# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=386 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 387 --- ## [Induction pan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-pan/848667)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/induction-pan/848667 "2020-02-28T19:00:18Z")
What is an induction pan? My friends got me a frying pan, its hard to say, its written in Spanish. It says for use with an induction stove, but I have a regular electric stove. can I use it? --- ## [During unstable stock market times, what percentage of trading is 'computer generated'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-unstable-stock-market-times-what-percentage-of-trading-is-computer-generated/848652)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-unstable-stock-market-times-what-percentage-of-trading-is-computer-generated/848652 "2020-02-28T18:51:19Z")
For days like yesterday or as today is becoming, can we estimate the dollar value percentage of Wall Street (and other markets’) transactions that are being directly made by humans as opposed to being computer/program ge… --- ## [How Does/Did One Become a German Army Officer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-did-one-become-a-german-army-officer/848638)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-did-one-become-a-german-army-officer/848638 "2020-02-28T18:34:55Z")
I am an American. I sort of suppose an Army officer graduates from West Point, goes through ROTC at university, or is promoted from the ranks via Officer Candidates’ School. (I am an ROTC graduate, and I taught at OCS.) … --- ## [What causes grooves in (big) toenails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-grooves-in-big-toenails/848660)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-grooves-in-big-toenails/848660 "2020-02-28T17:16:28Z")
Every so often I get kind of a groove/indentation in one of my toenails, of my big toes. They’re perpendicular to the toes, and as the nail grows out they make their way along until they get clipped. Question is what ca… --- ## [PLAY THIS GAME, GET FREE MONEY! - What's the scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-this-game-get-free-money-whats-the-scam/848655)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/play-this-game-get-free-money-whats-the-scam/848655 "2020-02-28T17:06:28Z")
I couldn’t find an existing thread and this isn’t about a specific game per se. I’ve been seeing a lot of ads recently (on other game apps) for apps that purport to pay out free money to PayPal accounts or in Amazon vou… --- ## [Why do new cars shutoff at intersections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-new-cars-shutoff-at-intersections/848058 "2020-02-28T16:39:26Z")
A few months ago I rented a car for a business trip. It started shutting off at intersections. Then, it would start agin when I went “what the hell?” and took my foot off the brake. Why? What’s the reason? --- ## [Secret clearance. What's all involved with obtaining one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-clearance-whats-all-involved-with-obtaining-one/848476)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-clearance-whats-all-involved-with-obtaining-one/848476 "2020-02-28T15:34:39Z")
I’m interviewing for a job this week that requires a secret clearance. What all is involved and what should I be aware of/look out for? Thanks in advance. --- ## [Capturing audio from Flash video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capturing-audio-from-flash-video/507372)
**Author:** [@stanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stanger)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capturing-audio-from-flash-video/507372 "2020-02-28T14:52:36Z")
OK, there is a short ad I have seen that is done in Adobe Flash Player. It has a musical audio loop that plays in the background that is catchy and I would like to capture it. Anybody know a way of capturing audio that … --- ## [Microwave vs electric kettle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-vs-electric-kettle/848406)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-vs-electric-kettle/848406 "2020-02-28T11:03:53Z")
It’s a deary, rainy Sunday here and I’m in the mood for hot cocoa. Wanting to at least appear “green,” which is more efficient and uses less electricity - zapping the two mugs of water in the micro or heating the water w… --- ## [Help Me Better Understand "Prejudicial Evidence"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-better-understand-prejudicial-evidence/848511)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-better-understand-prejudicial-evidence/848511 "2020-02-27T21:38:52Z")
While I understand - from a legal perspective - that allowing certain evidence in a trial would be considered prejudicial and therefore not allowed, my real question is why is this evidence excluded if it is in fact mate… --- ## [WW2 examples of communications with the enemy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-examples-of-communications-with-the-enemy/847920)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-examples-of-communications-with-the-enemy/847920 "2020-02-27T17:54:31Z")
I’m sure this was rare, but it happened. I know that at the end of the war, Axis leaders were able to express a willingness to surrender by sending messages thru neutral nations. I’m curious if there were any instances b… --- ## [Any CPAP / former CPAP users? Questions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-former-cpap-users-questions/848578)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-cpap-former-cpap-users-questions/848578 "2020-02-27T16:15:21Z")
I was diagnosed with OSA in 2003. Since then I’ve used a CPAP for every single night, no matter what. Perhaps 2-3 nights when the power was out, otherwise 100% compliance. Got a follow-up sleep study about 4 years ago. … --- ## [Buffering of ads online](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffering-of-ads-online/848524)
**Author:** [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buffering-of-ads-online/848524 "2020-02-27T15:48:01Z")
I often go online to catch up on network TV shows after their aired. And I’ve noticed a consistent problem. When I’m watching the show, it runs just fine. Occasional glitches, maybe, but otherwise all right. Then come… --- ## [Are antibodies capable of being share between people in the same manner as viruses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-antibodies-capable-of-being-share-between-people-in-the-same-manner-as-viruses/848590)
**Author:** [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-antibodies-capable-of-being-share-between-people-in-the-same-manner-as-viruses/848590 "2020-02-27T12:28:43Z")
The whole coronavirus thing got me thinking this. I would imagine the immune response a person has to a virus is on the same “fighting grounds” as the virus itself, meaning similar in substance, form, and nature. Is th… --- ## [What does potipal and unalogical mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-potipal-and-unalogical-mean/848224)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-potipal-and-unalogical-mean/848224 "2020-02-27T02:04:19Z")
I’m watching episode 7 season 6 of Schitt’s Creek and the character played by Catherine O’Hara says some strange words. She is drinking wine with her character’s son and calls the wine ‘potipal’, there are no subtitles … --- ## [Highest temperature that chilblains can set in](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highest-temperature-that-chilblains-can-set-in/848586)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2020, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highest-temperature-that-chilblains-can-set-in/848586 "2020-02-27T01:27:39Z")
Suppose one is exposed to a cool/cold temperature for 20-40 hours - basically, one or two days, nonstop. What is the highest temperature that this could be for chilblains to still set in, especially in one’s extremities… --- ## [Whatever Happened To That Teenager That Police Wanted To Photograph His Dick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-that-teenager-that-police-wanted-to-photograph-his-dick/848505)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-that-teenager-that-police-wanted-to-photograph-his-dick/848505 "2020-02-26T23:53:02Z")
Back in 2017, there was a kerfuffle involving the Manassas, Virginia police and their zeal to get a photograph of a teenager’s junk. Long story short (heh): 17-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl are in a relationship. Gi… --- ## [Auto Wear 'n Tear, via Ford vs Ferrari](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-wear-n-tear-via-ford-vs-ferrari/848525)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-wear-n-tear-via-ford-vs-ferrari/848525 "2020-02-26T22:13:27Z")
In an early scene within Ford vs Ferrari, we’re exposed to the notion that someone who owns a sports car is failing to maintain it properly due to driving it around like it’s a standard-issue suburban vehicle, and that’s… --- ## [When in history did raising a newborn begin to be seen as grueling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-in-history-did-raising-a-newborn-begin-to-be-seen-as-grueling/846866)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-in-history-did-raising-a-newborn-begin-to-be-seen-as-grueling/846866 "2020-02-26T20:46:35Z")
When in human history did people parenting a newborn begin to have the luxury of considering it really hard work? It feels like a fairly recent thing - I doubt mothers and fathers in the middle ages or even pilgrim and O… --- ## [What would be the effect of consuming antifreeze](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-consuming-antifreeze/848399)
**Author:** [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-consuming-antifreeze/848399 "2020-02-26T20:38:07Z")
I do not want to search the internet where I would have to do a good deal of research because I lack any knowledge of the subject and would have to learn enough to judge the good content from the nonsense. I know there … --- ## [Estimates from New Taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimates-from-new-taxes/848555)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/estimates-from-new-taxes/848555 "2020-02-26T17:17:30Z")
The city of Portland is proposing a 1% tax on residents who make more than $125,000 ($250,000 for married filers). This article says that portion of the tax would raise “about $135 million a year.” I see these kinds of … --- ## [text message origination question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/text-message-origination-question/848456)
**Author:** [@cmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmore)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/text-message-origination-question/848456 "2020-02-26T14:27:56Z")
ok. a friend of mine got a somewhat threatening text message. this messages content points to basically one person (or someone wanting to frame said person by making it appear it came from them). it would be difficult… --- ## [My laptop charger cord sparked slightly, should I toss it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laptop-charger-cord-sparked-slightly-should-i-toss-it/596197)
**Author:** [@Diamonds02](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diamonds02)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-laptop-charger-cord-sparked-slightly-should-i-toss-it/596197 "2020-02-26T10:59:59Z")
It has been shorting out for a while. I have to twist the cord near that box (I don’t know what you call it) to get my computer to charge, sometimes. The other day, little sparks came out near it, when I twisted it. I c… --- ## [Universal symbols](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-symbols/847946)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-symbols/847946 "2020-02-26T08:10:08Z")
Not counting trademarks and those found on computer keyboards, what symbols can reasonably be considered universal? That is, symbols you’d expect an educated person\[sup\]1\[/sup\] from anywhere in the world to recognize. T… --- ## [A question about renormalization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-renormalization/847997)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2020, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-renormalization/847997 "2020-02-26T03:54:03Z")
Typically in quantum field theory the values of quantities are adjusted to compensate for infinities. Would it be possible instead to alter the definition of zero to compensate? Could zero be defined as a constant below … --- ## [What's a fatal dose of tooth paste?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-fatal-dose-of-tooth-paste/463299)
**Author:** [@Osakadave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Osakadave)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2020, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-fatal-dose-of-tooth-paste/463299 "2020-02-25T23:34:06Z")
Reading the tube of Crest ™ toothpaste as I was brushing me teeth this morning, I was reminded of a question I’d been waiting for the restorationon SDMB to ask: There’s a warning to call the poison control center if one… --- ## [what is the purple thing on the potassium iodine and starch paper.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purple-thing-on-the-potassium-iodine-and-starch-paper/848491)
**Author:** [@sarahbbbbbb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sarahbbbbbb)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2020, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purple-thing-on-the-potassium-iodine-and-starch-paper/848491 "2020-02-25T21:28:10Z")
I am using the potassium iodide and starch paper to detect the oxidiser agent in the solution. I dipped a drop of my solution on the paper and the central of the drop is clean and the edge of the drop has turned brown/pu… --- ## [Powdered Insoluble Fibers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powdered-insoluble-fibers/848425)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2020, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powdered-insoluble-fibers/848425 "2020-02-25T20:14:08Z")
Toss a handful of wheat at an open flame and you’ll get some singed wheat. Toss a handful of finely powdered flour at an open flame and fwoom. Insoluble fibers like wheat husks might act as fiber at a particle size lik… --- ## [Hiding the existence of a PCIe device from the operating system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiding-the-existence-of-a-pcie-device-from-the-operating-system/841849)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2020, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiding-the-existence-of-a-pcie-device-from-the-operating-system/841849 "2020-02-25T18:06:06Z")
As you might know, PCIe devices can do DMA operations. Now, imagine that a PCIe device is installed into the target system to examine a malware (not sure if this is a stupid idea btw). A really high-end malware can hide … --- ## [Why are fountain pen reservoirs reverse threaded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fountain-pen-reservoirs-reverse-threaded/847515)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2020, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-fountain-pen-reservoirs-reverse-threaded/847515 "2020-02-25T17:34:41Z")
I’ve got a couple of fountain pens–I like 'em. They’re classy. And after using them, reloading them, cleaning them, etc. over the course of five years, I’ve learned to write with them and not get ink all over my hands. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=385) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=387)