# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=717 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 718 --- ## [If Trump fires Mueller, can the house or senate reappoint him](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-fires-mueller-can-the-house-or-senate-reappoint-him/788831)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-fires-mueller-can-the-house-or-senate-reappoint-him/788831 "2017-06-14T03:44:56Z")
Supposedly Trump is considering firing Mueller. Democratic house member Adam Schiff responded by saying this. Adam schiff, is according to wikipedia the ranking member of the House … --- ## [What bulk products still come in metal buckets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bulk-products-still-come-in-metal-buckets/788652)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2017, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bulk-products-still-come-in-metal-buckets/788652 "2017-06-14T01:40:46Z")
You can find plastic 5 gallon buckets being given freely away at bakeries, delis, and restaurants. Are there items that come in metal buckets in a similar manner? What sort of businesses would be looking for people to … --- ## [Puerto Rico statehood -- how would it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-rico-statehood-how-would-it-work/786500)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/puerto-rico-statehood-how-would-it-work/786500 "2017-06-13T23:41:24Z")
There’s a referendum in PR regarding statehood in June. Assuming a majority votes for statehood, how exactly would PR become a state? It’s my understanding that Congress can do this with a simple majority vote, but tha… --- ## [Whats the most persuasive argument that says the Big Bang theory is a ....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-persuasive-argument-that-says-the-big-bang-theory-is-a/788658)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-persuasive-argument-that-says-the-big-bang-theory-is-a/788658 "2017-06-13T23:32:22Z")
Pile of poo. To question the big bang theory as the origin of our universe appears to be heresy at times. Any good articles that dismember the big bang persuasively? --- ## [Laptop touchpad buttons not working](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-touchpad-buttons-not-working/788682)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/laptop-touchpad-buttons-not-working/788682 "2017-06-13T21:45:11Z")
I’m using a Dell that’s a few years old, and running Windows 8. The new kitten walked across the touchpad/keyboard, and now the touchpad buttons aren’t working. The laptop was working fine before then. I’ve tried variati… --- ## [Bone a little fuzzy on xray?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bone-a-little-fuzzy-on-xray/788892)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bone-a-little-fuzzy-on-xray/788892 "2017-06-13T21:15:54Z")
What would make one of the long bones in your arm a little fuzzy on xray? Only one side looked a little fuzzy and the bone looked other wise normal. --- ## [Serial killers who used long range rifles to kill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serial-killers-who-used-long-range-rifles-to-kill/788816)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/serial-killers-who-used-long-range-rifles-to-kill/788816 "2017-06-13T20:34:16Z")
Have there been any? --- ## [Calling all builders. Steel Commercial Building advice. (Costs)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-builders-steel-commercial-building-advice-costs/746484)
**Author:** [@A.James](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.James)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2016, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/calling-all-builders-steel-commercial-building-advice-costs/746484 "2016-02-18T22:06:49Z")
Ok, my next step is to sit down with a builder and discuss my plan. However, I’d like to know if my plan is even viable. I don’t want to look like I have my thumb jammed up my nose. I am looking to start a business that … --- ## [Inbreeding & reproductive health among Arab populations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inbreeding-reproductive-health-among-arab-populations/788870)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inbreeding-reproductive-health-among-arab-populations/788870 "2017-06-13T19:02:08Z")
When I saw this referenced in an online discussion I thought it had to be some racist hate nonsense, but apparently it’s a very real and serious thing re multiple cousin marriages across generations and birth defects. C… --- ## [Nukes and PALS: who has them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nukes-and-pals-who-has-them/788398)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nukes-and-pals-who-has-them/788398 "2017-06-13T18:59:55Z")
Here is a current list of states with nuclear weapons: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, USA, India, North Korea, Pakistan, Israel, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey. (“Who’s next?”) A Permissive Actio… --- ## [Gravity question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-question/788796)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-question/788796 "2017-06-13T18:18:35Z")
Do objects fall towards the center of the of the Earth because space is curved that way or because the object moves to a position where time passes more slowly. --- ## [Emergency Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emergency-surgery/788772)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emergency-surgery/788772 "2017-06-13T17:43:19Z")
Whenever I’ve had surgery, I’ve been told to not eat anything after midnight so I have an empty stomach for the anesthesia, which will prevent me choking in case I vomit. I’ve been watching ER reruns on PopTV and it occ… --- ## [Singularity and the Planck volume](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singularity-and-the-planck-volume/788756)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singularity-and-the-planck-volume/788756 "2017-06-13T17:08:54Z")
A singularity existed as the initial state of the universe and at the center of a black hole, but quantum mechanics predicts that the smallest possible volume, the Planck volume is 10^-99 cm. Is this a contradiction, or … --- ## [Why do zookeepers show wolves the feeding bowl is empty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-zookeepers-show-wolves-the-feeding-bowl-is-empty/788585)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-zookeepers-show-wolves-the-feeding-bowl-is-empty/788585 "2017-06-13T16:44:44Z")
At a recent zoo trip, the wolf specialist tossed food to the animals as part of his speech about them. He mentioned that they always have to show the animals the bowl is empty once they’re done feeding. Why is this? --- ## [Light Inside a Black Hole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-inside-a-black-hole/788780)
**Author:** [@keeganst94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeganst94)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/light-inside-a-black-hole/788780 "2017-06-13T15:21:08Z")
What would happen if I were to turn on a flashlight inside a black hole facing directly outward from the singularity? Since the velocity of light isn’t affected by gravity, it couldn’t stop and then return towards the si… --- ## [Why is there much greater variation in temperatures across the United States in winter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-much-greater-variation-in-temperatures-across-the-united-states-in-winter/788840)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-much-greater-variation-in-temperatures-across-the-united-states-in-winter/788840 "2017-06-13T13:14:07Z")
If you click on the above link, it will show you the monthly average high and low temperatures over the United States (lower 48), for each month. Something interesting to note is that in winter, the range of temperatu… --- ## [Mars time vs. Earth time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-time-vs-earth-time/788852)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-time-vs-earth-time/788852 "2017-06-13T13:04:54Z")
Mars orbits the Sun is at a slower pace relative to Earth. Does this mean that Earthlings age at a slower rate than Martians? --- ## [What causes someone to always get lost?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-someone-to-always-get-lost/788847)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-causes-someone-to-always-get-lost/788847 "2017-06-13T11:36:59Z")
My whole life I’ve always gotten lost easily, I got lost at least a dozen or more times growing up. When I would go into the woods by myself I would get lost everytime unless I followed a dog or someone’s voice. I could … --- ## [What's the "W" mean? (Stepper motor terminology)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-w-mean-stepper-motor-terminology/776444)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-w-mean-stepper-motor-terminology/776444 "2017-06-13T11:06:01Z")
OK, I understand how stepper motors work, and how microstepping works. But, I can’t figure out what the “W” is supposed to stand for in the “Excitation Mode” terminology: Microstep Resolution Excitation Mode Full … --- ## [Is there a good online resource about Turks and Caicos wildlife? (need answer fastish)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-online-resource-about-turks-and-caicos-wildlife-need-answer-fastish/788810)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-good-online-resource-about-turks-and-caicos-wildlife-need-answer-fastish/788810 "2017-06-13T10:19:49Z")
Hi from the Caribbean! Anyway, there’s a lot of cool stuff running around here. Lizards, bats, crabs, giant moths, giant spiders- it would be awesome if I knew exactly what those critters were called. But most of the we… --- ## [Cleaning/Drying a Glass Jar/Bottle.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-drying-a-glass-jar-bottle/788546)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cleaning-drying-a-glass-jar-bottle/788546 "2017-06-13T09:43:36Z")
If I am washing out a glass bottle or narrow-mouthed jar, what is the best way to dry it? Upside down, for the water to trickle out? Or, right side up, and let evaporation work? Towels just leave traces of moisture. --- ## [Clever ways to cool a small apartment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clever-ways-to-cool-a-small-apartment/788808)
**Author:** [@anomalous1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anomalous1)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clever-ways-to-cool-a-small-apartment/788808 "2017-06-13T07:22:19Z")
Outside of air conditioners are there any clever tricks to give a little cooling boost? I’m not above opening a freezer and putting a fan in front of it, but I start sweating profusely at any temperature above 78 degrees… --- ## [Weird motorcycle speedometer problem.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-motorcycle-speedometer-problem/788720)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-motorcycle-speedometer-problem/788720 "2017-06-13T06:50:04Z")
One of my scooters is an older HD Low Rider. Has an analog (needle) speedometer and a digital odometer/trip odometer. It does not have a tachometer. Last week it started doing something weird. When I start up and begin… --- ## [US Civil War crimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-civil-war-crimes/788738)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-civil-war-crimes/788738 "2017-06-13T04:21:06Z")
This comes from watching an episode of the western TV program, Wanted Dead or Alive. A Confederate soldier is imprisoned for desertion. His imprisonment continues after the war ends. Would the Union government continue … --- ## [Network issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/network-issues/788218)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/network-issues/788218 "2017-06-13T03:03:45Z")
I know that we have to have some computer nerds in here that know more about networking than I do. Here’s the problem: Two desktops, one laptop, all running the latest Win 10, all on the same workgroup. File/printer sha… --- ## [GIS, Drones, .obj, 3D, ArcScene, ArcMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gis-drones-obj-3d-arcscene-arcmap/788524)
**Author:** [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gis-drones-obj-3d-arcscene-arcmap/788524 "2017-06-13T02:37:30Z")
I’m experimenting with using a drone to gather aerial photos. The program I’ve been using has the capability of exporting a few different products. The basic DEM and photo rasters are awesome and I’m fine working with th… --- ## [electrocuted by peeing on an electric fence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrocuted-by-peeing-on-an-electric-fence/788478)
**Author:** [@Blibstodge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blibstodge)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrocuted-by-peeing-on-an-electric-fence/788478 "2017-06-13T01:43:40Z")
has anyone ever gotten electrocuted by peeing on an electric fence or even by peeing on the third rail of a subway? I’ve heard this warning a million times when I was a kid but I’ve never been given the opportunity to e… --- ## [Where does Windows XP Store WiFi Passwords?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-windows-xp-store-wifi-passwords/788778)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2017, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-windows-xp-store-wifi-passwords/788778 "2017-06-13T00:14:40Z")
I’m at a vacation resort I’ve been to in the past, along with my girlfriend. The guest network is abysmally slow and ~3 years ago on our first visit, the maintenance tech who came by took pity on us and signed us both i… --- ## [Internet technical problem: losing connection because of "script," etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-technical-problem-losing-connection-because-of-script-etc/788750)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-technical-problem-losing-connection-because-of-script-etc/788750 "2017-06-12T21:14:20Z")
I have run into this problem constantly in the last few weeks, particularly on my Hotmail account, but also on other websites: I lose the connection because of a simple problem with a “lost webpage,” or “Internet Explore… --- ## [United Nations vs US law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-nations-vs-us-law/788511)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Terrific](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Terrific)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2017, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-nations-vs-us-law/788511 "2017-06-12T20:26:46Z")
My question is, may ratification of a United Nations treaty, overturn a US law? How about US constitutional law? Years ago I remember hearing that by ratifying some UN treaty gun ownership would be overruled. I dismis… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=716) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=718)