# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=709 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 710 --- ## [Casino security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casino-security/790233)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casino-security/790233 "2017-07-01T15:24:46Z")
Hi SD, There are hundreds of eyes in the sky (security cameras) above the casino floor, many of them trained on the tables. Are those cameras being watched all the time by someone? I understand that if a dealer accuse… --- ## [If I bought one of every car worth \>$250K in 2007, how much could I sell them for today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-bought-one-of-every-car-worth-250k-in-2007-how-much-could-i-sell-them-for-today/790237)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-bought-one-of-every-car-worth-250k-in-2007-how-much-could-i-sell-them-for-today/790237 "2017-07-01T15:15:21Z")
Unlike regular cars which predictable depreciate in value, it seems like there are quite a few high end cars that end up selling for more over time than what you could have bought them for new. If I could have bought eve… --- ## [nitinol and power-generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitinol-and-power-generation/106052)
**Author:** [@jb\_farley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jb_farley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nitinol-and-power-generation/106052 "2017-07-01T14:45:04Z")
so in one of my old Encyclopedia Brittanica Science Book of the Year (maybe 87 or 88) there was an article on the science of toys. one of these toys was a loop of wire made of nickel-titanium alloy, strung around two pu… --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on Intermittent Fasting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-intermittent-fasting/789642)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-intermittent-fasting/789642 "2017-07-01T13:48:24Z")
This Nerd Fitness article has me curious as to whether this is just a silly fad or if there’s anything to it. Is anything misrepresented in the article? It seems even-handed enough, but there are people in the comments … --- ## [What disease was this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disease-was-this/790236)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 9:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-disease-was-this/790236 "2017-07-01T09:53:36Z")
I recently saw a middle-aged man who had little balls of skin all over his body. Though I could see only his head, arms and legs, I had every reason to assume the little balls were in other areas as well. The newer ones … --- ## [tractor-trailer question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tractor-trailer-question/197506)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tractor-trailer-question/197506 "2017-07-01T09:20:54Z")
Well, it’s actually a question about the trailer. I’ve noticed that many trailers have a small, rectangular “door” on the back door of the trailer. Does anyone know what this is for? --- ## [Dublin Airport](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dublin-airport/790249)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dublin-airport/790249 "2017-07-01T08:23:35Z")
Can anyone enter the lounges in the airport in Dublin, or do you have to be flying on a certain Airline? --- ## [Why do government workers still get paid during a shutdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-government-workers-still-get-paid-during-a-shutdown/790047)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-government-workers-still-get-paid-during-a-shutdown/790047 "2017-07-01T02:17:01Z")
Maine is facing a possible government shutdown, and there has been a lot of talk about how it worked in 1991, last time this happened. One piece that was mentioned was that state workers got back pay once the 1991 shutd… --- ## [Is it illegal to fight a duel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-fight-a-duel/86029)
**Author:** [@Ganryu\_Kojiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ganryu_Kojiro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-illegal-to-fight-a-duel/86029 "2017-07-01T00:43:02Z")
I was just wondering whether or not it is legal to fight a duel in the US. Is there any law preventing me from making an agreement with someone to have a deathmatch with a sword or pistol? Would I have to go through any … --- ## [refinancing a car - why do they ask if loan is \< 30 days old?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinancing-a-car-why-do-they-ask-if-loan-is-30-days-old/790223)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refinancing-a-car-why-do-they-ask-if-loan-is-30-days-old/790223 "2017-07-01T00:42:29Z")
I’m looking at refinancing the car I just bought. I’m pretty sure my bank (USAA) can offer a better deal than the dealer-recommended credit union. One of the questions they ask is if you got this loan (the one you’re tr… --- ## [Could we survive without thermonuclear explosions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-survive-without-thermonuclear-explosions/790201)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-survive-without-thermonuclear-explosions/790201 "2017-06-30T23:08:25Z")
Massive thermonuclear explosions occur naturally on a daily basis on the surface of the Sun. Could the star (and by extension we humans who depend on it) survive without them? Are they necessary to the Sun? I ask becaus… --- ## [Festive stationery in Outlook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/festive-stationery-in-outlook/790193)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/festive-stationery-in-outlook/790193 "2017-06-30T22:55:10Z")
One of my coworkers decided it’s time for an office potluck. So naturally, I have to send the announcement. How do I put a festive border into the email? --- ## [Legal question from Bridge of Spies: one act, or multiple?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-from-bridge-of-spies-one-act-or-multiple/790198)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-from-bridge-of-spies-one-act-or-multiple/790198 "2017-06-30T21:20:17Z")
In the opening scene in Bridge of Spies, insurance attorney James Donovan is arguing with counsel for plaintiffs in an auto crash case. The case involves a driver of a car (insured by Donovan’s client) that hit four moto… --- ## [so, can you ride a bull ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-can-you-ride-a-bull/48948)
**Author:** [@NothingMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NothingMan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-can-you-ride-a-bull/48948 "2017-06-30T20:21:44Z")
I have been to rodeos and I have seen bull-riding. It appears to me to be the exact same way a cowboy “tames” a horse. This is just conjecture : but I wonder if that is where riding a bull began, in an attempt to tame t… --- ## [Would a Priest Perform a Mass if her were All Alone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-priest-perform-a-mass-if-her-were-all-alone/790030)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-priest-perform-a-mass-if-her-were-all-alone/790030 "2017-06-30T20:15:05Z")
A nice priest is out hiking in the woods, all by himself (not necessarily the wisest course.) It’s Sunday. He’s feeling sacred and observant. Can he celebrate a Mass by himself, for himself? Or would he merely pray, … --- ## [Brit Royalty: what's the difference between "Serene Highness" and "Royal Highness?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-royalty-whats-the-difference-between-serene-highness-and-royal-highness/789920)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brit-royalty-whats-the-difference-between-serene-highness-and-royal-highness/789920 "2017-06-30T19:30:24Z")
See query. (The hed kind of reads like it is addressed to Brit Royalty, as many OPs do calling physicists, etc., for help in GQ. However, although of course they are also invited, posts from ho polloi are not unwelcome.… --- ## [Home remedies for a loose headphone jack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-remedies-for-a-loose-headphone-jack/344061)
**Author:** [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-remedies-for-a-loose-headphone-jack/344061 "2017-06-30T18:46:07Z")
Another one of my audio devices’s 1/8" stero miniplug jacks has been worn to the point were the plug has to be held in just the right position or else only one side comes through or there’s a loud, static-like sound. Th… --- ## [English Civil War questions John Lambert's army](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-civil-war-questions-john-lamberts-army/790208)
**Author:** [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-civil-war-questions-john-lamberts-army/790208 "2017-06-30T17:52:35Z")
After Oliver Cromwell died people in England were looking for someone to take over. General George Monck had an army in Scotland that no one knew who he supported. Parliament sent General John Lambert to find out. Howev… --- ## [Arabian region vanishes overnight, how long for world oil supply to recover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabian-region-vanishes-overnight-how-long-for-world-oil-supply-to-recover/789223)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arabian-region-vanishes-overnight-how-long-for-world-oil-supply-to-recover/789223 "2017-06-30T17:28:50Z")
So – suppose that the Arabian region (which encompasses Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen and Oman, for this purpose, but excludes Iran) just disappeared suddenly. Vanished in a blink. From solely t… --- ## [What are all the Military Suggestions to use Nuclear Weapons in Past Non-Nuclear Conflicts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-military-suggestions-to-use-nuclear-weapons-in-past-non-nuclear-conflicts/789982)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-all-the-military-suggestions-to-use-nuclear-weapons-in-past-non-nuclear-conflicts/789982 "2017-06-30T15:40:22Z")
Basically known confirmed direct suggestions for nuclear weapon use in conflicts past WW2 (not MAD related) that are either suggestions by high ranking military or were considered directly by the American President (or w… --- ## [Ceiling Fans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fans/667182)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceiling-fans/667182 "2017-06-30T15:24:43Z")
How often are people struck by ceiling fans? :confused::eek: --- ## [Are there examples of prominent social conservatives who became more liberal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-examples-of-prominent-social-conservatives-who-became-more-liberal/790119)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-examples-of-prominent-social-conservatives-who-became-more-liberal/790119 "2017-06-30T15:24:34Z")
In the US, are there any prominent historical figures who were outspokenly socially conservative (i.e. anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-secular, anti-diversity) who over time or through some event became much more liberal? --- ## [How much denatured alcohol is safe to drink?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-denatured-alcohol-is-safe-to-drink/790038)
**Author:** [@mikelopez630](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikelopez630)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-denatured-alcohol-is-safe-to-drink/790038 "2017-06-30T11:44:54Z")
Hi guys, I’m new to the forum, so if I’m posting this aomewhere I shouldn’t, just please tell me and I’ll change it. Okay, so I am 17, and have a little fetish about myself. I’ll call it… the drunk fetish. I get sexuall… --- ## [Why are ransomware attacks so effective?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ransomware-attacks-so-effective/790001)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ransomware-attacks-so-effective/790001 "2017-06-30T09:18:08Z")
Another big one today. What I don’t understand is how they can possibly work. Don’t all big companies have secure offline backups for their data? One would think it’s simply a case of switching off the systems, restorin… --- ## [What If Customs Can't Repack My Luggage After A Physical Inspection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-customs-cant-repack-my-luggage-after-a-physical-inspection/232974)
**Author:** [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-customs-cant-repack-my-luggage-after-a-physical-inspection/232974 "2017-06-30T06:57:05Z")
More than a few times, since 9/11, we’ve gotten little “love notes” in our luggage, saying that it was physically inspected by US customs. Feels kinda weird that they saw my unmentionables, but I appreciate their work a… --- ## [Rocket/Torpedo propulsion limits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-torpedo-propulsion-limits/784337)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocket-torpedo-propulsion-limits/784337 "2017-06-30T05:48:34Z")
Often in the movies we see a torpedo homing in on a sub, or a heat-seeking missile homing in on a dogfighter. Suppose we had an ace pilot who is a master of escape-and evade, trying to shake the tail. How long does a r… --- ## [What are these odd scissor-type things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-odd-scissor-type-things/790093)
**Author:** [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-odd-scissor-type-things/790093 "2017-06-30T01:19:34Z")
From a Facebook post on my feed, someone is trying to figure out what this scissors-type object might be. My only guess is maybe for cigars? They came across it from some departed relative’s belongings in Ohio. It looks… --- ## [Hitler's Escape? War Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-escape-war-questions/790033)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-escape-war-questions/790033 "2017-06-30T01:06:31Z")
Was playing a game lately, where in an alternate universe, the Nazi’s won World War 2 and took over the world (Wolfenstein: The New Order) and I can’t pick it up again because it made me feel sick, physically and mentall… --- ## [Burial insurance for someone else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burial-insurance-for-someone-else/645537)
**Author:** [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/burial-insurance-for-someone-else/645537 "2017-06-30T00:52:13Z")
I have a relative, mentally disabled, living in a group home. Age 50 something, in middling health. His mother is fretting if he dies, she has no money to bury him and she is collecting advertisements and phone numbers… --- ## [Can a pet be buried with its owner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-pet-be-buried-with-its-owner/667096)
**Author:** [@Claire98909](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claire98909)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-pet-be-buried-with-its-owner/667096 "2017-06-30T00:50:21Z")
Yesterday I read about the man who killed his daughter and the family beagle, and wounded his wife and son before killing himself. In situations like that, can the deceased pet be buried in the casket with the deceased … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=708) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=710)