# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=668 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 669 --- ## [Experts on flexible composites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experts-on-flexible-composites/797940)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/experts-on-flexible-composites/797940 "2017-10-04T18:25:15Z")
I am looking for a material slightly more flexible than fiberglass or carbon fiber with similar strength characteristics. About double the elasticity of fiberglass would be ideal. I can’t make heads or tails of the engin… --- ## [Weird air mattress problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-air-mattress-problem/797567)
**Author:** [@The\_Plutonium\_Kid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Plutonium_Kid)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-air-mattress-problem/797567 "2017-10-04T13:39:41Z")
Recently I bought an air mattress with a built-in electric air pump. I use it daily, and I planned to use it for the next two or three years while saving up enough to be a really good mattress and box springs. (I hate de… --- ## [Any US soldiers that served in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-us-soldiers-that-served-in-wwi-wwii-korea-and-vietnam/579744)
**Author:** [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-us-soldiers-that-served-in-wwi-wwii-korea-and-vietnam/579744 "2017-10-04T10:11:01Z")
With a birth year around the turn of the century it would seem mathematically possible. Are their any examples? --- ## [Worst mass shooting in ancient American history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-mass-shooting-in-ancient-american-history/797829)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-mass-shooting-in-ancient-american-history/797829 "2017-10-04T04:54:46Z")
Many of the news reports today (I’m thinking specifically of NPR, but there are others) refer to the Las Vegas tragedy as “the worst mass shooting in modern American history.” Why the qualification of modern? Was there… --- ## [Is there a limit to how many connections your brain can make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-how-many-connections-your-brain-can-make/797888)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-how-many-connections-your-brain-can-make/797888 "2017-10-04T02:26:02Z")
THis is a r/askscience type of question. So is there a limit to how many connections your brain can make in terms of controlling your voluntary physical body? Like would it be impossible to control an extra limb attach… --- ## [If I were to drive to Las Vegas to donate blood, would that be more helpful than to donate locally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-were-to-drive-to-las-vegas-to-donate-blood-would-that-be-more-helpful-than-to-donate-locally/797826)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-were-to-drive-to-las-vegas-to-donate-blood-would-that-be-more-helpful-than-to-donate-locally/797826 "2017-10-04T01:58:16Z")
In GQ in hopes that people who know the logistics can give an informed response. If I were to drive to Las Vegas to donate blood, would that be measurably more helpful than if I were to donate locally in Southern Califo… --- ## [How gravity works?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-gravity-works/797866)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2017, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-gravity-works/797866 "2017-10-04T01:28:00Z")
I read last week that scientists had detected gravitational waves from merging blackholes, and indeed the lead scientists have been awarded the noble prize. Does being able to detect gravitional waves put us any closer … --- ## [Question about casinos during an emergency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-casinos-during-an-emergency/797838)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-casinos-during-an-emergency/797838 "2017-10-03T22:00:05Z")
Hi SD, I don’t know if the casino was evacuated during the recent shooting at Mandalay Bay. But it brought to mind a question. If a casino floor is evacuated due to an emergency of any type, what happens to the bets … --- ## [Type ratings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/type-ratings/797825)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/type-ratings/797825 "2017-10-03T21:12:31Z")
I’m never going to need a type rating, so I’ll just ask instead of poring through the regs. Some aircraft require two type-rated pilots to fly. So how does a non-type rated pilot get a type rating? Is there a waiver t… --- ## [What's the point of an AD card on an android phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-an-ad-card-on-an-android-phone/797813)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-an-ad-card-on-an-android-phone/797813 "2017-10-03T18:29:46Z")
I just got a Samsung Galaxy J7 (yeah I know it’s neither the latest nor greatest). I put in a 64 gig card and tried to move my apps to it, but the only one that would allow the move was Waze-- not a single other. Runnin… --- ## [Boeing's "chevron" engine outlets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeings-chevron-engine-outlets/797367)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeings-chevron-engine-outlets/797367 "2017-10-03T18:19:57Z")
One of the unique features of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is the sawtoothed edges on the engine’s outlets. You can see them in this photo, on the bypass duct and also on the central turbine duct. Apparently they provide no… --- ## [Why are there fields of dead corn just standing there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-fields-of-dead-corn-just-standing-there/797747)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-fields-of-dead-corn-just-standing-there/797747 "2017-10-03T17:16:01Z")
My friend and I noticed this at the same time, he in Pennsylvania and I in Indiana. Huge fields of dead corn just standing there. Yellow and fugly. Is this being done for a reason, such as to just ripen the eff out of th… --- ## [How visible are submarines at periscope depth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-visible-are-submarines-at-periscope-depth/747244)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-visible-are-submarines-at-periscope-depth/747244 "2017-10-03T15:45:35Z")
There’s a story I’ve heard from a good number of sources about submarines, usually in the Mediterranean or near a Pacific island, coming to periscope depth and finding a yacht with a couple amorously engaged. With newer … --- ## [Why is SpaceX still mainly using 'brand new' Falcon 9s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-spacex-still-mainly-using-brand-new-falcon-9s/794933)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-spacex-still-mainly-using-brand-new-falcon-9s/794933 "2017-10-03T10:06:09Z")
SpaceX first successfully ‘reused’ a Falcon 9 first stage on 30 March 2017. Of the eight Falcon 9 launches since then, only one had a reused first stage. Given the significant cost saving in sending up second hand rock… --- ## [Chemistry Question: What reaction with single crystal MgF2 with HNO3?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemistry-question-what-reaction-with-single-crystal-mgf2-with-hno3/797816)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemistry-question-what-reaction-with-single-crystal-mgf2-with-hno3/797816 "2017-10-03T09:23:13Z")
I have a large, single crystal, very pure piece of MgF2 that I want to etch a bit with Nitric Acid (HNO3). I believe I know what will happen but I was hoping that somebody with some chemistry skills here on the dope cou… --- ## [Laundry of shirt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-of-shirt/797812)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laundry-of-shirt/797812 "2017-10-03T02:37:30Z")
I have a black shirt and when I launder it, it comes out with white marks on it. Does anyone know why this is? --- ## [Is the UK both a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-uk-both-a-parliamentary-democracy-and-a-constitutional-monarchy/797713)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-uk-both-a-parliamentary-democracy-and-a-constitutional-monarchy/797713 "2017-10-03T00:34:38Z")
Hi, I’ve seen both parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy bandied about as terms describing the UK’s political system. Are they both correct? Is the UK both a parliamentary democracy and a constitutiona… --- ## [Rough-Terrain Eighteen Wheeler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rough-terrain-eighteen-wheeler/797635)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2017, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rough-terrain-eighteen-wheeler/797635 "2017-10-03T00:05:20Z")
This mess in Puerto Rico has me thinking. Is there any sort of tracked or rough-terrain vehicle capable of carrying a (full) standard shipping container? Seems there must be, maybe in the oil business. On the other hand… --- ## [Do panels often fall from airplanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-panels-often-fall-from-airplanes/797563)
**Author:** [@Annoying\_Buzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annoying_Buzz)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-panels-often-fall-from-airplanes/797563 "2017-10-02T23:45:38Z")
On 9/23 a panel from the wing of a KLM Boeing 777 leaving Kansai International Airport fell off and landed in downtown Osaka, damaging a car (but luckily not injuring anyone). The cause is being investigated. http://www… --- ## [What is 644-33?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-644-33/758142)
**Author:** [@Omega\_Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omega_Glory)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2016, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-644-33/758142 "2016-06-23T22:39:46Z")
I’ve noticed a lot of posts urging people to send various slogans to 644-33 to deliver a message to Congress, but I haven’t seen anything that explains how it works. --- ## [Extreme edge of Goldiocks Zone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-edge-of-goldiocks-zone/797801)
**Author:** [@TaoPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaoPilot)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extreme-edge-of-goldiocks-zone/797801 "2017-10-02T18:03:51Z")
What would the situation be like for an Earth-like planet on either edge of the Goldilocks Zone? Closer to the sun, could you have livable conditions at the poles, but be unable to travel from one pole to the other? An… --- ## [Puzzle seen at the LA County Fair - can it be solved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puzzle-seen-at-the-la-county-fair-can-it-be-solved/797151)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puzzle-seen-at-the-la-county-fair-can-it-be-solved/797151 "2017-10-02T17:32:01Z")
Spent a while at the LA county fair trying to solve this puzzle. The objective is to make the pieces fit into a square shape. We couldn’t do it, and it quite bothered me. Sorry if the photo doesn’t perfectly capture the … --- ## [Washington's Chompers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washingtons-chompers/797612)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washingtons-chompers/797612 "2017-10-02T17:08:01Z")
Specifically, did George Washington take out his teeth before dining with White House guests? And if so, how did he manage conversations? From what I understand, the poorly-fitted dentures of his time often had metal sp… --- ## [Ohmmeter with high adjustable current, or, power supply with load resistance and power readouts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohmmeter-with-high-adjustable-current-or-power-supply-with-load-resistance-and-power-readouts/797807)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohmmeter-with-high-adjustable-current-or-power-supply-with-load-resistance-and-power-readouts/797807 "2017-10-02T17:06:19Z")
I’m studying resistors and how their resistance depends on self-heating and external cooling. Ohmmeters generally are designed to use a negligibly small current, to avoid self-heating. However I want an ohmmeter that has… --- ## [Any idea what this old car is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-this-old-car-is/797613)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-what-this-old-car-is/797613 "2017-10-02T16:47:54Z")
I made a video of it --- ## [Where did the southern drawl come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-southern-drawl-come-from/797769)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-southern-drawl-come-from/797769 "2017-10-02T16:09:09Z")
The U.S. was initially/largely populated by Western Europeans, none of which spoke with a drawl. As time went by other nationalities came here, but none of these immigrants spoke with anything like a drawl. Over time th… --- ## [Was there actual cases of lynchings in the United States where a fork was stuck in someones butt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-actual-cases-of-lynchings-in-the-united-states-where-a-fork-was-stuck-in-someones-butt/797706)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-actual-cases-of-lynchings-in-the-united-states-where-a-fork-was-stuck-in-someones-butt/797706 "2017-10-02T15:44:14Z")
Yes, this is directly inspired by the now decade old Michael Richards racist rant at a nightclub. At one point he tells the two black hecklers 50 years ago you would have been hung upside down with a fork up your ass.” … --- ## [Electric kettle and iMac on the same circuit.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-kettle-and-imac-on-the-same-circuit/797289)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-kettle-and-imac-on-the-same-circuit/797289 "2017-10-02T15:06:52Z")
When I plug in the electric kettle (1500 watts), the light on the power strip goes dim. Will this low voltage cause damage to the iMac? Other items on the same circuit are the 120vac external speakers and digital clock.… --- ## [What other cutlery options has the human race made other than "knife, fork, spoon" and "chopsticks"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-cutlery-options-has-the-human-race-made-other-than-knife-fork-spoon-and-chopsticks/792813)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-other-cutlery-options-has-the-human-race-made-other-than-knife-fork-spoon-and-chopsticks/792813 "2017-10-02T02:57:21Z")
Most aspects of food culture (e.g. styles of cooking, pans, dishes, etc.) you could fill a book with all the varieties of ways different cultures have invented to do the same basic task. Not so with cutlery, for all the… --- ## [Allowing plug-ins, OSX 10.11.6, Safari 11.0](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allowing-plug-ins-osx-10-11-6-safari-11-0/797225)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2017, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/allowing-plug-ins-osx-10-11-6-safari-11-0/797225 "2017-10-02T01:41:06Z")
I’m trying to get to a football game on Xfinity. It says, ‘Now connecting to your entertainment experience.’ Then it goes to: Adobe Flash Player is having trouble. To continue, install the latest version of Flash Pla… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=667) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=669)