# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=471 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 472 --- ## [Do carbon-monoxide symptoms start immediately?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-carbon-monoxide-symptoms-start-immediately/832873)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2019, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-carbon-monoxide-symptoms-start-immediately/832873 "2019-04-22T12:01:10Z")
Given that CO binds to hemoglobin in the bloodstream almost immediately, does it follow then that one usually gets the symptoms of CO exposure almost immediately as well, once the brain is no longer getting the same O2 a… --- ## [Extreme Cryogenics (Thinking of the VERY Distant Future).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-cryogenics-thinking-of-the-very-distant-future/831466)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2019, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-cryogenics-thinking-of-the-very-distant-future/831466 "2019-04-22T02:24:50Z")
Not to let you down if you believe in cryogenics, especially if you are going to have yourself frozen. But it just isn’t going to work. What makes you think you’ll make it to the future that way? If the tanks don’t fail,… --- ## [What do you call the phenomenon when a professional charges you a consultation fee....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-the-phenomenon-when-a-professional-charges-you-a-consultation-fee/832638)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2019, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-the-phenomenon-when-a-professional-charges-you-a-consultation-fee/832638 "2019-04-22T02:13:32Z")
What do you call the phenomenon when a professional charges you a consultation fee, but then informs you of everything you already know, and talks to you as if you don’t know anything. There is a name for this… --- ## [Making howitzers automatic-fire like machine guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-howitzers-automatic-fire-like-machine-guns/832731)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2019, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-howitzers-automatic-fire-like-machine-guns/832731 "2019-04-22T01:32:26Z")
Aside from the issue of overheating, is there a way that large howitzers (i.e. 105mm or 155mm) or tank cannons could be engineered so that they are fed from a belt of artillery rounds and fire rapid-fire in auto mode jus… --- ## [Broken 9 volt batteries with the cells exposed sitting on my desk - how worried should I be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-9-volt-batteries-with-the-cells-exposed-sitting-on-my-desk-how-worried-should-i-be/832787)
**Author:** [@TwoCarrotSnowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwoCarrotSnowman)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-9-volt-batteries-with-the-cells-exposed-sitting-on-my-desk-how-worried-should-i-be/832787 "2019-04-21T20:42:57Z")
Hi, I have two 9-volt square batteries which have somehow been smashed (I suspect a chair rolled over them, or they were bumped around in a bag). The top of the metal casing has sheered off both batteries. Here is a pic.… --- ## [Simple Civil Engineering (?) Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-civil-engineering-question/832848)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-civil-engineering-question/832848 "2019-04-21T19:00:38Z")
Just something that came up in conversation (well, because we put in a new fence last year) When digging holes foe fence posts, does it make for a stronger post if one returns the rocks to the hole (along with dirt, of … --- ## [Help identifying Japanese symbol, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-japanese-symbol-please/831961)
**Author:** [@Hometownboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hometownboy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-identifying-japanese-symbol-please/831961 "2019-04-21T17:03:13Z")
In the late 1930s, my late father had a Japanese pen pal. After serving in the South Pacific during WWII, he was part of the occupation forces stationed in Japan. Fortunately, he was near enough to where the family was l… --- ## [Why does my dog smell like pee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-dog-smell-like-pee/832786)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-dog-smell-like-pee/832786 "2019-04-21T14:17:40Z")
My dog occasionally smells like pee, but in circumstances when I know she didn’t pee herself or step/roll in pee. Example: smells fine in the evening, next morning after sleeping in her crate she stinks. The crate and … --- ## [Is there doctrine regarding food prohibition in Judaism - God's reasoning.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-doctrine-regarding-food-prohibition-in-judaism-gods-reasoning/832283)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-doctrine-regarding-food-prohibition-in-judaism-gods-reasoning/832283 "2019-04-21T12:47:52Z")
Has anyone of authority in Judaism proclaimed God’s reasoning for prohibiting, for example, pork products, shellfish, etc? Other than “God says so”? I know that pigs are considered “unclean”, but certainly any health r… --- ## [My vision is getting worse, possible causes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-vision-is-getting-worse-possible-causes/832747)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-vision-is-getting-worse-possible-causes/832747 "2019-04-21T10:30:31Z")
Hello Everyone, I didn’t know if this should go in My Humble Opinion or here, but since I’m inquiring about factual causes I think this is the correct forum. If not, please move. My vision has always been very good… --- ## [Decorating with acrylic paints](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decorating-with-acrylic-paints/559200)
**Author:** [@Fridgemagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fridgemagnet)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2010, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decorating-with-acrylic-paints/559200 "2010-11-21T20:26:29Z")
I prefer using water based acrylic paints rather than gloss for the interior woodwork in my house, but it’s an absolute pig to get a nice finish with, as it dries so quickly that it’s difficult to not leave brush marks. … --- ## [Could anyone just go to a plane head to the runway and take off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-anyone-just-go-to-a-plane-head-to-the-runway-and-take-off/832732)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-anyone-just-go-to-a-plane-head-to-the-runway-and-take-off/832732 "2019-04-21T05:50:07Z")
Well I was wondering on light aircraft or large aircraft like Airbus or Boring if someone could go to an empty plane start it up and take off or whether there is a code to be input or a key of some sort or if anyone has … --- ## [Mary and Pharaoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-and-pharaoh/832769)
**Author:** [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2019, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-and-pharaoh/832769 "2019-04-21T03:35:52Z")
The well-known song goes “Oh Mary, don’t you weep don’t you mourn. Pharaoh’s army got drownded. Oh Mary don’t you weep.” Isn’t this an anachronism? How many years before Mary did Pharaoh’s army get drownded? --- ## [How does life insurance for old people work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-life-insurance-for-old-people-work/832167)
**Author:** [@Garak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garak)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2019, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-life-insurance-for-old-people-work/832167 "2019-04-20T07:26:26Z")
Like the commercials Alex Trebek does for 80 year olds. Aren’t they basically guaranteed to lose money once the person dies? --- ## [In What Circumstances Could A 9yo Kill Another 9yo With Fists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-circumstances-could-a-9yo-kill-another-9yo-with-fists/831713)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2019, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-circumstances-could-a-9yo-kill-another-9yo-with-fists/831713 "2019-04-20T05:48:37Z")
Raniya Wright TLDR: a 5th grader died following a fistfight with another 5th grader, no weapons are believed to have been used. I am simply not seeing how a nine-year-old can summon the strength necessary to kill anoth… --- ## [Question on using the term "high holidays"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-using-the-term-high-holidays/832607)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2019, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-using-the-term-high-holidays/832607 "2019-04-20T04:26:16Z")
Hi Is the term “high holidays” only used in a Jewish religious context or does it extend to Christian holidays? Is Easter among Catholics a high holiday? I have only seen 'high holidays"used in a Jewish context. I look… --- ## [can you write a macro in Excel that integrates itself with Outlook to send multiple separate emails?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-write-a-macro-in-excel-that-integrates-itself-with-outlook-to-send-multiple-separate-emails/832660)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2019, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-write-a-macro-in-excel-that-integrates-itself-with-outlook-to-send-multiple-separate-emails/832660 "2019-04-20T02:34:16Z")
I ‘think’ I’m just looking for a yes/no answer here. {ETA: so the “you” in the header just means the ‘general’ “you”} I’m way beyond the age of needing you to “do my homework for me”, so if the answer is “yes, you can”… --- ## [How did Amazon know about a visa card number I never used with it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-amazon-know-about-a-visa-card-number-i-never-used-with-it/832776)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-amazon-know-about-a-visa-card-number-i-never-used-with-it/832776 "2019-04-19T23:32:48Z")
Okay, so I haven’t used my own personal amazon account in like 3 years. My girlfriend had prime and I’d just have her order stuff for me and pay her back in cash. I recently tried to log in to my own amazon account after… --- ## [Sulfur In Vitamin and Mineral Supplements.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sulfur-in-vitamin-and-mineral-supplements/832794)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sulfur-in-vitamin-and-mineral-supplements/832794 "2019-04-19T22:39:00Z")
Why don’t they put sulfur in vitamin/mineral supplements anymore? I wasn’t around in the 1950’s. But I have seen old advertisements from the era. And sulfur supplements were quite common then, apparently. But they aren’… --- ## [Blocking Texts and Phone Calls: Does that person or company get notified their blocked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-texts-and-phone-calls-does-that-person-or-company-get-notified-their-blocked/832768)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blocking-texts-and-phone-calls-does-that-person-or-company-get-notified-their-blocked/832768 "2019-04-19T15:53:46Z")
I recently began receiving a text from a wrong number. The first time it included photos of two people from a fishing trip. I texted back asking who they were. Got a response addressing me as Charles. I texted Not Me, b… --- ## [Can I drive someone else's vehicle through Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-drive-someone-elses-vehicle-through-canada/832687)
**Author:** [@cuauhtemoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuauhtemoc)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-drive-someone-elses-vehicle-through-canada/832687 "2019-04-19T15:24:21Z")
My girlfriend and I have plans that require me to drive her car across the Canadian border and meet her on the other side (for very mundane reasons; nothing illegal is going on here, in case you’re wondering). Will it b… --- ## [Kissing Grandma (Dead).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissing-grandma-dead/832525)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissing-grandma-dead/832525 "2019-04-19T15:18:18Z")
So goes an old morbid joke. Anyways, there was an old practice, now completely discarded as far as I know, where children were forced to kiss Grandma in the coffin. Does anyone know what I am talking about? And why di… --- ## [Fact check: Grim Reaper, Los Angeles, 1994](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-check-grim-reaper-los-angeles-1994/832726)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-check-grim-reaper-los-angeles-1994/832726 "2019-04-19T15:00:59Z")
A meme I saw today says: I could not find any corroborating evidence. Did this really happen? I was living in L.A. at the time, and I don’t recall hearing anything about it. --- ## [How much to authors make per book?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-to-authors-make-per-book/832349)
**Author:** [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2019, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-to-authors-make-per-book/832349 "2019-04-12T20:21:35Z")
With the news about Bernie Sanders being a millionaire because of his book I was looking at how much an author makes per book sold. The only figure I could find was $1.25 per book. This seems unlikely as there is no way … --- ## [What Is The Connection Between "Rights" (Legal/Moral) and "Right" (Side of Something)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-connection-between-rights-legal-moral-and-right-side-of-something/832458)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-connection-between-rights-legal-moral-and-right-side-of-something/832458 "2019-04-19T05:07:01Z")
English, French and Spanish, almost certainly among others, have the same word for “right” as in the right side of your body, and “right” as in a legal or moral right (you have the right to remain silent). Two questions… --- ## [NYPD Licensing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nypd-licensing/832755)
**Author:** [@NiceGuyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NiceGuyJack)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2019, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nypd-licensing/832755 "2019-04-19T04:26:14Z")
I was watching an episode of Blue Bloods when I started thinking about licensing. I remembered the last time I flew out of JFK, I bought a tank top with the NYPD logo. I also remembered reading somewhere that the NYPD m… --- ## [What are “reds” (illicit drug / pills)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-reds-illicit-drug-pills/97311)
**Author:** [@Jimbrowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimbrowski)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-reds-illicit-drug-pills/97311 "2019-04-18T21:44:43Z")
In the Dead tune Truckin’, Jane is described as “…livin’ on reds, vitamin C, and cocaine…” What exactly are these “reds”? I assume they’re pills of some sort, but what exactly? In context (song lyrics, above), it soun… --- ## [Calendars: Why would anyone care when a planet goes retrograde?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calendars-why-would-anyone-care-when-a-planet-goes-retrograde/465024)
**Author:** [@charizard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/charizard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calendars-why-would-anyone-care-when-a-planet-goes-retrograde/465024 "2008-09-24T18:21:14Z")
Today brings up a question I’ve long had about many calendars that have notes for important dates. So far this month my calendar has shown: Labor Day (US & Canada), Grandparents Day, Mid-Autumn Festival (China), Indepen… --- ## [Being aware during surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-aware-during-surgery/831068)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-aware-during-surgery/831068 "2019-04-18T17:32:20Z")
I have some questions about this phenomenon: Does general anasthesia have any painkilling effects? Seems strange to me that people could wake up and feel everything. And yet can’t move even their eyes. Given the ex… --- ## [Dafuq dis bug?? Or, I'm afraid I am hosting an infestation of ants.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dafuq-dis-bug-or-im-afraid-i-am-hosting-an-infestation-of-ants/832702)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dafuq-dis-bug-or-im-afraid-i-am-hosting-an-infestation-of-ants/832702 "2019-04-18T15:13:44Z")
So, oldest boy found this bug on the stairs to the basement just now. We do have plenty of ants, and we are getting ready to have the whole goddamn house \[del\] burnt down \[/del\] exterminated, so I assume it’s a queen a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=470) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=472)