# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1018 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1019 --- ## [How would you set up a working fire pit on the moon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-set-up-a-working-fire-pit-on-the-moon/735051)
**Author:** [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-set-up-a-working-fire-pit-on-the-moon/735051 "2015-10-23T18:31:04Z")
I’m a member of a club that, for fun (and charity!) is planning an event on the moon. Don’t worry - it isn’t for another 15 years, and people are responsible for their own transportation. Someone posted an interesting … --- ## [Where do I take my car to fix the sunvisor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-take-my-car-to-fix-the-sunvisor/735475)
**Author:** [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-i-take-my-car-to-fix-the-sunvisor/735475 "2015-10-23T17:55:08Z")
The spring or whatever inside the sunvisor in my car has broken so it flops down in front of my eyes all the time. Where can I take it to get this fixed? A body shop? I have an excellent mechanic that I rely on for al… --- ## [Mysterious Iphone text message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-iphone-text-message/735539)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mysterious-iphone-text-message/735539 "2015-10-23T17:08:22Z")
How is it possible for someone else to send a text and it appears on my phone and someone else’s phone as if I sent it? Here’s the setup: My wife, my son, and I all have Iphones and we sometimes text so that all three p… --- ## [Why doesn't the US Navy use hydrofoils?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-us-navy-use-hydrofoils/734684)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-us-navy-use-hydrofoils/734684 "2015-10-23T16:27:20Z")
They were always touted as THE FUTURE like jet packs and lazer rifles. But there are obvious advantages; they’re in the America’s Cup, for instance. So, why not? --- ## [Judges giving speeches at criminal sentencing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judges-giving-speeches-at-criminal-sentencing/735425)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judges-giving-speeches-at-criminal-sentencing/735425 "2015-10-23T14:30:09Z")
I have wondered about this for a while, and reading about the sentencing of the guy who started Silk Road brought the question back to mind. From the stories I’ve read, it appears the judge read out a fairly long statem… --- ## [US Police pulling you out of a vehicle; not a conspiracy theory.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-police-pulling-you-out-of-a-vehicle-not-a-conspiracy-theory/734319)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-police-pulling-you-out-of-a-vehicle-not-a-conspiracy-theory/734319 "2015-10-23T13:33:28Z")
For some dang reason, just because I watched one stinkin’ video on the YouTube, I’m being flooded with sidebars to “watch the Police State,” “watch this wacko cop,” or “watch a defender of their rights!” To wit, I chalk… --- ## [Do most people in the Republic of Ireland not care about a United Ireland or what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-people-in-the-republic-of-ireland-not-care-about-a-united-ireland-or-what/735119)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-people-in-the-republic-of-ireland-not-care-about-a-united-ireland-or-what/735119 "2015-10-23T09:07:47Z")
Well now it was just after the Scottish Independence Referendum and they got a vote on independence and yet they have been talking about a border poll in Ireland for far longer than they have been talking about independe… --- ## [How do FFL holders prove their identities in mail-order and online sales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-ffl-holders-prove-their-identities-in-mail-order-and-online-sales/735481)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-ffl-holders-prove-their-identities-in-mail-order-and-online-sales/735481 "2015-10-23T06:02:03Z")
How does an FFL holder buy firearms through the mail? How does he prove to the seller that he is an FFL holder? Thanks, Rob --- ## [landing a space shuttle: how difficult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-a-space-shuttle-how-difficult/735160)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/landing-a-space-shuttle-how-difficult/735160 "2015-10-23T03:33:45Z")
I’ve been playing with this space shuttle landing simulator, available as an app. It’s impressively detailed, including an analysis of your landing by a whole list of parameters: airspeed at main/nose gear touchdown, th… --- ## [The gun show loophope: could private sellers close it voluntarily?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gun-show-loophope-could-private-sellers-close-it-voluntarily/735483)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gun-show-loophope-could-private-sellers-close-it-voluntarily/735483 "2015-10-23T02:18:47Z")
Don’t need an answer fast. It’s my understanding that, when a licensed firearms dealer sells a gun, he has to run an instant background check with some authority, and that authority either confirms that the buyer is leg… --- ## [How to age new wood to match old?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-age-new-wood-to-match-old/735147)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-age-new-wood-to-match-old/735147 "2015-10-23T01:23:10Z")
I have a pile of bones that was formerly a chair. My wife found it on a street corner and thought I needed something to do other than watch Breaking Bad reruns. It’s a mystery to me how this chair was standing upright, c… --- ## [Is it correct to call all but eight of the signers of the Declaration of Independence American-born?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-call-all-but-eight-of-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence-american-born/735434)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2015, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-correct-to-call-all-but-eight-of-the-signers-of-the-declaration-of-independence-american-born/735434 "2015-10-23T00:40:16Z")
Hi I’ve seen articles calling the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence American-born, which seems correct since they were born on the North American continent. They were nonetheless British citize… --- ## [With permission, you use a friend's computer to write a book. Who owns the file?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-permission-you-use-a-friends-computer-to-write-a-book-who-owns-the-file/735393)
**Author:** [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-permission-you-use-a-friends-computer-to-write-a-book-who-owns-the-file/735393 "2015-10-22T21:18:38Z")
You are an intrepid budding author, but unfortunately do not own a computer. Your friend Miles, however, kindly agrees to let you use his computer for 4 hours a day to work on your book. After months of hard work, your … --- ## [Does Win 10 upgrade leave a full copy of the installer on PC? So Win 10 can be reinstalled later?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-win-10-upgrade-leave-a-full-copy-of-the-installer-on-pc-so-win-10-can-be-reinstalled-later/735412)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-win-10-upgrade-leave-a-full-copy-of-the-installer-on-pc-so-win-10-can-be-reinstalled-later/735412 "2015-10-22T20:03:29Z")
I wipe my drive occasionally (about once every 12 to 18 months) and reinstall Windows. A fresh, clean install runs faster and I know its virus free. If I let Win 10 upgrade. Will I have a full Win 10 installer saved on… --- ## [yoke vs stick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yoke-vs-stick/106996)
**Author:** [@YPOD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YPOD)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yoke-vs-stick/106996 "2015-10-22T18:19:08Z")
Why do some aircraft have yokes - the steering wheel like control at the end of the stick, and why do some just have a stick? Any advantage to disadvantage to either one? --- ## [When was the last time America and Russia were bombing the same country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-america-and-russia-were-bombing-the-same-country/735099)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Ayebaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Ayebaw)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-america-and-russia-were-bombing-the-same-country/735099 "2015-10-22T17:11:09Z")
I can’t think of any for sure after WWII. Maybe Vietnam or Yugoslavia? Afghanistan? --- ## [Passenger Jet Engines throttle down, up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-jet-engines-throttle-down-up/635830)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passenger-jet-engines-throttle-down-up/635830 "2015-10-22T16:05:14Z")
I live about 20 miles from San Diego International Airport, pretty much under a major flight path. About three or four months ago, I heard, for the first time, a jet’s engines throttle WAY down, then, a few seconds late… --- ## [Need a device that will make a loud noise when a phone is left off hook.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-device-that-will-make-a-loud-noise-when-a-phone-is-left-off-hook/735321)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-device-that-will-make-a-loud-noise-when-a-phone-is-left-off-hook/735321 "2015-10-22T15:41:57Z")
My mother is in poor health. She has a bad habit of not properly disconnecting calls after talking on her cordless phone, also she sometimes keeps it in her pocket and the off hook button gets pressed accidentally. She d… --- ## [Carnival "Rotor" Style Ride, Could a person walk on the wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carnival-rotor-style-ride-could-a-person-walk-on-the-wall/592756)
**Author:** [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carnival-rotor-style-ride-could-a-person-walk-on-the-wall/592756 "2015-10-22T15:20:32Z")
This thread is inspired by the most recent radio episode of This American Life. A “rotor” ride is essentially a spinning centrifuge. The passengers have their backs to the inside wall and the floor drops below. The spi… --- ## [Microwave Food Trays Reuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-food-trays-reuse/735370)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-food-trays-reuse/735370 "2015-10-22T12:33:01Z")
A lot, if not most, trays that comes with microwave food say do not reheat. Like quite a few people, my household can and does re-use them on occasion. What’s the deal on this? Is it the food company covering their bu… --- ## [Why Are TV Commercials On At The Same Time On Every Station?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-tv-commercials-on-at-the-same-time-on-every-station/229707)
**Author:** [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-tv-commercials-on-at-the-same-time-on-every-station/229707 "2015-10-22T08:09:40Z")
Well the title pretty much says it all: Why Are TV Commercials On At The Same Time On Every Station? It seems to me almost counter-productive. You would think, in this remote control era, that it’s expected that we wi… --- ## [Marketing question regarding guarantees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marketing-question-regarding-guarantees/734981)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marketing-question-regarding-guarantees/734981 "2015-10-22T07:48:58Z")
Hi SD, At Costco today, I overheard someone say “We guarantee this product is better than any competitor’s. If you’re unsatisfied, your money back, no questions asked.” This made me think. Is a money back guarantee a… --- ## [Foley catheter insertion questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foley-catheter-insertion-questions/733715)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foley-catheter-insertion-questions/733715 "2015-10-22T05:22:14Z")
Yesterday afternoon, I joined the fraternity of men-who-have-had-a-tube-inserted-up-their-urethra. Or more likely, “down,” since I was probably on my back during the procedure. I was asleep at the time, or at least under… --- ## [Can damage be done with just an SSN?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-damage-be-done-with-just-an-ssn/735331)
**Author:** [@Julia\_My\_Love](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Julia_My_Love)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-damage-be-done-with-just-an-ssn/735331 "2015-10-22T04:02:48Z")
I’m a college student with no line of credit. I usually am proactive about protecting my identity but I recently messed up when I told a bank teller my SSN while people were next to and behind me. One guy turned his hea… --- ## [Safe deposit box or safety deposit box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-deposit-box-or-safety-deposit-box/321775)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safe-deposit-box-or-safety-deposit-box/321775 "2015-10-22T02:46:13Z")
On N.P.R. this morning, I heard a promo reader refer to a bank’s safety deposit boxes damaged in the hurricane. I always thought it was a safe deposit box, because it’s a deposit box in a safe (or vault). So which is it … --- ## [Why can't Britain build it's own nuclear plants ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-britain-build-its-own-nuclear-plants/735338)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-britain-build-its-own-nuclear-plants/735338 "2015-10-22T01:34:49Z")
Thought we were an advanced and rich country oozing with engineering expertise ? And why does it have to be the French and Chinese states that do it, and not private enterprise ? What happened to the privatised energy i… --- ## [Is a active medical plan still primary ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-active-medical-plan-still-primary/735414)
**Author:** [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-active-medical-plan-still-primary/735414 "2015-10-22T01:22:35Z")
over Medicare? UHC (may they be nuked from space) is telling me that my husbands employer has something in their contract that says that unless I tell them formally that I do not have Medicare, they can assume that they… --- ## [Were there any survivors that were in the towers when they collapsed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-survivors-that-were-in-the-towers-when-they-collapsed/735229)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-there-any-survivors-that-were-in-the-towers-when-they-collapsed/735229 "2015-10-22T01:18:22Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m not trying to bring up another conspiracy thread about 9/11, just looking for an answer. And yes, I know how Google works but my daughter asked me this question and I thought it would be a great ti… --- ## [Runner's high, endocannabinoids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-high-endocannabinoids/735337)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-high-endocannabinoids/735337 "2015-10-22T00:52:50Z")
A runner’s high is caused by endocannabinoids, and we’re evolved to run. But since the invention of agriculture we’ve been ever more sedentary, so is everyone unnaturally low ? And smoking weed is an attempt to restore… --- ## [Products of Incest.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-of-incest/492096)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2015, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/products-of-incest/492096 "2015-10-22T00:49:43Z")
I guess it might be partly out of morbid curiosity, but I have wondered for some time now, how do children of incest usually turn out? Are they hideously deformed usually? When I was smaller people used to say children o… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1017) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1019)