# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=290 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 291 --- ## [Very odd thing with float numbers in Python](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-odd-thing-with-float-numbers-in-python/938300)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2021, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-odd-thing-with-float-numbers-in-python/938300 "2021-04-06T02:48:10Z")
I’m playing around writing code in Python these days (hence my series of IT-related questions lately), and one of the little practice projects that I’m doing involves, inter alia, the total amount of heaps of coins. So I… --- ## [What can cause sudden onset of anemia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-cause-sudden-onset-of-anemia/916342)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-cause-sudden-onset-of-anemia/916342 "2021-04-05T22:04:37Z")
I am a regular blood donor and have been for years. They test your hemoglobin prior to donating and my level has consistently been between 14.1 and 14.4. I went into donate a couple of weeks ago and it was 12.5 which isn… --- ## [When Did We Figure Out The Speed of Sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-figure-out-the-speed-of-sound/939321)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-figure-out-the-speed-of-sound/939321 "2021-04-05T18:37:13Z")
Apparently as far back as the New Testament, Roman seamen had a general idea of the speed of sound in saltwater. In Acts 27, the author, a passenger on a Roman ship, describes being blown off-course by a storm, and appr… --- ## [Can DNA prove my relation to deceased grandparent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dna-prove-my-relation-to-deceased-grandparent/938866)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-dna-prove-my-relation-to-deceased-grandparent/938866 "2021-04-05T18:35:28Z")
I recently reached out to a genealogy company to explain that in order to apply for a special dual citizenship, I am trying to prove that I am the grandson of my deceased grandfather. He died long ago and his body is no… --- ## [Will this film still develop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-film-still-develop/939354)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-film-still-develop/939354 "2021-04-05T16:44:47Z")
I have a film canister in my fridge door that’s been there…I can’t remember exactly…it’s got to be over 15 yrs I’m thinking. It’s 35mm, Kodak Gold 100, 24 shots, in a drop in cassette thingy. Been in the canister, in the… --- ## [Suez Canal (south end) Why only one-way?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suez-canal-south-end-why-only-one-way/939099)
**Author:** [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suez-canal-south-end-why-only-one-way/939099 "2021-04-05T15:23:00Z")
I notice that the south end of the Suez Canal (the 20-25 miles from Suez to Small Bitter Lake) is a one-way canal, with north-bound convoys going thru at certain times, and south-bound convoys at other times. That was p… --- ## [House & apartment doors in US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-apartment-doors-in-us/939396)
**Author:** [@tavaritz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tavaritz)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-apartment-doors-in-us/939396 "2021-04-05T14:19:21Z")
Hello. Just rewatching Criminal Minds and it brought up this question in my mind that I’ve wanted to ask long ago: Why are house & apatment outer doors opening inwards in US? Here in Finland even with ever winter snow … --- ## [Accuracy of no touch thermometers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accuracy-of-no-touch-thermometers/939223)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accuracy-of-no-touch-thermometers/939223 "2021-04-05T13:54:53Z")
We record our temp when me begin work. Mine was 97.8 consistently. When the thermometer began to have erratic readings, I replaced the batteries. Now it is consistently 98.2. At the pharmacy yesterday with a different th… --- ## [Auto Q, greaseable fittings vs permanently sealed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-q-greaseable-fittings-vs-permanently-sealed/939411)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2021, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-q-greaseable-fittings-vs-permanently-sealed/939411 "2021-04-05T02:09:36Z")
Talking about ball joints and the like, is permanently sealed better if one never greases them? My thoughts are the serviceable ones have to have a way of expelling the pumped out grease, which opens up the door to cont… --- ## [In search of: PDF markup ap for Android](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-search-of-pdf-markup-ap-for-android/939337)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2021, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-search-of-pdf-markup-ap-for-android/939337 "2021-04-04T20:16:12Z")
One of the facets of my life that will hopefully start up again this year is Burning Man and one of the aspects of that is training Black Rock Rangers. The initial training is seven hours long and the trainers work as a… --- ## [Question on recursive dilution (formula needed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-recursive-dilution-formula-needed/939252)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2021, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-recursive-dilution-formula-needed/939252 "2021-04-04T17:10:04Z")
Because I have a certain amount of mechanical ability and because I’m cheap I am doing 50,000 mile maintenance on my truck. I’ve come to the point where I’m going to “change” the transmission fluid–which is not actually… --- ## [Can the same data needed for direct deposit also enable withdrawals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-same-data-needed-for-direct-deposit-also-enable-withdrawals/938534)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2021, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-same-data-needed-for-direct-deposit-also-enable-withdrawals/938534 "2021-04-04T05:08:09Z")
My employer has my routing number and account number for direct deposit of my paycheck. When I pay my taxes, I provide my routing number and account number so the government can withdraw the money. Is there any backflow … --- ## [Study interpretation help (stats)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-interpretation-help-stats/938834)
**Author:** [@Jebbilene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebbilene)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-interpretation-help-stats/938834 "2021-04-03T22:51:36Z")
I’m reading a research study and it’s got some whizz bang stats in it that I don’t understand. The context is that the new playground encourages more physical activity ¶. Levels of physical activity were checked at regul… --- ## [Abbreviations on school bus / truck fan switches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abbreviations-on-school-bus-truck-fan-switches/939334)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2021, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abbreviations-on-school-bus-truck-fan-switches/939334 "2021-04-03T20:51:52Z")
This is going to be a really useless thread, but I just want to satisfy my curiosity. As a kid on the school bus, I would look at the driver’s command panel. I noticed that there were switches marked “FAN AUX DEF” and “F… --- ## [Toothpaste box warning, "Don't use for more than four weeks" -- say what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpaste-box-warning-dont-use-for-more-than-four-weeks-say-what/939228)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2021, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpaste-box-warning-dont-use-for-more-than-four-weeks-say-what/939228 "2021-04-03T19:54:46Z")
I’m not a super organized or brand conscious shopper in general. A lot of my purchases come down to 1) notice an end cap sale for some product 2) remember that my supply of that product is running low 3) buy some of the… --- ## [What would happen if every satellite crashed into the atmosphere simultaneously?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-every-satellite-crashed-into-the-atmosphere-simultaneously/939120)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2021, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-every-satellite-crashed-into-the-atmosphere-simultaneously/939120 "2021-04-03T18:22:21Z")
Imagine I cast a magic spell that caused every Earth satellites orbit to move so they all fell into the atmosphere within a very short space of time. Aside from the loss of services they provide (although feel free to sp… --- ## [How can I determine the magnifying power of my Glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-determine-the-magnifying-power-of-my-glasses/939199)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2021, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-determine-the-magnifying-power-of-my-glasses/939199 "2021-04-02T23:33:31Z")
The title says it all… I bought a few pairs of glasses over the years, and I don’t know the power of each pair. I wear each pair, and I see, about right, but I want to know what power they are. So, how can I tell? Th… --- ## [Does this coffee company actually exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-coffee-company-actually-exist/933180)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-coffee-company-actually-exist/933180 "2021-02-18T19:00:05Z")
Every link I can find mentioning this coffee company, New Guinea Coffee is Launching Soon, leads to the exact same place. Earlier their Facebook links mentioned that they were voted “Best Organic Coffee” by The Today Sh… --- ## [Helicopter power requirements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-power-requirements/939165)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2021, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-power-requirements/939165 "2021-04-02T16:02:24Z")
AIUI, helicopters require more power during hover than during moderate-speed forward flight (hover establishes a detrimental local downwash air flow), and hovering in mid-air requires more power than when hovering in gro… --- ## [Where have all of the cruise ships gone to if they are no longer making cruises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-of-the-cruise-ships-gone-to-if-they-are-no-longer-making-cruises/939103)
**Author:** [@Forever77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Forever77)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2021, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-of-the-cruise-ships-gone-to-if-they-are-no-longer-making-cruises/939103 "2021-04-02T11:06:23Z")
I wonder if they still have ghost crews on board in some strange land, plus I feel sorry for all of the people that made money off of the cruise industry. --- ## [Bible jesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-jesus/939158)
**Author:** [@Red59145](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red59145)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-jesus/939158 "2021-04-01T15:42:38Z")
why did jesus say to be like children? --- ## [Round ponds in backyard in Michigan's Upper Peninsula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/round-ponds-in-backyard-in-michigans-upper-peninsula/939097)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/round-ponds-in-backyard-in-michigans-upper-peninsula/939097 "2021-04-01T15:35:48Z")
I identify and locate vintage aerial photos as a hobby. I’m working in Michigan right now. Many of the houses in this area have a round pond in the backyard. Often fenced off and sometimes with a straight path maintained… --- ## [How many miles to stop a long, loaded, 50 MPH freight train?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-miles-to-stop-a-long-loaded-50-mph-freight-train/934166)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-miles-to-stop-a-long-loaded-50-mph-freight-train/934166 "2021-04-01T13:54:17Z")
Yes I realize many factors affect the answer, including coefficient of static friction, train mass and speed, track incline, and whatnot. I’m simply looking for a rough order-of-magnitude answer to the question, for a lo… --- ## [LHC - what happens to baryons if you (instead of colliding) stop them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lhc-what-happens-to-baryons-if-you-instead-of-colliding-stop-them/933933)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lhc-what-happens-to-baryons-if-you-instead-of-colliding-stop-them/933933 "2021-04-01T10:54:40Z")
Are there any ways of detecting what happens to particles just left alone? Is magnetic force or gravity faster? How do you accelerate neutrons with magnets? --- ## [Why does my gas grill stop working in coldish weather?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-gas-grill-stop-working-in-coldish-weather/658269)
**Author:** [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-gas-grill-stop-working-in-coldish-weather/658269 "2021-04-01T04:25:27Z")
Here in the Northeast, we’ve been bouncing around between really nice warm weather and crappy cold weather, and I’ve noticed that my grill mostly stops working when it’s cold. Not freezing cold - more like jacket weathe… --- ## [Why sublingual tablets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-sublingual-tablets/938896)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2021, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-sublingual-tablets/938896 "2021-04-01T00:01:25Z")
Some tabs are recommended that you put under your tongue and let them dissolve. Why? What’s the advantage of that over just swallowing them? --- ## [Has there been a documented case of someone whose identity was stolen from trash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-documented-case-of-someone-whose-identity-was-stolen-from-trash/938861)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-been-a-documented-case-of-someone-whose-identity-was-stolen-from-trash/938861 "2021-03-31T23:26:46Z")
My wife shreds anything with an account number or an SSN before she puts it in the trash or recycling bin. I get why the CIA might shred–or burn–highly sensitive documents that would be explicitly targeted for recovery … --- ## [Did U.S. Navy search & rescue procedures during WWII suck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-u-s-navy-search-rescue-procedures-during-wwii-suck/938798)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-u-s-navy-search-rescue-procedures-during-wwii-suck/938798 "2021-03-31T20:53:16Z")
Pardon the somewhat provocative title, but this question occurred to me today. I was reading about the five Sullivan brothers, knowing pretty much only that they all died on the same ship, when the Wikipedia article ment… --- ## [Way to populate variable placeholder names into HTML template from Excel file?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-populate-variable-placeholder-names-into-html-template-from-excel-file/939096)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-populate-variable-placeholder-names-into-html-template-from-excel-file/939096 "2021-03-31T18:34:26Z")
I am a front-end designer / developer for my company. I’ve been asked to look into ways to take an HTML banner ad template and generate hundreds or even thousands of versions with local business names. We would likely re… --- ## [Online Account Passwords Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-account-passwords-question/938988)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-account-passwords-question/938988 "2021-03-31T17:16:03Z")
Does Amazon or Merrill Lynch know my account password? More generally, do the various entities I deal with have the ability to figure out my password, or are they encrypted such that they can’t be decrypted by anyone? I … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=289) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=291)