# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=539 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 540 --- ## [Cancer research and prevention. How's it going?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-research-and-prevention-hows-it-going/821315)
**Author:** [@Smudge777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smudge777)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancer-research-and-prevention-hows-it-going/821315 "2018-09-14T21:21:48Z")
For at least the last 6 years (and likely long before that, too), it seems that every couple of days I see another eye-grabbing headline about some sort of medical discovery or research breakthrough that promises to redu… --- ## [Why cant we tickle ourselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-tickle-ourselves/820467)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-tickle-ourselves/820467 "2018-09-14T21:07:17Z")
I get tickled easily on the soles and armpits. Only when done by someone else. Its a violent laughing reaction. Do it to myself…nothing. Why? --- ## [Malted Grains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malted-grains/821291)
**Author:** [@EscAlaMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EscAlaMike)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malted-grains/821291 "2018-09-14T16:16:52Z")
What does it mean for a grain to be “malted” as in the process used to make whiskey? --- ## [Who's responsible for "spill-proof" gasoline cans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-responsible-for-spill-proof-gasoline-cans/821301)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-responsible-for-spill-proof-gasoline-cans/821301 "2018-09-14T14:16:45Z")
This is a factual question. Are they mandated by Federal legislation, EPA regulation, or what? I’ll bitch about the damned things in MPSIMS if I feel the urge, but right now, I just want to know who’s responsible for t… --- ## [Why was being a shepherd so prestigious in the ancient Near East?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-being-a-shepherd-so-prestigious-in-the-ancient-near-east/821177)
**Author:** [@JohnnyMac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnyMac)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-being-a-shepherd-so-prestigious-in-the-ancient-near-east/821177 "2018-09-14T09:32:53Z")
Inanna chooses Dumuzi, the shepherd, over Enkimdu, the farmer; YHWH chooses Abel over Cain, it’s used by different peoples as a metaphor for kingship… Clearly sheep-herding was respected in the ancient Near East in a wa… --- ## [Do/Did all American High Schools have AV and drama clubs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-did-all-american-high-schools-have-av-and-drama-clubs/821129)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-did-all-american-high-schools-have-av-and-drama-clubs/821129 "2018-09-14T03:25:41Z")
It seems a stock aspect of a lot of US shows set around teenagers that their school has an AV club and a drama club. Are these universal to US High Schools? Growing up in Ireland and finishing our equivalent to High Sch… --- ## [When initial reports made goofs that stuck ever after](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-initial-reports-made-goofs-that-stuck-ever-after/794008)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-initial-reports-made-goofs-that-stuck-ever-after/794008 "2018-09-14T02:37:32Z")
Dan Cooper—a subject recently revisited—in the swirl of breaking news, got erroneously reported in the media as “D. B. Cooper,” who was someone else entirely, picked out of a phone book. Even though the error is always e… --- ## [Question on the Chicxulub impact](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-chicxulub-impact/821274)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2018, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-chicxulub-impact/821274 "2018-09-14T00:52:18Z")
Hi How reliable is this theory which directly contradicts previous studies of global freezing following the Chicxulub impact? I look forward to your feedback. Dino-Killing Asteroid Impact Warmed Earth’s Climate for 1… --- ## [The physics of cars spinning in crashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-physics-of-cars-spinning-in-crashes/821161)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-physics-of-cars-spinning-in-crashes/821161 "2018-09-13T23:28:02Z")
I’ve been watching a few videos of racing car crashes and it seems to me that once the car becomes airborne it spins faster. Is this an optical illusion? If not, what is the mechanism for this? Is it due to the engine st… --- ## [How is a hurricane’s eye formed/maintained?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-hurricane-s-eye-formed-maintained/821282)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-a-hurricane-s-eye-formed-maintained/821282 "2018-09-13T22:08:32Z")
What’s (physically/thermodynamically) going-on with a hurricane eye? I can’t get a satisfying answer from the web. Most all the sites I viewed claimed that even the experts aren’t sure how these things work. The theory … --- ## [Help!... Mac Mechanic - how to uninstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-mac-mechanic-how-to-uninstall/821179)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-mac-mechanic-how-to-uninstall/821179 "2018-09-13T17:24:28Z")
Argh! Despite my best vigilance I seem to have gotten a “virus” or malware in the form of Mac Mechanic. Googling leads mostly to ads for virus protection for sale. Not being computer savvy, I’m afraid I’m going to make i… --- ## [optimizing gyroscope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimizing-gyroscope/821223)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimizing-gyroscope/821223 "2018-09-13T16:26:37Z")
Hi all, See image http://www.fileconvoy.com/dfl.php?id=gb3ebcce611f17d591000113140a15e9eaf722c2c95 I’m thinking that there may be a better way to extend the spin time of this device. Right now, there’s a pointed steel … --- ## [Why are Cut, Copy, and Paste unavailable in the Google Sheets edit menu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cut-copy-and-paste-unavailable-in-the-google-sheets-edit-menu/821268)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cut-copy-and-paste-unavailable-in-the-google-sheets-edit-menu/821268 "2018-09-13T15:51:10Z")
If you right click on a cell in Google Sheets, the edit menu appears and shows the Copy, Cut, and Paste options. When you click on one of them, a message comes up that says “these actions are unavailable via the edit men… --- ## [Auto dealership service advisors - commission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-dealership-service-advisors-commission/708078)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-dealership-service-advisors-commission/708078 "2018-09-13T15:47:01Z")
I recently had some work done on my BMW, and a friend mentioned to me that the BMW Service Advisor (the person who calls you after the technician looks over your car and tells you what they found and what needs to be add… --- ## [Wasp deterent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-deterent/821240)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wasp-deterent/821240 "2018-09-13T14:28:06Z")
Any good way to deter a wasp from hanging around my front door? Not sure what the thing is looking for but I have a security camera above my front door under an overhang and a single wasp sets off the motion detector on… --- ## [Do humans have the lowest infant mortality rate of all animals, even before modern medicine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-have-the-lowest-infant-mortality-rate-of-all-animals-even-before-modern-medicine/821060)
**Author:** [@kk\_fusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kk_fusion)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-have-the-lowest-infant-mortality-rate-of-all-animals-even-before-modern-medicine/821060 "2018-09-13T13:42:34Z")
What it says in the title. Or going the other way, are there any domestic animals that, given intensive veterinary care, achieve greater infant survival rates than humans? --- ## [Can anything stop Windows 10 updates? I've already set it as a metered connection.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anything-stop-windows-10-updates-ive-already-set-it-as-a-metered-connection/821147)
**Author:** [@Postariti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Postariti)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anything-stop-windows-10-updates-ive-already-set-it-as-a-metered-connection/821147 "2018-09-13T10:44:01Z")
I am furious. I only get 5 GB of data a month, it reset on the 6th. Just now I get a notice that Windows is ready to update and restart. I check, and 4.5 GB of data has been used! I have it set as a metered connectio… --- ## [Questioning the 2015 Tianjin Explosion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questioning-the-2015-tianjin-explosion/821199)
**Author:** [@human\_extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/human_extinction)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questioning-the-2015-tianjin-explosion/821199 "2018-09-13T10:23:41Z")
Today is 9/11, so I figured it was a good time to ask this question - about what could be called “China’s 9/11” An official report on the Tianjin explosion states that 800 tonnes of ammonium nitrate was part of the expl… --- ## [How do I wash a new white shirt that has red sleeves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-wash-a-new-white-shirt-that-has-red-sleeves/820973)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2018, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-wash-a-new-white-shirt-that-has-red-sleeves/820973 "2018-09-13T00:19:42Z")
It’s a new softball shirt: snow white torso, bright red sleeves. I had one before and threw it into the washing machine and it came out pink with red sleeves. How do I avoid having this happen again? --- ## [Usability of meat from downed animals.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usability-of-meat-from-downed-animals/821196)
**Author:** [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usability-of-meat-from-downed-animals/821196 "2018-09-12T22:42:58Z")
Watching one of the Vet shows the other day and the patient was a cow that had just had a calf but had prolapse her uterus. Cow bled out from a tear in said uterus. Made me wonder if the meat is usable or a loss to the … --- ## [Hurricane models and accuracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-models-and-accuracy/821221)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-models-and-accuracy/821221 "2018-09-12T20:07:07Z")
Is there anywhere on the web that shows predicted vs. actual paths for hurricanes according to model? Can I go to a site that will show me what the European model predicted for the last 24, 48, 72 hrs. etc as compared … --- ## [Recording (Cook County IL ) Birth Certificate in 1950's-time frame- how fast filed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recording-cook-county-il-birth-certificate-in-1950s-time-frame-how-fast-filed/821149)
**Author:** [@ChrisO1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisO1953)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recording-cook-county-il-birth-certificate-in-1950s-time-frame-how-fast-filed/821149 "2018-09-12T18:36:54Z")
Were birth certificates in 1950’s recorded as quickly as they are recorded today or since the 1980 era? Was there or is there still a deadline upon which to file a birth certificate? And if one learns through these (w… --- ## [(Please) Identify this insect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-insect/821224)
**Author:** [@Blue\_Blistering\_Barnacle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Blistering_Barnacle)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-identify-this-insect/821224 "2018-09-12T17:39:17Z")
Found in a dorm in Maine on the coast in the fall by my daughter. First picture is the bug. Sorry it’s blurry. Second is just for scale. The bug is the dot in the bag near the penny. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2… --- ## [Access 2010: Saving a database](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/access-2010-saving-a-database/820803)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/access-2010-saving-a-database/820803 "2018-09-12T14:57:45Z")
Continuing with the abomination known as Access 2010… The issue is this: I like to delete previous tables before importing new ones. Access 2010 will not let me delete tables. The only solution is to delete the datab… --- ## [Where do coke dealers get those cute little Zip-loc baggies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-coke-dealers-get-those-cute-little-zip-loc-baggies/219510)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-coke-dealers-get-those-cute-little-zip-loc-baggies/219510 "2018-09-12T10:36:52Z")
You know the little baggies your coke comes in? They have a plastic Zip-loc much like popular food storage bags, but they’re only about an inch by an inch and a half. Where do coke dealers get these bags from? I’ve ne… --- ## [A Standardised List of Battles With Army and Environment Parameters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-standardised-list-of-battles-with-army-and-environment-parameters/821165)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-standardised-list-of-battles-with-army-and-environment-parameters/821165 "2018-09-12T04:56:51Z")
Where can I get this for ancient / WWII battles / other battles? I am looking for something like a book that contains very condensed / standardised descriptions of the parameters for each side and battle environment. --- ## [Farm vs Plantation.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farm-vs-plantation/821072)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farm-vs-plantation/821072 "2018-09-12T04:00:55Z")
What is the difference between a farm, and a plantation? --- ## [Latin Medical Abbreviations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-medical-abbreviations/821146)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-medical-abbreviations/821146 "2018-09-12T03:33:40Z")
I know “PO” means “by mouth”, and “PRN” means “as needed”. So, I was wondering what may be the Latin phrase (and abbreviation), if any, for “puffs”. For example, an inhaler usually requires two puffs per use as a dosage.… --- ## [NYC re-opens WTC subway station, why did it take so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-re-opens-wtc-subway-station-why-did-it-take-so-long/821178)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-re-opens-wtc-subway-station-why-did-it-take-so-long/821178 "2018-09-12T01:23:44Z")
Three days short of the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks the “WTC Cortlandt” subway station is finally rebuilt and back in service. Story here. I find this weird because in 17 years they have remediated the site, bu… --- ## [How to board/exit commercial jets without a jet bridge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-board-exit-commercial-jets-without-a-jet-bridge/821107)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2018, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-board-exit-commercial-jets-without-a-jet-bridge/821107 "2018-09-12T01:15:09Z")
Air Force One appears to be equipped with a staircase that can be deployed from the lowest deck so the passengers can board/exit without requiring the use of an external jet bridge. See first pic in this article. Is th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=538) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=540)