# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=84 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 85 --- ## [Starliner can only stay at the ISS for 45 days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starliner-can-only-stay-at-the-iss-for-45-days/1003120)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/starliner-can-only-stay-at-the-iss-for-45-days/1003120 "2024-06-23T03:20:16Z")
Referencing this CNN article: in which it is mentioned that the Starliner can remain at the ISS for up to 45 days if needed. What limits its stay to 45 days? --- ## [Rail Gun vs. Coil Gun efficiency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-gun-vs-coil-gun-efficiency/1002749)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-gun-vs-coil-gun-efficiency/1002749 "2024-06-22T12:04:30Z")
If we have hypothetical versions of these devices made of magical lightweight inexpensive materials which method of propulsion is more efficient, if either, and why? Clearly, in the real world a simple rail gun is much … --- ## [Has any government ever addressed rude behavior by LOCALS at tourist destinations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-government-ever-addressed-rude-behavior-by-locals-at-tourist-destinations/1002928)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-government-ever-addressed-rude-behavior-by-locals-at-tourist-destinations/1002928 "2024-06-22T10:59:47Z")
The internet is filled with listicles about tourist traps you should avoid, and often at or near the top of the list are certain destinations where the aggressive vendors and/or corrupt security guards ruin the experienc… --- ## [If fusion reactors were a reality, what would the fuel cycle for them be like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-fusion-reactors-were-a-reality-what-would-the-fuel-cycle-for-them-be-like/1002938)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-fusion-reactors-were-a-reality-what-would-the-fuel-cycle-for-them-be-like/1002938 "2024-06-22T05:08:39Z")
Suppose we mastered nuclear fusion to the point where it becomes commercially viable and provided the lion’s share of our energy generation. What would the overall fuel cycle in such an economy be like? Would we produce … --- ## [Tethering Windows 11 to iPhone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tethering-windows-11-to-iphone/1003188)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tethering-windows-11-to-iphone/1003188 "2024-06-22T01:19:24Z")
I turned on hotspot on my iPhone. I connected to the PC by Bluetooth. I kept looking at Wi-Fi connections, and suddenly the iPhone appeared. Voila, Internet access. But now it has disappeared again. How do I get it back… --- ## [High-bypass turbofan engines: thrust vs. speed & altitude?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-engines-thrust-vs-speed-altitude/1003108)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-engines-thrust-vs-speed-altitude/1003108 "2024-06-22T00:17:29Z")
How does the max available thrust from a passenger jet engine vary with air speed and altitude? I’m aware of the concept of thrust lapse, in which the thrust produced by a jet engine tends to decrease as airspeed and/or… --- ## [Second Shot at Russell's Paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-shot-at-russells-paradox/1003034)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-shot-at-russells-paradox/1003034 "2024-06-21T20:21:46Z")
In this thread… Possible avenue for Russell’s Paradox solution? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board I attempted to lay the groundwork for articulating and/or programming a solution. Lumpy stated his (her… --- ## [How are Facebook posts monetized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-facebook-posts-monetized/1003037)
**Author:** [@kahunamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kahunamoon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-facebook-posts-monetized/1003037 "2024-06-21T18:00:10Z")
I’ve been noticing ever-increasing misinformation and lies in posts on Facebook and am hoping someone can help me know how to respond to it. One form is obviously wrong information that seems designed to get outraged res… --- ## [Hail, roof damage and insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hail-roof-damage-and-insurance/505076)
**Author:** [@El\_Zagna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Zagna)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hail-roof-damage-and-insurance/505076 "2024-06-21T17:44:05Z")
It seems that every year two or three hail storms blow through town (Austin, TX) immediately followed by a migration of roofing companies eager to put up new roofs paid for by insurance companies. In the past 20 years or… --- ## [Life and Electricity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-electricity/1003062)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-electricity/1003062 "2024-06-21T15:23:27Z")
So humans and other large animals use electrical signals in our nerves to allow different parts of our bodies to communicate. But it seems like this is dependent on having nerve cells. Is electricity used other than in… --- ## [Looking for a particular party favor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-particular-party-favor/1003147)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-particular-party-favor/1003147 "2024-06-21T13:59:21Z")
Many years ago I saw a a party favor that was a ribbon ball that when unwrapped slowly, would reveal little toys/trinkets as it unraveled. Everyone would get a ball, and we took turns tossing a die and unwrapping the ba… --- ## [Medical marijuana and banned smoking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-and-banned-smoking/1003070)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-marijuana-and-banned-smoking/1003070 "2024-06-21T03:52:17Z")
Don’t think this has been covered. With medical marijuana legal in 38 states, I wonder about changes with government/private campuses. Do companies still do drug testing? What about possessing illegal drugs? And, of cour… --- ## [What is the Best Way to Teach a (Young) Child to Read?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-a-young-child-to-read/978113)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2024, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-teach-a-young-child-to-read/978113 "2024-06-20T21:04:30Z")
I think my kid really wants to learn to read. He is almost three years old. He knows that letters spell words (“M-A-R-S spells Mars!”) and he knows that words represent objects/concepts. Lately he has been flipping throu… --- ## [Flying Over Antarctica](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-over-antarctica/1002457)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2024, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-over-antarctica/1002457 "2024-06-20T12:01:43Z")
I’m assuming there’s a factual answer involving the capability of passenger aircraft. Could a passenger aircraft fly between Ushuaia - Malvinas Argentinas International Airport and Cape Town International Airport via fl… --- ## [What must a new tenant do, RE: mail delivered to the previous tenant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-must-a-new-tenant-do-re-mail-delivered-to-the-previous-tenant/989765)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-must-a-new-tenant-do-re-mail-delivered-to-the-previous-tenant/989765 "2024-06-19T23:40:23Z")
Skip to the bottom if you hate stories. I ramble at 3am. I am aware I am not supposed to open other people’s mail, albeit, it is tempting, just to discover what is important, and what isn’t. I toss anything addressed t… --- ## [IrfanView64 problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irfanview64-problem/1003077)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irfanview64-problem/1003077 "2024-06-19T23:18:54Z")
Recently when I use the line tool all I get is a dashed line. When I use a fill tool or color replacer or paint brush I get the selected color with a black grid superimposed over it. This shows up in the foreground/backg… --- ## [Of all the soldiers who survived the Civil War or WWII, what percentage of them had killed someone in battle by the end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-all-the-soldiers-who-survived-the-civil-war-or-wwii-what-percentage-of-them-had-killed-someone-in-battle-by-the-end/1003066)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-all-the-soldiers-who-survived-the-civil-war-or-wwii-what-percentage-of-them-had-killed-someone-in-battle-by-the-end/1003066 "2024-06-19T21:49:40Z")
Only American soldiers in WW2; naw, heck, German soldiers in WWII also. :smile: What percentage of American soldiers who survived a) the Civil War and what percentage of American soldiers who survived b) WWII had killed… --- ## [On referencing the name of a transgender person before their transition (better explained in OP)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-referencing-the-name-of-a-transgender-person-before-their-transition-better-explained-in-op/1002894)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-referencing-the-name-of-a-transgender-person-before-their-transition-better-explained-in-op/1002894 "2024-06-19T20:52:39Z")
DISCLAIMER: I ask this question from a genuine desire to learn, and not to bitch about “wokeness” or set up a gotcha or what have you. When you’re referring to the accomplishments/activities of a person who has transiti… --- ## [Non-citizen children adopted by citizens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-citizen-children-adopted-by-citizens/1003068)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-citizen-children-adopted-by-citizens/1003068 "2024-06-19T20:29:52Z")
The new immigration XO about to be issued by Biden, which applies to spouses of US citizens and their children made me wonder, what if the citizen spouse legally adopts their spouse’s child. Would that child then become… --- ## [How do plants get pollinators to visit more of their own species?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-plants-get-pollinators-to-visit-more-of-their-own-species/1002873)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-plants-get-pollinators-to-visit-more-of-their-own-species/1002873 "2024-06-19T13:22:05Z")
Flowering plants generally lure pollinators (hereafter ‘bees’) to perform pollination by offering them food (or sex, or physical warmth or protection or other things in some cases, but generally, food) in the form of nec… --- ## [How many cultures still regard the rising of the sun as the official start of the day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cultures-still-regard-the-rising-of-the-sun-as-the-official-start-of-the-day/1003018)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-cultures-still-regard-the-rising-of-the-sun-as-the-official-start-of-the-day/1003018 "2024-06-19T13:01:47Z")
Even in developed countries like the U.S. (where many but certainly not all of us Dopers live), we still say “tomorrow” when it’s 12:30 a.m. or 3 a.m. or even 4 to 4:30 a.m. and we’re technically speaking of “today” (sin… --- ## [Would submarines ever help a ship in trouble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-submarines-ever-help-a-ship-in-trouble/1002972)
**Author:** [@Marine\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marine_One)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2024, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-submarines-ever-help-a-ship-in-trouble/1002972 "2024-06-19T01:10:25Z")
Like a passenger ship or actually anything non-military that sends a distress signal? Or even one person in a lost sailboat? Have subs ever helped in a passenger ship rescue? Do they just tell someone else and let the… --- ## [Another plumbing question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-plumbing-question/1002841)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2024, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-plumbing-question/1002841 "2024-06-18T14:42:21Z")
This PEX-copper coupling has a small leak. It looks like a bad solder joint to me. How can I fix this? I can re-solder it, if there is some way to disconnect the PEX. I’ve never used PEX before, and have no experience wi… --- ## [Removing a factory sticker from bodywork](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-a-factory-sticker-from-bodywork/1002930)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2024, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-a-factory-sticker-from-bodywork/1002930 "2024-06-18T00:07:01Z")
I’m trying to resurrect my 1994 Yamaha XJ600SF Seca II that my dad gave me for my birthday in 1994. You may know that this bike was originally Faraway Blue, that it was stolen a few years ago, and that it was recovered … --- ## [Pneumatic question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pneumatic-question/1002405)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pneumatic-question/1002405 "2024-06-17T19:59:41Z")
Think of a 4" cyl say 3 ft long. The piston will have a hollow shaft pushing it in and out with a 3/4" ID. The air will escape through the hole as it is pushed down and will reenter the chamber when it is pulled back out… --- ## [What is the origin of this phrase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-this-phrase/354117)
**Author:** [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2024, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-this-phrase/354117 "2024-06-17T19:18:35Z")
“Crazy as a shithouse rat.” Why are shithouse rats crazy? --- ## [Is my iPhone shot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-iphone-shot/1002942)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2024, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-my-iphone-shot/1002942 "2024-06-17T13:45:56Z")
I’ve got an IPhone 11that functions perfectly…with one exception. It won’t shut off. Anyone got a fix? If there was a way to pull the battery I suspect that would work, but I don’t know if that’s possible. Thx. --- ## [Time traveller establishing identity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-traveller-establishing-identity/523158)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2024, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-traveller-establishing-identity/523158 "2024-06-17T06:39:13Z")
Suppose a poor cowpoke is on the range in 1870, and he falls into a time hole and emerges in the present day. Obviously he has no Social Security number. No one is going to believe an old church record or any other doc… --- ## [Screw it, I'm just gonna ask: Why are the territories on Earth that are close to the South Pole really warm/hot, and the territories close to the North Pole are cold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-it-im-just-gonna-ask-why-are-the-territories-on-earth-that-are-close-to-the-south-pole-really-warm-hot-and-the-territories-close-to-the-north-pole-are-cold/1002863)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-it-im-just-gonna-ask-why-are-the-territories-on-earth-that-are-close-to-the-south-pole-really-warm-hot-and-the-territories-close-to-the-north-pole-are-cold/1002863 "2024-06-16T20:50:11Z")
Sometimes in life you realize there’s some glaringly obvious or basic thing that you never realized you didn’t understand or comprehend. This one’s been bugging me for about a month I think?, so screw it, at the risk of … --- ## [Nervous System Input Travel Speed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nervous-system-input-travel-speed/1002933)
**Author:** [@DaveUnknown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveUnknown)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2024, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nervous-system-input-travel-speed/1002933 "2024-06-16T17:54:31Z")
Noting the people talking about dental implants and dentist agony, do nerve inputs travel at the speed of copper wires, or are there safeguards/high impedence areas in between various parts? Are our brains more sensiti… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=83) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=85)