# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=383 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 384 --- ## [Air Purifier: Does it matter where you put it in your home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-purifier-does-it-matter-where-you-put-it-in-your-home/849040)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-purifier-does-it-matter-where-you-put-it-in-your-home/849040 "2020-03-09T13:07:42Z")
Does it matter where an air purifier (fan with filters really) goes in your home? I imagine it does for big homes, multi-floor homes and I know a given air purifier can only do so much. One purifier can’t clean the air… --- ## [Credit Question - Authorized User on Credit Card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-question-authorized-user-on-credit-card/849173)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2020, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-question-authorized-user-on-credit-card/849173 "2020-03-11T01:34:30Z")
I’m hoping someone here has some experience with this situation… I recently added my (adult) niece as an authorized user on one of my credit cards, so that she has a card in her name that she can use in emergencies. She… --- ## [Automotive brake system question...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-brake-system-question/849078)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-brake-system-question/849078 "2020-03-10T23:22:16Z")
Last weekend I went to the grocery and the parking lot was almost completely full. I drove past an open spot because it was between two big pickup trucks. After spotting it as I passed, I threw it in reverse and backed i… --- ## [How can one prove that the earth is a sphere (or close to it)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-one-prove-that-the-earth-is-a-sphere-or-close-to-it/822973)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-one-prove-that-the-earth-is-a-sphere-or-close-to-it/822973 "2020-03-10T23:11:02Z")
Yesterday, on CBS Sunday Morning, they had a segment on flat-earthers. Are these people just ignorant or are they putting us on? I was once on a cruise ship at sea on a pristine cloudless evening. As I stood on the de… --- ## [What are factors in controlling atmospheric air pressure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-factors-in-controlling-atmospheric-air-pressure/849167)
**Author:** [@Yosh99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yosh99)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-factors-in-controlling-atmospheric-air-pressure/849167 "2020-03-10T22:59:17Z")
I understand that factors like air density, height of the air column, direction of air flow, etc have an effect on air pressure. My question is what are the relative effects? Maybe to put it another way, if there was a… --- ## [Weather Forecasting ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-forecasting/849130)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-forecasting/849130 "2020-03-10T22:44:21Z")
Is there any reason to believe forecasting is more or less accurate in the Southern California area than in the upper Midwest? --- ## [Slang Etymology: A "card" is an entertaining person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slang-etymology-a-card-is-an-entertaining-person/849213)
**Author:** [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slang-etymology-a-card-is-an-entertaining-person/849213 "2020-03-10T19:12:14Z")
What is the etomology of the word “card” when it is used to mean an odd or entertaining person? I’ve been familiar with this meaning for years - my Grandfather used to use it. But I’m not sure how this bit of slang devel… --- ## [Another Parthenogenesis Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-parthenogenesis-question/665455)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-parthenogenesis-question/665455 "2020-03-10T16:22:32Z")
Okay, I get it. From reading thisI think I understand the disadvantages of fatherless reproduction, but that leads to another question… Why does parthenogenesis work for any invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles an… --- ## [What’s the purpose of this door hinge arrangement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-purpose-of-this-door-hinge-arrangement/849136)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-the-purpose-of-this-door-hinge-arrangement/849136 "2020-03-10T16:08:56Z")
I’m at a hospital emergency room and I noticed that the doors seem to have dual hinges. What’s the purpose/advantage of something like this? --- ## [Is the US Post office Federal Property? Is customer car stolen from its parking lot a Federal crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-post-office-federal-property-is-customer-car-stolen-from-its-parking-lot-a-federal-crime/849058)
**Author:** [@jonpluc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonpluc)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-post-office-federal-property-is-customer-car-stolen-from-its-parking-lot-a-federal-crime/849058 "2020-03-10T12:22:39Z")
I know the post office is a federal institution, and has many federal protections, but is Post Office land considered Federal Land? And if so, if someone stole a customers car from the Post Offices Parking Lot, would thi… --- ## [How long can laptop withstand high humidity (70-90%?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-laptop-withstand-high-humidity-70-90/849162)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-laptop-withstand-high-humidity-70-90/849162 "2020-03-10T06:32:53Z")
Suppose you take a laptop and run it 24/7 nonstop in a highly humid environment (70-90%.) Which components would be likeliest to fail, and how soon? Wouldn’t the high heat of the internal CPU keep any moisture from cond… --- ## [How would an Baroness sign her name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-baroness-sign-her-name/849178)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-baroness-sign-her-name/849178 "2020-03-10T04:10:02Z")
There are plenty of sites where you can find out how to address the English nobility, but I’m finding it difficult to determine how they might sign their names to a letter. I’m especially looking about a real person, Ba… --- ## [A few Executive Order questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-executive-order-questions/849153)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2020, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-executive-order-questions/849153 "2020-03-10T03:16:33Z")
Let’s try to keep this out of IMHO or GD territory. I want to know if this is legally possible under the US Constitution. Don’t tell me it could never happen politically or that it would never work, tell me if it could l… --- ## [Another ‘is this a scam’ thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-is-this-a-scam-thread/849132)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-is-this-a-scam-thread/849132 "2020-03-09T22:12:53Z")
I know, I know, if you have to ask it usually is but… I’m selling a bike. I advertised on Craig’s list. Someone sent a reply saying to contact her at her personal email. So I did and got this back: “ Sorry for the lat… --- ## [After you newter or spay a cat, can you tell them apart without looking underneath?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-you-newter-or-spay-a-cat-can-you-tell-them-apart-without-looking-underneath/849050)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-you-newter-or-spay-a-cat-can-you-tell-them-apart-without-looking-underneath/849050 "2020-03-09T21:32:31Z")
Neuter (mods if you don’t mind?) \*Assume earliest ethical age, whatever that may be, then wait a year or two. Are there any lingering gender characteristics that could be identified through “personality” or other gen… --- ## [Of what plastic are Glocks made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-what-plastic-are-glocks-made/849085)
**Author:** [@Biggus\_Richard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggus_Richard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-what-plastic-are-glocks-made/849085 "2020-03-09T21:26:20Z")
Besides that, how long before the plastic gasses out and becomes brittle? A long time I suppose, since I still see early generation Glock 17s (1990s) in use. --- ## [Vaccine for viruses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccine-for-viruses/848844)
**Author:** [@Biggus\_Richard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggus_Richard)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccine-for-viruses/848844 "2020-03-09T21:02:50Z")
New here and this is my first thread. The last couple times I talked to doctor friends (many years ago) about viruses is: you can’t make a vaccine for viruses the same way you do with bacteria. Also you can’t really cure… --- ## [Excluding Fans, How Many People Are At a Major Sporting Event](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-fans-how-many-people-are-at-a-major-sporting-event/849157)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excluding-fans-how-many-people-are-at-a-major-sporting-event/849157 "2020-03-09T19:34:41Z")
Inspired by this video of Inter Milan playing in an empty stadium due to coronavirus. I’m guessing there were actually about 100-200 or so people in the building that day. Teams: 20(?) or so on each side. Other Team E… --- ## [Vacating conviction after pardon - how common?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vacating-conviction-after-pardon-how-common/797961)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vacating-conviction-after-pardon-how-common/797961 "2020-03-09T17:45:16Z")
Our \[sarcasm\]beloved\[/sarcasm\] former sheriff Joe Arpaio is now petitioning the court to vacate his conviction for criminal contempt now that Lord Dampnut has pardoned him. From my layman’s perspective this seems ludicro… --- ## [Exercise and your Immune Systems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-your-immune-systems/849127)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-your-immune-systems/849127 "2020-03-09T17:30:40Z")
According to this WebMD article, regular exercise will boost your immune system and keep you from catching colds, flu, etc. Of course, you also have to eat well, wash your hands frequently and get enough sleep, but “stud… --- ## [Hummingbird feeders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hummingbird-feeders/848905)
**Author:** [@Intolt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intolt)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hummingbird-feeders/848905 "2020-03-09T17:03:36Z")
Has anyone experience with hummingbird feeders that attach to a window with suction cups? It was an impulse purchase, and now I start to think it through. Would it be dangerous for the birds i.e. flying into the window… --- ## [Perpetual Motion and Inertia.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perpetual-motion-and-inertia/849089)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perpetual-motion-and-inertia/849089 "2020-03-09T16:53:22Z")
Something I have wondered about at least since high school. Supposedly there is no such thing as perpetual motion. But isn’t that basically what inertia is? ‘Things in motion tend to stay in motion. Things at rest tend… --- ## [Why should i plant seeds few cms/inches in the soil for germination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-plant-seeds-few-cms-inches-in-the-soil-for-germination/849097)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-i-plant-seeds-few-cms-inches-in-the-soil-for-germination/849097 "2020-03-09T10:41:01Z")
In nature, most seeds falls off the plant and lie on the surface. They germinate ok. So why do instructions in some seed packets specify planting seeds upto an inch in the soil? --- ## [New LED 100w Lightbulb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-led-100w-lightbulb/849073)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2020, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-led-100w-lightbulb/849073 "2020-03-09T09:53:52Z")
One of the lightbulbs in my bathroom vanity went out, so I got a new LED bulb out of the package to replace. Didn’t work. Hmm, so I tried it in a lamp to see if the problem was bulb or the light itself. Didn’t work in… --- ## [How did my debit card get ripped off using “gas/fuel“ purchases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-debit-card-get-ripped-off-using-gas-fuel-purchases/849109)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-my-debit-card-get-ripped-off-using-gas-fuel-purchases/849109 "2020-03-08T22:37:57Z")
Somebody ran five $89.xx “Gas/fuel” purchases on my debit card at “Reseda Oil Corporation”. No physical address is given. I’m researching online to see if it’s a legitimate gas station. My assumption is that it actuall… --- ## [Laatpass question - need answer in a day or so](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laatpass-question-need-answer-in-a-day-or-so/849068)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laatpass-question-need-answer-in-a-day-or-so/849068 "2020-03-08T21:33:19Z")
I’m finally getting serious about using Lastpass, but I can’t find an answer on their site. If I get the family plan, which has 6 licenses, is that 6 devices or 6 family members on x number of devices? Thanks! Sent fr… --- ## [Why does light travel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-light-travel/848744)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-light-travel/848744 "2020-03-08T06:09:26Z")
Why can it not stay put. What is the force that makes light travel? Such vast distances in vacuum. --- ## [Car: rough idle cold weather start up only](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-rough-idle-cold-weather-start-up-only/849049)
**Author:** [@cornflakes2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornflakes2)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-rough-idle-cold-weather-start-up-only/849049 "2020-03-08T03:43:04Z")
I own a 2013 VW Scirocco R, automatic, 2.0L TFSI (ea113), 68k km, and it has been tuned by the previous owner (APR Stage 2+). I’ve owned the car now for 2.5 years. It’s been fine other than having some loose screws leak… --- ## [Problem with seasoning cast iron skillets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-seasoning-cast-iron-skillets/835914)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2020, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-seasoning-cast-iron-skillets/835914 "2020-03-08T00:31:23Z")
I have had cast iron for years and have continually been trying to get them seasoned properly. If there is any stuck food I use the plastic part of a scrubbing and do the bare minimum of effort to unstick the food. I s… --- ## [That 10 day Chinese hospital build - how did they do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-10-day-chinese-hospital-build-how-did-they-do-it/847496)
**Author:** [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2020, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-10-day-chinese-hospital-build-how-did-they-do-it/847496 "2020-03-07T19:31:04Z")
You’ve probably heard about the Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, which was built in 10 days. I’m trying to understand how it was done. The simple answer is “lots of people and equipment working around the clock” an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=382) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=384)