# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=601 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 602 --- ## [Whats the difference between a Jig saw and Saber saw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-a-jig-saw-and-saber-saw/811209 "2018-04-01T17:41:39Z")
I had always said Jig saw. A carpenter we hired corrected me and said he needs a Saber saw to finish this job. Motor burned out in the middle of this job. I get the impression (from him) a Saber saw is a different tool. … --- ## [Cryptographic hash on an embedded system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptographic-hash-on-an-embedded-system/811311)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cryptographic-hash-on-an-embedded-system/811311 "2018-04-01T12:42:39Z")
I’m trying to write a secure authentication method that’s going to be deployed on an embedded system. Once the system is deployed I won’t be able to do any additional programming on site. I won’t be able to change its … --- ## [Satellite orbit question: why does it move north - south - north in orbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-orbit-question-why-does-it-move-north-south-north-in-orbit/811551)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satellite-orbit-question-why-does-it-move-north-south-north-in-orbit/811551 "2018-04-01T04:39:19Z")
Question inspired by the orbital tracking of the Chinese sky-lab: why do satellites go north and then south and then north as they orbit? Why not just a straight path? --- ## [What is the biggest and brightest light (total lumens) possible you create with nukes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-biggest-and-brightest-light-total-lumens-possible-you-create-with-nukes/811566)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-biggest-and-brightest-light-total-lumens-possible-you-create-with-nukes/811566 "2018-04-01T04:13:33Z")
I had thought of this (idle) query a while ago and promptly forgot it, until just now when a thread on bizarre (zero-radiation emitting) nukes was OP’d. Could you design nukes incredibly wrong-headedly, to produce the m… --- ## [Sprint's Magic Box - What's the SD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprints-magic-box-whats-the-sd/811533)
**Author:** [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2018, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprints-magic-box-whats-the-sd/811533 "2018-04-01T01:33:41Z")
(Edit too late - should read “What’s the SD”) Sprint sent me a big white box. You can read about it here: Magic Box | Sprint It is placed in a window and connects to a tower to improve data service on your phones. My… --- ## [What could be causing wikipedia to be inaccessible from my home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-be-causing-wikipedia-to-be-inaccessible-from-my-home/811462)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-be-causing-wikipedia-to-be-inaccessible-from-my-home/811462 "2018-03-31T16:45:05Z")
For a long time now, whenever I try to view a Wikipedia page, the page either doesn’t load at all, or loads in a raw text format (without all the pretty stuff like formulae and images) after about 2 or 3 minutes. This h… --- ## [What does "forecourt" mean in UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-forecourt-mean-in-uk/811307)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-forecourt-mean-in-uk/811307 "2018-03-31T14:38:43Z")
I found the following sentence in the Sunday (London) Times: “Shell has installed battery charging points on 10 of its 1000 forecourts around Britain.” It looks like it should mean filling station, but when I googled it… --- ## [Maximum US tax on income?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-us-tax-on-income/810429)
**Author:** [@Grim\_Render](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Render)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maximum-us-tax-on-income/810429 "2018-03-31T13:11:54Z")
I have been wondering: If you live in a high-tax US state, what is the maximum tax on income you would have to pay? Totalling state, federal and municipal taxes, as well as anything I haven’t remembered. I am primarily… --- ## [Why does it take so long to delete files on your PC?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-delete-files-on-your-pc/811481)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-take-so-long-to-delete-files-on-your-pc/811481 "2018-03-31T12:56:29Z")
I was using a USB drive and went to delete some files on it and it is taking well over 30 minutes. The system (Windows 10) was deleting one file at a time. In fact it measured its speed as files deleted/second which av… --- ## [Did Justice Douglas ever define a line for what is "obscenity" or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-justice-douglas-ever-define-a-line-for-what-is-obscenity-or-not/811350)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-justice-douglas-ever-define-a-line-for-what-is-obscenity-or-not/811350 "2018-03-31T12:44:25Z")
I think my google skills are failing me. I’ve long held similar, if not identical, views to Justice Douglas and I’ve gone down a frustrating First Amendment rabbit hole so I’m looking for some sort of guiding light. In M… --- ## [Grammarly seems Awkward](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammarly-seems-awkward/811445)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammarly-seems-awkward/811445 "2018-03-31T09:55:45Z")
I am editing my 900 page book for a final and electronic edition. I just did a manual review and have downloaded the paid version of Grammarly to go over it one last time. So I: Selected the advanced version Entered m… --- ## [Are wild canines (wolves, coyotes) terrified of thunder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wild-canines-wolves-coyotes-terrified-of-thunder/811365)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-wild-canines-wolves-coyotes-terrified-of-thunder/811365 "2018-03-31T05:09:30Z")
Been wondering about the whole dogs/thunder thing, and got to thinking. If domesticated dogs are going apeshit at the sound of thunder, what the heck are the wild dogs doing? Do we know if they have the same fears/anxi… --- ## [You're in the forest and a bear passes by. Assume no baby bears, and he's not hungry. How dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-in-the-forest-and-a-bear-passes-by-assume-no-baby-bears-and-hes-not-hungry-how-dangerous/811042)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youre-in-the-forest-and-a-bear-passes-by-assume-no-baby-bears-and-hes-not-hungry-how-dangerous/811042 "2018-03-31T04:59:20Z")
See query. Paused infantile movie on Prime Video to ask this–ie, I don’t think I need answer fast. Father sees bear, his kid. Yells “don’t run, don’t make any sudden movements.” Kid runs, exits, pursued by a bear (a Win… --- ## [The crows say 'Lololol.'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crows-say-lololol/811380)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-crows-say-lololol/811380 "2018-03-31T04:11:23Z")
The crows in the back yard make a sound like ‘lololol’. This video shows a crow making a similar sound, but more like ‘lolol’ instead of ‘lololol’. Any idea of the meaning of this call? --- ## [How do casinos make money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-casinos-make-money/811226)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-casinos-make-money/811226 "2018-03-31T04:05:50Z")
This sounds like a stupid question, but hear me out. The other day on a road trip we stopped at a casino to eat. Posted right on the door it said “The Payout of this Facility is 97%” I know there is variation, like the… --- ## [Term for the opposite of a military "force multiplier"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-the-opposite-of-a-military-force-multiplier/811244)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2018, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-for-the-opposite-of-a-military-force-multiplier/811244 "2018-03-31T01:17:55Z")
Is there a common term for something that drastically decreases a military fighting force’s effectiveness, like the opposite of what would be called a “force multiplier?” --- ## [A light instead of a phone ring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-light-instead-of-a-phone-ring/811494)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-light-instead-of-a-phone-ring/811494 "2018-03-30T23:50:16Z")
This is a real long shot, but worth trying. I have a cell phone. I would like there to be a light in th room that lights when I get a call and the phone doesn’t ring. If that weren’t hard enough, the light can’;t be a… --- ## [Polyester bathroom rug. Wash before first use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polyester-bathroom-rug-wash-before-first-use/810289)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polyester-bathroom-rug-wash-before-first-use/810289 "2018-03-30T21:58:33Z")
Just bought a 100% polyester bath rug. Reading the care instructions, it reads “Wash before first use”. Why would this be important? If I had a washing machine, I would just do it. Here, getting stuff laundered is a li… --- ## [Slurping in Humans : History, Physics and Evolution ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slurping-in-humans-history-physics-and-evolution/811482)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slurping-in-humans-history-physics-and-evolution/811482 "2018-03-30T19:50:15Z")
When watching old movies, it’s not uncommon to see people slurping their drinks, especially hot beverages. In “modern” societies, slurping is commonly considered uncouth behavior. My three part question is : History :… --- ## [What's the effect of bear spray on humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-effect-of-bear-spray-on-humans/731347)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-effect-of-bear-spray-on-humans/731347 "2018-03-30T18:06:20Z")
As far as I understand, bear spray is a more powerful version of regular pepper spray. What would be the effect if used against a human attacker? If I want to protect myself against a run-of-the-mill street mugger, would… --- ## [Got to be a better way to keep bandage dry in shower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-to-be-a-better-way-to-keep-bandage-dry-in-shower/750846)
**Author:** [@justmeetee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justmeetee)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-to-be-a-better-way-to-keep-bandage-dry-in-shower/750846 "2018-03-30T16:27:31Z")
I have a circulation problem that can lead to difficult healing of wounds. When I have a very stubborn one I must go to the doctor and have a bandage called a unnaboot that stays on for 3 to 5 days and told to not get it… --- ## [Rinsing bleachy skin with weak vinegar: idiotic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rinsing-bleachy-skin-with-weak-vinegar-idiotic/811383)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rinsing-bleachy-skin-with-weak-vinegar-idiotic/811383 "2018-03-30T14:17:45Z")
I was cleaning out a sink with a weak bleach solution (a little bleach dissolved in a sinkful of warm water). When I reached down through the water to take out the drain, my hand got a little bleach on it. I hate the fe… --- ## [Why is an expedited UPS parcel taking such a meandering route?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-expedited-ups-parcel-taking-such-a-meandering-route/451740)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-an-expedited-ups-parcel-taking-such-a-meandering-route/451740 "2018-03-30T14:12:37Z")
I’ve ordered a gift from an online retailer in the US as a birthday present for a friend of mine in Sydney, and as part of the order (which is being shipped via UPS expedited shipping to make sure it gets there in time)… --- ## [I can "pop" my ears at will - unusual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-pop-my-ears-at-will-unusual/506523)
**Author:** [@EdwardLost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardLost)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-can-pop-my-ears-at-will-unusual/506523 "2018-03-30T06:49:21Z")
I can open my eustachian tubes by flexing some muscles at the back of my jaw. I’m pretty sure that’s what’s happening because I hear a “click” or “snap” sound in my ears and the pressure in my ears equalizes with that in… --- ## [What happens to kids of missing parents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-kids-of-missing-parents/811419)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2018, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-kids-of-missing-parents/811419 "2018-03-30T04:15:17Z")
In the United States, if a catastrophic event happens, and a kid’s parents are missing, and cannot be found alive nor dead, then what happens to him or her. I was exploring a plot idea, but need realistic insight. --- ## ["Cannot shut down because...." what is computer doing during that time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannot-shut-down-because-what-is-computer-doing-during-that-time/811313)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2018, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannot-shut-down-because-what-is-computer-doing-during-that-time/811313 "2018-03-29T23:22:15Z")
So when or if one has not saved a Word document or something similar, and tries to shut down the computer, the computer will give a “cannot shut down because…” message. I left a laptop like that for 40+ minutes (without… --- ## [Hypothetical question regarding presidential pardons and self-incrimination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-question-regarding-presidential-pardons-and-self-incrimination/811390)
**Author:** [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2018, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-question-regarding-presidential-pardons-and-self-incrimination/811390 "2018-03-29T21:41:54Z")
Suppose a US President issues a blanket pardon to Joe Schmoe for any and all federal crimes Joe may have committed while in the employ of the government. A federal prosecutor realizes that Mr. Schmoe may be an important… --- ## [How does onion routing (TOR) provide a return path?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-onion-routing-tor-provide-a-return-path/811422)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-onion-routing-tor-provide-a-return-path/811422 "2018-03-29T17:58:32Z")
I was curious about TOR so I started reading a few sites about it. I am not a network expert but I have a clue, and I understand the explanation of a packet being sent using layered encryption. But one thing that none of… --- ## [Who else can astronauts call besides Houston?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-can-astronauts-call-besides-houston/811368)
**Author:** [@Flying\_Saucer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flying_Saucer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2018, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-else-can-astronauts-call-besides-houston/811368 "2018-03-29T17:29:01Z")
The answer may be different for astronauts of Apollo, the Shuttle, and the Space Station. What if Mission Control in Houston wasn’t available, due to a blackout or hack? I assume Plan B would be Kennedy Space Center. Co… --- ## [Defeating fruit flys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defeating-fruit-flys/369354)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2006, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defeating-fruit-flys/369354 "2006-08-22T10:55:43Z")
So for the last couple of days a large number (50 - 100) fruit flys have been swarming around the kitchen and pantry, particularly noticeable at night. We have searched everywhere for their source, and have come up empt… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=600) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=602)