# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=806 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 807 --- ## [Balloon crash in Texas - 16 dead](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balloon-crash-in-texas-16-dead/761307)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2016, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/balloon-crash-in-texas-16-dead/761307 "2016-12-10T05:12:58Z")
Here’s the story My question concerns the construction of balloons. Would the gas (whatever it be) contribute to the fire, which seems to have started in the basket? Would the fire spread too rapidly to have any hope o… --- ## [Facebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook/773962)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2016, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook/773962 "2016-12-10T02:50:58Z")
I got a notice when I try to log on to facebook, saying I should make a copy of my government I.D… They say I can cover everything but my name, my picture and my date of birth. This sounds fishy to me. Does anybody else… --- ## [How often, if ever, did a medical officer declare a naval captain "Unfit for command"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-if-ever-did-a-medical-officer-declare-a-naval-captain-unfit-for-command/751166)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-if-ever-did-a-medical-officer-declare-a-naval-captain-unfit-for-command/751166 "2016-12-09T23:12:47Z")
It must be very rare but I imagine it’s happened at some point. My wife and I were watching the Horatio Hornblower series on DVD and (spoilers for a 14 year old tv movie based on a 64 year old book) we got to the part w… --- ## [Airbnb: Need help for creative idea to pass keys to guests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airbnb-need-help-for-creative-idea-to-pass-keys-to-guests/774208 "2016-12-09T20:38:38Z")
Hi there, I’m at my wits end and probably someone here can help me think out of the box. I have a condo unit that I rent out for airbnb. Recently the condo has stepped up security and now require to show the condo pas… --- ## [When does the Youtube Video Editor recompress the video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-the-youtube-video-editor-recompress-the-video/774300)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-the-youtube-video-editor-recompress-the-video/774300 "2016-12-09T20:15:08Z")
Or recompile, or reprocess- you know what I mean. And thus degrade the quality? Inserting new clips into the video? Cutting clips in the middle of the video? Stabilizing the video? Adding annotations? I have a vide… --- ## [What is taught about the US in Chinese and Russian schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-taught-about-the-us-in-chinese-and-russian-schools/772008)
**Author:** [@human\_extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/human_extinction)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-taught-about-the-us-in-chinese-and-russian-schools/772008 "2016-12-09T19:10:31Z")
As an American who learned certain ‘facts’ about my own country’s history in school, and later discovered they weren’t all correct… I’m curious what students in China and Russia learn about US history that is not mention… --- ## [German and Czech syntaxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-and-czech-syntaxes/773801)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-and-czech-syntaxes/773801 "2016-12-09T17:32:44Z")
A friend of mine claims that the syntaxes of German and Czech are virtually identical and the languages differ only in the vocabulary. He speaks neither language and I speak only the most primitive German and no Czech, … --- ## [chimney cleaning timeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chimney-cleaning-timeline/774207)
**Author:** [@SlickRoenick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlickRoenick)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chimney-cleaning-timeline/774207 "2016-12-09T16:23:09Z")
I’ve heard that a chimney should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year, typically before the burning season begins. However, once burning, should a chimney need to be cleaned regularly or would that be overkill? … --- ## [Supermarkets and half price specials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supermarkets-and-half-price-specials/774189)
**Author:** [@catweasel1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catweasel1)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supermarkets-and-half-price-specials/774189 "2016-12-09T15:17:06Z")
Hi in some supermarket chains (in Australia at least) they have a lot of half price specials mainly involving chips, chocolates and soft drinks but also other brand-name products. I was wondering about the cost price of… --- ## [Have the caused of sleep apnea been found?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-caused-of-sleep-apnea-been-found/774091)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-caused-of-sleep-apnea-been-found/774091 "2016-12-09T14:33:25Z")
I know sleep apnea is harmless but there could be compilation like heart problems, diabetes, daytime fatigue and high blood pressure if it goes untreated. But have doctors and scientists found out what causes sleep apn… --- ## [What is a fair, balanced assessment of Aristarchus's contribution of heliocentrism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-fair-balanced-assessment-of-aristarchuss-contribution-of-heliocentrism/774190)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-fair-balanced-assessment-of-aristarchuss-contribution-of-heliocentrism/774190 "2016-12-09T08:27:36Z")
Hi After reading numerous articles online on Aristarchus’s contribution to heliocentrism, I’m inclined to think of his conclusions more as guesswork/belief rather than scientific. After all he could not prove any of his… --- ## [What would be a good external battery for miscellaneous equipment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-external-battery-for-miscellaneous-equipment/774211)
**Author:** [@Archinist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archinist)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-good-external-battery-for-miscellaneous-equipment/774211 "2016-12-09T06:44:12Z")
Q1: Hey, what are your opinions on something like a mobile battery, to carry about misc equipment such as laptops, tablets, or portable 12v ‘splash’ lights. (floodlights?) The reason being that my laptop’s onboard batt… --- ## [After Cantillion when was next pitched battle artillery played a pivotal role?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-cantillion-when-was-next-pitched-battle-artillery-played-a-pivotal-role/774252)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-cantillion-when-was-next-pitched-battle-artillery-played-a-pivotal-role/774252 "2016-12-09T05:56:13Z")
When it’s remembered at all on the English side of the channel (as it is when we finally lost the 100 years war :slight\_smile: ) the battle of Cantillionis mainly remember as the first time cannon were decisively used in… --- ## [Any Iphone wizards out there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-iphone-wizards-out-there/774063)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-iphone-wizards-out-there/774063 "2016-12-09T05:36:56Z")
For the last few months our Iphones seem to have become almost cloned. HER missed called show up on both phones. So do mine. Any text I originate shows up on her phone, so does any text I receive. We’ve tried all the… --- ## [What narcotic painkiller was I given?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-narcotic-painkiller-was-i-given/774104)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2016, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-narcotic-painkiller-was-i-given/774104 "2016-12-09T03:39:54Z")
I’m curious what it was I was given for pain about 30 years ago. Somebody took me to the emergency room for kidney stone pain and I was quickly admitted for what turned out to be ten days. I had four stones jammed togeth… --- ## [Question about company-issued iPhone and text messages.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-company-issued-iphone-and-text-messages/740979)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2015, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-company-issued-iphone-and-text-messages/740979 "2015-12-21T17:12:57Z")
Couple of basic questions. First is, to what degree does the company have to see messages sent to or from an employee? If it matters, I’m talking about a 100-person organization that is not in the tech field. I mention t… --- ## [Is there a term for this economic model?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-this-economic-model/774100)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-term-for-this-economic-model/774100 "2016-12-08T23:51:42Z")
I am both against capitalism and socialism, what I’d like is if humans didn’t have to work at all (or at least minimally) and that they were replaced in jobs by machines. Of course on the first look it looks sci-fi’ish,… --- ## [What resources are available to help a pedophile avoid becoming a child molester?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-resources-are-available-to-help-a-pedophile-avoid-becoming-a-child-molester/728312)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-resources-are-available-to-help-a-pedophile-avoid-becoming-a-child-molester/728312 "2016-12-08T23:20:07Z")
For the purposes of this discussion, I’ll define the following: Pedophile: a person who is sexually attracted to children, but has not yet acted on those urges (e.g. by molesting children or using child pornography). \*… --- ## [What is the word clerics use to discount reason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-word-clerics-use-to-discount-reason/773407)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-word-clerics-use-to-discount-reason/773407 "2016-12-08T21:56:47Z")
There’s a word that’s commonly used by religious people that basically means religion (or God) is not subject to logical scrutiny. You point out a logical problem, for instance, and they say, “That’s just X” - which bas… --- ## [Diabetes and exercise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-and-exercise/774062)
**Author:** [@Gr\_Harr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr_Harr)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diabetes-and-exercise/774062 "2016-12-08T19:16:52Z")
What might the differences be and the physical challenges of a Type 2 diabetic exercising vs a non-diabetic exercising? I’m thinking on a cellular and metabolic level. --- ## [Nook Color - Podcasts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nook-color-podcasts/774218)
**Author:** [@DannoZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DannoZ)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nook-color-podcasts/774218 "2016-12-08T17:40:13Z")
I was wondering if anyone knows if I can download podcasts to my Nook Color device (not the Android tablet). Just curious. Thanks in advance. --- ## [Where do you get gas on the California coast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-gas-on-the-california-coast/773997)
**Author:** [@TheSundial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSundial)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-get-gas-on-the-california-coast/773997 "2016-12-08T17:16:36Z")
Am I missing something? I’ve been looking at the California coast on Route 1 and there seems to be a lack of gas stations and long stretches of road. For example Elk, California, there are several buildings like restau… --- ## [Why the mumps outbreaks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-mumps-outbreaks/774016)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-mumps-outbreaks/774016 "2016-12-08T15:52:30Z")
It has beenreportedthat on many college campuses they are seeing outbreaks of the mumps. Thing is almost all those with mumps received required vaccinations. I dont get it. Isnt a vaccine supposed to protect one from a … --- ## [Vexillologists: What's up with Austria's flags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vexillologists-whats-up-with-austrias-flags/774143)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vexillologists-whats-up-with-austrias-flags/774143 "2016-12-08T09:21:58Z")
Austria is a federal republic of nine states, each with its own flag. The strange thing is that most of the flags are duplicates, or nearly so: the flags of Salzburg, Vorarlberg, and Vienna are pretty much identical, as… --- ## [Looking for a youtube video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-youtube-video/774118)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-youtube-video/774118 "2016-12-08T07:50:04Z")
I could have sworn it was quirkology but looking through their library it’s not. It is showing various tricks while people change shirt color etc. (I know it is a very nebulous description) to show when you focus on one… --- ## [Questions about the presidential cabinet selection process](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-presidential-cabinet-selection-process/773971)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-presidential-cabinet-selection-process/773971 "2016-12-08T07:16:01Z")
Who can be selected to serve in the cabinet? Are there any requirements for age, citizenship, or anything else, as defined by law? Also, how does the Senate confirmation work? Is it done by individual committees, or d… --- ## [Gunshot in the stomach causes intense thirst](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gunshot-in-the-stomach-causes-intense-thirst/774127)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gunshot-in-the-stomach-causes-intense-thirst/774127 "2016-12-08T06:10:33Z")
I read a Newsweek article many years ago about a boy in Kosovo (I believe) who was shot in the stomach by Serbian gunmen, and the article went on to state that being shot in the stomach causes immediate, intense thirst -… --- ## [How do I install an outdoor faucet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-install-an-outdoor-faucet/773978)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-install-an-outdoor-faucet/773978 "2016-12-08T04:25:44Z")
I know nothing about plumbing other than water goes in one type of pipe and sewage goes out the other. My house has copper pipes. Is installing an outdoor faucet something I should even think about doing? --- ## [German guillotine picture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-guillotine-picture/774035)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-guillotine-picture/774035 "2016-12-08T03:49:28Z")
Somehow I came across this image of the German "fallbeil. I can’t figure out what that circular thing is on the far wall. Any ideas? --- ## [Economics of wind power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-of-wind-power/774045)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2016, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-of-wind-power/774045 "2016-12-08T01:18:09Z")
Can wind power make a profit without government intervention? I often hear opponents say it is a “waste of taxpayer money”, despite the fact that it is usually built, maintained, and owned by businesses. Can wind power… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=805) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=807)