# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=950 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 951 --- ## [Why did this hospital have three different ICUs for parts of the circulatory system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-this-hospital-have-three-different-icus-for-parts-of-the-circulatory-system/746371)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2016, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-this-hospital-have-three-different-icus-for-parts-of-the-circulatory-system/746371 "2016-02-19T06:18:33Z")
I was visiting the Emory St Joseph Atlanta hospital today, which specializes in Heart and Vascular Care, and I noticed on their internal directory that they have three different ICUs for different parts of the circulator… --- ## [Should I be conserving water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-conserving-water/745552)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2016, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-conserving-water/745552 "2016-02-19T03:21:29Z")
During the SuperBowl yesterday, they ran an ad about conserving water, making me feel bad because I let the water run while I brush my teeth. But then I got to thinking, would it matter if I didn’t? I know that if I li… --- ## [Anyone know the right pen to use for autographing a Kindle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-the-right-pen-to-use-for-autographing-a-kindle/745049)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-the-right-pen-to-use-for-autographing-a-kindle/745049 "2016-02-18T21:11:07Z")
I’m going to a lecture by one of my favorite authors next week, and I’ like to get her to autograph a book for me. But all my copies are e-books on my Kindle, and I’d like her to autograph that. I’m reluctant to just t… --- ## [Are vitamin A supplements ineffective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vitamin-a-supplements-ineffective/746383)
**Author:** [@tom.ra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tom.ra)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-vitamin-a-supplements-ineffective/746383 "2016-02-18T20:38:09Z")
I was reading that there were studies done that showed vitamin A pills are ineffective and might cause more harm than good. Is this valid? --- ## [Windows 10 upgrade nightmare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-upgrade-nightmare/745257)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-upgrade-nightmare/745257 "2016-02-18T20:12:14Z")
Two days ago I did the free upgrade from Windows 7 to 10. Everything went smoothly. Office needed to be re-activated, but a quick and painless phone call to Microsoft Live help got that squared away without issue. Yeste… --- ## [Dragging dolphins by their tailfins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragging-dolphins-by-their-tailfins/746397)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dragging-dolphins-by-their-tailfins/746397 "2016-02-18T18:14:54Z")
I just saw a video of some beachgoers who rescued a bunch of dolphins that came in too close to shore and got caught in the shallows on a beach. But these well-meaning folks were grabbing them by their tailfins and dragg… --- ## [How does a knock sensor work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-knock-sensor-work/671260)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-knock-sensor-work/671260 "2016-02-18T18:08:01Z")
Scenario: high-compression engine needs higher octane fuel to prevent the fuel-air mix from combusting spontaneously due to pressurization–to make it wait for the car’s spark to ‘tell’ it to ignite. So you put a lower o… --- ## [Is it true that classified information is not allowed on the internet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-classified-information-is-not-allowed-on-the-internet/746374)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-classified-information-is-not-allowed-on-the-internet/746374 "2016-02-18T13:48:13Z")
Is it true that US law does not allow classified information to be sent through the internet? I was under the impression that the military/feds had two parallel internets (JWCIS was one I believe) for secret and top sec… --- ## [Do you know this metaphor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-this-metaphor/746369)
**Author:** [@Blackstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackstock)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-this-metaphor/746369 "2016-02-18T08:34:25Z")
A long time ago I read something in a book I can’t remember, and I’ve tried to find it many times on the Internet over many years, only to no avail. It’s supposedly a Russian term that refers to what happens when you tr… --- ## [Another Titanic question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-titanic-question/708811)
**Author:** [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-titanic-question/708811 "2016-02-18T08:18:31Z")
One thing I’ve always wondered about regarding that famous sinking. If any ship had been able to get to the Titanic before she sank, how would it have been possible to transfer over two thousand people from one ship to … --- ## [Why are Facebook comments now being forwarded to me as text messages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-facebook-comments-now-being-forwarded-to-me-as-text-messages/746389)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-facebook-comments-now-being-forwarded-to-me-as-text-messages/746389 "2016-02-18T07:16:44Z")
What happened that all of a sudden Facebook messages to threads that I have commented in are now being forwarded to my phone as text messages? How did this suddenly start happening? Googling, I see that if I text “off”… --- ## [WW2 and the rest of the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-and-the-rest-of-the-world/739719)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-and-the-rest-of-the-world/739719 "2016-02-18T05:27:34Z")
What was the late 30s-early 40s like for nations who were NOT aligned as Allies or Axis powers? I mean, what was life like for the average citizen of Kenya, Sri Lanka, or Chile? --- ## [Automotive conundrum: What happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-conundrum-what-happened/746216)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-conundrum-what-happened/746216 "2016-02-18T04:36:37Z")
The history: My pickup (05 Dodge Dakota) has been virtually trouble free for the 10 years that I’ve owned it (bought it with 4k miles on it in 2006). No leaks, no issues other than routine maintenance. In particular,… --- ## [Does cue weight matter on the break?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-cue-weight-matter-on-the-break/746139)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-cue-weight-matter-on-the-break/746139 "2016-02-18T02:14:15Z")
Using a rigid body pool physics simulator that is restricted to the 2D plane it is easy to demonstrate that if you keep increasing the force the cue imparts on the cue ball all the balls will eventually go in every time. … --- ## [Getty Archives: How to find a recent image.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getty-archives-how-to-find-a-recent-image/746394)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getty-archives-how-to-find-a-recent-image/746394 "2016-02-18T01:23:04Z")
I’m trying to find an image shot by a photographer and the only credit reads “Getty”. Having spent quite a bit of time now on the Getty Archives site, I’m striking out. Anyone know how to go about finding the image? The… --- ## [Does my electric burner stove have a potentiometer or a thermostat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-my-electric-burner-stove-have-a-potentiometer-or-a-thermostat/108922)
**Author:** [@MHand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MHand)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-my-electric-burner-stove-have-a-potentiometer-or-a-thermostat/108922 "2016-02-18T00:41:18Z")
I have a single-coil electric burner. You can plug it in and turn a knob from Low to Medium to High and it heats up a coil which is used for cooking. I want to know if the knob controls a potentiometer (variable resist… --- ## [Oven cleaning question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oven-cleaning-question/746384)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oven-cleaning-question/746384 "2016-02-17T22:43:55Z")
I’m cleaning out the oven for resale and while easy off works well on the walls, it doesnt seem to take the junk off the oven window. Any ideas? Also any tips on cleaning the oven racks? --- ## [Traffic Rules re: Emergency Vehicles in Hong Kong/Taiwan/China](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-rules-re-emergency-vehicles-in-hong-kong-taiwan-china/746360)
**Author:** [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traffic-rules-re-emergency-vehicles-in-hong-kong-taiwan-china/746360 "2016-02-17T22:37:56Z")
The thread about pulling over for funeral processions reminded me of this… So, I live in a part of Los Angeles (South San Gabriel Valley) that is overwhelmingly ethnically Chinese, with an additional heaping spoonful of… --- ## [Can a "broken" appliance use an outrageous amount of energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-broken-appliance-use-an-outrageous-amount-of-energy/746163)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-broken-appliance-use-an-outrageous-amount-of-energy/746163 "2016-02-17T21:31:32Z")
Discussing an issue with a friend about a sudden very dramatic jump in kilowatt hours that continued for months. The only readily identifiable thing was a half-size refrigerator that was replacing an existing half-size … --- ## [Just checking--this science reporting at phys.org is incorrect, correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-checking-this-science-reporting-at-phys-org-is-incorrect-correct/746329)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-checking-this-science-reporting-at-phys-org-is-incorrect-correct/746329 "2016-02-17T20:46:38Z")
Article here: No Big Bang? Quantum equation predicts universe has no beginning Passage in question here: “In the beginning, everything in existence is thought to have occupied a single infinitely dense point, or singula… --- ## [How do they play roulette on a cruise ship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-play-roulette-on-a-cruise-ship/746253)
**Author:** [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-play-roulette-on-a-cruise-ship/746253 "2016-02-17T20:23:57Z")
This question is pretty straightforward: Roulette on a cruise ship? Sure, these are really big ships and sure, the table can be more or less level, but not dead on balls accurate like a land based table can be. (It’s an… --- ## [Why are so many different gases used for welding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-different-gases-used-for-welding/746289)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-so-many-different-gases-used-for-welding/746289 "2016-02-17T18:22:10Z")
In an episode of Mythbusters, they mention ordering methane from the welding supply. I thought welding was done with just oxygen and acetylene for gas welding, and one of the noble gases for arc/plasma welding. A quick … --- ## [Online Security and Identity Theft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-security-and-identity-theft/745823)
**Author:** [@UberArchetype](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UberArchetype)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-security-and-identity-theft/745823 "2016-02-17T18:03:47Z")
Most people should be aware of this very real danger to our modern world financial well being. One of the biggest risks in cyberspace involves credit accounts. The problems typically start after some scammer gets your … --- ## [Costco shopping and your credit score...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costco-shopping-and-your-credit-score/746290)
**Author:** [@Last\_Glacial\_Maximum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Last_Glacial_Maximum)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/costco-shopping-and-your-credit-score/746290 "2016-02-17T17:30:18Z")
I’ve heard that Costco will be introducing their new Visa card in the near future. I’ve also heard that it will have the same conditions and benefits as the soon to be replaced American Express card. My questions are th… --- ## [Can you be arrested and charged based solely on someone making an accusation of a crime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-arrested-and-charged-based-solely-on-someone-making-an-accusation-of-a-crime/745986)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-be-arrested-and-charged-based-solely-on-someone-making-an-accusation-of-a-crime/745986 "2016-02-17T15:50:48Z")
If someone says ‘So ans So sold me drugs/robbed me/raped me/threatened to kill me/etc’ and there is no other evidence (no other witnesses, no physical evidence, no video/audio, etc) to support the assertion of a crime ot… --- ## [Explain electric car charging science to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-electric-car-charging-science-to-me/746268)
**Author:** [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-electric-car-charging-science-to-me/746268 "2016-02-17T15:37:18Z")
I have read that charging an electric car with 120v is something like a third less efficient than charging it with 240v. So if some car takes, say, 3 hours to charge with 240v, it probably takes about 9 hours to charge … --- ## [How To Post To Multiple Craigslist Sites Simultaneously](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-post-to-multiple-craigslist-sites-simultaneously/746345)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-post-to-multiple-craigslist-sites-simultaneously/746345 "2016-02-17T15:25:17Z")
I have a posting for a gig which can be done from anywhere, so there’s no need to limit it to a specific regional Craigslist site. Is there a way to post to multiple Craigslist sites (up to every one of them in the U.S. … --- ## [Are ginger cats more friendly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ginger-cats-more-friendly/746181)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-ginger-cats-more-friendly/746181 "2016-02-17T08:52:35Z")
Chez Piper is well-endowed wit cats, having two ginger tabbies and an elegant grey one with white mittens. The two ginger cats are much more outgoing and friendly than the grey one. A visitor who is familiar with cats s… --- ## [Trucks hauling three trailers: is this a new thing, or am I really unobservant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trucks-hauling-three-trailers-is-this-a-new-thing-or-am-i-really-unobservant/444653)
**Author:** [@mlerose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlerose)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trucks-hauling-three-trailers-is-this-a-new-thing-or-am-i-really-unobservant/444653 "2016-02-17T00:00:38Z")
The superhero and I just completed a two-week road trip to California and back, during which time we got hitched. Hooray! Anyhow, we took I-80 out to the Bay Area and drove down 5 to LA, took 15 through Vegas, and up to… --- ## [New cryopreservation procedure wins Brain Preservation Prize](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cryopreservation-procedure-wins-brain-preservation-prize/745975)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cryopreservation-procedure-wins-brain-preservation-prize/745975 "2016-02-16T21:27:50Z")
Sense freezing the brain and body causes ice crystals that damage cells!! Scientists found chemicals that may allow for cryopreservation with out need to freeze the body. Looks like there is no need to freeze the bod… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=949) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=951)