# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=913 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 914 --- ## [Furnace question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-question/753497)
**Author:** [@Trevor89](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trevor89)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/furnace-question/753497 "2016-04-30T16:25:19Z")
Hello all, I have been having an ongoing issue with my furnace. It is a regular 80% efficiency that is more than 15 years old now, around there anyway. What’s been happening is every once in a while, the thermostat call… --- ## [Can you explain all the fuzz about voter registration in the US to a European?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-all-the-fuzz-about-voter-registration-in-the-us-to-a-european/752989)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-explain-all-the-fuzz-about-voter-registration-in-the-us-to-a-european/752989 "2016-04-30T13:28:01Z")
Some European countries operate a system of a permanent mandatory register of all citizens, which is also used for administering elections. I understand America does not have such a system in place, meaning there’s a nee… --- ## [Apollo 13 question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-13-question/753410)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apollo-13-question/753410 "2016-04-30T12:25:34Z")
Why did the other missions not undergo the same disaster that 13 had if all the components were built by the same manufacturer under the same specs? --- ## [Canada goose nests in urban areas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-goose-nests-in-urban-areas/753130)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-goose-nests-in-urban-areas/753130 "2016-04-30T11:19:15Z")
They seems to lay their eggs just about anywhere. I saw a nest right outside a busy restaurant the other day. I’ve seen one right outside a big department store at a mall. Is there any reason they seem to not mind n… --- ## [Frequent cell phone "calls" that register but don't ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequent-cell-phone-calls-that-register-but-dont-ring/753286)
**Author:** [@pudytat72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pudytat72)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequent-cell-phone-calls-that-register-but-dont-ring/753286 "2016-04-30T10:50:47Z")
I have been getting calls on my cell phone that show up as missed calls, but the phone doesn’t ring. Or rings once, then stops. Or no one there when I pick up the call and say hello. And they don’t leave messages. For … --- ## [Very specific question about Firefox 45.0.1, Win10, Slate and Livefyre.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-specific-question-about-firefox-45-0-1-win10-slate-and-livefyre/751928)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-specific-question-about-firefox-45-0-1-win10-slate-and-livefyre/751928 "2016-04-30T07:25:39Z")
I cannot get Firefox 45.0.1, Win10, Slate and Livefyre to work together. I can get Microsoft edge, Win10, Slate and Livefyre to functionally fair to marginal. With Firefox, usually nothing happens. Nothing. Click on com… --- ## [Can I use Skype to view the other person's desktop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-skype-to-view-the-other-persons-desktop/753349)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-skype-to-view-the-other-persons-desktop/753349 "2016-04-30T06:23:14Z")
MIL is a lover of her MacBook Pro but needs help sometimes. Doing it blind by phone is brutal of course. Is there a mode of Skype call that allows me to see her desktop instead of her wonderful face? Alternately, is th… --- ## [Recovery/healing time for dental implants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recovery-healing-time-for-dental-implants/753393)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recovery-healing-time-for-dental-implants/753393 "2016-04-30T03:08:50Z")
A friend of mine had one tooth pulled and is having an implant put in. The tooth was pulled and she was able to have the implant screw put in the same day; however, she is saying that it will be 4 to 6 months recovery be… --- ## [Hilux pronunciation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilux-pronunciation/753423)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilux-pronunciation/753423 "2016-04-30T02:38:32Z")
I asked this about the Toyota truck in another thread, but didn’t see an answer. What is the proper pronunciation of Hilux? My dad had one, way before they became the Tacoma. We pronounced it ‘high-lux’, as in ‘high l… --- ## [Eagles, raptors attacks on humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagles-raptors-attacks-on-humans/752734)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eagles-raptors-attacks-on-humans/752734 "2016-04-30T01:10:22Z")
What type of birds of prey could conceivably prey on an adult human? I’m sure that a big eagle could take a person by surprise in a swooping attack, and likely pierce a skull with its talons. What about hawks and owls? W… --- ## [Which Muslim Countries Require Women to Wear A "Headscarf" and Ones That Don't? Need Definitive List](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-muslim-countries-require-women-to-wear-a-headscarf-and-ones-that-dont-need-definitive-list/753470)
**Author:** [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2016, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-muslim-countries-require-women-to-wear-a-headscarf-and-ones-that-dont-need-definitive-list/753470 "2016-04-30T00:39:27Z")
I am interested in knowing which Muslim countries require women to cover up by law and which ones do not do so. The Wikipedia page on Hijab goes into some details for certain countries, while for others it’s sources are … --- ## [Servants and self-grooming (specifically Victorian-Edwardian)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/servants-and-self-grooming-specifically-victorian-edwardian/753374)
**Author:** [@Lasciel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lasciel)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/servants-and-self-grooming-specifically-victorian-edwardian/753374 "2016-04-29T23:51:14Z")
The thread on people having servants (and my finally starting to watch Downton Abbey) got me thinking last night: in situations where persons had a personal “body-servant” like a ladies’ maid or a valet, what sorts of gr… --- ## [Why do you get flushed and sweaty just before you barf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-get-flushed-and-sweaty-just-before-you-barf/753447)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-get-flushed-and-sweaty-just-before-you-barf/753447 "2016-04-29T22:33:55Z")
I just had this happen and was wondering. --- ## [power of attorney](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-of-attorney/753428)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-of-attorney/753428 "2016-04-29T21:58:58Z")
I am 65 years old and live in an apartment. I get disability and a small pension. I own a car and my furniture. I have very little savings. I have an appointment to see a lawyer about the power of attorney and a will. … --- ## [Do idiots travel to Austria expecting Australia, and vice-versa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-idiots-travel-to-austria-expecting-australia-and-vice-versa/607795)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-idiots-travel-to-austria-expecting-australia-and-vice-versa/607795 "2016-04-29T21:45:17Z")
Inspired by this post by panache45, which blew my mind - obviously idiots can easily confuse Austria and Australia in general usage, but to actually travel to one expecting the other is absolutely hilarious - morons wond… --- ## [What if Mars orbited Venus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-mars-orbited-venus/753445)
**Author:** [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-mars-orbited-venus/753445 "2016-04-29T20:34:13Z")
Let’s say, for some strange reason that absolutely effects nothing else in the solar system, something happens (wandering planet, whatever, not important) and Mars is thrown inward and captured by Venus. Would they tida… --- ## [Are headhunters as common as they once were and ....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-headhunters-as-common-as-they-once-were-and/753347)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-headhunters-as-common-as-they-once-were-and/753347 "2016-04-29T20:11:50Z")
… are they or were they as common in Engineering fields as in accounting? In the 80’s when I was a young CPA I was contacted by them frequently. IIRC I met with one or two and went on a couple of interviews but I don’t… --- ## ["Search programs and files" doesn't work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-programs-and-files-doesnt-work/753162)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-programs-and-files-doesnt-work/753162 "2016-04-29T18:49:06Z")
What do I do about this? I keep legal files on my computer; the lawyer asks me to pull up a specific file and I wind up having to scroll down through the entire list because the Search feature doesn’t function. Is there … --- ## [Indian customs question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-customs-question/753362)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-customs-question/753362 "2016-04-29T18:17:59Z")
Growing up in an area with a large Asian Indian population I thought I had heard of a lot customs and traditions. This is a new one for me. Not surprising given the size and diversity of cultures there. A friend of mine… --- ## [What differentiates a living cell from an irreversibly dead cell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-differentiates-a-living-cell-from-an-irreversibly-dead-cell/753277)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-differentiates-a-living-cell-from-an-irreversibly-dead-cell/753277 "2016-04-29T17:04:01Z")
Cut off the (oxygenated) blood flow long enough, and living cells will die. What does this mean? What happens in an oxygen-deprived cell such that restoring the supply of oxygenated blood will not cause the usual metab… --- ## [Phone \<=\> Car Bluetooth connection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-car-bluetooth-connection/753433)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-car-bluetooth-connection/753433 "2016-04-29T16:44:27Z")
My 2005 Toyota Prius has Bluetooth for connecting my phone to the audio system. When I receive a call I press a button on the steering wheel and it cuts out the radio and I can have a conversation. At least, that’s how… --- ## [Question about HIPAA.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hipaa/753325)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hipaa/753325 "2016-04-29T14:00:51Z")
So, my mom is at a nursing facility. There is an organization affiliated with Medicare called Maximus, which you must go to for an appeals process. We asked that some supplemental reports be sent to the organization. The… --- ## [HIPAA for dead people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-for-dead-people/753327)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hipaa-for-dead-people/753327 "2016-04-29T13:25:14Z")
With the death of Prince, I’m confused about HIPAA regulations for dead people. I originally thought HIPAA only applied to living people, so that there isn’t problem with the leaks from the hospital that he was treated … --- ## [How practical is it for a college student age American to get temporary work in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-practical-is-it-for-a-college-student-age-american-to-get-temporary-work-in-the-uk/753332)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-practical-is-it-for-a-college-student-age-american-to-get-temporary-work-in-the-uk/753332 "2016-04-29T10:44:35Z")
Would they need a special work visa, and if so how difficult are they to obtain? --- ## [Why making military tech so hard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-making-military-tech-so-hard/752984)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 8:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-making-military-tech-so-hard/752984 "2016-04-29T08:47:35Z")
So the recent announcement about North Korean missile launch got me thinking. Why are such things considered such a milestone? We are talking about something the cold war superpowers were able to do 50 years ago. If NK … --- ## [Windows Gurus-- sorting question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-gurus-sorting-question/753278)
**Author:** [@amaguri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amaguri)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-gurus-sorting-question/753278 "2016-04-29T05:52:28Z")
Total shot in the dark here… Back in the day, when you’re in File Explorer and you click one of the column headers (e.g. Date Modified), it would sort the files in ascending or descending order and take you to the top o… --- ## [Titan: sunlight breaks down methane to form ethane. Huh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titan-sunlight-breaks-down-methane-to-form-ethane-huh/753265)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/titan-sunlight-breaks-down-methane-to-form-ethane-huh/753265 "2016-04-29T03:36:02Z")
Lovely little article at JPL about Titan’s seas Punga, Ligeia and Kraken reveals that they are pure methane, down to the sludge of complex HCs and other stuff that darkens their floors. Liquid farts. But in the article… --- ## [Sex and digestion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-and-digestion/753293)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-and-digestion/753293 "2016-04-29T03:04:23Z")
What affect does intercourse have on the digestive system of humans? I’ve heard that that the stomach blushes. So do people who are deeply in love having sex cause any changes in digestion? What about sex after a large m… --- ## [What do pharmacists really do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-pharmacists-really-do/753245)
**Author:** [@cjackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjackson)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-pharmacists-really-do/753245 "2016-04-29T02:50:58Z")
Perhaps I just don’t understand this, but it seems to me that pharmacists just get paid well to be over-educated pill counters. I don’t have anything against them, and don’t want this to comes across as hateful. However,… --- ## [Household Servants in England](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-servants-in-england/752909)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-servants-in-england/752909 "2016-04-29T00:08:55Z")
I read somewhere “everybody had servants except the servants.” I assume that was not true but maybe servants were a lot more common in the past. (pre WW 2?) Did anyone outside the upper class have servants? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=912) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=914)