# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=284 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 285 --- ## [Can/Does Google use my medical information for targeting ads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-does-google-use-my-medical-information-for-targeting-ads/941376)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-does-google-use-my-medical-information-for-targeting-ads/941376 "2021-05-05T05:58:59Z")
I communicate with my physician on gmail. Presumably google can “read” my emails and target ads on prescription medication or medical devices to me. Per the medical/privacy laws of the United States, is google allowed t… --- ## [What exactly does rebooting accomplish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-rebooting-accomplish/941099)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-does-rebooting-accomplish/941099 "2021-05-05T03:14:04Z")
Rebooting is frequently a first-step approach to solving all sorts of technical issues, for a variety of devices. How exactly does this work? In the case of computer and phones, I imagine it’s possible that the problem … --- ## [Mouse plague in Australia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-plague-in-australia/941151)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2021, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mouse-plague-in-australia/941151 "2021-05-05T01:43:27Z")
Article in WaPo about a plague of mice in Australia: (Sorry if that’s behind a paywall for you.) It doesn’t give a reason for it. I’m wondering if they’ve gotten too good at removing stray cats. Also, are the mice fo… --- ## [Does military leave apply to someone who decides to join military while employed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-military-leave-apply-to-someone-who-decides-to-join-military-while-employed/940976)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2021, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-military-leave-apply-to-someone-who-decides-to-join-military-while-employed/940976 "2021-05-04T22:44:40Z")
A friend had an odd situation at work yesterday where an employee abruptly notified her supervisor that she joined the army for a 3 year commitment and was leaving in 4 days. My friend now believes since her employer of… --- ## [I need help with a math problem involving water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-math-problem-involving-water/941266)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2021, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-help-with-a-math-problem-involving-water/941266 "2021-05-04T22:05:17Z")
I want to treat the wetland in front of the house for mosquitoes but how much you use is based on how many gallons of water. How do I figure out how much water there is? The wetland is approximately 20’ x 40’ and the wat… --- ## [Lenovo Yoga Laptop Second Camera](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenovo-yoga-laptop-second-camera/941380)
**Author:** [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2021, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenovo-yoga-laptop-second-camera/941380 "2021-05-04T18:25:26Z")
I Googled this unsuccessfully, and I really did give it some thought. The question is this: What is the second camera for on the Lenovo Yoga ThinkPad? It has the “regular” camera located in the center above the display… --- ## [Spotify Play Device Statistics.....Other?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-play-device-statistics-other/941178)
**Author:** [@mrdeals1990](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrdeals1990)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2021, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-play-device-statistics-other/941178 "2021-05-04T16:25:33Z")
One of my companies owns the royalty rights to about 400 different songs. Every few days i go in and peek at the Spotify and Itunes statistics just to kind of gauge what songs are popular right now, if anything got adde… --- ## [Electric car power generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-car-power-generation/940635)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-car-power-generation/940635 "2021-05-03T22:47:53Z")
Someone on NPR pointed out that electric cars won’t be “green” until electric power generation is. Which pollutes more, a gasoline engine car, or an electric car with power generated by burning coal? --- ## [I want to know how much a rideshare trip would cost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-know-how-much-a-rideshare-trip-would-cost/941175)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-know-how-much-a-rideshare-trip-would-cost/941175 "2021-05-03T14:36:59Z")
…but I’m not willing to download an app until I already know their rates. Is it possible for me to accomplish this? Assume that I don’t have any friends who could go on the app and look it up for me. A “no” will be suff… --- ## [Is a half-sibling the same as a first cousin, from a genetic standpoint?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-half-sibling-the-same-as-a-first-cousin-from-a-genetic-standpoint/940861)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-half-sibling-the-same-as-a-first-cousin-from-a-genetic-standpoint/940861 "2021-05-03T13:49:58Z")
Mathematically it makes some sense, since in both cases they share one set of grandparents. But perhaps additionally having the same parent is stronger than merely having two of the same grandparents. --- ## [Does anyone know of any 2021 scientific rebuttal to the nonsense peddled about Hitler's supposed Jewish ancestry ancestry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-of-any-2021-scientific-rebuttal-to-the-nonsense-peddled-about-hitlers-supposed-jewish-ancestry-ancestry/941043)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-know-of-any-2021-scientific-rebuttal-to-the-nonsense-peddled-about-hitlers-supposed-jewish-ancestry-ancestry/941043 "2021-05-03T02:16:56Z")
Does anyone know of any 2021 scientific rebuttal to the nonsense peddled about Hitler’s supposed Jewish ancestry ancestry ? I see more and more nonsense about Hitler’s supposed Jewish ancestry online . No quality newspa… --- ## [Should you pre-slime a bike tire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-pre-slime-a-bike-tire/939616)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2021, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-pre-slime-a-bike-tire/939616 "2021-05-03T00:23:36Z")
Most bikers have had to deal with a flat tire. It sucks when you are miles from home or a bike shop and find yourself walking your bike back. One quick road repair option for a flat bike tire is to use Slime bike tire … --- ## [A shampoo question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shampoo-question/940793)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2021, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shampoo-question/940793 "2021-05-02T22:29:40Z")
I was washing my hair today and, as usual, once I lathered the shampoo into my hair, I let it sit there for a few seconds before rinsing it out. I acknowledge this is just a habit. But does it make any difference at all… --- ## ["Big Brother" Auto Dealership](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-brother-auto-dealership/940713)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2021, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-brother-auto-dealership/940713 "2021-05-02T01:02:56Z")
Bought a new vehicle in 2019. Have had it serviced at the selling dealer, last time several months ago at 11,123 miles. Mostly in town driving so miles are below normal. I was very surprised when I got an email from the… --- ## [Which would worse ecologically - using cell phone or printing paper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-worse-ecologically-using-cell-phone-or-printing-paper/941165)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-worse-ecologically-using-cell-phone-or-printing-paper/941165 "2021-05-01T23:50:24Z")
There’s a hobby I participate in (a scavenger hunt type thing), in which information you need is found online. Due to the complicated nature of this information it must be carried with you - too much to memorize. I was … --- ## [Antivirus quick scan vs. full scan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivirus-quick-scan-vs-full-scan/940784)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antivirus-quick-scan-vs-full-scan/940784 "2021-05-01T22:10:27Z")
As I understand it, a quick scan (such as McAfee) is checking the likeliest places for a virus to infect a computer, whereas a full scan checks the whole computer, everything. Does a Quick Scan then cover, say, 90% of t… --- ## [Do HDTV antennas wear out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hdtv-antennas-wear-out/941129)
**Author:** [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hdtv-antennas-wear-out/941129 "2021-05-01T21:13:54Z")
Had mine a few years, I was usually getting 30-40 channels. Of course some came in better than others. Since about 2 months ago, I am getting maybe 20 channels with many of them coming in really shaky. Do these things we… --- ## [Why am I getting frequent Facebook friend requests from people I don't know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-getting-frequent-facebook-friend-requests-from-people-i-dont-know/940881)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-getting-frequent-facebook-friend-requests-from-people-i-dont-know/940881 "2021-05-01T20:11:39Z")
Several times a week, I get Facebook friend requests from people I don’t know, whom I don’t think I share any groups with, and I’ve certainly never met in real life. What gives? And what’s the scam? --- ## ["in to" vs. "into"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-to-vs-into/941131)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-to-vs-into/941131 "2021-05-01T19:28:20Z")
All my life I’ve seen the word into used in this way for written communication: I’m really into this. Are you going into work today? For me, into just doesn’t seem right in those sentences. I think in to would be more… --- ## [Is there a name for the process of treating black children as adults but treating black adults as children](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-the-process-of-treating-black-children-as-adults-but-treating-black-adults-as-children/941009)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-the-process-of-treating-black-children-as-adults-but-treating-black-adults-as-children/941009 "2021-05-01T16:05:50Z")
In the wake of some shootings of black children theres been discussions about how in white supremacy it is common to treat black adults as children but treat black children as adults. The 12 year old black kid with a ho… --- ## [Driving 300 feet on a flat tire- is the tire toast now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-300-feet-on-a-flat-tire-is-the-tire-toast-now/940822)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-300-feet-on-a-flat-tire-is-the-tire-toast-now/940822 "2021-05-01T05:06:07Z")
At some point my RAV4 tire picked up a nail and went completely flat. I didn’t notice before pulling out of the garage. I got down to the next house before I realized there was an issue with the tire, I immediately tur… --- ## [Why is WaaSMedicAgent.exe reading all my documents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-waasmedicagent-exe-reading-all-my-documents/941122)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-waasmedicagent-exe-reading-all-my-documents/941122 "2021-05-01T04:36:01Z")
Occasionally a process named “WaaSMedicAgent.exe” will hog system resources after startup. It causes my hard drive to spin for four to five minutes at 100% utilization, bringing the whole system to its knees. According t… --- ## [Jewish burial customs and autopsies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-burial-customs-and-autopsies/941106)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2021, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewish-burial-customs-and-autopsies/941106 "2021-05-01T01:54:40Z")
I could spend time googling it, but I’ll just ask it here - doesn’t Jewish law (or at the very least custom) require that a body be buried within 24 hours of death? If that is so, how does this affect criminal investigat… --- ## [How do we know that dark energy comprises 68% of the universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-dark-energy-comprises-68-of-the-universe/941005)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-that-dark-energy-comprises-68-of-the-universe/941005 "2021-04-30T20:08:19Z")
Conceptually, it makes sense to me that there is roughly 5 times more dark matter than regular matter. Gravity needed to hold galaxies together requires that much more matter. So while I couldn’t begin to tell you how … --- ## [Adobe Acrobat Reader: Open .pdf file to page width?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-acrobat-reader-open-pdf-file-to-page-width/941105)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2021, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-acrobat-reader-open-pdf-file-to-page-width/941105 "2021-04-30T17:33:57Z")
Is there a way to set Adobe Acrobat Reader to always open .pdf files to Fit Width? I tried going to Preferences and choosing Page display =\> Zoom =\> Fit Width. I closed the document I was reading and opened a new one. … --- ## [What's the story on generators- inverter vs. regular?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-story-on-generators-inverter-vs-regular/941041)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2021, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-story-on-generators-inverter-vs-regular/941041 "2021-04-30T12:26:33Z")
After a few extended power outages and a near-miss in February, I’m considering getting a generator for keeping our refrigerators on, charging our phones, making coffee, and possibly powering the TV/DVR. Basically I’m t… --- ## [Printer connection issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-connection-issue/941036)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2021, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-connection-issue/941036 "2021-04-30T04:46:15Z")
I’ve had an HP printer (8600) for several years, and it’s worked fine. Until a few days ago, when it decided that it couldn’t connect to the server. Nothing has changed in that period of time. My computers (both my Windo… --- ## [Scammers and gift cards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-and-gift-cards/940156)
**Author:** [@Yelnick\_McWawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yelnick_McWawa)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scammers-and-gift-cards/940156 "2021-04-29T21:26:50Z")
I received an email that there was $10 million waiting for me if would only pay the $88 shipping fee with an iTunes gift card. Last year, a Social Security scammer told me to go to my local Stop & Shop supermarket chain… --- ## [How many EV / Hybrid car batteries are actually recycled every year in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-ev-hybrid-car-batteries-are-actually-recycled-every-year-in-the-us/941048)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-ev-hybrid-car-batteries-are-actually-recycled-every-year-in-the-us/941048 "2021-04-29T21:05:39Z")
I understand that these batteries can be recycled. But how many actually are ? Not repurposed but broken down to individual metals ? --- ## [Do not call lists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-call-lists/940218)
**Author:** [@stosh1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh1)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2021, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-call-lists/940218 "2021-04-29T20:08:29Z")
I am on the “do not call” list and I still get calls from all over the country ( on a recorded line). Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to stop these calls? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=283) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=285)