# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=286 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 287 --- ## [Why Does Bleach Odor (and Other), LINGER](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-bleach-odor-and-other-linger/940566)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2021, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-bleach-odor-and-other-linger/940566 "2021-04-25T14:03:40Z")
I just cleaned out an old container I had in my sink. It contained cole slaw that I had just a little too long. It wasn’t moldy or otherwise visibly spoiled. But just to be on the safe side, I thought I’d clean it with C… --- ## [How does Ronald Reagan know it's my birthday? Facebook privacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-ronald-reagan-know-its-my-birthday-facebook-privacy/940699)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2021, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-ronald-reagan-know-its-my-birthday-facebook-privacy/940699 "2021-04-25T13:56:46Z")
I got a targeted ad in my Facebook feed for the Ronald Reagan Presidental Foundation. It showed up one week before my birthday (it says Happy Birthday Week). My privacy is set so onl… --- ## [Big cat ID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-cat-id/937615)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2021, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-cat-id/937615 "2021-04-25T03:28:21Z")
Someone posted this on Nextdoor. \[Album\] imgur.com B… --- ## [Why is a dangling air freshener in a car an offence in Minnesota?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-dangling-air-freshener-in-a-car-an-offence-in-minnesota/940503)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-dangling-air-freshener-in-a-car-an-offence-in-minnesota/940503 "2021-04-24T16:48:19Z")
Apparently the police who pulled over Daunte Wright said he had a dangling air freshener on his rear view mirror, which is an offence of some type. Why is that an offence in Minnesota? --- ## [If something tiny but controversial slips by in legislation, does it become law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-something-tiny-but-controversial-slips-by-in-legislation-does-it-become-law/940632)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-something-tiny-but-controversial-slips-by-in-legislation-does-it-become-law/940632 "2021-04-24T16:03:49Z")
Suppose that Congress passes some giant 2,000-page-long legislation about protecting endangered species or doing something about climate change - but someone has slipped in a tiny sentence on page 469 of the bill - somet… --- ## [How to become a financial advisor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-become-a-financial-advisor/940628)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-become-a-financial-advisor/940628 "2021-04-24T15:56:52Z")
I know that that is a wide-open question because like counseling there is a whole spectrum from having no education/experience and just calling yourself an advisor to fully certified working for a respected company. Her… --- ## [1940s helicopter ID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1940s-helicopter-id/940641)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1940s-helicopter-id/940641 "2021-04-24T15:54:43Z")
There’s a helicopter in the photo on this page: I thought it might be a Bell H-12, but that one has an upraised tail rotor and the one in the photo doesn’t seem to. Pretty sure it’s a Bell, though. Anyone have a pos… --- ## [How many people die annually by choking on ballpoint pens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-die-annually-by-choking-on-ballpoint-pens/232457)
**Author:** [@Jello](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jello)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-die-annually-by-choking-on-ballpoint-pens/232457 "2021-04-24T15:01:00Z")
I recently came across the line “On average, about 100 people die from choking on ballpoint pens every year.” Like any good Cecil-educated human being, I tried to check the facts, and not surprisingly came up with a host… --- ## [Don't mix "water enhancer" with alcoholic beverages. Why not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-mix-water-enhancer-with-alcoholic-beverages-why-not/675449)
**Author:** [@Blackberry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackberry)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-mix-water-enhancer-with-alcoholic-beverages-why-not/675449 "2021-04-24T14:27:42Z")
Right after pouring some water enhancer (which is just concentrated liquid that you squirt a small amount in water to make something akin to Crystal Light) into some vodka and water, I noticed that the label said not to … --- ## [How exactly are sanctions against a country enforced so that it disrupts its supply chain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-are-sanctions-against-a-country-enforced-so-that-it-disrupts-its-supply-chain/940377)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-are-sanctions-against-a-country-enforced-so-that-it-disrupts-its-supply-chain/940377 "2021-04-24T10:41:47Z")
How exactly are sanctions against a country enforced so that it disrupts that country’s supply chain? When the US sanctions China and it hurts their supply chains, how exactly does the US ensure that other countries do n… --- ## [How are long videos recorded on phones made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-long-videos-recorded-on-phones-made/940477)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-long-videos-recorded-on-phones-made/940477 "2021-04-24T09:58:02Z")
When things like newsworthy events happen, it seems like often someone gets a long video of it on his or her phone. How do you do this? If I tried that on my phone (iPhone 6S) it would probably run out of memory in und… --- ## [Why convicted of second AND third degree murder for the same person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-convicted-of-second-and-third-degree-murder-for-the-same-person/940409)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2021, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-convicted-of-second-and-third-degree-murder-for-the-same-person/940409 "2021-04-24T04:36:48Z")
So Chauvin was convicted of manslaughter, which I understand is tied into his second degree murder conviction. He also was convicted of third degree murder. I understand prosecutors going for both in case they can’t co… --- ## [Salamanders / Newts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salamanders-newts/235796)
**Author:** [@skyboy72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skyboy72)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/salamanders-newts/235796 "2021-04-23T20:41:18Z")
I was hiking recently in the Santa Monica Mountains in CA, and many newts of the orangish/red variety were out and about. I came across what looked like a ‘ball’ of newts hovering underwater in a shallow stream. I got … --- ## [Infection or inoculation: Which is more effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infection-or-inoculation-which-is-more-effective/940565)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infection-or-inoculation-which-is-more-effective/940565 "2021-04-23T18:47:44Z")
Not specific to COVID-19 so not in that forum. And this in not an anti-vax thread either. Which is more effective towards preventing a disease, having the disease and recovering (so preventing a second infection) or ge… --- ## [Netflix / Redbox / Blockbuster Video Cases \[Plastic recycling\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-redbox-blockbuster-video-cases-plastic-recycling/940568)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/netflix-redbox-blockbuster-video-cases-plastic-recycling/940568 "2021-04-23T16:43:16Z")
So I was reading this thread over in GD: Why did blockbuster video fail For some reason, during the discussion of clamshells, the question popped into my mind: When a company like Blockbuster, Netflix, RedBox or the li… --- ## [Wet iPhone question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-iphone-question/940460)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wet-iphone-question/940460 "2021-04-23T15:35:58Z")
No, I didn’t drop my iPhone in the water. I don’t own an iPhone even! But I’ve been seeing a lot of ‘fail’ type videos where people fall into bodies of water not infrequently. Of course, their first concern is always to … --- ## [So how does the body "Remember" what diseases it can fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-does-the-body-remember-what-diseases-it-can-fight/940563)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-does-the-body-remember-what-diseases-it-can-fight/940563 "2021-04-23T14:54:41Z")
A common conspiracy theory is that the COVID vaccines (or vaccines in general) alter your DNA. The response of the entire scientific community is “no, really. They don’t.” But… how DOES your body store that informatio… --- ## [Dinner flower ID](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-flower-id/940495)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinner-flower-id/940495 "2021-04-23T12:59:18Z")
This flower was on my wife’s Asian pork platter today. What is it? (I said she should eat it. I would have. But she wanted to bring it home because it’s pretty.) --- ## [Can you bargain at a jewelry store?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bargain-at-a-jewelry-store/89823)
**Author:** [@ging](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ging)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-bargain-at-a-jewelry-store/89823 "2021-04-22T07:00:48Z")
So my boyfriend and I are taking a big step and going shopping for an engagement ring this weekend. How much room is there to bargain on the price of jewelry and how does one go about bargaining in such a high class envi… --- ## [No lotions or creams before colonscopy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-lotions-or-creams-before-colonscopy/940290)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-lotions-or-creams-before-colonscopy/940290 "2021-04-23T03:15:22Z")
We had this discussion about nail polish and colonoscopies: Colonoscopies & Cosmetics - Straight Dope Message Board But several sites say not to use deodorant, lotions, or creams. Can anyone figure out why? I guess suns… --- ## [Question about radar (Kincross Incident)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-radar-kincross-incident/940214)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-radar-kincross-incident/940214 "2021-04-22T18:37:42Z")
Quirky story that I just now heard about. From the wiki article: “ On the evening of November 23, 1953, Air Defense Command Ground Intercept radar operators at Sault Ste. Marie identified an unusual target over Lake Sup… --- ## ["Vaxxmaxxing" meme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaxxmaxxing-meme/940506)
**Author:** [@mrdeals1990](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrdeals1990)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaxxmaxxing-meme/940506 "2021-04-22T17:14:30Z")
I’ve been seeing a meme floating around in the past couple days that goes something like this: Picture of a completely jacked male “I’ve been using fake identities to get the shot at dozens of clinics around the city…v… --- ## [Fire extinguisher shelf life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-extinguisher-shelf-life/939865)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-extinguisher-shelf-life/939865 "2021-04-22T15:05:47Z")
For nearly as long as I’ve been living on my own, I have had a fire extinguisher sitting there in my kitchen, just in case. Thankfully I have never needed to use it. A few weeks ago realized I’d had that extinguisher f… --- ## [Saving an aircraft from salt water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saving-an-aircraft-from-salt-water/940312)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saving-an-aircraft-from-salt-water/940312 "2021-04-22T14:55:41Z")
Re: The TBM Avenger that ditched in Cocoa Beach. I’m guessing the structural damage is not too severe; maybe a bent engine mount and some minor sheet metal work. But the aircraft ditched in salt water. Aside from the… --- ## [Where do antique dealers buy antiques?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-antique-dealers-buy-antiques/571584)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-antique-dealers-buy-antiques/571584 "2014-12-04T23:23:16Z")
I was on a short vacation last weekend (in-state, but it was my first non-family-visiting vacation in years), and spent a little time in an antique shop, the sort with booths for many different dealers. There were thous… --- ## [Quantum Effect on Calibrating a Dosimeter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-effect-on-calibrating-a-dosimeter/940349)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-effect-on-calibrating-a-dosimeter/940349 "2021-04-22T14:34:23Z")
Can devices that count subatomic particles, such as dosimeters, Geiger counters, and the like really be calibrated? I am wondering if quantum effects come into play here leading to inconsistent results when trying to cal… --- ## [How do nails end up in tires?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-nails-end-up-in-tires/623504)
**Author:** [@beeyule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beeyule)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-nails-end-up-in-tires/623504 "2021-04-22T14:22:35Z")
It would seem like nails lying flat would stay flat when run over by the tire and most likely wouldn’t puncture it. If the nail were lying flat and it had an average size nail head, the nail might start to move vertical… --- ## [Internet shopping in Australia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-shopping-in-australia/476358)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2008, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-shopping-in-australia/476358 "2008-12-09T18:10:18Z")
or for Australia? I need to buy a present (toy) for a 7 year old who lives in Australia. Alas, no Amazon Australia. Any locals who might recommend a good internet shopping site that delivers there? --- ## [Key lime pie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/key-lime-pie/940057)
**Author:** [@tavaritz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tavaritz)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2021, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/key-lime-pie/940057 "2021-04-22T02:09:53Z")
Hello! Why is line “I’m tasting key lime pie.” used to signify that the person uttering it is about to die? --- ## [What are the primary fears that would drive a debtor country to sell its ports or land to China?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-primary-fears-that-would-drive-a-debtor-country-to-sell-its-ports-or-land-to-china/940335)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2021, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-primary-fears-that-would-drive-a-debtor-country-to-sell-its-ports-or-land-to-china/940335 "2021-04-21T21:51:54Z")
What are the primary fears that would drive a debtor country to sell its ports or land to China? Why do countries like Zambia, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan go to such extreme lengths to settle their debts? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=285) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=287)