# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=761 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 762 --- ## [Quickbooks/bookkeeping question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quickbooks-bookkeeping-question/782263)
**Author:** [@ciarraibleu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ciarraibleu)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quickbooks-bookkeeping-question/782263 "2017-03-15T23:41:58Z")
I have a quick question - I understand about income accounts and expense accounts. The company takes in payments for goods which goes into an income account. We pay for goods which come out of an expense account. Let’s… --- ## [How do gorillas attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gorillas-attack/782235)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-gorillas-attack/782235 "2017-03-15T21:55:42Z")
Chimpanzees, as has been horrifically demonstrated in the past, tend to attack humans (and other chimps) by chewing various appendages beyond recognition. How about gorillas? Plenty of bluff charges and noise-making, b… --- ## [Weasel words in advertising/packaging](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weasel-words-in-advertising-packaging/781564 "2017-03-15T21:10:20Z")
Basically as the title - what are some common weasel words used in ads and packaging, which sound good but tell you sweet fa about the product or its quality? I’ve heard that ‘fight’ is one that means jack shit, especia… --- ## [Is BLISE really a mnemonic for the types of laxatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blise-really-a-mnemonic-for-the-types-of-laxatives/782144)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-blise-really-a-mnemonic-for-the-types-of-laxatives/782144 "2017-03-15T21:04:50Z")
In an old episode of QI one of the panelists (Dr. Ben Goldacre) mentioned the mnemonic he uses to remember the laxative families is BLISE: Bulkers, Lubricants, Irritants, Softeners, and Explosives\*. Google shows no menti… --- ## [Word help: Washable Accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-help-washable-accent/782051)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-help-washable-accent/782051 "2017-03-15T20:40:44Z")
I don’t often come across words I can’t figure out, but this line from a 1941 mystery has me stumped. Not washable? WTF? Nothing comes up in any search, except for washable accent rugs. Any ideas? --- ## [What is that smell after it rains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-smell-after-it-rains/782226)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-that-smell-after-it-rains/782226 "2017-03-15T20:35:30Z")
I’ve always associated that somewhat putrid smell that frequently occurs after rains during non-winter months as being the product of dead worms (you see 'em all over the pavement, frequently squashed by passers by) but … --- ## [Short version: do dirty politicians get to keep their bribe money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-version-do-dirty-politicians-get-to-keep-their-bribe-money/782079)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/short-version-do-dirty-politicians-get-to-keep-their-bribe-money/782079 "2017-03-15T18:50:40Z")
I was reading a short article about the impeachment and investigation of South Korea’s president for corruption (influence peddling etc.) and it got me thinking. Although the article doesn’t specifically say so, I’m assu… --- ## [Cost of Various Tax Proposals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-various-tax-proposals/782163)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-various-tax-proposals/782163 "2017-03-15T15:07:53Z")
I have various notions for things that I think would the tax system more logical and fair, but I’m wondering what the cost of these various changes might be. I wonder if anyone has ever studied them and/or otherwise anal… --- ## [Are unfertilized bird eggs metabolically active? Up to what point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-unfertilized-bird-eggs-metabolically-active-up-to-what-point/782157)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-unfertilized-bird-eggs-metabolically-active-up-to-what-point/782157 "2017-03-15T14:34:17Z")
An unfertilized chicken egg is obviously alive while it is still in the chicken’s reproductive apparatus. The yolk of the egg is the ovum of the chicken, and it metabolizes nutrients, maintains membrane potentials, etc. … --- ## [Why was infanticide so popular in history if mothers bonded with kids like they do now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-infanticide-so-popular-in-history-if-mothers-bonded-with-kids-like-they-do-now/781675)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-infanticide-so-popular-in-history-if-mothers-bonded-with-kids-like-they-do-now/781675 "2017-03-15T14:27:23Z")
In reading the wiki on infanticideit was a fairly commonplace practice across many ancient (and some not so ancient) cultures. People were killing babies left and right for all sorts of reasons, especially female childre… --- ## [Widespread use of "US" as a term for the country](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widespread-use-of-us-as-a-term-for-the-country/782089)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/widespread-use-of-us-as-a-term-for-the-country/782089 "2017-03-15T13:26:49Z")
How far back would someone outside of the United States of America immediately recognize the abbreviation “US” as referring to the country? He’s the reason why I ask. I was watching an episode of the British show Ripper… --- ## [When did "merch" become a word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-merch-become-a-word/782082)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-merch-become-a-word/782082 "2017-03-15T12:58:12Z")
Maybe a year ago I was listening to a comedy podcast. At the end of the episode they mentioned their web page and urged listeners to check out the merch they had for sale. I remember listening to the sentence several ti… --- ## [What the hell is a "Blow Dry Bar"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-a-blow-dry-bar/782188)
**Author:** [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-a-blow-dry-bar/782188 "2017-03-15T11:08:38Z")
There is one of these across the street from my bus stop. Presumably, it has something to do with hair, but do people show up with sopping wet hair to have it dried at this place? --- ## [Having trouble getting seeds!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-trouble-getting-seeds/782223)
**Author:** [@Ray\_Haywood\_male](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ray_Haywood_male)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-trouble-getting-seeds/782223 "2017-03-15T11:02:28Z")
So I’ve been looking for some seeds to run. I’ve always grown from clone, I have access to a lot of good stuff but I want to get some seeds and do a pheno hunt for myself. Anyway, I’ve been on Attitude and Midweek Song…… --- ## [Cold sores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-sores/782189)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-sores/782189 "2017-03-15T03:08:43Z")
So I’m sitting at my desk when I hear a coworker yell, ‘Ow!’ ‘What?’ asked another coworker. The first replied, ‘I yawned, and I have a big old cold sore that split.’ More than I needed to know about my coworker. But… --- ## [Can mass curve space enough so that angles in a triangle don't add up to 180?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-mass-curve-space-enough-so-that-angles-in-a-triangle-dont-add-up-to-180/782180)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-mass-curve-space-enough-so-that-angles-in-a-triangle-dont-add-up-to-180/782180 "2017-03-15T00:36:28Z")
The angles in a triangle in traditional Euclidean geometry add up to 180. But that is true when space is flat. If space has other shapes, the angles can add up to something different. If space is spherical, then the a… --- ## [32 or 64 bit Windows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/32-or-64-bit-windows/781057)
**Author:** [@MTVhike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTVhike)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2017, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/32-or-64-bit-windows/781057 "2017-03-15T00:19:53Z")
When installing a new version of Windows (7 or 10), what are the pros and cons of using the 32 bit or the 64 bit version, other than software compatibility? If I have 4 GB or less memory, does the 64 bit version give any… --- ## [Natural gas to gasoline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-to-gasoline/781946)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-to-gasoline/781946 "2017-03-14T22:40:04Z")
Has converting natural gas to gasoline been done on a commercial scale? I have read about this being a possibility, and there were theorists who claimed it could be done much cheaper than gasoline made from petroleum. … --- ## [Laminar flow equations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laminar-flow-equations/782092)
**Author:** [@laminarFLOWS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/laminarFLOWS)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laminar-flow-equations/782092 "2017-03-14T22:26:39Z")
Hi all! I just had a question to see if anyone knows of the equation to find the spread of water from a spoon when the spoon is placed underneath a stream of water. Possible variables could be the shape of the spoon, t… --- ## [Topical for today: How do new clocks auto-sync to the correct time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topical-for-today-how-do-new-clocks-auto-sync-to-the-correct-time/782005)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topical-for-today-how-do-new-clocks-auto-sync-to-the-correct-time/782005 "2017-03-14T21:12:58Z")
I’ve heard that there’s a signal riding on the 60 Hertz wave (in NA). I’ve also heard that it comes over the air. What’s the scoop? Sent from my adequate mobile device using Tapatalk. --- ## [First commercially available computer for home use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-commercially-available-computer-for-home-use/781672)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-commercially-available-computer-for-home-use/781672 "2017-03-14T21:02:40Z")
What was the first commercially available computer that could be purchased by individuals? When did it come out? Video game consoles do count, as do DIY kits. --- ## [Hypothetical vise generates near infinite pressure. What happens to everyday materials it squeezes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-vise-generates-near-infinite-pressure-what-happens-to-everyday-materials-it-squeezes/781979)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-vise-generates-near-infinite-pressure-what-happens-to-everyday-materials-it-squeezes/781979 "2017-03-14T20:47:35Z")
Let’s say you had an atomic powered vise with indestructible force field jaws that could generate up to super gravity levels of pressure on everyday materials while containing them inside the compressing force field . W… --- ## [Why does Windows 10 rearrange folders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-windows-10-rearrange-folders/780237)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-windows-10-rearrange-folders/780237 "2017-03-14T19:21:59Z")
And how do I stop it? I’ve searched google for answers to this and microsoft help desk doesn’t seem to understand the question, they keep telling people that what they say is happening isn’t happening. So I’ve added a … --- ## [Is there a name for this statistical modeling analysis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-statistical-modeling-analysis/782159)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-statistical-modeling-analysis/782159 "2017-03-14T18:24:11Z")
I’m doing linear modeling of a point cloud in five dimensional space. There are five continuous variables of similar scale. Two of the points are special in the sense that they represent good examples of something, perha… --- ## [Astronauts lifting their visors on the Moon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronauts-lifting-their-visors-on-the-moon/782078)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronauts-lifting-their-visors-on-the-moon/782078 "2017-03-14T15:40:59Z")
I’ve been watching my “From the Earth to the Moon” HBO DVDs, and I’ve noticed that the astronauts on the Moon occasionally lift their visors, so we can see their faces. But I recall, when the Moonwalks were actually hap… --- ## [Business model for History Channel type reality shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-model-for-history-channel-type-reality-shows/781985)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-model-for-history-channel-type-reality-shows/781985 "2017-03-14T14:30:31Z")
I’m interested in the sorts of show that the History Channel \[among others\] presents - unorthodox / maverick / alternative / marginally credible ideas being pursued by self-confessed outsiders / mavericks / non-professio… --- ## [What is the rational behind Medicare Plan-D](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-rational-behind-medicare-plan-d/781911)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-rational-behind-medicare-plan-d/781911 "2017-03-14T14:19:06Z")
I know all of the method nonsense about cards and such. My question is about the logic that created such a bizarre system. I buy a policy/card from some company and I get a reduced rate for some medicines but not others.… --- ## [Is this a picture of a solar heating system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-picture-of-a-solar-heating-system/782007)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-picture-of-a-solar-heating-system/782007 "2017-03-14T13:57:26Z")
I asked elsewhere on the internet and people speculated that the house in the picture below has a solar heating system. I’m obviously referencing the black windows/siding on the upper portion of this house. What is that… --- ## [Canon video cam not recognizing SDHC card class](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canon-video-cam-not-recognizing-sdhc-card-class/706595)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canon-video-cam-not-recognizing-sdhc-card-class/706595 "2017-03-14T12:59:25Z")
I have a Canon VIXIA HFS100 video camera. I am using a SanDisk 32G card that is rated as class 10. I am pretty sure I have used this card before in this camera, but today the camera is complaining that it cannot record i… --- ## [HVAC experts - Should I be concerned about this? (Dehumidifier related)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-experts-should-i-be-concerned-about-this-dehumidifier-related/779849)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-experts-should-i-be-concerned-about-this-dehumidifier-related/779849 "2017-03-14T12:15:03Z")
We had a new furnace installed around a year ago. With it came a dehumidifier. With that came a little device that pumps the accumulated water through a clear plastic tube, up and across the basement terminating in the l… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=760) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=762)