# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=718 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 719 --- ## [The most highly engineered object ever built.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-highly-engineered-object-ever-built/788314)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-highly-engineered-object-ever-built/788314 "2017-06-12T18:58:47Z")
I was watching one of the science shows and they called the Cassini probe “the most highly engineered object ever built” which sounded like fanciful writing to me. How would you even decide what to measure? Man-hours of… --- ## [Does a black hole have to have a point-like singularity at its core?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-black-hole-have-to-have-a-point-like-singularity-at-its-core/768397)
**Author:** [@Zerc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zerc)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-black-hole-have-to-have-a-point-like-singularity-at-its-core/768397 "2017-06-12T18:01:07Z")
It seems to me that everything I read about black holes mentions that at the centre there is an infinitely dense one-dimensional point called a singularity. As far as my basic understanding goes - when a suitable massi… --- ## [Terraforming Another Planet - Possible? When?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terraforming-another-planet-possible-when/788117)
**Author:** [@chargerrich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chargerrich)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terraforming-another-planet-possible-when/788117 "2017-06-12T17:59:23Z")
Let us say that ALL the world’s leaders and scientists agree that the Earth will be doomed in X years due to (insert outlandish scientific reason probably involving our Sun). And based on that we make the following assu… --- ## [Can I lease an office space and live there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-lease-an-office-space-and-live-there/572505)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-lease-an-office-space-and-live-there/572505 "2017-06-12T16:10:54Z")
I’ve long wondered the opposite of this question (can I use or rent my condo as an office?). Rather than hijack that thread: Rent on houses and apartments around here is ridiculous. However there’s plenty of office sp… --- ## [How fast can smoke inhalation kill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-smoke-inhalation-kill/788634)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-smoke-inhalation-kill/788634 "2017-06-12T15:40:18Z")
I am writing a somewhat morbid story about several people who are trapped in a building by a fire, and they have no way out (they’re in a dead-end tunnel), so they opt to remove the damp cloths that are covering their fa… --- ## [Conquerers and explorers- translation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conquerers-and-explorers-translation-question/788694)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conquerers-and-explorers-translation-question/788694 "2017-06-12T15:33:42Z")
I’m an amateur history buff and I love reading stories of exploration and conquest. Some books I’ve read recently include: The Last Voyage of Columbus Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Guns, Germs and St… --- ## [Drinking half bottle of non-refrigerated red wine after 10 days - is it actually safe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-half-bottle-of-non-refrigerated-red-wine-after-10-days-is-it-actually-safe/788468)
**Author:** [@guitario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guitario)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drinking-half-bottle-of-non-refrigerated-red-wine-after-10-days-is-it-actually-safe/788468 "2017-06-12T13:32:53Z")
I have actually searched the internets for this, but as is often the case, conflicting opinions are rife and 90% of those are just guesswork. I’m also posting this in GQ because I’m after actual first hand experience and… --- ## [George Washington, the first fascist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-washington-the-first-fascist/788584)
**Author:** [@willthekittensurvive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/willthekittensurvive)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-washington-the-first-fascist/788584 "2017-06-12T08:51:51Z")
Why did the the German American Bund, consider George Washington a fascist? A crowd of approximately 20,000 attends a German American Bund Rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden on February 20, 1939. At center is a … --- ## [Origin of koochie koochie koo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-koochie-koochie-koo/494181)
**Author:** [@deadindays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deadindays)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-koochie-koochie-koo/494181 "2017-06-12T08:20:06Z")
So where exactly did the phrase koochie koochie koo come from? Thanks! --- ## [Can a person get just ER insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-get-just-er-insurance/788671)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-person-get-just-er-insurance/788671 "2017-06-12T05:57:54Z")
I have private insurance, but I am 73 now and never really needed a real MD till I was 63 for my eyes going bad with cataracts. So from say 20 years old to 63 was 43 years … How much would a young person save today? Wh… --- ## [1986: KGB kidnaps, castrates, and kills extremist's relative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1986-kgb-kidnaps-castrates-and-kills-extremists-relative/788308)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1986-kgb-kidnaps-castrates-and-kills-extremists-relative/788308 "2017-06-12T05:47:47Z")
A meme tht pops up from time to time is ‘Have you ever wondered why Muslim terrorists don’t kidnap Russians??’. This sounds like Right-wing propaganda, so I did a quick search and found this page The url is upi dot co… --- ## [Physics of drag and braking ability.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-drag-and-braking-ability/788489)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-of-drag-and-braking-ability/788489 "2017-06-12T02:36:00Z")
I’m hoping this is a simple physics question. The example is related to aeroplanes but it should have a general answer I would think. Example: I recently had to fly a BAe146 in to a short runway (1500m) with a signific… --- ## [Few questions about calories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/few-questions-about-calories/788675)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/few-questions-about-calories/788675 "2017-06-12T00:53:59Z")
I had trouble eating enough calories due to lack of appetite and relatively bad teeth, but I finally figured out a way to solve the problem, milkshakes, but now I have a different problem. I want to create a shake that … --- ## [Medicare - how does it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-how-does-it-work/788637)
**Author:** [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2017, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-how-does-it-work/788637 "2017-06-11T13:47:39Z")
I’m a Brit who moved to the U.S. permanently. I’m retired but still well below 65, I pay for an Obamacare plan. I’m looking ahead to try to understand how Medicare will work for me when I reach 65. Assume the worst ca… --- ## [Excel timestamp and elapsed time problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-timestamp-and-elapsed-time-problems/788578)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2017, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-timestamp-and-elapsed-time-problems/788578 "2017-06-11T00:34:46Z")
I’m setting up a spreadsheet to monitor my practice time. These time calculations are kicking my butt. Really need some help. I’m using ctrl : to insert the date stamp in a cell ctrl shift : to insert a timestamp in… --- ## [Sharing News](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharing-news/788620)
**Author:** [@skdo23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skdo23)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharing-news/788620 "2017-06-10T21:09:39Z")
As a news junkie, one thing I notice all the time is that when something breaks it begins with one of the major media giants, i.e. WaPo, CNN, etc., with roughly a 1/2 delay until other MSM outlets pick up on it. What ha… --- ## [How did the Space Shuttles manage to find their respective landing sites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-space-shuttles-manage-to-find-their-respective-landing-sites/788406)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-space-shuttles-manage-to-find-their-respective-landing-sites/788406 "2017-06-10T18:47:04Z")
The space shuttle was an unpowered falling wedge. It entered the atmosphere at some 17 thousand miles per hour. Yet after some enormous atmospheric breaking somehow manged to twist and turn and find it’s way to a small… --- ## [Stupid question? \[If time and space did not exist before the big bang, where and when did it happen\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-if-time-and-space-did-not-exist-before-the-big-bang-where-and-when-did-it-happen/788528)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Bombastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Bombastic)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-if-time-and-space-did-not-exist-before-the-big-bang-where-and-when-did-it-happen/788528 "2017-06-10T16:12:30Z")
OK. I’m a Christian and a science buff. I love science, but I also believe that abiogenesis is not the answer to the origin of life. I do not believe that the universe created itself or that mutation and natural selectio… --- ## [Do any major organisations follow Irving Janis' recommendations about "Devil's advocates"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-major-organisations-follow-irving-janis-recommendations-about-devils-advocates/788547)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-major-organisations-follow-irving-janis-recommendations-about-devils-advocates/788547 "2017-06-10T15:14:30Z")
I was reading this article about the Battle of Midway and how the unquestioning acceptance of the Japanese admiral’s plan led to the Japanese defeat. And read this snippet: I’d heard of Irving Janis and the concept of … --- ## [Habaneros vs. Scotch Bonnets - how much hotter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/habaneros-vs-scotch-bonnets-how-much-hotter/788488)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/habaneros-vs-scotch-bonnets-how-much-hotter/788488 "2017-06-10T14:55:58Z")
So I’ve been cooking with more heat lately, and since my local supermarket has started stocking habaneros, I figured it’s hard to beat that without going to the really freaky stuff. I spent the last two weeks working my … --- ## [Planning to change ISPs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-to-change-isps/788543)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-to-change-isps/788543 "2017-06-10T10:02:34Z")
So I’ve decided that 1.5Mbps is not a fast enough connection, and the $52/mo my ISP wants for 24.5Mbps is too much, so I decided to investigate bundling internet with my DIRECTV. They can offer 25Mbps for $30/mo. Sounds… --- ## [Is birth control ineffective for pre-op trans women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-birth-control-ineffective-for-pre-op-trans-women/788523)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-birth-control-ineffective-for-pre-op-trans-women/788523 "2017-06-10T05:08:08Z")
This is regarding some questions I saw on the subsection, asktrans of Reddit. There was a debate whether people looking to transition should take birth control from a GP. Some said yes since it would lower testosterone … --- ## [Democrat-ic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-ic/788568)
**Author:** [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrat-ic/788568 "2017-06-10T05:01:59Z")
Just saw this: https://apnews.com/6b71a926cb624a209851b41ac616b184 “INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Twelve employees of a Democrat-linked group focused on mobilizing black voters in Indiana are accused of submitting fake or fraudul… --- ## [How to know if A/C compressor is shot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-know-if-a-c-compressor-is-shot/788552)
**Author:** [@Kamaski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamaski)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2017, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-know-if-a-c-compressor-is-shot/788552 "2017-06-10T04:25:29Z")
I have a 220 volt 22,000 btu through-the-wall a/c which has worked great for the past 15 years without a problem but yesterday I turned it on and it wasn’t working. it’s mounted in a metal sleeve screwed into the framin… --- ## [Fishing: Why darker lures for muddy water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fishing-why-darker-lures-for-muddy-water/727998)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fishing-why-darker-lures-for-muddy-water/727998 "2017-06-09T23:41:32Z")
I’ve read postings on several fishing forums that you should use black/blue or generally dark colored lures in muddy water. After some research I found that the blue side of the spectrum, having more energy, can penetra… --- ## [Need a Discussion/Debate Label Word](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-discussion-debate-label-word/788550)
**Author:** [@igor\_frankensteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igor_frankensteen)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-a-discussion-debate-label-word/788550 "2017-06-09T22:53:11Z")
Is there an already agreed upon and generally known label which can be used to refer to any debate statement that is inherently beyond nonsense? What I am specifically thinking of, are all statements to the effect that … --- ## [Do many non-disabled people use electric wheelchairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-many-non-disabled-people-use-electric-wheelchairs/788200)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-many-non-disabled-people-use-electric-wheelchairs/788200 "2017-06-09T20:48:16Z")
So, do some perfectly mobile and healthy people ever use electric wheelchairs when they can’t be bothered walking? I know that rich mobile people like to use those SegWay electric vehicles, but what about just a standard… --- ## [Is there a limit to the temperature a material can remain solid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-the-temperature-a-material-can-remain-solid/788281)
**Author:** [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-limit-to-the-temperature-a-material-can-remain-solid/788281 "2017-06-09T19:20:23Z")
Reading about the amazing Parker Solar Probe, (Parker Solar Probe - Wikipedia), gets me to thinking: Is there a theoretical limit to the temperature of a solid material ? (of course, under enough pressure, a solid can b… --- ## [So just how long can a human female produce breast milk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-just-how-long-can-a-human-female-produce-breast-milk/621656)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-just-how-long-can-a-human-female-produce-breast-milk/621656 "2017-06-09T17:16:01Z")
Unfortunately I saw the recent Time Life cover with the 5 year old sucking moms titty. Plus she’s nursing an adopted child from Africa. Could these kid still nurse off her as teenagers? :stuck\_out\_tongue: Is there a li… --- ## [How do you tell the difference between cultural characteristics and stereotypes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-tell-the-difference-between-cultural-characteristics-and-stereotypes/788469)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-tell-the-difference-between-cultural-characteristics-and-stereotypes/788469 "2017-06-09T17:11:18Z")
There is a raging thread about confirmation of stereotypes going on over in IMHO, that leads me to this question. There are some bona fide cultural attributes that can be found in a given culture. For example, in busine… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=717) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=719)