# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=710 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 711 --- ## [Uk Funeral Etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-funeral-etiquette/574502)
**Author:** [@fumster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fumster)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-funeral-etiquette/574502 "2017-06-30T00:45:57Z")
So a not very nice member of my family in England has died. No one on this side of the pond has lived there in the last 50 years so we are not sure of the protocol. I assume he will be cremated. Are flowers sent when so… --- ## [Do funeral directors pay attention to which end of the closed casket is the head end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-funeral-directors-pay-attention-to-which-end-of-the-closed-casket-is-the-head-end/491679)
**Author:** [@CuriousAndKind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CuriousAndKind)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-funeral-directors-pay-attention-to-which-end-of-the-closed-casket-is-the-head-end/491679 "2017-06-30T00:44:10Z")
Ever since a relative of mine died and was buried on a hillside, I’ve wondered: Do the funeral directors who close the casket have a system for keeping track of which end of the casket is the head end? And do they take p… --- ## [I can't afford to bury anyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-to-bury-anyone/179146)
**Author:** [@Isabelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isabelle)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2017, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-to-bury-anyone/179146 "2017-06-30T00:40:25Z")
What happens if someone in your immediate family dies and you don’t have life insurance on them? How do you come up with the money to bury them? Let’s just assume your credit sucks so you can’t get a loan and you don’t… --- ## [What's the cheapest funeral you could have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-funeral-you-could-have/10298)
**Author:** [@aha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aha)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-cheapest-funeral-you-could-have/10298 "2017-06-29T23:57:07Z")
Aside from cremation I mean…and I am not sure that is the cheapest. I have heard of one funeral home here in my town that will do the services for $300.00 although I have not checked that. Apparently they bury you in a w… --- ## [Rain Water Contents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-water-contents/790118)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rain-water-contents/790118 "2017-06-29T23:49:27Z")
What is in rain water, besides the water? Is it close to pure or does it contain a substantial amount of pollutants (especially in cities)? Just curious since it’s raining and I’m bored. --- ## [Is it extortion/blackmail if it doesn't involve gain, monetary or otherwise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-extortion-blackmail-if-it-doesnt-involve-gain-monetary-or-otherwise/790117)
**Author:** [@Keln](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keln)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-extortion-blackmail-if-it-doesnt-involve-gain-monetary-or-otherwise/790117 "2017-06-29T20:05:48Z")
I read through this TSD thread and didn’t get the answer I was looking for. Here’s the scenario: You work for an activist group dedicated to exposing corporate unethical behavior. You know a specific company is doing v… --- ## [Do you any Gymn's have exercise machines wheelchairs can use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-any-gymns-have-exercise-machines-wheelchairs-can-use/790072)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-any-gymns-have-exercise-machines-wheelchairs-can-use/790072 "2017-06-29T19:09:16Z")
Asking for a relative. She recently had surgery and finished rehab. She wants to continue exercising. The Rehab gymn had equipment that could be used from wheelchairs. https://goo.gl/images/ErZQLQ https://goo.gl/image… --- ## [How long can flu viruses "live" outside humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-flu-viruses-live-outside-humans/790148)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-flu-viruses-live-outside-humans/790148 "2017-06-29T18:57:06Z")
I have a flu but have had to go into the office for partial days anyway. I was trying to be diligent about hand sanitizer and frequent hand washing, haven’t been shaking any hands, been keeping my distance from everyone… --- ## [Finding an invisible leak in an air mattress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-an-invisible-leak-in-an-air-mattress/273900)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finding-an-invisible-leak-in-an-air-mattress/273900 "2017-06-29T16:46:17Z")
I recently bought an air mattress that appears to be leaky - after 5-6 hours of sleeping on it, I can feel the floor through the bottom - but I can’t find any visible leaks, nor feel air rushing out of it anywhere. I don… --- ## [Origin/meanings of phrase "it's all good" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meanings-of-phrase-its-all-good/62509)
**Author:** [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-meanings-of-phrase-its-all-good/62509 "2017-06-29T15:36:28Z")
Here’s another recent phrase (and by recent, I mean that I’ve only heard it in use for the past couple of years, mostly by college students). It seems to have different meanings. A union organizer I know uses it when r… --- ## [Can a Photon really Travel two separate Paths by Gravity lensing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-photon-really-travel-two-separate-paths-by-gravity-lensing/789594)
**Author:** [@Loyuod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loyuod)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-photon-really-travel-two-separate-paths-by-gravity-lensing/789594 "2017-06-29T13:59:15Z")
I’m reading on the basics of the Wheeler Cosmic Delayed choice experiment where a Photon travels from a far light source to earth & takes two paths around a Large Galaxy. The Galaxy sits in between the light source & Ea… --- ## [How does a wave carry all of the complexities of sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-wave-carry-all-of-the-complexities-of-sound/789949)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-wave-carry-all-of-the-complexities-of-sound/789949 "2017-06-29T13:55:24Z")
I know there is an easy answer - our ears/brains interpret a wave as sound thus if I can reproduce a wave that our brains has learned or is built to interpret as X, we hear X. But I’m not satisfied with that. Sound is … --- ## [When did high quality, sturdy door locks become commonplace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-high-quality-sturdy-door-locks-become-commonplace/790130)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-high-quality-sturdy-door-locks-become-commonplace/790130 "2017-06-29T13:54:47Z")
I heard someone on the internet suggest that metalworking in the 1900s probably couldn’t support cheap and reliable locksmithing. Is this true? I heard that rich people probably had good door locks much earlier, as in hu… --- ## [Staples and Telephone Wire.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staples-and-telephone-wire/789976)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staples-and-telephone-wire/789976 "2017-06-29T12:51:31Z")
Set up landline (standard) here and when laying the line I popped a staple right through it. I removed the staple and I checked the line and it works fine. I put a wrapping of electrical tape over the little staple hole… --- ## [YouTube question - blocking channels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-question-blocking-channels/782090)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2017, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-question-blocking-channels/782090 "2017-03-14T23:10:38Z")
Is there a way to block a specific channel on YouTube? I know there are settings which permit the user to say they would prefer to see videos which fit into a certain age category. However, there does not appear to be … --- ## [How much is the United States worth monetarily](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-united-states-worth-monetarily/790099)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-united-states-worth-monetarily/790099 "2017-06-29T06:19:36Z")
What is the worth of all the goods that have been produced in the US that are still standing? All the buildings, all the cars, all the consumer items, infrastructure, etc? I"d assume at least $100 trillion. What is … --- ## [Optimimum way to staple paper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimimum-way-to-staple-paper/227757)
**Author:** [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimimum-way-to-staple-paper/227757 "2017-06-29T03:00:20Z")
For reasons that best belong in MPSIMS, I have recently become fascinated with the different positions that paper is tyipcally stapled in. Fascinated and obsessed with finding the “best” way to staple. I’ve had no luck … --- ## [High Rise Fire London](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-rise-fire-london/789013)
**Author:** [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-rise-fire-london/789013 "2017-06-29T01:29:37Z")
This is 2017. How can a high rise building exist without fire sprinklers, multiply stairways, or full fire alarm? I do not understand! The British PM made the statement that there will be a proper investigation into wha… --- ## [Does smoking save money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-smoking-save-money/789801)
**Author:** [@Arthur\_Peabody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arthur_Peabody)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-smoking-save-money/789801 "2017-06-29T01:17:20Z")
Some have suggested that smoking saves money because it shortens the lives of smokers. I think I remember Mr Adams addressing this question in his column years ago, but a search of this site’s archives doesn’t turn it … --- ## [Tell me about Jordanian postal codes (need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-jordanian-postal-codes-need-answer-fast/789616)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2017, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-jordanian-postal-codes-need-answer-fast/789616 "2017-06-29T00:20:22Z")
To make a long story short, I need to ship important documents to a client, who is visiting relatives in Jordan. The relative’s address she provided is very long and does not have a postal code. DHL and my office’s cou… --- ## [Translating a North Korean website](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translating-a-north-korean-website/790050)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translating-a-north-korean-website/790050 "2017-06-28T23:23:14Z")
I want to translate a North Korean website, but Google Translate says it can’t access the page. Is there someplace I can translate this URL? EDIT: It looks like the link isn’t accessible from this page either. It work… --- ## [If ice sank instead of floated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-ice-sank-instead-of-floated/790031)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-ice-sank-instead-of-floated/790031 "2017-06-28T18:58:03Z")
Would life as we know it exist on earth if ice sank instead of floated? --- ## [Band has multiple wireless units, how can I find the interference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/band-has-multiple-wireless-units-how-can-i-find-the-interference/789943)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/band-has-multiple-wireless-units-how-can-i-find-the-interference/789943 "2017-06-28T18:34:18Z")
Shure PSM 600 634.775 2 Line 6 Relay G30 units (new, ch. 1 & ch. 6) Audio-technica atw r2100a wireless mic Shure ulxs4 group 3 ch. 3 Shure Psm300 p3t (new) grp. 1 ch. 1 I did a web search and found WAY too much info… --- ## [Why Do Men Spit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-spit/789985)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-spit/789985 "2017-06-28T17:10:25Z")
True story. So I was in R.C. grade school in Detroit. And we were in gym class, walking to the monastery field for some activity. And this boy, R., kept spitting every couple of feet. We would be walking, keeping a good … --- ## [The 99%rs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-99-rs/789878)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-99-rs/789878 "2017-06-28T15:18:35Z")
A thought occurred to me the other day, among people my age group (18-30) there is a huge push for income equality, wealth equality, and generally just taking from the 1% and giving back to the 99%. For simplicity sake,… --- ## [What are the legal/professional obligations of a journalist in touch with a criminal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-legal-professional-obligations-of-a-journalist-in-touch-with-a-criminal/790041)
**Author:** [@andrea\_green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andrea_green)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-legal-professional-obligations-of-a-journalist-in-touch-with-a-criminal/790041 "2017-06-28T15:16:20Z")
So a journalist friend of mine has been contacted by a cyber-criminal who stole a whole bunch of high-profile corporate data. The criminal has agreed to provide my friend with the whole salacious story of what misdeeds … --- ## [Can you still send money through PayPal without an account?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-send-money-through-paypal-without-an-account/789893)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-send-money-through-paypal-without-an-account/789893 "2017-06-28T14:23:52Z")
It used to be you could send money through PayPal on a guest account. It was a one time use account where you entered your credit card information and who you were sending the money to. But I just went to PayPal and I c… --- ## [Why does a mango have one big seed, while a papaya has many small ones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-mango-have-one-big-seed-while-a-papaya-has-many-small-ones/789848)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-mango-have-one-big-seed-while-a-papaya-has-many-small-ones/789848 "2017-06-28T05:58:00Z")
Why does a mango have one big seed, while a papaya has many small ones? --- ## [1920s Railroad Question--No Deathrays](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1920s-railroad-question-no-deathrays/789490)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1920s-railroad-question-no-deathrays/789490 "2017-06-28T03:44:35Z")
How long would it take a passenger rail train to go from New York to California, in, say, 1928? An Express Train? --- ## [Are there any cases similar to Philando Castile where the deceased was white?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cases-similar-to-philando-castile-where-the-deceased-was-white/789791)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2017, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-cases-similar-to-philando-castile-where-the-deceased-was-white/789791 "2017-06-28T02:47:07Z")
Are there any cases where the police shot a white motorist who was armed and licensed to carry a concealed handgun? I was trying to keep this as GQ as possible. Thanks, Rob [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=709) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=711)