# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=455 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 456 --- ## [What does the word epicenter mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-epicenter-mean/835394)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-epicenter-mean/835394 "2019-06-14T14:02:30Z")
I know the dictionary says: «the point on the earth’s surface vertically above the focus of an earthquake« But there are other usages too. To me it seems that it is sometimes used to replace the word center, but egen e… --- ## [Was this chicken toxic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-chicken-toxic/835468)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-this-chicken-toxic/835468 "2019-06-14T13:46:26Z")
I recently bought a pre-cooked chicken product from a reputable supermarket. (I’ve eaten it many times before.) As usual, it came in a sealed container and I stored it in the fridge. I left it for one day after its ‘e… --- ## [Guardians of the Glades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guardians-of-the-glades/835506)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guardians-of-the-glades/835506 "2019-06-14T12:09:37Z")
In this new TV show on Discovery, the main guy always catches the snakes live, by hand. However, from what I’ve read of the South Florida Python Elimination Program, hunters are allowed to use shotguns. Is it just for … --- ## [German Pre-War Military Build-Up Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-pre-war-military-build-up-questions/835213)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/german-pre-war-military-build-up-questions/835213 "2019-06-14T04:18:17Z")
I remember learning in school that during the 1930s there was a steady build-up of the German military capability. I thought there was a depression going on during that same time period. How did Germany have the resou… --- ## [What is my best bet for boosting Wifi signal from home to detached garage for my garage door opener?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-best-bet-for-boosting-wifi-signal-from-home-to-detached-garage-for-my-garage-door-opener/835479)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-best-bet-for-boosting-wifi-signal-from-home-to-detached-garage-for-my-garage-door-opener/835479 "2019-06-14T03:31:29Z")
I just had a new garage opener installed and it has Wifi capability. But my Wifi does not reach the garage. Is there a solution that will solve my problem and not break the bank (less than 100 clams, say)? I am looking… --- ## [War games for conflict in the Gulf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-games-for-conflict-in-the-gulf/835500)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2019, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-games-for-conflict-in-the-gulf/835500 "2019-06-14T02:42:18Z")
I imagine that what’s going on in the Gulf, with the threat to the oil supply and the very real possibility of military action, has been war-gamed a zillion times by the Pentagon (I assume/hope in conjunction with State … --- ## [Water used to pool around tub - now spreads around floor - why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-used-to-pool-around-tub-now-spreads-around-floor-why/835489)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-used-to-pool-around-tub-now-spreads-around-floor-why/835489 "2019-06-13T23:15:45Z")
This may seem like a petty or stupid question, but it’s actually perplexing me. I have a bath/shower combo unit. Sometimes when I take long showers, if I don’t seal the shower curtain perfectly, a little bit of water wi… --- ## [What microscope camera for AmScope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-microscope-camera-for-amscope/835495)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-microscope-camera-for-amscope/835495 "2019-06-13T21:04:06Z")
Can you recommend a phone adapter & a better option (my phone has a bad camera)? The standard cameras are very expensive and you pay for shit quality. --- ## [Sanded road?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanded-road/835456)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanded-road/835456 "2019-06-13T16:32:21Z")
About a week ago, I saw a road sign I’ve never seen before. This one, set just before an overpass type bridge, warned that there was a “sanded road.” In June. Sure enough, though, there was sand scattered across the road… --- ## [MS Access: Deleting extranious field on text export](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-access-deleting-extranious-field-on-text-export/835481)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-access-deleting-extranious-field-on-text-export/835481 "2019-06-13T16:26:41Z")
I export files from Access as fixed-format text. Sometimes my fingers get ahead of my brain, and I type in the length and starting position of a field that doesn’t exist. Of course I get an error. But there doesn’t se… --- ## [How much more are we paying for 1 day delivery of purchases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-more-are-we-paying-for-1-day-delivery-of-purchases/835284)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-more-are-we-paying-for-1-day-delivery-of-purchases/835284 "2019-06-13T14:29:48Z")
Sure, the item says that shipping is free, but we all know that just means the cost of shipping is built into the cost of the item. Apparently in April Amazon announced that it was planning on delivery Prime purchases i… --- ## [Would thrift stores want random old electronics/pc connectors, adapters, wires, etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-thrift-stores-want-random-old-electronics-pc-connectors-adapters-wires-etc/835437)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-thrift-stores-want-random-old-electronics-pc-connectors-adapters-wires-etc/835437 "2019-06-13T13:44:05Z")
So I’m cleaning out my closet which has basically every random computer or electronics part I’ve ever got my hand on. Things I knew I would probably would never need, like, for example, VGA to DVI adapters, PATA hard dri… --- ## [Ebay's Global Shipping Program](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebays-global-shipping-program/835365)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ebays-global-shipping-program/835365 "2019-06-13T13:37:35Z")
Ebay has a Global Shipping Program, with which sellers can send something internationally by sending it to a domestic shipping center, which forwards it to the actual international site. Does anybody have the actual add… --- ## [Is there a difference between food grade mineral oil and laxative mineral oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-food-grade-mineral-oil-and-laxative-mineral-oil/835439)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2019, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-food-grade-mineral-oil-and-laxative-mineral-oil/835439 "2019-06-13T13:24:53Z")
I mean, besides the price. On Amazon I see laxative mineral oil for about $10 for 16 oz while food grade (usually for use on wood that will be used for food) is twice the price at, generally, $8 for 8 oz. Also, as a quic… --- ## [How effective are drug-sniffing dogs, and how are they certified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-drug-sniffing-dogs-and-how-are-they-certified/835276)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-effective-are-drug-sniffing-dogs-and-how-are-they-certified/835276 "2019-06-12T23:27:26Z")
I was reading through a thread about what police can do if you refuse to allow the police to search your car, someone brought up the possibility that the police would bring in drug-sniffing dogs, and I am curious as to h… --- ## [Why would a forensic DNA test take so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-forensic-dna-test-take-so-long/835376)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-forensic-dna-test-take-so-long/835376 "2019-06-12T18:42:01Z")
On TV and the movies, DNA tests are damn near instantaneous- at most, a few days. A bit of research shows that, in reality, two to four weeks is standard, with some results within days. The reason I ask is because of th… --- ## [Where does it say that congress has the obligation of oversight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-it-say-that-congress-has-the-obligation-of-oversight/835433)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-it-say-that-congress-has-the-obligation-of-oversight/835433 "2019-06-12T17:44:15Z")
I keep hearing people say that congress has the constitutional obligation to provide oversight of the President. But I can’t find anything in the constitution that specifically lays out that obligation. Can some Doper … --- ## [Is there a maximum mountain elevation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-maximum-mountain-elevation/835114)
**Author:** [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-maximum-mountain-elevation/835114 "2019-06-12T13:39:51Z")
I was hiking in my local mountain chain yesterday and got to wondering about what determines the height of mountains. Is there some sort of natural geological maximum elevation mountains can reach? And along the same li… --- ## [I feel a 100% better than yesterday...ahh what??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-a-100-better-than-yesterday-ahh-what/835331)
**Author:** [@glennwith2ns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glennwith2ns)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-a-100-better-than-yesterday-ahh-what/835331 "2019-06-12T12:37:24Z")
So if someone says this to you, do you take it to mean they feel twice as good as yesterday(200%?) or that they feel back to normal? Perhaps this is just an incorrect way of expressing the way they are feeling. --- ## [Apple Desk Top "looking for networks"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-desk-top-looking-for-networks/835360)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-desk-top-looking-for-networks/835360 "2019-06-12T12:36:30Z")
A My Apple desk top is constantly “looking for networks”. Is this slowing down its speed? How do I help it finally “find a network”? Using a wireless WiFi. --- ## [Why do dead fish stink so fast, compared to, eg, meat? \[chemistry, not food prep\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dead-fish-stink-so-fast-compared-to-eg-meat-chemistry-not-food-prep/835220)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dead-fish-stink-so-fast-compared-to-eg-meat-chemistry-not-food-prep/835220 "2019-06-11T01:23:14Z")
I broke down a monkfish late last night \* pats self on back \* and I guess I had more trimmings than I’ve ever thrown out in the kitchen garbage bag. This morning: wow the house stunk intolerably. Is there a generic ans… --- ## [Why are ceiling fans so quiet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ceiling-fans-so-quiet/745388)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-ceiling-fans-so-quiet/745388 "2016-02-08T16:20:37Z")
While exhaust fans are so loud? --- ## [How do I get rid of a Gmail address I never use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-rid-of-a-gmail-address-i-never-use/835362)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-get-rid-of-a-gmail-address-i-never-use/835362 "2019-06-12T05:07:40Z")
I’ve been trying to download the Air Canada app to my phone, but Google Play Store won’t let me do it until I log in. Okay, fine, I have a Gmail address. But Google Play won’t let me log in under my current address. I… --- ## [S O C K S- Spanish translation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-o-c-k-s-spanish-translation-question/77185)
**Author:** [@Sue\_Duhnym](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sue_Duhnym)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-o-c-k-s-spanish-translation-question/77185 "2019-06-12T02:52:30Z")
I used to work in a Mexican restaurant and the owner had a menu on his office wall that was signed by a local news celebrity. Besides having the man’s autograph, it also said I ask what the socks meant and was told th… --- ## [How Many "Natural" Elements Are There?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-natural-elements-are-there/835379)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-natural-elements-are-there/835379 "2019-06-12T01:02:56Z")
The standard pop sci position is that there are 93 natural elements, through Uranium. That’s not true, though. Both Neptunium and Plutonium have been discovered in nature. I think that all the smaller elements have bee… --- ## [UPS: Atmospheric Conditions Affecting Global Aviation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-atmospheric-conditions-affecting-global-aviation/835350)
**Author:** [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2019, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-atmospheric-conditions-affecting-global-aviation/835350 "2019-06-12T00:13:58Z")
On their web site, UPS has the following service alert (it may change or be removed when you read this): This sounds really scary. I have googled for “Atmospheric Conditions Affecting Global Aviation” and variations t… --- ## [Aviation: difference between "crash" and "crash-landing"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aviation-difference-between-crash-and-crash-landing/835368)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aviation-difference-between-crash-and-crash-landing/835368 "2019-06-11T23:36:55Z")
Yesterday a helicopter, um, “came down” on the roof of a Manhattan skyscraper. Some news outlets are calling it a crash, others are calling it a crash-landing. Sometimes the same article calls it both ways. It’s worth… --- ## [Refining gold through electrolysis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refining-gold-through-electrolysis/835393)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refining-gold-through-electrolysis/835393 "2019-06-11T22:42:49Z")
I saw an interesting documentary on the Royal Canadian Mint on how they purify their gold into .9999 fine using electrolysis. I tried finding more information about the process online but a lot of the threads get confus… --- ## [US weapons in WWII](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-weapons-in-wwii/835116)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-weapons-in-wwii/835116 "2019-06-11T20:08:49Z")
There is a picture of Ernie Pyle in Wikipedia captioned “Pyle shares a cigarette with soldiers on Okinawa”. They are all carrying M-1 carbines. I thought infantry all carried the M-1 Garand. Artillerymen, drivers, radio … --- ## [Law - What is this "list" I keep hearing about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-what-is-this-list-i-keep-hearing-about/834554)
**Author:** [@chaidragonfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chaidragonfire)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2019, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-what-is-this-list-i-keep-hearing-about/834554 "2019-06-11T17:45:10Z")
United States I have come across this a few times in my career working in corporate offices for the past 20 years or so. In one office I worked, one employee was punched in the back by a supervisor and a huge bruise was… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=454) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=456)