sum-of-all-fears/492355)
**Author:** [@MeDrewNotYou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeDrewNotYou)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sum-of-all-fears/492355 "2021-08-01T02:03:50Z")
Winston Churchill once said, “Why, you may take the most gallant sailor, the most intrepid airman or the most audacious soldier, put them at a table together - what do you get? The sum of their fears.” But what does thi… --- ## [Single Solid Yellow Centerlines on CANADIAN Roads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-solid-yellow-centerlines-on-canadian-roads/947730)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-solid-yellow-centerlines-on-canadian-roads/947730 "2021-08-01T01:34:17Z")
What driver actions are required and allowed on Canadian two-way roadway sections marked with a single solid yellow centerline (SSYCL) and how do they differ on roads marked with a double solid yellow centerline (DSYCL)?… --- ## [Facebook Question unofficial Facebook page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question-unofficial-facebook-page/947726)
**Author:** [@westhou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/westhou)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-question-unofficial-facebook-page/947726 "2021-07-31T21:25:18Z")
I am an officer in a Car Club here in Houston. A few years ago, a guy showed up, joined the club and for a meeting or two seemed as if he wanted to a very active member, nice guy, nice car everything good. Unbeknownst … --- ## [How well does Wordpress as a web development system work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-does-wordpress-as-a-web-development-system-work/713415)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-well-does-wordpress-as-a-web-development-system-work/713415 "2021-07-31T17:17:44Z")
I’m hoping there is a GQ answer for this otherwise mod feel free to move it. I know there is a certain desire for people to build their own websites. When I looked at Wix a few years ago, it struck me that it was prett… --- ## [Can a PHEV car run on petrol alone if necessary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-phev-car-run-on-petrol-alone-if-necessary/947612)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-phev-car-run-on-petrol-alone-if-necessary/947612 "2021-07-31T14:12:54Z")
I need to replace my car. Happily, I’m changing jobs and will have a company car as part of my package. I’m considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) because here in the UK the tax we pay on company cars is much less f… --- ## [Youngest age that someone could safely travel to space](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youngest-age-that-someone-could-safely-travel-to-space/947223)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youngest-age-that-someone-could-safely-travel-to-space/947223 "2021-07-31T12:53:17Z")
An 18-year old flew on Jeff Bezos’ rocket to space recently, the youngest person to ever go into space. Obviously, no space agency or company in their right mind would launch a young child (say, 3-5 years old) into spac… --- ## [Large insect ID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-insect-id/947662)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-insect-id/947662 "2021-07-31T12:18:23Z")
I was stacking wood, and I saw this large insect on one of the logs. I’m guessing the overall length was about four inches. Does anyone know what it is? --- ## [Would a 2021 blood sample reflect a viral illness in 1996?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-2021-blood-sample-reflect-a-viral-illness-in-1996/943696)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-2021-blood-sample-reflect-a-viral-illness-in-1996/943696 "2021-07-31T06:14:29Z")
Long story short, in 1996 I traveled in a remote area of the Hunan Province in China. Following a solitary hike during which my hands may have come into contact with bird poop or something similar, I became frighteningly… --- ## [How does one get a motorcycle license/endorsement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-a-motorcycle-license-endorsement/947599)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-a-motorcycle-license-endorsement/947599 "2021-07-31T04:48:31Z")
I don’t actually want one but I’m curious about the logistics of it. In my state, you can take the MSF class and that will waive the written and driving test. That’s all well and good. But if I don’t take the MSF cour… --- ## [Warren Buffett Pronunciation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-buffett-pronunciation/947330)
**Author:** [@TCMF-2L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TCMF-2L)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2021, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-buffett-pronunciation/947330 "2021-07-31T01:09:16Z")
I don’t understand phonetic notation so please no Greek characters with mysterious accents and umlauts. Also I’m from the UK so no references to ‘a typical South Dakota pronunciation’ or whatever. I’ve been curious for … --- ## [Laws re: returning groceries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laws-re-returning-groceries/947587)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laws-re-returning-groceries/947587 "2021-07-30T19:30:26Z")
Suppose I do a curbside grocery pickup. I get home, realize they’ve given me the wrong can of beans. I go back to the store and return it for a refund. Do they put the can of beans back on the shelf? I’m guessing yes… --- ## ["Chop Sheet" Origin? - term for circulation cover sheet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chop-sheet-origin-term-for-circulation-cover-sheet/947643)
**Author:** [@Falchion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Falchion)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chop-sheet-origin-term-for-circulation-cover-sheet/947643 "2021-07-30T14:51:53Z")
In my place of employment, various memoranda or documents are reviewed by various layers of individuals before receiving final approval. Affixed to the top the document is a cover memorandum which lists the final recipi… --- ## [Is all water curved](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-all-water-curved/947388)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-all-water-curved/947388 "2021-07-30T14:23:53Z")
So I stumbled across this flat-earth, crackpot post on another board ‘proving’ the earth was flat because water doesn’t curve. Someone debunked it by posting a picture from space showing the oceans curving across the g… --- ## [Can someone verify this calculus problem does not have an analytic solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-verify-this-calculus-problem-does-not-have-an-analytic-solution/947530)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-verify-this-calculus-problem-does-not-have-an-analytic-solution/947530 "2021-07-30T14:21:28Z")
Given \\frac{\\partial w'\\Sigma\_a w}{\\partial p}, can \\frac{\\partial w'\\Sigma\_b w}{\\partial p} be found? \\Sigma is a matrix, w is a vector. w is obtained by minimizing w'\\Sigma\_a w subject to Aw \<= p. The optimization pa… --- ## [Do I really to do anything to my fascia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-really-to-do-anything-to-my-fascia/947621 "2021-07-30T13:42:12Z")
This may veer into IMHO but I am looking for the current scientific consensus, not personal opinions. My wife is into yoga, stretching, Pilates, all of the trendy stuff. She uses a foam roller to knead the fasciae. Othe… --- ## [Tolerance for bicycle tire width?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tolerance-for-bicycle-tire-width/947226)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tolerance-for-bicycle-tire-width/947226 "2021-07-30T13:13:52Z")
I am replacing a tire that is 700x23c. The store only has a 700x25c in stock, and the guy tells me such a small change in width won’t matter. Is he right, or just trying to sell me a tire? This is for a 1999 Specialize… --- ## [What do people use now instead of rolodexes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-use-now-instead-of-rolodexes/545861)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-use-now-instead-of-rolodexes/545861 "2021-07-30T07:47:53Z")
I read a networking book from the eighties the other day (it was second hand, and I was bored). I had a good chuckle at the old lingo, and the cutting-edge suggestions. One thing it placed huge emphasis on is having an… --- ## [Why do stadium organs sound different than regular organs? ARE they different?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-stadium-organs-sound-different-than-regular-organs-are-they-different/946507)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2021, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-stadium-organs-sound-different-than-regular-organs-are-they-different/946507 "2021-07-30T00:37:01Z")
This question came to me when I was watching this week’s episode of Monsters at Work, which was a baseball episode. The closing theme had a rendition of the franchise’s iconic “If I Didn’t Have You”, rendered by a stadi… --- ## [Tides times on PEI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tides-times-on-pei/947566)
**Author:** [@keeganst94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeganst94)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tides-times-on-pei/947566 "2021-07-29T23:32:19Z")
I recently moved to Prince Edward Island (PEI), and have noticed what I find to be a strange (and annoying) phenomenon with the tides. In Charlottetown, on the coast facing the mainland, the tide times are nearly exactly… --- ## [Average amount of caffeine in a rounded (heaped) teaspoon of Buendia coffee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-amount-of-caffeine-in-a-rounded-heaped-teaspoon-of-buendia-coffee/947592)
**Author:** [@wiskaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wiskaz)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/average-amount-of-caffeine-in-a-rounded-heaped-teaspoon-of-buendia-coffee/947592 "2021-07-29T22:09:43Z")
Can be seen here Amazon.com --- ## [How can I read Gmail without adding the account to my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-read-gmail-without-adding-the-account-to-my-phone/947522)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-read-gmail-without-adding-the-account-to-my-phone/947522 "2021-07-29T18:41:22Z")
My mom gets email that she doesn’t always understand. She wants me to look at it. Can I use the web browser without having the account added to my Android phone? This used to be very common. Hey let me use your compute… --- ## [New B&D device charger - will it work the same with a different capacity battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-b-d-device-charger-will-it-work-the-same-with-a-different-capacity-battery/947601)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-b-d-device-charger-will-it-work-the-same-with-a-different-capacity-battery/947601 "2021-07-29T18:16:44Z")
Our Black & Decker Dustbuster just stopped working and we bought a new one. (I can’t even take the old one apart in the event that there’s a user serviceable problem that I might see.) The old one was a 14.4 v version… --- ## [Orbital mechanics and the conservation of energy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orbital-mechanics-and-the-conservation-of-energy/947579)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/orbital-mechanics-and-the-conservation-of-energy/947579 "2021-07-29T11:27:07Z")
Suppose you have a spacecraft in a circular orbit around a planet. It now does a prograde burn to accelerate. As anyone who’s ever played Kerbal can attest, that will raise the craft into a higher orbit; more specificall… --- ## [How to deal with wasps under a wood deck](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-wasps-under-a-wood-deck/947420)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2021, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-deal-with-wasps-under-a-wood-deck/947420 "2021-07-29T10:51:33Z")
Wasps have set up a nest under our wood deck, unfortunately right at an area where we have a doorwall we come in and out of. My wife got stung this past weekend. There’s no access underneath the deck, other than the thi… --- ## ['That'll buff right out!' How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thatll-buff-right-out-how/947335)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thatll-buff-right-out-how/947335 "2021-07-28T17:53:47Z")
I had to drive my Jeep through some bushes, and scratched the hell out of the right side. I have an orbital polisher that I haven’t used yet. How do I buff the scratches? Rubbing compound? Paste wax? --- ## [POW's, Torture, Etc. Prior To World War II](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pows-torture-etc-prior-to-world-war-ii/947258)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pows-torture-etc-prior-to-world-war-ii/947258 "2021-07-28T09:07:18Z")
I’m curious if the British tortured captured American POWs (or perhaps captured spies) during the Revolutionary War and/or 1812? How about the Americans torturing captured British during those same wars? What about the t… --- ## [Is there a way to get a program to run twice at the same time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-get-a-program-to-run-twice-at-the-same-time/947348)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-get-a-program-to-run-twice-at-the-same-time/947348 "2021-07-28T05:50:20Z")
I’ve got a program that just autoclicks, it is a single .exe file. I want it to do twice as much clicking, but loading the exe file whilst it’s active just brings up the window. Changing the filename and location doesn… --- ## [How to fix erratic behavior of Bluetooth connections in Win 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-erratic-behavior-of-bluetooth-connections-in-win-10/932154)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-erratic-behavior-of-bluetooth-connections-in-win-10/932154 "2021-07-28T03:34:26Z")
I have a Windows 10 laptop that is paired with two Bluetooth audio devices, a pair of headphones and a Bluetooth stereo adapter that feeds into my vintage stereo amp. When I try to connect with the laptop, in about every… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=263) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=265)