# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=808 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 809 --- ## [Why is my street beeping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-street-beeping/773781)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-street-beeping/773781 "2016-12-05T20:56:07Z")
I walk my dogs almost every day and whenever I walk past this one particular utility pole, I hear it beeping. It’s not loud, it sounds like when you turn a television on (a resistor?) It has to be quite quiet outside for… --- ## [does Canada have a swiss colony/figis equivalent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-canada-have-a-swiss-colony-figis-equivalent/773706)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-canada-have-a-swiss-colony-figis-equivalent/773706 "2016-12-05T20:18:01Z")
does Canada have a swiss colony/figis equivalent? for those that’s never heard of either both places sell meats sausages snacks and such in gift boxes and the like but neither ship to Canada and we have relatives in Can… --- ## [How to change languages on Yahoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-languages-on-yahoo/773557)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-change-languages-on-yahoo/773557 "2016-12-05T19:28:49Z")
I’ve been out of the loop, news-wise, and Yahoo is more ‘infotainment’ anyway. But I’ve just gotten access to Internet (We’re on the 22nd floor, and WiFi is on the ground floor, so it’s inconvenient), and when I click o… --- ## [Facebook Friend Recommendations -- How Do They Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-friend-recommendations-how-do-they-work/773705)
**Author:** [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-friend-recommendations-how-do-they-work/773705 "2016-12-05T19:04:12Z")
This has been bothering me. I have a Facebook page, sort of. There is absolutely nothing on it. But I apparently had to create one to look at the pages of other people, and I wanted to keep an eye on a sibling who see… --- ## [Why are shaving gels so cold to the touch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-shaving-gels-so-cold-to-the-touch/773520)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-shaving-gels-so-cold-to-the-touch/773520 "2016-12-05T16:02:19Z")
Applying shaving gels to the face in relatively colder climes makes it very cold when applied. There is the initial few seconds of coldness upon application. What is the ingredient that causes it and why has no one made… --- ## [Security clearance in the U.S. armed services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-in-the-u-s-armed-services/773468)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-clearance-in-the-u-s-armed-services/773468 "2016-12-05T14:28:33Z")
Is the ability to obtain a security clearance a requirement for entry into the U.S. armed services? If this is not done before the recruit begins boot camp, what happens if the recruit is unable to obtain a clearance? Is… --- ## [If the largest known star were as close as Proxima Centauri...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-largest-known-star-were-as-close-as-proxima-centauri/773861)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-largest-known-star-were-as-close-as-proxima-centauri/773861 "2016-12-05T12:42:28Z")
Would it appear much different than any other star when viewed from Earth? --- ## [Could two siblings share no DNA whatsoever? Is so, could they safely have children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-two-siblings-share-no-dna-whatsoever-is-so-could-they-safely-have-children/773532)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-two-siblings-share-no-dna-whatsoever-is-so-could-they-safely-have-children/773532 "2016-12-05T07:51:44Z")
Since you get half your DNA from each parent, could two siblings have no DNA connection whatsoever? And how little DNA would they have to share to safely have children? --- ## [Exercise physiology - when oxygen is the limiting factor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-physiology-when-oxygen-is-the-limiting-factor/773836)
**Author:** [@Endopotential](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Endopotential)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-physiology-when-oxygen-is-the-limiting-factor/773836 "2016-12-05T01:36:23Z")
Any exercise physiologists out there? I’m curious how aerobic training helps in a sport like freediving where oxygen is the limiting factor. I know exercise increases your lung capacity, strength of your heart and diap… --- ## [The THC Molecule Why does it survive fire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-thc-molecule-why-does-it-survive-fire/773533)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2016, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-thc-molecule-why-does-it-survive-fire/773533 "2016-12-05T00:11:54Z")
I would think that the THC molecule, being a hydrocarbon, would change into something else after burning. Yet there seems to be no difference whether consuming THC through edibles or smoking. You are still consuming THC. … --- ## [Sapphires and rubies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sapphires-and-rubies/773784)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sapphires-and-rubies/773784 "2016-12-04T19:11:29Z")
So red corundum is a ruby, and pink corundum is still a sapphire. Where exactly do they draw the line between lighter rubies and darker pink sapphires? What would you call something that straddled that line, anyway? Su… --- ## [Does fire cause things to catch fire because it's an open flame or because it's hot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-fire-cause-things-to-catch-fire-because-its-an-open-flame-or-because-its-hot/773547)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-fire-cause-things-to-catch-fire-because-its-an-open-flame-or-because-its-hot/773547 "2016-12-04T14:48:37Z")
If I had an open flame and piece of metal of the same temperature, would they catch things on fire just as easily? For example, if I light a match and put it near paper, the paper will catch fire. But is that because o… --- ## [Ultimate condition to which a body can be embalmed/preserved](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-condition-to-which-a-body-can-be-embalmed-preserved/773463)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultimate-condition-to-which-a-body-can-be-embalmed-preserved/773463 "2016-12-04T10:13:13Z")
Nope, this isn’t a need answer fast question. :wink: Apparently, temperature and chemicals are the two factors in embalming. Already we’ve seen some bodies in the Arctic or Himalayas pretty well preserved. What if a b… --- ## [What cable do I need? Scarlett 6i6 to Audioengine A5](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cable-do-i-need-scarlett-6i6-to-audioengine-a5/773707)
**Author:** [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cable-do-i-need-scarlett-6i6-to-audioengine-a5/773707 "2016-12-04T03:47:48Z")
I am not sure where to put this question. I want to hook up my Audioengine A5 speakers to my Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 external USB interface. The Scarlett has 4 1/4 line output jacks: https://media.sweetwater.com/store/ma… --- ## [Stereo overheats with Bluetooth, but not radio](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stereo-overheats-with-bluetooth-but-not-radio/773701)
**Author:** [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stereo-overheats-with-bluetooth-but-not-radio/773701 "2016-12-04T03:24:10Z")
I have a new stereo, with 5 new speakers surround. It overheats at high volume and shuts off, but only when Bluetoothing from computer. It doesn’t do this when playing loudly from the built in radio. I’m generally aware … --- ## [Proof involving series of the powers of n](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-involving-series-of-the-powers-of-n/773461)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proof-involving-series-of-the-powers-of-n/773461 "2016-12-04T03:07:47Z")
As always with my math questions, this ain’t homework. In this thread we discussed the fact that an infinite series of the powers of 2 adds to -1. So it struck me that a similar set of calculations could work for the p… --- ## [In search of: Radiolab episode - brain feedback analogy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-search-of-radiolab-episode-brain-feedback-analogy/772741)
**Author:** [@malaka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malaka)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-search-of-radiolab-episode-brain-feedback-analogy/772741 "2016-12-04T02:46:29Z")
I recall listening to a Radiolab (Radiolab: Podcasts | WNYC Studios | Podcasts) episode where Robert Krulwich made an analogy about the sequence of events that takes place when we do any action. I think he talked about “… --- ## [Smart homes / devices and the Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-homes-devices-and-the-sabbath/773299)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smart-homes-devices-and-the-sabbath/773299 "2016-12-04T02:21:00Z")
For the purpose of Judaism, particularly the orthodox, are voice commands (Alexa, Siri, etc) and touch screens to turn on smart devices, make calls, etc. considered OK on the sabbath or is that considered work? Is a tab… --- ## [Has anyone ever done a "reverse placebo" experiment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-done-a-reverse-placebo-experiment/773502)
**Author:** [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2016, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-done-a-reverse-placebo-experiment/773502 "2016-12-04T02:14:39Z")
(After reading the article on placebos in just-out National Geographic)… Has anyone ever done an experiment in which both groups of patients were given a proven-working drug for their condition, but one was told that it… --- ## [When did the big bands integrate 1940's or 1950's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-big-bands-integrate-1940s-or-1950s/773473)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-big-bands-integrate-1940s-or-1950s/773473 "2016-12-03T23:18:35Z")
I have been watching the old big band era and noticed the same problem sports teams use to have. This movie clip has an all black band and dancers. clip from the movie “Stormy Weather” (1943) featuring Ca… --- ## [Neurologists/Neurochemists: questions about serotonin and hallucinogens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neurologists-neurochemists-questions-about-serotonin-and-hallucinogens/773692)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neurologists-neurochemists-questions-about-serotonin-and-hallucinogens/773692 "2016-12-03T22:37:01Z")
I believe it was Rick Strassman’s research on DMT that found a small percentage of people – around 5% – to be mostly immune to the effects of DMT. I’m wondering if anyone knows or has a theory about why that is? I’ve be… --- ## [Is the end near for the paper industry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-end-near-for-the-paper-industry/773537)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-end-near-for-the-paper-industry/773537 "2016-12-03T21:15:53Z")
I live in Maine, and many paper mills here have closed down over the past couple of years. The companies haven’t moved or gone overseas. They simply closed. As we all know, digital communication is making paper less a… --- ## [What's a Galaxy S7?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-galaxy-s7/773257)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-galaxy-s7/773257 "2016-12-03T20:26:26Z")
OK, Christmas, I open a present, and in the box there is a Galaxy S7. People in the TV ads put it on right out of the boxs, and have orgasms of hilarity. So when I open my box, and slip the goofy goggles over my head,… --- ## [Why are we able to chew food without biting ourselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-able-to-chew-food-without-biting-ourselves/773616)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-able-to-chew-food-without-biting-ourselves/773616 "2016-12-03T18:28:08Z")
We usually can manage to chew food without any painful bites to our cheeks or tongue. Once in awhile something goes wrong and it’s painful. I took a chunk out of my cheek earlier today. Ouch It had been a few months s… --- ## [Weird old tool-like thing needs ID please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-old-tool-like-thing-needs-id-please/773180)
**Author:** [@HotDogWater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HotDogWater)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-old-tool-like-thing-needs-id-please/773180 "2016-12-03T16:57:11Z")
http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/Hoppy\_09/20161127\_055936.jpg"\]http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/Hoppy\_09/20161127\_055936.jpg Anybody got any idea? --- ## [Is there a name for these poles that were once used by vendors!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-these-poles-that-were-once-used-by-vendors/773676)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-these-poles-that-were-once-used-by-vendors/773676 "2016-12-03T15:25:23Z")
I wish I could find more pictures of them, but here’s one belonging to a rat catcher at a Renaissance Fair. It’s a simple device: a rack on a pole to which are tired the peddler’s wares, which might be anything from cand… --- ## [Competition standing system - cite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/competition-standing-system-cite/773029)
**Author:** [@Francis\_Vaughan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francis_Vaughan)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/competition-standing-system-cite/773029 "2016-12-03T14:09:53Z")
I’m trying to find a reference/name/origin of a competition standing system. Maybe, just maybe someone can help. The basic problem is in finding a perfectly fair way of ranking the results of a series of races. Just a… --- ## [The Cyber](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cyber/773612)
**Author:** [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cyber/773612 "2016-12-03T09:47:59Z")
Donald Trump assured us he had the best words, and I certainly don’t want to disagree with a man about to run the world’s scariest army. One of his words, perhaps his best, is the ‘cyber’, as in one interview where he u… --- ## [I put my Nissan Waterpump in the Solvent tank! Did I ruin the seals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-put-my-nissan-waterpump-in-the-solvent-tank-did-i-ruin-the-seals/773514)
**Author:** [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-put-my-nissan-waterpump-in-the-solvent-tank-did-i-ruin-the-seals/773514 "2016-12-03T07:21:31Z")
Title says it all. Rebuilding a KA24DE and stupidly dropped the front timing cover with the waterpump still installed into the solvent tank. Did I ruin the seals? I know, I know, I should replace it anyway, if I’m doin… --- ## [Structural Engineering Roof Loading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/structural-engineering-roof-loading/773660)
**Author:** [@J.W.Coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/J.W.Coach)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2016, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/structural-engineering-roof-loading/773660 "2016-12-03T03:13:05Z")
A structure is being built on a concrete slab. It is a shed roof structure with square steel posts at measured distance along three sides. The other side is a 40 foot clear span. There is two feet of slope on the roof l… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=807) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=809)