# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=834 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 835 --- ## [Logical Query](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-query/768122)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-query/768122 "2016-10-10T19:35:35Z")
So what is it called when someone spouts accusatory comments toward another by making unverifiable statements so as to denigrate the other person in the eyes of everyone watching, when such comments are patently false? --- ## [Is there a massive underwater blast caused by the implosion of a sinking submarine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-massive-underwater-blast-caused-by-the-implosion-of-a-sinking-submarine/767586)
**Author:** [@wei\_ji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wei_ji)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-massive-underwater-blast-caused-by-the-implosion-of-a-sinking-submarine/767586 "2016-10-10T19:12:47Z")
I’m going to try this again. I’m interested in an often reported massive underwater “explosions” sometimes associated with a submarine sinking in WW II. I speculate that this is implosion due to passing beyond the subm… --- ## [How to fix a power window problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-power-window-problem/767503)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-power-window-problem/767503 "2016-10-10T18:29:06Z")
2005 Jeep Liberty The plastic clip that holds the window to the cable broke. It’s a well known problem that I have fixed before on a different window so that’s not the problem. The problem is that somehow the cable ha… --- ## [Defunct professions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defunct-professions/767198)
**Author:** [@Tootingkhamen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tootingkhamen)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defunct-professions/767198 "2016-10-10T18:14:56Z")
I was looking up the history of my local pub here - it gives census details of people who lived / lodged there over the years. Amongst these was one Henry Dacey who gives his occupation as “Rag Smasher”. A Google searc… --- ## [Can radar detect a person-sized object?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-radar-detect-a-person-sized-object/767903)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-radar-detect-a-person-sized-object/767903 "2016-10-10T17:04:08Z")
To use a movie example, could military anti-aircraft radar “see” Superman? Or is there another type of detection they would use for something that size? --- ## [Hurricane tracks near coastline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-tracks-near-coastline/767862)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-tracks-near-coastline/767862 "2016-10-10T17:02:37Z")
This latest storm Matthew seems to be following the Atlantic coastline. It’s travelled northwest, then slowly curved toward the northeast. The questions: is there a general correlation between hurricane tracks along the… --- ## [Maddening computer problem: "Not responding"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maddening-computer-problem-not-responding/768079)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maddening-computer-problem-not-responding/768079 "2016-10-10T15:38:59Z")
Has anyone had this happen? I might have expected this message online, but it has happened while I am preparing Word documents, and using a process to print pictures on my computer screen–not Internet images–as well. Wha… --- ## [Why the Hunger During the Irish Famine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hunger-during-the-irish-famine/767877)
**Author:** [@Edflakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edflakes)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-hunger-during-the-irish-famine/767877 "2016-10-10T14:04:21Z")
As an Irishman I’ve wondered why the Great Potato Famine was as devastating as it was. The Old Sod is crossed and dotted with streams and lakes and the whole shebang is surrounded by an ocean full of fish so why didn’t … --- ## [Why don't miners get "the bends" ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-miners-get-the-bends/767893)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-miners-get-the-bends/767893 "2016-10-10T13:59:42Z")
When divers rise to the surface too quickly after working at depth, they risk “the bends,” or decompression disease. Breathing air under pressure forces excess nitrogen into the blood and tissue, so divers ascend slowly… --- ## [Lost pre-paid debit card; any way to get to my money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-pre-paid-debit-card-any-way-to-get-to-my-money/768102)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-pre-paid-debit-card-any-way-to-get-to-my-money/768102 "2016-10-10T13:09:38Z")
I have a pre-paid debit card. My salary is automatically deposited onto this card. If you’re not familiar with how they work, they’re not from a bank. There is no brick-and-mortar place where I can go to do banking tran… --- ## [Write-In Candidate Eligibility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-in-candidate-eligibility/768071)
**Author:** [@Caldazar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caldazar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-in-candidate-eligibility/768071 "2016-10-10T12:46:05Z")
Inspired by the recent Trump news, 43 states allow write-in candidates on ballots. However, of those states, 35 require some sort of filing, petition, or other declaration by the potential candidate in order for the wri… --- ## [Who first used elephants in war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-used-elephants-in-war/768044)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-first-used-elephants-in-war/768044 "2016-10-10T10:09:46Z")
And when is the last time they were used? I still cannot imagine how it would be possible to train an elephant to remain calm and obedient during the bloodied frenzy of the battlefield but clearly it was achieved somehow… --- ## [Tips for de-stinking a walking cast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-de-stinking-a-walking-cast/372917)
**Author:** [@Marlitharn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marlitharn)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-for-de-stinking-a-walking-cast/372917 "2016-10-10T03:24:20Z")
I’ve been wearing this stupid walking cast/air splint/21st century Velcro-laden torture device of itching sweating Doom since Wednesday before last, and I’m supposed to wear the stupid thing until next Wednesday when I g… --- ## [Given any random group of Americans, how many will be mentally ill at any given time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-any-random-group-of-americans-how-many-will-be-mentally-ill-at-any-given-time/767907)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2016, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-any-random-group-of-americans-how-many-will-be-mentally-ill-at-any-given-time/767907 "2016-10-10T02:04:07Z")
The title should speak for itself but I can elaborate. If you just picked a random group of people using the best processes available excluding no adults, what is the percentage of people that are not fully functioning a… --- ## [Question about demonstration teams (Blue Angels, etc.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-demonstration-teams-blue-angels-etc/360713)
**Author:** [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-demonstration-teams-blue-angels-etc/360713 "2016-10-09T22:47:31Z")
Kind of a mix of GQ and IMHO here: I’ve heard the term “Sneak Pass” in the context of an air show. What does this mean, exactly? I’ve seen the Thunderbirds (USAF) once, but never the Blue Angels (Navy), though I’ve… --- ## [My iPad 2 just crapped out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ipad-2-just-crapped-out/767845)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-ipad-2-just-crapped-out/767845 "2016-10-09T20:38:30Z")
The touch screen no longer swipes right to activate. Has anybody else encountered this? Is it worth getting repaired? --- ## [Debates: why not moderate interruptions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debates-why-not-moderate-interruptions/767914)
**Author:** [@The\_Librarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Librarian)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debates-why-not-moderate-interruptions/767914 "2016-10-09T18:09:13Z")
(This is meant as a factual question, I realise it touches on many debatable subjects; just try, ok?) Watching the (vice-) presidential debate I was irritated by the amount of interruptions. I found many instances downr… --- ## [Fittings for Bluetooth earpieces](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fittings-for-bluetooth-earpieces/767983)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fittings-for-bluetooth-earpieces/767983 "2016-10-09T18:09:05Z")
What kid of store can I go to, to find the little plastic button-like fittings that go on the Bluetooth earpieces, that keep your ear from getting sore? The one I had has apparently vanished, and I don’t want to have to … --- ## ["I’d rather be ruled by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian." - Who said this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-rather-be-ruled-by-a-competent-turk-than-an-incompetent-christian-who-said-this/767796)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-d-rather-be-ruled-by-a-competent-turk-than-an-incompetent-christian-who-said-this/767796 "2016-10-09T16:20:57Z")
“I’d rather be ruled by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian” is attributed to Martin Luther but this declaration of pragmatism in earthly political matters cannot be found in any of his writings. Moreover, it… --- ## [How does Facebook know? (friend suggestions)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-facebook-know-friend-suggestions/767904)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-facebook-know-friend-suggestions/767904 "2016-10-09T15:54:25Z")
So I just had two somewhat creepy facebook “do you know this person?” suggestions: Martin \. He was my gardener of about 12 years. Great guy, I’ve even met his family once when he did extended work at m… --- ## [Why Do Hookers Utilize Pimps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hookers-utilize-pimps/233718)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-hookers-utilize-pimps/233718 "2016-10-09T15:50:29Z")
Why would a prostitute hand over a significant percentage of her hard-earned income to a pimp? What do pimps do for prostitutes besides taking their money?? Pimps don’t appear to do anything to increase a prostitute’s e… --- ## [Why can't we double or triple the lives of our pets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-double-or-triple-the-lives-of-our-pets/720398)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-we-double-or-triple-the-lives-of-our-pets/720398 "2016-10-09T14:50:48Z")
My dog is getting old. She is around 12 and definitely slowing down, despite our best efforts. Oh, she is healthy and happy enough, and will probably live for several more years unless something unexpected happens to h… --- ## [Help me ID this spider.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-this-spider/767978)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-id-this-spider/767978 "2016-10-09T08:06:26Z")
This bad boy has a web on my porch rail. Any clue as to what it is? --- ## [Detecting edema](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detecting-edema/767761)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2016, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detecting-edema/767761 "2016-10-09T07:33:05Z")
How do doctors test for the presence of edema? Do they just jab the patient with a needle and see if fluid starts gushing out, or is the methodology perhaps a little more sophisticated than that? --- ## [Sun outages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sun-outages/767963)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sun-outages/767963 "2016-10-08T22:16:50Z")
The Fog was interrupted for a while because of sun outages. (Heh.) Question: If the station’s signal is disrupted, how can they send the message saying their signal is disrupted? --- ## [New York Metro Trains - Why no direct connection between Brooklyn and Queens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-metro-trains-why-no-direct-connection-between-brooklyn-and-queens/767557)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-metro-trains-why-no-direct-connection-between-brooklyn-and-queens/767557 "2016-10-08T19:09:29Z")
I’m puzzled why there’s no direct line running between Brooklyn and Queens. If you’re in mid-Brooklyn, you either have to go on the J-Z or L to Manhattan and then around to Queens, or go to the end of the J-Z eastward a… --- ## [Best basis calculation for selling all mutual fund shares...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-basis-calculation-for-selling-all-mutual-fund-shares/767307)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-basis-calculation-for-selling-all-mutual-fund-shares/767307 "2016-10-08T18:09:35Z")
I’ve read about the different ways to calculate basis for selling shares in mutual funds. What about this \[seemingly\] simple situation: Some years ago, you sent $3,000 to Vanguard to purchase shares in ABC mutual fund.… --- ## [Radio Presets On Old Cars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-presets-on-old-cars/424472)
**Author:** [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radio-presets-on-old-cars/424472 "2016-10-08T17:56:14Z")
Hi guys. I was sitting watching The Fog (the 1980 version) the other night, and Adrienne Barbeau was on her way to the radio station (the lighthouse) in an old car. I don’t know the kind it was but it was a convertible… --- ## [long term, feeding the dog with pancreatitis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-feeding-the-dog-with-pancreatitis/767781)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-feeding-the-dog-with-pancreatitis/767781 "2016-10-08T17:16:00Z")
my vet says low fat forever since Bunny’s\* blood test showed her pancreas is barely in the the (high end) of normal after 2 weeks of prescription food (Royal Canin) easiest thing is low fat dog food, of course, but I am… --- ## [Marijuana DUI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-dui/767842)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-dui/767842 "2016-10-08T15:55:59Z")
I am asking because of Maine’s referendum to legalize marijuana. I am in favor of this, but I am wondering if there has been a safe limit determined for someone to drive. Currently in Maine, there is technically a zero… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=833) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=835)