# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=630 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 631 --- ## [Burning something in a sealed unit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-something-in-a-sealed-unit/806691)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burning-something-in-a-sealed-unit/806691 "2018-01-15T20:52:13Z")
Suppose I had 1# of coal and I wanted to burn this coal in a sealed container where nothing could get out. If I were to continue to pump in oxygen as needed even though nothing was let out could I get a complete burn? W… --- ## [GDR Anthem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gdr-anthem/806432)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gdr-anthem/806432 "2018-01-15T19:43:22Z")
At 2:24 there is a song in the background. Is this the anthem of the GDR? --- ## [Do Einstein's Theories Work on a Much Smaller Scale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-einsteins-theories-work-on-a-much-smaller-scale/806502)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-einsteins-theories-work-on-a-much-smaller-scale/806502 "2018-01-15T03:19:49Z")
I was going to wait to post this one. But I was just too inspired by another question I just saw. So I will post it now. We know how Einstein’s theories work on the large scale. Gravity and time. Time dilation and relat… --- ## [Airliner cockpit setup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airliner-cockpit-setup/804707)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2018, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airliner-cockpit-setup/804707 "2018-01-15T00:42:07Z")
Not long ago when I saw a picture of a cockpit in a 747 for example it seemed every inch had some kind of control or gauge on it. Looks to be 100 or more . How does the pilot look at all of these? I assume they h… --- ## [2016 Subaru Tire Pressure sensors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-subaru-tire-pressure-sensors/806604)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2016-subaru-tire-pressure-sensors/806604 "2018-01-14T22:01:33Z")
There are two different types of automatic tire pressure sensors (AFAIK). One, the ‘older’ type has a module in the valve stem that senses tire pressure and reports it via RFID. The other, senses RPM at each wheel and … --- ## ["Don't store Flash Drives in a plastic bag?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-store-flash-drives-in-a-plastic-bag/806244)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-store-flash-drives-in-a-plastic-bag/806244 "2018-01-14T19:36:40Z")
Hey, I overheard a conversation recently – some guy thought that his USB flash drives had lost data because he stored them in a plastic bag. Could this possibly be true? (Don’t need answer fast.) --- ## [What the heck are these?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-are-these/806455)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-are-these/806455 "2018-01-14T13:57:13Z")
Found ‘em on a (Thai, Andaman Sea) beach. They are NOT bonelike. They seem seashell texture. I’m stumped! Any and all wild ass guesses will be appreciated. I promise to consider them all. Behold: https://lensdump.com… --- ## [Android battery is 5+ years old, is that a problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-battery-is-5-years-old-is-that-a-problem/806494)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2018, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-battery-is-5-years-old-is-that-a-problem/806494 "2018-01-14T03:40:58Z")
So I have an Android (an HTC One X) from the year 2012 that has never had its battery replaced. It still functions just fine, and it never occurred to me to replace the battery - until I read that smartphone batteries ar… --- ## [Septic tank question for a newby!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/septic-tank-question-for-a-newby/806459)
**Author:** [@MTS31801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTS31801)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/septic-tank-question-for-a-newby/806459 "2018-01-13T15:40:41Z")
I am having my septic tank pumped today. Apparently it hasn’t been done in a while. The company is going to pump out 1000 gallons. My question is since I am on a fixed income should I have the septic pumped again around … --- ## [Facebook fraud studies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-fraud-studies/806532)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-fraud-studies/806532 "2018-01-13T15:35:49Z")
Are there any good studies and/or articles about either fraudulent sites on Facebook that are actually there to gather personal information or to drive up hits and “Shares” for the purpose of selling off that site? --- ## [Why does my iPhone keep running out of storage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-keep-running-out-of-storage/806111)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-keep-running-out-of-storage/806111 "2018-01-13T12:19:32Z")
I’ve got a weird problem with my iPhone. It keeps running out of storage, even though I keep deleting apps and photos. The pattern is that I start to get a message that I’m running out of storage. I go to the storage s… --- ## [Fermi's Paradox: Could We Detect Ourselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermis-paradox-could-we-detect-ourselves/277045)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermis-paradox-could-we-detect-ourselves/277045 "2018-01-13T09:13:37Z")
Fermi’s Paradox is often used to argue against the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the galaxy by stating “If they’re out there, why can’t we detect any sign of them?” But how easy would it be to detect “them”… --- ## [A couple simple questions about Instagram](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-simple-questions-about-instagram/670853)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2013, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-simple-questions-about-instagram/670853 "2013-10-10T09:21:47Z")
Hi, here’s the deal: Someone I know has some pictures posted on instagram that I really want to see. However, my PC still has problems loading CSS (basic webpage features) so when I go to the site, \*\*all I see is a “lo… --- ## [How can I download and save Instagram pictures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-download-and-save-instagram-pictures/742046)
**Author:** [@Shinna\_Minna\_Ma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shinna_Minna_Ma)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-download-and-save-instagram-pictures/742046 "2016-01-04T07:00:31Z")
I’d love to download and save some Instagram pictures. Is it possible to do this without paying for software? (These are pictures that friends that I follow on Instagram. I have an account.) I’m trying to do this for a … --- ## [Why Is The Ocean Blue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-ocean-blue/806474)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-ocean-blue/806474 "2018-01-13T03:08:53Z")
I recall this question arising one day in my 12th grade Physics class (many moons ago). One student proposed the sky was blue since it reflected the sky. Many laughed since the teacher’s explanation seemed more scientifi… --- ## [Is it and alloy of gold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-and-alloy-of-gold/806343)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-and-alloy-of-gold/806343 "2018-01-13T01:18:51Z")
Hi all, I have a gold coloured eagle, that I did a density test on (by weighing in water and air). The result was 10.13, certainly not pure gold. I’ve had it for a couple of years, and it shows no signs of tarnish. It h… --- ## [How to create a random number generator for 1-6 with just natural supplies in the wilderness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-create-a-random-number-generator-for-1-6-with-just-natural-supplies-in-the-wilderness/806404)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2018, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-create-a-random-number-generator-for-1-6-with-just-natural-supplies-in-the-wilderness/806404 "2018-01-13T00:17:02Z")
Imagine you and a friend are lost in the wilderness or on a deserted island and you want to play a game like backgammon to pass the time. It’s simple to make the game board and pieces from primitive materials. You can … --- ## [The Earth warps the space around it but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-warps-the-space-around-it-but/806417)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-earth-warps-the-space-around-it-but/806417 "2018-01-12T23:32:25Z")
According to the last night’s NOVA show on black holes, the Earth warps the space around it and this is why satellites are in orbit around it. The satellites are not turning, they are following the curve of space warped… --- ## [Dripping water pipes during a freeze](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dripping-water-pipes-during-a-freeze/806307)
**Author:** [@BmrDrvr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BmrDrvr)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dripping-water-pipes-during-a-freeze/806307 "2018-01-12T22:16:50Z")
I’ve been told to drip only the cold water line during a freeze. This makes no sense to me since both lines at 3 AM are essentially the same temp. I have a tankless system so there’s no heated water source warming the … --- ## [HDMI cable as alternative to Chromecast device](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hdmi-cable-as-alternative-to-chromecast-device/806429)
**Author:** [@Fantome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fantome)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hdmi-cable-as-alternative-to-chromecast-device/806429 "2018-01-12T22:02:02Z")
I want to watch movies stored on my Windows 10 desktop PC using an HDMI cable instead of buying something like Chromecast, so I bought a 12’ HDMI cable (plugged into motherboard’s HDMI output). I am now able to mirror m… --- ## [Conclusive Proof About Earth's Core?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conclusive-proof-about-earths-core/806477)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conclusive-proof-about-earths-core/806477 "2018-01-12T20:44:02Z")
A child of the 1970s, I was never taught the earth has a liquid outer core and a solid inner core. I was simply taught there is a liquid (molten iron) core - period. However, my son corrected me. Looking into how they kn… --- ## [What does it mean when the universe “doubles” in size?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-the-universe-doubles-in-size/806442)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-the-universe-doubles-in-size/806442 "2018-01-12T19:20:14Z")
I can’t remember the exact source, but I heard a stat that the universe has doubled in size about 100 times since it was smaller than a grain of sand just immediately after the Big Bang. I was astounded, and bowed to th… --- ## [Effect of a nuclear bomb inside of a tornado](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-a-nuclear-bomb-inside-of-a-tornado/806471)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-a-nuclear-bomb-inside-of-a-tornado/806471 "2018-01-12T19:19:38Z")
My 11 y.o. son asked me what would happen if a warhead from a Davy Crockett recoilless rifle (W54 warhead at .01 kt, IIRC) were to be detonated inside of a, say, F3 tornado. I take that to mean halfway between ground le… --- ## [For all the first responders/emts medical of question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-all-the-first-responders-emts-medical-of-question/806441)
**Author:** [@Andyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andyd)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-all-the-first-responders-emts-medical-of-question/806441 "2018-01-12T19:03:01Z")
So a friend of mine has had multiple brain surgery’s and as a result he has severe positionional vertigo laying flat, he even look up. It’s so bad that if he leans back or lays on his back he has such bad dizzy spells he… --- ## [Car Inspection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-inspection/806395)
**Author:** [@Kimberly1979](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimberly1979)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-inspection/806395 "2018-01-12T16:26:22Z")
I live in NC and my car is due for an inspection… the only problem is the water pump has gone bad. Will it still pass inspection or no? Thank you in advance! --- ## [Please explain the cosmic background radiation image to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-cosmic-background-radiation-image-to-me/653678)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-cosmic-background-radiation-image-to-me/653678 "2018-01-12T15:36:55Z")
Whenever cosmic background radiation is mentioned on the internet, it is accompanied by this image. What exactly am I looking at? Is this a map of the entire universe at some point in time? Is this radiation still eve… --- ## [Question on gun ownership and drugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-gun-ownership-and-drugs/806379)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-gun-ownership-and-drugs/806379 "2018-01-12T15:05:26Z")
The other night there was a shooting across the street from my apartment: two people seriously injured. The shooter is supposedly a dealer. My understanding is that owning a gun and possessing illegal drugs is a violati… --- ## [Questions about masculine and feminine words in Spanish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-masculine-and-feminine-words-in-spanish/806154)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-masculine-and-feminine-words-in-spanish/806154 "2018-01-12T02:52:20Z")
I’m trying to learn Spanish and find it interesting and frustrating to learn all the masculine and feminine aspects of the language. I wonder how often native Spanish speakers make mistakes with regard to this. For exa… --- ## [Why do our voices differ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-our-voices-differ/806357)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-our-voices-differ/806357 "2018-01-12T01:21:59Z")
If the layrnx is made of the same genetic coding why do human voices differ so much? --- ## [The Phrase "Washes \[one\] out" When Used In The Context Of Fashion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-washes-one-out-when-used-in-the-context-of-fashion/706139)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2018, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-washes-one-out-when-used-in-the-context-of-fashion/706139 "2018-01-12T00:18:38Z")
A character said this on a sitcom the other day. The character, C, has an eye for fashion and takes his personal appearance seriously. When looking for a garment to wear, C’s husband suggested a blue garment. C replied “… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=629) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=631)