# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1137 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1138 --- ## [What would be the best way to mine ice from Pluto?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-to-mine-ice-from-pluto/716826)
**Author:** [@TheCozyMicrobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCozyMicrobe)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2015, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-way-to-mine-ice-from-pluto/716826 "2015-04-08T01:02:49Z")
Hey there! My name is Cozy, and I’m writing a science-fiction book. The problem is, I want it to be a lot more heavy on the science than most similar books, but I’m not particularly knowledgeable. So I’m looking for eith… --- ## [Tu-95 engines : how do they drive the two propellers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tu-95-engines-how-do-they-drive-the-two-propellers/716787)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2015, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tu-95-engines-how-do-they-drive-the-two-propellers/716787 "2015-04-08T00:18:29Z")
The wikipedia articles on the enginesfor the Tu-95 doesn’t explain how this is done. Are there 2 separate turbines in those engines, each one rotating the other direction, or does it drive a gigantic transmission to get… --- ## [What Happened to the Easter Zombies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-easter-zombies/716887)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-easter-zombies/716887 "2015-04-07T21:41:33Z")
Though this question has been posed before, we have never arrived at a biblical explanation for what happened to the Easter Zombies as described inMatthew 27:50-53: They were not ghosts, they were bodily resurrections,… --- ## [Cost of Lamisil presciption - No insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-lamisil-presciption-no-insurance/716953)
**Author:** [@saltydog920](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saltydog920)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-lamisil-presciption-no-insurance/716953 "2015-04-07T20:16:35Z")
I have 2 infected toes and have been looking at getting a prescription pill. I don’t have insurance and I know the cost will vary widely, but does anyone have any experience going through the whole process without insura… --- ## [Google doesn't load](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-doesnt-load/716580)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-doesnt-load/716580 "2015-04-07T20:08:50Z")
Any suggestion as to why Google of all things would simply go bad for me, on Firefox and IE? Every time, I get: The page you are trying to view cannot be shown because the authenticity of the received data could not be … --- ## [Is anyone here familiar with Radio Frequency Coagulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-here-familiar-with-radio-frequency-coagulation/717063)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-here-familiar-with-radio-frequency-coagulation/717063 "2015-04-07T19:38:43Z")
Hello Everyone, As some of you know I suffer from FBSS (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome). Essentially I’ve been fused from L3 to S1 and as a result I’m in Tribble pain everyday. The only way to control the pain is through… --- ## [Cycling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cycling/716939)
**Author:** [@Umbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Umbridge)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cycling/716939 "2015-04-07T12:44:22Z")
As a cyclist, I usually ride my mountain bicycle in a suburban area, and occasionally I travel to the supermarket and other stores. Most of the time, the sidewalk or pedestrian pathways are smooth or straight, but I have… --- ## [Cold viruses: correlations between virus strain and symptoms; also, tissue specificity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-viruses-correlations-between-virus-strain-and-symptoms-also-tissue-specificity/716525)
**Author:** [@Pasta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pasta)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-viruses-correlations-between-virus-strain-and-symptoms-also-tissue-specificity/716525 "2015-04-07T04:12:36Z")
Cold symptoms vary wildly from one cold to the next, both in array of symptoms and severity. I’m curious about this variation. Basic reading about the common cold suggests that certain cold viruses (among the hundreds)… --- ## [Why weren't there reverse depth charges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-there-reverse-depth-charges/716857)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2015, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-werent-there-reverse-depth-charges/716857 "2015-04-07T01:35:12Z")
The destroyers had to set the depth that the ashcans exploded; still, they had to pass directly over the sub that they were hunting. It seems ridiculously easy for the sub down below to simply release buoyant explosives … --- ## [computer question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question/716835)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-question/716835 "2015-04-06T22:46:24Z")
I have friends who leave their computer’s on all the time and others who shut it down when they are done using it. Both off them have what sounds like good reasons for doing this. what do you guys think about this ? --- ## [Another Grammar Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-grammar-question/716825)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-grammar-question/716825 "2015-04-06T19:33:50Z")
I sometimes write limericks and post them on FB. I recently wrote this one: The loveliest time of the year - With the beautiful music I hear: The birds call and sing, Awaiting their offspring – Just so long as the … --- ## [Birds in Michigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-in-michigan/716876)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/birds-in-michigan/716876 "2015-04-06T19:09:07Z")
So I am a very casual bird watcher( I watch the birds flitting around and digging in the grass when I am out in my yard smoking). Normally in Spring there are at least 2 dozen types I see fairly regularly, with some othe… --- ## [Is there a personality/psychology test that just tells you everything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-personality-psychology-test-that-just-tells-you-everything/716943)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-personality-psychology-test-that-just-tells-you-everything/716943 "2015-04-06T18:57:49Z")
to be frank, I really just want to figure all this shit out so I can have like a baseline knowledge of myself and who I am and move on with my life. I have ADD and depression for sure but am I anxious too? Introverted? E… --- ## [Rationale/origin of two crew members in cockpit rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rationale-origin-of-two-crew-members-in-cockpit-rule/716883)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rationale-origin-of-two-crew-members-in-cockpit-rule/716883 "2015-04-06T18:57:11Z")
As I understand it, airlines in the United States have always been following a rule that there have to be (at least) two members of the crew present on the flight deck at any given time. So for instance if there are two … --- ## [Why did the price of japanese tuna plunge 96% in one year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-price-of-japanese-tuna-plunge-96-in-one-year/716929)
**Author:** [@doubled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubled)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-price-of-japanese-tuna-plunge-96-in-one-year/716929 "2015-04-06T15:54:23Z")
This article talks about how the prestigous “first tuna of the year” in Japan sold for 396 thousand in 2011, 700 thousand in 2012, 1.7 million in 2013, and then a “mere” 70 thousand in 2014. The article briefly specula… --- ## [Discouraging squirrels from bird food](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-squirrels-from-bird-food/716646)
**Author:** [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discouraging-squirrels-from-bird-food/716646 "2015-04-06T15:50:50Z")
I put food out for the birds, but the squirrels take a lot of it. I’ve got squirrel proof feeders for most of the stuff I put out, but I like to scatter seeds in an open tray, and I’m finding that’s what the squirrels co… --- ## [Casting and swords](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casting-and-swords/716895)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casting-and-swords/716895 "2015-04-06T15:14:33Z")
So, ok. You want to make a steel stabbing weapon. The movies have the smiths pouring molten steel into sword shaped molds and hammering on it. As I understand it, modern manufacture of anything high strength metal, yo… --- ## [Taking Percocet Recreation ally - but Safe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-percocet-recreation-ally-but-safe/716954)
**Author:** [@George\_Clooney\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/George_Clooney_1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-percocet-recreation-ally-but-safe/716954 "2015-04-06T14:17:03Z")
I’m trying to take Percocet for recreational use, but I don’t want to damage my liver too much or overdose. I realize it isn’t healthy as it is, but can someone tell me the safest way to be taking Percocet and getting a … --- ## [How does water dissolve salt and why does it stop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-water-dissolve-salt-and-why-does-it-stop/716666)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-water-dissolve-salt-and-why-does-it-stop/716666 "2015-04-06T12:07:15Z")
What is the mechanism of saturation? What is happening at the molecular level that causes the water to lose the ability to pull any more salt apart into its ions? My wild ass guess was that the ions are binding to indiv… --- ## [How can I get better reception on my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-better-reception-on-my-phone/716930)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-get-better-reception-on-my-phone/716930 "2015-04-06T04:34:30Z")
I have AT&T and a Galaxy S4. I have far more minutes than I use, so that is not the issue. I need to be able to talk to my co-workers at all times when I am working, and there is a large area in and near one of the off… --- ## [Black Ring in Khazakstan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-ring-in-khazakstan/716921)
**Author:** [@jezzaOZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jezzaOZ)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2015, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-ring-in-khazakstan/716921 "2015-04-06T01:17:57Z")
What is this mysterious black ring in the sky of Khazakstan? Khazakstan black ring --- ## [Why aren't more traffic light systems synchronized? \[Traffic flow physics\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-more-traffic-light-systems-synchronized-traffic-flow-physics/716548)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-more-traffic-light-systems-synchronized-traffic-flow-physics/716548 "2015-04-05T23:26:43Z")
I live in a city with 1 million+ fellow citizens. I do 2-3 30 minute commutes each day, and while I benefit from an expressway that takes me most of the way, I do have to travel on some roads with traffic lights. I kno… --- ## [Garmin/GPS glitches (All 7-11s sell gas?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garmin-gps-glitches-all-7-11s-sell-gas/716889)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garmin-gps-glitches-all-7-11s-sell-gas/716889 "2015-04-05T23:10:27Z")
I love my Garmin but it has one annoying glitch. Whenever I ask for a list of gas stations nearby, it always includes every 7-Eleven in the list. Now there might be parts of the country where 7-Elevens sell gasoline, bu… --- ## [Why was Phenobarbital most likely given for three weeks before birth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-phenobarbital-most-likely-given-for-three-weeks-before-birth/716832)
**Author:** [@brobdingnagianbigbangian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brobdingnagianbigbangian)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-phenobarbital-most-likely-given-for-three-weeks-before-birth/716832 "2015-04-05T22:23:33Z")
A mother has a false labor three weeks before birth. For those three weeks she is on Phenobarbital. After birth the baby doesn’t suck for three weeks, doesn’t have normal thumb finger reflex and is irritable. This occurr… --- ## [Facebook "People you may know": How did they know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-people-you-may-know-how-did-they-know/602923)
**Author:** [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-people-you-may-know-how-did-they-know/602923 "2015-04-05T22:16:56Z")
I recently moved to a new city, and signed a lease to rent a house. I have zero Facebook friends from my new town, and absolutely no connection to my landlord, other than he is my landlord. He isn’t the landlord of anyon… --- ## [Angel of Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angel-of-death/716901)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/angel-of-death/716901 "2015-04-05T22:13:14Z")
So it’s Passover. The Angel of Death came and killed a bunch of people. Does the Angel of Death show up anywhere else in the Bible besides the Passover story? Do we know anything more about the Angel of Death from apocr… --- ## [Antibiotics on the Farm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-on-the-farm/716918)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-on-the-farm/716918 "2015-04-05T21:48:50Z")
Why aren’t the farms that stuff their animals full of antibiotics equally worried about the ineffectiveness of these antibiotics within their line of work? Aren’t they cutting their own throats by not taking this proble… --- ## [Anyone know whether it's worth upgrading from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-whether-its-worth-upgrading-from-windows-8-1-to-windows-10/716725)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-whether-its-worth-upgrading-from-windows-8-1-to-windows-10/716725 "2015-04-05T18:30:22Z")
I caught this article which says that for the next 12 months Microsoft will offer free upgrades to Windows 10 for users of Windows 8.1. I have a laptop and I’ve been perfectly happy with 8.1 since buying the laptop a co… --- ## [Translate this Arabic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-arabic/716380)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-arabic/716380 "2015-04-05T18:08:52Z")
Fragmentary, possibly not intelligble. --- ## [Can you counterfeit electronic money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-counterfeit-electronic-money/527764)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2015, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-counterfeit-electronic-money/527764 "2015-04-05T16:40:41Z")
So I open up a bank on Naru. Since no records are required, why can’t I just invent money in my electronic accounts and transfer it to more respectable banks, allowing me to spend it? I assume there’s some real answer, b… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1136) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1138)