# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=946 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 947 --- ## [What do you call gasps while crying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-gasps-while-crying/746963)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-call-gasps-while-crying/746963 "2016-02-26T12:51:04Z")
Hi I was wondering what it is called when people have a kind of gasp while crying… I had that for some of the “Risen” movie and also had tears streaming down my face. --- ## [British referendum question on keeping EU membership](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-referendum-question-on-keeping-eu-membership/746953)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-referendum-question-on-keeping-eu-membership/746953 "2016-02-26T09:06:14Z")
Hi, From a constitutional perspective, can someone please explain why the Irish are allowed to vote in a British referendum? Does this apply to all Irish, North(UK) and South(Republic). Can the British also vote in Iris… --- ## [In binary star systems, how far apart are the stars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-binary-star-systems-how-far-apart-are-the-stars/746925)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-binary-star-systems-how-far-apart-are-the-stars/746925 "2016-02-26T09:00:29Z")
Reminiscing about Star Wars the other day, I wondered about Luke’s planet having two suns. Maybe it’s just because in my neighborhood, the nearest star is 4ly distant, but I tend to think of the proper spacing for stars… --- ## [Does President Obama use reading glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-president-obama-use-reading-glasses/747120)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 7:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-president-obama-use-reading-glasses/747120 "2016-02-26T07:13:12Z")
Given the fact that he is 54 years old and that he spends many hours of his day reading, one would expect that he uses spectacles. The only type of glasses I have ever seen him wearing are sunglasses. --- ## [Win 10 Printer Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/win-10-printer-problem/746988)
**Author:** [@sperrier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sperrier)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/win-10-printer-problem/746988 "2016-02-26T06:54:21Z")
Kindly Doper greater-gurus-than me: I am at a dead-end. I “upgraded” Windows 7 (everything worked before. What was I thinking?) to Windows 10 and now my printer won’t work. :smack: Whenever I try to print, nothing happ… --- ## [The incremental fuel cost of one airline passenger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incremental-fuel-cost-of-one-airline-passenger/747118)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-incremental-fuel-cost-of-one-airline-passenger/747118 "2016-02-26T03:38:59Z")
Imagine I have two identical 747s flying from Detroit to Tokyo. One has 400 passengers + luggage, the other has 401 passengers + luggage. How much more fuel does the second plane, with its additional passenger/luggage,… --- ## [Questions about the historical use of prostitution services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-historical-use-of-prostitution-services/738074)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-historical-use-of-prostitution-services/738074 "2016-02-26T03:34:26Z")
How has the use of prostitution services evolved historically in North America and Europe? Compare to the past, what percentage of the male population has used the services of a prostitute? What about the frequency of u… --- ## [Are there any other democracies that don't require voter ID?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-other-democracies-that-dont-require-voter-id/746430)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-other-democracies-that-dont-require-voter-id/746430 "2016-02-26T00:55:54Z")
With the voter ID debate in America, I’m curious whether any other democracies allow voters to vote without ID. Whether voter ID is easy to obtain in America or not is beside the point - I’m just asking whether any othe… --- ## [What would I have needed to do to be a fighter pilot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-i-have-needed-to-do-to-be-a-fighter-pilot/746498)
**Author:** [@desertmonk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desertmonk)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-i-have-needed-to-do-to-be-a-fighter-pilot/746498 "2016-02-26T00:33:07Z")
I was a little boy when Top Gun came out and thought it was impossibly cool. However, I never seriously considered trying to be a fighter pilot because I was wearing eyeglasses by the second grade and heard I would need … --- ## [Thumbs up if you need a wank right now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thumbs-up-if-you-need-a-wank-right-now/747141)
**Author:** [@Stupidtoy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stupidtoy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thumbs-up-if-you-need-a-wank-right-now/747141 "2016-02-26T00:23:23Z")
Hi I am going to be joining this board to talk to you all because I need some friends online, well i have lots of friends in real life but on the internet im kinda lacking. if anyone wants to get a little personal then y… --- ## [Do humans possess recovery that "is absurdly high compared to almost any other animal?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-possess-recovery-that-is-absurdly-high-compared-to-almost-any-other-animal/746842)
**Author:** [@SpAceGoogles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpAceGoogles)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2016, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-humans-possess-recovery-that-is-absurdly-high-compared-to-almost-any-other-animal/746842 "2016-02-26T00:14:19Z")
So I saw this post which claimed that: \*- “Our endurance, shock resistance, and ability to recover from injury is absurdly high compared to almost any other animal.” “Where a simple broken leg will cause most specie… --- ## [quicksilver in my eyes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quicksilver-in-my-eyes/747152)
**Author:** [@Irren](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irren)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quicksilver-in-my-eyes/747152 "2016-02-25T23:44:56Z")
Although CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs are seemingly a fading technology, stores still carry them & people still buy them, so I still wonder about the mercury in them. Briefly, how much is in one and can get into… --- ## [Why do aircraft radial engines always use an odd number of cylinders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-aircraft-radial-engines-always-use-an-odd-number-of-cylinders/747050)
**Author:** [@SHARKBITEATTACK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SHARKBITEATTACK)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-aircraft-radial-engines-always-use-an-odd-number-of-cylinders/747050 "2016-02-25T21:27:59Z")
Individual rows are always an odd number of cylinders. Why is this? --- ## [Can two horizontal pieces of ½" square tubing support twice the weight of just one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-horizontal-pieces-of-square-tubing-support-twice-the-weight-of-just-one/746974)
**Author:** [@MorrisCody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MorrisCody)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-two-horizontal-pieces-of-square-tubing-support-twice-the-weight-of-just-one/746974 "2016-02-25T21:09:44Z")
I am building a metal frame for shelves to hold wine bottles. I plan on using ½" tubing to support the wooden shelves but am concerned that it won’t be strong enough support the weight of the bottles. Would putting to ½"… --- ## [Is chainmail bulletproof?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-chainmail-bulletproof/343621)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-chainmail-bulletproof/343621 "2016-02-25T19:59:19Z")
Or, to be more exact, how much protection would a fellow in full Arthurian armor have vs. firearms? --- ## [He Said / She Said (Legal Question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-said-she-said-legal-question/746915)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/he-said-she-said-legal-question/746915 "2016-02-25T19:45:45Z")
Hi SD, What generally happens when there’s a “He Said, She Said” type of case? I’m referring to cases where each person swears to a different version of events. Obviously, one person is lying, but assume the evidence … --- ## [Did People Know the World Was Round at the Time of Columbus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-people-know-the-world-was-round-at-the-time-of-columbus/746585)
**Author:** [@jbaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jbaker)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-people-know-the-world-was-round-at-the-time-of-columbus/746585 "2016-02-25T18:43:48Z")
I know that it seems like simple clickbait, asking a question that is ridiculously easy to answer, but bear with me. Conventional wisdom today is that, in Columbus’s time, it was widely known that the world is spherical… --- ## [How to clean up a chemical accident?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-up-a-chemical-accident/747059)
**Author:** [@Artemis\_Tardis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artemis_Tardis)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-clean-up-a-chemical-accident/747059 "2016-02-25T13:30:18Z")
I was baking some cookies today that used Sal ammoniac. It is not so easy to find now, but the ingredient is key on making amazingly crispy baked goods. It does make your kitchen smell like horse pee, though. (a “funny” … --- ## [Natural antivenom and antipoison production = very few fatalities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-antivenom-and-antipoison-production-very-few-fatalities/747058)
**Author:** [@caters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caters)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-antivenom-and-antipoison-production-very-few-fatalities/747058 "2016-02-25T13:28:00Z")
If the antivenom production takes 5 minutes and venom is used to heal the body whereas antipoison is used to inactivate the poison making it safe to be excreted and takes 7 minutes to form and there is a small chance of … --- ## [Was this OK GO video really shot in a vomit comit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-ok-go-video-really-shot-in-a-vomit-comit/745899)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 211\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-ok-go-video-really-shot-in-a-vomit-comit/745899 "2016-02-25T10:16:15Z")
Video here: Here is their claimed behind the scenes explanation: http://okgo.net/2016/02/11/upside-down-inside-out-faq/ THey’re not claiming its one continuous shot, but rather they paused and used morp… --- ## [Why don't more high priced homes have elevators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-high-priced-homes-have-elevators/746910)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-more-high-priced-homes-have-elevators/746910 "2016-02-25T05:48:03Z")
Around here most people when they get older and can no longer handle climbing up stairs, usually move to a single story home. But being that a home elevator costs about $20,000 (less than the price of a new kitchen, abo… --- ## [Is the emergency alert system ever used for anything besides storms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-emergency-alert-system-ever-used-for-anything-besides-storms/747064)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-emergency-alert-system-ever-used-for-anything-besides-storms/747064 "2016-02-25T05:18:21Z")
Whenever I hear it, it is almost always for one of three things: A test Thunderstorm Flood IIRC, they also use the EAS to announce blizzard warnings. Is it ever used for non-weather emergencies? --- ## [SCOTUS 8 justice question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-8-justice-question/746892)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-8-justice-question/746892 "2016-02-25T02:51:10Z")
Since Scalia died, I’ve read in many places that if the court deadlocks 4-4, it leaves the lower court decision in place but does not set a precedent. The case may eventually be brought again to a full court for a rulin… --- ## [Under the Sea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-the-sea/746793)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2016, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-the-sea/746793 "2016-02-25T02:19:34Z")
Okay all you engineering types and actual engineers and mathematicians and anyone else really. Would it be possible to make a tunnel deep underneath the sea floor extending from the East Coast of the United States to sa… --- ## [Property ownership, rentals, corporations and the IRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-ownership-rentals-corporations-and-the-irs/747016)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/property-ownership-rentals-corporations-and-the-irs/747016 "2016-02-24T23:32:58Z")
Sooooo many questions. Some may be GD material. I own a home and am planning to move in 18 months. That means I will be able to sell my house and take the equity tax-free. I figure that would be $30,000. Now I’m look… --- ## [Law question (Perry Mason)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-question-perry-mason/743208)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-question-perry-mason/743208 "2016-02-24T20:40:02Z")
I’ve been watching the old 50s series of Perry Mason starring Raymond Burr. I noticed that Mason and the prosecutor often object thus: Objection, Your Honor! Incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial! I’ve never heard the… --- ## [Attaching PVC trim to metal studs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attaching-pvc-trim-to-metal-studs/746990)
**Author:** [@KCB615](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KCB615)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attaching-pvc-trim-to-metal-studs/746990 "2016-02-24T18:33:52Z")
Every once in a while (used to be monthly, now its every few years), I have a water problem in my basement. Usually its a sump pump failure or something along those lines. I’m pretty confident I have fixed the water prob… --- ## [Biology teacher says don't open microwave till beeps stop because microwaves still bouncing around](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biology-teacher-says-dont-open-microwave-till-beeps-stop-because-microwaves-still-bouncing-around/745943)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biology-teacher-says-dont-open-microwave-till-beeps-stop-because-microwaves-still-bouncing-around/745943 "2016-02-24T18:31:17Z")
This was just told to me by a college aged co-worker as I reached into the microwave to get my oatmeal after it powered down but was still beeping the 4 or so “it’s done” beeps. I told him that was insane and his HS bio… --- ## [OK, another scam, probably: Free security system upgrade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-another-scam-probably-free-security-system-upgrade/746864)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-another-scam-probably-free-security-system-upgrade/746864 "2016-02-24T18:19:10Z")
I got a call at home from a woman claiming to work for GE. She said GE made my security system, and wanted to confirm that I’ve had it at least 3 years. I said how in the world would GE even know that I had a security sy… --- ## [Why do bipedal robots have crouching gait?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-bipedal-robots-have-crouching-gait/746965)
**Author:** [@ticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ticker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2016, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-bipedal-robots-have-crouching-gait/746965 "2016-02-24T15:06:02Z")
Bipedal robots such as Atlas in this youtube clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVlhMGQgDkY always seem to adopt a somewhat comical crouching gait where they never straighten their knees. Compare this to the human at 5… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=945) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=947)