# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=364 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 365 --- ## [Drinking milk past 'use buy' date - is it safe? (Fast answers appreciated!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-milk-past-use-buy-date-is-it-safe-fast-answers-appreciated/853060)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-milk-past-use-buy-date-is-it-safe-fast-answers-appreciated/853060 "2020-05-09T21:16:14Z")
I’m trying not to waste food (especially in these troubled times.) I’m in the UK (if that helps) and have a pint of milk which is: pasteurised homogenised semi-skimmed It’s unopened and has been kept in the refrigera… --- ## [How much in public funds would a medicare buy in for older people cost](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-in-public-funds-would-a-medicare-buy-in-for-older-people-cost/853477)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-in-public-funds-would-a-medicare-buy-in-for-older-people-cost/853477 "2020-05-09T20:37:00Z")
One proposal to expand health insurance is to let people who are older buy into medicare. Some put the age at 50, 55 or 60, but basically letting people above a certain age (usually 55) buy into medicare. Are there stud… --- ## [Suppose one dies before the IRS mails my COVID stimulus check.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-one-dies-before-the-irs-mails-my-covid-stimulus-check/853447)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-one-dies-before-the-irs-mails-my-covid-stimulus-check/853447 "2020-05-09T19:22:38Z")
Sometime in late May, my Social Security check will be deposited into my checking account. My estate is not entitled to keep that check if I was not living on May 1st. What’s the survival rule with COVID payments? Is … --- ## [Rechargeable AA battery question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-aa-battery-question/853475)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rechargeable-aa-battery-question/853475 "2020-05-09T17:06:36Z")
Hi all, In our backyard we have three different types/vintages of solar-powered yard lights. They all take one AA rechargeable battery each and it is time to start replacing them. Four lights take 3.2 v AA 600mAh; Ten… --- ## [Washer/Dryer settings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washer-dryer-settings/853408)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washer-dryer-settings/853408 "2020-05-09T13:57:25Z")
I have a Maytag washer and dryer from 2011. I cannot change the setting without turning them off and back on. For example if I want to change washer from normal to short wash, I have to turn the washer off and on. … --- ## [Bubble wrap instead of a parachute](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bubble-wrap-instead-of-a-parachute/853307)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bubble-wrap-instead-of-a-parachute/853307 "2020-05-09T13:10:07Z")
How much bubble wrap would someone have to wrap themselves in to walk away unscathed if they were to use it instead of a parachute for a typical skydive? Assuming no problems breathing at altitude or from the bubble wrap… --- ## [Troubleshooting network speed, one computer much slower than the other](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-network-speed-one-computer-much-slower-than-the-other/853372)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/troubleshooting-network-speed-one-computer-much-slower-than-the-other/853372 "2020-05-08T23:09:58Z")
I have Verizon Fios service nominally 100 down/100 up. I have two computers connected to the same router with Ethernet cables. They both have 1 Gbps Ethernet adapters. Using an online speed test, one is getting 82/82 and… --- ## [Was this Wikipedia page hacked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-wikipedia-page-hacked/853104)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-wikipedia-page-hacked/853104 "2020-05-08T21:17:49Z")
Here is the Wikipedia page for the 1992 Republican Convention. This is not a political thread. The first part of the page is exactly what I would expect. But then it goes off on a bizarre tangent around the 6th paragr… --- ## [What Are These White Spots In The Ocean Off Of Hawai'i?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-white-spots-in-the-ocean-off-of-hawaii/853338)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-white-spots-in-the-ocean-off-of-hawaii/853338 "2020-05-08T15:17:32Z")
In this video, as a plane approaches Honolulu, the wing dips to reveal a bunch of white spots in the ocean. My first thought was that it’s the foamy crests of ocean waves, but they don’t appear to be moving. Plus - this … --- ## [what makes something more or less contagious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-something-more-or-less-contagious/853406)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-something-more-or-less-contagious/853406 "2020-05-08T15:12:12Z")
What factor(s) determine the degree to which a disease is contagious? Does it have to do with the actual number of particles transferred? I.e. do some diseases require a more massive dose of infectious agents in order … --- ## [Why is "First Baptist" the biggest and fanciest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-baptist-the-biggest-and-fanciest/853263)
**Author:** [@Sdowiat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sdowiat)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-first-baptist-the-biggest-and-fanciest/853263 "2020-05-08T13:34:14Z")
In the U.S., especially in the Southeast, there are a lot of Christian Evangelist churches. ( Catholic not too much ) Of all those other churches, the First Baptist is almost inevitably the largest and fanciest of th… --- ## [Would people have problems found a hill start in an automatic car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-people-have-problems-found-a-hill-start-in-an-automatic-car/853291)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-people-have-problems-found-a-hill-start-in-an-automatic-car/853291 "2020-05-08T13:02:05Z")
Well if someone is doing a hill start or moving uphill in traffic or similar in a manual car or car with a manual transmission from some videos on YouTube about hill starts and some videos on YouTube about moving uphill … --- ## [Downloadable greeting cards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downloadable-greeting-cards/853400)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downloadable-greeting-cards/853400 "2020-05-08T11:02:04Z")
Mothers Day is coming up fast. I’d rather download a printable card than go to the store, and I don’t mind paying a price comparable to what I’d pay at a store. Google found me loads of sites that do this, but so far, ev… --- ## [German question: use of the word 'erteilen'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-question-use-of-the-word-erteilen/853353)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-question-use-of-the-word-erteilen/853353 "2020-05-08T07:08:20Z")
Hi I’ve seen the word ‘erteilen’ used for "Aufgabe’(class work) but never for “Prüfung/Klausur”. I hope a native German speaker can tell me whether the word ‘erteilen’ can be used in the context of giving an exam. I lo… --- ## [Old (North American) telephone exchanges - Buffalo in particular](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-north-american-telephone-exchanges-buffalo-in-particular/853303)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-north-american-telephone-exchanges-buffalo-in-particular/853303 "2020-05-08T06:12:20Z")
In the 1950’s, phone numbers were changing all over North America to become two letters followed by 5 numbers (many were only 4 numbers). The proposal was to have them converted to all numbers (7) sometime in the future… --- ## [Do Women Have Better Hair Genes or what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-women-have-better-hair-genes-or-what/853091)
**Author:** [@cornflakes2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes2)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-women-have-better-hair-genes-or-what/853091 "2020-05-08T05:13:04Z")
I always wondered why females have long hair (allow their hair to grow long) and males keep their hair short. Where did this come from? Who decided this should be the general ideal for male and females? Why couldn’t … --- ## [Did Any School Math Textbook Actually Include The Bit About Trains Traveling In Opposite Directions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-any-school-math-textbook-actually-include-the-bit-about-trains-traveling-in-opposite-directions/852760)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-any-school-math-textbook-actually-include-the-bit-about-trains-traveling-in-opposite-directions/852760 "2020-05-08T02:17:04Z")
It’s a trope on TV and stand-up comedy by this time: a person is tasked with applying mathematics skills by considering when a train leaving Ypsilanti at 9:00 a.m., traveling at 50 miles per hour, will cross paths with a… --- ## [Best cheap and easy solution for outputting a printable PDF from a website/web app?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-cheap-and-easy-solution-for-outputting-a-printable-pdf-from-a-website-web-app/853325)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2020, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-cheap-and-easy-solution-for-outputting-a-printable-pdf-from-a-website-web-app/853325 "2020-05-08T02:07:48Z")
I’m a front-end web developer/designer. My department uses an app maintained by the printing company we use to personalize and output business cards, and they charge us a regular subscription fee. To save money, my manag… --- ## [Private videos on YouTube with Copyrighted Material](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-videos-on-youtube-with-copyrighted-material/853019)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-videos-on-youtube-with-copyrighted-material/853019 "2020-05-07T23:54:25Z")
Hi! I know that YouTube will require you to take down publicly posted videos with copyrighted material, or will sometimes kill off the sound. What about private videos? For example, if I posted a video of my kids with… --- ## [Water-Pump Failure/Peeing Coolant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-pump-failure-peeing-coolant/790626)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-pump-failure-peeing-coolant/790626 "2017-07-10T02:52:29Z")
Taking my car into my friends shop in a few minutes along with a gallon of water and another of coolant (I used a mirror and checked, leaking coolant out of water-pump weep hole). Over the years and many different owners… --- ## [Is Freud Still Revered? Or are Most of his Theories Debunked Now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-freud-still-revered-or-are-most-of-his-theories-debunked-now/785153)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-freud-still-revered-or-are-most-of-his-theories-debunked-now/785153 "2020-05-07T21:25:53Z")
He was practically worshiped as I was growing up. But does anyone take any of his theories about repressed incestual sexuality and dreams seriously anymore? Or is he just sort of honored for being the first to try to a… --- ## [At a typical lycée, when do French speakers use the term 'examen' and when do they use 'épreuve'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-a-typical-lycee-when-do-french-speakers-use-the-term-examen-and-when-do-they-use-epreuve/853187)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-a-typical-lycee-when-do-french-speakers-use-the-term-examen-and-when-do-they-use-epreuve/853187 "2020-05-07T21:08:08Z")
Hi At a typical lycée, when do French speakers/students/teachers use the term ‘examen’ and when do they use ‘épreuve’? As I understand examen is an exam and épreuve an assessment, but I’m not sure how French speakers … --- ## [Could I be held liable if someone gets hurt because of instructions I posted on YouTube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-be-held-liable-if-someone-gets-hurt-because-of-instructions-i-posted-on-youtube/853051)
**Author:** [@Mesquite-oh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mesquite-oh)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-be-held-liable-if-someone-gets-hurt-because-of-instructions-i-posted-on-youtube/853051 "2020-05-07T20:08:43Z")
If someone gets hurt or dies because they followed my instructions on YouTube, could I be held liable? For example, suppose I post a video about a BBQ pit modification or technique and something happens that causes a fi… --- ## [Who Are These Politicians (Shown Briefly In A YouTube Video)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-politicians-shown-briefly-in-a-youtube-video/853337)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-these-politicians-shown-briefly-in-a-youtube-video/853337 "2020-05-07T19:38:59Z")
This video mentions heads of state/government who speak English, and references the fact that, of course, the heads state/government where the dominant language is English speak the language. The host then puts up a phot… --- ## [Is it possible to stain pine evenly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-stain-pine-evenly/853294)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-stain-pine-evenly/853294 "2020-05-07T17:09:19Z")
I’ve made several attempts to stain the new basement steps make out of standard construction lumber. It seems part of the wood refuses to take stain even after two coats, so I have bare spots of wood mixed in with proper… --- ## [Least expensive/invasive way to get a water spigot in my front yard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-expensive-invasive-way-to-get-a-water-spigot-in-my-front-yard/853273)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-expensive-invasive-way-to-get-a-water-spigot-in-my-front-yard/853273 "2020-05-07T17:02:21Z")
I have 2 attached to the house in the back yard. I have none in the front yard. I want one in the front yard. I’m thinking of putting a Y adapter one on of them and running a hose around the house, hiding it as much as… --- ## [Suppose someone pleads guilty to a crime for acts which are later declared legal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-someone-pleads-guilty-to-a-crime-for-acts-which-are-later-declared-legal/853332)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-someone-pleads-guilty-to-a-crime-for-acts-which-are-later-declared-legal/853332 "2020-05-07T16:51:38Z")
There are frequently open questions as to whether certain actions are or are not illegal, as in: whether they fit the language and meaning of some criminal statute. What I’m wondering is what happens to someone who plead… --- ## [effects of network delays](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-network-delays/853267)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-network-delays/853267 "2020-05-07T15:47:36Z")
I recently watched a TV show (The Voice-a good show) where the theme of the show is to have new singers try out for a singing contract. Due to the quarantine, everyone is staying home. Including each member of the orches… --- ## [Probability Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question/853200)
**Author:** [@Can\_Handle\_the\_Truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Can_Handle_the_Truth)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-question/853200 "2020-05-07T12:47:55Z")
If something happens once every 100 years on average (i.e. a 100-year storm), what is the probability of it happening in the next 20 years? --- ## [Fat person vs Thin person during famine...who lives longer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-person-vs-thin-person-during-famine-who-lives-longer/852606)
**Author:** [@cornflakes2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes2)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2020, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fat-person-vs-thin-person-during-famine-who-lives-longer/852606 "2020-05-07T04:41:57Z")
While I was eating today, this crossed my mind: If a fat person and a thin person were to both stop eating or be deprived of food (but could drink water), who would last longer? My assumption is that a fat person woul… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=363) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=365)