# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=652 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 653 --- ## [Could a NBC American Pope serve as President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-nbc-american-pope-serve-as-president/801506)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-nbc-american-pope-serve-as-president/801506 "2017-11-15T15:31:12Z")
Inspired by a fragment of this post in this thread: Let’s say for instance, that Pope Francis starts letting priests be married (and married men become priests). Let’s further say that a devout fella who we’ll call Ric… --- ## [What happens to moms/parents with very ill children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-moms-parents-with-very-ill-children/801517)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-moms-parents-with-very-ill-children/801517 "2017-11-15T14:26:34Z")
While reading some political stuff, this just struck me today, most jobs only have so much sick-leave, and maternity nor paternity leave is required in the United States. So what do these people do once their sick days… --- ## [Declining meetings after they have taken place - is this a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/declining-meetings-after-they-have-taken-place-is-this-a-thing/801563)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/declining-meetings-after-they-have-taken-place-is-this-a-thing/801563 "2017-11-15T13:11:56Z")
I do a lot of teleconferences for work and I have recently had a spate of people decline my invitation AFTER the meeting takes place. So the sequence is: I invite them They accept the meeting We have the meeting They … --- ## [Home electrical wiring question: light stays on continually.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-electrical-wiring-question-light-stays-on-continually/381057)
**Author:** [@Campion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Campion)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-electrical-wiring-question-light-stays-on-continually/381057 "2017-11-15T12:36:46Z")
We’ve changed out a light fixture. We put in the new fixture, and all was hunky dory. We then took the new fixture down to do some ceiling repair work. When we put the new fixture back up today, it doesn’t work. That… --- ## [Are absorption camping fridges more maintenance & work than compressor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-absorption-camping-fridges-more-maintenance-work-than-compressor/801600)
**Author:** [@Loyuod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loyuod)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-absorption-camping-fridges-more-maintenance-work-than-compressor/801600 "2017-11-15T11:11:48Z")
I have been using a compressor chest fridge & while they are great performance wise, the lead battery is just not practical as far as I’m concerned. Especially in the long term like 3-4years and above they are simply to… --- ## [Right-handed but can only snap the fingers of the left hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-handed-but-can-only-snap-the-fingers-of-the-left-hand/539488)
**Author:** [@Mississippienne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mississippienne)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/right-handed-but-can-only-snap-the-fingers-of-the-left-hand/539488 "2017-11-15T09:09:33Z")
I did a Google search and found that other people do this same thing, but I couldn’t find any reason for it. A search on the SDMB proved fruitless. So I direct my query to you GQMFs. I’m right-handed, but I can only sna… --- ## [Legal penalties for someone who defaults on cosigned loan immediately](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-penalties-for-someone-who-defaults-on-cosigned-loan-immediately/801549)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-penalties-for-someone-who-defaults-on-cosigned-loan-immediately/801549 "2017-11-15T05:19:13Z")
Out of curiosity, I’m wondering if there is any legal penalty for someone who willfully bails out on a loan immediately as soon as he/she can, within minutes, and leaves his/her cosigner to pay it - not as a matter of de… --- ## [Does eviction affect your credit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-eviction-affect-your-credit/630851)
**Author:** [@cedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cedman)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-eviction-affect-your-credit/630851 "2012-08-09T22:20:03Z")
I did a search on eviction and got more info that I can handle!! But, I didn’t find an answer to my question. Does getting legally-through-the-court-system evicted show up as a negative on your credit score? Probably var… --- ## [Dow Jones Industrial Average for 07/11/1980 and 07/20/1981](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dow-jones-industrial-average-for-07-11-1980-and-07-20-1981/801655)
**Author:** [@wolf\_meister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf_meister)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dow-jones-industrial-average-for-07-11-1980-and-07-20-1981/801655 "2017-11-15T04:07:36Z")
I am using 2 sources: Google finance https://finance.google.com/finance/historical?q=INDEXDJX:.DJI and measuring worth https://measuringworth.com/DJA/ (note: Yahoo finance only goes back to 1985). For 07/11/1980, Goo… --- ## [How to keep kids pool clean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-keep-kids-pool-clean/406711)
**Author:** [@Atrael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atrael)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-keep-kids-pool-clean/406711 "2017-11-15T03:27:30Z")
This could go either way, here or in IMHO. So I’ll leave it up to the mods to boot it if it’s wrong. We’re trying to get a small pool set up for our 2 year old daughter to play in this summer. We picked up this one and … --- ## [How do I disconnect the Sirius antenna from my 2010 Ford Escape?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-disconnect-the-sirius-antenna-from-my-2010-ford-escape/801484)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2017, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-disconnect-the-sirius-antenna-from-my-2010-ford-escape/801484 "2017-11-15T01:18:32Z")
It’s that simple. More detail: I bought my Father’s 2010 Ford Escape. It’s a nice car, but Ford Sync sucks and we have a few issues with the radio. I bought my wife a line-in cable so she can just connect her Ipod Tou… --- ## [Do they teach thumb typing in schools now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-teach-thumb-typing-in-schools-now/801414)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-teach-thumb-typing-in-schools-now/801414 "2017-11-14T22:26:28Z")
I remember when I was kid, they used to teach us keyboard typing with stuff like Mavis Beacon and Microsoft Word. Have schools now moved to teaching people how to type on cell phones? Do kids still use computers, even? --- ## [What causes one side of my nose to stop up almost every night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-one-side-of-my-nose-to-stop-up-almost-every-night/406168)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-one-side-of-my-nose-to-stop-up-almost-every-night/406168 "2017-11-14T21:13:34Z")
This thread is a long time coming. For years now, most nights out of the week, I wake up in the middle of the night with one nostril completely stopped up. It doesn’t feel like there’s any mucus in my nose, it feels li… --- ## [Parachute speed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parachute-speed/290748)
**Author:** [@Random\_Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_Design)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/parachute-speed/290748 "2017-11-14T20:02:03Z")
With a modern parachute, how fast does it slow you down, and to what speed does it slow you down to? (so what’s the minimum deployment height?) how does this compare with the parachutes of say WWII era? --- ## [Sears Without Roebuck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sears-without-roebuck/800899)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sears-without-roebuck/800899 "2017-11-14T19:25:53Z")
They have been closing down many of the Sears stores. And this got me to thinking about something that I have wondered for some time now–actually since I was a kid. Why do they call them “Sears” stores? It’s “Sears Roeb… --- ## [Long TV delay on sporting event?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-tv-delay-on-sporting-event/801571)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-tv-delay-on-sporting-event/801571 "2017-11-14T18:17:32Z")
I am watching my local NHL team the Hurricanes using Sling TV and a chromecast. the broadcast says 4 minutes to go in period 1. But the reality is the period is over as shown on various websites and twitter. My… --- ## [How do junkies get all this OxyContin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-junkies-get-all-this-oxycontin/497392)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-junkies-get-all-this-oxycontin/497392 "2009-05-29T03:24:25Z")
A recent article about the dreadful murder of little Tori Stafford details the widespread OxyContin, aka “Hillbilly heroin,” addiction problem in her hometown of Woodstock, ON. I don’t understand how all these people ar… --- ## [Trials in Medieval cities.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trials-in-medieval-cities/801542)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trials-in-medieval-cities/801542 "2017-11-14T16:14:03Z")
Most folks in the middle ages lived in agricultural villages. If they committed a crime, they would be tried when the judge arrived in town on his regular circuit. The accused would not be jailed in the mean time since… --- ## [Help me figure out this credit conundrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-figure-out-this-credit-conundrum/801595)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-figure-out-this-credit-conundrum/801595 "2017-11-14T15:25:22Z")
My little beater 4X4 went completely to hell unfixable. Decided to bite the bullet and buy a new truck. Here are my stats: Age 57. Married. Debt: None. Mortgages paid. No credit card balances. No car payments. Credit … --- ## [What are the largest cities with major swimmable rivers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-largest-cities-with-major-swimmable-rivers/801465)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-largest-cities-with-major-swimmable-rivers/801465 "2017-11-14T14:13:29Z")
The Charles River in Boston (yes, the river of Dirty Water fame) is now clean enough to be swimmable and they’re actually discussing opening a public beach (assuming it can get past NIMBY, of which there is plenty). I f… --- ## [Do testes hang lower with age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-testes-hang-lower-with-age/254303)
**Author:** [@Pablito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pablito)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-testes-hang-lower-with-age/254303 "2017-11-14T12:58:11Z")
I was in the gym the other day and saw an older man going to the shower and noticed that his scrotum was hanging VERY low, maybe about 6-8" down. Grossed out, but wondering, I realized that I’d seen a couple of other ol… --- ## [Why are there 3 vent lines from the gas tank (2005 Subaru Outback)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-3-vent-lines-from-the-gas-tank-2005-subaru-outback/801568)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-3-vent-lines-from-the-gas-tank-2005-subaru-outback/801568 "2017-11-14T12:28:32Z")
When I look at a modern car fuel tank venting ‘evac system’ I see one vent line. Yet my ride has 3. A 2005 Subaru Outback. One goes to a valve right by such connection. Another seems to run forward, another runs thou… --- ## [Is there a word for folding your arms across your mid-section at waist level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-folding-your-arms-across-your-mid-section-at-waist-level/801543)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-word-for-folding-your-arms-across-your-mid-section-at-waist-level/801543 "2017-11-14T09:04:23Z")
Like in this picture. The way thisis called “arms akimbo.” --- ## [All vegetation disappears, how long before we asphyxiate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-vegetation-disappears-how-long-before-we-asphyxiate/801564)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-vegetation-disappears-how-long-before-we-asphyxiate/801564 "2017-11-14T03:52:39Z")
This is assuming végétation does the majority, or all of the oxygen creation. I could be wrong. --- ## [Maintaining vehicle in another state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maintaining-vehicle-in-another-state/801080)
**Author:** [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maintaining-vehicle-in-another-state/801080 "2017-11-14T01:45:18Z")
My wife and I live in Washington DC. We are in the process of buying a cabin in Virginia where we’ll spend 25-30% of our time. We plan on buying a car that we’ll keep at the cabin and rarely, if ever drive in DC. Under t… --- ## [Hep B antibodies, no virus - can I now donate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hep-b-antibodies-no-virus-can-i-now-donate/757355)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hep-b-antibodies-no-virus-can-i-now-donate/757355 "2017-11-14T00:54:04Z")
About 15 years ago, after having donated blood many times, I was told that I had antibodies for Hep B and could therefore no longer donate. I had no viruses, just antibodies. My doc told me at the time that I may have … --- ## [City Sticker question (Chicago Residents)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-sticker-question-chicago-residents/801516)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-sticker-question-chicago-residents/801516 "2017-11-13T23:05:17Z")
I’ve never been in this situation before. I am getting a car title transferred to me. It is due for an emissions test and a renewed sticker. If the person already gets the emissions test and sticker, then transfers the… --- ## [Is this illegal? \[Offering a female panhandler money to show her breasts\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-illegal-offering-a-female-panhandler-money-to-show-her-breasts/698080)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-illegal-offering-a-female-panhandler-money-to-show-her-breasts/698080 "2017-11-13T22:33:57Z")
YANAL. MMMV depending on jurisdiction, etc. I have a friend that claims that whenever he sees a female panhandler, he says “I’ll pay $5 if you show me your tits.” For him it’s a joke since panhandlers are mostly con-ar… --- ## [Microwave oven interferes with the OTA TV](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-interferes-with-the-ota-tv/801536)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwave-oven-interferes-with-the-ota-tv/801536 "2017-11-13T21:19:32Z")
We discovered recently that our microwave oven interferes with the OTA TV. We’ve only use OTA for Jeopardy! so this is of no consequence. The antenna is an RCA ANT700F from Walmart. The microwave is perhaps 30 feet a… --- ## [What kind of bird is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-bird-is-this/801430)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-bird-is-this/801430 "2017-11-13T20:26:36Z")
https://pixabay.com/en/bird-songbird-cute-close-animal-515031/ This was used as the header for a story on Futurism.com and I thought the bird was pretty cool looking but I’m no ornithologist myself and my Google Image s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=651) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=653)