# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=682 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 683 --- ## [Why do mosquitoes love my elbows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mosquitoes-love-my-elbows/794959)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mosquitoes-love-my-elbows/794959 "2017-08-30T19:55:15Z")
I know, it sounds silly. But if you could see the three week’s worth of bites, of various ages and sizes, clustered around my elbows, you’d be wondering too. I’ve also got bites in various other places, but this is rid… --- ## [Worn main engine bearing and emissions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worn-main-engine-bearing-and-emissions/795075)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worn-main-engine-bearing-and-emissions/795075 "2017-08-30T19:34:41Z")
I have a truck that I need to register. Problem is it has a worn main bearing and it needs to pass emissions before I can register it. Assuming nothing else wrong with it, would a worn main bearing affect the emissions… --- ## [Just spit-ballin' here, but nuclear weapons vs. hurricanes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-spit-ballin-here-but-nuclear-weapons-vs-hurricanes/795063)
**Author:** [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-spit-ballin-here-but-nuclear-weapons-vs-hurricanes/795063 "2017-08-30T19:21:04Z")
Somebody at work a couple nights ago posed the question of whether strategically applied nuclear weapons might be able to disrupt the formation of hurricanes in their early formative stages or dissipate one altogether af… --- ## [Why can't we detect and disable any missile leaving NK soil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-detect-and-disable-any-missile-leaving-nk-soil/790758)
**Author:** [@NetTrekker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NetTrekker)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-detect-and-disable-any-missile-leaving-nk-soil/790758 "2017-08-30T18:32:35Z")
Why can’t we detect and disable any missile leaving North Korean soil? Reagan started SDI 30 years ago and we still can’t intercept a missile with radar, satellites, lasers, heat-seeking technology, etc.? What gives? --- ## [Recently divorced friend being scammed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recently-divorced-friend-being-scammed/794651)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recently-divorced-friend-being-scammed/794651 "2017-08-30T17:51:05Z")
I don’t know what the scam is but I have a recently divorced middle aged friend I know is being scammed. He is on some kind of dating web site where girls from Central and South America are contacting him. All of these w… --- ## [Question about bows and arrows circa AD 1220](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bows-and-arrows-circa-ad-1220/794710)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bows-and-arrows-circa-ad-1220/794710 "2017-08-30T16:40:25Z")
I’m reading a book about the Mongols )Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World) and have gotten to the bit where the Mongols invaded Rus’. The author says that the Mongol arrows were fashioned in such a way that … --- ## [Contributing to 401(k)s through work and IRAs on my own.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contributing-to-401-k-s-through-work-and-iras-on-my-own/794978)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contributing-to-401-k-s-through-work-and-iras-on-my-own/794978 "2017-08-30T15:42:08Z")
I am still fairly young, breathing, and relatively good looking\* and like to save up for retirement so they can unthaw a cryogenic Robin Leach do a “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” on me in about 20 years. It’ll be p… --- ## [Hurricane Harvey storm damage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-harvey-storm-damage/795016)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-harvey-storm-damage/795016 "2017-08-30T15:02:43Z")
Wind, flooding etc etc… So… what if anything will typical homeowners insurance cover? --- ## [The boom on refueling tankers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boom-on-refueling-tankers/794866)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-boom-on-refueling-tankers/794866 "2017-08-30T13:42:43Z")
There are “wings” on the boom/stem of an aircraft refueling tanker. Is the purpose for stabilizing the boom? If not, what is the purpose? --- ## [Nonverbal Gestures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonverbal-gestures/795073)
**Author:** [@lastinline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lastinline)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonverbal-gestures/795073 "2017-08-30T12:49:49Z")
So, hello and everything. My question, which I haven’t found on this site, which I do enjoy, is: What is the origin of nonverbal gestures? Specifically handshakes, the thumbs up, smiling, and laughing. Ostensibly, these… --- ## [Gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity/794912)
**Author:** [@abashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abashed)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity/794912 "2017-08-30T12:12:08Z")
When someone jumps off a tall building why are they free from gravity until they hit the ground? --- ## [Help to build a netbook. Computer that is.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-to-build-a-netbook-computer-that-is/738385)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2015, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-to-build-a-netbook-computer-that-is/738385 "2015-11-25T17:48:45Z")
My netbooks have done great. I love 'em. Nice small laptop with a real keyboard. They travel great. They seem to be a dying breed. - No more than a 11 inch screen. Knowing that I will need to upgrade to Win 10 sometime… --- ## [Which light works best for plants (Lumens fixed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-light-works-best-for-plants-lumens-fixed/711441)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-light-works-best-for-plants-lumens-fixed/711441 "2015-02-01T16:48:26Z")
Given three lights of the same Lumen - (say 1100 which corresponds to 75W Incandescent, about 20W Florescent and around 15W LED) which would work the best for growing plants ? I have a small greenhouse setup where I ger… --- ## [Why did it take so long for semi-automatic pistols to gain acceptance for civilians/law enforcement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-for-semi-automatic-pistols-to-gain-acceptance-for-civilians-law-enforcement/794345)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2017, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-it-take-so-long-for-semi-automatic-pistols-to-gain-acceptance-for-civilians-law-enforcement/794345 "2017-08-30T01:51:58Z")
According to the book “Glock: The Rise of America’s Gun” it wasn’t until the mid-80’s with the introduction of the Glock pistol for semi-autos to finally outsell revolvers in both the civilian and law enforcement markets… --- ## [A whole lotta twisters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-whole-lotta-twisters/794957)
**Author:** [@2Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2Bits)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-whole-lotta-twisters/794957 "2017-08-29T20:00:49Z")
Would it be possible for tornados to increase in frequency and/ or intensity to a level where human life as we know it would not be sustainable? --- ## [Why are there no shaving razors with long lasting ceramic blades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-shaving-razors-with-long-lasting-ceramic-blades/685968)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-no-shaving-razors-with-long-lasting-ceramic-blades/685968 "2017-08-29T19:24:25Z")
This article asks the question why there are no men’s shaving razors with ceramic blades? Per the wiki here re the material and performance characteristics of ceramic blades it would seem to be a perfect fit for shaving… --- ## [Reading an Eclipse Map](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-an-eclipse-map/794986)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-an-eclipse-map/794986 "2017-08-29T19:18:46Z")
If you’ve ever looked a detailed eclipse map, (after clicking link, scroll down to center graphic) you will notice there are two analemma-shaped areas (i.e., figure eight shapes) folded in half at either end of the path … --- ## [U.K. Train station closures, what do the employees do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-k-train-station-closures-what-do-the-employees-do/794990)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-k-train-station-closures-what-do-the-employees-do/794990 "2017-08-29T18:29:48Z")
This weekends London Euston closed for a couple of days over the bank holiday weekend. Now, I just read that Liverpool Lime street station will be closed for 3 weeks.http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-40290923 … --- ## [Thunderbirds Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thunderbirds-question/794558)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thunderbirds-question/794558 "2017-08-29T17:38:35Z")
The USAF Thunderbirds performed at a local airshow yesterday. I’ve seen them many times but this is the first time that I saw one of the jets with a large external center-line tank. Number 4 in the diamond formation, if … --- ## [What is this object on the H5O intro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-object-on-the-h5o-intro/794861)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-object-on-the-h5o-intro/794861 "2017-08-29T17:12:56Z")
I think I had a thread on this years ago. I either forgotten the answer or didn’t get a satisfying one. Either way, I can’t find the thread. During the Hawaii Five 0 Intro, at exactly 30 seconds there is some large foot… --- ## [English speakers subtly "rolling" the 'h' sound. Is this new?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-speakers-subtly-rolling-the-h-sound-is-this-new/794937)
**Author:** [@KellyCriterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KellyCriterion)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-speakers-subtly-rolling-the-h-sound-is-this-new/794937 "2017-08-29T17:08:52Z")
One thing I’ve recently started noticing is that some english speakers sometimes ‘roll’ the ‘h’ sound when speaking. It’s kind of like a guttural sound where the back of the tongue hits the roof of the mouth. Here’s 3 e… --- ## [Two natural disasters at the same time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-natural-disasters-at-the-same-time/795004)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-natural-disasters-at-the-same-time/795004 "2017-08-29T16:39:22Z")
Has any place had the misfortune of 2 unrelated natural disasters at the same time. For eg a hurricane and an earthquake. Or a hurricane and a volcano etc. I wouldnt include the Indonesian earthquake and Tsunami as they… --- ## [Do male personalities vary more than female personalities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-male-personalities-vary-more-than-female-personalities/794471)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-male-personalities-vary-more-than-female-personalities/794471 "2017-08-29T16:34:59Z")
First, I should note I’m not trying to make any ignorant statement like AWALT (All Women Are Like That). It’s obvious that people of both sexes vary tremendously in character. I’ve already talked about how there are mor… --- ## [No running water this morning, working on a water main on my street. OK, but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-running-water-this-morning-working-on-a-water-main-on-my-street-ok-but/795005)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-running-water-this-morning-working-on-a-water-main-on-my-street-ok-but/795005 "2017-08-29T16:33:46Z")
…how come even my hot water doesn’t work? I have, I assume a full tank. I would have expected to have hot water only, at least for a while. mmm --- ## [Coin packing factor: stacked vs. random](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coin-packing-factor-stacked-vs-random/794931)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coin-packing-factor-stacked-vs-random/794931 "2017-08-29T15:27:13Z")
Is there a significant difference? Let’s say I have a container that has neatly stacked coins in it, and the column of coins are all as close together as possible. The stacks come up exactly to the top of the container… --- ## [Why did my wireless router cause my internet speed to plunge? Why did resetting it fix it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-wireless-router-cause-my-internet-speed-to-plunge-why-did-resetting-it-fix-it/794996)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-wireless-router-cause-my-internet-speed-to-plunge-why-did-resetting-it-fix-it/794996 "2017-08-29T15:01:06Z")
So mysteriously a few days ago I began having problems with my internet access. Things would load slowly and Pandora was regularly cutting out. I couldn’t manage to complete an order in the online ordering system for a… --- ## [Why is a peacoat called a peacoat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-peacoat-called-a-peacoat/42721)
**Author:** [@Sycorax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sycorax)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2000, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-peacoat-called-a-peacoat/42721 "2000-11-26T15:37:33Z")
I did a search in GQ as I figured this one would’ve come up before but didn’t find anything. I was in an Army surplus store today and noticed the peacoats. I had one many years ago, but never heard how they got the name. … --- ## [Athletic shorts--what to wear under them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/athletic-shorts-what-to-wear-under-them/794794)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/athletic-shorts-what-to-wear-under-them/794794 "2017-08-29T07:18:29Z")
I was recently gifted a couple pairs of of athletic shorts. Unlike the athletic shorts I buy for myself, they did not come with a liner (?)–basically built-in underwear–they’re just short. What does one wear under such… --- ## [A question about the development of steam power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-development-of-steam-power/794901)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-development-of-steam-power/794901 "2017-08-29T04:30:12Z")
I am far from an engineer and am the most amateur of science followers and I have a question about the development of steam power. I was in the navy and had to stand engine room watches and learn about marine steam engi… --- ## [Anybody know of a network reliability meter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-of-a-network-reliability-meter/794989)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2017, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-know-of-a-network-reliability-meter/794989 "2017-08-29T03:12:23Z")
I’ve been having problems on a few sites with connectivity. Not all of them but a couple of the heavy bandwidth sites I use like games and downloads. Quick check bandwidth meters show as expected and basic browsing seems… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=681) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=683)