# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=801 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 802 --- ## [Lyon and Marseille](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lyon-and-marseille/775284)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lyon-and-marseille/775284 "2016-12-21T20:20:25Z")
The two cities in the subject line are often spelled Lyons and Marseilles in English. AIUI, they used to be spelled that way in French, too. So somewhere along the line they lost their S’s. But other French cities, such … --- ## [How would scientists know about Jurassic era mating rituals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-scientists-know-about-jurassic-era-mating-rituals/775125)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-scientists-know-about-jurassic-era-mating-rituals/775125 "2016-12-21T19:05:49Z")
I just watched a documentary called Sea Rex 3D about primitive sea reptiles. At one point they show a wonderful sequence of two massive Liopleurodons going through an elaborate courting ritual. But after watching it I su… --- ## [Car Tracking Devices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-tracking-devices/775296)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-tracking-devices/775296 "2016-12-21T17:31:02Z")
This past Saturday was an icy day in Baltimore where an oil tanker truck flipped over and exploded…causing about a 65 car pile-up. The local news reporter today said the police will access data from the truck’s recordin… --- ## [Persimmons and bezoars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/persimmons-and-bezoars/775280)
**Author:** [@G.A.Pster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.A.Pster)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/persimmons-and-bezoars/775280 "2016-12-21T17:06:07Z")
I really like persimmons but they have me a bit worried. Is there any danger of getting bezoars from eating ripe, skinned persimmons, either raw or cooked? I know eating unripe ones and their skins can cause it, but I … --- ## [Which countries don't manufacturer any cars or commercial vehicles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-countries-dont-manufacturer-any-cars-or-commercial-vehicles/775204)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-countries-dont-manufacturer-any-cars-or-commercial-vehicles/775204 "2016-12-21T16:54:40Z")
Tried googling and all I get are links to countries that manufacture cars. That’s a long list. I found the Top 40 countries that manufacture cars and commercial vehicles. Which countries don’t manufacturer cars and c… --- ## [Can an MRI really rip metal through flesh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-mri-really-rip-metal-through-flesh/537278)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-mri-really-rip-metal-through-flesh/537278 "2016-12-21T14:21:30Z")
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or “MRI” uses a super-powerful magnet. So they always tell you to remove all metal, and apparently cannot be used on anyone who has metal inside his or her body. I’ve heard joking remarks on … --- ## [Bed sores and bruises](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bed-sores-and-bruises/65811)
**Author:** [@phreesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phreesh)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bed-sores-and-bruises/65811 "2016-12-21T12:19:42Z")
First off, is there a difference between these two things? Secondly, the mechanism at work here, as I understand it, is that blodd vessels are injured and they break and let blood into the whatever is next to the blood … --- ## [Battery dropped overboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-dropped-overboard/775139)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battery-dropped-overboard/775139 "2016-12-21T08:08:24Z")
A fully charged 12V SLA battery got dropped into seawater. I’m thinking it must have shorted out and might be dead forever. I’ve got it on the charger now - any chance it’s going to be OK and actually hold a charge? --- ## [How is life in the former East Germany?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-life-in-the-former-east-germany/775267)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-life-in-the-former-east-germany/775267 "2016-12-21T02:07:59Z")
I know that the GDR was dissolved in 1990 but I’m curious as to what life is like there now. Is it on par with “West Germany”? My google-fu is failing me. --- ## [Why does my dog purr?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-dog-purr/470364)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2016, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-dog-purr/470364 "2016-12-21T00:35:18Z")
When my dog is being petted, or is happy, he will purr/growl. Do other dogs do this? What exactly is happening? Thanks in advance. --- ## [What is "felon-setting" (Irish history)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-felon-setting-irish-history/774835)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-felon-setting-irish-history/774835 "2016-12-20T20:49:25Z")
No, Google is not helping to provide a definition, but the reference shows up in many links, but they seem to assume the reader already knows the definition. NB: The links are mostly about something used to supposedly h… --- ## [When is the electoral college vote made public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-the-electoral-college-vote-made-public/775088)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-the-electoral-college-vote-made-public/775088 "2016-12-20T19:54:57Z")
I always thought that it was made public the day that the vote occurred and that the votes were out-loud voice votes (“Gentlemen and Ladies, as a representative of the GREAT state of Texas, I cast my electoral vote for C… --- ## [Airplane noise in overcast conditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-noise-in-overcast-conditions/775032)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-noise-in-overcast-conditions/775032 "2016-12-20T17:54:08Z")
I live very close to a major international airport. The noise of planes landing and taking off isn’t loud enough to bother my family except for certain dogs. When we foster or dog-sit dogs that are thunderphobic they t… --- ## [Why Do We Put A Hand Over Our Mouth When We Hear Shocking News?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-put-a-hand-over-our-mouth-when-we-hear-shocking-news/744458)
**Author:** [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-put-a-hand-over-our-mouth-when-we-hear-shocking-news/744458 "2016-12-20T16:25:45Z")
To suppress a possible scream? Thought about this on the drive home tonight and figured I’d throw it out there. --- ## [Plumbing Mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-mystery/775138)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-mystery/775138 "2016-12-20T15:14:03Z")
Bathtub had no hot water. Plumber came in and replaced the cartridge. Now no cold water. Replaced the limiting baffle. Now no hot water. BUT if he removes the cartridge and the limiting baffle and uses the little sc… --- ## [How difficult for left handers to fly side stick planes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-for-left-handers-to-fly-side-stick-planes/774609)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-for-left-handers-to-fly-side-stick-planes/774609 "2016-12-20T13:08:37Z")
…like the F16 and F22 where the stick is to the pilots right side? A center stick is theoretically flyable with either. What about righties whose right hand got injured during combat? --- ## [Women and the hand to mouth gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-and-the-hand-to-mouth-gesture/775217)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-and-the-hand-to-mouth-gesture/775217 "2016-12-20T12:40:56Z")
Whenever women (rarely men) are shocked or frightened the hand comes up to cover the mouth. Just seen another example in the move Deepwater Horizon when the wife learns by phone that her husband Mark Wahlberg’s rig is on… --- ## [Are there Reasonably Cheap Sensors Which Could Detect Icy Roads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-reasonably-cheap-sensors-which-could-detect-icy-roads/775003)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-reasonably-cheap-sensors-which-could-detect-icy-roads/775003 "2016-12-20T04:21:34Z")
I was watching this video of a tragic crash a few hours ago. This lead me to wonder if reasonably cheap sensors exist which could detect this ice which could be installed on vehicles. --- ## [Airplane talk: Who was Roger? When is it mandatory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-talk-who-was-roger-when-is-it-mandatory/774455)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airplane-talk-who-was-roger-when-is-it-mandatory/774455 "2016-12-20T02:56:43Z")
First part of query is what is the etymology of the iconic “Roger,” without hearing which no-one would know a pilot is in communication with air traffic control (ATC). Except for Roger Murdock and Clarence Oveur, or… --- ## [Does the US military still put entertainers to use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-military-still-put-entertainers-to-use/569682)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-military-still-put-entertainers-to-use/569682 "2016-12-20T02:43:35Z")
Whenever I read about various famous actors or musicians during World War II, it always seems like they volunteered for the military and then were given jobs in some official capacity involving entertaining the troops, s… --- ## [Set tub: normal, regional, or wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/set-tub-normal-regional-or-wrong/449083)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/set-tub-normal-regional-or-wrong/449083 "2016-12-19T23:54:31Z")
I used the term “set tub” in a conversation the other day, and no one knew what I was talking about. I’ve always called the deep, utility type sink you find in a garage or laundry room a “set tub”. Is it a regional thi… --- ## [Portable EKG part 2: How does it communicate with my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-ekg-part-2-how-does-it-communicate-with-my-phone/775187)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portable-ekg-part-2-how-does-it-communicate-with-my-phone/775187 "2016-12-19T23:21:24Z")
I had another thread about this device recently: https://www.alivecor.com/en/ It sends data to an app on a smartphone. But I can’t figure out how it communicates with the phone. It doesn’t require BlueTooth pairing. NFC… --- ## [What would the effects of pre-pubescent castration on a human male be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-effects-of-pre-pubescent-castration-on-a-human-male-be/775126)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-effects-of-pre-pubescent-castration-on-a-human-male-be/775126 "2016-12-19T21:03:07Z")
As a 19yr old male 5ft 6in (167cm) weighing 132 lbs (60kgs) with a soft low pitched voice, I’m regularly mistaken for being a 14yr old teenager and seen by some people as more ‘feminine’ in appearance (curvy body, lack o… --- ## [What is the most serious crime anyone ever got away with because of a legal loophole or technicality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-serious-crime-anyone-ever-got-away-with-because-of-a-legal-loophole-or-technicality/773715)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-serious-crime-anyone-ever-got-away-with-because-of-a-legal-loophole-or-technicality/773715 "2016-12-19T21:00:50Z")
Well I was just wondering if there were any serious crimes that someone got away with because of a legal loophole or technicality. I heard of someone who was driving a tractor while under the influence of alcohol on a fa… --- ## [Did Japanese spouses of Americans have to go into the Interment Camps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-japanese-spouses-of-americans-have-to-go-into-the-interment-camps/774744)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-japanese-spouses-of-americans-have-to-go-into-the-interment-camps/774744 "2016-12-19T18:18:10Z")
What if a White American male living in California had a Japanese wife? Did she have to go into an Internment Camp during WW 2? It certainly sounds unlikely, but wouldn’t she be stopped by the local police if she were a… --- ## [Printer Quality Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-quality-question/775038)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/printer-quality-question/775038 "2016-12-19T18:11:50Z")
I’ve got a multi-color PDF file I need printed. It’s not large, just 8x10. I can do so at home on my HP. However, I’m wondering if I’d get a better print by taking to “Kinkos/FedEx”. Are their printers that much better … --- ## [Do jet fighters have rear-view and side-view mirrors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-jet-fighters-have-rear-view-and-side-view-mirrors/697923)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-jet-fighters-have-rear-view-and-side-view-mirrors/697923 "2016-12-19T16:27:43Z")
See subject. Always wondered. And if so, when do the pilots use them? --- ## [What happened to this (really old) candy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-this-really-old-candy/775111)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-this-really-old-candy/775111 "2016-12-19T16:02:20Z")
Yesterday, I was helping Mom put up the Christmas tree, including our eclectic collection of ornaments collected over the years. One of them, that I’ve had since I was an infant (so nearly 40 years) was made from a pack… --- ## [What percentage of American miners work with coal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-american-miners-work-with-coal/774998)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-american-miners-work-with-coal/774998 "2016-12-19T15:59:34Z")
Coal mining jobs have been a big political debate recently, but there are many other resources that are mined in the US. How many of the miners are actually looking for coal vs other minerals? What are the economic pro… --- ## [Best strategy for avoiding urination for overly long period](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-strategy-for-avoiding-urination-for-overly-long-period/775019)
**Author:** [@drew870mitchell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drew870mitchell)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2016, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-strategy-for-avoiding-urination-for-overly-long-period/775019 "2016-12-19T15:09:59Z")
A friend and i were discussing whether this would be possible - both of us acknowledge that it’s a really bad idea and obviously unhealthy. To my awareness nobody is planning or expecting to do this. If a person was in… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=800) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=802)