# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=542 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 543 --- ## [Heavier elements in the big bang and the early universe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavier-elements-in-the-big-bang-and-the-early-universe/820878)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heavier-elements-in-the-big-bang-and-the-early-universe/820878 "2018-09-06T21:26:18Z")
Please expand my understanding of the early universe. OK, we start with the big bang producing an expanding sphere of super heated energy. As it expands, it cools. E=MC squared says that matter starts to form in the cos… --- ## [How does lead block radiation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-lead-block-radiation/820542)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-lead-block-radiation/820542 "2018-09-06T20:30:03Z")
How exactly does the element Lead stop radiation? Does it reflect the particles back or just plain absorb them? And if it is absorbing them, doesn’t it get “full” of neutrons, alpha particles, or other subatomic partic… --- ## [Why isn't the universe homogeneous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-universe-homogeneous/820901)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-universe-homogeneous/820901 "2018-09-06T20:07:11Z")
If the Big Bang created the universe in a single event then matter would be distributed uniformly. This would make star and galaxy formation impossible. Are there any theories on how this happened? --- ## [Anyone else have vision issues while on the computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-have-vision-issues-while-on-the-computer/820583)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-have-vision-issues-while-on-the-computer/820583 "2018-09-06T18:58:07Z")
For myself I have monovision (I have had cataract surgery on one eye only) meaning I have 20/20 distance and no ability to read out of the operated eye. My other one is still nearsighted. Recently my intact eye has been … --- ## [Access 2010 shifting columns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/access-2010-shifting-columns/820885)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/access-2010-shifting-columns/820885 "2018-09-06T18:57:21Z")
I’m trying to stick to a single issue regarding Access 2010, so I’m starting a new thread for this one. Open Access 2010. Click External Data tab. Click on Text file. Browse for source of data. Select .csv file. Click … --- ## [Are moldy oranges dangerous to people allergic to penicillin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-moldy-oranges-dangerous-to-people-allergic-to-penicillin/820738)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-moldy-oranges-dangerous-to-people-allergic-to-penicillin/820738 "2018-09-06T17:31:53Z")
Pretty much the title. Last night I discovered that a bag of oranges in the fridge had several oranges covered with lush green/gray mold. I tossed those, and washed down all the others from the bag to hopefully slow do… --- ## [problem with finding smallest notable number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-finding-smallest-notable-number/820834)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problem-with-finding-smallest-notable-number/820834 "2018-09-06T17:18:39Z")
Many months ago, a thread was started on notable numbers, asking what the smallest notable number was. Someone came in and pointed out that was an impossibility, because that number would then be notable for its least no… --- ## [Have there been any incidents between large whales and \[military submarines\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-any-incidents-between-large-whales-and-military-submarines/791946)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-any-incidents-between-large-whales-and-military-submarines/791946 "2018-09-06T16:34:11Z")
Military submarines. Has any whale taken on a military submarine ? --- ## [How much of a problem is the residue from a bug bomb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-problem-is-the-residue-from-a-bug-bomb/503894)
**Author:** [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-of-a-problem-is-the-residue-from-a-bug-bomb/503894 "2018-09-06T16:21:39Z")
We’ve pretty much eradicated the roach problem we got from the flophouse next door in the house with boric acid and baits, but a friend of my boyfriend’s just moved into the garage and there’s a much bigger problem out t… --- ## [Sentencing Guidelines v. Mandatory Minimum Sentences.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sentencing-guidelines-v-mandatory-minimum-sentences/820787)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sentencing-guidelines-v-mandatory-minimum-sentences/820787 "2018-09-06T06:43:33Z")
Something I have wondered for some time now. What exactly is the difference, in the United States, between mandatory minimum sentences and sentencing guidelines? Because one, sentencing guidelines is unconstitutional. … --- ## [Automotive Question: Could the fuel pump be the problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-question-could-the-fuel-pump-be-the-problem/820728)
**Author:** [@Temporary\_Name](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Temporary_Name)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/automotive-question-could-the-fuel-pump-be-the-problem/820728 "2018-09-06T02:37:59Z")
I am responsible for a 2007 Kia Rondo that has very, very few miles on it. It is in many ways a great little car, but I tend to forget it exists for weeks at a time so occasionally it has only been started or driven abo… --- ## [Looking for a scientific word to describe the uptake of nutrients through the roots of a plant.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-scientific-word-to-describe-the-uptake-of-nutrients-through-the-roots-of-a-plant/820634)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-scientific-word-to-describe-the-uptake-of-nutrients-through-the-roots-of-a-plant/820634 "2018-09-06T02:22:20Z")
Hi I’m looking for a scientific word to describe the uptake of nutrients through the roots of a plant. Is it covered by osmosis and transpiration? I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Heroin Poppies question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroin-poppies-question/820673)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2018, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heroin-poppies-question/820673 "2018-09-06T02:08:39Z")
Is it legal to grow Poppies, for their beauty - not their drug properties, in the US? --- ## [Most successful military family](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-successful-military-family/820136)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-successful-military-family/820136 "2018-09-05T23:05:36Z")
GEN John Abrams died a few days ago. His father was GEN Creighton Abrams, former Chief Of Staff of the Army and the guy they named the tank after. There have been military families throughout history but how many genera… --- ## [anaconda \[digestion\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anaconda-digestion/820821)
**Author:** [@fedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anaconda-digestion/820821 "2018-09-05T21:32:29Z")
I recently saw video of anaconda (?) swallowing a large alligator; my question is how can the snake digest hide, bones, claws etc that doesn’t seem digestible? --- ## [Why do I feel hot when outside temperature is still below body temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-hot-when-outside-temperature-is-still-below-body-temperature/819191)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-feel-hot-when-outside-temperature-is-still-below-body-temperature/819191 "2018-09-05T20:50:27Z")
When the human body gets too warm, it puts into effect all sorts of measures to cool itself down. Your skin secretes sweat for evaporation; at night, you sleep with your arms and legs spread apart to increase the surface… --- ## [Looking for a word relating to bad urges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-word-relating-to-bad-urges/820775)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-word-relating-to-bad-urges/820775 "2018-09-05T20:50:01Z")
I’ve been having trouble for a while pinning down the word I need for a story, so I thought I’d ask here. I’m looking for one word that means something like “bad urges” or “self-destructive tendencies”. Something like t… --- ## [How much solar UV reflected from environment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-solar-uv-reflected-from-environment/820827)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-solar-uv-reflected-from-environment/820827 "2018-09-05T19:37:17Z")
How much solar UV is reflected from objects in the environment? I know snow has very high UV reflectivity, and can be probematic for skiers and mountain climbers. But what about other common objects/materials, like: -… --- ## [Is it legal for stores to raise the age for buying guns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-stores-to-raise-the-age-for-buying-guns/809808)
**Author:** [@LoneRhino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LoneRhino)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-stores-to-raise-the-age-for-buying-guns/809808 "2018-09-05T18:27:11Z")
Can a company impose these limits on their own? For example, can a store decide to sell liquor to people only if they are 25 or older? --- ## [Does the White House have a kitchen where the first family can make their own food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-white-house-have-a-kitchen-where-the-first-family-can-make-their-own-food/714063)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-white-house-have-a-kitchen-where-the-first-family-can-make-their-own-food/714063 "2018-09-05T18:20:51Z")
In the TV show House of cards, season 3, at numerous points they show a full sized kitchen and breakfast table that is supposed to be somewhere in the white house. Here’sa shot of what it looks like. In this shot, the … --- ## [I just spent 40 years in prison. \[What do states provide to prisoners after leaving prison?}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-spent-40-years-in-prison-what-do-states-provide-to-prisoners-after-leaving-prison/820511)
**Author:** [@szabrocki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/szabrocki)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-spent-40-years-in-prison-what-do-states-provide-to-prisoners-after-leaving-prison/820511 "2018-09-05T16:47:52Z")
Hi all! Say, I just got out of prison after a 40 year sentence, no probation. (Don’t need answer fast) State of Maine specifically! I would like to hear about other states. What do they give you? New clothes, shoes, A… --- ## [How are polls done now without phones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-polls-done-now-without-phones/820686)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-polls-done-now-without-phones/820686 "2018-09-05T16:00:17Z")
Back in the day when we all used land lines we would get calls from various groups or politicians wanting our opinions or wanting us to take part of polls. However in todays world with cell phones we dont have those. So… --- ## [I just did tours of duty in Vietman, what did the Marines provide to soldiers who left the service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-did-tours-of-duty-in-vietman-what-did-the-marines-provide-to-soldiers-who-left-the-service/820590)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-did-tours-of-duty-in-vietman-what-did-the-marines-provide-to-soldiers-who-left-the-service/820590 "2018-09-05T15:34:58Z")
(We just did a post on leaving prison, so I though I’d start one on leaving military service.) Years ago I was living in Oceanside, CA just north of the Marine base, Camp Pendleton. One of the guys I was living with bef… --- ## [IPv6 and intranet/NAT](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipv6-and-intranet-nat/820736)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 10:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipv6-and-intranet-nat/820736 "2018-09-05T10:00:26Z")
I would like to use IPv6 as much as possible. My ISP “supports” IPv6. My computers use Win10 or Linux, which support IPv6. My router is a Windows 10 PC running Internet Connection Sharing (works very well and supports I… --- ## [What happened to the IP number crisis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-ip-number-crisis/820692)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-the-ip-number-crisis/820692 "2018-09-05T09:36:43Z")
IPV6? A couple of years ago the internet was going to collapse because we were running out of the old fashioned IPV4 addresses. Well, my router still uses IPV4, though it could use IPV6, and I haven’t heard of any colla… --- ## [What is this big ass white striped spider?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-big-ass-white-striped-spider/820657)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-big-ass-white-striped-spider/820657 "2018-09-05T07:41:57Z")
A friend of mine and her husband dug this up while trying to do some planting (in Kansas). They’ve never seen anything like it. I can’t find anything that really looks like it online, either, plus I’m not even an amateur… --- ## [What are these white lights/dots I'm seeing in the sky?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-white-lights-dots-im-seeing-in-the-sky/820599)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-white-lights-dots-im-seeing-in-the-sky/820599 "2018-09-05T05:04:12Z")
I’m sitting at the beach right now, and dead center above me, a white dot appeared. It’s mostly stationary, occasionally moving back and forth, apparently along the same line. It’s either distant or small enough to look … --- ## [What country has the highest percentage of left-handed people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-highest-percentage-of-left-handed-people/820758)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-highest-percentage-of-left-handed-people/820758 "2018-09-05T04:32:05Z")
Just curious. --- ## [Natural gas lines - 3 pipes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-lines-3-pipes/820703)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/natural-gas-lines-3-pipes/820703 "2018-09-05T03:11:01Z")
They are putting new gas lines near my house. They are running 3 pipes instead of 1. Any reason for this? Is it for safety reasons? The pipes are about 8-10 inches in diameter and are spaced pretty close toge… --- ## [How (un)healthy are these broths](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-un-healthy-are-these-broths/820772)
**Author:** [@Sloe\_Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sloe_Moe)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2018, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-un-healthy-are-these-broths/820772 "2018-09-05T03:06:58Z")
Maybe a CS question but it’s about about health rather than food. I want to stage a tasting feast to showcase the local cuisine here, and a lot of it include several different soups. I just want to let people taste the s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=541) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=543)