# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=168 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 169 --- ## [Crash-landing jet: was ejection from the ground a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crash-landing-jet-was-ejection-from-the-ground-a-good-idea/976641)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2022, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crash-landing-jet-was-ejection-from-the-ground-a-good-idea/976641 "2022-12-23T18:52:59Z")
Not sure if this is a factual question, but I imagine there are hard-and-fast protocols for this. Anyway, a video clip of military jet crash-landing on the runway has been playing very often on the news yesterday and tod… --- ## [Can US capitol security stop members of congress from getting on the floor of the House or Senate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-us-capitol-security-stop-members-of-congress-from-getting-on-the-floor-of-the-house-or-senate/976939)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-us-capitol-security-stop-members-of-congress-from-getting-on-the-floor-of-the-house-or-senate/976939 "2022-12-22T23:12:58Z")
I saw the article (linked below) which claims that Reps Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert ignored a capitol security checkpoint and entered the House floor to see the speech by Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky. The arti… --- ## [Where Have All The Sandbags Gone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-the-sandbags-gone/975812)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-have-all-the-sandbags-gone/975812 "2022-12-22T21:50:07Z")
Another one of those puzzles in life: When a hurricane approaches, we see on the news people stacking sandbags. But, once the danger passes, where do all the sandbags go? Does someone come around and collect them? Does … --- ## [If the Feds indict Trump, where will the jury pool come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-feds-indict-trump-where-will-the-jury-pool-come-from/976865)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-feds-indict-trump-where-will-the-jury-pool-come-from/976865 "2022-12-22T16:21:24Z")
Most of the crimes happened in Washington, DC, but some, like the fake electoral certificates, also extended to other States. How would they decide which district to try the case in, and who would be eligible to serve on… --- ## [What is Boaty McBoatface in French?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-boaty-mcboatface-in-french/976097)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-boaty-mcboatface-in-french/976097 "2022-12-22T11:40:39Z")
I don’t mean a literal translation. If one were to make up a silly name in French (or any other language) is there a commonly used format, the way English has different variations of Namey McName, such as Stinky McStinke… --- ## [Shutting off my main water valve will cause my hot water heater to fail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-off-my-main-water-valve-will-cause-my-hot-water-heater-to-fail/587150)
**Author:** [@sevenwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sevenwood)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shutting-off-my-main-water-valve-will-cause-my-hot-water-heater-to-fail/587150 "2022-12-22T06:44:14Z")
That’s what my friend claims, and I’m reluctant to shut off my main water valve unless I find out that he’s wrong. Help! We’re going to go on vacation for a couple of weeks, and I’d planned to shut off the main water va… --- ## [Which Way Do You Install A Hinge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-way-do-you-install-a-hinge/263164)
**Author:** [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-way-do-you-install-a-hinge/263164 "2022-12-22T03:34:11Z")
A full mortise hinge consists of two leafs, one with two knucles, the other with two. The five knuckles make up the barrel which accepts the hinge pin on which the door pivots. I have seen doors with the three knucles o… --- ## ['99 Jeep Cherokee cold-start problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-jeep-cherokee-cold-start-problem/976746)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/99-jeep-cherokee-cold-start-problem/976746 "2022-12-22T01:58:30Z")
Normally on a cold start, my '99 Jeep Cherokee starts right up. No pumping the accelerator pedal, no fussing; just turn the key and it runs. Recently though, it started running rough on start-up. And then it began dyi… --- ## [Why would a US president’s tax returns, when published, necessarily contain meaningful information, given corporate holdings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-us-president-s-tax-returns-when-published-necessarily-contain-meaningful-information-given-corporate-holdings/976911)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2022, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-us-president-s-tax-returns-when-published-necessarily-contain-meaningful-information-given-corporate-holdings/976911 "2022-12-22T00:49:23Z")
For example, if I were President of the United States, and my businesses had significant income from puppy kicking, that would not be a line item in my tax returns. Rather, the line item would be profits from Mops Doing… --- ## [Skydiving: maneuvering during freefall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skydiving-maneuvering-during-freefall/976812)
**Author:** [@alovem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alovem)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skydiving-maneuvering-during-freefall/976812 "2022-12-21T21:16:22Z")
A long time ago, I thought it was impossible (in real life, of course) for skydivers to do anything but fall straight down before their parachutes opened. Since then, I’ve seen videos that have made me think otherwise. F… --- ## [What is the deal with referrals from Congressional commitees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deal-with-referrals-from-congressional-commitees/976826)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-deal-with-referrals-from-congressional-commitees/976826 "2022-12-21T20:56:22Z")
So lawyer dopers, what is the deal with referrals from Congressional commitees.to the justice dept, such as the one handed down by the Jan 6th committee ? Is there any weight behind them at all? Everyone goes to great p… --- ## [Actor's teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-teeth/480556)
**Author:** [@SeanArenas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeanArenas)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-teeth/480556 "2022-12-21T20:17:21Z")
Why would a lead actor (who is one of the main stars in multiple movies or multiple TV shows) not make their teeth look at least decent, or even great? It’s somewhat bothersome to be watching an actor or actress who is … --- ## [How much of the €500k interview fee is Boris Becker allowed to keep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-the-500k-interview-fee-is-boris-becker-allowed-to-keep/976912)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-the-500k-interview-fee-is-boris-becker-allowed-to-keep/976912 "2022-12-21T19:01:21Z")
Boris Becker feared attack in UK jail but learned lesson Boris Becker feared attack in UK jail but learned lesson - BBC News As I understand, he was declared bankrupt and owed a lot of money. Are his creditors allowed a… --- ## [WW II draft registration question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww-ii-draft-registration-question/976651)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww-ii-draft-registration-question/976651 "2022-12-21T16:59:21Z")
Through Ancestry.com, I just turned up my grandpa’s draft registration card, dated 1942. He was 64 years old in 1942, and he didn’t make it through 1943, so I wonder why the government was registering old men for a milit… --- ## [A^0 definition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-0-definition/976776)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-0-definition/976776 "2022-12-21T15:06:48Z")
I read on Wikipedia that 0^0 = 1 is a definition. Is that also true for a^0=1, or does it follow from the a^b definition? --- ## [Help with understanding a relativity video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-understanding-a-relativity-video/976824)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-understanding-a-relativity-video/976824 "2022-12-21T03:24:25Z")
The specific part is here and deals with the Schwarzchild metric and curvature of space-time. Here is the trouble I’m having with it. Two bodies are side by side near a gravitational body, one in freefall (inertial) an… --- ## [If all of the salt in concentrated deposits was added to the oceans, how much would the salinity increase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-of-the-salt-in-concentrated-deposits-was-added-to-the-oceans-how-much-would-the-salinity-increase/976737)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-all-of-the-salt-in-concentrated-deposits-was-added-to-the-oceans-how-much-would-the-salinity-increase/976737 "2022-12-20T18:03:49Z")
If we somehow collected up all of the accessible concentrated deposits of salt in and on the land, and put it in the sea, how much more salty would the sea be. Of course this question probably can’t be answered with pre… --- ## [Exercising against the floor jacks supporting our house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercising-against-the-floor-jacks-supporting-our-house/976755)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2022, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercising-against-the-floor-jacks-supporting-our-house/976755 "2022-12-20T14:33:19Z")
Yes, I know this sounds bonkers but I want to know if it’s very very safe to lightly lean against one of my basement floor jacks (which are set in concrete at the base and hold up one of several structural I-beams, up to… --- ## [Diatomaceous Earth as pest control for indoor plants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diatomaceous-earth-as-pest-control-for-indoor-plants/976612)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2022, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diatomaceous-earth-as-pest-control-for-indoor-plants/976612 "2022-12-19T22:01:56Z")
I have converted a 55 gallon aquarium into an herb garden. The fungus gnats have converted it into a brothel. I want to slay the sinful creatures for they are naughty in my sight. I would prefer to effect my genocide w… --- ## [Need help with simple backup solution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-simple-backup-solution/976653)
**Author:** [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2022, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-simple-backup-solution/976653 "2022-12-19T20:43:39Z")
Hi! I’m hoping you can provide some advice. I have a Windows desktop computer with a 500 GB SSD drive. I also have an external 10TB (I’m a photographer, so I have a LOT of images) where I store most of my data. I’m u… --- ## [Meme of guy in football shirt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meme-of-guy-in-football-shirt/976722)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2022, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meme-of-guy-in-football-shirt/976722 "2022-12-19T07:14:14Z")
What is this meme I’ve been seeing, if someone could explain. Its a guy wearing a football shirt, looking like hes sleeping. Help? --- ## [How common was it in the past for young people to have dentures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-was-it-in-the-past-for-young-people-to-have-dentures/975747)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2022, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-common-was-it-in-the-past-for-young-people-to-have-dentures/975747 "2022-12-19T00:10:48Z")
I need to start with a trigger warning: this topic deals with a rather nasty subject, so if tooth extraction and false teeth are triggering for you, you should probably avoid it. Over time, I learned that before prevent… --- ## [Could I legally walk around in my underwear in public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-legally-walk-around-in-my-underwear-in-public/211586)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2022, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-legally-walk-around-in-my-underwear-in-public/211586 "2022-12-18T22:34:17Z")
Lets say I put on a pair of white boxers, and a white T shirt and strut around the mall. I’m no more naked in these than in the clothing many people normally wear during the summer. Will I be ruled indecent? Would tigh… --- ## [Under-Counter Kitchen Sink Silicone Adhesive Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-counter-kitchen-sink-silicone-adhesive-question/976743)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2022, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-counter-kitchen-sink-silicone-adhesive-question/976743 "2022-12-18T16:54:00Z")
Help! We’re in the process of replacing a stainless steel under-counter kitchen sink. We’re ready to install the new sink, and want to use a strong silicone adhesive to help hold it up and to seal it. There are brackets … --- ## [Alignment of three 'Norths' in England - whence a unique magnetic north line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alignment-of-three-norths-in-england-whence-a-unique-magnetic-north-line/976268)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2022, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alignment-of-three-norths-in-england-whence-a-unique-magnetic-north-line/976268 "2022-12-18T13:44:45Z")
There’s a blurb from the UK Ordinance Survey about a unique alignment of ‘North’ lines occurring in southern England: I get that Ordinance Survey maps will have a unique Grid North line for Great Britain (other nation… --- ## [Floating point madness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floating-point-madness/975770)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2022, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/floating-point-madness/975770 "2022-12-18T00:17:05Z")
We have two different versions of Excel at my office. One is the Office 365 version run on our local machines, the other is Excel 2016 that we use through our SaaS provider. They each give a different answer to the sum… --- ## [Screen capture of video on a Mac](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-capture-of-video-on-a-mac/976647)
**Author:** [@Cayuga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cayuga)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-capture-of-video-on-a-mac/976647 "2022-12-17T23:11:10Z")
As a present for my daughter, I’m building a diorama of a set from a TV show we both love. My procedure has been to stream episodes on my computer, sized to full-screen, and then when I see an area or object I need to re… --- ## [Minor Criminal Activity And Foreign Tourism To The US (Don't Need Answer Fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-criminal-activity-and-foreign-tourism-to-the-us-dont-need-answer-fast/976412)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minor-criminal-activity-and-foreign-tourism-to-the-us-dont-need-answer-fast/976412 "2022-12-17T22:53:01Z")
In this video, a British tourist has a few too many while on holiday in the Hamptons and gets a misdemeanor criminal charge for pissing in public behind the bar. He’s given a citation and a court date – well after he’ll … --- ## [Where can I find this plate pattern?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-this-plate-pattern/976690)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-find-this-plate-pattern/976690 "2022-12-17T22:41:39Z")
https://scontent.fhio3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/320153551\_1171019023800772\_1304215840618202216\_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg\_p180x540\_r270&\_nc\_cat=108&ccb=1-7&\_nc\_sid=5cd70e&\_nc\_ohc=CPMvuZLpBFgAX8Pyhg-&\_nc\_ht=scontent.fhio3-1.f… --- ## [Can I iron a snakeskin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-iron-a-snakeskin/168723)
**Author:** [@booklover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/booklover)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-iron-a-snakeskin/168723 "2022-12-17T21:21:51Z")
I figure someone here has got to know the answer to this. I have a tanned cobra skin that’s been tacked to the wall in my bathroom for many years. However, of late it has developed a noticeable curl to it, and I’d like… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=167) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=169)