# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=618 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 619 --- ## [How long does skin stay sterilized if it's swabbed with alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-skin-stay-sterilized-if-its-swabbed-with-alcohol/808882)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-skin-stay-sterilized-if-its-swabbed-with-alcohol/808882 "2018-02-17T17:29:57Z")
This is something I’ve wondered about. Before body piercings, blood draws or injections, they’ll always wipe the skin with alcohol first. But how long does it take until the skin isn’t sterile anymore? A few seconds? A m… --- ## [Human extinction by 2026?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-extinction-by-2026/796907)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-extinction-by-2026/796907 "2018-02-17T16:19:08Z")
There is a school which argues that the climate situation in the Arctic is now completely out of control due to various positive feedbacks involving albedo, methane, fires, soot, fires and maybe others. It posits that co… --- ## [Can USPS supplies be used differently than the intended use ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-usps-supplies-be-used-differently-than-the-intended-use/808888)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-usps-supplies-be-used-differently-than-the-intended-use/808888 "2018-02-17T16:09:03Z")
Now and then, I buy a few items from eBay. Many times I find large USPS envelopes or mailers used as packing material inside the shipped box that I receive. I am guessing the USPS (and the taxpayer by extension) loses … --- ## [How many web sites could there be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-web-sites-could-there-be/808951)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-web-sites-could-there-be/808951 "2018-02-17T15:06:55Z")
While it seems like the number of web pages is infinite, it is, obviously, both finite and, relatively small. But what is the actual limit? And what is the factor that causes the limit? --- ## [Is there any easy way to downsize an image to a target filesize, rather than reducing edges by %?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-easy-way-to-downsize-an-image-to-a-target-filesize-rather-than-reducing-edges-by/805825)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-easy-way-to-downsize-an-image-to-a-target-filesize-rather-than-reducing-edges-by/805825 "2018-02-17T14:45:48Z")
I’m the newsletter editor for an association to which I belong, and I need to process many image files for each issue. I compose and lay out each issue using MS Word, print it to PDF, and send the latter out to the memb… --- ## [Legality of knives in Australia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-knives-in-australia/808883)
**Author:** [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legality-of-knives-in-australia/808883 "2018-02-17T07:54:58Z")
A friend and his band are going to be touring Australia and New Zealand soon. He usually carries a Leatherman multi-tool. What is the story on them? Is he going to lose the tool at Customs or face jail time? --- ## [What Do The Irish (Republic Of Ireland) Call The Northern Part Of Their Country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-irish-republic-of-ireland-call-the-northern-part-of-their-country/807811)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-irish-republic-of-ireland-call-the-northern-part-of-their-country/807811 "2018-02-17T05:00:00Z")
Northern Ireland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland is its own country that is not connected to the U.K. politically. What do the people of the Republic of Ireland call the northern … --- ## [Envious and Jealous](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envious-and-jealous/808958)
**Author:** [@Steven\_Estes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steven_Estes)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/envious-and-jealous/808958 "2018-02-17T03:57:59Z")
If I am envious of, say, George, because he has more money, a better family life, whatever than I have, it is obvious whom I am envious of: George. Now, consider jealous. If my girlfriend seems to be becoming attracted … --- ## [A multiquestion on the Universe’s stuff getting created/destroyed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-multiquestion-on-the-universe-s-stuff-getting-created-destroyed/808918)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-multiquestion-on-the-universe-s-stuff-getting-created-destroyed/808918 "2018-02-17T01:46:04Z")
The idea that the Laws of Thermodynamics do not apply to the entire Universe has set me thinking. Is the amount of stuff in our Universe a constant one? Maybe not. Or maybe it is. Or maybe nobody knows and will never kno… --- ## [Vaccine transportation, storage question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccine-transportation-storage-question/808909)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccine-transportation-storage-question/808909 "2018-02-17T01:37:50Z")
On a recent trip to the pediatrician, I saw some poorly trained (my opinion) semi-medical staff opening and closing the vaccine refrigerator which may have resulted in higher temperatures in the fridge. My opinion aside… --- ## [Why Have Small Bedroom TV's disappeared from the market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-small-bedroom-tvs-disappeared-from-the-market/808694)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-small-bedroom-tvs-disappeared-from-the-market/808694 "2018-02-17T01:23:42Z")
Small Bedroom TV’s have been a part of my life since age 12. My dad ran coax into my bedroom for my Christmas gift. They gave me a 15" tube set and stand from their bedroom. TV in bed. Awesome. :smiley: I currently have… --- ## [Sideways display](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sideways-display/808857)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sideways-display/808857 "2018-02-17T00:24:42Z")
Ok, the cat just walked across my keyboard and now my monitor is turned ninety degrees to the left. HELP! How do I fix this? --- ## [If the fate of the universe is a big crunch....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-fate-of-the-universe-is-a-big-crunch/808735)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2018, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-fate-of-the-universe-is-a-big-crunch/808735 "2018-02-17T00:00:55Z")
Does space shrink or is it just that all matter is combined into a single point? Is the single point “everywhere” like when discussing the big bang or is it actually at a single place? If the question doesn’t make sens… --- ## [How long does bottom paint last on a ship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-bottom-paint-last-on-a-ship/808940)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-does-bottom-paint-last-on-a-ship/808940 "2018-02-16T23:42:55Z")
I did try Bing for a search, but all I found was information for a sailboat that only lasted a year, but something like a 100 meter ship must last longer than a year, right? Consider Your Bottom Paint Options | Cruising… --- ## [Failed to connect to a Windows service](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/failed-to-connect-to-a-windows-service/808960)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/failed-to-connect-to-a-windows-service/808960 "2018-02-16T23:05:32Z")
I keep getting this annoying message every time I boot my laptop. Is it done? It boots into this weird 1999 style layout, large icons on the desktop as well as on the bottom. It’s also running very slow. --- ## [How to fix a memory leak in windows 10?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-memory-leak-in-windows-10/808950)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-fix-a-memory-leak-in-windows-10/808950 "2018-02-16T22:58:14Z")
Every few days, my memory usage goes up to 100% my computer slows to a crawl, and needs to be restarted. I’ve just been doing that for a long time, but I’m getting a little irked by it since I run stuff off it that I’d … --- ## [Living in the post office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-in-the-post-office/808878)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-in-the-post-office/808878 "2018-02-16T18:43:31Z")
In a small town near me on the California coast there is a small post office with what seems to be a residential apartment on the second floor. There is a balcony with lawn furniture and barbecue equipment on it, and th… --- ## [How can I access the deep dark web?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-access-the-deep-dark-web/808917)
**Author:** [@Yabsnjma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yabsnjma)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-access-the-deep-dark-web/808917 "2018-02-16T18:03:07Z")
I have been trying to access the deep dark web & still confuse d on how to get there.can somebody help me please? --- ## [Water safety after water main break?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-safety-after-water-main-break/685278)
**Author:** [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-safety-after-water-main-break/685278 "2014-04-04T17:00:59Z")
On Monday morning utility crews on my road ruptured a water main. In the ensuing four days, my water has vacillated from no water pressure, to brown frothy water, to cloudy water. The water district says that as of mid-m… --- ## [Have men's athletic shoe sizes changed in the last ten years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-mens-athletic-shoe-sizes-changed-in-the-last-ten-years/596426)
**Author:** [@Strassia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strassia)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2011, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-mens-athletic-shoe-sizes-changed-in-the-last-ten-years/596426 "2011-09-16T16:47:19Z")
I recently had to buy new work out shoes. I don’t normally wear sneakers for any other purpose, I don’t care what they look like, so I don’t buy often. I had last bought two pairs of size 12 (New Balance if it matters… --- ## [Astronomers and stargazers, amateurs and pros, is the arrow in this image pointing to Perseus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronomers-and-stargazers-amateurs-and-pros-is-the-arrow-in-this-image-pointing-to-perseus/808849)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astronomers-and-stargazers-amateurs-and-pros-is-the-arrow-in-this-image-pointing-to-perseus/808849 "2018-02-16T05:21:47Z")
As a follow on to my recent post about star photography, I now have a question with very specific answers, or as many answers as there are stars visible in the linked photo. As I said in the other thread, I made it out … --- ## [You are liable if a car crashes into a boulder on your property?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-liable-if-a-car-crashes-into-a-boulder-on-your-property/622233)
**Author:** [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-liable-if-a-car-crashes-into-a-boulder-on-your-property/622233 "2018-02-16T05:02:50Z")
From this story Can this possible be true? And if so, why would they be any more liable for a car hitting a boulder on their property than a car hitting their house? --- ## [Spacex engines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spacex-engines/808833)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spacex-engines/808833 "2018-02-16T04:48:42Z")
I was listening to NPR on the way home last week, and ISTR them saying that the engines Spacex uses are from the '60s. Paraphrasing: ‘Not 1960s technology; they were built in the 1960s.’ A cursory search does not suppo… --- ## [What Existed Before Anything Existed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-existed-before-anything-existed/808662)
**Author:** [@thatbpguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thatbpguy)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-existed-before-anything-existed/808662 "2018-02-16T03:51:08Z")
At some point in “time” there were no suns, planets, galaxies, cosmic dust… nothing. At some time there was absolutely nothing. How did this all come about? --- ## [Game Theory and Chinese Auctions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-theory-and-chinese-auctions/808875)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-theory-and-chinese-auctions/808875 "2018-02-16T03:45:04Z")
I’m not sure if the term applies to only one type of auction. But the type I’m thinking of has an unlimited number of tickets all sold at the same price, which can be placed (in any number) in the pool towards any partic… --- ## [Am I seeing battlegrounds while watching the Olympics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-seeing-battlegrounds-while-watching-the-olympics/808783)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-seeing-battlegrounds-while-watching-the-olympics/808783 "2018-02-16T02:17:14Z")
As I was enjoying some ski events on TV last night, a thought occurred to me. The United States (among other nations) was involved in a war on the Korean Peninsula within living memory. Were there battles fought over t… --- ## [Power comparison heat gun vs propane torch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-comparison-heat-gun-vs-propane-torch/808902)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/power-comparison-heat-gun-vs-propane-torch/808902 "2018-02-16T02:15:47Z")
I learned Milwaukee makes a cordless heat gun yesterday. I decided to pick one up and I’ll be trying it out a bit to see if it’ll make it into my usual arsenal. I currently use a propane torch for most my regular tasks … --- ## [EM waves, double slit experiment, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/em-waves-double-slit-experiment-etc/808885)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2018, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/em-waves-double-slit-experiment-etc/808885 "2018-02-16T00:56:37Z")
I’ve been given a HS Physics course to teach. I’m really a Chem guy, and with a little help I can do AP Chem, but I’m the only physical science teacher here (small school), and I just try to keep the Physics class learni… --- ## ["Shit-eating grin" - origin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shit-eating-grin-origin/653851)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2018, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shit-eating-grin-origin/653851 "2018-02-15T22:36:20Z")
How did the term shit-eating grin come about? I’m aware this might not have a specific answer but I just don’t get how eating a turd would make you smile in a fake way. --- ## [Where can I watch Olympic ice dancing with no cable/satellite/OTA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-watch-olympic-ice-dancing-with-no-cable-satellite-ota/808799)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2018, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-watch-olympic-ice-dancing-with-no-cable-satellite-ota/808799 "2018-02-15T22:09:56Z")
I don’t have cable. I also don’t get any OTA\* channels except PBS. I have a Roku but the NBC Roku channel has to have cable or satellite in order to show me any Olympics, so my attempt to link to that didn’t work. I’m wi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=617) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=619)