# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=729 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 730 --- ## [Would a giant snake (python, anaconda) be a good "body removal" device?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-giant-snake-python-anaconda-be-a-good-body-removal-device/786951)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-giant-snake-python-anaconda-be-a-good-body-removal-device/786951 "2017-05-19T19:58:09Z")
First of all, let me state that “I don’t need an answer fast”. Just wonderin’, is all. I’m thinking of a “serial killer” scenario. The guy enjoys killing people for fun and profit – gotta have a hobby, right? He is al… --- ## ["We can't let you buy these drinks because you have underage people in your car."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-let-you-buy-these-drinks-because-you-have-underage-people-in-your-car/479201)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-let-you-buy-these-drinks-because-you-have-underage-people-in-your-car/479201 "2017-05-19T19:25:39Z")
A few months ago, I went to a gas station convenience store. In front of me in line, a group of teenagers and one (slightly) older guy were buying alcohol. The older guy produced valid ID, but the sales clerk wouldn’t … --- ## [Could the President of the United States hire private security staff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-president-of-the-united-states-hire-private-security-staff/700366)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-president-of-the-united-states-hire-private-security-staff/700366 "2017-05-19T19:24:49Z")
In light of the recent troubles with the Secret Service, would it be legal for the President to hire his own security personnel (and eventually pay them out of his own pocket)? For instance, if the President wants someon… --- ## [How do you get Al Gore on the phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-al-gore-on-the-phone/786827)
**Author:** [@CHealy7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CHealy7)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-get-al-gore-on-the-phone/786827 "2017-05-19T18:24:08Z")
I need to know --- ## [Looking for a scientific term for the earth's light absorption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-scientific-term-for-the-earths-light-absorption/786905)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-scientific-term-for-the-earths-light-absorption/786905 "2017-05-19T18:09:52Z")
Hi I’m looking for a scientific term for the earth’s solar radiation absorption as opposed it its refection (albedo effect). I haven’t been able to find one. I look forward to your feedback. --- ## [Is Earth's Moon seismically stable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-earths-moon-seismically-stable/786936)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-earths-moon-seismically-stable/786936 "2017-05-19T14:22:07Z")
If I settle down and build a beach house at the edge of Mare Imbrium, does it need to be up to code quake-wise, --- ## [So hearsay isn't hearsay if someone dies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-hearsay-isnt-hearsay-if-someone-dies/786981)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-hearsay-isnt-hearsay-if-someone-dies/786981 "2017-05-19T14:20:15Z")
Now Roger Ailes has died this Hollywood Reporter article talks about how his death may affect the ongoing lawsuits against Fox News. This is the bit that prompted my question. An exception can be made to the hearsay r… --- ## [Windows XP help.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-help/786776)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-xp-help/786776 "2017-05-19T13:36:22Z")
HELL-low. How can I update WinXP (SP3) after a clean reinstall? Yes, I know support ended 3 years ago, but I thought it was still possible to d/l all previously released updates. Microsoft doesn’t seem to allow this an… --- ## [Doctors not accepting new patients](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-not-accepting-new-patients/786852)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-not-accepting-new-patients/786852 "2017-05-19T12:54:22Z")
My wife is looking for a primary care doctor. We live in the Portland Oregon area. It seems that every office she calls is not accepting new patients or will put her on a waiting list for NEXT YEAR. We have excellent ins… --- ## [How difficult was it for Soviet citizens to travel abroad in the 1980s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-was-it-for-soviet-citizens-to-travel-abroad-in-the-1980s/786878)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-difficult-was-it-for-soviet-citizens-to-travel-abroad-in-the-1980s/786878 "2017-05-19T11:25:26Z")
Were only special people like politicians and scientists able to visit capitalist countries, or could common folk too if they qualified for a visa and met the government’s requirements? And how strict were the requiremen… --- ## [Fast vs Slow Rivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-vs-slow-rivers/786796)
**Author:** [@Stinky\_Pete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stinky_Pete)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-vs-slow-rivers/786796 "2017-05-18T13:12:57Z")
While reading about the geography in a certain region I came upon this sentence, “But these rivers are too fast-flowing to carry silt or sludge to the sea.” Upon reflection I realize that the Lower Nile and Mississippi… --- ## [What was the ancient understanding of battle-wound infections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-ancient-understanding-of-battle-wound-infections/786703)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-ancient-understanding-of-battle-wound-infections/786703 "2017-05-19T06:35:49Z")
Long before the discovery of germs, the ancients probably noticed that after a battle in which a lot of people had suffered wounds, those wounds would often lead to infection and sickness, possibly death. What connectio… --- ## [Why can't I fall asleep when I'm so tired I can't keep my eyes open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-fall-asleep-when-im-so-tired-i-cant-keep-my-eyes-open/786718)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-fall-asleep-when-im-so-tired-i-cant-keep-my-eyes-open/786718 "2017-05-19T03:49:45Z")
So more than once as of late I’ve been driving home in the wee hours of the morning after being up all night, and I am utterly exhausted. I’m struggling to stay awake while driving, and when I get home I wander to the b… --- ## [Are there any good candidates for the 18th Century's last survivor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-good-candidates-for-the-18th-centurys-last-survivor/597184)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-good-candidates-for-the-18th-centurys-last-survivor/597184 "2017-05-19T02:49:58Z")
The 19th Century’s last survivors are almost gone now, in 2011; the world’s oldest living person, Bessie Cooper, was born in August 26, 1896. In less than a decade, it’s entirely possible we’ll get down to a single lone … --- ## [On a healthy normal worker, how long can they safely perform risky jobs without sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-healthy-normal-worker-how-long-can-they-safely-perform-risky-jobs-without-sleep/786526)
**Author:** [@dude\_robert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dude_robert)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-a-healthy-normal-worker-how-long-can-they-safely-perform-risky-jobs-without-sleep/786526 "2017-05-19T01:47:58Z")
So, basically when does sleep deprivation start to slightly affect a daily task? For example, how long would it be before it became “not recommended” to drive? What about “illegal” to drive/operate machinery? I actually … --- ## [Anybody with experience renting a lawn aerator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-with-experience-renting-a-lawn-aerator/786889)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2017, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-with-experience-renting-a-lawn-aerator/786889 "2017-05-19T00:29:35Z")
My lawn is crap. And in my brilliant plan to restore it to lawnyness this year has in aeration in the plan. I am also cheap and am trying to avoid paying someone who knows what they are doing. Has anybody rented one of … --- ## [Why is Nigeria famous for the '419' scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nigeria-famous-for-the-419-scam/786339)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-nigeria-famous-for-the-419-scam/786339 "2017-05-18T23:53:16Z")
Correct me If I’m wrong but I believed that Russians/Eastern Europeans would have gained notoriety during the 90s and 00s for this due to the fact that computer crime of all kinds is literally state sponsored and there d… --- ## [Time Travel is Impractical...or is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-is-impractical-or-is-it/786815)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-is-impractical-or-is-it/786815 "2017-05-18T23:11:10Z")
Suppose I hop in my TARDIS or DeLorean and want to go back and buy that HEMI powered Daytona for $4000 or ahead and get that anti-gravity flying bike. Wait a minute… The Earth spins on it’s axis, orbits the Sun, and tr… --- ## [How does a co-signed loan affect each party's credit rating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-co-signed-loan-affect-each-partys-credit-rating/786944)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-co-signed-loan-affect-each-partys-credit-rating/786944 "2017-05-18T21:49:31Z")
If a student gets a car loan and it is co-signed by a relative, will this start to establish a credit rating for the student? Or doesn’t it count because the student doesn’t have the loan solely in her name? What does … --- ## [Best way to contain TV noise to my apt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-contain-tv-noise-to-my-apt/786917)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-contain-tv-noise-to-my-apt/786917 "2017-05-18T21:16:15Z")
I bought a new TV several months ago and even on the lowest setting it still projects the sound into my upstairs neighbors apt. The speakers are on the back of the TV and aimed right at the wall about 6" from the speake… --- ## [Taste buds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taste-buds/786930)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taste-buds/786930 "2017-05-18T19:28:59Z")
What shapes our tastebuds? Is it the environment we grow up in? Does geography play into it? Is it genetic? For example, wouldn’t someone from Asia be more inclined to eat foods that are on the sweet/sour part of the pa… --- ## [How do fish get into man made lakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-fish-get-into-man-made-lakes/244696)
**Author:** [@Oglomott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oglomott)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-fish-get-into-man-made-lakes/244696 "2017-05-18T18:43:08Z")
That is, how do fish get into man made lakes that are not fed by another water source, and are not purposely stocked? My theory is that fish eggs get carried there and dropped by birds, but are there other ways? --- ## [Atomic decay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-decay/786883)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-decay/786883 "2017-05-18T18:10:56Z")
Is there any way to explain how atomic decay actually works. Does this mean the atomic chart actually started with the big bang or whatever the beginning actually was? Does this decay process make it certain that at some… --- ## [Charging a new motorcycle battery for the first time - drip charger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-a-new-motorcycle-battery-for-the-first-time-drip-charger/786850)
**Author:** [@Squallous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squallous)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charging-a-new-motorcycle-battery-for-the-first-time-drip-charger/786850 "2017-05-18T16:05:30Z")
Replacing a motorcycle battery. I can buy one online that comes “dry”, I’ll need to add the acid (included) and charge it prior to use. All I have is a drip charger / battery tender (harness is already installed on the… --- ## [Could we breed a 500-pound dog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-breed-a-500-pound-dog/786584)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-breed-a-500-pound-dog/786584 "2017-05-18T14:52:03Z")
As you know, felines come in truly terrifying sizes, such as tigers, which can reach 500-600 pounds. Canines, however, are comparatively disappointing, with the largest breeds reaching get perhaps 200 pounds (mastiffs c… --- ## [ICBM with no Nuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbm-with-no-nuke/786843)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icbm-with-no-nuke/786843 "2017-05-18T14:42:02Z")
Supposedly the destruction caused by a V-2 IRBM was mostly caused by the impact of the airframe hitting the ground while going as quick as a bunny. Further, at one point, the US military was kicking around the idea of f… --- ## ["The Poseidon Adventure" Was that ending even possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poseidon-adventure-was-that-ending-even-possible/756213)
**Author:** [@Chickenwrangler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chickenwrangler)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-poseidon-adventure-was-that-ending-even-possible/756213 "2017-05-18T14:24:25Z")
“The Poseidon Adventure” was a 1972 movie about a cruse ship that gets capsized by a giant wave and is left floating upsidedown with the bow underwater and just the rear of the ship with the propellers left floating abov… --- ## [Is an air-gap required with a disposal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-air-gap-required-with-a-disposal/349155)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-air-gap-required-with-a-disposal/349155 "2017-05-18T06:05:55Z")
Hi folks, Thanks to some electrical help I received here, I installed a new In Sink Erator garbage disposer in our kitchen. I’m left with the question of whether or not to install an air gap in the dishwasher drain line… --- ## [What in the world is this \[in a Norelco trimmer\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-world-is-this-in-a-norelco-trimmer/786474)
**Author:** [@greenpurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenpurple)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-in-the-world-is-this-in-a-norelco-trimmer/786474 "2017-05-18T05:18:55Z")
I bought a Norelco model QT4070 trimmer. When I pulled off the “cutting unit” for cleaning there was this brown substance of gooey consistency on the unit. It was very weird and I had Norelco send me a replacement cutter… --- ## [Pain meds for cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-meds-for-cats/786483)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2017, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-meds-for-cats/786483 "2017-05-18T01:52:17Z")
I have a 19-year-old obese cat who has hip pain. I’m aware that pet medications and human medications are often the very same, only with fewer safety protocols for the pets. What can be given, in what doses? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=728) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=730)