Why is it easier to get drunk if you use a straw?

I have no idea about this one. The only thing that matters with getting drunk is how much you drink, so the straw must help you to drink more.

How do the balls in the piston pump work?

A typical piston pump has two ball valves that prevent the water from flowing backward through the pump. The inlet ball seals the inlet hose after the water enters the cylinder. It moves out of the way as water flows into the cylinder, then seats itself in the opening and blocks it as water tries to flow backward. The outlet ball seals the inlet hose after water exits the cylinder. It moves out of the way as water flows out of the cylinder, then seats itself in the opening and blocks it as water tries to flow backward.