# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=856 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 857 --- ## [Does the EPA's "social cost of carbon" include BENEFITS of global warming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-epas-social-cost-of-carbon-include-benefits-of-global-warming/763141)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-epas-social-cost-of-carbon-include-benefits-of-global-warming/763141 "2016-08-22T14:47:09Z")
This was the question that kept running through my mind while listening to this NPR story about how a federal court today gave the green light for this metric to be used in regulations. I have googled “social cost of ca… --- ## [Transexuality in non-human animals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transexuality-in-non-human-animals/762533)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transexuality-in-non-human-animals/762533 "2016-08-22T13:32:42Z")
I realise this would be hard to determine as being the wrong gender is such a subjective internal experience but I was wondering as it seems not that uncommon in humans is there any evidence that its something that can a… --- ## [Autoimmune disorders that affect the heart and retinopathy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autoimmune-disorders-that-affect-the-heart-and-retinopathy/763080)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autoimmune-disorders-that-affect-the-heart-and-retinopathy/763080 "2016-08-22T13:28:24Z")
Do any of our distinguished Dopers know anything about this subject? Someone dear to all of us is suffering severe retinopathy and heart problems. Diabetes was ruled out as a cause and his doctors are now looking for an … --- ## [Grammar Question - "Done"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-done/763514)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-done/763514 "2016-08-22T10:35:38Z")
I seem to recall the use of the word “done” should relate only to food preparation (the turkey is done). Conversely, the word “finished” would be used as follows: My homework is finished. Anyone ever heard this about “… --- ## [French pronunciation rule for "-ient"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-pronunciation-rule-for-ient/763612)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-pronunciation-rule-for-ient/763612 "2016-08-22T10:27:01Z")
Hi what is the rule when it comes to pronouncing -ient ending of verbs (i.e. the nasal sound) eg. In the case of “vient”, the verb (venir) ends in -ent. I would pronounce the ending with a nasal sound . eg. Ils se ma… --- ## [Basic question re DNS prefetching](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-question-re-dns-prefetching/763566)
**Author:** [@Tenn84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tenn84)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/basic-question-re-dns-prefetching/763566 "2016-08-22T03:35:29Z")
During DNS prefetching, is any connection made to the host website or only to the DNS servers? --- ## [When did older school kids stop getting assigned as School Crossing Guards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-older-school-kids-stop-getting-assigned-as-school-crossing-guards/763401)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-older-school-kids-stop-getting-assigned-as-school-crossing-guards/763401 "2016-08-22T01:49:36Z")
I remember in the 6th grade we were asked if we wanted to sign up as a crossing guard. IIRC it meant reporting to school 30 mins early and staying after school 30 mins late. Required parent’s permission. My mom didn’t w… --- ## [ludes anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ludes-anyone/706943)
**Author:** [@turk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/turk)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2016, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ludes-anyone/706943 "2016-08-22T01:01:42Z")
What happened to my favorite drug from the 70’s – Quaalude? I know they were made illegal, but this is the only drug I know of that completely disappeared because of that technicality. Are they too difficult to manufac… --- ## [Female ambassadors to Saudi Arabia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ambassadors-to-saudi-arabia/763583)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-ambassadors-to-saudi-arabia/763583 "2016-08-21T23:52:08Z")
Do any countries have (or have had in the past) a female ambassador accredited to Saudi Arabia? --- ## [Is Hawaii considered part of North America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hawaii-considered-part-of-north-america/178544)
**Author:** [@Pashnish\_Ewing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pashnish_Ewing)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hawaii-considered-part-of-north-america/178544 "2016-08-21T23:23:26Z")
Is Hawaii considered part of North America? How is it determined which islands are part of which continents? Thanks, Pash --- ## [Person dies; what happens to their password-locked computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/person-dies-what-happens-to-their-password-locked-computer/763469)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/person-dies-what-happens-to-their-password-locked-computer/763469 "2016-08-21T23:17:05Z")
Sorry if this inheritance topic has already been addressed before: Will (or can, legally) computer technicians typically help an heir crack a password-protected computer that is bequeathed by inheritance upon death of t… --- ## [Pearls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearls/763509)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearls/763509 "2016-08-21T23:13:17Z")
I read somewhere that pearls have a kind of “iridescence,” because of the way they are made. How does a pearl look under ultraviolet light? --- ## [Yas Island Abu Dhabi, UAE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yas-island-abu-dhabi-uae/763425)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yas-island-abu-dhabi-uae/763425 "2016-08-21T22:47:19Z")
Hi all, A year and a half ago I was in Abu Dhabi for business and we were staying right downtown, which I always enjoy no matter where I go. I a month, however, I may be going back but this time we will be staying and … --- ## [Are there any physiological effects of abstinence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-physiological-effects-of-abstinence/763188)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-physiological-effects-of-abstinence/763188 "2016-08-21T22:00:52Z")
Or, does no nookie/dates with Rosie palm have any upsides? Other than the well know effect of making you a wizard if you go without it until 30, that is. All I can find is tons of bro-science about it increasing your te… --- ## [TV sound bar 'hums' when TV is connected to cable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-sound-bar-hums-when-tv-is-connected-to-cable/763517)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-sound-bar-hums-when-tv-is-connected-to-cable/763517 "2016-08-21T18:13:42Z")
Whenever I connect the coax to the back of my TV (Visio HDTV) I get a hum from the (also Visio) sound bar. It doesn’t matter what source I use for video, it just hums when I connect the cable then it goes away if I disc… --- ## [Philips 47PFL3603D/F7B IR Remote Sensor Failure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philips-47pfl3603d-f7b-ir-remote-sensor-failure/545657)
**Author:** [@JerseyFrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyFrank)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philips-47pfl3603d-f7b-ir-remote-sensor-failure/545657 "2016-08-21T17:23:08Z")
Yesterday I was able to turn the TV off with the remote. Today, I am unable to turn the TV on with the remote. After turning it on manually, I was unable to control the TV at all with the remote. Using a digital camer… --- ## [The proliferation of "nail salons"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-proliferation-of-nail-salons/763411)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-proliferation-of-nail-salons/763411 "2016-08-21T12:05:23Z")
I see these places everywhere, but the sheer quantity of them seems to be a rather recent phenomenon. I used to think that it was mostly due to low startup costs: a card table and a few bottles of goop. But what was the … --- ## [Why Do Bond Funds Fluctuate in Price?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-bond-funds-fluctuate-in-price/481644)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-bond-funds-fluctuate-in-price/481644 "2009-01-17T15:08:49Z")
As someone who’s highly curious about the stock market and investing in general, I admit to being quite confused about the use of bond funds. I understand quite clearly the purpose of purchasing a bond. If it is a safe b… --- ## [Legal strength of "If you fail to respond ..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-strength-of-if-you-fail-to-respond/763136)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-strength-of-if-you-fail-to-respond/763136 "2016-08-21T03:48:30Z")
I’ve seen people claim that when dealing in pro per in a civil issue, they will send a letter (CM/RRR of course) stating something like “Failure to respond within 10 days, you agree to …” and then set out some demands. … --- ## [Tesla Governmental Support](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-governmental-support/763464)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tesla-governmental-support/763464 "2016-08-21T03:27:39Z")
Is it possible to quantify the per-car value of the support Tesla receives from the government (that would be the taxpayer)? I know they get loan guarantees and fuel mileage credits. And do not the purchasers get a tax… --- ## [A/C condensing unit fan is intermittent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-condensing-unit-fan-is-intermittent/763291)
**Author:** [@bkeelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bkeelin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-c-condensing-unit-fan-is-intermittent/763291 "2016-08-21T03:05:21Z")
When my A/C unit comes on it doesn’t sound like my condenser is coming on and my outside fan comes on but at a lower speed and it sounds like it is losing power intermittently. The relay contacts sound good when they cl… --- ## [Does caffeine evaporate from dry coffee grounds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-caffeine-evaporate-from-dry-coffee-grounds/763257)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2016, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-caffeine-evaporate-from-dry-coffee-grounds/763257 "2016-08-21T01:16:49Z")
I know caffeine doesn’t evaporate from coffee in its liquid state, but what about coffee grounds left out in the open? (I use that as a form of de-odorizing the house sometimes.) I’m getting a headache/lightheadedness f… --- ## [Looking for a specific plastic bag type](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-specific-plastic-bag-type/763430)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-specific-plastic-bag-type/763430 "2016-08-20T21:44:30Z")
I am working on a project that needs a large collapsible water reservoir. I am thinking a kind of heavy duty plastic bag kinda like this I dont mind if its a wear part that gets replaced every few uses but it needs t… --- ## [car remote run through the washing machine (dead)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-remote-run-through-the-washing-machine-dead/763202)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-remote-run-through-the-washing-machine-dead/763202 "2016-08-20T19:48:10Z")
Dad ran his remote for his 2014 Cadillac SRX through the wash. When he finally did find the remote, it was dead. I searched the web for a remedy and found just one, albeit at several different websites. The recommenda… --- ## [Warnings signs for boats about Niagara Falls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warnings-signs-for-boats-about-niagara-falls/249753)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warnings-signs-for-boats-about-niagara-falls/249753 "2016-08-20T19:40:48Z")
So I’m looking at these satellite pics of the Niagara Falls region and I’m wondering what sort of signage is in place to warn boaters about the falls presence? And how far down the Niagara river do boats generally go? Ar… --- ## [Does Twitter have a rep for being hacked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-twitter-have-a-rep-for-being-hacked/763383)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-twitter-have-a-rep-for-being-hacked/763383 "2016-08-20T18:25:11Z")
Mrs Piper recently discovered she’s following over 200 Twitter accounts. She’s not signed up for any of them. Any idea how that could have happened? Has she been hacked in some way? --- ## [Can astronomical spectroscopy be used to determine if a planet has life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-astronomical-spectroscopy-be-used-to-determine-if-a-planet-has-life/763335)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-astronomical-spectroscopy-be-used-to-determine-if-a-planet-has-life/763335 "2016-08-20T16:55:05Z")
I am under the impression that SETI looks for radio waves of technological civilizations, and astronomical spectroscopy looks for the chemical composition of planets. But on earth, long before intelligent civilization s… --- ## [The Internet freezes up Mom's Mac (OSX 10.4)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-freezes-up-moms-mac-osx-10-4/762897)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internet-freezes-up-moms-mac-osx-10-4/762897 "2016-08-20T14:23:37Z")
So, my mom has always been prone to computer problems, and usually I can resolve them for her. But this one has me stumped. She’s currently using AT&T UVerse for her Internet. Ever since she’s gotten it, it hasn’t wor… --- ## [Stirling Engine vs Heat Pump. Fight!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stirling-engine-vs-heat-pump-fight/639314)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stirling-engine-vs-heat-pump-fight/639314 "2016-08-20T13:14:06Z")
Let me start by saying: In this household, we obey the Laws of Thermodynamics. So I got into a nerd-fight in the comments section (on a video of a Stirling Engine in operation) of YouTube. Someone posted (words to the … --- ## [Is your webcam working? Do you have Windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-webcam-working-do-you-have-windows-10/763376)
**Author:** [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-webcam-working-do-you-have-windows-10/763376 "2016-08-20T10:51:29Z")
The webcam on my wife’s computer wasn’t working yesterday. She took it to the university’s IT (nice perk) today and they were able to verify that the camera itself works but won’t interact with Skype, Panopto, etc. And… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=855) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=857)