# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=573 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 574 --- ## [Why don't Canada and US just keep their steel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canada-and-us-just-keep-their-steel/816270)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canada-and-us-just-keep-their-steel/816270 "2018-06-19T00:06:42Z")
I see in the paper this morning that the Canadians sent $7 billion worth of steel here last year while we sold a similar amount to them. So - why don’t both countries just keep their own steel? This is perplexing to so… --- ## [Climatic Effects of a Ocean Channel through the Americas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climatic-effects-of-a-ocean-channel-through-the-americas/816034)
**Author:** [@wevets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wevets)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climatic-effects-of-a-ocean-channel-through-the-americas/816034 "2018-06-18T23:26:28Z")
Let’s imagine I take a giant magic bulldozer, and shove all land from central Mexico to southern Peru into the ocean. Now water from the central Atlantic Equatorial Currents runs straight through into the Pacific rather… --- ## [Question for people who have attended or worked at a military school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-people-who-have-attended-or-worked-at-a-military-school/816223)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-people-who-have-attended-or-worked-at-a-military-school/816223 "2018-06-18T22:59:24Z")
OK, on another board, we’re talking about a certain orange-complexioned president who went to military school, and several of the posters are skeptical that art (as in painting, sculpture, and specifically calligraphy) i… --- ## [Jumping Mexicans, jumping Chinese, earthquakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-mexicans-jumping-chinese-earthquakes/816323)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jumping-mexicans-jumping-chinese-earthquakes/816323 "2018-06-18T22:20:47Z")
Inspired by this news: And this old thread about a Cecil column: https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=41311&highlight=jump+chinese+china My question is, how big an earthquake could be caused by the … --- ## [Why aren't ruptured/exploded Li-On batteries a more lethal event?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-ruptured-exploded-li-on-batteries-a-more-lethal-event/816299)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-ruptured-exploded-li-on-batteries-a-more-lethal-event/816299 "2018-06-18T22:09:15Z")
So apparently Li-On batteries (like those in smartphones) emit hydrofluoric acid vapor if ruptured or ignited, and HF acid vapor is lethal if inhaled at 44 parts per million (a relatively tiny dosage,) which has me wonde… --- ## ["Strong-arm robbery": This is a real criminal code charge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strong-arm-robbery-this-is-a-real-criminal-code-charge/816098)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strong-arm-robbery-this-is-a-real-criminal-code-charge/816098 "2018-06-18T21:10:47Z")
From \[Suspected Walmart robber tries to carjack two different cars, both drivers pull out guns\](Suspected Walmart robber tries to carjack two different cars, both drivers pull out guns) …According to Fox 30, Jacksonvill… --- ## [Excel question - Dropdown list to hyperlink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-dropdown-list-to-hyperlink/816330)
**Author:** [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-dropdown-list-to-hyperlink/816330 "2018-06-18T19:55:21Z")
I want to create a dropdown list (I can do that) in which the source list contains hyperlinks to other sheets within the workbook. My source has the hyperlinks, I can do the dropdown, but it doesn’t take me to the sheet … --- ## [Suitable disease for fiction story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suitable-disease-for-fiction-story/816245)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suitable-disease-for-fiction-story/816245 "2018-06-18T17:34:44Z")
Any disease fit the following criteria: Can only be treated by certain antibiotics (i.e. Vancomycin), Not too obscure or rare; Can happen to the youngest of the young and oldest of the old (and also healthy peop… --- ## [Has any incumbent POTUS ever sought and failed to gain his party's nomination for re-election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-incumbent-potus-ever-sought-and-failed-to-gain-his-partys-nomination-for-re-election/816199)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-incumbent-potus-ever-sought-and-failed-to-gain-his-partys-nomination-for-re-election/816199 "2018-06-18T16:20:28Z")
Pretty much what the thread title asks, has any sitting US president ever wanted to be elected for a second term in office but, for whatever reason, failed to even make it on the ballot? --- ## [Type Ia Supernova](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/type-ia-supernova/816126)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/type-ia-supernova/816126 "2018-06-18T13:03:46Z")
Cosmologists use Type Ia supernova as a standard candle to determine distance (e.g. to other galaxies). One white dwarf sucks mass from it’s binary companion and undergoes runaway carbon fusion when it reaches a specific… --- ## [Do any monkeys have blue or green eyes and blonde or red hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-monkeys-have-blue-or-green-eyes-and-blonde-or-red-hair/110899)
**Author:** [@Sakurako](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sakurako)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-monkeys-have-blue-or-green-eyes-and-blonde-or-red-hair/110899 "2018-06-18T12:42:05Z")
Our closest relative is the Chimpanzee. The Chimpanzee usually has brown or black hair and eyes, correct? Do any Primates (other than humans) have blue or green eyes? Do any have blonde hair? Or red hair (other than … --- ## [Enola's Rule of Small Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enolas-rule-of-small-numbers/815585)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enolas-rule-of-small-numbers/815585 "2018-06-18T12:39:39Z")
Hydrogen…an atom of only one proton and one electron (maybe one or rarely two neutrons) can arguably be placed on more than one position on the Periodic Table: Except for two and three, all prime numbers are of the for… --- ## [Can I find out what happened to lost savings bonds if I don't have the serial number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-find-out-what-happened-to-lost-savings-bonds-if-i-dont-have-the-serial-number/816266)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-find-out-what-happened-to-lost-savings-bonds-if-i-dont-have-the-serial-number/816266 "2018-06-18T11:38:02Z")
There were several hundred dollars in savings bonds that I cannot find. The only info I have is the name on them. I don’t have the exact issue date or the serial number. I do have the value for most of them though. I am… --- ## [Insanity Defense in Other Countries.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insanity-defense-in-other-countries/815900)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insanity-defense-in-other-countries/815900 "2018-06-18T10:33:35Z")
As many of you may know, there is a general tendency in this country to do away with the insanity defense. Or if not that, at least to limit it. This generally based on people’s ignorance. People think it is the most us… --- ## [Amazon shipping question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-shipping-question/816112)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-shipping-question/816112 "2018-06-18T09:13:35Z")
How exactly does Amazon determine whether to ship items together or individually when they are part of the same order? I have seen them do idiotic things like ship salad dressings in the same box as computer parts. I… --- ## [why does A/C "funk develop on late-model cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-c-funk-develop-on-late-model-cars/816231)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-a-c-funk-develop-on-late-model-cars/816231 "2018-06-18T02:56:34Z")
Currently dealing with a stinky A/C system on an Infiniti Q50. A google search showed a couple of discussion forums where many Q50 owners appear to be dealing with the same problem. Then I googled other makes/models, a… --- ## [How many internal organs could a person lose and still lead a normal life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-internal-organs-could-a-person-lose-and-still-lead-a-normal-life/775963)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-internal-organs-could-a-person-lose-and-still-lead-a-normal-life/775963 "2018-06-18T02:42:08Z")
I know you can get by on one kidney, a part of one lung, and without a spleen, gall bladder and appendix. What else can be taken out and still have the person live normally, with no artificial support? --- ## [Questions regarding excommunication](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-excommunication/815386)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-regarding-excommunication/815386 "2018-06-18T00:06:21Z")
Hi What provision in Roman Catholic Canon Law allowed for a excommunicate (one who has been excommunicated/e.g… a king) to be killed with impunity? I remember from my reading on King John I of England that after his exc… --- ## [Does lava leave a large void beneath the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lava-leave-a-large-void-beneath-the-earth/816201)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-lava-leave-a-large-void-beneath-the-earth/816201 "2018-06-17T20:14:39Z")
When the lava comes up and flows across the surface I assume a large void is left where it came from. Does this large void have any impact on anything down the line once the flow stops? --- ## [Big Sale! (Must buy 4) -- why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-sale-must-buy-4-why/816120)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-sale-must-buy-4-why/816120 "2018-06-17T17:11:12Z")
A popular grocery sale item hereabouts is a multiple item sale, where in order to get the sale price the buyer has to purchase more than one item. A typical example is soda, where (for example) you can get 4 twelve-pack… --- ## [pykrete cannon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pykrete-cannon/816218)
**Author:** [@blackwidowp61](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blackwidowp61)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pykrete-cannon/816218 "2018-06-17T15:22:45Z")
Here’s one for y’all; could a functional cannon be made out of newspaper pykrete?? (First off, let me say that this thread is NOT meant for anybody to get the bright idea to actually try this. It is meant to just stimul… --- ## [My Dad's hearing aid disappeared at the hospital - what can I do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dads-hearing-aid-disappeared-at-the-hospital-what-can-i-do/816216)
**Author:** [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-dads-hearing-aid-disappeared-at-the-hospital-what-can-i-do/816216 "2018-06-17T12:25:17Z")
My Dad’s in the hospital, likely heading to a nursing home. He’s been falling a lot lately, and after his last fall he became so weak that he couldn’t get up out of a chair or bed. After 3 days of family members trying t… --- ## [Has it ever been proven that a snake has ever ate a human?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-it-ever-been-proven-that-a-snake-has-ever-ate-a-human/786331)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-it-ever-been-proven-that-a-snake-has-ever-ate-a-human/786331 "2018-06-17T08:02:51Z")
I’m watching a documentary on ancient snakes and my aunts spinning​ weekly world. News type of stories about pythons and such eating people Any truth to her yarns? --- ## [How big can a nuclear weapon get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-can-a-nuclear-weapon-get/520353)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-big-can-a-nuclear-weapon-get/520353 "2018-06-17T04:50:32Z")
Is there any limit, practical or otherwise, of how big a fission bomb can be? Lets say I have a lump of weapons grade plutonium about the size of my car. Can I turn it into a nuke (I am a mad genius with access to all s… --- ## [How to invest in Canadian stock through TD Ameritrade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-invest-in-canadian-stock-through-td-ameritrade/816208)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2018, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-invest-in-canadian-stock-through-td-ameritrade/816208 "2018-06-17T02:50:48Z")
Some time ago, I invested through TD Ameritrade in Canopy Growth\*, a company traded on the Toronto exchange. I couldn’t figure out how to do it because the stock symbol listed on TDA was different than the one actually … --- ## [Do we use only 10% of our brains? (Clickbait but there is a reason for the question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-use-only-10-of-our-brains-clickbait-but-there-is-a-reason-for-the-question/816197)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-use-only-10-of-our-brains-clickbait-but-there-is-a-reason-for-the-question/816197 "2018-06-16T23:48:49Z")
I know, I know… The, “We only use 10% of our brains,” bit has been widely debunked. I’ve read it and I believe it. Brain scans show our whole brain is active and not some tiny section of it. I am with that 100%. My … --- ## [Squeeze bulb horn - history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squeeze-bulb-horn-history/816104)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2018, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/squeeze-bulb-horn-history/816104 "2018-06-16T22:01:54Z")
When did the familiar squeeze bulb horn develop? Were they not used until vehicles other then horse drawn brought about their use? The rubber bulb would need vulcanization, but perhaps a bellows might have been an earlie… --- ## [Prolonged inhalation of laundry detergent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prolonged-inhalation-of-laundry-detergent/816160)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2018, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prolonged-inhalation-of-laundry-detergent/816160 "2018-06-16T18:04:59Z")
With people who work in laundromats or elsewhere, and basically inhale laundry detergent, fabric softener, etc. on a daily basis - does their body just process and eliminate this stuff, or does all un-natural stuff event… --- ## [PC HELP! How did I land in Oz?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-help-how-did-i-land-in-oz/815436)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2018, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-help-how-did-i-land-in-oz/815436 "2018-06-16T14:55:42Z")
I was working on my PC, typing away, when my fingers connected with the WRONG key combination of CTRL something. Instantly, my screen (showing Firefox) shifted to the right and magically I am in a parallel universe! I a… --- ## [Does Firefox Automatically Switch Google for Yahoo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-firefox-automatically-switch-google-for-yahoo/815444)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2018, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-firefox-automatically-switch-google-for-yahoo/815444 "2018-06-16T11:37:12Z")
I am using Google in Firefox, and I am sick and tired of every Google search returning (sucky) Yahoo results! Yes, the Yahoo! logo appears, and I can tell the poor quality in results is Yahoo. My Firefox options are set-… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=572) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=574)