# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=457 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 458 --- ## [Care Guide for a child's uncircumsized penis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/care-guide-for-a-childs-uncircumsized-penis/835169)
**Author:** [@Deereman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deereman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/care-guide-for-a-childs-uncircumsized-penis/835169 "2019-06-07T19:15:05Z")
OK I have a 6 month boy, he’s uncircumsized. I am circumsized, along with everyone I know. American which explains all that. It seems nearly impossible to differentiate between facts and opinions on how to care for his … --- ## [What is the mathematical name of the shape of the Starfleet Insignia in the original series?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mathematical-name-of-the-shape-of-the-starfleet-insignia-in-the-original-series/835168)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-mathematical-name-of-the-shape-of-the-starfleet-insignia-in-the-original-series/835168 "2019-06-07T17:09:13Z")
When I draw or paint, I often see shadows in fabric that have the general shape of the Starfleet Insignia. Is there a mathematical name for this shape? I don’t mean just the outside, almost parabolic (catenary?) contour… --- ## [Herb identification assistance, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herb-identification-assistance-please/835150)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/herb-identification-assistance-please/835150 "2019-06-07T16:28:26Z")
My wife received a set of 4 herbs for Mom’s day this year. She got this plant, spearmint, cilantro, and basil. I re-potted them all, and I lost the tag for this one. What is this plant? Additionally, with what dishes sho… --- ## [Intelligence officers with military ranks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligence-officers-with-military-ranks/835143)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligence-officers-with-military-ranks/835143 "2019-06-07T15:43:24Z")
In spy novels and films, you often come across agents of an intelligence service that are referred to by a military rank. This seems to be particularly common in the inteligence services of the Communist countries, but i… --- ## [What's with "Two cars meeting in an empty parking lot" thing I see occassionally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-two-cars-meeting-in-an-empty-parking-lot-thing-i-see-occassionally/835102)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-two-cars-meeting-in-an-empty-parking-lot-thing-i-see-occassionally/835102 "2019-06-07T04:40:55Z")
Basically sometimes in an empty corner of a parking lot I’ll see two cars side by side facing in opposite directions with both driver side doors open and both drivers apparently talking. That has to be a drug deal right… --- ## [Calculating the force on a submerged bridge.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-the-force-on-a-submerged-bridge/835146)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculating-the-force-on-a-submerged-bridge/835146 "2019-06-07T02:40:56Z")
The Arkansas river is almost at the top of the rail road bridge piers in Little Rock. I wondered how much force it could take if the bridge became submerged. I know that the force on a vertical plane under water is roGh,… --- ## [Emotional support animal question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emotional-support-animal-question/834911)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emotional-support-animal-question/834911 "2019-06-07T00:44:03Z")
I recently heard an airline employee claim that “over 95%” of passengers with emotional support animals are women. Googling hasn’t produced anything useful to affirm or deny this - so I turn to the expertise of SDMB. --- ## ['All You Have to Lose Are Your Chains' Quote.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-you-have-to-lose-are-your-chains-quote/835112)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-you-have-to-lose-are-your-chains-quote/835112 "2019-06-07T00:06:50Z")
True story, about 29 or 30 years ago, I was perusing the books in a bookstore. And I came upon this political satire book by the British puppet show Spitting Image. For those of you too young to recall, Spitting Image di… --- ## [Name Some Chemical Compounds with Remarkable Colours or Smells](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-some-chemical-compounds-with-remarkable-colours-or-smells/834818)
**Author:** [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2019, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-some-chemical-compounds-with-remarkable-colours-or-smells/834818 "2019-06-07T00:02:37Z")
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a scientist. First an astronomer (I had lots of children-friendly books on the subject), then a chemist. It didn’t pan out for several reasons but I’ve kept a distant interest, and someti… --- ## [So what are these weird black masses (erroneously called "tick nests") on the forest floor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-these-weird-black-masses-erroneously-called-tick-nests-on-the-forest-floor/835038)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-are-these-weird-black-masses-erroneously-called-tick-nests-on-the-forest-floor/835038 "2019-06-06T22:44:13Z")
A few years ago Snopes addressed a Facebook viral “warning” about supposed “tick nests.” the accompanying photo showed a black glob of goo that looked like caviar, or maybe blackberry jam. Snopes thought it might be regu… --- ## [Active cell phone blocking in private buildings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/active-cell-phone-blocking-in-private-buildings/834991)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/active-cell-phone-blocking-in-private-buildings/834991 "2019-06-06T21:59:29Z")
I was in a medical office today where my cell phone got 3bars from the local tower. However, all apps and the browser said ’ no internet connection. I got intrrnet again directly outside the building as soon as i got awa… --- ## [What is this writhing mass of insects in my tree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-writhing-mass-of-insects-in-my-tree/835000)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-writhing-mass-of-insects-in-my-tree/835000 "2019-06-06T21:28:36Z")
I found this yesterday. https://ibb.co/Tc9Tb2g Image is taken from a 2nd floor window and had to be digitally zoomed, so the quality isn’t great. It is a disc shaped mass of flying insects, with a diameter of approxim… --- ## [Was Wernher von Braun a major in the SS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-wernher-von-braun-a-major-in-the-ss/834948)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-wernher-von-braun-a-major-in-the-ss/834948 "2019-06-06T19:49:03Z")
I was watching a show on the Science Channel last night that attempts to take on and debunk the Moon landings CT narrative. It was a fairly interesting show, though I think I could do as good a job at debunking most of … --- ## [iTures Being Phased Out - What to Do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itures-being-phased-out-what-to-do/835136)
**Author:** [@JBGUSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBGUSA)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/itures-being-phased-out-what-to-do/835136 "2019-06-06T19:26:24Z")
What Apple’s iTunes Shutdown Means for Music Fans Unexplained is what happens to components other than sale of music files and streaming. The linked article cryptically states: I personally have over 7000 music file… --- ## [Can some still be considered a \[RANK\] after exiting the military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-still-be-considered-a-rank-after-exiting-the-military/804296)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-some-still-be-considered-a-rank-after-exiting-the-military/804296 "2019-06-06T17:52:54Z")
Not thinking about retired or reserve. Thinking about someone who did, say, 8 years as enlisted, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and then decided not to reenlist at the end of the term. Honorable discharge, nothing… --- ## [Shifting into 1st & 3rd feel mushy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shifting-into-1st-3rd-feel-mushy/835104)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shifting-into-1st-3rd-feel-mushy/835104 "2019-06-06T16:43:56Z")
When I put my 1989 5 speed manual transmission Toyota truck into first gear, it feels kinda mushy, same with 3rd. I can get the truck into these gears, but I have to make an effort to do so. Second, fourth and fifth feel… --- ## [Why is there so much light pollution in North Dakota?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-so-much-light-pollution-in-north-dakota/835026)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-so-much-light-pollution-in-north-dakota/835026 "2019-06-06T15:13:59Z")
North Dakota is one of the least populous states, yet the light pollution map shows a huge field of light pollution in the western part of the state. What is going on there? https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=3&l… --- ## [Best Youtube fitness channels.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-youtube-fitness-channels/835119)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-youtube-fitness-channels/835119 "2019-06-06T15:03:33Z")
I’m disabled and can’t drive, and can’t afford a gym membership. What are the best fitness channels on YouTube, with plenty of workout videos? --- ## [Do Dyna Trap insect traps work well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dyna-trap-insect-traps-work-well/835071)
**Author:** [@tricoteuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tricoteuse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dyna-trap-insect-traps-work-well/835071 "2019-06-06T12:43:39Z")
The gist is that they work by luring biting insects with a UV light bulb and a fan sucks them into a collection chamber where they dry out and die. It’s not supposed to harm beneficial bugs. I get tons of mosquitoes, m… --- ## [Volcano + Earthquake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcano-earthquake/835085)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volcano-earthquake/835085 "2019-06-06T04:14:10Z")
I was thinking about the super-duper volcano under Yellowstone National Park. I presume we would know if it were about to blow, as it would be doing unusual stuff in the period leading up to an explosion. Right? Would … --- ## [Help me locate this new-agey group](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-locate-this-new-agey-group/277957)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-locate-this-new-agey-group/277957 "2019-06-06T03:31:01Z")
I’ve got this old book called Key to the Book of Life (Math and Sign Symbols) with an Al Marusa credited as the author. The book is 3rd edition copyright 1973. It was printed by Boyd Done’s Skyline Printing Company (a… --- ## [Can WiFi networks selectively block certain apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-wifi-networks-selectively-block-certain-apps/835097)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2019, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-wifi-networks-selectively-block-certain-apps/835097 "2019-06-06T02:09:40Z")
I travel for work a lot, and I’ve noticed that the various hotel chains’ WiFi systems seem to work differently. Recently I was in a Ma&^tt branded hotel and found that my phone, while connected to their WiFi, would not d… --- ## [Is Access software obsolete?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-access-software-obsolete/834780)
**Author:** [@singular1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/singular1)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-access-software-obsolete/834780 "2019-06-05T23:13:47Z")
I have a lead that insists on transforming our database from Excel to Access, and I’m about to retire just to not have to deal with it. In my old group (2011), only one person knew the program. Now this guy comes into ou… --- ## [Why are LED bulbs marked "Not for Emergency Lighting"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-led-bulbs-marked-not-for-emergency-lighting/835080)
**Author:** [@YeOldeFart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YeOldeFart)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-led-bulbs-marked-not-for-emergency-lighting/835080 "2019-06-05T22:50:02Z")
I have noticed that the typical LED light bulbs I buy at the home improvement store are marked “NOT FOR EMERGENCY LIGHTING” and sometimes have “OR EXIT SIGNS” added at the end. Plain old incandescent filament light bulbs… --- ## [Any non-US nations with equivalent of Fifth Amendment (do not need to self-incriminate?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-non-us-nations-with-equivalent-of-fifth-amendment-do-not-need-to-self-incriminate/834743)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-non-us-nations-with-equivalent-of-fifth-amendment-do-not-need-to-self-incriminate/834743 "2019-06-05T19:00:39Z")
Is the United States somewhat unique in its constitution that a defendant need not testify against himself or herself in criminal court (can remain absolutely silent from beginning to end), or is that fairly common among… --- ## [How about harvesting the whole potential energy of the atmosphere?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-harvesting-the-whole-potential-energy-of-the-atmosphere/834956)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-harvesting-the-whole-potential-energy-of-the-atmosphere/834956 "2019-06-05T17:37:48Z")
Lightning is bad, potential of electrons is good no matter of the voltage There have been experiments to harvest the energy of lightning, but they were doomed… If we tried to get all the energy of the atmosphere, would … --- ## [What happens to Commodities During Deflationary Periods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-commodities-during-deflationary-periods/834994)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-commodities-during-deflationary-periods/834994 "2019-06-05T15:18:17Z")
Title pretty much says it all. I’m thinking in particular of gold, but interested in all commodities. On the one hand, it seems like gold would be a good place to store wealth, given a value as a building block and his… --- ## [How Would Charles I and II (of England) Have Pronounced Their Names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-charles-i-and-ii-of-england-have-pronounced-their-names/835023)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-charles-i-and-ii-of-england-have-pronounced-their-names/835023 "2019-06-05T14:05:17Z")
Would they have pronounced it essentially the same way that the current Prince of Wales does? Or would the vowel/consonant changes be different than the way Received Pronunciation treats them now? --- ## [Is there such a thing as trailer towing schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-trailer-towing-schools/834963)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-trailer-towing-schools/834963 "2019-06-05T12:37:37Z")
After spending a lot of money renting cargo vans to transport my merchandise, booth equipment, personal luggage and a helper (husband) and/or dogs, my husband suggested buying a small trailer that we can tow behind his c… --- ## [Are no-glow infrared heat panels dangerous? Do they work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-no-glow-infrared-heat-panels-dangerous-do-they-work/834945)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Rabbit)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2019, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-no-glow-infrared-heat-panels-dangerous-do-they-work/834945 "2019-06-05T09:36:06Z")
Are no-glow infrared heat panels like this one Outdoor Central Infrared Radiant Strip Heaters Review - YouTube safe? Could they cause cancer? Do they work? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=456) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=458)