# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=916 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 917 --- ## ["Disposable" Polaroid Pola Pulse flashlight batteries still going 10-15+ years. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disposable-polaroid-pola-pulse-flashlight-batteries-still-going-10-15-years-how/752727)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disposable-polaroid-pola-pulse-flashlight-batteries-still-going-10-15-years-how/752727 "2016-04-24T09:14:57Z")
I have one of these and it’s still going after almost 19 years. Why is this battery tech not used in other things? http://www.flashlightmuseum.com/Polaroid-Flashlight-Grey-Black-Disposable-Pola-Pulse-Squeeze-Light-Mint-… --- ## [What is the most humane way to euthanize a fish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish/494294)
**Author:** [@Debon\_Err](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debon_Err)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-humane-way-to-euthanize-a-fish/494294 "2016-04-24T04:10:51Z")
We have a young Diamond Tetra who has suddenly gone wacky. One minute he was swimming around without a care in the world. Now he is flying about the tank in an uncontrolled spiral-like pattern, much like a balloon that w… --- ## [How does Google maps update road changes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-google-maps-update-road-changes/752698)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-google-maps-update-road-changes/752698 "2016-04-24T03:53:38Z")
Hello Everyone, We live in a very small town in the middle of nowhere. Recently the county installed a roundabout at an intersection. Using Google Maps GPS I noticed that the roundabout had been updated in about a week… --- ## [What is causing this 'cloud' on my tv? Any solutions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-causing-this-cloud-on-my-tv-any-solutions/752919)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-causing-this-cloud-on-my-tv-any-solutions/752919 "2016-04-24T03:17:36Z")
Hey guys I have another burning question I need help with. My tv has this cloud like image on it and I have no idea what caused it. It is a rather old set, probably 4-5 years old I think? It works well but just this a… --- ## [Driving without an air filter -- what would happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-without-an-air-filter-what-would-happen/76413)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-without-an-air-filter-what-would-happen/76413 "2016-04-24T03:08:39Z")
I changed the air filter in my car this weekend (that’s about the limit of my mechanical aptitude, sadly). What would happen to the car if I just left the air filter out and drove around normally? I’m not thinking of do… --- ## [Deserting someone in the desert: Illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deserting-someone-in-the-desert-illegal/752918)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2016, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deserting-someone-in-the-desert-illegal/752918 "2016-04-24T02:20:06Z")
I came up with this question after watching Elle King’s video for “Ex’s and Oh’s”. At the very beginning, she’s in her car with her boyfriend, in the middle of the desert. She tells him to get out. “Are you serious?” … --- ## [Help me make sense of this pile of sawdust???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-make-sense-of-this-pile-of-sawdust/752914)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-make-sense-of-this-pile-of-sawdust/752914 "2016-04-23T23:35:58Z")
Hi anyone can help identify this pile of sawdust - as in what caused this? Where does it come from? I found this mystery pile of sawdust near my bedside drawer which is made of wood. Initially I thought it was a piece o… --- ## [Why Do Office Chairs Have 5 Legs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-office-chairs-have-5-legs/752733)
**Author:** [@RichardSRussell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RichardSRussell)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-office-chairs-have-5-legs/752733 "2016-04-23T22:27:47Z")
Why do wheeled office chairs (and rolling hospital equipment) have 5 legs? Why not 3, 4, or 6? = = = = = = If you call a tail a leg, how many legs does a dog have? Five? No, four. CALLING a tail a leg don’t MAKE it one… --- ## [flashlight battery got extremely hot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flashlight-battery-got-extremely-hot/565390)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flashlight-battery-got-extremely-hot/565390 "2016-04-23T21:25:39Z")
The little rain drops got flashlights for Christmas and they grabbed the wrong size battery to put in them (they put C size batteries in a flashlight requiring D cells) and my youngest just commented “My flashlight is re… --- ## [Why doesn’t Amaretto give you cyanide poisoning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-amaretto-give-you-cyanide-poisoning/752871)
**Author:** [@G.A.Pster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.A.Pster)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesn-t-amaretto-give-you-cyanide-poisoning/752871 "2016-04-23T19:54:34Z")
Amaretto is made from bitter almonds and or apricot kernels. Both of which contain amygdalin which when eaten is broken down in the gut into hydrogen cyanide which is toxic. So, why doesn’t Amaretto give you cyanide po… --- ## [Mystery: What did my hamster die of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-what-did-my-hamster-die-of/651923)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-what-did-my-hamster-die-of/651923 "2016-04-23T17:56:17Z")
This is not something that happened recently, but 2 years ago. My hamster died peacefully 2 years ago. He was still alive and active the night before. The next day evening, I noticed that he was sleeping and as usual, I… --- ## [Plastic plumbing: kitchen drain pipe has come unconnected](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-plumbing-kitchen-drain-pipe-has-come-unconnected/752331)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-plumbing-kitchen-drain-pipe-has-come-unconnected/752331 "2016-04-23T17:15:05Z")
We had new drain pipe installed under our double kitchen sink (and the garbage disposal was taken out) several months ago. I have found that a threaded ring screws onto the descending pipe below it, but it doesn’t seem t… --- ## [FF color problem with new Win 10 install](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ff-color-problem-with-new-win-10-install/752656)
**Author:** [@Thin\_Ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thin_Ice)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ff-color-problem-with-new-win-10-install/752656 "2016-04-23T17:12:11Z")
I upgraded to Win 10 from 8.1 overnight on my HP laptop and everything seems to be working fine. A minor thing is that now the Firefox title bar color will not change to match the others after I changed the setting in 10… --- ## [Heroin in the Netherlands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroin-in-the-netherlands/752858)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroin-in-the-netherlands/752858 "2016-04-23T14:55:30Z")
The Netherlands has, as I understand it, not “legalized” heroin per se but massively decriminalized it by offering long-term addicts medicinal heroin as part of the country’s general healthcare system. Wikipedia has a br… --- ## [I Can't Log Into Facebook.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-log-into-facebook/752880)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-log-into-facebook/752880 "2016-04-23T12:58:58Z")
I know the matter of malware has been addressed already on these boards. But I post this, because I assume my case is unique. Every time I try to log into Facebook, I get a message that says I have malware on my compute… --- ## [diluting blood with saline: how much is too much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diluting-blood-with-saline-how-much-is-too-much/752804)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diluting-blood-with-saline-how-much-is-too-much/752804 "2016-04-23T11:44:03Z")
In the event of excessive blood loss, AIUI, doctors/EMTs can deliver (cheap) saline IV fluid instead of (precious) blood in order to restore volume and pressure. This of course dilutes the life-sustaining components (re… --- ## [Question about asbestos "foam" padding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-asbestos-foam-padding/752870)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-asbestos-foam-padding/752870 "2016-04-23T08:01:28Z")
I am wondering about a kind of padding made from asbestos that is sometimes found in the back of old radios to protect the wood or cardboard on the back from the heat of old vacuum tubes. It sort of resembles under-carp… --- ## [What happens if a defibrilator paddles touch eachother?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-defibrilator-paddles-touch-eachother/728229)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-a-defibrilator-paddles-touch-eachother/728229 "2016-04-23T03:29:16Z")
On the Mr. Bean movie, Mr. Bean does that and is sent flying up in the air due to an electric shock. Now, in real life - what would happen if a doctor was dumb enough to do that? --- ## [Is it possible to remove carbon(ized gunk) from copper by electrolysis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-remove-carbon-ized-gunk-from-copper-by-electrolysis/752823 "2016-04-23T03:20:44Z")
Just thinking about something I only know in the abstract–separation of chemical elements by zapping them with electricity. I have pure copper pans unattended-to for a few years. Cleaning mixtures of abrasive and chemic… --- ## [French Grammar Question: Expressing intentions: I hear you were going ..."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-expressing-intentions-i-hear-you-were-going/752704)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-grammar-question-expressing-intentions-i-hear-you-were-going/752704 "2016-04-23T02:27:18Z")
Hi, Why is it correct to say “J’ai entendu dire que vous partiez tous en randonner” (imparfait) rather than"J’ai entendu dire que vous partirez tous en randonner", since it is a potential/future event, and hasn’t happen… --- ## [I'm looking for the Name of Two Phonetic Characters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-the-name-of-two-phonetic-characters/752770)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-looking-for-the-name-of-two-phonetic-characters/752770 "2016-04-23T02:07:28Z")
Two interesting characters, that apparently are or were used at one time to represent sounds. I have this old Webster’s dictionary that dates back to the 1960’s. Anyways, it has a section on the International Phonetic A… --- ## [Is there a limit to any foot race? (e.g. 100m)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-any-foot-race-e-g-100m/752234)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2016, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-any-foot-race-e-g-100m/752234 "2016-04-23T00:01:27Z")
Usain Bolt holds the current record at 9.58 (per the web) Is there any way to mathematically determine the limit of this record? Intuitively we know, for example, that a human will never run 100m in 5 sec. So we know … --- ## [Forensic facial reconstruction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forensic-facial-reconstruction/752812)
**Author:** [@nansbread](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nansbread)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forensic-facial-reconstruction/752812 "2016-04-21T16:45:07Z")
These experts can recreate a face from a set of skull fragments or the entire skull. Personally i find it hard to accept it at face value:p poor pun i know. Has anyone tested them by giving them the bones of a person wh… --- ## [iphone mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-mystery/752824)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-mystery/752824 "2016-04-21T16:44:07Z")
As far as I can tell, one number and one number only, when trying to call me on my iphone 4s receives a fast busy signal. When I call myself from a landline it goes through and I receive assorted other calls, so this do… --- ## [can beta blockers help exercise be more efficient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-beta-blockers-help-exercise-be-more-efficient/752743)
**Author:** [@johnoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/johnoh)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-beta-blockers-help-exercise-be-more-efficient/752743 "2016-04-21T16:24:13Z")
Hi all, Doc just put me on 25mg of atenolol due to (very infrequent) ventricular tachycardia, and I just had my first workout. About me - 55 y/o, 6’1", 175lb, avid daily exerciser my whole life. I’m way too stiff, is … --- ## [Biomass power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biomass-power/752636)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biomass-power/752636 "2016-04-21T16:06:23Z")
There is a big controversy in Maine about whether state funds should be used to prop up our biomass power industry. Part of the controversy is about if this is renewable or not. The plants used to sell a lot of this pow… --- ## [Erasing OBD2 code while car running harmful? possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/erasing-obd2-code-while-car-running-harmful-possible/752807)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/erasing-obd2-code-while-car-running-harmful-possible/752807 "2016-04-21T14:36:39Z")
I almost hit the erase button on the scan tool before realizing the car was running. What would happen if I tried to erase the code while the car was running, for that matter driving? Would the car accept it, or would … --- ## [Identify what critter these caterpillers will turn into?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-what-critter-these-caterpillers-will-turn-into/752665)
**Author:** [@Algernon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algernon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-what-critter-these-caterpillers-will-turn-into/752665 "2016-04-21T13:54:56Z")
I am curious what moth/butterfly these caterpillers will turn into. I think they were fairly large, between 2 and 4 inches in length, but my memory could be flawed. The photo was taken in Belize. Extra credit if anyone … --- ## [What are the penalties for violating NC HB2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-penalties-for-violating-nc-hb2/752468)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-penalties-for-violating-nc-hb2/752468 "2016-04-21T13:42:49Z")
Here’s the text of the law. And here’s a scenario: Mary is a trans woman who works at UNC-CH. She goes to a basketball game at the Dean Dome. At halftime she has to pee. There’s a security guard who, earlier in the day,… --- ## [horizontal buttonhole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-buttonhole/752401)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2016, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/horizontal-buttonhole/752401 "2016-04-21T13:28:10Z")
I bought some new dress shirts, and I noticed that all the buttonholes are vertical, except for the one on the button, which is horizontal. Is there any particular reason for that? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=915) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=917)