# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=661 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 662 --- ## [How much of the earth's inorganic material results from organic interaction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-the-earths-inorganic-material-results-from-organic-interaction/799631)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-the-earths-inorganic-material-results-from-organic-interaction/799631 "2017-10-23T17:39:24Z")
See query, which is prompted directly from a comment by Broomstick in the current thread "Does all life depend on life ": Oil and sand I know about, but the fact about “fool’s gold” was new to me (thanks Broomstick!),… --- ## [Is 'Disrespect' a Verb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-disrespect-a-verb/799289)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-disrespect-a-verb/799289 "2017-10-23T15:53:40Z")
It certainly wasn’t when I was younger. But alot of people, some of them quite intelligent, use it that way. I have to tell you, I literally cringe every time I hear someone use it that way. But who am I to judge? Also… --- ## [Does all life depend on other life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-life-depend-on-other-life/799452)
**Author:** [@Topologist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Topologist)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-life-depend-on-other-life/799452 "2017-10-23T15:00:48Z")
A question raised by my wife, but one I’m interested in as well: Do all living things (on Earth, of course) depend on other living things, or the remains of previously living things, to grow and reproduce? Are there any … --- ## [Welcome Mat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-mat/799361)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-mat/799361 "2017-10-23T12:34:50Z")
Ok, most of us have doormats and a lot of them say “Welcome”. And in general, we have always left ours out 24/7. maybe a seasonal one is changed out. But after listening to two olde songs that mention some variation on … --- ## [What is this part of an ironing board called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-part-of-an-ironing-board-called/799381)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-part-of-an-ironing-board-called/799381 "2017-10-23T10:55:40Z")
My ironing board is broken. One of the plastic bits on either end of the slide bar has broken beyond repair. But I can’t find a replacement because I’m blanking on the name. It doesn’t appear to match a ferrule (though t… --- ## [Combining Multiple Word (.docx) files, retaining formatting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combining-multiple-word-docx-files-retaining-formatting/799573)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/combining-multiple-word-docx-files-retaining-formatting/799573 "2017-10-23T07:42:49Z")
How does one most painlessly concatenate a handful of Word files, each with its own headers, page numbers, notion of appropriate indentation and line spacing and etc, in such a way as to result in a single Word document,… --- ## [Moon base lava tubes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-base-lava-tubes/799330)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-base-lava-tubes/799330 "2017-10-23T06:33:59Z")
Apparently Japanese scientists have discovered a large lava tube below the surface of the moon which they say might be used as a moon base. Seeing how surface temperatures on the moon range from 107C (225F) during the da… --- ## [Retrieving Deleted Messages from Answering Machine - Any Hope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrieving-deleted-messages-from-answering-machine-any-hope/799513)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retrieving-deleted-messages-from-answering-machine-any-hope/799513 "2017-10-23T00:09:46Z")
The other day I had a message on the answering machine, listened to it, & decided to edit the ones stored there. So I started from the beginning, intending the skip through the ones I’ve been saving (my late Mom & her gl… --- ## [Can bad breath protect you from viruses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bad-breath-protect-you-from-viruses/799350)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2017, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bad-breath-protect-you-from-viruses/799350 "2017-10-22T22:54:46Z")
My grand child noticed my bad breath, so before I had a dentist appointment I bought dental varnish and applied it. Not been sick for a couple of years, I caught a viral infection within 24 hours after covering up the ca… --- ## [Are there any restrictions on airliner liveries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restrictions-on-airliner-liveries/799055)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2017, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-restrictions-on-airliner-liveries/799055 "2017-10-22T11:29:56Z")
I’ve been looking through photographs of the various paintschemes passenger airliners have, some of them are quite striking. I was wondering if there are any actual restrictions on liveries for commercial or private air… --- ## [Which used graphics cards from these should I get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-used-graphics-cards-from-these-should-i-get/799421)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2017, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-used-graphics-cards-from-these-should-i-get/799421 "2017-10-22T09:52:24Z")
I’m thinking of upgrading my graphics card, I currently have a Radeon 7730 2gb, but even with a cpu upgrade, it still limits GTA V to about 35 fps even on all semi-normal, semi-low settings at 1280x1060 and I ran some be… --- ## [Biologically, why does hyperthyroidism cause irritability or anxiety?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biologically-why-does-hyperthyroidism-cause-irritability-or-anxiety/799483)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2017, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biologically-why-does-hyperthyroidism-cause-irritability-or-anxiety/799483 "2017-10-22T05:47:33Z")
What biologically happens (preferably step by step) that explains why one results in the other? --- ## [Lake Michigan as a Giant Wave Tank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lake-michigan-as-a-giant-wave-tank/799512)
**Author:** [@idiotwind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/idiotwind)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 22, 2017, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lake-michigan-as-a-giant-wave-tank/799512 "2017-10-22T02:27:26Z")
When I studied physics in high school many eons ago, we used wave tanks with water to examine waves. A few days ago, flying home, I looked down at Lake Michigan, on what was apparently a very calm day down there. The “cr… --- ## [Piloting airliner before flight computers and autopilots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piloting-airliner-before-flight-computers-and-autopilots/799333)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piloting-airliner-before-flight-computers-and-autopilots/799333 "2017-10-21T23:12:28Z")
I’ve been watching a bunch of videos about airliner curiosities, terminology, practices, and such lately. The number of issues\* and factors\*\* pilots have to consider is mind-boggling. For example, weight (both overall a… --- ## [Was the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact supposed to last 10 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-molotov-ribbentrop-pact-supposed-to-last-10-years/799363)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-molotov-ribbentrop-pact-supposed-to-last-10-years/799363 "2017-10-21T22:58:09Z")
Hi I had read recently that the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was supposed to last 10 years? I found nothing on Wikipedia to support this. Is it just a fabrication? I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Is a cleft chin considered a type of deformity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-cleft-chin-considered-a-type-of-deformity/797814)
**Author:** [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-cleft-chin-considered-a-type-of-deformity/797814 "2017-10-21T22:34:58Z")
According to this source, “In normal human fetal development, the right and left sides of the lower half of the jaw fuse together before birth. When the fusion of the two sides doesn’t take place properly, the baby is bo… --- ## [Tree height question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-height-question/799347)
**Author:** [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-height-question/799347 "2017-10-21T20:55:09Z")
I recently visited family in Long Island, NY (Suffolk County), and noticed the typical neighborhood trees are quite obviously a good deal taller than the ones in Austin, TX where I live - why? --- ## [Raspberry Pi cobbler question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raspberry-pi-cobbler-question/799441)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raspberry-pi-cobbler-question/799441 "2017-10-21T19:42:46Z")
Sorry to anyone here looking for dessert, but I’m talking about the tiny and bizarrely inexpensive computer called Raspberry Pi. The kit I got included a T-shaped board called a cobbler, or breakout board. It allows you … --- ## [Couple of video questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-of-video-questions/799402)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couple-of-video-questions/799402 "2017-10-21T13:13:26Z")
I am getting ready to have a bow building video shot next month. I will be focusing on specific aspects rather that a complete how to video. I am planning on using some speeded up portions where they are just slow enough… --- ## [Do cucumbers really repel cockroaches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cucumbers-really-repel-cockroaches/798574)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cucumbers-really-repel-cockroaches/798574 "2017-10-21T04:42:43Z")
Lots of sites recommend cucumber slices or cucumber peel as a perimeter defense against cockroaches but these all read like folk remedies to me. Are there any scientific studies that say this works? Is there any explana… --- ## [Why do certain sounds cause "goose bumps"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-certain-sounds-cause-goose-bumps/483202)
**Author:** [@Brepark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brepark)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-certain-sounds-cause-goose-bumps/483202 "2017-10-21T04:29:21Z")
There are certain sounds that drive us batty. For many people, it’s nails on a chalkboard. That has never bothered me. However, the squeaking sound of styrofoam will drive me batty, send chills up and down my spine, … --- ## [Should People with HIV be quarantine ??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-hiv-be-quarantine/799408)
**Author:** [@purplehearingaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehearingaid)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-people-with-hiv-be-quarantine/799408 "2017-10-21T03:09:48Z")
--- ## [Does anyone understand how Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat share information about font size?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-how-microsoft-word-and-adobe-acrobat-share-information-about-font-size/799098)
**Author:** [@mischievous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mischievous)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-understand-how-microsoft-word-and-adobe-acrobat-share-information-about-font-size/799098 "2017-10-21T02:41:55Z")
I have a stupid problem: grant proposals submitted to the NIH must be in Arial font, at least 11pt in size. I write proposals in 11pt font in Microsoft Word, and then convert them to a PDF. When I open the PDF in Acroba… --- ## [Does All Matter Have Mass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-matter-have-mass/799334)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-matter-have-mass/799334 "2017-10-21T01:53:28Z")
I recall being taught how everything with mass is made of matter. Ok, I accepted this carte blanche for a life time. But, wait a minute… What about massless particles? Are they considered matter, too? Or, are they catego… --- ## [Free speech question: Advocating lawbreaking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-question-advocating-lawbreaking/799401)
**Author:** [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2017, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-question-advocating-lawbreaking/799401 "2017-10-21T01:47:04Z")
Is speech that advocates violating laws protected under the 1st Amendment? IOW, can a person be silenced/punished for saying such things as: “Drive at 70mph in this 55mph zone - everyone does” “If you’re hungry, steal… --- ## [Why aren't there flying wing passenger/freight airplanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-there-flying-wing-passenger-freight-airplanes/556920)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2017, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-there-flying-wing-passenger-freight-airplanes/556920 "2017-10-20T22:37:30Z")
As far as I know, it’s only been used for military aircraft. Why not passengers and freight? Doesn’t it have the potential to have a significantly higher volume and payload capacity? --- ## [Can we shoot garbage into a black hole?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-shoot-garbage-into-a-black-hole/638901)
**Author:** [@Dana\_Scully](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dana_Scully)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2017, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-shoot-garbage-into-a-black-hole/638901 "2017-10-20T22:06:50Z")
I’ve been thinking aout this for a long time. Is there any technology available today, or maybe in the not too distant future, that would empower us to reduce our solid waste down to its smallest components, then pack th… --- ## [What is a "stipulation of facts?" (Regarding Sgt. Bergdahl court martial guilty plea)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-stipulation-of-facts-regarding-sgt-bergdahl-court-martial-guilty-plea/799059)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-stipulation-of-facts-regarding-sgt-bergdahl-court-martial-guilty-plea/799059 "2017-10-20T21:40:08Z")
See query. This is how I encountered it today: FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP) — Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl told a military judge on Monday that he’s pleading guilty to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. “I understand that… --- ## [a question about cats and litter box training](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-cats-and-litter-box-training/798893)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2017, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-cats-and-litter-box-training/798893 "2017-10-20T21:39:55Z")
My aunt had a 98 year old neighbor seen me carrying our bi weekly purchase of 30 lbs of litter ) and she was talking about how at one time you just let the cat out until they came up with cat litter in the 30s/40s an… --- ## [What happens when a person with an artificial heart dies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-person-with-an-artificial-heart-dies/799315)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2017, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-when-a-person-with-an-artificial-heart-dies/799315 "2017-10-20T19:10:35Z")
(Note this question was actually asked on Twitter by the excellent animation director Don Herzfeld, but I was intriqued so asked it here) When a person with an artificial heart dies, does it just keep on pumping in ther… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=660) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=662)