# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=390 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 391 --- ## [Why no recent Ultima Thule images?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-recent-ultima-thule-images/828155)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-recent-ultima-thule-images/828155 "2020-02-14T13:54:00Z")
New Horizons should have been sending us data at full speed for the last approximately 11 days now, having reappeared from behind the sun in our view. We got a coarse pretty picture in the big rush after the flyby, and t… --- ## [Intracoastal Waterway - Possible to change path?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intracoastal-waterway-possible-to-change-path/847878)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intracoastal-waterway-possible-to-change-path/847878 "2020-02-14T13:51:18Z")
Like many places, navigable waterways in New Jersey have been filling in over the years for various reasons. In my immediate area many marinas are becoming unusable at other than high tide. I believe a contributing facto… --- ## [Metal put into a Microwave Oven](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/metal-put-into-a-microwave-oven/847017)
**Author:** [@Gbro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gbro)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/metal-put-into-a-microwave-oven/847017 "2020-02-14T12:29:23Z")
I tried searching for a thread related, finding nothing titled, here goes. I have heard warnings So many times that I am NOT suppose to put metal in a Microwave oven AS i put in a can of soup to heat up. Ok, is their r… --- ## [Surviving the Corona Virus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-the-corona-virus/847874)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surviving-the-corona-virus/847874 "2020-02-14T06:09:41Z")
Assuming some who have contracted the virus have survived, how did they? Drugs? Strong immune system? And w/regard to those currently afflicted, with what are they being treated? --- ## [Does 0.999... = 1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-0-999-1/847915)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-0-999-1/847915 "2020-02-14T04:11:27Z")
In mathematics, 0.999… = 1 0.999… = (3) x (0.333…) 0.999… (3) x (1/3) 0.999… = 1 In physics, 1 - 1 ≠ 0 because it’s impossible for any two entities to be exactly identical. Let x = 1 - (0.999…) Would it be possible… --- ## [CUDA and CUDA compiler (proprietary vs open-source)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cuda-and-cuda-compiler-proprietary-vs-open-source/847846)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cuda-and-cuda-compiler-proprietary-vs-open-source/847846 "2020-02-14T03:50:43Z")
I came across interesting information in a professor’s lecture slides. Some information on them got me confused: 1.) In one of his slides, it says: “CUDA has an open-sourced CUDA compiler”: https://i.imgur.com/m8UW0lO.p… --- ## [How early should I shop Southwest Airlines for "Wanna Get Away" class fares?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-early-should-i-shop-southwest-airlines-for-wanna-get-away-class-fares/847912)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2020, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-early-should-i-shop-southwest-airlines-for-wanna-get-away-class-fares/847912 "2020-02-14T01:03:57Z")
I’m normally buy tickets about a month in advance, and now I’m starting to notice that a lot of the desirable flights- nonstops or one stops during reasonable hours are “sold out” of the lowest class of fares. Is this a … --- ## [Why not raise building temperature and humidity to stop coronavirus spread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-raise-building-temperature-and-humidity-to-stop-coronavirus-spread/847897)
**Author:** [@Settimo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Settimo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-raise-building-temperature-and-humidity-to-stop-coronavirus-spread/847897 "2020-02-13T23:51:19Z")
If virions have trouble surviving north of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, then why not just raise the indoor temperature of buildings to that temperature, and possibly add humidification to reduce the coronavirus / Covid-19 spre… --- ## [Durability of foldable glass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durability-of-foldable-glass/847817)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durability-of-foldable-glass/847817 "2020-02-13T22:19:15Z")
The rumors about the new Samsung Galaxy Z phone having a foldable glass screen have been confirmed. Is there any idea how many real-world folds you can expect from a glass screen like that before it shatters, or is novel… --- ## [The right-left of clasping hands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-right-left-of-clasping-hands/847712)
**Author:** [@seetha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seetha)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-right-left-of-clasping-hands/847712 "2020-02-13T21:24:24Z")
When asked to clasp our hands, some of us seem to have the right thumb on top and some of us seem to have the left thumb on top. Ever noticed this? Check it out with a bunch of freiends / family. This does not seems to … --- ## [Credit Score](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-score/847882)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-score/847882 "2020-02-13T19:36:41Z")
I kept seeing adverts for ‘credit rating’, so thought I would find out mine. I registered (with a UK company called Clearscore), gave them a few financial details and sat back. Now I was feeling quite smug, because: I… --- ## [Musicians - Question about using a sheet music app and iPad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-question-about-using-a-sheet-music-app-and-ipad/847838)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/musicians-question-about-using-a-sheet-music-app-and-ipad/847838 "2020-02-13T18:25:36Z")
I play piano and I struggle with getting my dead-tree sheet music to behave while I play. It is mostly contained in songbooks, which usually seem to 1. Never stay open or 2. develop a broken spine. I am considering usin… --- ## [Anybody know how I could get a LOT of sample-size toiletries for cheap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-how-i-could-get-a-lot-of-sample-size-toiletries-for-cheap/537687)
**Author:** [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-how-i-could-get-a-lot-of-sample-size-toiletries-for-cheap/537687 "2020-02-13T17:47:54Z")
I volunteer in a local ER as an advocate for patients who’ve been sexually assaulted or victims of domestic violence. My program would really love to put together some ‘Dignity Kits’ of toiletries and basic clothing ite… --- ## [Does calling someone a "Dog Face Pony Soldier" have a specific meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-calling-someone-a-dog-face-pony-soldier-have-a-specific-meaning/847744)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-calling-someone-a-dog-face-pony-soldier-have-a-specific-meaning/847744 "2020-02-13T17:37:17Z")
Democrat President nominee contender Joe Biden called a women a “Dog Face Pony Soldier” after she questioned his elect-ability in a National Election. Does the phrase have some meaning besides Biden thinking that she bel… --- ## [Why is everyone calling it the Coronavirus and not the "Wuhan Flu"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-everyone-calling-it-the-coronavirus-and-not-the-wuhan-flu/847506)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-everyone-calling-it-the-coronavirus-and-not-the-wuhan-flu/847506 "2020-02-13T16:25:16Z")
All the news and other outlets have been calling it the coronavirus which seems not right since the coronavirus is just a descriptor of the virus. Why don’t we have a cute name for it like the “Wuhan Flu” which I saw in… --- ## [How do you request Uber without your phone? (need fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-request-uber-without-your-phone-need-fast/847852)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-request-uber-without-your-phone-need-fast/847852 "2020-02-13T12:24:35Z")
I went to the Uber website. Put in number and it sends a f\*\*\*\*n verification code to my phone. Which I dont have! Am I screwed? Thanks. --- ## [Visualizing (or otherwise comprehending aside from formulas) raising values to complex powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visualizing-or-otherwise-comprehending-aside-from-formulas-raising-values-to-complex-powers/847645)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 7:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visualizing-or-otherwise-comprehending-aside-from-formulas-raising-values-to-complex-powers/847645 "2020-02-13T07:36:07Z")
I can do the math, I know about Euler’s formula, etc etc. But I am wondering if there is anything written that can help the reader intuitively grasp what kind of transformation “raising to a complex power” represents. Go… --- ## [Has Firefox browser really become this bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-firefox-browser-really-become-this-bad/847615)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-firefox-browser-really-become-this-bad/847615 "2020-02-13T05:21:45Z")
I’m working on getting a friend on an old-ass computer updated to a new computer, but she wants to use Firefox. Is there anyway to get it to work from a simple menu icon to open to a folder, sub-folder hierarchy drop dow… --- ## [Question about zinc-copper voltaic cell.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-zinc-copper-voltaic-cell/847788)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-zinc-copper-voltaic-cell/847788 "2020-02-13T03:24:46Z")
Learning about electrochemistry basics and just read up on the copper-zinc voltaic cell. What I don’t understand is why zinc sulfate and copper sulfate is used. I understand why you need an electrolyte but I don’t unde… --- ## [How sick are victims of the Wuhan virus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-sick-are-victims-of-the-wuhan-virus/847750)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-sick-are-victims-of-the-wuhan-virus/847750 "2020-02-13T01:31:42Z")
I know that 2% of the victims are dying, but how bad does the disease feel to the “typical” victim, assuming there is such a thing? I know what the flu feels like. Is it worse? How long do people take to recover? Are… --- ## [Can police use deadly force to protect one of their dogs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-police-use-deadly-force-to-protect-one-of-their-dogs/847730)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2020, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-police-use-deadly-force-to-protect-one-of-their-dogs/847730 "2020-02-13T00:16:57Z")
Article here: police responded to a disturbance, a perp stabbed their K9 in the head. The dog is expected to survive, but the perp was shot to death by police. The article does not indicate whether the perp was shot b… --- ## [Why do diesel-powered vehicles need a windbreaker in cold weather?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-diesel-powered-vehicles-need-a-windbreaker-in-cold-weather/847792)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-diesel-powered-vehicles-need-a-windbreaker-in-cold-weather/847792 "2020-02-12T20:43:37Z")
In northern parts of the US in the winter (and I presume Canada as well), it’s common to see diesel-powered vehicles with some kind of fabric shield across the grille, blocking most of the incoming air that would otherwi… --- ## [Net weight of content when double packed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-weight-of-content-when-double-packed/847823)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/net-weight-of-content-when-double-packed/847823 "2020-02-12T19:07:27Z")
This is in regards to consumer goods which are double packed. Things like tea bags in a pack or sweetener in a pack. Examples : Lipton tea : Amazon.com Splenda packets : Amazon.com For the tea bags, does the net wei… --- ## [What was the status of Classical Greek as an administrative language during the Roman empire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-status-of-classical-greek-as-an-administrative-language-during-the-roman-empire/847775)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-status-of-classical-greek-as-an-administrative-language-during-the-roman-empire/847775 "2020-02-12T18:17:22Z")
Hi I have a. few questions regarding classical Greek vis-as-vis ancient Rome. What was the status of Classical Greek as an administrative language during the Roman empire until 476 AD? When was classical Greek at its … --- ## [looking for a 2 way camera app for cosplay costume](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-2-way-camera-app-for-cosplay-costume/847649)
**Author:** [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-2-way-camera-app-for-cosplay-costume/847649 "2020-02-12T14:26:12Z")
I’m going to a local con next week. It’s not huge, but it’s fun. I thought of a costume I’d like to do - costume details are below\*, so as not to clutter up the question - that involves a ‘hole through the body’ illusion… --- ## [Help with Mac virus and recommendations for virus protection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-mac-virus-and-recommendations-for-virus-protection/847652)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-mac-virus-and-recommendations-for-virus-protection/847652 "2020-02-12T14:20:30Z")
I have a relatively new iMac and somehow ended up with the SearchPulse virus. There are several how-to guides online on how to remove it including offers of free virus protection downloads. Not being very computer savvy… --- ## [Two operating room questions about the lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-operating-room-questions-about-the-lights/847745)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-operating-room-questions-about-the-lights/847745 "2020-02-12T13:46:13Z")
Other than brightness, is there anything special about the lights used in operating rooms? And while we’re on the subject, I noticed in some pictures that some of the OR lights have multiple lights (or their coverings) i… --- ## [Which US laws make it impossible to force Apple to help the FBI to access a suspect's data.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-us-laws-make-it-impossible-to-force-apple-to-help-the-fbi-to-access-a-suspects-data/846436)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-us-laws-make-it-impossible-to-force-apple-to-help-the-fbi-to-access-a-suspects-data/846436 "2020-02-12T13:41:13Z")
Which US laws make it impossible to force Apple to help the FBI to access a suspect’s data. Have there been any Supreme Court rulings on this matter? I look forward to your feedback. But Apple on Tuesday disputed Barr’s… --- ## [Old computer battery loses charge quickly. Is this advice legit or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-computer-battery-loses-charge-quickly-is-this-advice-legit-or-not/847751)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-computer-battery-loses-charge-quickly-is-this-advice-legit-or-not/847751 "2020-02-12T11:52:26Z")
My wife has a work laptop and it works pretty well, but the battery(her second one on this machine) loses its charge quickly. It’s down at least to 1/2 the time it used to last. She has to take it to meetings and can not… --- ## [Scientific studies claiming nCoV has spread far worse than reported - how sound is the methodology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-studies-claiming-ncov-has-spread-far-worse-than-reported-how-sound-is-the-methodology/847722)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2020, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-studies-claiming-ncov-has-spread-far-worse-than-reported-how-sound-is-the-methodology/847722 "2020-02-12T08:38:16Z")
We already have threads about the ongoing coronavirus in IMHO and MPSIMS, but I just wanted to focus on one specific aspect of the discussion alone, in GQ, while setting aside all the other stuff: Multiple sources have … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=389) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=391)