# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=782 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 783 --- ## [How powerful would a torch need to be to be visible from the Challenger Deep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-powerful-would-a-torch-need-to-be-to-be-visible-from-the-challenger-deep/778614)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-powerful-would-a-torch-need-to-be-to-be-visible-from-the-challenger-deep/778614 "2017-02-02T22:07:05Z")
The bottom of it that is, if somehow someone could be standing at the deepest point of the earths oceans how powerful would a torch pointed at the surface need to be to be visible from a boat above? Thankfully do not ne… --- ## [Fish, air bladders and barometric pressure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-air-bladders-and-barometric-pressure/778790)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-air-bladders-and-barometric-pressure/778790 "2017-02-02T21:02:55Z")
I’m trying to understand how barometric pressure affects fish behavior. I’ve been told that for inshore species (as opposed to deep water species) that fish will move up and down in the water column to offset the air pr… --- ## [Does prostate stimulation using sex toys actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-prostate-stimulation-using-sex-toys-actually-work/778815)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-prostate-stimulation-using-sex-toys-actually-work/778815 "2017-02-02T20:17:44Z")
Don’t need an answer fast :rolleyes: and I think this is more suited to GD as opposed to IMHO since it deals with the biochemistry/physics of human sexual function rather than sexual experiences. I’ve been wondering, se… --- ## [Why are southerners so bow legged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-southerners-so-bow-legged/6987)
**Author:** [@curious\_george](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious_george)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-southerners-so-bow-legged/6987 "2017-02-02T19:01:19Z")
When I visit the south it seems like the people who live there are more bow legged than people in other parts of the country, especially the men. Or think of country music singers you see on tv. Have you ever noticed ho… --- ## [Business Folks: Affiliates and "Spin-Off" Cos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-folks-affiliates-and-spin-off-cos/778823)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-folks-affiliates-and-spin-off-cos/778823 "2017-02-02T18:45:39Z")
I need to know, as accurately as one can articulate, if the term “spin-off company” is a legal term and/or an official investment term with a technical definition, or just loose talk? And, is a spin-off company NOT an af… --- ## [How does Spell-Check work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spell-check-work/778684)
**Author:** [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-spell-check-work/778684 "2017-02-02T17:51:13Z")
Aside from the obvious, and the jokes and criticisms, what interesting information lies hidden in spell-check programs. I just typed “biometric”, and it was flagged, and demands a hyphen. But if I cut and paste the sa… --- ## [What percent of total federal IRS taxes paid by states that went for Trump vs Clinton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percent-of-total-federal-irs-taxes-paid-by-states-that-went-for-trump-vs-clinton/778619)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percent-of-total-federal-irs-taxes-paid-by-states-that-went-for-trump-vs-clinton/778619 "2017-02-02T17:45:22Z")
Just curious. Of the total pie of IRS cash received by the feds what percentage of that total comes from states that went for Trump vs states that went for Clinton? Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk --- ## [Why the odd spelling of many asian names?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-odd-spelling-of-many-asian-names/641129)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-odd-spelling-of-many-asian-names/641129 "2017-02-02T14:31:59Z")
Why are so many asian names spelled oddly when written with the roman alphabet? Why weren’t the normal spelling rules (for whatever country first translated the name) used when the name was first expressed using the rom… --- ## [Is money with bank red dye on it still spendable legal tender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-money-with-bank-red-dye-on-it-still-spendable-legal-tender/778765)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-money-with-bank-red-dye-on-it-still-spendable-legal-tender/778765 "2017-02-02T13:26:53Z")
Re this story - A 7-year-old boy from South Carolina found a bag stuffed with cash stolen from a bank. Let’s say it was found by a less scrupulous person who throws the found cash into their car, drives many states awa… --- ## [Identify the medic? (Vietnam Chu Pong 1966)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-the-medic-vietnam-chu-pong-1966/778763)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-the-medic-vietnam-chu-pong-1966/778763 "2017-02-02T13:23:26Z")
Pic. I’ve seen this in several places, but so far haven’t seen the chap identified. --- ## [USSR archival footage copyright issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ussr-archival-footage-copyright-issues/556679)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ussr-archival-footage-copyright-issues/556679 "2017-02-02T09:10:39Z")
I know that photos and movies generated by the US government or army are public domain. Whats the deal with copyright on soviet archival footage? Same for Communist China government created footage? Anyone got free onli… --- ## [How does Trump "talk" to Putin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-trump-talk-to-putin/778529)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-trump-talk-to-putin/778529 "2017-02-02T08:56:53Z")
Does Putin speak English well enough to be understood by Trump? Or do they just use translators? Seems like it would be hard to get to know someone if you could only speak to one another through translators, especially… --- ## [Steel plate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-plate/778759)
**Author:** [@hepme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hepme)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-plate/778759 "2017-02-01T21:58:27Z")
I plan to make a 30" by 29" countertop with steel. It needs to support 200 pounds (evenly distributed). The support under the sheet of steel is a 30" by 27" wood cabinet box. Will a 1/8" thick plate of steel be sufficien… --- ## [If Kim Jong-Un Wanted To Pay A State Visit To The U.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-kim-jong-un-wanted-to-pay-a-state-visit-to-the-u-s/778623)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-kim-jong-un-wanted-to-pay-a-state-visit-to-the-u-s/778623 "2017-02-01T21:31:20Z")
Let’s say Kim Jong-Un decided to visit the White House or 10 Downing or wherever. Is he a persona non grata in pretty much every developed nation in the West? Are there active arrest warrants against him for crimes again… --- ## [What can the Federal govt do if CA refuses to implement immigration law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-the-federal-govt-do-if-ca-refuses-to-implement-immigration-law/778693)
**Author:** [@ChestRockwell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChestRockwell)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-the-federal-govt-do-if-ca-refuses-to-implement-immigration-law/778693 "2017-02-01T21:02:47Z")
Hi. I’ve been checking out the news and quite a few times I’ve seen articles saying that California may refuse to implement President Trump’s immigration executive order. I’ve also seen that they may turn themselves into… --- ## [International Civil Suit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-civil-suit/778667)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-civil-suit/778667 "2017-02-01T20:23:44Z")
I’m not asking for legal advice. This is purely hypothetical. I’m a Canadian citizen. Suppose there is a US citizens named Bloggins. I don’t like Bloggins. I think Bloggins is a big jerk. I post on social media some t… --- ## [Can modern submarines sit on the ocean bottom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-modern-submarines-sit-on-the-ocean-bottom/777972)
**Author:** [@Marine\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marine_One)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-modern-submarines-sit-on-the-ocean-bottom/777972 "2017-02-01T19:47:33Z")
Do they need to? Or are they physically unable to do this? What if everything goes wrong and they just sink to the bottom? --- ## [What is a "sanctuary city" in actuality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-sanctuary-city-in-actuality/778622)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-sanctuary-city-in-actuality/778622 "2017-02-01T19:33:16Z")
Maybe I just need to stop listening to the radio on my way home from work, but it seems like the various radio show hosts are all het up about “sanctuary” cities that supposedly flout U.S. immigration laws. So, a couple… --- ## [Car won't start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-wont-start/777421)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-wont-start/777421 "2017-02-01T17:13:51Z")
I tried to start my car this morning and when I turned the key, it gave a vague attempt to start and failed out. Subsequent attempts didn’t even sound like the engine was trying to do anything, turning the key just made … --- ## [Is there a regulated digestive system pressure inside the human body](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-regulated-digestive-system-pressure-inside-the-human-body/778737)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-regulated-digestive-system-pressure-inside-the-human-body/778737 "2017-02-01T16:26:07Z")
The blood circulation system in the human body is pressurised and the pressure is regulated by various systems. Is there a similar pressure system operating in the alimentary canal? What is it called and what are the fa… --- ## [WIN7 update problems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/win7-update-problems/778704)
**Author:** [@MTVhike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MTVhike)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/win7-update-problems/778704 "2017-02-01T16:24:53Z")
I had to reinstall Win7 because my HD died. It installed OK and went through many updates, but when it came to the IE11 update, the update failed. I got a copy of IE11 and tried to install it and that failed, because of … --- ## [Light gets brighter when microwave on](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-gets-brighter-when-microwave-on/778103)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-gets-brighter-when-microwave-on/778103 "2017-02-01T15:33:15Z")
Help me understand what’s going on electrically in my house. I understand the basics of an electric circuit, but my knowledge is limited. In my kitchen, one of the lights is on a dimmer. I noticed recently that if I tur… --- ## [Is that the Moon and Jupiter right now? Or Venus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-the-moon-and-jupiter-right-now-or-venus/778718)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-the-moon-and-jupiter-right-now-or-venus/778718 "2017-02-01T15:20:01Z")
As per title. And is there another star or planet just above them? --- ## [What is/was Sunera (breakfast food)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-sunera-breakfast-food/778745)
**Author:** [@maisoui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maisoui)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-was-sunera-breakfast-food/778745 "2017-02-01T13:54:33Z")
When googling “Sunera” I get the IT company, and when googling Sunera breakfast food, I get a lot of results, but they all say “missing: Sunera” or direct me to Sunora Foods, so that’s no help. Upon opening a time capsu… --- ## [Free trade and blue collar jobs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-trade-and-blue-collar-jobs/778541)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-trade-and-blue-collar-jobs/778541 "2017-02-01T11:41:36Z")
I know people claim that free trade is good for all Americans but I don’t see how it helps blue collar people who lose their jobs when the factory shuts down. Can anyone give me a simple explanation of how that guy wi… --- ## [What is it? (With picture)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-picture/778428)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 10:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-picture/778428 "2017-02-01T10:15:06Z")
What the heck is this thing shown on the Macedonian 10 dinari bill? Are aliens living in Macedonia?:wink: --- ## [What happens if the executive branch refuses to obey orders from the judicial branch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-executive-branch-refuses-to-obey-orders-from-the-judicial-branch/768603)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-the-executive-branch-refuses-to-obey-orders-from-the-judicial-branch/768603 "2017-02-01T07:17:45Z")
I’m not sure if it matters if it is on the state or federal level. Does it, or is the outcome the same? Lets say a judge say the governor or president has to do X or stop doing Y. The governor or president says ‘fuck yo… --- ## [US income tax question re: commuting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-income-tax-question-re-commuting/778074)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-income-tax-question-re-commuting/778074 "2017-02-01T04:22:23Z")
If it is a general principle that a person can deduct money they spend on work-specific items, then why is it that I cannot deduct\* the mileage I commute to work? Does the IRS believe that I would drive 120 miles a day … --- ## [Does it Exist: Plug n Play USB to VGA/DVI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-exist-plug-n-play-usb-to-vga-dvi/778687)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-exist-plug-n-play-usb-to-vga-dvi/778687 "2017-01-31T23:54:44Z")
Tried to keep the title short, but descriptive. I am in the need for an adapter that will allow me to add an additional monitor. I need the monitor to act as an extension of the desktop and not merely mirror one of the … --- ## [What parts of the cow can't be used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-cow-cant-be-used/778515)
**Author:** [@cwthree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cwthree)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-parts-of-the-cow-cant-be-used/778515 "2017-01-31T23:38:52Z")
In this threadseveral people pointed out that modern processes really do allow meat packers to use damn near every part of the animal. Are there any parts of a typical cow or hog carcass that are simply unusable, even t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=781) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=783)