# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=486 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 487 --- ## [Where did the earth''s wter come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-earths-wter-come-from/830129)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2019, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-earths-wter-come-from/830129 "2019-02-26T15:06:17Z")
I have read the earth’s water (oceans, rivers, etc.) came from icy objects in space crashing into the early earth over millions of years. Is here any competing theory (for example: a chemical process on earth that produ… --- ## [Fixing my snowblower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-my-snowblower/830053)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2019, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-my-snowblower/830053 "2019-02-26T14:47:34Z")
Hi all, I have a cheap snowblower, a little electric gadget. It does a decent job; but recently we ran it over a curb and broke the weld, where the paddles attach to the axle. I was going to take it apart and get it re-… --- ## [What is "team labor" in 1920?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-team-labor-in-1920/830225)
**Author:** [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2019, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-team-labor-in-1920/830225 "2019-02-26T06:40:55Z")
I was reading the minutes from our city’s 1919-1921 council meetings (yep, good times) and they passed a resolution to pay “40 cents per hour for labor, 80 cents per hour for team labor” for road work. I first assumed i… --- ## [How big can you build a high-energy collider?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-can-you-build-a-high-energy-collider/829884)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-can-you-build-a-high-energy-collider/829884 "2019-02-25T20:45:38Z")
I’ve just been reading about the Future Circular Collider (FCC) and I’m wondering just how big can you build these things? The FCC will have a circumference of 100 km, but could you build one with a circumference of 1000… --- ## [Driving in a wind storm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-a-wind-storm/830118)
**Author:** [@Nayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nayna)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-in-a-wind-storm/830118 "2019-02-25T20:28:43Z")
I’m driving from Buffalo to Pittsburgh today, and there are some pretty scary news reports about a wind storm that’s supposed to last from about 7:00 a.m. Sunday (now) to 7:00 a.m. Monday. Already “empty trailers” are b… --- ## [What magic is YouTube using to connect to my TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-magic-is-youtube-using-to-connect-to-my-tv/830083)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-magic-is-youtube-using-to-connect-to-my-tv/830083 "2019-02-25T19:51:31Z")
So I’ve recently been looking for a new solution to play videos, Netflix etc. on my TV, when I noticed that the YouTube-App on my phone offered an option to stream to TV. I pushed the button and, lo and behold, the video… --- ## [What would the reduction in CO2 emissions be if the US switched completely to natural gas from coal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-reduction-in-co2-emissions-be-if-the-us-switched-completely-to-natural-gas-from-coal/830189)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-reduction-in-co2-emissions-be-if-the-us-switched-completely-to-natural-gas-from-coal/830189 "2019-02-25T19:35:36Z")
If the US was able to shut down all of it’s coal fired power plants and replace them with natural gas, what would the reduction in CO2 be? I’ve seen figures of 50% tossed about, but I’m unsure what it would be and I’m c… --- ## [Southwest flight with blown tire makes emergency landing at Orlando International Airport](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southwest-flight-with-blown-tire-makes-emergency-landing-at-orlando-international-airport/830008)
**Author:** [@Garak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garak)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southwest-flight-with-blown-tire-makes-emergency-landing-at-orlando-international-airport/830008 "2019-02-25T19:27:35Z")
\*A Southwest Airlines flight has landed safely at Orlando International Airport after it was diverted to the area Thursday afternoon with a landing gear issue. The flight was traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Denver w… --- ## [What size ( in inches) is a 108" girth box?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-size-in-inches-is-a-108-girth-box/830112)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-size-in-inches-is-a-108-girth-box/830112 "2019-02-25T18:55:41Z")
What size ( in inches) is a 108" girth box? PLEASE do not tell me how to measure a box to get to 108"! Please give me an example of a maximum box size. For example, a 30’ X 20" X 20" would equal 108". Any rectangulari… --- ## [How far reaching is a federal lien? can you dodge it by moving from state to state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-reaching-is-a-federal-lien-can-you-dodge-it-by-moving-from-state-to-state/830100)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-reaching-is-a-federal-lien-can-you-dodge-it-by-moving-from-state-to-state/830100 "2019-02-25T18:31:09Z")
If a person has a federal tax lien judgment against them, what kinds of transactions does that reach into? Selling one’s home? The IRS goes to the front of the line, in front of other mortgage holders and ahead of the ne… --- ## [Is keeping my car better for the environment than getting a new one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-keeping-my-car-better-for-the-environment-than-getting-a-new-one/829508)
**Author:** [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-keeping-my-car-better-for-the-environment-than-getting-a-new-one/829508 "2019-02-25T18:15:16Z")
I have a 1992 Olds Cutlass Ciera that is my daily driver. I bought it about 5 years ago for $600 bucks, 3.3 liter V6 and an auto tranny. I have driven it across the country, its pretty reliable. Its starting to run a … --- ## [Summer tires (need answer before Friday's snowstorm)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summer-tires-need-answer-before-fridays-snowstorm/743677)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summer-tires-need-answer-before-fridays-snowstorm/743677 "2019-02-25T17:36:03Z")
I just bought a new car, a sporty one, and it came with “summer tires.” I have never had anything but all-season tires. How limiting are these summer tires for winter conditions? Am I totally screwed unless I go out and … --- ## [Can you leave the US military if they breach a signed enlistment contract?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-leave-the-us-military-if-they-breach-a-signed-enlistment-contract/830074)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-leave-the-us-military-if-they-breach-a-signed-enlistment-contract/830074 "2019-02-25T16:49:31Z")
Long story short - If a person signed up for the US Army under a written contract that guaranteed a specific MOS due to its sign-up bonus but the opening is cancelled while the soldier is in Basic Training but before he … --- ## [Building a new computer with RGB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-new-computer-with-rgb/830031)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/building-a-new-computer-with-rgb/830031 "2019-02-25T11:47:00Z")
I’m not intending it to look like a unicorn got high on acid then threw up all over my rig but it seems you can’t avoid having a few things on your build that are RGB so I hvae a few questions. If you want to see the pa… --- ## [Sterilising and colonising a new Earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilising-and-colonising-a-new-earth/830020)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sterilising-and-colonising-a-new-earth/830020 "2019-02-25T10:55:54Z")
Imagine humanity discovers a new habitable planet. It is pretty much identical to Earth, orbiting a star of one solar mass which is also the age of the Sun. Unfortunately the life there is lethal to Earth life (q.v. War … --- ## [Psychological term for a sudden shift in perspective accompanying great emotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychological-term-for-a-sudden-shift-in-perspective-accompanying-great-emotion/830010)
**Author:** [@Scott\_H](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_H)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychological-term-for-a-sudden-shift-in-perspective-accompanying-great-emotion/830010 "2019-02-25T08:03:08Z")
I have a theory about laughter that it is based upon a stimulus that shifts our perspective about an entire preceding state of affairs. The preceding events build up to create an impression of what kind of social situati… --- ## [Replacing windows: Replace frames or retrofit into them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-windows-replace-frames-or-retrofit-into-them/830004)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-windows-replace-frames-or-retrofit-into-them/830004 "2019-02-25T07:53:57Z")
So I think I should replace all the windows in my 35 year-old house. It’s in metro-Phoenix and is wood-framed and stucco-covered. Although they are double pane, all have lost their seals and most have condensation betwe… --- ## [What's an inverter microwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-an-inverter-microwave/138207)
**Author:** [@The-Maxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The-Maxx)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-an-inverter-microwave/138207 "2019-02-25T07:25:31Z")
I see a lot of ads right now for inverter microwaves, all of which say it’s better, but don’t explain what’s better about it. What does inverter refer to here, and how does it work? --- ## [Betting spread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betting-spread/830003)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2019, 6:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betting-spread/830003 "2019-02-25T06:44:58Z")
So you have a fantastic bookie that does a wonderful job of balancing the betting action. Ideally it’s 50/50. Is the profit from a bookies Enterprise just on the commission? Is this person and skill somehow marvelous … --- ## [Flush Ceiling fixture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flush-ceiling-fixture/830134)
**Author:** [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flush-ceiling-fixture/830134 "2019-02-24T22:16:15Z")
While replacing some bulbs in a 12 inch flush mount ceiling fixture I did not remount the globe correctly and now would rather find replacement glass than replacing the whole thing. It has a really stupid mounting syste… --- ## [Could contrails help cool the Arctic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-contrails-help-cool-the-arctic/523973)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-contrails-help-cool-the-arctic/523973 "2019-02-24T21:09:54Z")
Jet contrails reflect solar energy away from the Earth during the day. They also reflect heat back to Earth at Night. If polar flights were banned during the northern winter (polar night), would there be a net cooling… --- ## [How long would I last at 50c / 122F?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-i-last-at-50c-122f/830115)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-i-last-at-50c-122f/830115 "2019-02-24T19:28:33Z")
When we have long periods of hot weather, more old people die. Why? Do I have better temperature regulation than old people? Would I die after “n” days of 120F and nights of 90F, even if I kept out of the sun and had w… --- ## [Genetics question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-question/829985)
**Author:** [@don\_travis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_travis)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genetics-question/829985 "2019-02-24T17:37:42Z")
I would believe most people think that the code that made and maintains their body the way it is, is stored in the DNA, as in the 21 pairs of helicoidal acids. But this can’t be the case since, with exception for the sex… --- ## [Is there a way to flip the keyboard on an iPad to be leftie-friendly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-flip-the-keyboard-on-an-ipad-to-be-leftie-friendly/830110)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-flip-the-keyboard-on-an-ipad-to-be-leftie-friendly/830110 "2019-02-24T16:31:49Z")
The iPad keyboard favours right-handed users, because the “Return” and “delete” buttons are both on the right-hand side. That means it’s easiest to use if you hold it in your left hand and use your right hand to keyboard… --- ## [Can I give a Facebook page to someone else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-give-a-facebook-page-to-someone-else/830105)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2019, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-give-a-facebook-page-to-someone-else/830105 "2019-02-24T01:42:50Z")
I’ve made a Facebook page for Mrs. L.A. The thing is, I made it and it’s under ‘Your Pages’ on my own page. Is there a way to ‘give’ it to Mrs. L.A. so that she’s the owner and not me? --- ## [Does Yau-Yau have a meaning in Chinese?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-yau-yau-have-a-meaning-in-chinese/829828)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2019, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-yau-yau-have-a-meaning-in-chinese/829828 "2019-02-23T20:12:48Z")
I realize that there is no single language called Chinese, but I have read that Yo-Yo Mau in Chinese means Happy-Happy Mau. I have a neighbor whose given name is Yau-Yau and I am wondering whether this is something simi… --- ## [Extracting a PDF table](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extracting-a-pdf-table/830016)
**Author:** [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2019, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extracting-a-pdf-table/830016 "2019-02-23T19:05:53Z")
I have a PDF file that has a table in it something like this: name|value1|value2|value3|value4 a 1 1 1 b 1 1 1 1 c 1 1 d 1 1 1 I want to … --- ## [Electric Cars, how are they heated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-how-are-they-heated/829806)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-cars-how-are-they-heated/829806 "2019-02-23T18:11:59Z")
Seems like electric heaters would drain a lot of electricity. Never thought about this before today. --- ## [Rooting cuttings from dormant vs growing, softwood vs hardwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rooting-cuttings-from-dormant-vs-growing-softwood-vs-hardwood/830072)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2019, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rooting-cuttings-from-dormant-vs-growing-softwood-vs-hardwood/830072 "2019-02-23T17:02:38Z")
Looking up how to root cuttings from things like figs, bay laurel, Japanese maples, and a variety of other plants, I’ve noticed that for some species you want to take cuttings from dormant, hardwood branches … for others… --- ## [Do hotels care if I don't use the room every night?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hotels-care-if-i-dont-use-the-room-every-night/829782)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2019, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-hotels-care-if-i-dont-use-the-room-every-night/829782 "2019-02-23T15:12:31Z")
For typical hotels in the US, if I check in for a multi-day stay but go away for few days in the middle of the stay, do they care? Should I call and let them know, or would they think “uh, why are you telling us this?” T… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=485) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=487)