# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=272 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 273 --- ## [I have questions about sirens (like on emergency vehicles) that have bugged me since I was a kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-questions-about-sirens-like-on-emergency-vehicles-that-have-bugged-me-since-i-was-a-kid/944899)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2021, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-questions-about-sirens-like-on-emergency-vehicles-that-have-bugged-me-since-i-was-a-kid/944899 "2021-06-28T00:33:16Z")
By siren, I mean the (usually) electronic device that makes a wailing sound on police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. The wailing sound is used to warn other vehicles that an emergency vehicle needs the right-of-way.… --- ## [Eliminating blanks and condensing data in Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-blanks-and-condensing-data-in-excel/944718)
**Author:** [@keeganst94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeganst94)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eliminating-blanks-and-condensing-data-in-excel/944718 "2021-06-27T20:01:57Z")
I have a set of data that’s a few columns and maybe 600 rows. Most of the rows are blank (at least in the section I’m interested in), and some of them contain duplicate information. Most of the columns contain a code or … --- ## [Any reason not to use J&J baby shampoo/wash on an elderly person's skin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-not-to-use-j-j-baby-shampoo-wash-on-an-elderly-persons-skin/944637)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-not-to-use-j-j-baby-shampoo-wash-on-an-elderly-persons-skin/944637 "2021-06-27T18:04:52Z")
I have an aunt who is 94, who is having increasing trouble with her skin getting irritated and itchy. Which she then scratches, often causing lasting red marks and even actual blood-oozing scrapes/tears. Basically her… --- ## [Gasoline price differential](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-price-differential/944949)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gasoline-price-differential/944949 "2021-06-27T10:59:14Z")
(A) - Why does premium cost so much more than regular? There is just as much energy in a gallon of regular as there is in a gallon of premium. Where I live the price differential is upwards of 25%. (B) Because ethanol… --- ## [What is this kind of pipe fitting called so I can search for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-kind-of-pipe-fitting-called-so-i-can-search-for-it/846493)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-kind-of-pipe-fitting-called-so-i-can-search-for-it/846493 "2021-06-27T09:30:28Z")
I have a pressure gauge with a 3/8" threaded fitting (it was connected to an adapter with a compression fitting but I’m not going to use that). I want to connect it to a 1/2" or 3/4" iron pipe tee fitting like this. I se… --- ## [Exercised or exorcized?/](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercised-or-exorcized/945019)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercised-or-exorcized/945019 "2021-06-27T06:39:58Z")
It was just pointed out to me that I used the word “exorcized” where I meant “exercised.” (Context of the word and the correction here: https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britney-spears-diagnosis/944950/31 ) Thinking it … --- ## [What is this large mechanical thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-large-mechanical-thing/945104)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-large-mechanical-thing/945104 "2021-06-27T05:33:31Z")
This is in the background photo of a semi truck. I have no idea what it is, never seen anything like it. It looks like a giant heat sink. This is in Canada, if it makes a difference. Anybody know? --- ## [Question on the Herodian period/1st century Jewish practice of secondary interment in ossuaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-herodian-period-1st-century-jewish-practice-of-secondary-interment-in-ossuaries/945109)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2021, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-herodian-period-1st-century-jewish-practice-of-secondary-interment-in-ossuaries/945109 "2021-06-27T05:32:32Z")
In all my reading on the 1st century Jewish practise of secondary interment of bones in ossuaries, I have not come across any mention of the washing of bones as was typical among the ancient Greeks. Can anyone confirm wh… --- ## [Potential Energy of a Spring, Khan Academy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-energy-of-a-spring-khan-academy/944299)
**Author:** [@Someonewastaken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Someonewastaken)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-energy-of-a-spring-khan-academy/944299 "2021-06-26T23:09:09Z")
While watching this video, I had a question. I understand the calculus part and why he gets kx^2/2, but I don’t understand one other thing. If work=force times distance, than distance would be x and force … --- ## [Any chemists/biochemists here that can translate this title for me? It's in English but it's Greek to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-chemists-biochemists-here-that-can-translate-this-title-for-me-its-in-english-but-its-greek-to-me/944762)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-chemists-biochemists-here-that-can-translate-this-title-for-me-its-in-english-but-its-greek-to-me/944762 "2021-06-26T20:13:31Z")
I stumbled across my Dad’s 1966 biochemistry dissertation and it’s so far above my head that I have absolutely no idea what it’s even about. The title is “Alterations of Microsomal Phospholipids Occurring During the Enz… --- ## [We suck all the excess carbon out of the atmosphere; how much does the Earth cool down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-suck-all-the-excess-carbon-out-of-the-atmosphere-how-much-does-the-earth-cool-down/945050)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-suck-all-the-excess-carbon-out-of-the-atmosphere-how-much-does-the-earth-cool-down/945050 "2021-06-26T19:20:19Z")
Say we use massive carbon-sequestration machines to suck all the excess carbon out of the atmosphere (we’ll ignore all the stuff like cost, labor, practicality, NIMBY, just focus only on the science). “Excess” meaning, w… --- ## [Why is there still such a big lag in the TV live reporter link?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-still-such-a-big-lag-in-the-tv-live-reporter-link/945029)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-still-such-a-big-lag-in-the-tv-live-reporter-link/945029 "2021-06-26T16:47:51Z")
Seems to be about 2-3 seconds before the remote guy gets the full question from the studio guy and he can start to respond. Heck, it’s 2021 and musicians and gamers are interacting in real time. My company’s zoom meeti… --- ## [Amazon waste](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-waste/945055)
**Author:** [@paulmarkj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulmarkj)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-waste/945055 "2021-06-26T13:15:42Z")
There has been a lot of coveage relating to ‘Amazon waste’ in the UK. This has led to government (Boris Johnson and Dept for Envronment) and charities to comment on the waste. I guess the waste is at a similar level … --- ## [Do Cats Drool Out of Happiness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cats-drool-out-of-happiness/945009)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cats-drool-out-of-happiness/945009 "2021-06-26T12:17:14Z")
There’s a friendly cat in my neighborhood who follows me around when I go past his house and pet him. When I start petting, he starts drooling like a faucet. Is this a sign of happiness or pleasure? Do a lot of cats d… --- ## [Calculus III Prerequisites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculus-iii-prerequisites/944409)
**Author:** [@Someonewastaken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Someonewastaken)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculus-iii-prerequisites/944409 "2021-06-26T05:14:34Z")
I want to begin studying calculus III but I am unsure if I have all of the prerequisites. I took AP Calculus BC and the calculus II things I have seen make sense. What are the prerequisites to calculus III? --- ## [The Dew Point Explained (In Plain English)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dew-point-explained-in-plain-english/944254)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dew-point-explained-in-plain-english/944254 "2021-06-26T03:10:31Z")
For years I assumed (and I was probably not alone) that relative humility is responsible for how muggy things feel. They say it’s 100% humidity in New Orleans on a good day. But weather men where I live (i.e., Detroit) … --- ## [Sudden thought about runout grooves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-thought-about-runout-grooves/944676)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2021, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-thought-about-runout-grooves/944676 "2021-06-26T02:45:18Z")
This might need to be CS instead of GQ but its a mechanical question, not performance. I had a sudden urge to hear Little Willie John’s original version of “Fever” (Peggy Lee’s is a cover) so I called it up on YouTube. … --- ## [Outlook email display question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-email-display-question/944948)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-email-display-question/944948 "2021-06-25T18:59:18Z")
I got a new computer at work and have to go through customizing it. One thing I’m grappling with is the display of e-mails. When I open an e-mail to read it, the font is extremely small. If I click on « zoom » I can inc… --- ## [Are there any (non-pharmacy) generics still sold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-pharmacy-generics-still-sold/932414)
**Author:** [@leswax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leswax)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-pharmacy-generics-still-sold/932414 "2021-06-25T18:53:22Z")
From the thread Favorite fake product names? I wondered if there are any generic products still being sold in the United States or around the world. I don’t mean private label products, which have some branding even if i… --- ## [Managing a UPS with a network card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-a-ups-with-a-network-card/944956)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/managing-a-ups-with-a-network-card/944956 "2021-06-25T18:49:25Z")
I am looking for software that can manage several network Uninterruptible Power Supplies on a network using the UPS network cards. Most of what I can find uses USB cables. I need to manage several UPS over the LAN. --- ## [USB 3.0 slower than SATA II, why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-3-0-slower-than-sata-ii-why/944966)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usb-3-0-slower-than-sata-ii-why/944966 "2021-06-25T17:16:29Z")
I have an older computer. It only has SATA II ports, but it does at least have USB 3.0. I’m not a gamer, so it’s fine. Anyway, leaving out the long and boring back story, here are results I got that I don’t understand… --- ## [How long has the term 'weinie' been in use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-has-the-term-weinie-been-in-use/945002)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-has-the-term-weinie-been-in-use/945002 "2021-06-25T16:49:21Z")
Meaning ‘wimp’ or other non-macho put-down. I’m writing something set in 1963, and can’t quite figure out if the term was in general circulation. If not, what would have been the term of art in 1963? --- ## [Food safety and pre-prepping food](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-safety-and-pre-prepping-food/945004)
**Author:** [@sohvan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sohvan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/food-safety-and-pre-prepping-food/945004 "2021-06-25T15:59:04Z")
How to consider the amount of time food spends waiting to be cooked in relation to how long it’s safe to eat after cooking and refrigeration. Some recipes recommend preparing some parts of dishes or full dishes in advanc… --- ## [US Government Assigning a SSN......not required?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-assigning-a-ssn-not-required/944671)
**Author:** [@mrdeals1990](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrdeals1990)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-assigning-a-ssn-not-required/944671 "2021-06-25T15:08:32Z")
My wife and I had our first baby two weeks ago. The next morning the hospital had us fill out some government paperwork. One question has bugged me since i finished the paperwork. Question #12 on the one paper said som… --- ## [Woodworking technique question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworking-technique-question/941177)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworking-technique-question/941177 "2021-05-05T20:15:52Z")
Until a YouTube vid the other day, I’ve never seen this before: the guy joined two pieces together by drilling matching holes in the two, hammering nails half way into one piece, then cutting the heads off, lining it up … --- ## [The Queen's English pronunciation of "Maurice."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queens-english-pronunciation-of-maurice/944790)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-queens-english-pronunciation-of-maurice/944790 "2021-06-25T10:52:04Z")
As I was watching a special on the Bee Gees, I was quite surprised at the pronunciation of the name of Maurice Gibb. Without knowing any better, I believe that most Americans would pronounce the name “more EES”. Howeve… --- ## [HP printer problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hp-printer-problem/944256)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hp-printer-problem/944256 "2021-06-24T17:54:36Z")
The printer won’t start up. It’s stuck on verifying on the display. I have tried a bunch of fixes but none have worked. I could get it repaired but printers are so cheap now it’s almost easier to buy a new one. … --- ## [Why is human excrement ickier than animal excrement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-excrement-ickier-than-animal-excrement/943679)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2021, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-excrement-ickier-than-animal-excrement/943679 "2021-06-25T03:34:24Z")
Ever notice how most animals (specifically mammals) seem to be able to do #2 without needing anything like toilet paper to keep clean? A lot of animals’ excrement comes out as neat, fairly dry fecal pellets. Even those t… --- ## [I thought bitcoins were untraceable? Colonial ransom partially recovered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-thought-bitcoins-were-untraceable-colonial-ransom-partially-recovered/943790)
**Author:** [@txtumbleweed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txtumbleweed)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-thought-bitcoins-were-untraceable-colonial-ransom-partially-recovered/943790 "2021-06-24T23:17:05Z")
Just saw that the Justice Dept reportedly has recovered about $2.3-million of the ransomware paid to Darkside by Colonial Pipeline. https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/07/politics/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-recovered/index.ht… --- ## [Strange Circuit Breaker Behavior](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-circuit-breaker-behavior/943862)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2021, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-circuit-breaker-behavior/943862 "2021-06-24T18:29:18Z")
I’m having some really odd behavior on a circuit, and I’m looking for suggestions. Last summer we had a porch rebuilt (under permit, by licensed contractors including electrician), and they ran a new 20A circuit. The po… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=271) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=273)