# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=672 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 673 --- ## [Best way to wash sex toys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-wash-sex-toys/370913)
**Author:** [@FormerMarineGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FormerMarineGuy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2017, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-wash-sex-toys/370913 "2017-09-23T03:30:58Z")
The reason I am putting this in GQ is because I am looking for factual answers, whether from actual cites/sites or from personal experience. My wife has gotten a string of Urinary Tract Infections. Although I know ther… --- ## [Question about spring tides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spring-tides/797009)
**Author:** [@Novalyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novalyne)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spring-tides/797009 "2017-09-23T01:54:28Z")
Hi there, middle school science teacher here. We’re studying the Earth/Sun/Moon system and I’m about to teach tides. In the past, I have always taught that tides are highest at the full and new moons, because the Sun and… --- ## [ok legal question about the DCMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-legal-question-about-the-dcma/796588)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-legal-question-about-the-dcma/796588 "2017-09-22T23:12:42Z")
heres what happened : MSN heres the publishers response :Firewatch creator vows DMCA retaliation against PewDiePie for racist slur used in stream - Polygon MY question is sincethey apparently allowed him to use it in … --- ## [Assume vs presume](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assume-vs-presume/796912)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assume-vs-presume/796912 "2017-09-22T21:46:33Z")
What’s the difference between assuming something and presuming it? Why do defendants in court have the assumption of innocence but not the presumption of innocence --- ## [what wa sthe incredible metallic/soapy taste in my chinese hot pot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wa-sthe-incredible-metallic-soapy-taste-in-my-chinese-hot-pot/639410)
**Author:** [@scm1001](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scm1001)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wa-sthe-incredible-metallic-soapy-taste-in-my-chinese-hot-pot/639410 "2017-09-22T21:29:15Z")
I recently went to Shenzhen and had a “Chilli Chicken” at an umarket restaurant which came as chicken stew intensly colored red. Normally I love chilli hot food, but this had an intense metallic perhaps soapy taste that… --- ## [Help me find out what this item of office equipment(?) is used for -](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-out-what-this-item-of-office-equipment-is-used-for/796736)
**Author:** [@Dahu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dahu)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-find-out-what-this-item-of-office-equipment-is-used-for/796736 "2017-09-22T18:37:18Z")
This has been in my drawer at work for quite some time: There is a very thin gap between the two pieces of fabric inside, it will hold a piece of… --- ## [Don't park facing the wrong way - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-park-facing-the-wrong-way-why/316922)
**Author:** [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-park-facing-the-wrong-way-why/316922 "2017-09-22T17:03:40Z")
Influenced by this piece of Fark trivia, regarding bulk-ticketing of cars parked facing the ‘wrong’ way… What’s wrong with having cars facing either way on the side of the road? What harm can come of it, and what safet… --- ## [How brave do I need to be in order to remove a car steering wheel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-brave-do-i-need-to-be-in-order-to-remove-a-car-steering-wheel/796776)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-brave-do-i-need-to-be-in-order-to-remove-a-car-steering-wheel/796776 "2017-09-22T16:40:12Z")
I’d like to replace the turn signal / headlight switch of my Toyota RAV4. This requires pulling the steering wheel and clockspring. Is this something a non-mechanic should be attempting? --- ## [Anybody notice a Facebook security change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-notice-a-facebook-security-change/768304)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-notice-a-facebook-security-change/768304 "2017-09-22T11:35:59Z")
Just wondering if anyone else has noticed this. Last night I had a case where a 1st friend posts something, I comment on it, and then a 2nd friend reacts to my comment. These people shouldn’t know each other, and Face… --- ## [compressed air flow thru sch 40 pipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compressed-air-flow-thru-sch-40-pipe/21758)
**Author:** [@Burnsman2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burnsman2000)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2000, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compressed-air-flow-thru-sch-40-pipe/21758 "2000-06-08T16:40:13Z")
what size sch40 galvanized pipe should i use for 100scfh 90psig compressed air --- ## [Breast biopsies, prone or supine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breast-biopsies-prone-or-supine/789387)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breast-biopsies-prone-or-supine/789387 "2017-09-22T02:31:45Z")
When I had a mammogram in Feb 2015 and the radiologist told me I needed a biopsy, I went home and googled pictures and found, much to my shock, that the biopsy is done with the woman face down with her boob(s) hanging th… --- ## [Unusual prescription practice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-prescription-practice/796047)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2017, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-prescription-practice/796047 "2017-09-22T01:24:38Z")
\[This is about medicine but not about a medical problem. I don’t know if it goes in IMHO or not.\] I had a tooth extracted (well, OK, the remains of a tooth) a couple days ago and I received two prescriptions. One was fo… --- ## [Can you get ticketed for going 1 mph over the speed limit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-ticketed-for-going-1-mph-over-the-speed-limit/141754)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-get-ticketed-for-going-1-mph-over-the-speed-limit/141754 "2017-09-21T23:24:35Z")
I know most cops will give you at least 5 mph before they’ll pull you over for speeding, but if they wanted to, could they pull you over for a 1 mph violation? I assume there’s some margin of error for their radar gear,… --- ## [Renewing Illinois Drivers License. Dept of Motor Vehicles Question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-illinois-drivers-license-dept-of-motor-vehicles-question/796818)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/renewing-illinois-drivers-license-dept-of-motor-vehicles-question/796818 "2017-09-21T19:26:24Z")
I’m going to have to renew my Illinois Drivers License within two weeks. I no longer have access to a car, but I want to be licensed to drive. I’m just wondering how the Illinois DMV decides whether to give you a road … --- ## [Disrupting North Korea's missile program via hacking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disrupting-north-koreas-missile-program-via-hacking/796804)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disrupting-north-koreas-missile-program-via-hacking/796804 "2017-09-21T17:32:38Z")
If we hired a gaggle of our best hackers what chance would they have of hacking into and crippling to any degree NK’s missile program? --- ## [Has SCOTUS or the State Supreme Courts ruled on the Sex Offenders List?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-scotus-or-the-state-supreme-courts-ruled-on-the-sex-offenders-list/796426)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-scotus-or-the-state-supreme-courts-ruled-on-the-sex-offenders-list/796426 "2017-09-21T17:07:53Z")
I saw a news report that our county sheriff’s force checked the status of the registered sex offenders. Going door to door to confirm they actually lived at their self-reported residence. IIRC warrants were issued for o… --- ## [What can I put on a slat bed to make it less slat-y?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-put-on-a-slat-bed-to-make-it-less-slat-y/796762)
**Author:** [@JR\_Brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JR_Brown)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-put-on-a-slat-bed-to-make-it-less-slat-y/796762 "2017-09-21T16:36:56Z")
I recently replaced the mattress in my bedroom because I noticed its predecessor was growing mold on the underside. :eek: The bedframe is a vintage item, and the mattress support consists of 6 wooden slats, spaced about … --- ## [Do USB Flash drives need to be regularly plugged in to prevent data loss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-usb-flash-drives-need-to-be-regularly-plugged-in-to-prevent-data-loss/796710)
**Author:** [@Loyuod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loyuod)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-usb-flash-drives-need-to-be-regularly-plugged-in-to-prevent-data-loss/796710 "2017-09-21T16:09:30Z")
I have read some random comments over the internet that for long term storage with USB Flash drives it’s best to keep regularly plugging them in every 6 months or so. Something about the charge leaking out over time due… --- ## [Bread wrapper twist ties direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-wrapper-twist-ties-direction/785723)
**Author:** [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bread-wrapper-twist-ties-direction/785723 "2017-09-21T14:32:07Z")
It seems most of the twist ties I find on bread are installed with a counter clock wise twist and that seems backwards to me Righty tighty Lefty loosey This seems much more intuitive to me. Why, why, why? :confused:… --- ## [Dog identification question (model related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-identification-question-model-related/796522)
**Author:** [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-identification-question-model-related/796522 "2017-09-21T06:07:55Z")
I need some help from you dog experts. As part of my latest model project, I purchased a little resin dog figure, and decked him out in a spacesuit. And now it’s time to paint him, and I haven’t the foggiest what color… --- ## [Space Elevator Question: If You're At The "Top," Are You In Zero-G?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-elevator-question-if-youre-at-the-top-are-you-in-zero-g/796254)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/space-elevator-question-if-youre-at-the-top-are-you-in-zero-g/796254 "2017-09-21T05:18:42Z")
Let’s say the prefect the Space Elevator. You get on it and ride it up to the top, 400km above the surface of the Earth. Will you be “weightless” in the sense that astronauts aboard the ISS are? --- ## [Has maxwells demon really been proved impossible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-maxwells-demon-really-been-proved-impossible/796347)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2017, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-maxwells-demon-really-been-proved-impossible/796347 "2017-09-21T01:49:00Z")
As I understand it unlike the first law of thermodynamics (you can’t win the game) the second law of thermodynamics (you can’t break even) is more of a suggestion than an actual law, Entropy increases not because it mu… --- ## [Su-27 Flanker - pronounced "S-U" or "Su?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/su-27-flanker-pronounced-s-u-or-su/796700)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/su-27-flanker-pronounced-s-u-or-su/796700 "2017-09-20T20:38:50Z")
I had always thought the Sukhoi jets, like the Su-27, were pronounced “S-U \[first S, then U\] Thirty Five,” until I saw a video pronouncing it as “Soo Thirty Five.” Which pronunciation is standard in NATO/US/Western circ… --- ## [What's with all the rabbits in Denver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-all-the-rabbits-in-denver/796811)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-all-the-rabbits-in-denver/796811 "2017-09-20T19:48:56Z")
I moved to Denver about 2 years ago. First, I rented an apartment in Glendale, a suburb right outside Denver. I lived right across from the Cherry Creek trail, which runs into the city. On many walks with my dog, I’d … --- ## [Why is it easy to balance on a moving bike but not a stationary one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-easy-to-balance-on-a-moving-bike-but-not-a-stationary-one/796823)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-easy-to-balance-on-a-moving-bike-but-not-a-stationary-one/796823 "2017-09-20T19:31:13Z")
Title says it all although by “moving” I do not mean the usual zipping around where the gyroscopic forces of the wheel spinning serve to keep you upright. Rather I mean I can balance on my bike with little trouble (perh… --- ## [Replacing Storm Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-storm-door/796778)
**Author:** [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-storm-door/796778 "2017-09-20T19:09:53Z")
How hard is it to just get a new one and switch it out? Can I just do the measurements and get one exactly the same size? I don’t know how uniform doors are. --- ## [Is it meaningful to say "Nothing can escape a black hole" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-meaningful-to-say-nothing-can-escape-a-black-hole/796284)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-meaningful-to-say-nothing-can-escape-a-black-hole/796284 "2017-09-20T16:33:22Z")
Okay - I understand the Hawking radiation phenomenon and this is not a question about that. Classically, it is said that the gravitational pull of black holes is so strong that even light cannot escape from a black hole… --- ## [Tall people = better walkers. Short people = better runners. Right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-people-better-walkers-short-people-better-runners-right/796659)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tall-people-better-walkers-short-people-better-runners-right/796659 "2017-09-20T15:53:22Z")
So let me get this straight… From what I’ve been reading, tall people are more economical at walking because they have a longer stride in each step when they’re walking. This means that they can walk longer without gett… --- ## [iPhone SE on Consumer Cellular - "Message blocking is active"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-se-on-consumer-cellular-message-blocking-is-active/796781)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-se-on-consumer-cellular-message-blocking-is-active/796781 "2017-09-20T04:09:30Z")
My wife just got her first smartphone, an iPhone SE. It’s on the Consumer Cellular network. She got it activated today, and it can make and receive calls just fine. But when she tries to send a text message, it doesn’… --- ## [Cannot find something in the 2014 NEC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannot-find-something-in-the-2014-nec/796779)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2017, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cannot-find-something-in-the-2014-nec/796779 "2017-09-20T03:31:46Z")
Skimming through the NEC 2014, I cannot seem to find anything forbidding this; it only says to connecting ground-ground. I want to settle a debate. My specific curiosity is this; If you have a ground wire from a dimmer… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=671) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=673)