# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=912 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 913 --- ## [Why do vegetable oils go rancid quickly, but not animal fats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-vegetable-oils-go-rancid-quickly-but-not-animal-fats/751016)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2016, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-vegetable-oils-go-rancid-quickly-but-not-animal-fats/751016 "2016-05-03T03:28:59Z")
Let’s assume that someone in my household has left two pans out for a couple of weeks: one with some butter residue; the other with vegetable oil residue. The butter residue appears to have not degraded in any way. It … --- ## [What would happen if cosmonauts landed in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-cosmonauts-landed-in-the-usa/753386)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-cosmonauts-landed-in-the-usa/753386 "2016-05-03T02:47:02Z")
Let’s say that during the cold war the USSR messed up quite a few calculations and sent cosmonauts back home landing them in US soil. What would happen to them? Would they be killed on the spot? Would they be arrested? … --- ## [What is a Zinc bar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-zinc-bar/28594)
**Author:** [@Outrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Outrider)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2016, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-zinc-bar/28594 "2016-05-03T01:55:33Z")
I just ran across the concept of a “Zinc bar” in Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. The context is post-WWI Paris. Anyone know what Zinc has to do with bars? “Some Zinc with your wine, monsieur?” “No thanks. I only take… --- ## [commercial aircraft reverse thrust questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-aircraft-reverse-thrust-questions/753427)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercial-aircraft-reverse-thrust-questions/753427 "2016-05-02T23:36:52Z")
The thrust reverser mechanisms on commercial aircraft engines don’t appear provide much of a forward velocity component to the exhaust plume; depending on what aircraft you’re looking at, the exhaust angle appears to be … --- ## [How can you describe the "Bubblegum" flavor without saying "bubblegum"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-describe-the-bubblegum-flavor-without-saying-bubblegum/324723)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-you-describe-the-bubblegum-flavor-without-saying-bubblegum/324723 "2016-05-02T19:47:19Z")
The title says it all. Everyone knows what the “bubblegum” flavor is. It’s the way bubblegum tastes. But what the hell IS it? And don’t say “pink.” --- ## [Bleach, outdoor bleach, germicidal bleach whats the difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bleach-outdoor-bleach-germicidal-bleach-whats-the-difference/753358)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bleach-outdoor-bleach-germicidal-bleach-whats-the-difference/753358 "2016-05-02T19:18:08Z")
It’s quite confusing these days, Home Depot sells Clorox outdoor bleach and Clorox germicidal bleach. They don’t sell regular bleach. I was at HD for other items and read the germicidal bleach label carefully. It neve… --- ## [What to do with mail delivered to right address but wrong recipient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-mail-delivered-to-right-address-but-wrong-recipient/568115)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-mail-delivered-to-right-address-but-wrong-recipient/568115 "2016-05-02T17:56:33Z")
Related question to “What should I do with misdelivered mail?” While that thread was about mail delivered to the wrong address my issue is with mail delivered to the right address but the wrong recipient. I’ve lived in… --- ## [Does energy cause gravity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-energy-cause-gravity/637893)
**Author:** [@Qwertol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertol)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-energy-cause-gravity/637893 "2016-05-02T16:40:43Z")
For example if I convert some mass into energy (using nuclear fusion or fission or whatever…) will gravity caused by that mass disappear? Or will it stay the same? --- ## [Shelf life of opened wood filler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shelf-life-of-opened-wood-filler/753625)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shelf-life-of-opened-wood-filler/753625 "2016-05-02T15:12:57Z")
I have a tub of wood filler that I bought for a project and only used about 1/4 of it. How long will it last before it dries out? --- ## [Shockwave Flash not responding.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shockwave-flash-not-responding/752685)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shockwave-flash-not-responding/752685 "2016-05-02T14:35:38Z")
Tegularly, my Mozilla stalls and I often get the message that Shockwave Flash is not responding. I always click the stop plugin button and eventually things start working again–for a while. Repeat. Does any Doper know… --- ## [How to patch a hole in my orthotics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-patch-a-hole-in-my-orthotics/753635)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-patch-a-hole-in-my-orthotics/753635 "2016-05-02T13:03:04Z")
I wear custom-made orthotics to help with my plantar fasciitis and other general foot pains. They work pretty well. I got this pair in December and I noticed a few days ago that I’d worn a hole through one (and almost t… --- ## [Diesel Fuel Plate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diesel-fuel-plate/753663)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diesel-fuel-plate/753663 "2016-05-02T11:42:29Z")
In the Cummins inline 6 cyl diesel found in Ram Pickups, there is a mechanical fuel regulator called a Fuel Plate: My question is, how does it work? Is there some kind of follower that rides the profile of the plate’… --- ## [Sub surface Minas de Riotino, Spain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sub-surface-minas-de-riotino-spain/753538)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sub-surface-minas-de-riotino-spain/753538 "2016-05-02T11:09:52Z")
NASA has an experiment involving drilling by remote control in Minas de Riotino. What qualifies Minas de Riotino? --- ## [0 nicotine e-cigs and non-smokers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/0-nicotine-e-cigs-and-non-smokers/744366)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/0-nicotine-e-cigs-and-non-smokers/744366 "2016-05-02T02:55:50Z")
I’ve got a friend who has been trying to lose weight for a long time. She’s not trying to lose vanity pounds-- she probably weights about 250 and is only about 5’3, and is developing signs of type II diabetes. She has pr… --- ## [What is Socratic.org up to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-socratic-org-up-to/753597)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-socratic-org-up-to/753597 "2016-05-02T02:21:07Z")
Socratic.org is a homework help page and, because I’m a sucker for that kind of thing, I contributed 20 answers in one sitting. Then I started to notice that a huge number of the questions could be easily answered via a … --- ## [Melting aluminum on a blacksmith forge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melting-aluminum-on-a-blacksmith-forge/753540)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/melting-aluminum-on-a-blacksmith-forge/753540 "2016-05-02T02:03:18Z")
I do blacksmithing with my friends. We want to try casting aluminum. I have some questions about this. Is a coal-burning forge too hot? I know aluminum can burn. What would we use for a crucible? Would soda cans be … --- ## [F\*\*\* It, I finally lost my downloads window in iTunes. Any solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-it-i-finally-lost-my-downloads-window-in-itunes-any-solution/753655)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/f-it-i-finally-lost-my-downloads-window-in-itunes-any-solution/753655 "2016-05-02T01:43:02Z")
Ever since the last major update of iTunes, I have managed to keep my downloads window by never closing it. Finally, I screwed up or something and it’s gone and there is no menu command or keystroke so far as I know to r… --- ## [Out of shape - Best pain relievers for muscle pain after exercise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581 "2016-05-02T01:25:44Z")
Out of shape - Best pain relievers for muscle pain after exercise? Specifically my ass and legs are in pain. --- ## [Sweating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweating/753658)
**Author:** [@mewmd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mewmd)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sweating/753658 "2016-05-02T01:23:48Z")
Hi Cecil, Most of us have learned, when returning from the beach in a bathing suit, that sitting in a car with dark upholstery will leave a lasting impression. Darker colors absorb more heat from sunlight than lighter c… --- ## [How could a highly advanced civilization generate energy from inside an event horizon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-highly-advanced-civilization-generate-energy-from-inside-an-event-horizon/753539)
**Author:** [@TeknoRapture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeknoRapture)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2016, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-a-highly-advanced-civilization-generate-energy-from-inside-an-event-horizon/753539 "2016-05-02T01:15:49Z")
I don’t know if this should be here or great debates, I need some factual (according to our current understanding of physics) ways for a sufficiently advanced civilization (say Type II or III, maybe even Type I) to gener… --- ## [why not Fourier Transform UV-Vis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-fourier-transform-uv-vis/568126)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-fourier-transform-uv-vis/568126 "2016-05-01T18:44:17Z")
I could’ve sworn I asked this question years ago, but I can’t find it in the search function. I know I’ve asked it a couple of times in my life, but seem to forget the reason. Why are there no Fourier Transform UV-Vis … --- ## [Calculate leakage in 1" PVC with known pressure.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculate-leakage-in-1-pvc-with-known-pressure/753600)
**Author:** [@nodsirrah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nodsirrah)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calculate-leakage-in-1-pvc-with-known-pressure/753600 "2016-05-01T16:44:18Z")
How do I calculate water volume leakage in a buried 1" schedule 20 PVC (140 feet). I can isolate the line and use a pressure gauge to see how much the pressure differential loss I have over a 24 hour period of time. I … --- ## [If the Universe is infinite does anything we imagine exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-universe-is-infinite-does-anything-we-imagine-exist/1964)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-universe-is-infinite-does-anything-we-imagine-exist/1964 "2016-05-01T07:28:36Z")
Here is one to wrap your minds around. If the universe is infinite and life exists on this planet it stands to reason that there is a chance that it exists elsewhere. Taking that chance what ever it happens to be (let’s… --- ## [What would it be like to orbit the moon at an altitude of one inch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-be-like-to-orbit-the-moon-at-an-altitude-of-one-inch/753550)
**Author:** [@Arrendajo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrendajo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2016, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-be-like-to-orbit-the-moon-at-an-altitude-of-one-inch/753550 "2016-05-01T06:32:48Z")
I’ve long been fascinated by the idea that on an airless world, you could send a spacecraft into orbit at an altitude that would just barely miss the highest point beneath your orbit. Say you were orbiting our moon at a… --- ## [What are the benefits of paying off your house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-benefits-of-paying-off-your-house/753211)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-benefits-of-paying-off-your-house/753211 "2016-04-30T21:23:36Z")
Is the benefit of paying off your house worth losing the income tax deduction? What are the overall benefits of paying off your house? Thanks. --- ## [Spicy food + cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spicy-food-cats/393404)
**Author:** [@OpalCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OpalCat)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spicy-food-cats/393404 "2016-04-30T21:10:44Z")
I just ate some Thai curry on my couch and then set the plate on the coffee table for a few minutes before taking it in to the kitchen. It isn’t hot hot hot, but it had a decent kick to it. When I went to put the plate … --- ## [Relation between arrested people and police.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relation-between-arrested-people-and-police/753450)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/relation-between-arrested-people-and-police/753450 "2016-04-30T20:15:55Z")
Hi SD, I am wondering, for any recently arrested person, what his or her relationship is with the police, especially when dealing with bodily functions like eating and going to the bathroom. In my hypothetical situatio… --- ## [Please explain to me this Christian bumper-sticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-to-me-this-christian-bumper-sticker/504978)
**Author:** [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-to-me-this-christian-bumper-sticker/504978 "2016-04-30T17:56:00Z")
A small picture of jeebus on a cross, and the text: “If You Can Learn it, Why Did He Die?” I’m drawing a blank. Thanks! --- ## [Tiny brown bugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-brown-bugs/753495)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Panic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Panic)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tiny-brown-bugs/753495 "2016-04-30T16:58:19Z")
In my windowsill. That’s the only place they live. They look exactly like tiny little seeds. That’s what I thought they were at first, but then they started crawling around when I disturbed them. They mostly don’t seem t… --- ## [Pinching the thigh above the knee cap.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pinching-the-thigh-above-the-knee-cap/752339)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pinching-the-thigh-above-the-knee-cap/752339 "2016-04-30T16:25:33Z")
When I grew up, siblings would pinch the thigh muscle above the knee caps to elicit a sensation. And other people (outside the family) would have the same response. Are you familiar with this? Well, here in México, I … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=911) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=913)