# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=534 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 535 --- ## [What do civilian jet pilots do in their last on-tarmac plane check?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-civilian-jet-pilots-do-in-their-last-on-tarmac-plane-check/597533)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2018, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-civilian-jet-pilots-do-in-their-last-on-tarmac-plane-check/597533 "2018-09-29T11:16:48Z")
I have read \[no cite\] or seen \[ditto\] or been suckered by airline commercials that it is a rule/law that the pilot of a commercial jet do a once-over of his jet on the ground. Is this true, and if so, what could he poss… --- ## [Question on contracts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-contracts/821991)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2018, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-contracts/821991 "2018-09-29T10:42:42Z")
I know you are not a/my lawyer Suppose I write a contract banning you from doing something for an amount of money to be given on a certain date like In exchange for $1000 paid on October 1, 2018 you agree not to post o… --- ## [Jury duty question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-question/821879)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2018, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jury-duty-question/821879 "2018-09-29T04:50:36Z")
I have been called to potentially show up for jury duty. I don’t mind serving but I am concerned about my bladder. I need to pee about every 30 minutes. Do they allow that many potty breaks? --- ## [Cutting a cylinder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-a-cylinder/821246)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2018, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cutting-a-cylinder/821246 "2018-09-29T02:11:55Z")
I have a large cardboard cylinder 10 inches in diameter and about 5 feet long. The cardboard is about 1/4 inch thick and it weighs about 30 pounds. I want to cut a bit off one end so that the cut end is a perfect circl… --- ## [Ever have the face split off your iphone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-the-face-split-off-your-iphone/822136)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-have-the-face-split-off-your-iphone/822136 "2018-09-28T23:35:59Z")
It’s happening right now. How much time do I have? Am I on the knife edge? It’s in the casing, but I can see the light inside. The front is coming off, but it’s working. But for how long? --- ## [Brett Kavanaugh yearbook question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brett-kavanaugh-yearbook-question/822124)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brett-kavanaugh-yearbook-question/822124 "2018-09-28T20:44:07Z")
“Yeah, the yearbook editors, I think, had a mindset of like ‘Caddyshack,’ ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High,’ ‘Animal House,’ or something and made the yearbook into kind of a farce in that respect,” he said, referring to po… --- ## [Is alumnius a word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alumnius-a-word/822068)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alumnius-a-word/822068 "2018-09-28T20:06:27Z")
Brett Kavanaugh’s high school yearbook has a number of seniors described as an “Renate Alumnius.” I don’t get any other hits for alumnius on Google. It is a real Latin declension, bad Latin, or a weird typo repeated fou… --- ## [How did They Find Mark Judge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-find-mark-judge/822101)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-they-find-mark-judge/822101 "2018-09-28T19:18:44Z")
I am trying to get caught up on this Judge Kavenaugh stuff. He has a school buddy named Mark Judge. So when all this hit the fan, Judge left DC and hid at a friend’s beach house in Delaware. Now I cannot find a cite for… --- ## [MS Word: Fitting a table onto a page without jumping throuh hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-fitting-a-table-onto-a-page-without-jumping-throuh-hoops/822043)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-fitting-a-table-onto-a-page-without-jumping-throuh-hoops/822043 "2018-09-28T18:11:17Z")
I think I’m using Word 2010. After uploading data onto our company’s website, I am shown a table with the date, company name, file name, etc. I copy & paste this into a Word document and save it in our file. When I ha… --- ## [Who was King Vortigern's predecessor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-king-vortigerns-predecessor/822099)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-king-vortigerns-predecessor/822099 "2018-09-28T17:02:23Z")
Hi I seem to remember reading about Vortigern’s predecessor many years ago. I have not been able to find anything on Google regarding any kings before Vortigern. From what I remember of this figure (however mythical) V… --- ## [Causes of removal of anodized surface on aluminum cookware](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/causes-of-removal-of-anodized-surface-on-aluminum-cookware/822035)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/causes-of-removal-of-anodized-surface-on-aluminum-cookware/822035 "2018-09-28T16:16:40Z")
I have a set of Calphalon cookware that is anodized aluminum. The set is at least 15 years old. On the stockpot and a saucepan, the anodized coating is gone. The area where the coating is gone in inside the pot up to a l… --- ## [Credit Wise says my "information was exposed on the Dark Web"... really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-wise-says-my-information-was-exposed-on-the-dark-web-really/821950)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-wise-says-my-information-was-exposed-on-the-dark-web-really/821950 "2018-09-28T14:52:20Z")
I’ve had a few alerts from these guys when signing into, say, Adobe’s web site. Are these cases where password databases are hacked? Or is it usually unsecured website logins? The info that they showed had been exposed h… --- ## [Another CO2 question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-co2-question/822073)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-co2-question/822073 "2018-09-28T14:12:39Z")
Are the increases in CO2 equally distributed throughout our atmosphere or are most of the increases concentrating at specific elevations? --- ## [Help finding a belt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-a-belt/821909)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-a-belt/821909 "2018-09-28T10:56:18Z")
I saw an ad for a particular belt online, can’t remember where and can’t find the belt on google search, but the belt buckled in back, and fastened to the belt loops closest to the fly, so you didn’t have to unbuckle, ju… --- ## [Help the Jewish guy understand - what is an "Orthodox Church?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-the-jewish-guy-understand-what-is-an-orthodox-church/821956)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-the-jewish-guy-understand-what-is-an-orthodox-church/821956 "2018-09-28T08:57:31Z")
Inspired by this thread - what is the definition of an “Orthodox Church?” Do the various Orthodox churches have more similarities or differences among themselves? --- ## [How come bolt action is chiefly associated with rifles and pump action with shotguns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-bolt-action-is-chiefly-associated-with-rifles-and-pump-action-with-shotguns/822045)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-bolt-action-is-chiefly-associated-with-rifles-and-pump-action-with-shotguns/822045 "2018-09-28T03:17:46Z")
From what I understand, bolt action and pump action are rather similar. Pump action works a lot like a straight pull bolt action with the handle placed forward instead of on the bolt, correct? Shotgun pump action is usu… --- ## [Using dryer after walls were bleached](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-dryer-after-walls-were-bleached/821953)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2018, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-dryer-after-walls-were-bleached/821953 "2018-09-28T01:39:41Z")
So a technician guy used bleach to clean my laundry-room walls. Presumably I should air it out a while before doing any more laundry - but doesn’t bleach vapor get sucked into dryers all the time due to it being used for… --- ## [Why did our Switch stop charging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-our-switch-stop-charging/822069)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-our-switch-stop-charging/822069 "2018-09-27T22:56:50Z")
It’s suddenly stopped charging. The charging for the batons still works, but not the Switch itself. Any thoughts on why? --- ## [Android phone Google calendar app help - add location](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-google-calendar-app-help-add-location/822063)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-phone-google-calendar-app-help-add-location/822063 "2018-09-27T22:54:58Z")
Marshmallow 6.0 How do you add a location to an event such as an appointment? When I tap “add location,” it goes to another screen with a field and a back arrow. When I enter a location into the field, then tap the back… --- ## [How Is The Blood Supply In The US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-blood-supply-in-the-us/809760)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-blood-supply-in-the-us/809760 "2018-09-27T22:32:19Z")
Twice in the past year I’ve been this close to having a blood transfusion, stopped at the last second (long story). I feel bad about taking donor blood, especially considering that I’m not particularly acutely sick or i… --- ## [Beer-bos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beer-bos/822050)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beer-bos/822050 "2018-09-27T22:10:05Z")
In a recent episode of Fear The Walking Dead, characters decide to name the beer they’re planning to eventually brew ‘Jimbo’s Beer-Bos’. I’m all old an’ shite, and nobody invites me to parties anymore. I’m not exposed … --- ## [Do we have more or less questions about the universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-more-or-less-questions-about-the-universe/821901)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-more-or-less-questions-about-the-universe/821901 "2018-09-27T19:42:55Z")
As more is learned about matter and the universe does it create more questions? Or does it reduce the amount of questions science has? --- ## [Terminology for hurricanes based off of rainfall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-hurricanes-based-off-of-rainfall/822046)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminology-for-hurricanes-based-off-of-rainfall/822046 "2018-09-27T19:09:50Z")
AIUI, the “Categories 1 through 5” for hurricanes are based solely off of wind speed and nothing else. Is there a category title for classifying hurricanes based off of amount of rain? Also, is it possible to have slow … --- ## [Windshield wipers are archaic. Why no advancements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-wipers-are-archaic-why-no-advancements/821827)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windshield-wipers-are-archaic-why-no-advancements/821827 "2018-09-27T19:05:15Z")
Was raining on my drive to work this morning. Turned wipers on. And then it dawned on me that windshield wipers don’t work all that well. High speed = better performance, but you’re looking at the wipers all the time. Lo… --- ## [Most recent common ancestor of all living birds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-recent-common-ancestor-of-all-living-birds/693234)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-recent-common-ancestor-of-all-living-birds/693234 "2018-09-27T17:30:27Z")
So birds evolved from dinosaurs. And I’ve seen many news articles over the last few years about various discoveries of dinosaurs with feathers, and some that may have even had wings. Did modern birds arise from a singl… --- ## [Question regarding smelting. Who smelted iron earliest? Tell Hammeh or Çatal Höyük site in Anatolia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-smelting-who-smelted-iron-earliest-tell-hammeh-or-catal-hoyuk-site-in-anatolia/821874)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-smelting-who-smelted-iron-earliest-tell-hammeh-or-catal-hoyuk-site-in-anatolia/821874 "2018-09-27T17:20:49Z")
Hi My question involved smelting. How does ordinary primitive smelting of iron differ from bloomers iron smelting? Who smelted iron earliest? Tell Hammeh or Çatal Höyük site in Anatolia From Wikipedia (but it doesn’… --- ## [Am I damaging my water bottle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-damaging-my-water-bottle/821985)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-damaging-my-water-bottle/821985 "2018-09-27T16:25:16Z")
I have a Hydro Flask (stainless steel) that I sip water from all day. I like my water with a lemon slice. My question: would the lemon juice damage the stainless steel in any way? Thanks, mmm --- ## [What is the current status of human trials for NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-status-of-human-trials-for-nmn-nicotinamide-mononucleotide-mitigates/821955)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-current-status-of-human-trials-for-nmn-nicotinamide-mononucleotide-mitigates/821955 "2018-09-27T15:54:18Z")
Was wondering if any 'dopers know how the human trials of NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates) are going and if anything has been published so far on if it has any similar effects on humans as it does on mice. I … --- ## [Air Force Pilots for Particular Planes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-force-pilots-for-particular-planes/821839)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-force-pilots-for-particular-planes/821839 "2018-09-27T12:46:35Z")
I recently saw an SR-71 Blackbird in a museum, and it had the pilot and co-pilots names painted on it, which got me to thinking: Roughly speaking, how many pilots are there eligible to fly that “unique” of a type of air… --- ## [Anybody know what this carved stone may be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-carved-stone-may-be/611108)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2018, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-what-this-carved-stone-may-be/611108 "2018-09-27T12:34:31Z")
It’s a stone carved into a snakes head. This was found mixed in with a load of stones for a driveway. Location: East Coast USA. http://i.imgur.com/91CI6.jpg http://i.imgur.com/B0kjv.jpg http://i.imgur.com/1gacT.jpg [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=533) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=535)