# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=88 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 89 --- ## [Duration of air sucked out of plane/space ship as depicted in movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duration-of-air-sucked-out-of-plane-space-ship-as-depicted-in-movies/1001798)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2024, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duration-of-air-sucked-out-of-plane-space-ship-as-depicted-in-movies/1001798 "2024-05-23T20:55:44Z")
I’ve seen it so many times in movies and TV series: someone opens a door or blows a hole in the hull of an airplane or movie, and everyone needs to hold on to furniture or wall braces to avoid getting sucked out by the s… --- ## [Why don't cop cars follow ambulances to pull over inconsiderate drivers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cop-cars-follow-ambulances-to-pull-over-inconsiderate-drivers/1001646)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2024, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cop-cars-follow-ambulances-to-pull-over-inconsiderate-drivers/1001646 "2024-05-23T19:55:06Z")
I see this all the time now, an ambulance with full sirens is blaring and not only are there cars still driving but also a bunch of cars driving full speed right behind the ambulance exploiting it’s siren for themselves. … --- ## [Need help identifying this caterpillar please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-identifying-this-caterpillar-please/1001883)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2024, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-identifying-this-caterpillar-please/1001883 "2024-05-22T21:39:21Z")
It’s eating my Lilac bush. What is it and how do I rid myself of them? The culprit. --- ## [Which presidents and prime ministers survived plane and helicopter crashes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-presidents-and-prime-ministers-survived-plane-and-helicopter-crashes/748669)
**Author:** [@Wizard101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wizard101)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-presidents-and-prime-ministers-survived-plane-and-helicopter-crashes/748669 "2024-05-22T21:10:38Z")
Of the presidents and prime ministers that have been in plane/helicopter crashes, which ones survived? --- ## [Could an individual state in the US implement conscription?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-individual-state-in-the-us-implement-conscription/1001917)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2024, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-individual-state-in-the-us-implement-conscription/1001917 "2024-05-22T20:37:19Z")
Could a state decide to draft residents into it’s National Guard and/or State Guard (if applicable)? --- ## [Help me understand what Trump media's $300M loss actually means](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-what-trump-medias-300m-loss-actually-means/1001841)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2024, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-understand-what-trump-medias-300m-loss-actually-means/1001841 "2024-05-22T16:29:36Z")
Warning: This is a FQ thread not a political thread and the mods have sharp teeth so post snark at your own risk. This article about Trump media contains the following explanation. In Q1, the company recorded $311 mil… --- ## [Domestic roses on wild rootstock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/domestic-roses-on-wild-rootstock/1001874)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2024, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/domestic-roses-on-wild-rootstock/1001874 "2024-05-22T13:00:55Z")
Our house has a very nice row of pink roses that runs along the length of our terrasse. They came with the house and my guess is that they are maybe 30 years old. We first noticed two years ago that one of the roses had… --- ## [Bicycle tires vs automobile tires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicycle-tires-vs-automobile-tires/991860)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicycle-tires-vs-automobile-tires/991860 "2024-05-21T22:15:34Z")
Why do bicycle tires loose air faster than car tires? I can literally go years without needing to put air in my car and truck tires but it seems I need to ‘top off’ the tires in my 3 bicycles every couple of weeks. I ev… --- ## [Medicare recovery on personal injury settlements and supplemental (medigap) insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-recovery-on-personal-injury-settlements-and-supplemental-medigap-insurance/1001465)
**Author:** [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medicare-recovery-on-personal-injury-settlements-and-supplemental-medigap-insurance/1001465 "2024-05-21T13:13:28Z")
I’ve been researching whether Medicare tries to “recover” medical expenses they have already paid for, if the patient receives a personal injury settlement. For example. let’s say you are injured (e.g., in a car acciden… --- ## [Cross-breeding makes new genes? Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cross-breeding-makes-new-genes-really/1001751)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cross-breeding-makes-new-genes-really/1001751 "2024-05-21T03:04:45Z")
Got into a debate on facebook (I know, I know) The person I was debating insists that cross-breeding make new genes. I am equally certain it does not. Can y’all weigh in? Preferably with cites? --- ## [How do people get actual Folding money from CashApp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-actual-folding-money-from-cashapp/1001835)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-actual-folding-money-from-cashapp/1001835 "2024-05-21T01:16:50Z")
I recently setup a CashApp account to pay my Yard Service and other businesses. Many individuals aren’t setup to take a credit card. I’m curious, how do they actually convert that money to Folding money in their wallet? … --- ## [I need some ideas on gathering my samples for a survey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-ideas-on-gathering-my-samples-for-a-survey/1001695)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2024, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-some-ideas-on-gathering-my-samples-for-a-survey/1001695 "2024-05-21T00:26:15Z")
I am going to collect authentic data for my statistics class so the sampling does not have to be a rigorous as if I’m writing a research paper. The question is “What is the biggest barrier to equity in the United States… --- ## [The draft, VA benefits, and a DD214 form for a 1960s-70s national guard member](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-draft-va-benefits-and-a-dd214-form-for-a-1960s-70s-national-guard-member/1000978)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-draft-va-benefits-and-a-dd214-form-for-a-1960s-70s-national-guard-member/1000978 "2024-05-20T22:25:15Z")
My father in law is elderly, and as part of the process of applying for Medicaid benefits for him, we are being asked to see if he is eligible for any VA benefits. (His mentation is somewhat diminished at this point, so … --- ## [British Airways seat changes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-airways-seat-changes/1001737)
**Author:** [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-airways-seat-changes/1001737 "2024-05-20T22:29:43Z")
Last August my wife and I booked flights from Seattle to Nairobi, Kenya and back. The flights are next month. This will entail 4 flights, Seattle to London, London to Nairobi, Nairobi to London and London to Seattle. At … --- ## [Identify my pressure gauge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-my-pressure-gauge/1001816)
**Author:** [@BertNobbins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BertNobbins)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-my-pressure-gauge/1001816 "2024-05-20T19:12:30Z")
A big brass pressure gauge has come into my possession. It is clearly a bourdon-type, the dial says ‘Water level below surface’ and is calibrated in feet, going from 0 with pointer fully clockwise to 180 feet with pointe… --- ## [What Does/Did 'Tiger Beat' (tween girls' magazine that was big in the 70s and 80s) Have To Do With Tigers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-did-tiger-beat-tween-girls-magazine-that-was-big-in-the-70s-and-80s-have-to-do-with-tigers/1001631)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-did-tiger-beat-tween-girls-magazine-that-was-big-in-the-70s-and-80s-have-to-do-with-tigers/1001631 "2024-05-20T18:49:58Z")
Tiger Beat, first in print and now online, was/is a magazine all about things that interest tween girls - fashion, cute boys, lip gloss, etc. What do tigers have to do with tween girls? --- ## [What do I need to do to have a helicopter landing pad on my roof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-need-to-do-to-have-a-helicopter-landing-pad-on-my-roof/1001641)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2024, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-need-to-do-to-have-a-helicopter-landing-pad-on-my-roof/1001641 "2024-05-20T00:30:25Z")
Assume I have a 7-story building, with no other buildings around of an equal or greater height. What sort of equipment or forms do I need to fill out or install to enable a helicopter to land on my roof? Don’t need answe… --- ## [How many people still believe in Sebastianism (the belief that King Sebastian of Portugal, MIA since 1578, will return as a Messiah to save Portugal)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-still-believe-in-sebastianism-the-belief-that-king-sebastian-of-portugal-mia-since-1578-will-return-as-a-messiah-to-save-portugal/1001597)
**Author:** [@TJEckleburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJEckleburg)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-people-still-believe-in-sebastianism-the-belief-that-king-sebastian-of-portugal-mia-since-1578-will-return-as-a-messiah-to-save-portugal/1001597 "2024-05-19T19:39:05Z")
I just learned about this the other day. I love learning about stuff like this that I’ve never heard of before :smile: (it’s a guilty pleasure of mine). My thread title and the first few lines of the Wikipedia article … --- ## [Tax refund check for deceased person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-refund-check-for-deceased-person/1001726)
**Author:** [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-refund-check-for-deceased-person/1001726 "2024-05-19T16:49:59Z")
My mother passed away in April. Two weeks ago Mom’s tax refund check came in the mail. We didn’t even think about her tax refund while dealing with her illness and her passing and everything that came after. Then this… --- ## [Why are pineapple juice cans so much thicker than other canned beverages such as apple juice or soda?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-pineapple-juice-cans-so-much-thicker-than-other-canned-beverages-such-as-apple-juice-or-soda/1001625)
**Author:** [@Skwirl137](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skwirl137)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2024, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-pineapple-juice-cans-so-much-thicker-than-other-canned-beverages-such-as-apple-juice-or-soda/1001625 "2024-05-19T02:04:17Z")
Why are pineapple juice cans so much thicker and robust than other canned beverages? --- ## [US/NATO - conventional arms production](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-nato-conventional-arms-production/1000697)
**Author:** [@joemama24\_98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joemama24_98)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-nato-conventional-arms-production/1000697 "2024-05-18T13:27:40Z")
Anyone have the skinny as to whether the US (or other NATO countries) have significantly ramped up production of conventional arms? I don’t hear much about this in the media. With situations in Europe (Ukraine), the Mi… --- ## [Why couldn't we hear the iphone during a zoom call?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-we-hear-the-iphone-during-a-zoom-call/1001727)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-we-hear-the-iphone-during-a-zoom-call/1001727 "2024-05-18T02:30:35Z")
Three of us babbling about nothing on a zoom call and one guy says we should hear this great video he has on his iphone so he puts it up near his computer microphone and we hear nothing. He says he has it up as loud as … --- ## [A question about heart rate and exercise…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-heart-rate-and-exercise/1001676)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2024, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-heart-rate-and-exercise/1001676 "2024-05-18T01:18:18Z")
As I’ve mentioned before, I’m into a renewed effort to get more physically fit. The CDC recommends that everyone get a minimum of a certain amount of time vigorously exercising per week, with “vigorous” defined as a hear… --- ## [Plumbers- what is this device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-what-is-this-device/1001671)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbers-what-is-this-device/1001671 "2024-05-17T20:01:46Z")
I had to go into the crawl space on a house we just bought. It’s a mess. I noticed this odd plumbing fixture. I’ve never seen one before- is it some type of trap, with a drain plug? It appears to attach to a bathtub dra… --- ## [What's the earliest song with lyrics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-song-with-lyrics/1001450)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-earliest-song-with-lyrics/1001450 "2024-05-17T18:47:51Z")
Seems to me like lyrics are a (relatively) modern part of music. I’m curious what is the oldest known song with lyrics? Do we know if the oral tradition of storytelling often involved music? Was there ever a time in huma… --- ## [Military Aircraft Designations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-aircraft-designations/1001608)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2024, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-aircraft-designations/1001608 "2024-05-17T11:58:37Z")
What makes an Attack aircraft different from a Fighter? --- ## [How were sunspots observed prior to telescopes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-sunspots-observed-prior-to-telescopes/1001402)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2024, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-were-sunspots-observed-prior-to-telescopes/1001402 "2024-05-16T06:59:03Z")
According to the Wikipedia article on sunspots, they were first observed by Chinese astronomers before 800 BC, and by western astronomers around 300 BC. How? how could a sunspot be observed without a telescope? --- ## [Were draft dodgers tried by court-martial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-draft-dodgers-tried-by-court-martial/1001605)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-draft-dodgers-tried-by-court-martial/1001605 "2024-05-15T22:20:03Z")
When the US had conscription were men accused dodging the draft tried by court-martial or in civilian federal courts by jury? --- ## [Is there an honourable/dishonourable way to be killed by the mafia? (Casino Spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-honourable-dishonourable-way-to-be-killed-by-the-mafia-casino-spoilers/1000814)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-honourable-dishonourable-way-to-be-killed-by-the-mafia-casino-spoilers/1000814 "2024-05-15T20:08:35Z")
Still watching older movies, this time Casino. I’ve seen this perhaps 20 times. A staple of gangsters movies are people getting whacked. The classic of course is shot in the back of the head. It did get me wondering. I… --- ## [Poor man's Faraday cage: Would a steel trash can protect against EM damage from coronal mass ejections or EMP attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-mans-faraday-cage-would-a-steel-trash-can-protect-against-em-damage-from-coronal-mass-ejections-or-emp-attack/1001394)
**Author:** [@Caribbean\_cruiser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caribbean_cruiser)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2024, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-mans-faraday-cage-would-a-steel-trash-can-protect-against-em-damage-from-coronal-mass-ejections-or-emp-attack/1001394 "2024-05-15T11:31:59Z")
Every time the sun burps another ginormous coronal mass ejection, the media issue warnings that the resulting EM surge could interfere with electronics on Earth and possibly damage very sensitive electronic devices. The … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=87) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=89)