# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=869 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 870 --- ## [Would a spacejump be possible with current technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-spacejump-be-possible-with-current-technology/761009)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-spacejump-be-possible-with-current-technology/761009 "2016-07-28T01:00:49Z")
Would it be possible to skydive from LEO using current technology and disregarding any financial constraints? The jumper’s equipment would have to meet the following qualifications—it has to be a jet pack. Any sort of ex… --- ## [How much is spent by Big Pharma advertising prescription Rx to the Public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-spent-by-big-pharma-advertising-prescription-rx-to-the-public/760692)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-spent-by-big-pharma-advertising-prescription-rx-to-the-public/760692 "2016-07-27T21:58:01Z")
Everyone complains about the high cost of drugs and when pharmaceutical companies are asked why, they invariably cite R&D costs and regulatory approval. What I wonder about is how much they spend on advertising these dr… --- ## [Help finding magzine article \[Possibly 'Life' magazine 1987\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-magzine-article-possibly-life-magazine-1987/761051)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-finding-magzine-article-possibly-life-magazine-1987/761051 "2016-07-27T19:51:06Z")
Apparently the movie “Gorillas in the Mist” about Dian Fossey was mostly based on a 1987 Life magazine article. I’ll take that on face value, but I haven’t been able to determine exactly which month–so I can’t be comple… --- ## [Excel Macro ? - Add Date/Time/Username](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-macro-add-date-time-username/761033)
**Author:** [@Ace331](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ace331)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-macro-add-date-time-username/761033 "2016-07-27T19:31:23Z")
I am trying to create a macro that will allow me to show in Cell B1, the last date and time the file was saved and in Cell B2, the username of the last person that saved it. I am not familiar at all with writing macros a… --- ## [Window A/C unit thermostat: is there a way to translate to °F?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-a-c-unit-thermostat-is-there-a-way-to-translate-to-f/760828)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/window-a-c-unit-thermostat-is-there-a-way-to-translate-to-f/760828 "2016-07-27T18:59:40Z")
I have a window A/C unit that I’ve been using to cool down my bedroom on these muggy summer days. The thing has a thermostat, with 1 being the highest setting and 9 being the lowest (lower numbers = higher temperatures b… --- ## [Serious questions about the smell of human poop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-questions-about-the-smell-of-human-poop/760683)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serious-questions-about-the-smell-of-human-poop/760683 "2016-07-27T18:06:38Z")
Like the title says, I’m serious about these questions regarding the smell of human feces. Who has smellier poop, men or women? Is there any difference between the feces of men and women? Or is poop just poop? I… --- ## [Time Travel with a Modern Laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-with-a-modern-laptop/760671)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-with-a-modern-laptop/760671 "2016-07-27T17:13:23Z")
Something I have wondered about. Suppose you could go back in time with a modern laptop running a standard Windows and MS Office installation. No other software installed. The range of travel would be the early years, s… --- ## [In the Eastern US, what's more dangerous: a tick bite or a mosquito bite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-eastern-us-whats-more-dangerous-a-tick-bite-or-a-mosquito-bite/760982)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-eastern-us-whats-more-dangerous-a-tick-bite-or-a-mosquito-bite/760982 "2016-07-27T16:33:08Z")
Just idle pondering on my part. Let’s start off by saying that in the US the chances of getting anything major from a tick or mosquito is pretty small. That said, which one is more likely to lead to complications? --- ## [How does WikiLeaks do what they do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-wikileaks-do-what-they-do/761022)
**Author:** [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-wikileaks-do-what-they-do/761022 "2016-07-27T14:19:51Z")
Despite the confines of his asylum, Julian Assange still manages to be the mouth of WikiLeaks. He announced they published 20,000 DNC emails. How are they able to hack to such a great extent? There’s speculation Russia a… --- ## [My flight has been delayed? Can I safely arrive late at the airport?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flight-has-been-delayed-can-i-safely-arrive-late-at-the-airport/760930)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flight-has-been-delayed-can-i-safely-arrive-late-at-the-airport/760930 "2016-07-27T13:41:34Z")
I just got an email that my 4PM flight won’t leave until 7:30PM. It’s an international flight (to Japan). Does that mean I can arrive at the airport later? Or do I have to get there at 2 and chill for the afternoon? The… --- ## [Why aren't disposable 'burner' cellphones illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-disposable-burner-cellphones-illegal/760556)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-disposable-burner-cellphones-illegal/760556 "2016-07-27T09:57:26Z")
Anyone who’s learned anything about the FCC knows that its ‘prime directive’ if you will, is that wireless transmitters must always identify themselves. If you run a pirate radio station, even if you don’t swear or broad… --- ## [Surname "Hatfield"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surname-hatfield/760984)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surname-hatfield/760984 "2016-07-27T09:45:03Z")
I was given my first name in honor of my dad’s high school best friend, a guy whose last name was “Hatfield” (and yes, he was distantly related to the Hatfields of Hatfield vs. McCoy fame). So it caught my eye when I spo… --- ## ["Busting balls"--translations in Hebrew, Spanish, (others)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busting-balls-translations-in-hebrew-spanish-others/760866)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/busting-balls-translations-in-hebrew-spanish-others/760866 "2016-07-26T22:44:24Z")
To bust balls is a slang, vulgar phrase that can have two uses: overly, obnoxiously, insistently complaining, importuning, or annoying somebody about something, or, as a teasing version of that. Locus classicus: Goodfel… --- ## [Question regarding King Tutankhamun's health](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-king-tutankhamuns-health/760833)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-king-tutankhamuns-health/760833 "2016-07-26T22:24:33Z")
Hi, Is the following wrong? I see many websites stating that he was in very poor health when he died. I look forward to you feedback. About five feet six inches tall (1.7 meters) and slightly built, Tut was in excel… --- ## [Id this weed/bush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-weed-bush/760914)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-weed-bush/760914 "2016-07-26T20:58:21Z")
Pics of foliage and stems. Central South Carolina. Whatever it is, it seems to be rather hardy. --- ## [Was polygamy accepted in the early Christian church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-polygamy-accepted-in-the-early-christian-church/309572)
**Author:** [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-polygamy-accepted-in-the-early-christian-church/309572 "2016-07-26T20:06:40Z")
In this 2-year-old thread, there’s a discussion about how Roman law influenced the marital practices of Judaism and that polygamy “had the result of irritating the Christian neighbors of those who practiced it.” However… --- ## [Pizza Delivery drivers working in pairs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-delivery-drivers-working-in-pairs/760814)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pizza-delivery-drivers-working-in-pairs/760814 "2016-07-26T19:23:42Z")
I’ve seen this mentioned once in a while on comments and other message boards but have never seen firm confirmation from someone in the pizza delivery industry. Basically we all know that there are certain areas pizza p… --- ## [Well, crap. I've been volunteered to edit a video.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-crap-ive-been-volunteered-to-edit-a-video/760909)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-crap-ive-been-volunteered-to-edit-a-video/760909 "2016-07-26T17:20:56Z")
I can use a camera. I can load 16 mm film into a magazine inside of a changing bag by feel. I can light a set. What I can’t do is edit. I tried to explain to Mrs. L.A. that cinematography and video editing are two di… --- ## [Why does the value of gold increase during uncertainty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-value-of-gold-increase-during-uncertainty/760428)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-value-of-gold-increase-during-uncertainty/760428 "2016-07-26T17:04:40Z")
Why on earth should gold become more valuable during times of economic uncertainty? I confess as commodities go, the factors driving precious metals have always escaped me. (and please no one respond ‘because the demand … --- ## [which gender is worse at washing hands after bathroom use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-gender-is-worse-at-washing-hands-after-bathroom-use/760862)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-gender-is-worse-at-washing-hands-after-bathroom-use/760862 "2016-07-26T15:28:58Z")
Not looking for personal experience here; I’m interested in surveys or surveillance that establishes which gender is least compliant with recommendations to wash hands after using the toilet. Can someone point to such da… --- ## [Anybody Have A Fog Machine/Smoke Machine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-a-fog-machine-smoke-machine/760818)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-have-a-fog-machine-smoke-machine/760818 "2016-07-26T15:14:40Z")
I’d like to buy one of those small, cheap smoke machines that retail for like fifty bucks for my Halloween display. I’d probably use it from dusk (7:30ish) until bedtime (10:00ish) each night for about six weeks. Any id… --- ## [The nutritional info for McCormick's meatloaf seasoning can't be correct, right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nutritional-info-for-mccormicks-meatloaf-seasoning-cant-be-correct-right/760812)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nutritional-info-for-mccormicks-meatloaf-seasoning-cant-be-correct-right/760812 "2016-07-26T14:33:34Z")
I checked the nutrition label on a packet of McCormick’s meatloaf seasoning and was shocked at the carbohydrate count. It says there are 10 calories and 3 grams of carbs in every serving of the seasoning, and 10 total s… --- ## [Prescription dog foods -- why the need for control?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-dog-foods-why-the-need-for-control/749082)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-dog-foods-why-the-need-for-control/749082 "2016-07-26T14:19:14Z")
During the past three months, kaylasmom’s guide dog Valor became ill, and had to spend a week in the kennel at his guide dog school while the vets there tried to figure out what’s wrong with him. They were limited in th… --- ## [safest rocket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safest-rocket/760620)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/safest-rocket/760620 "2016-07-26T11:20:52Z")
Has anyone ever built a 100% safe rocket for human space exploration? By this I mean that the rocket design in question has never suffered catastrophic failure, either while it was manned or unmanned. I know that at leas… --- ## [Why do judicial hangings use long drops for executions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-judicial-hangings-use-long-drops-for-executions/760703)
**Author:** [@piko\_poko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/piko_poko)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-judicial-hangings-use-long-drops-for-executions/760703 "2016-07-26T04:32:38Z")
Hi, I know the common line of reasoning that a long drop will snap a critical vertebra and cause instant death. But it is a misconception that normal suspension hangings cause death by painful choking / strangulation. … --- ## [Car transmission valve body issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-transmission-valve-body-issue/760642)
**Author:** [@mylesd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mylesd)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-transmission-valve-body-issue/760642 "2016-07-26T03:55:39Z")
My car has the issue where it goes into limp mode due to code 1776 (L/R solenoid switch valve latched in closed/open position)…but only after warming up, driving for 20 mins or so. I’m very curious why it doesn’t stick … --- ## [Police traffic stops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-traffic-stops/760637)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-traffic-stops/760637 "2016-07-26T01:34:42Z")
There are probably a few police officers out there, so maybe they can answer this. When you pull a car over for a traffic stop, why do you prefer to approach the car instead of having the driver come out and lean agains… --- ## [medicine cabinet repair question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicine-cabinet-repair-question/760519)
**Author:** [@arseNal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/arseNal)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicine-cabinet-repair-question/760519 "2016-07-25T23:02:38Z")
The bathroom has a medicine cabinet where the mirrors are degrading (I guess they’re losing their “silvering” from years of steam?) The cabinet has two hinged, swing-out doors whose construction appears to be just a fla… --- ## [Rivets on the Apollo Lunar Module?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rivets-on-the-apollo-lunar-module/760443)
**Author:** [@Diocletian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diocletian)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rivets-on-the-apollo-lunar-module/760443 "2016-07-25T21:18:52Z")
Okay, so my dad is a massive conspiracy theorist. One of the countless conspiracy theories he ascribes to is that the Moon landing was faked. Most of his arguments are flimsy and easily debunked by any sort of research. … --- ## [Did I see the speed of sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-the-speed-of-sound/760600)
**Author:** [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-i-see-the-speed-of-sound/760600 "2016-07-25T21:00:06Z")
OK, so I’m in the New Orleans Superdome for a concert. I’m sitting up near the rafters to the side of the crowd. Floor is full of chairs for seating. The place is about 1/4 full with about 3-5000 on the main floor and… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=868) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=870)