# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=528 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 529 --- ## [Half Mast Flag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-mast-flag/811003)
**Author:** [@Stinky\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stinky_Pete)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2018, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-mast-flag/811003 "2018-03-28T14:23:20Z")
One hundred years ago when I was a boy scout I’d only see US flag flown at half mast when a president or famous war celebrity like Gen Mac Arthur died. But apparently the rules for this have changed as I see the US flag… --- ## [Ethnic clothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethnic-clothing/271145)
**Author:** [@Zagadka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zagadka)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2004, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethnic-clothing/271145 "2004-10-27T05:17:38Z")
OK, I’m as American looking as they come (though I’m half Mexican). Blonde hair, blue eyes, all that razamataz. Ever since I went away to university, I’ve been exposed to styles of dress that you just don’t see in subur… --- ## [NASA's launchpad sound suppression system: how does it really work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasas-launchpad-sound-suppression-system-how-does-it-really-work/823206)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2018, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasas-launchpad-sound-suppression-system-how-does-it-really-work/823206 "2018-10-22T04:33:19Z")
NASA famously employs a sound suppression system during rocket launches to prevent the extreme pressure waves from reflecting back up off of the launch pad and damaging whatever vehicle is being launched. The system rep… --- ## [What is this military rank insignia, seen in "Officer and Gentleman"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-military-rank-insignia-seen-in-officer-and-gentleman/823277)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-military-rank-insignia-seen-in-officer-and-gentleman/823277 "2018-10-21T22:52:06Z")
I’m fairly familiar with military ranks and their insignia, owing to numerous friends and family who have served in the military and a general interest in reading about it. But I’ve never seen this one. Here is a picture… --- ## [Is stage hypnosis real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stage-hypnosis-real/480497)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stage-hypnosis-real/480497 "2018-10-21T20:42:08Z")
Most of us have seen stage hypnosis shows on tv where people are made to quack and acts like ducks, eat onions and think they are eating an apple. I was wondering if this is actually real or if is group conformity or no… --- ## [What might this be (pic included)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-this-be-pic-included/823272)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-might-this-be-pic-included/823272 "2018-10-21T20:05:38Z")
This pulled up next to me at a light. It was on a (red!?) pallet on a flatbed. I couldn’t tell if the tubes/rods were hollow or not. The other end is essentially flat. Anyone? --- ## [Do some candle widths just not work very well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-candle-widths-just-not-work-very-well/823117)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-candle-widths-just-not-work-very-well/823117 "2018-10-21T17:16:54Z")
It seems to me that 99% or better of candles fit into two categories with respect to their width: ones that are the more or less “standard” size candle (3/4 to 7/8") or skinnier; and pillar candles that are about 3" in d… --- ## [Easiest/best way to move data to a new computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-best-way-to-move-data-to-a-new-computer/823044)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/easiest-best-way-to-move-data-to-a-new-computer/823044 "2018-10-21T05:12:33Z")
My current computer is starting to seem hinky – like not starting Windows at all on the first try yesterday, and various hesitations and slowness in starting programs – so I’ll probably get a new one very soon. But the… --- ## [Where is Jerusalem is Cyrus the Great officially honored?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-jerusalem-is-cyrus-the-great-officially-honored/823274)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2018, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-jerusalem-is-cyrus-the-great-officially-honored/823274 "2018-10-21T04:51:35Z")
Where is Jerusalem is Cyrus the Great officially honored? Which monuments if any have been erected to him there? Is his only title “The Anointed One” or does he have other Hebrew honorifics/titles? I look forward to you… --- ## [How does atmospheric re-entry cause compression.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-atmospheric-re-entry-cause-compression/823248)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-atmospheric-re-entry-cause-compression/823248 "2018-10-20T21:01:00Z")
The fiery re entry trope is one we are all well aware of and the fact that it’s something which really happens. It’s also known that the cause is due to compression, not just friction. Now, I know that compression of a… --- ## [What happens when you mix americium, radium, and beryllium in 96% sulphuric-acid? On a stovetop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-you-mix-americium-radium-and-beryllium-in-96-sulphuric-acid-on-a-stovetop/823260)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-you-mix-americium-radium-and-beryllium-in-96-sulphuric-acid-on-a-stovetop/823260 "2018-10-20T20:41:06Z")
See query. I mean, I do know that energy unexpectedly can be (relatively) violently released, and you shouldn’t drink any beverages or take medicine which were placed nearby. In Richard Handl’s lab work, did it explode … --- ## [Size of a dinosaur's thigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-a-dinosaurs-thigh/823217)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-of-a-dinosaurs-thigh/823217 "2018-10-20T20:00:12Z")
What is the best-guess diameter of the larger land-going dinosaurs’ thighs? Something like an apatosaurus. I’m trying to figure out how strong dinosaurs were compared to other animals, and I’m using the leg because you… --- ## [Words That Are Vulgar But Not Slang?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-are-vulgar-but-not-slang/823169)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-that-are-vulgar-but-not-slang/823169 "2018-10-20T13:49:43Z")
I am a little confused by the science of linguistics. Apparently there are some words that are vulgar but not slang. I assume that is because of the linguistic history of the word. F\*\*\*\*, s\*\*\*\*, and c\*\*\*\*. Fart and sno… --- ## [Shoulder support for sleeping on my side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoulder-support-for-sleeping-on-my-side/823154)
**Author:** [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shoulder-support-for-sleeping-on-my-side/823154 "2018-10-20T13:09:36Z")
I’m 45, and earlier this year I separated my right shoulder while playing wallyball. It was a mild separation, but since then I have been unable to sleep for very long (if at all) on that side. So, I’ve been sleeping o… --- ## [Handicap license plates on motorcycles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-license-plates-on-motorcycles/823156)
**Author:** [@Mumberthax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mumberthax)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-license-plates-on-motorcycles/823156 "2018-10-20T12:53:13Z")
Just today, I saw a motorcycle in a handicap parking spot. When I looked closer, I saw it had a handicap license plate (a little International Symbol of Access on a MC tag). Okay, now I’m interested…how is it possible … --- ## [How much force to take down a fully grown tree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-force-to-take-down-a-fully-grown-tree/823210)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-force-to-take-down-a-fully-grown-tree/823210 "2018-10-20T08:48:06Z")
Inspired by the thread about the guys car hitting a tree ( really glad your ok!) I would like to try and figure out how much force it would require to take out that same tree. It’s been a long time since high school ph… --- ## [Wartime mail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wartime-mail/823218)
**Author:** [@cristowe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cristowe)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2018, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wartime-mail/823218 "2018-10-20T03:28:27Z")
How was mail physically delivered between the opposing sides in World War II ? After the German conquest of Europe, Britain was isolated against the Axis powers and yet there were certainly mail deliveries during this t… --- ## [So did bill gates and paul allen make the worlds firsl computer emulator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-bill-gates-and-paul-allen-make-the-worlds-firsl-computer-emulator/823164)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-bill-gates-and-paul-allen-make-the-worlds-firsl-computer-emulator/823164 "2018-10-19T22:03:31Z")
in bills euology to paul allen seen here:MSN He wrote this : "We decided to start our next, more successful venture in December 1974. Paul and I were both living in the Boston area—he was working, and I was going to … --- ## [Appeal to consequences in court cases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appeal-to-consequences-in-court-cases/823080)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appeal-to-consequences-in-court-cases/823080 "2018-10-19T20:24:07Z")
Is it allowed for a lawyer to tell the judge the consequences of a decision in an attempt to win a case? Let’s say a court was hearing a case involving a software company. The court uses that company’s software. It is t… --- ## [What are some cute physical features in humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cute-physical-features-in-humans/823192)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-cute-physical-features-in-humans/823192 "2018-10-19T17:55:46Z")
In the concept of “kinderschema” physical features that are neonatal, are considered what is cute. These features make are what makes us say aww, when we see puppies, kittens and occasionally (but not always) human babi… --- ## [Matthew Shepard interred at National Cathedral](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-shepard-interred-at-national-cathedral/822837)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/matthew-shepard-interred-at-national-cathedral/822837 "2018-10-19T16:58:36Z")
What’s a good factual resource for Matthew Shepard? He’s being interred at the National Cathedral in Washington and is mainly famous for being the victim of an anti-gay hate crime, but wasn’t it subsequently learned that… --- ## [Question regarding Saudi kidnappings and assassinations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-saudi-kidnappings-and-assassinations/823126)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-saudi-kidnappings-and-assassinations/823126 "2018-10-19T14:51:33Z")
Hi, I’ve always wondered how Saudi individuals taking part in kidnapping/assassinations in. Europe(Switzerland) or Turkey manage to get through customs with their victims to bring them back to Saudi Arabia. Do these ind… --- ## [Are some people more / less susceptible to optical illusions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-people-more-less-susceptible-to-optical-illusions/822857)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-some-people-more-less-susceptible-to-optical-illusions/822857 "2018-10-19T13:59:31Z")
“These lines are actually the exact same length!” “This is the same shape in these two images!” You see these sorts of things all the time, but is it possible that some people don’t ‘get’ the illusion? i.e. they immed… --- ## [I'm in the hospital after car accident. Questions about G's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-the-hospital-after-car-accident-questions-about-gs/822718)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-the-hospital-after-car-accident-questions-about-gs/822718 "2018-10-19T06:50:47Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m sitting in a hospital bed typing this on my phone. Last night I was in a pretty bad single car accident. I can only surmise that I possibly drifted off for a few secinds behind the wheel. My car l… --- ## [Could dark matter be alien constructs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dark-matter-be-alien-constructs/822594)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-dark-matter-be-alien-constructs/822594 "2018-10-19T02:44:11Z")
So we have two mysteries: First, where is all the matter we can’t see except by its gravitational influence? The paucity of observed microlensing now virtually rules out that it’s black holes or similarly compact astrono… --- ## [Cleaning a pan with a torch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-a-pan-with-a-torch/823153)
**Author:** [@crazyjoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crazyjoe)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2018, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-a-pan-with-a-torch/823153 "2018-10-19T00:59:03Z")
About 12 years ago, we were given a silicone baking mat (a “silpat” brand) as a gift. It came with an expanded aluminum tray to set it on when using it for baking. Years have come and gone, and the silpat has seen bett… --- ## [Can a US Supreme Court justice be asked/forced to recuse themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-us-supreme-court-justice-be-asked-forced-to-recuse-themselves/822605)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2018, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-us-supreme-court-justice-be-asked-forced-to-recuse-themselves/822605 "2018-10-18T23:41:21Z")
See subject really. But basically, in cases where there is an obvious conflict of interest is it possible to request or force a justice to be recused? --- ## [Doing PE in underwear in Britain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-pe-in-underwear-in-britain/795836)
**Author:** [@JessicaHoyt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JessicaHoyt)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doing-pe-in-underwear-in-britain/795836 "2018-10-18T19:28:37Z")
I’ve read some Britons online claim they had to do PE in their underwear as a child because they forgot their PE kits. And yes some of the classes where this occurred were coed. It’s not 100% clear to me how common t… --- ## [Name of Opener Type for Plastic Bottles you can Open with your Teeth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-opener-type-for-plastic-bottles-you-can-open-with-your-teeth/823130)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2018, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-opener-type-for-plastic-bottles-you-can-open-with-your-teeth/823130 "2018-10-18T17:24:21Z")
I can’t perform a google search for the specific type of plastic water bottle (say, for a bicyclist) that I want which you can open without using your hands, such as placing the top in your mouth and pulling it open with… --- ## [Calling Plumbers - need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-plumbers-need-answer-fast/823147)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2018, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-plumbers-need-answer-fast/823147 "2018-10-18T16:20:21Z")
We have workers in the house right now installing a shower to replace the tub. The plumber had to change out the drain to meet the 2" code requirement. The pan has been set and they’re prepping for the shower walls. Her… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=527) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=529)