# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=279 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 280 --- ## [The DMV website doesn't recognize my Social Security Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dmv-website-doesnt-recognize-my-social-security-number/942985)
**Author:** [@Something](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Something)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-dmv-website-doesnt-recognize-my-social-security-number/942985 "2021-05-26T22:54:14Z")
So, because of COVID, the “good old days” of being able to waltz into a DMV and sit there for 5 hours and get your errand done are gone; nowadays, you have to go online and make an appointment to visit a DMV, and they su… --- ## [Car question - Tire pressure in Honda CRV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-tire-pressure-in-honda-crv/942752)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-question-tire-pressure-in-honda-crv/942752 "2021-05-26T18:51:14Z")
I had the snow tires taken off and the summer tires put on the CRV this week. And when I drove away from the dealership, the tire pressure gauge came on. Went to put air in the tires this morning, and they were all at … --- ## [Professional photos of me: Who owns them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-photos-of-me-who-owns-them/942598)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-photos-of-me-who-owns-them/942598 "2021-05-26T17:42:11Z")
As I understand it, copyright law says a photographer always owns the pictures they take. I’ve sold an article to an online publication and they want to publish old photos of me with my article. I had some professional … --- ## [What modern political allegiance is indicated by showing Napoleon's flag nowadays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-modern-political-allegiance-is-indicated-by-showing-napoleons-flag-nowadays/942770)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-modern-political-allegiance-is-indicated-by-showing-napoleons-flag-nowadays/942770 "2021-05-26T14:54:40Z")
A friend posted this from my old neighborhood in San Random Flag - Album on Imgur Google tells me this flag is the shield of Napoleon Bonaparte: Assuming this is not a random Napoleonic war buff very proud of his hand… --- ## [BPPV / Positional Dizziness / Epley Maneuver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bppv-positional-dizziness-epley-maneuver/588780)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Mama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Mama)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bppv-positional-dizziness-epley-maneuver/588780 "2021-05-26T12:18:01Z")
Female, age 61, having dizzy spells when lying down & getting up. Apparently I have “Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo” (BPPV) and have been told to do the Epley Maneuver, nightly, for one week. Questions: Does this … --- ## [Computer speakers have a buzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speakers-have-a-buzz/942894)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2021, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-speakers-have-a-buzz/942894 "2021-05-26T02:48:40Z")
I have a pair of Bose speakers attached to my PC. They’ve been fine for years but suddenly developed a buzz. I’ve checked that all the cables are firmly set. The same buzz is heard through headphones. How do I tell whet… --- ## [If the speed of light were slower, could we travel to the stars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-speed-of-light-were-slower-could-we-travel-to-the-stars/942843)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-speed-of-light-were-slower-could-we-travel-to-the-stars/942843 "2021-05-25T21:23:04Z")
If I could just get my spaceship up to relativistic speed, I could travel to a star - or across the galaxy - in a comfortable ship-board time. Unfortunately, we don’t have (maybe never will have) a technology to accelera… --- ## [Are the 'isolated' tracks on Youtube really the original recordings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-isolated-tracks-on-youtube-really-the-original-recordings/942910)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-isolated-tracks-on-youtube-really-the-original-recordings/942910 "2021-05-25T20:47:25Z")
I see a lot of supposedly “isolated” instrument and vocal tracks from classic rock songs posted. But I very much doubt if the real original multi track tapes are available… legally, at least. Often it is said that thes… --- ## [What does the colonial pipeline actually carry....fuel, yes..but how?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-colonial-pipeline-actually-carry-fuel-yes-but-how/941873)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-colonial-pipeline-actually-carry-fuel-yes-but-how/941873 "2021-05-25T20:38:38Z")
I know it carries ‘fuel,’ but all the sources I’ve found say fuel, like gasoline, jetfuel, etc. I’m guessing they don’t separate out the fuel into slugs so that it is delivering gasoline today and diesel tomorrow. Do t… --- ## [Can you fake a low blood pressure reading?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fake-a-low-blood-pressure-reading/942666)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fake-a-low-blood-pressure-reading/942666 "2021-05-25T16:44:12Z")
I don’t think this question is actually as weird as it first seems. I’m dealing with getting my blood pressure in check and noticed that I can raise my reading by flexing, clenching, crossing my legs, etc etc etc. I use… --- ## [What's wrong with my tree planting idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-tree-planting-idea/942791)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-tree-planting-idea/942791 "2021-05-25T15:52:05Z")
Some very popular YouTubers got together over a year ago to raise money to plant 20 million trees. From what I could tell, people actually doing the planting where going out with shovels and seedlings. My supposedly bri… --- ## [How did the world decide on 18 as the age of adulthood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-world-decide-on-18-as-the-age-of-adulthood/941824)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-world-decide-on-18-as-the-age-of-adulthood/941824 "2021-05-25T13:13:45Z")
How did we come to agreement that 18 is the age of adulthood in much of the world? Why not 19 or 20? Why not 16 or 17? Or do you wish to fight the premise entirely, because now in the US, you can’t drink alcohol or sm… --- ## [Should I buy a bunch of high quality disposable N95 face masks now, or is it a waste of money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-bunch-of-high-quality-disposable-n95-face-masks-now-or-is-it-a-waste-of-money/942803)
**Author:** [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-bunch-of-high-quality-disposable-n95-face-masks-now-or-is-it-a-waste-of-money/942803 "2021-05-25T11:52:55Z")
I’ve been trying to get a hold of high quality disposable face masks since this COVID thing took off. I finally have a chance to buy a bunch. Too little, too late? I’ve been getting by for a long time without them and … --- ## [How can I turn on a Raspberry PI GPIO pin based on presence of ~22vdc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-turn-on-a-raspberry-pi-gpio-pin-based-on-presence-of-22vdc/942751)
**Author:** [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-turn-on-a-raspberry-pi-gpio-pin-based-on-presence-of-22vdc/942751 "2021-05-25T11:28:08Z")
TL;DR version: I have a pair of wires with ~22vdc across them, and I want to use the presence or absence of this voltage to trigger a GPIO line on my Raspberry Pi in order to tell my program to do something. I know noth… --- ## [What might this noise be coming from my Ford Escape? Video inside](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-this-noise-be-coming-from-my-ford-escape-video-inside/942844)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-this-noise-be-coming-from-my-ford-escape-video-inside/942844 "2021-05-25T04:44:10Z")
I drive a 2010 Ford Escape. Runs fine, drove it today with this issue ongoing. No engine lights of any kind come on. If I hadn’t hear this noise when I got out of my car, I would not have noticed it. It’s a rattling typ… --- ## [Amazon Audible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-audible/942718)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2021, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-audible/942718 "2021-05-25T00:32:24Z")
I’m thinking of joining Audible but I have a couple of questions before I do. When you purchase an audiobook from Audible, can you listen to it on all your devices? If you can listen to it on all your devices, am I… --- ## [TV / DVD player conflict - help please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-dvd-player-conflict-help-please/942806)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2021, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-dvd-player-conflict-help-please/942806 "2021-05-24T23:41:46Z")
I have exhausted my troubleshooting arsenal so I am here to seek assistance. My TV does not play nice with my DVD player. When I switch the input from TV to DVD, I can use the DVD player, but when I return to the TV all… --- ## [Isn't mercury bad for tuna, too?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-mercury-bad-for-tuna-too/942640)
**Author:** [@Beelzebubbly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beelzebubbly)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2021, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-mercury-bad-for-tuna-too/942640 "2021-05-24T14:44:31Z")
We’re supposed to be careful about not eating too much tuna because of all the mercury they accumulate by being very high up on the food chain. But if the mercury level in tuna is risky for us, isn’t it even riskier for … --- ## [Enter the code and your phone call will be passed through](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enter-the-code-and-your-phone-call-will-be-passed-through/942690)
**Author:** [@bodangus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bodangus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2021, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enter-the-code-and-your-phone-call-will-be-passed-through/942690 "2021-05-24T12:47:09Z")
I remember a device that could be purchased, maybe in Europe, that would be plugged into your incoming land line. If I remember right it was like an answering machine in that you could record a voice message on it. When … --- ## [Can manufacturers raise wholesale prices just because of a temporary increase in demand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-manufacturers-raise-wholesale-prices-just-because-of-a-temporary-increase-in-demand/942722)
**Author:** [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2021, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-manufacturers-raise-wholesale-prices-just-because-of-a-temporary-increase-in-demand/942722 "2021-05-24T01:15:19Z")
I’m not asking about if their production costs go up because of shortage of materials or needing to retrool and hire more staff. I’m asking about just because they can. I suspect that this would be considered price gougi… --- ## [Human rights, how to actually get them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-rights-how-to-actually-get-them/942535)
**Author:** [@antonn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonn)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2021, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-rights-how-to-actually-get-them/942535 "2021-05-24T01:15:07Z")
We all heard about them, but how does one actually enforce them in, say, England? Please detail as if I were a child. --- ## [What are each side's short-term military objectives in the current Israel/Gaza conflict?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-each-sides-short-term-military-objectives-in-the-current-israel-gaza-conflict/942749)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-each-sides-short-term-military-objectives-in-the-current-israel-gaza-conflict/942749 "2021-05-23T23:09:22Z")
There’s a whole thread on this (which I’ve only read part of), but I’m putting this in GQ because I’m looking for any potential outcomes in the current hostilities that either side can realistically hope to achieve with … --- ## [Do I have to have a certain insurance deductible for an auto loan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-have-to-have-a-certain-insurance-deductible-for-an-auto-loan/939119)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-i-have-to-have-a-certain-insurance-deductible-for-an-auto-loan/939119 "2021-05-23T22:33:29Z")
Bought a new car yesterday. Financed it because, well, 0%. I’ll take free money. I’ve never had a car loan before. When the finance guy was filling out the paperwork, he noted that my deductible of $2000 was high and I s… --- ## [Anybody know how to report a scam listing on eBay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-how-to-report-a-scam-listing-on-ebay/933569)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-how-to-report-a-scam-listing-on-ebay/933569 "2021-05-23T19:56:42Z")
I was unable to find such a link to report this listing --- ## [In what dialect of English would words like "on" be pronounced "own" or "ohn"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-dialect-of-english-would-words-like-on-be-pronounced-own-or-ohn/690582)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-dialect-of-english-would-words-like-on-be-pronounced-own-or-ohn/690582 "2021-05-23T06:53:48Z")
I found this great app called Librivox, where you can download and listen to public domain fiction read aloud by volunteers. In the case of a couple of Sherlock Holmes stories, the reader has an ordinary English languag… --- ## [Products to wrap electrical wires for protection and hiding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-to-wrap-electrical-wires-for-protection-and-hiding/942706)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-to-wrap-electrical-wires-for-protection-and-hiding/942706 "2021-05-23T05:06:12Z")
I have some wires on a solar panel that I would like to make less obtrusive. They are out in the elements and are designed to be outdoors. I have a red and black wire, and I’d like the covering to be black. I thought w… --- ## [Scientific term for a fungus, parasite, virus, etc. changing behavior and/or physiology of the host?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-term-for-a-fungus-parasite-virus-etc-changing-behavior-and-or-physiology-of-the-host/942584)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-term-for-a-fungus-parasite-virus-etc-changing-behavior-and-or-physiology-of-the-host/942584 "2021-05-23T02:42:07Z")
Was thinking about this today at work after hearing a story on NPR about a fungus that effects cicadas as they emerge and causes changes to the cicada’s reproductive organs and mating behavior in ways that help spread th… --- ## [Angles in Anglia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angles-in-anglia/942704)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2021, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angles-in-anglia/942704 "2021-05-23T00:07:58Z")
Whatever happened to the Angles in Anglia, on the Jutland Peninsula, after many of them moved to the island of Great Britain. Did they all move to Great Britain? Is there any evidence of them, i.e. language, culture, g… --- ## [Is it possible to express a Taylor series as an integral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-express-a-taylor-series-as-an-integral/942590)
**Author:** [@Someonewastaken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Someonewastaken)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2021, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-express-a-taylor-series-as-an-integral/942590 "2021-05-22T23:36:22Z")
I noticed that a Taylor series, when you add up all values from 0 to infinity, is similar to the Riemann sum. I also know that the Riemann sum has change of x as a critical component and, as far as I can tell, the Taylor… --- ## [Citizen's Arrest: How often is it attempted, and how often is it actually successful?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizens-arrest-how-often-is-it-attempted-and-how-often-is-it-actually-successful/942515)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2021, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/citizens-arrest-how-often-is-it-attempted-and-how-often-is-it-actually-successful/942515 "2021-05-22T13:51:34Z")
I was discussion private security for fan-run conventions on another forum, and someone brought up “citizen’s arrest” as a possible tool. I am wondering how often a citizen’s arrest is attempted, and how often the attem… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=278) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=280)