Compilation Of FEQS-24

Why do scuba divers spit into their masks?

Many divers believe a little saliva on the ol' scuba mask keeps your vision fog-free. How well does it work? Like a lot of life's mysteries, it depends on who you ask.

The experts at ScubaGuide.com believe it does. "Saliva works very well as a mask defogger, for reasons that have never been adequately explained." "You can purchase a product at the scuba shop to prevent mask fogging. But this 'industrial spit' will work no better than your own." Interesting, though maybe not entirely accurate. ScubaDiving.com tested the various products and concluded that most (but not all) worked better than spit.

But a ranked assessment of artificial saliva is probably more information than the average person needs. The real question is why does spit work at all? FreeDiver.net explains, "Spit keeps the air on the inside of the mask from condensing on the glass." Masks fog up because the inside is often dirty or dusty. Spit cleans off the dirt, making it much harder for condensation and fog to form. It may not be sanitary, but for most divers it works just fine.
source: ask.yahoo.com

Has a major league baseball manager or player ever won an argument with an umpire?

Examples of managers successfully browbeating umpires into changing calls, though rare, do exist.

In one 1924 Giants vs. Cubs game, with runners on first and second and a full count on the Cubs batter, Umpire Bill Klem called ball four on a check swing, forcing the man on second over to third. The catcher, however, thought the batter had swung and threw the ball to the third baseman, who tagged the incoming runner. The Giants, led by irascible manager John McGraw, argued the batter had actually swung, striking out -- transforming the runner tagged at third into an out as well. After consulting another umpire, Klem reversed his decision, changing the pitch to a strike and calling both batter and runner out. The Cubs lodged an official protest, pointing out the runner had been tagged at third only because of Klem's original call. The National League President ruled the game a "no contest."

Another example of umpire reversal occurred in last year's Angels - White Sox playoffs, when umpire Randy Marsh mistakenly called runner A.J. Pierzynski out after pitcher Kelvim Escobar tagged him with his bare hand while holding the ball in his glove. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen argued the call, and the umpires ruled Pierzynski safe.

About 99.9% of the time, managers who argue an ump's call may as well be talking to a wall. And that's when things can get interesting.

source: ask.yahoo.com

Do mosquitoes play a single positive role in the world?

More annoying than younger siblings, mosquitoes have been pestering the animal kingdom for over 30 million years according to HowStuffWorks. During that time, you'd think the bloodsuckers would have figured out how to do at least one good thing in this crazy world of ours. Not surprisingly, it turns out they do play a role in the circle of life.

Mosquitoes feast on the blood of mammals, and they, in turn, are feasted upon by other animals. The University of Arizona Insect Science Education Outreach presents a short summary of the positive effects mosquitoes have on the ecosystem. Turns out the larvae and pupae of mosquitoes are attractive food for fish and other aquatic insects, while the adults provide a tasty meal for birds, bats, spiders, and dragonflies.

Besides providing snack food for larger predators, the pesky bugs also feed on bacteria and algae, removing them from rocks, plants, and water.

So do these benefits outweigh the fact that they transmit disease to more than 700 million people every year? We hate to question Mother Nature, but no matter how hard we try, we just can't bring ourselves to appreciate the critters.

source: ask.yahoo.com

Are some animals gay?

The sexual orientation of animals is one topic we know little about. Dogs, for instance, have been known to take great interest in our legs, but whether that means ol' Fido is gay, straight, or simply has a leg fetish, we can't say. However, studies on the overall topic do exist. A simple search on "are some animals gay?" resulted in a slew of articles.

One of the more interesting pieces comes from National Geographic. Written by James Owen, the article mentions several instances of animals engaging in homosexual behaviour. Two male penguins at New York's Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo, have been "inseparable" for six years and have sex "while ignoring potential female mates." Other examples cited include male ostriches, flamingos, and female Japanese macaques.

An article from the San Francisco Chronicle mentions that "scientists have found homosexual behaviour throughout the animal world." Not surprisingly, these discoveries have led to debates over what conclusions can be drawn. Some believe this proves homosexuality is "natural" and not a choice. Others disagree.

No matter where you stand on the issue, one thing is apparent. As Marlene Zuk, a professor of biology at UC Riverside, puts it, sex in the animal kingdom isn't always just about reproduction.

Source: ask.yahoo.com

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