# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=862 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 863 --- ## [Size/Age of the Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-age-of-the-universe/761836)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-age-of-the-universe/761836 "2016-08-10T16:27:33Z")
I’m sure this is a hopelessly uninformed question but that won’t stop me from asking. I believe the age of the universe is in part derived from determining the most distant stars, and how long it took for the light to g… --- ## [Are there any numbers still left to be invented or discovered.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-numbers-still-left-to-be-invented-or-discovered/762193)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-numbers-still-left-to-be-invented-or-discovered/762193 "2016-08-10T15:52:51Z")
The Indians are credited with inventing the number zero. Therefore i assume that all other numbers from 1-9 existed before 0 was invented. Are there any other numbers that could be invented. --- ## [Wouldn't Trumps past returns provide the info?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-trumps-past-returns-provide-the-info/762261)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-trumps-past-returns-provide-the-info/762261 "2016-08-10T15:28:57Z")
Since Donald Trump has been audited many times over the past years and those audits are done and over with, wouldn’t a look at, say, last year’s tax returns still provide the information that many people are seeking? Wh… --- ## [Fluid dynamics of urinating through un/circumcised penis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluid-dynamics-of-urinating-through-un-circumcised-penis/762251)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluid-dynamics-of-urinating-through-un-circumcised-penis/762251 "2016-08-10T14:51:54Z")
This thread is not for debating the benefits or drawbacks circumcision - please start a different thread if you’d like that. Based on anecdotal evidence - it takes longer to urinate (a given volume of urine) when uncirc… --- ## [How 'poisonous' are polk (or poke) berries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-poisonous-are-polk-or-poke-berries/371619)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-poisonous-are-polk-or-poke-berries/371619 "2016-08-10T13:18:40Z")
I’ve always heard that they’re not edible, and various sources agree that they’re poisonous. How poisonous? Belly ache? Death? What is so poisonous about them? --- ## [Why so many French words in aircraft nomenclature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-so-many-french-words-in-aircraft-nomenclature/713557)
**Author:** [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-so-many-french-words-in-aircraft-nomenclature/713557 "2016-08-10T13:13:16Z")
I’m curious why there are so many French words describing aircraft parts? Fuselage, empennage, aileron and pitot to name a few. Yet other words, rudder, elevator, stabilizer, and wing are common English words. W… --- ## [Why does telephone audio sound so bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-telephone-audio-sound-so-bad/762238)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-telephone-audio-sound-so-bad/762238 "2016-08-10T12:43:47Z")
I understand that conventional telephony transmits only a limited acoustic frequency range, about 300-3000 Hz. OTOH, Skype and some other digital services transmit a much wider range of frequencies. However, even accou… --- ## [Was Stonewall Jackson's mother from Parkersburg, VIRGINIA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-stonewall-jacksons-mother-from-parkersburg-virginia/762299)
**Author:** [@davey77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davey77)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-stonewall-jacksons-mother-from-parkersburg-virginia/762299 "2016-08-10T03:56:18Z")
I have spoken to various docents, tour guides, and bookstore owners from Columbus, O. to Lewisburg and have never been satisfied with any answer. Does anybody know the relationship (if any) of Stonewall Jackson’s family… --- ## [How Can I Reach Out to Wordpress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-reach-out-to-wordpress/762293)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-reach-out-to-wordpress/762293 "2016-08-10T00:32:41Z")
I wanted to start a blog on Wordpress, but whatever I click on the home page brings me to a blank screen (with only their logo shown). Nothing is working! Is their website down? Is there any way I can reach out to them … --- ## [Fibrous growth on basement walls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fibrous-growth-on-basement-walls/762146)
**Author:** [@somepumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/somepumpkin)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fibrous-growth-on-basement-walls/762146 "2016-08-10T00:00:44Z")
Hi everyone. We just moved into a new house with a large, great, unfinished basement. However, something that’s not so great about it is this “growth” on some of the walls. The photos aren’t that detailed, so I’ll descri… --- ## [First observation of species breeding to carrying capacity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-observation-of-species-breeding-to-carrying-capacity/762082)
**Author:** [@Hellestal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hellestal)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-observation-of-species-breeding-to-carrying-capacity/762082 "2016-08-09T22:46:07Z")
Obviously it’s in Darwin. With geometric increase, plants and animals will breed to the limits of the environment’s carrying capacity. Darwin cites Malthus as inspiration for this line of thinking. But we can go back … --- ## [Weaponizing Prions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weaponizing-prions/762220)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weaponizing-prions/762220 "2016-08-09T22:14:31Z")
Prions seem to be the Ice-9 of biochemistry. Are forms that could affect humans easy/easyish to synthesize? Do I really want to know? --- ## [Cedar Siding Shingles and Tyvek](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cedar-siding-shingles-and-tyvek/762273)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cedar-siding-shingles-and-tyvek/762273 "2016-08-09T20:25:16Z")
Looking at websites like “This Old House” and “Fine Home Building” leads to contradictory results so let me ask here; What is the story on installing Cedar Shingle Siding, white or red, directly on a layer of Tyvek? So… --- ## [Any muletteers here? "Gnomons" to mean "tooth check?" Also, something for jarheads...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-muletteers-here-gnomons-to-mean-tooth-check-also-something-for-jarheads/762062)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-muletteers-here-gnomons-to-mean-tooth-check-also-something-for-jarheads/762062 "2016-08-09T19:58:09Z")
“Gnomon” (Gnomon Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com) is a rich word, made richer by Joyce in Dubliners and subsequent works, and has engendered all sorts of lit essays depending on the various meanings that can be asc… --- ## [Word program ( need answer fast)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-program-need-answer-fast/762249)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-program-need-answer-fast/762249 "2016-08-09T19:52:01Z")
My michro soft word is down and I need to get some work finished pronto. Can anyone suggest any simple word program I can download, --- ## [Resale prohibition in sale contract](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resale-prohibition-in-sale-contract/762013)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resale-prohibition-in-sale-contract/762013 "2016-08-09T19:32:13Z")
Recently I’ve come upon an item wherein the sales contract stipulates that the buyer may not resell the item for a price higher than the purchase price. Is this legally enforceable? Generally I’d expect that if I’ve b… --- ## [Why do school admissions value volunteering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-school-admissions-value-volunteering/762049)
**Author:** [@elliott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elliott)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-school-admissions-value-volunteering/762049 "2016-08-09T17:47:16Z")
Trying to work my way into MD school and this isn’t something I’ve ever really understood. I do get that admissions officers are looking for people who are well rounded and worldly, but the requirement of volunteering to… --- ## [Convenient way to demagnetize a tool bit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convenient-way-to-demagnetize-a-tool-bit/762131)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convenient-way-to-demagnetize-a-tool-bit/762131 "2016-08-09T14:18:13Z")
I store the chuck key for my drill press on a magnet stuck to the side of the drill press itself. At some point, I inadvertently touched a tool bit (a 1/2" counterbore) to this magnet, and now the bit itself has become … --- ## [Examples of "modern" suicides in the ancient world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-modern-suicides-in-the-ancient-world/761801)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-modern-suicides-in-the-ancient-world/761801 "2016-08-09T11:35:22Z")
The “modern” narrative of a suicide is a otherwise successful individual who has “everything to live for” taking their own life due to personal mental struggles the public knew nothing (or very little) about (e.g. Kurt C… --- ## [Question regarding cyper-attacks on airlines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-cyper-attacks-on-airlines/762130)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-cyper-attacks-on-airlines/762130 "2016-08-09T06:35:03Z")
Hi After reading several hair-raising articles about cypher-attacks on airlines around the world, my question is how many occur in mid-flight/are responsible for crashes, and how can a pilot manage manually these days. … --- ## [Effects/Impact of Neanderthal DNA in native European population?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-impact-of-neanderthal-dna-in-native-european-population/761847)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-impact-of-neanderthal-dna-in-native-european-population/761847 "2016-08-09T05:45:48Z")
I realise this is a potentially controversial subject but I have been wondering. I have heard it mentioned in several places that modern native Europeans have 'from 2% to 4% of Neanderthal DNA" while other human populati… --- ## [deep sea oil rigs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-sea-oil-rigs/762158)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-sea-oil-rigs/762158 "2016-08-09T04:40:39Z")
I was watching a show on deep sea oil rigs. Amazing stuff. I was wondering about the electricity they use. Now, I know that they have generators, but it seems like these rigs would be a good place for air or water powe… --- ## [Magnetic anomalies at ancient structures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-anomalies-at-ancient-structures/762110)
**Author:** [@Diocletian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diocletian)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-anomalies-at-ancient-structures/762110 "2016-08-09T01:44:07Z")
Hello everyone! So I was talking with an Ancient Aliens enthusiast, and someone said that the rocks at Pumapunku caused “magnetic anomalies.” I found the video that they were probably referencing here: Puma Punku Bolivi… --- ## [High end Blue Ray disc displayed on full sized theatre screen. How does it look?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-end-blue-ray-disc-displayed-on-full-sized-theatre-screen-how-does-it-look/761947)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-end-blue-ray-disc-displayed-on-full-sized-theatre-screen-how-does-it-look/761947 "2016-08-08T23:50:39Z")
What would the highest end Blue Ray disc for home entertainment systems displayed on a full sized move theatre screen look like? Acceptable or awful? --- ## [Dish network wiring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-network-wiring/762079)
**Author:** [@Johnthp1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnthp1)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-network-wiring/762079 "2016-08-08T23:49:53Z")
Trying to hook up ota antenna to tv using dish network wiring that runs three coaxial cables to satellite dish. Question, is there something blocking signal from the ota antenna to tv. I hooked up antenna to splitter and… --- ## [Can't find wire diagram for a Compaq Presario SR 5000](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-wire-diagram-for-a-compaq-presario-sr-5000/762181)
**Author:** [@loninappleton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/loninappleton)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-find-wire-diagram-for-a-compaq-presario-sr-5000/762181 "2016-08-08T22:41:31Z")
Hello again, This is a hardware question on Compaq Presario SR 5000 computer case. There is one molded header which goes from the Case lights, power reset , HD etc and the switch setup is in a molded enclosure. In ot… --- ## [Anyone else lose their ability to print after upgrading to Windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-lose-their-ability-to-print-after-upgrading-to-windows-10/762101)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-lose-their-ability-to-print-after-upgrading-to-windows-10/762101 "2016-08-08T22:40:32Z")
\*\*The overview: \*\* Two laptops and one desktop. All three recently upgraded to Windows 10. The desktop prints without any fiddling around. I can’t get either laptop to print. Both printed fine before the upgrade. The s… --- ## [Need Mechanics Help - Van Won't Start!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-mechanics-help-van-wont-start/761879)
**Author:** [@kalmd2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kalmd2016)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-mechanics-help-van-wont-start/761879 "2016-08-08T21:23:22Z")
Hello - I have a 2003 Chry. T&C Van. In December 2015 I replaced the starter and starter relay. A few weeks ago (July 2016) my son was playing the radio in the on position and by the time I got to the car - the battery… --- ## [the metabolic rate of fat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-metabolic-rate-of-fat/762145)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-metabolic-rate-of-fat/762145 "2016-08-08T15:43:17Z")
It takes a certain amount of energy (i.e. excess food intake) to put on a pound of fat. But of course then you have to maintain it. So how many extra calories does a person need to take in every day in order to keep a … --- ## [Re Trump's comments about Japan what ARE our military reciprocity agreements with other nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-trumps-comments-about-japan-what-are-our-military-reciprocity-agreements-with-other-nations/761997)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-trumps-comments-about-japan-what-are-our-military-reciprocity-agreements-with-other-nations/761997 "2016-08-08T15:23:00Z")
Trump is now going on about Japanhaving no responsibilities toward us re military protection and the benefits are all one way. Trump opining aside \*what are \*our military responsibilities toward other nations in 2016 an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=861) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=863)