# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=435 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 436 --- ## [Negative interest rates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-interest-rates/838900)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/negative-interest-rates/838900 "2019-08-21T13:56:14Z")
Could someone explain to a layperson why a lending institution would offer to loan money with a negative interest rate? How do they benefit? --- ## [What is the function of cameras along expressways?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-function-of-cameras-along-expressways/838908)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-function-of-cameras-along-expressways/838908 "2019-08-21T04:11:25Z")
Just got back from driving from Michigan to Chicago along 80/90 around the bottom of Lake Michigan. Through Indiana, we noticed a specific sort of antenna array. Far more frequently than one per mile, there was an ante… --- ## [Question about earnings while on Social Security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-earnings-while-on-social-security/838935)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-earnings-while-on-social-security/838935 "2019-08-21T03:59:03Z")
I plan on retiring later this your and going on Social Security, and according to this pdf from the government I can still earn up to $17, 640 without having money deducted from my monthly Social Security check…but I don… --- ## [How do smoking pipes keep from catching fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-smoking-pipes-keep-from-catching-fire/838937)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2019, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-smoking-pipes-keep-from-catching-fire/838937 "2019-08-21T00:20:50Z")
They hold these hot little pockets of fire in them, sometimes for a half hour or so, but they don’t burn up. They don’t even smolder. How does that work? Some amazing fireproof wood? --- ## [Why are AAA and Similar Services So Slow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-aaa-and-similar-services-so-slow/644818)
**Author:** [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-aaa-and-similar-services-so-slow/644818 "2019-08-20T21:37:10Z")
The other morning, my car broke down. I called an AAA-like service an arranged for a tow truck to come at a particular time in the afternoon. The tow truck came well over an hour late and what is worse, they kept lying… --- ## [Medical benefits of dental floss unproven - what about Fluoride ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-benefits-of-dental-floss-unproven-what-about-fluoride/838416)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-benefits-of-dental-floss-unproven-what-about-fluoride/838416 "2019-08-20T19:00:49Z")
A few years back, it was as published that the data showed that flossing had no medical benefits. null | AP News Are there similar studies on fluoride treatments ? --- ## [What kind of elevator did I see as a kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-elevator-did-i-see-as-a-kid/837997)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-elevator-did-i-see-as-a-kid/837997 "2019-08-20T18:40:18Z")
I have a distinct memory, as a child, of going to events in the city (New Orleans in the early-mid 80s), and parking in big parking garages with attendants who would take our car. I remember that the parking attendants … --- ## [Facebook help please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-help-please/838888)
**Author:** [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-help-please/838888 "2019-08-20T17:42:07Z")
I got a facebook notification that says “Someone you’re not connected to just commented on your public post. You can always change this in account settings.” Clicking on it takes to a page of the settings, but not to the… --- ## [Would this be considered tax evasion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-considered-tax-evasion/838698)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-considered-tax-evasion/838698 "2019-08-20T16:19:33Z")
Mainly interested in responses about United States law…What if somebody just up and said “i hate paperwork, I’m never filing a return again, I’ll just wait until the IRS sends me a letter saying what I owe and pay that.… --- ## [How can you use nuclear energy to power a missile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-use-nuclear-energy-to-power-a-missile/838779)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-use-nuclear-energy-to-power-a-missile/838779 "2019-08-20T14:30:04Z")
How do you power a missile by nuclear energy? There’s speculation that’s what the Russians were trying to do and it went wrong. But how would that work? Wouldn’t the shielding around the nuclear source be too heavy to … --- ## [What are these 'flies'/flying things I'm seeing? (Sorry, no pics yet)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-flies-flying-things-im-seeing-sorry-no-pics-yet/838901)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-flies-flying-things-im-seeing-sorry-no-pics-yet/838901 "2019-08-20T13:29:52Z")
Central South Carolina. I think they’re seasonal, and they are tiny. I mean tiiiii-nee. How tiny? They are whitish, and actually look like ash particulates floating around, but they are some kind of flying critter. … --- ## [Car gear ratio and final drive ratio calculation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-gear-ratio-and-final-drive-ratio-calculation/838589)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-gear-ratio-and-final-drive-ratio-calculation/838589 "2019-08-20T11:41:05Z")
I really botched title, sorry. I was typing in the title when I didn’t know it for a moment. Would a moderator be nice enough to change it to something reasonable? I think have this understood from reading web pages, bu… --- ## [Putting Linux on a laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-linux-on-a-laptop/838832)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-linux-on-a-laptop/838832 "2019-08-20T07:37:23Z")
I have a laptop that has a weird problem. It has Ubuntu Linux on it. For several days it’s been really flakey about accessing the web. Many times it wouldn’t load a page and I had to try more than once. Today, it totally… --- ## [Why would an LED works off mains but not battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-an-led-works-off-mains-but-not-battery/838879)
**Author:** [@Nippless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nippless)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 8:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-an-led-works-off-mains-but-not-battery/838879 "2019-08-20T08:10:04Z")
I have a USB-plug little LED light and I’ve noticed it works fine in a USB port fed by AC, but doesn’t work in a powerbank (just brief random flashes). I’ve tried several powerbanks. Why would this be? USB is 5VDC, surel… --- ## [Is there a limit on the number of micro SD cards Android can access?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-on-the-number-of-micro-sd-cards-android-can-access/838917)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2019, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-on-the-number-of-micro-sd-cards-android-can-access/838917 "2019-08-20T03:36:27Z")
Something tells me it is only one. --- ## [Tax question: Can I ask an employer to directly donate part of my income so I don't get taxed on it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-question-can-i-ask-an-employer-to-directly-donate-part-of-my-income-so-i-dont-get-taxed-on-it/838424)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-question-can-i-ask-an-employer-to-directly-donate-part-of-my-income-so-i-dont-get-taxed-on-it/838424 "2019-08-19T20:58:36Z")
I recently got a job that pays more than a living wage, and I’d like some of my income to be instead diverted into worthwhile causes. If I get paid and then donate it myself, some portion of it would be lost to Trump’s t… --- ## [Motion-sensing light switch makes LED light buzz?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensing-light-switch-makes-led-light-buzz/838881)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/motion-sensing-light-switch-makes-led-light-buzz/838881 "2019-08-19T19:55:44Z")
For years we’ve had a motion-sensing light switch in our laundry room. This controlled power to a conventional 4’ fluorescent tube light on the ceiling. Since we pass through this room every time we walk to/from the ga… --- ## [Using car battery charger/maintainer intermittently](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-car-battery-charger-maintainer-intermittently/838773)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-car-battery-charger-maintainer-intermittently/838773 "2019-08-19T19:10:31Z")
I have a pickup truck that I rarely use. I use it so rarely that I need to deliberately drive it occasionally when I’d prefer to use the car, to keep the battery charged. A couple of weeks ago I found that I’d waited too… --- ## [Did France & the UK develop their nuclear weapons independently w/o outside help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-france-the-uk-develop-their-nuclear-weapons-independently-w-o-outside-help/838819)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-france-the-uk-develop-their-nuclear-weapons-independently-w-o-outside-help/838819 "2019-08-19T18:32:26Z")
There was a discussion in another board about what nations built nuclear weapons on their own, or with outside help. Israel had help from France USSR had help from the US (in the form of theft) Pakistan had help from … --- ## [At what point does my cell signal path reach a router?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-my-cell-signal-path-reach-a-router/838892)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-does-my-cell-signal-path-reach-a-router/838892 "2019-08-19T17:24:35Z")
The cell phone exchanges data with the cell tower. The cell tower acts as a gateway to the phone network. This channel has to carry Internet traffic and voice/text traffic. At what point does the Internet traffic get spl… --- ## [Considering all the coicidences, was Jeff Epstein murdered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considering-all-the-coicidences-was-jeff-epstein-murdered/838854)
**Author:** [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/considering-all-the-coicidences-was-jeff-epstein-murdered/838854 "2019-08-19T02:05:58Z")
The trail of suspicious moves to prevent witnesses beforehand. The convenient sleeping by both guards. Where is the video? Why was his cellmate removed only hours before. Why was a suicide risk given anything strong eno… --- ## [Buying real estate without a realtor? Give me the good/bad/ugly please.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-real-estate-without-a-realtor-give-me-the-good-bad-ugly-please/838809)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-real-estate-without-a-realtor-give-me-the-good-bad-ugly-please/838809 "2019-08-19T00:36:27Z")
We are looking to move in a non-urgent way in the near future. I’ve found an interesting piece of property that has a barn (newly refurbished), water, electricity, and new fencing but no house and no septic. The current … --- ## [Closing a public road?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closing-a-public-road/815609)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2019, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/closing-a-public-road/815609 "2019-08-19T00:16:18Z")
a church close by built a new building. As part of that work a public road was extended past the church. I drove on the new road for a few weeks. Now it seems they are trying to close that new section of road -… --- ## [Identify this antique wooden household object](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-antique-wooden-household-object/768675)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2019, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-antique-wooden-household-object/768675 "2019-08-18T19:18:14Z")
This object was found among my elderly aunt’s things when she passed away a few years back. It is carved wood, about 6 inches end-to-end. I have it in my head that I have seen an object like this before, and that it has … --- ## [Questions about wiring light and fan together in bathroom](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-wiring-light-and-fan-together-in-bathroom/838768)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-wiring-light-and-fan-together-in-bathroom/838768 "2019-08-18T18:56:43Z")
My daughter refuses to use the fan in her windowless bathroom when she takes a bath or a shower. No matter how much we explain, plead, or yell and scream. When we punish her for it, she’ll use it for a few days, then dec… --- ## [The only object Jesus made was a whip?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-object-jesus-made-was-a-whip/830236)
**Author:** [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2019, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-object-jesus-made-was-a-whip/830236 "2019-08-18T11:36:33Z")
I read this claim recently and thought it was interesting - For those familiar with the Good Book, is it true that the only object Jesus is ever reported to have made in scripture is a whip (when he drove the money lende… --- ## [Bathtub question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathtub-question/838721)
**Author:** [@Capn\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capn_Carl)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2019, 9:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathtub-question/838721 "2019-08-18T09:01:59Z")
We replaced the 20-year old bathtub that came with our house with a new one. The old tub had a bumpy bottom to keep you from slipping. The new one is smooth to the touch. I was worried that Wife would slip, because I can… --- ## ["Hotness" and Endemetriosis link: Worth Pursuing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotness-and-endemetriosis-link-worth-pursuing/838792)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2019, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hotness-and-endemetriosis-link-worth-pursuing/838792 "2019-08-18T01:08:08Z")
In this recent I Fucking Love Science column, it is noted–in kind of judge-y terms, I might add–that some doctors in Italy noticed a link between unusually attractive women and rectovaginal endometriosis. Obviously, ther… --- ## [Clinton Painting at Epstein’s Estate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-painting-at-epstein-s-estate/838801)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2019, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-painting-at-epstein-s-estate/838801 "2019-08-17T22:33:36Z")
Has Bill been asked or commented on why there is a massive painting of him in a red dress at Epstein’s estate? My opinion is it probably was a rich person gag gift, but still hilarious nonetheless. --- ## [Does exFAT take up significently more storage space than NTFS on an external HD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-exfat-take-up-significently-more-storage-space-than-ntfs-on-an-external-hd/838576)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2019, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-exfat-take-up-significently-more-storage-space-than-ntfs-on-an-external-hd/838576 "2019-08-17T20:21:30Z")
So a couple of years ago I set up a 6TB RAID 1 system which is about getting full, this is formatted in NTFS. A month ago I bought a 10TB external HD and I’ve been copying everything across, this is formatted in exFAT. … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=434) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=436)