# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1013 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1014 --- ## [Stealing your ID just walking past you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stealing-your-id-just-walking-past-you/736307)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stealing-your-id-just-walking-past-you/736307 "2015-11-01T16:41:49Z")
They are advertising this Card Block, so that your ID info cannot be scanned by a pedestrian, remotely through your clothing, bag and wallet?! Is that for real? --- ## [Anyone understnd Italian? What is said in this clip from Goodfellas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-understnd-italian-what-is-said-in-this-clip-from-goodfellas/620680)
**Author:** [@MuleSkinner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MuleSkinner)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-understnd-italian-what-is-said-in-this-clip-from-goodfellas/620680 "2015-11-01T15:01:17Z")
Didn’t post in Cafe Society as the question is asking for a factual answer to what’s said in Italian rather than relating to pop culture. Anyone know what Carbone is saying in the following clip? Video starts at relevan… --- ## [Surefire way to make yourself pee.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surefire-way-to-make-yourself-pee/188117)
**Author:** [@Guybud5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guybud5)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surefire-way-to-make-yourself-pee/188117 "2015-11-01T10:50:27Z")
This is GUYBUD5 opens up his vulnerable inner side time: I am active duty military, and with that comes the periodic uninalysis testing. The military wants to be damn sure that I’m not trying anything funny, so there i… --- ## [On a Hallowe'en night, why is my cursor possessed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-halloween-night-why-is-my-cursor-possessed/736314)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-halloween-night-why-is-my-cursor-possessed/736314 "2015-11-01T04:59:08Z")
The cursor on my Mac is possessed! I’m sitting here, and every so often the cursor just starts moving horizontally all by itself. And sometimes when I try to move it with the touchpad, it won’t go where I want it to go… --- ## [Is it illegal to drink your own alcohol on a plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-drink-your-own-alcohol-on-a-plane/595403)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-drink-your-own-alcohol-on-a-plane/595403 "2015-11-01T04:28:42Z")
On a domestic flight last night, my wife and I finished the ice water we’d been served, then we each poured a 50ml serving of scotch (which my wife had carried on in her purse) over the leftover ice. A flight attendant … --- ## [Arabic Pronunciation Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabic-pronunciation-question/736228)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabic-pronunciation-question/736228 "2015-11-01T04:00:35Z")
I was listening to the radio and heard Bedouin pronounced something like “Beshouin.” They also pronounced “Sayyid” something like “Sayyish.” Is this correct…or perhaps correct for old times but not today…or…??? --- ## [What to do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do/736312)
**Author:** [@Janelly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janelly)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do/736312 "2015-11-01T03:58:53Z")
I’m 31 and my husband is 25. He is my first everything. He constantly says I’m not pleasing him. I give oral sex and even do anal. He says I’m boring and I take forever to give head. He wants to come in 5 minutes. What s… --- ## [Water quality in India?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-quality-in-india/736286)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2015, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-quality-in-india/736286 "2015-11-01T01:32:07Z")
Someone told me that everywhere in India the tap water is not good enough for drinking. Even in the modern areas. Is that true? --- ## [Has There Ever Been Front End Loader Drag Races?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-front-end-loader-drag-races/736239)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-front-end-loader-drag-races/736239 "2015-10-31T22:07:17Z")
I was just behind one; I wonder if anybody has ever raced them? They don’t move too fast, but they bouce around a lot. Could be interesting. --- ## [What is the history of term "Liberal Democracy"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-history-of-term-liberal-democracy/736214)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-history-of-term-liberal-democracy/736214 "2015-10-31T18:40:23Z")
Either my Google-foo is weak or this is surprisingly hard to find on the internets. The modern definition is trivialto find. But I have totally failed to find a history of the term itself (rather than the concept). Wh… --- ## [Working in the Irish black market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-in-the-irish-black-market/736262)
**Author:** [@cipher83](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cipher83)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-in-the-irish-black-market/736262 "2015-10-31T18:23:09Z")
Is there a “black market” for jobs in Ireland? What are the dangers of working in Ireland without a work permit? How easy is it that you will be caught? --- ## [Dyslexic birds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyslexic-birds/3275)
**Author:** [@Boris\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boris_B)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dyslexic-birds/3275 "2015-10-31T17:53:31Z")
The “left-handed pets” thread reminded me of this. I took ornithology in high school, and I remember something about a species of birds which are supposed to migrate from Alaska to the Southeastern United States. These … --- ## [Is "famous for being famous" strictly an American phenomenon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-famous-for-being-famous-strictly-an-american-phenomenon/735873)
**Author:** [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-famous-for-being-famous-strictly-an-american-phenomenon/735873 "2015-10-31T17:41:50Z")
Do others countries have the equivalent of the Kardashians? Are we the only country that makes celebrities out of people for no apparent reason? I am not counting other country’s royal families in this. --- ## [How many animals eat with their paws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-animals-eat-with-their-paws/736151)
**Author:** [@Robert163](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert163)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-animals-eat-with-their-paws/736151 "2015-10-31T15:01:00Z")
How many animals eat with their paws? Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons… there are certain animals that eat with their paws, right? Any others to add to the list, or, is it my imagination that squirrels eat with their paws? … --- ## [Microwave Oven Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-problem/736227)
**Author:** [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-problem/736227 "2015-10-31T11:47:39Z")
20 year old Tappen microwave. Three door switches, one close to the hinge, two opposite the hinge. Had the cover off investigating another problem with door open. Manually made one of the two opposite hinge (I’ll call t… --- ## [Why do so many African leaders have english/western first names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-african-leaders-have-english-western-first-names/735546)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-african-leaders-have-english-western-first-names/735546 "2015-10-31T07:51:18Z")
From wiki: Benin: Lionel Zinsou Botswana: Ian Khama Burkina Faso: Michel Kafando, Gilbert Diendere, Michel Kafando Burundi: Pierre Nkurunziza Cameroon: Paul Biya Central African Republic: Catherine Samba-Panza Cha… --- ## [Quick question about false eyelashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-false-eyelashes/736242)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-about-false-eyelashes/736242 "2015-10-31T06:59:50Z")
Do you want to put them on before your eyeshadow, or after? Never worn 'em before. --- ## [fridge COLDER than normal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-colder-than-normal/736016)
**Author:** [@cedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cedman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-colder-than-normal/736016 "2015-10-31T03:31:17Z")
We just inherited a commercial fridge that is keeping food way too cold. I’ve never heard of a fridge doing that. What could be causing this? A sensor of some kind? The coils are clean and it doesn’t run longer than it s… --- ## [Do solar panels decrease the heat we receive from the sun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-solar-panels-decrease-the-heat-we-receive-from-the-sun/735950)
**Author:** [@The\_Sheikh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Sheikh)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2015, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-solar-panels-decrease-the-heat-we-receive-from-the-sun/735950 "2015-10-31T01:54:10Z")
If the surface of our planet was covered with solar panels, would they absorb the heat we receive from the sun? --- ## [Retaining Wall Ideas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retaining-wall-ideas/736113)
**Author:** [@The\_Man\_In\_Black](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Man_In_Black)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retaining-wall-ideas/736113 "2015-10-30T23:53:31Z")
At my families cabin the retaining wall made of old railroad ties and stone, but over the years, it has fallen apart. Being as it is the cabin, and no ones main home, we want to keep costs down and do the work ourselves… --- ## [How would you rough out the watts/kilogram of a rectenna?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-rough-out-the-watts-kilogram-of-a-rectenna/736217)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-rough-out-the-watts-kilogram-of-a-rectenna/736217 "2015-10-30T23:39:06Z")
So I had an idea. A very simple electric rocket engine exists that gives both high thrust and high ISP. It’s the MPD thruster. I’ve read that 15k ISP, at about 50% efficiency, is possible with hydrogen propellant. Th… --- ## [How do oil change places make a profit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-oil-change-places-make-a-profit/736194)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-oil-change-places-make-a-profit/736194 "2015-10-30T23:36:20Z")
There is a chain of quick oil change stores in my area called Prompto. All they do is oil changes, and the only thing they might try to sell you is a $2 bottle of wiper fluid. Their oil changes are $21. Even if you buy… --- ## [My oven keeps shutting off during its heating phase. What's up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-oven-keeps-shutting-off-during-its-heating-phase-whats-up/736118)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-oven-keeps-shutting-off-during-its-heating-phase-whats-up/736118 "2015-10-30T23:27:54Z")
The oven is a Amana self-cleaner very similar, though not identical, to the one in this image. It’s great and we love it. The stovetop is fine. Works perfectly. The oven, though, has developed an issue. When we turn th… --- ## [At what moment do ATM machines stop delivering money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-moment-do-atm-machines-stop-delivering-money/583854)
**Author:** [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-moment-do-atm-machines-stop-delivering-money/583854 "2015-10-30T23:26:53Z")
Simple question. At what moment ATM machines that are in need of a refill stop delivering money? I dont suppose they deliver it to their very last bill, so when are they supposed to say “sorry, cant deliver money right n… --- ## [Why don't Westerners eat dogs and cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-westerners-eat-dogs-and-cats/736152)
**Author:** [@WF\_Tomba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WF_Tomba)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-westerners-eat-dogs-and-cats/736152 "2015-10-30T23:06:29Z")
We take it for granted that in European culture, dogs and cats are not considered appropriate for eating. How far back in history does this taboo go, and is there any known explanation for it? --- ## [rat like creature in downtown seattle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rat-like-creature-in-downtown-seattle/736146)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rat-like-creature-in-downtown-seattle/736146 "2015-10-30T23:05:30Z")
I’m near the aquarium, close to Pike Fish Market area. It was dark and I saw a rodent like creature scurry across my path into some bushes. It could have been a rat, it was the same size and configuration, but I notice… --- ## [Mt Blanc Hi res photo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mt-blanc-hi-res-photo/736097)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mt-blanc-hi-res-photo/736097 "2015-10-30T23:04:28Z")
This is an amazing photo, no doubt. However, what is the deal with the mirror imaging near the left-center of the picture? There is a guy on snowshoes walking from right to left near the shadow of the pointy peak. Below … --- ## [Do other countries have Iowa and NH system of picking their leader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-countries-have-iowa-and-nh-system-of-picking-their-leader/735912)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-countries-have-iowa-and-nh-system-of-picking-their-leader/735912 "2015-10-30T21:48:28Z")
What I mean is do any other countries get all hyped up about elections in 2 obscure parts of their country? Seems like the way the US system works is we put a lot of emphasis on game 1 of a 16 game season . I guess th… --- ## [Mammal Insanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mammal-insanity/736101)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mammal-insanity/736101 "2015-10-30T20:53:13Z")
Can anyone give a demonstrable example of mental illness in other mammals? Is there any evidence of say schizophrenia, bipolarity, or the currently popular ADHD, etc? I think the important factor to keep in mind here … --- ## [The Phrase: "In Dutch"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-in-dutch/631015)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2015, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-in-dutch/631015 "2015-10-30T20:05:03Z")
At work today Jon asked Fred to put some extra tables into the database. Fred agreed, but then Jon said - should I channel this request through your boss? I don’t want to get you in Dutch with him. From the context, I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1012) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1014)