# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=562 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 563 --- ## [The evaporation properties of benzalkonium chloride](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evaporation-properties-of-benzalkonium-chloride/817984)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evaporation-properties-of-benzalkonium-chloride/817984 "2018-07-16T19:42:46Z")
Almost as GQ specific as a GQ question can get: Does anyone know whether benzalkonium chloride evaporates at room temperature (i.e., 60-90 F,) and if not, what temperature it does evaporate at? --- ## [Why don't animals get frostbite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-animals-get-frostbite/817912)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-animals-get-frostbite/817912 "2018-07-16T19:25:49Z")
I just returned from a vacation in Alaska. In Fairbanks the temperature can go down to -62°F (-52°C). At those temperatures unprotected human skin can develop frostbite in minutes. Animals have fur, of course, but the p… --- ## [Is it shudras or harijans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-shudras-or-harijans/26454)
**Author:** [@silent\_rob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silent_rob)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-shudras-or-harijans/26454 "2018-07-16T19:18:23Z")
A couple of recent threads got me wondering this. Is the name shudra still used for the lowest caste in Hinduism? I thought Gandhi renamed them harijans (“children of God”) and in the 1948 the stigma of “untouchables” wa… --- ## [Cell Phone restrictions with new pacemaker. Is this permanent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-restrictions-with-new-pacemaker-is-this-permanent/817913)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-restrictions-with-new-pacemaker-is-this-permanent/817913 "2018-07-16T19:11:21Z")
My mom got a pacemaker put in yesterday. They kept her overnight in the hospital and discharged today. One of the specific discharge instructions is to avoid using her cell phone with her left ear. That’s apparently whe… --- ## [What % of library books are/have never been checked out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-library-books-are-have-never-been-checked-out/817723)
**Author:** [@Textual\_Assault](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Textual_Assault)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-of-library-books-are-have-never-been-checked-out/817723 "2018-07-16T18:21:51Z")
What % of library books are/have never been checked out? Sort of an interesting question. I never checked out any books from my college library or used any of them as reference or sources. And I’m asking about ALL libr… --- ## [How did Harold Bluetooth unify scandinavia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-harold-bluetooth-unify-scandinavia/817926)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-harold-bluetooth-unify-scandinavia/817926 "2018-07-16T12:32:08Z")
I’ve heard it said that Harold Bluetooth (for whom the technology is named) “unified” all if Scandinavia. However, I’ve not been able to find out just HOW he managed that. My cynical side says “unified” is really just a… --- ## [Geometric Torus Form](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometric-torus-form/817957)
**Author:** [@Casparlatete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casparlatete)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geometric-torus-form/817957 "2018-07-16T10:27:37Z")
What would be the name (if any) of a Torus which was octagonal in section and comprised of 20 short straight elements (giving it 160 facets), please? --- ## [Words that are not the same but get interchanged](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-are-not-the-same-but-get-interchanged/787944)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-are-not-the-same-but-get-interchanged/787944 "2018-07-16T10:07:46Z")
I think there must be quite a few of these. Some are derivatives of each other and do mean the same thing, some are usage driven, and some are just coincidence. I get reminded when a word in a book seems a little off, li… --- ## [Smartphone camera question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-camera-question/817466)
**Author:** [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-camera-question/817466 "2018-07-16T04:34:15Z")
So I was watching a Youtube video someone had shot on their smartphone, holding it vertically, and as usual there were dozens of complaints in the comments about how it wasn’t in the ‘proper’ orientation. I can understa… --- ## [How do you clean construction debris from a yard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clean-construction-debris-from-a-yard/817891)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-clean-construction-debris-from-a-yard/817891 "2018-07-16T03:41:57Z")
We are about to close on a … “fixer-upper.” It’s a short sale, and the seller had tenants in the home who did some damage and left a LOT of junk behind (including some illegally-erected partition walls, etc.). The seller… --- ## [Mail merge in MS Word -- suddenly running very slow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-merge-in-ms-word-suddenly-running-very-slow/812216)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-merge-in-ms-word-suddenly-running-very-slow/812216 "2018-07-16T02:30:14Z")
A few times a year I have to run a job to generate some letters using Microsoft Word’s mail merge functionality. Basically I have a letter template in Word, data source is an Excel spreadsheet, and output is a PDF file. … --- ## [Has any nation experimented with hallucinogenic drugs that the body cannot break down for warfare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-nation-experimented-with-hallucinogenic-drugs-that-the-body-cannot-break-down-for-warfare/817959)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2018, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-nation-experimented-with-hallucinogenic-drugs-that-the-body-cannot-break-down-for-warfare/817959 "2018-07-16T01:09:12Z")
I remember reading a story years and years ago. I’m not sure if it was fictional or true. But I believe it was about someone working in a government lab who accidentally ingested some chemical warfare product designed to… --- ## [Cats and depression.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-depression/817949)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-and-depression/817949 "2018-07-15T23:07:18Z")
Just curious; How can you tell that you’re cat’s depressed? What can be done about it? I don’t even currently have a cat, I just wondered. --- ## [What happens with Scott Pruitt now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-with-scott-pruitt-now/817812)
**Author:** [@vertizontal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vertizontal)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-with-scott-pruitt-now/817812 "2018-07-15T19:06:16Z")
There apparently have been a multitude of ongoing investigations about Scott Pruitt and his escapadesat the EPA. Now that he has resigned, are those investigations still continuing, with the possibility of him being in … --- ## [How to Alter Admin Privileges on Windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-alter-admin-privileges-on-windows-10/817542)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-alter-admin-privileges-on-windows-10/817542 "2018-07-15T18:32:42Z")
There are days when I’m okay with Microsoft and its products, and days when I’m not. Today I’m not. Why? Because half the programs I, personally, installed on the system won’t work right unless I run them with administ… --- ## [Leaving laptop in 80-88 F storage for two months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-laptop-in-80-88-f-storage-for-two-months/817924)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaving-laptop-in-80-88-f-storage-for-two-months/817924 "2018-07-15T14:11:44Z")
Are there any potential issues that could arise with leaving a laptop in storage in 80-88 degree Fahrenheit temps for two months? (No direct sunlight; AC turned on but thermostat at quite warn setting) --- ## [How did Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture become part of American Independence Day celebrations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-tchaikovskys-1812-overture-become-part-of-american-independence-day-celebrations/817635)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-tchaikovskys-1812-overture-become-part-of-american-independence-day-celebrations/817635 "2018-07-15T12:39:46Z")
Watching the TV last week, I saw news reports of US July 4th celebrations and in many cases, I heard Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture being played. Not the first time and the one time I was in US during the 4th of July, heard… --- ## [July 2018 Lunar Eclipse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-2018-lunar-eclipse/817884)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-2018-lunar-eclipse/817884 "2018-07-15T03:32:22Z")
So Saudi Arabia is a prime viewing location for next Friday’s lunar eclipse. The period of totality will last 103 minutes, the longest this century. (I was also here for a total solar eclipse, by the way.) I am having … --- ## [What damage could someone with a loaded gun do to an airliner itself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-damage-could-someone-with-a-loaded-gun-do-to-an-airliner-itself/817834)
**Author:** [@EricaRoche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EricaRoche)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2018, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-damage-could-someone-with-a-loaded-gun-do-to-an-airliner-itself/817834 "2018-07-15T00:42:31Z")
Hypothetical of course…I remember reading a story of a scandal involving TSA/CBP agents that allowed guns to board a plane in some US city. Assuming that those passengers with the handguns intended to use them for maxim… --- ## [My debit card has suddenly stopped working at POS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-debit-card-has-suddenly-stopped-working-at-pos/817822)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-debit-card-has-suddenly-stopped-working-at-pos/817822 "2018-07-14T22:47:19Z")
(POS = point of sale) It’s the same one I’ve been using for months. Worked fine yesterday. Suddenly I can’t use it at the grocery store or the corner store; BUT it works fine in (two different) ATMs. That sux, because i… --- ## [Does this plotter-like tool exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-plotter-like-tool-exist/817604)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-plotter-like-tool-exist/817604 "2018-07-14T22:01:39Z")
I have a computer file of a vector image. I would like that image to be scratched (not printed, not milled, but scratched) into a surface (which can be an appropriately-soft material like plastic). Is there any sort of… --- ## [Child in a hot car—timeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-in-a-hot-car-timeline/660165)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2013, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/child-in-a-hot-car-timeline/660165 "2013-06-21T15:51:29Z")
Spun off from this thread. Assuming the perfect storm—hot, not warm day (90°+ F), car parked in direct sunlight, all windows rolled all the way up, no AC running, infant or child restrained in seat. How long until death?… --- ## [German apartment floor plan: What does "AF" mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-apartment-floor-plan-what-does-af-mean/817892)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-apartment-floor-plan-what-does-af-mean/817892 "2018-07-14T13:57:25Z")
Was looking at this floorplan for a new apartment in Berlin, and saw in the front hallway the designation, “AF.” (I’m assuming it has nothing to do with what AF means to the youth on the internets nowadays.) It appears … --- ## [How can consuming B-12 give you focus/energy yet be stored in the liver for years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-consuming-b-12-give-you-focus-energy-yet-be-stored-in-the-liver-for-years/817852)
**Author:** [@squish7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squish7)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-consuming-b-12-give-you-focus-energy-yet-be-stored-in-the-liver-for-years/817852 "2018-07-14T10:39:38Z")
Let’s say you take 1 mg (1,000 mcg) of B12 and you have a boost in focus or energy (it’s an ingredient in 5-hour Energy, and Red Bull has “B-group vitamins” which probably has B12; etc) Did that not use up the B12? Exc… --- ## [Seroquel and overemotional feeling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seroquel-and-overemotional-feeling/817887)
**Author:** [@EricaRoche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EricaRoche)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seroquel-and-overemotional-feeling/817887 "2018-07-14T10:26:09Z")
I was wondering if anyone with a knowledge of pharmacology or medicine could explain this. I’ve been on various antidepressants in my life (first aripriprazole - Abilify and then quetiapine - Seroquel). On Seroquel I fel… --- ## [EZ Q for MD Lawyers (not legal advice)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ez-q-for-md-lawyers-not-legal-advice/817870)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ez-q-for-md-lawyers-not-legal-advice/817870 "2018-07-14T08:27:03Z")
What is the difference between MD Statutory Code and Code of MD Regulations (COMAR)? I am under the impression that COMAR spells out the details behind the statutes, is that a fair statement? --- ## [How to exploit lunar resources?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-exploit-lunar-resources/817802)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-exploit-lunar-resources/817802 "2018-07-14T06:02:22Z")
What economic purposes could the moon be put to? The only activity that readily occurs would be mining various metals or minerals – I’m not even sure which elements are present on the moon nor in what abundance they migh… --- ## [What is this object?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-object/723886)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-object/723886 "2018-07-14T05:57:06Z")
From a thread here: http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295095 --- ## [Cow Teats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cow-teats/817657)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cow-teats/817657 "2018-07-14T03:33:45Z")
The things on the bottom of a cow that you can get milk from. They’re called 'teats". How do you properly pronounce 'teats"? Teets or tits? --- ## [Would a fast metabolism make you age faster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-fast-metabolism-make-you-age-faster/817793)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2018, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-fast-metabolism-make-you-age-faster/817793 "2018-07-14T02:49:44Z")
There was a study before that concluded that a low calorie diet increased life span because it reduced the metabolic rate of the individuals. Another reason why a fast metabolism might make someone age faster, is becaus… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=561) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=563)