# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=780 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 781 --- ## [Bathroom caulking question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-caulking-question/779091)
**Author:** [@placid8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/placid8)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bathroom-caulking-question/779091 "2017-02-06T21:07:25Z")
I’m in the midst of recaulking a bathroom. Is there supposed to be a deep crevice between a “rope” molding at the top of tub and the adjacent tile above it? Can you just recaulk over? Would love to post pic, but don’t… --- ## [Questions about the Azores (ancient civilization?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-azores-ancient-civilization/779017)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-azores-ancient-civilization/779017 "2017-02-06T19:45:58Z")
I was watching a show on NatGeo last week about searching for Atlantis (yeah, I know :p), and towards the end of the show they were talking about the Azores. According to the show the Azores haven’t been extensively exc… --- ## [new addtion to home & effect on homeowner's insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-addtion-to-home-effect-on-homeowners-insurance/778597)
**Author:** [@octavia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octavia)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-addtion-to-home-effect-on-homeowners-insurance/778597 "2017-02-06T19:10:11Z")
Hi, I have a 3BR, 2 bath 1800 sq ft home. We recently converted the old, attached 2 car garage into a 480 sq foot room and constructed a new, attached 2 car garage. I need to update my homeowner’s policy to include th… --- ## [Anybody know good online Forum for RV roof repair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-good-online-forum-for-rv-roof-repair/751379)
**Author:** [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2016, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-good-online-forum-for-rv-roof-repair/751379 "2016-04-06T23:27:32Z")
Hi all. Just thought I’d ask here because I kinda need answer fastish. Yeah, will do some online research myself, but maybe I’ll get lucky and someone here already has the ticket. Have to do some major roof repair work… --- ## [Any NYC Subway historians here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-nyc-subway-historians-here/778962)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-nyc-subway-historians-here/778962 "2017-02-06T17:42:27Z")
When I was young I rode on train cars that had cane seats, overhead swirly fans and the conductors had to stand in between the cars to open the doors with these hand-turny-thingies on top of the chains that head the cars… --- ## [Electrical: #8 gauge ground wire for power inventer connection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-8-gauge-ground-wire-for-power-inventer-connection/779166)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-8-gauge-ground-wire-for-power-inventer-connection/779166 "2017-02-06T17:39:37Z")
I got a Powerbright Power Inventer, model PW2300. Here is the manual for it. I don’t have an electrical background, so I want to make sure I’m understanding the instructions and doing all this safely. In the manual it… --- ## [Question about using generators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-using-generators/779103)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-using-generators/779103 "2017-02-06T15:20:29Z")
Lets say I have a microwave that needs 4000 watts. I have 2 small generators, each 2500 watts. Is there any way you can link the two together to get 5000 watts so that I could use the microwave? --- ## [Repairing broken/rotted off fence post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-broken-rotted-off-fence-post/778971)
**Author:** [@stanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stanger)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-broken-rotted-off-fence-post/778971 "2017-02-06T05:41:51Z")
My parents and I put up a fence around our property using a 6" or so diameter round treated wood fence post, placed into a hole about 2’ deep. and filled in with concrete. These were installed back around 1965-1966, but … --- ## [Time it takes for steam to sanitize?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-it-takes-for-steam-to-sanitize/572850)
**Author:** [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-it-takes-for-steam-to-sanitize/572850 "2017-02-06T03:33:20Z")
I bought a steam mop which is supposedly superior to ordinary mops since it say it will clean and sanitize the floors with just water. Which is great. Except for no where in my manual does it say how much time is needed … --- ## [Please show me a picture of a fish horn ("musical" instrument)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-show-me-a-picture-of-a-fish-horn-musical-instrument/534382)
**Author:** [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-show-me-a-picture-of-a-fish-horn-musical-instrument/534382 "2017-02-06T00:30:35Z")
I’ve seen lots of references to an old-fashioned woodwind-type instrument called a “fish horn”, which appears to have been a monotone noisemaker designed for volume and not for melody, as in this story: The traditional… --- ## [Origin of "Is it bigger than a breadbox?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-is-it-bigger-than-a-breadbox/245317)
**Author:** [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-is-it-bigger-than-a-breadbox/245317 "2017-02-06T00:29:04Z")
“Is it bigger than a breadbox” is always one of the questions in any humorous 20-questions list. Does anyone know where it originates? I couldn’t find anything helpful searching. --- ## [Hex Head Bolt tool sizes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hex-head-bolt-tool-sizes/778898)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2017, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hex-head-bolt-tool-sizes/778898 "2017-02-06T00:01:31Z")
Either the documentation for the installation of this computer monitor arms is incorrect, or I need to be educated on hardware. Please enlighten me. The documentation says: So I take out a 3/8" Hex tool, and it is too… --- ## [How did the Turks manage to take Constantinople when others didn't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-turks-manage-to-take-constantinople-when-others-didnt/779060)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-turks-manage-to-take-constantinople-when-others-didnt/779060 "2017-02-05T22:09:24Z")
I know the Latins took it before them but I seem to recall they were invited in by the Emperor so it was hardly a great achievement to overthrow him from within. Before the Turks tried (and before they succeeded they had… --- ## [Two Tapatalk questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-tapatalk-questions/779064)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-tapatalk-questions/779064 "2017-02-05T19:46:23Z")
Is there a way to set the default for threads to first post? For me TT defaults to the last page. Does TT have a search function? --- ## [Wiil 2 bluetooth speakers give me true stereo or just double mono?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiil-2-bluetooth-speakers-give-me-true-stereo-or-just-double-mono/778922)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wiil-2-bluetooth-speakers-give-me-true-stereo-or-just-double-mono/778922 "2017-02-05T18:42:36Z")
i assumed BT was mono output but someone is telling me that if i link 2 BT speakers it can be configured for (or will automatically become) stereo. True? --- ## [Has The US Supreme Court Ever Been....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-supreme-court-ever-been/778984)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-supreme-court-ever-been/778984 "2017-02-05T17:32:21Z")
… called into an emergency session and for what reason? First, though I wanted to write that I am posting on a limited basis with help from my wife because of my “CRS Disease” which is now to the point of forgetting … --- ## [word for longevity of objects based on current age](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-for-longevity-of-objects-based-on-current-age/779046)
**Author:** [@SantaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SantaMan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-for-longevity-of-objects-based-on-current-age/779046 "2017-02-05T14:52:19Z")
At some point I heard of a word/concept/law about the expected lifetime of inanimate objects. Something about how books that are on the charts for one week are expected to stay there for another week, but the ones that … --- ## [Presidential pardons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-pardons/779008)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-pardons/779008 "2017-02-05T13:34:27Z")
Can the President pardon criminals who were convicted for state or local crimes, not federal? Can he also issue pardons in civil cases to stop lawsuits? --- ## [Can I use present tense after 'because' here: "He said he was flagging me because he thinks I am..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-present-tense-after-because-here-he-said-he-was-flagging-me-because-he-thinks-i-am/779002)
**Author:** [@freebird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freebird)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-present-tense-after-because-here-he-said-he-was-flagging-me-because-he-thinks-i-am/779002 "2017-02-05T11:52:04Z")
Can I use present tense after \*\*because \*\*here: “He said he was flagging me because he thinks I am copy pasting stuff from the dictionary.”? I see this structure sometimes and wonder if it is correct English. Or is it ne… --- ## [Shrinkwrapped cheese doesn't mold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shrinkwrapped-cheese-doesnt-mold/779020)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shrinkwrapped-cheese-doesnt-mold/779020 "2017-02-05T08:34:42Z")
I bought shrinkwrapped cheddar the other day. The expiration date is out in October. Once the wrap is broken, the cheese will begin to mold in a couple of weeks. Mold spoors are everywhere. What process is used to elim… --- ## [How do embalmed bodies decompose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-embalmed-bodies-decompose/779047)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-embalmed-bodies-decompose/779047 "2017-02-05T07:10:14Z")
There is a little girl in Italy that died about one hundred years ago that looks almost as if she is just sleeping. Is it normal for embalmed corpses to stay preserved for so long, or is she a special case? What is the d… --- ## [Is there a quick, simple answer to this latest young moon claim?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-quick-simple-answer-to-this-latest-young-moon-claim/778689)
**Author:** [@Find\_Friends](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Find_Friends)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-quick-simple-answer-to-this-latest-young-moon-claim/778689 "2017-02-05T01:42:41Z")
Read it and weep you profane \* heathens! Years ago there were constant “gotcha!” references to the dust on the moon being surprisingly thin. This was supposed to demolish the alleged assumption of many eons for all of … --- ## [Help me MacGyver a portable dishwasher hookup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-macgyver-a-portable-dishwasher-hookup/771734)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2016, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-macgyver-a-portable-dishwasher-hookup/771734 "2016-11-13T17:25:49Z")
Here’s the situation: I’m renting a house with no dishwasher. Installing an under-the-counter dishwasher is something I don’t want to do and neither does the landlord–would require tearing out cabinets. But I need a d… --- ## [Does the morning-after pill work if the woman has already ovulated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-morning-after-pill-work-if-the-woman-has-already-ovulated/779023)
**Author:** [@ripply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ripply)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-morning-after-pill-work-if-the-woman-has-already-ovulated/779023 "2017-02-05T01:14:51Z")
I’ve been doing some reading about this. Apparently it works by preventing ovulation. So what happens if the girl has sex when she’s ovulating, or a day or two after? I assume the egg is already there so will it not work… --- ## [Korean TV subtitles mixed script](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-tv-subtitles-mixed-script/778927)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/korean-tv-subtitles-mixed-script/778927 "2017-02-05T01:12:18Z")
Standing on the tram on my way to work, I noticed the girl beside me was watching Korean TV on her mobile device. I was very surprised to see that the subtitles were in mixed script (hanja and hangul). Pretty much every … --- ## [Can we turn a laptop into a DVR?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-turn-a-laptop-into-a-dvr/778806)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-turn-a-laptop-into-a-dvr/778806 "2017-02-05T00:50:14Z")
Is there a piece of software that can capture video/audio out of a cable box or a tv via a USB cable, effectively making it kind of DVR? Windows PC. --- ## [Uninstalling under Win7](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninstalling-under-win7/778947)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uninstalling-under-win7/778947 "2017-02-05T00:20:44Z")
I have an older computer whose disk is full. I tried uninstalling some programs I never use and I get a message that the uninstall failed because there is not enough space on the disk. WTF? I have tried deleting some … --- ## [Prestone's Deicer and Isopropyl Alcohol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prestones-deicer-and-isopropyl-alcohol/778998)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2017, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prestones-deicer-and-isopropyl-alcohol/778998 "2017-02-05T00:19:52Z")
I’ve been using isopropyl alcohol together with an ice scraper on my car windows. I stopped in a auto parts store, looking for a new scraper. They did not have a scraper as such but have Prestone’s Deicer which has a s… --- ## [Radiation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radiation-question/778858)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radiation-question/778858 "2017-02-04T23:30:09Z")
I recently had a low-dose CT scan of my chest in a program for the early detection of lung cancer. As I was leaving, I asked how many gray the procedure involved. The tech went into the control room and reported “114”. I… --- ## [Marmots and Groundhogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marmots-and-groundhogs/779000)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marmots-and-groundhogs/779000 "2017-02-04T22:04:36Z")
I’ve heard and read conflicting statements concerning marmots and groundhogs. I’ve read they are the same species (with a Latin name of Marmot momax). They appear to have the same scientific name, but I’ve also read or… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=779) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=781)