# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=348 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 349 --- ## [Does power still pass through an extension cord if it is turned off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-power-still-pass-through-an-extension-cord-if-it-is-turned-off/914542)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2020, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-power-still-pass-through-an-extension-cord-if-it-is-turned-off/914542 "2020-07-09T04:15:57Z")
Scenario: Computers are turned off, power strip is turned off. If there were a blackout, lightning, or some sort of power surge, would the appliances be unaffected (since they are not drawing any power,) or does the elec… --- ## [Name of or source of moisture absorber](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-or-source-of-moisture-absorber/914546)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-or-source-of-moisture-absorber/914546 "2020-07-08T21:21:33Z")
One problem with finding a title for this thread is that I’m not even sure what to call what I’m looking for. You know how when you get a package sometimes there’s a little packet inside to absorb moisture? I’m looking… --- ## [How do the new mailboxes grasp letters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-new-mailboxes-grasp-letters/914752)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-the-new-mailboxes-grasp-letters/914752 "2020-07-08T20:31:07Z")
I’ve noticed that the new USPS mailboxes have some sort of mechanism that grabs letters that you deposit and pulls them in. Does anyone know how that works? --- ## [What travel restrictions could the US government place on internal travel, and how would it be enforced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-travel-restrictions-could-the-us-government-place-on-internal-travel-and-how-would-it-be-enforced/914506)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-travel-restrictions-could-the-us-government-place-on-internal-travel-and-how-would-it-be-enforced/914506 "2020-07-08T19:59:00Z")
Current events have me wondering how far the feds could go legally and practically. (Wasn’t sure if this was better for here or QZ, but posting two new threads there felt weird, and this isn’t necessarily limited to the … --- ## [Any Python experts here? Formerly working code now fails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-python-experts-here-formerly-working-code-now-fails/855851)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-python-experts-here-formerly-working-code-now-fails/855851 "2020-07-08T16:55:01Z")
I had to upgrade and re-install the OS on one of my Raspberry Pi’s. A script that I wrote now fails, and when I tried this example code (which i used as the basis for my Blynk control code), it fails with the same error. … --- ## [Got an email for an "Order Confirmation" for a $6,000 juicer from Amazon Mexico I never ordered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-an-email-for-an-order-confirmation-for-a-6-000-juicer-from-amazon-mexico-i-never-ordered/914603)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-an-email-for-an-order-confirmation-for-a-6-000-juicer-from-amazon-mexico-i-never-ordered/914603 "2020-07-08T10:45:18Z")
Got a random email from Amazon.com.mx saying that they’re confirming shipment of a $6,000 juicer. The email contacts are all as follows (also note I’m American and have never ordered anything to mexico before) |from:|Am… --- ## [Background/wallpaper changer works on short intervals but not longer ones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-wallpaper-changer-works-on-short-intervals-but-not-longer-ones/914696)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/background-wallpaper-changer-works-on-short-intervals-but-not-longer-ones/914696 "2020-07-08T03:19:45Z")
I’m still running W7, everything else seems normal, but today I noticed that the background/wallpaper changer isn’t changing. I’ve had it running, pointed at a directory called ‘Wallpaper’, with the options of all the p… --- ## [Are there any disadvantages to using Amazon Smile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-disadvantages-to-using-amazon-smile/914430)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-disadvantages-to-using-amazon-smile/914430 "2020-07-08T03:01:37Z")
For at least a couple of years now, Amazon has had a program where when you use the Smile Amazon link instead of the normal link, they would donate a portion (.5%) of your purchase to a charity which you specify. Recentl… --- ## [Can anyone take a guess at what is up with my car based on these videos? Much appreciated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-take-a-guess-at-what-is-up-with-my-car-based-on-these-videos-much-appreciated/914630)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-take-a-guess-at-what-is-up-with-my-car-based-on-these-videos-much-appreciated/914630 "2020-07-08T02:25:50Z")
The car has been running fine and when I drive it, I notice nothing(probably because the windows are up). When I turn it off, though, I hear a whirring winding down that I don’t remember before. Here are two videos, one… --- ## [Intrusive ads on my Samsung Android phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intrusive-ads-on-my-samsung-android-phone/914540)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2020, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intrusive-ads-on-my-samsung-android-phone/914540 "2020-07-08T01:17:08Z")
Samsung S7 Edge, Android 8.0.0. Several days ago, full-screen ads started popping up every few hours. I’ve looked online, and among the cures I’ve attempted are deleting recently added apps (in Safe Mode), and installin… --- ## [How Do You Clean Sheepskin Car Seat Covers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clean-sheepskin-car-seat-covers/212654)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clean-sheepskin-car-seat-covers/212654 "2020-07-07T22:25:06Z")
I ask because mine are filthy-and my local drycleaner will not clean them. Is it possible to wash them? I’d sure appreciate some advice! --- ## [Hey pilots: Flying through MOAs (Military Operational Areas)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-pilots-flying-through-moas-military-operational-areas/914328)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-pilots-flying-through-moas-military-operational-areas/914328 "2020-07-07T17:52:16Z")
I have some open land down in Southern New Mexico, underneath CATO MOA & SMITTY MOA, which IIRC starts at 500’ AGL and extends past 50k feet. This particular MOA is used by the NM ANG. A couple of nights ago (Thursday … --- ## [Energy, entropy and the fate of the universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-entropy-and-the-fate-of-the-universe/914485)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-entropy-and-the-fate-of-the-universe/914485 "2020-07-07T13:18:22Z")
I’m aware that my assumptions are probably incorrect but I’ll state them as if they’re true. If the universe is generally moving to its lowest energy state, and mass and energy are equivalent, then why wouldn’t the un… --- ## [Help me find a WWII-era German educational comic—the "career path" of a German boy, from Hitler Youth to Conscript to Reservist/Retiree](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-wwii-era-german-educational-comic-the-career-path-of-a-german-boy-from-hitler-youth-to-conscript-to-reservist-retiree/914557)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-a-wwii-era-german-educational-comic-the-career-path-of-a-german-boy-from-hitler-youth-to-conscript-to-reservist-retiree/914557 "2020-07-07T10:47:21Z")
Like it says in the title. It’s something I found and downloaded, once, for writing reference, but is hidden beyond easy discovery in my rat’s nest of files. Basically, a simple black & white comic (I seem to recall the… --- ## [How do crime bosses run their organizations from prison?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-crime-bosses-run-their-organizations-from-prison/914429)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2020, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-crime-bosses-run-their-organizations-from-prison/914429 "2020-07-07T09:18:02Z")
I’ve read that some mafia/crime-family bosses continued to run the organization from behind bars, and wonder how that is practical. In prison, one’s phone privileges could be cut off, and mail takes a while to arrive. W… --- ## [How do I put software on a computer that is not on line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-put-software-on-a-computer-that-is-not-on-line/913428)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-put-software-on-a-computer-that-is-not-on-line/913428 "2020-07-06T23:36:25Z")
I have a desktop with internet. I want to have an offline laptop dedicated to my work. How do I get apps and software onto my laptop? Some way to get programs into my PC and load them onto the laptop? Maybe connect the l… --- ## [Police Funeral](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-funeral/914122)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-funeral/914122 "2020-07-06T22:37:16Z")
So in Tulsa a police office died recently in the line of duty. They had this huge motorcade from Tulsa to Oklahoma City (about 100 miles). The video I saw was 7 minutes long of police going by, including a helicopter. … --- ## [Norton is long gone from my Mac, but I still get message when I start Firefox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norton-is-long-gone-from-my-mac-but-i-still-get-message-when-i-start-firefox/914436)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norton-is-long-gone-from-my-mac-but-i-still-get-message-when-i-start-firefox/914436 "2020-07-06T21:40:49Z")
When I start Firefox (e.g., after a crash, which happens all the time), I get the message: “This version of Firefox is not supported by Norton Confidential,” etc. I looked to see if any Norton stuff is still on my Mac.… --- ## [Is a physical key capable of this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-physical-key-capable-of-this/914252)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-physical-key-capable-of-this/914252 "2020-07-06T18:30:10Z")
So i’m staying in this inn tonight, it’s a small, 20-30 room place, really nice. All of the doors open inside of the building, and you need to use your room key to open the main door to the inn, walk to your room, and o… --- ## [Will using an extension cord reduce the chance of popping a breaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-using-an-extension-cord-reduce-the-chance-of-popping-a-breaker/914395)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-using-an-extension-cord-reduce-the-chance-of-popping-a-breaker/914395 "2020-07-06T18:28:15Z")
As an academic exercise; In an electrical circuit, that is prone to popping a breaker when running a device, if I add a 50 extension cord as a resister, would I reduce the chance of popping that breaker? --- ## [Turning off surge protector in lightning: Enhance or reduce its protection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-off-surge-protector-in-lightning-enhance-or-reduce-its-protection/851454)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-off-surge-protector-in-lightning-enhance-or-reduce-its-protection/851454 "2020-07-06T14:14:08Z")
When there is a lot of lightning, and one turns off a surge protector extension cord, is one enhancing or diminishing the device’s protective properties by doing so? (if electronics are still attached to the device) --- ## [Why "preparator", rather than "preparer"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-preparator-rather-than-preparer/914066)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-preparator-rather-than-preparer/914066 "2020-07-06T04:33:57Z")
I have a relative and some friends who work at the Field Museum here in Chicago. In discussions with them, every once in a while reference will be made to a “preparator” - the person who "prepares’ material gathered in … --- ## [Were 2020 Service Academy graduates taken immediately into the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-2020-service-academy-graduates-taken-immediately-into-the-military/914287)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2020, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-2020-service-academy-graduates-taken-immediately-into-the-military/914287 "2020-07-06T03:53:19Z")
A friend recently graduated from college, and having gone through 4 years of ROTC, was granted a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. He was initially scheduled to enter tech school in September, but was … --- ## [Fleetingly flirting with 'fleet'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleetingly-flirting-with-fleet/913581)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleetingly-flirting-with-fleet/913581 "2020-07-05T23:06:08Z")
‘Fleet’, at one time, only meant a group of ships. Then, by extention, it could refer to a group of land vehicles such as taxis, hearses, busses, or garbage trucks. Or airplanes, but definitely moving vehicles. Some tim… --- ## [How to open pump bottles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-pump-bottles/912960)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-open-pump-bottles/912960 "2020-07-05T21:31:36Z")
I have 3 different pump bottles and can’t get the pump to pop up on any of them. I tried various things I found on youtube with no luck. One guy said it took him 30 minutes to get it working. Anyone have any tips … --- ## [Why is my peanut butter not deadly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-peanut-butter-not-deadly/914183)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-peanut-butter-not-deadly/914183 "2020-07-05T20:38:17Z")
Preserved garlic is famous as a source of Botulism. It’s packed in oil, so bacteria can survive in the anaerobic environment. But, so is my peanut butter - it separates until all the peanut material is submerged under a … --- ## [About the recent political rally medical waiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-recent-political-rally-medical-waiver/911836)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-the-recent-political-rally-medical-waiver/911836 "2020-07-05T18:35:18Z")
At a recent political rally attendees were required to sign a waiver absolving those who run the rally of any and all responsibility if the signee caught the coronavirus while attending the event. Leaving all politics a… --- ## [Restrooms & Toilets in Paris, France](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrooms-toilets-in-paris-france/913821)
**Author:** [@Dark\_Sponge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dark_Sponge)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrooms-toilets-in-paris-france/913821 "2020-07-05T17:13:04Z")
Last year my daughter and I were fortunate enough to have a 2 day layover in Paris and had a blast trying to run around and see everything before flying back to the U.S. While there I quickly became aware Paris has a ma… --- ## [Why do They Drive on the Left in the U.S. Virgin Islands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-drive-on-the-left-in-the-u-s-virgin-islands/914246)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-they-drive-on-the-left-in-the-u-s-virgin-islands/914246 "2020-07-05T16:34:55Z")
Why do they drive on the left side of the road in the U.S. Virgin Islands? A cursory Google search resulted in several stories about donkeys but nothing definitive. And as we all know the SDMB is a much superior source… --- ## [Did the terms "baby steps" start with the movie "What About Bob?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-terms-baby-steps-start-with-the-movie-what-about-bob/914276)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-terms-baby-steps-start-with-the-movie-what-about-bob/914276 "2020-07-05T15:58:42Z")
In the film “What About Bob?” the psychiatrist played by Richard Dreyfuss has written a book called “Baby Steps,” and teaches the concept to Bob. Of course in this context “baby steps” means “trying to achieve a difficu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=347) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=349)