# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=591 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 592 --- ## [Premium windshield wipers: scam or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/premium-windshield-wipers-scam-or-not/667248)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/premium-windshield-wipers-scam-or-not/667248 "2018-04-29T21:40:48Z")
It seems every time I go shopping for windshield wipers, there’s Brand X’s ‘regular’ wipers and then Brand X’s SuperDuper wipers. Bosch, RainX … I’m sure there are more. When buying wipers I already need wipers, so the … --- ## [Peep peep peep brrrrrrrr - what bird is waking me up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peep-peep-peep-brrrrrrrr-what-bird-is-waking-me-up/813265)
**Author:** [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peep-peep-peep-brrrrrrrr-what-bird-is-waking-me-up/813265 "2018-04-29T20:51:06Z")
I moved last summer from Western Canada to Eastern (Ontario) and haven noticed a bird waking me up in the wee morning hours that I had not heard before. I attempted through some YouTube videos to find it, but haven’t be… --- ## [An orbital mechanics question inspired by SyFy's The Expanse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-orbital-mechanics-question-inspired-by-syfys-the-expanse/813173)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-orbital-mechanics-question-inspired-by-syfys-the-expanse/813173 "2018-04-29T15:36:03Z")
Mild Season 2 spoiler ahead: In the TV series The Expanse, there exists an agricultural colony on the moon Ganymede. The colony consists of, among other things, large domes with plants growing within. A large mirror i… --- ## [Optimal walking route across a full parking lot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-walking-route-across-a-full-parking-lot/812751)
**Author:** [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-walking-route-across-a-full-parking-lot/812751 "2018-04-29T12:33:13Z")
I told my dad I thought about this problem often. He incredulously replied “Often?” I said “At least once a day.” I usually say I should ask the Dope, but then I don’t. So here goes, finally: You’re a pedestrian who ju… --- ## [Why ATP and not GTP, TTP, or CTP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-atp-and-not-gtp-ttp-or-ctp/813305)
**Author:** [@Mina6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mina6)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-atp-and-not-gtp-ttp-or-ctp/813305 "2018-04-29T11:34:53Z")
So I tried looking this up online, to no avail, wondering if anyone knows the answer. Why did evolution favor adenosine triphosphate as the prominent energy currency of cells, and not guanosine, or cytosine, or thiamine … --- ## [Automatic & on-demand backing up of folders in Win10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-on-demand-backing-up-of-folders-in-win10/813254)
**Author:** [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2018, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automatic-on-demand-backing-up-of-folders-in-win10/813254 "2018-04-29T01:51:42Z")
I use the free version of Reflect to back up my C: drive, but I’ve decided I would also like to back up a handful of folders, found elsewhere, a weekly basis, keeping several copies going back a month or so (incremental … --- ## [Cashiers openly shorting their register (attention accounting types)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cashiers-openly-shorting-their-register-attention-accounting-types/812953)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cashiers-openly-shorting-their-register-attention-accounting-types/812953 "2018-04-28T22:57:15Z")
I’ve noticed over the years many, many cashiers in stores shorting their register rather than giving out a large amount of coins. For example, a customer buys a candy bar. With sales tax the total is $1.05. Customer han… --- ## [Why do we get addicted to a song for a short period of time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-get-addicted-to-a-song-for-a-short-period-of-time/813261)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-get-addicted-to-a-song-for-a-short-period-of-time/813261 "2018-04-28T17:37:43Z")
Talking to several people about this made me think that I am not alone in this. So, I decided to ask this question here. There are songs which I used to listen to approximately more than 20 times a day. I did it over a … --- ## [Is Autism caused by Tylenol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-autism-caused-by-tylenol/812932)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-autism-caused-by-tylenol/812932 "2018-04-28T16:58:40Z")
According to Dr. John Gray (the Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus guy), Cuba has the same kind of Immunization schedule for children as the US, yet has a low incidence of Autism due to one vital difference…cuban ch… --- ## [What pixel and texture fillrate should I look for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pixel-and-texture-fillrate-should-i-look-for/813262)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-pixel-and-texture-fillrate-should-i-look-for/813262 "2018-04-28T15:25:28Z")
As far as I understood, the two most important specifications for graphics cards, along with the memory of course, are pixel and texture fillrate, to dumb it down, pixel kinda decides at what resolution you can play with… --- ## [Which Greek words describe the atonement that Hercules must carry out for killing his family?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-greek-words-describe-the-atonement-that-hercules-must-carry-out-for-killing-his-family/813263)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-greek-words-describe-the-atonement-that-hercules-must-carry-out-for-killing-his-family/813263 "2018-04-28T14:06:12Z")
Which Greek words describe the atonement that Herciules must carry out for killing his family? Is the proper phrase 'blood atonement? Do either of the Greek words hilastērion" and "hilasmos apply in this case? I look fo… --- ## [Air charts, including Concorde - eBay or bin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-charts-including-concorde-ebay-or-bin/813260)
**Author:** [@Teacake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teacake)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-charts-including-concorde-ebay-or-bin/813260 "2018-04-28T14:02:29Z")
Hi everyone, I’ve come into possession of some aeronautical charts. Unfortunately I come into possession of a lot of things, and my wife wants me to dispose of some of them! Maps and charts are not my area, so I have no… --- ## [What does it mean to reimage a computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-reimage-a-computer/813235)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-reimage-a-computer/813235 "2018-04-28T13:13:41Z")
Earlier this year, I had to have my work desktop computer reimaged. Now, I’ve gotten notification that my laptop needs to be reimaged. What causes this and what exactly is the process? The laptop is essential so we agree… --- ## [Steel wires strung between two towers. What are they for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-wires-strung-between-two-towers-what-are-they-for/812780)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-wires-strung-between-two-towers-what-are-they-for/812780 "2018-04-28T06:32:29Z")
I am working on a project that involves some wires strung between two towers. The towers are not in the U.S. There are just two towers. I do not know how tall they are, nor how far apart they are. But I am guessing each… --- ## [Any good Android Apps to track miles driven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-android-apps-to-track-miles-driven/813061)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-good-android-apps-to-track-miles-driven/813061 "2018-04-28T06:31:09Z")
My van has a trip A and B feature to record miles driven. It’s useful but very limited. Trip A is always reset when I fill up and its used to calculate mpg. Trip B lets me check miles around town and confirm the shortest… --- ## [Expand your window to view this experience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expand-your-window-to-view-this-experience/813217)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2018, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/expand-your-window-to-view-this-experience/813217 "2018-04-28T03:27:48Z")
Say what, now? This is the message I get on the Washington Post site when I try to view a video of a recipe preparation, and the video will not play unless the action is performed. I know how to do that when on YouTube o… --- ## [5G cell phone tech questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-cell-phone-tech-questions/813228)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2018, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-cell-phone-tech-questions/813228 "2018-04-27T18:55:10Z")
I’ve been reading some about the upcoming 5G rollout, and there’s one facet that caught my attention. Some articles describe a significant shift in the infrastructure needed to support 5G, in that the range of 5G cell t… --- ## [Where can I find information on the source of specific linguistic changes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-information-on-the-source-of-specific-linguistic-changes/813111)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2018, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-information-on-the-source-of-specific-linguistic-changes/813111 "2018-04-27T13:32:41Z")
I am interested in the who, when and where of certain specific changes in language - grammar, usage, pronunciation and so on - that have occurred (or I perceive to have occurred) during my lifetime. Some specific exampl… --- ## [My (new-ish) truck squeaks. What can I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-ish-truck-squeaks-what-can-i-do/813169)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2018, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-ish-truck-squeaks-what-can-i-do/813169 "2018-04-27T07:55:20Z")
I bought a 2015 XTerra a few years back, and over the last year or so it’s started squeaking. If I hit a bump, it squeaks. If I close a door, it squeaks. If I step in or out of the truck, it squeaks. I haven’t been able… --- ## [Are sneakers sewn together or glued together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-sneakers-sewn-together-or-glued-together/812836)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2018, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-sneakers-sewn-together-or-glued-together/812836 "2018-04-27T07:51:42Z")
I realize the answer may be “both,” but are the components of sneaker shoes generally held together by sewing or adhesive? If adhesive, what or which type? --- ## [What on earth is the deal with this guy's face in the film "Full Metal Jacket?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-the-deal-with-this-guys-face-in-the-film-full-metal-jacket/456461)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-on-earth-is-the-deal-with-this-guys-face-in-the-film-full-metal-jacket/456461 "2018-04-26T21:05:49Z")
OK, I was watching Full Metal Jacket. There’s this great little segment after Cowboy’s squad secures the path into the city of Hue and all the support guys and helicopters and tanks start rolling in. There’s a montage of… --- ## [How liable is a government for saving your ass abroad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-liable-is-a-government-for-saving-your-ass-abroad/812825)
**Author:** [@Warm\_blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Warm_blood)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-liable-is-a-government-for-saving-your-ass-abroad/812825 "2018-04-26T18:20:08Z")
(Question applies mainly to US and Canadian government but perspectives from all countries are welcome) So say you decide to travel to a country that your government has explicitly stated in its travel advisory is compl… --- ## [How do you make money with YouTube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-make-money-with-youtube/813010)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-make-money-with-youtube/813010 "2018-04-26T11:14:33Z")
I am not really a conman but I have always had a sneaky admiration for those who are and get away with it. Thus my recent thread on overcharging on eBay. Y’see, I’m nice, but there are so many marks out there that the … --- ## [1970's McDonald's coke spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1970s-mcdonalds-coke-spoons/214137)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2003, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1970s-mcdonalds-coke-spoons/214137 "2003-11-19T23:47:18Z")
Back in the mid-70’s McDonald’s re-designed their coffee stirrer from a little spoon into a little paddle. Among us high schoolers at the time, the rumor was that McD’s made the change because they didn’t want people sni… --- ## [Bike tire question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bike-tire-question/813113)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bike-tire-question/813113 "2018-04-26T04:46:02Z")
My road bike sat in the same spot over the winter and, as expected, the tire went flat. When I filled the tires and went for a ride the back tire feels like it has a flat spot. The tire was relatively new. Is it possible… --- ## [Free way to convert videos for iPod?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-way-to-convert-videos-for-ipod/456103)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2008, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-way-to-convert-videos-for-ipod/456103 "2008-07-12T10:46:11Z")
Does anyone know of a free way to convert non-\*.mov movies to \*.mov? (Isn’t that what iPods need?) Thanks in advance. --- ## [What is the evolutionary benefit for tightly curled hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-benefit-for-tightly-curled-hair/813079)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-benefit-for-tightly-curled-hair/813079 "2018-04-26T01:57:53Z")
Why did humans evolve to have tightly curled hair in some places and not in others? Straight hair is extremely rare in native people in sub-saharan Africa. People in other hot climates tend to have loosely curled hair … --- ## [verizon yahoo Oath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verizon-yahoo-oath/813134)
**Author:** [@Ignatz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignatz)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/verizon-yahoo-oath/813134 "2018-04-26T00:33:26Z")
Anybody else had their bellsouth email “impacted” for failing to “Review and Approve” their terms of service for the recent merger of verizon and yahoo to form “Oath”? Any solutions working, such as canceling directv, ma… --- ## [How high a mountain can humans climb unassisted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-a-mountain-can-humans-climb-unassisted/813054)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2018, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-a-mountain-can-humans-climb-unassisted/813054 "2018-04-26T00:16:03Z")
Mount Everest is our highest mountain and it seems barely reachable on a human level. Even with oxygen assistance, many climbers have either perished or turned back. Apparently, about 200 climbers have accomplished the… --- ## [jumping a car and the negative battery terminals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-a-car-and-the-negative-battery-terminals/812799)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 25, 2018, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-a-car-and-the-negative-battery-terminals/812799 "2018-04-25T20:55:39Z")
They always say when jumping a car hook up the positive to the positive but to hook the negative to something grounded (e.g. engine block) and not to the other negative terminal. That’s the way I learned how to do it, bu… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=590) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=592)