# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=776 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 777 --- ## [Legally, does it matter if POTUS doesn't know what s/he's signing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legally-does-it-matter-if-potus-doesnt-know-what-s-hes-signing/779371)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legally-does-it-matter-if-potus-doesnt-know-what-s-hes-signing/779371 "2017-02-14T06:40:11Z")
If the President of the United States signs something, like an executive order or pardon, without any idea what it is (or thinking it’s something else entirely), is it still legally an binding? Say an unscrupulous White… --- ## [Annie Hall "impeach Ronald Reagan"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annie-hall-impeach-ronald-reagan/779759)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annie-hall-impeach-ronald-reagan/779759 "2017-02-14T03:01:50Z")
Watched Annie Hall last night. There is a scene where Woody Allen and Diane Keaton are splitting up their belongings. Woody has a bunch of presidential pins saying impeach Johnson, impeach Eisenhower. Then one that say… --- ## [1-photon emission possible from electron-positron annhilation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-photon-emission-possible-from-electron-positron-annhilation/779729)
**Author:** [@Zach29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zach29)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1-photon-emission-possible-from-electron-positron-annhilation/779729 "2017-02-14T02:42:09Z")
I was reading about electron-positron annihilation. Typically it results in two photons, each with an energy of 511 keV, that go shooting out in opposite directions. But I read that in some instances three photons can re… --- ## [Of what benefit is the helix in DNA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-what-benefit-is-the-helix-in-dna/779611)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2017, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-what-benefit-is-the-helix-in-dna/779611 "2017-02-14T00:35:19Z")
Why not just a ladder shape? --- ## [What's a sine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-sine/779531)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-sine/779531 "2017-02-13T20:47:08Z")
Is a sine something besides a function? A tangent is a line that touches a circle at 1 point and a secant is a line that touches at 2 points. Is there similar geometric object that’s defined as a sine? Bonus question:… --- ## [Uncovering previous writing on paper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncovering-previous-writing-on-paper/376300)
**Author:** [@synaptix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/synaptix)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uncovering-previous-writing-on-paper/376300 "2017-02-13T20:30:43Z")
Quick summary. I want to uncover previous writing that was done on a sheet of notebook paper. In more detail, a letter was written on a notepad and removed. As is usual, there were indentations left on the sheet below… --- ## [How do we know dark matter is not slow neutrinos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-dark-matter-is-not-slow-neutrinos/779638)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-dark-matter-is-not-slow-neutrinos/779638 "2017-02-13T19:41:48Z")
Seems to me that what I imagine slow neutrinos to be, has all the qualities of dark matter. Passes through regular matter without making a fuss, has mass and therefore exerts gravity, does not emit or reflect light. Sur… --- ## [Criteria for an airport weather shutdown? How much leeway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/criteria-for-an-airport-weather-shutdown-how-much-leeway/779491)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/criteria-for-an-airport-weather-shutdown-how-much-leeway/779491 "2017-02-13T17:59:26Z")
The FAA has objective measurements for a shut down, right? “Wind speed steady for x secs of x mph means no takeoffs or landings.” What about snow? We all know/assume “all flights cancelled because of…” and we look out a… --- ## [can you tear off someone else's arm (by hand)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tear-off-someone-elses-arm-by-hand/779354)
**Author:** [@Zumie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zumie)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-tear-off-someone-elses-arm-by-hand/779354 "2017-02-13T17:32:48Z")
So I seen a similar question to this, I tried to find if it was already posted or not so please forgive me if it was already asked. So a more complete version of the question would be, can you remove someone’s limb by e… --- ## ["Outdated" stanza from German anthem played at tennis match?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdated-stanza-from-german-anthem-played-at-tennis-match/779668)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outdated-stanza-from-german-anthem-played-at-tennis-match/779668 "2017-02-13T15:10:24Z")
An outdated stanza of the German national anthem was sung during the opening ceremonies at he FED Cup quarterfinals in Hawaii. The particular stanza dates to WW 2 Germany. Apparently, the singing of this stanza greatly … --- ## [Why don't cut flowers sprout roots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cut-flowers-sprout-roots/779670)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cut-flowers-sprout-roots/779670 "2017-02-13T14:52:13Z")
I can cut off a sprig of many types of plants and put it in water, and it will send out roots. I have a bunch of spearmint that I did this with. Why don’t cut flowers sprout roots when I put them in water? --- ## [Can you use a Firestick on a Roku TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-use-a-firestick-on-a-roku-tv/779697)
**Author:** [@HeXen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeXen)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-use-a-firestick-on-a-roku-tv/779697 "2017-02-13T14:02:10Z")
We have a 55" Roku TV, wife wants to jail break a Firestick for occasional use. How would that work since the TV has built in Roku? --- ## [How do you create an editable PDF in Word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-create-an-editable-pdf-in-word/779601)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-create-an-editable-pdf-in-word/779601 "2017-02-13T13:25:45Z")
I tried doing The Google to figure this out but hit an early roadblock. The instructions I’ve seen say to create a Word document, then go to File\>Print and make sure Adobe PDF is selected as the printer. I’ve tried thi… --- ## [What prose style do French natives use in school essay writing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-prose-style-do-french-natives-use-in-school-essay-writing/751037)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-prose-style-do-french-natives-use-in-school-essay-writing/751037 "2016-04-03T20:46:04Z")
Hi I order to write French prose essays in as native style as possible, I want to know what prose style French natives adopt in school essay writing? I do not have any samples to go by, so I hope someone who has some k… --- ## [Naming naval ships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naming-naval-ships/779224)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 8:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naming-naval-ships/779224 "2017-02-13T08:25:12Z")
How do they decide what names to give all the various naval vessels? --- ## [Why is my engine revving on idle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-engine-revving-on-idle/779657)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2017, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-engine-revving-on-idle/779657 "2017-02-13T03:06:13Z")
I was out of town so had my car sitting in an airport parking garage for 10 days. Driving home last night, it was doing something it wasn’t when I left on my trip: it was revving in cycles whenever I was stopped (say at … --- ## [Why does our running pace slow as we age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-our-running-pace-slow-as-we-age/779679)
**Author:** [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-our-running-pace-slow-as-we-age/779679 "2017-02-12T20:34:43Z")
I am 79 now and have been running for over 4 decades. (I did not start until my late 30s. If I had started earlier my speed would have been faster for years, until about the time I actually did start,) After initial i… --- ## [Ignoring "Invalid" Injunctions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignoring-invalid-injunctions/779330)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignoring-invalid-injunctions/779330 "2017-02-12T16:32:22Z")
Suppose a judge issues an injunction that you believe to be clearly invalid and outside of his authority. Can you ignore/violate it while waiting for it to be overturned, or do you have to comply in the meantime. Meaning… --- ## [How do you change iPhone battery without stopping apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-change-iphone-battery-without-stopping-apps/779538)
**Author:** [@amarone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarone)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-change-iphone-battery-without-stopping-apps/779538 "2017-02-12T10:54:04Z")
I recently had my iPhone 6S battery replaced (I think). It was not at an Apple Store. The day after I got my phone back, I noticed that it was still running apps that I had not used since getting the new battery. How … --- ## [Cheap PCI-E Sound Card vs cheap USB sound device](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-pci-e-sound-card-vs-cheap-usb-sound-device/779372)
**Author:** [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-pci-e-sound-card-vs-cheap-usb-sound-device/779372 "2017-02-12T10:41:28Z")
My motherboard recently died, and I had to buy a replacement. It’s hard to find a new motherboard for a six-year-old CPU, but I found one that had been in storage. Unfortunately, its sound drivers do not play well with… --- ## [Who invented the "Trump Swastika" symbol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-invented-the-trump-swastika-symbol/779168)
**Author:** [@hakunamatatee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hakunamatatee)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-invented-the-trump-swastika-symbol/779168 "2017-02-12T09:27:04Z")
I’ve been seeing this Trump Swastika symbol everywhere as of late. This symbol is fantastic, of such ingenious design. :smiley: Examples: http://thehill.com/sites/default/files/styles/article\_full/public/blogs/trumpswa… --- ## [Fleas (no pets)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleas-no-pets/775324)
**Author:** [@steveisoverthere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steveisoverthere)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fleas-no-pets/775324 "2017-02-12T07:46:18Z")
A while back I noticed some bites around my ankles and calves. I also found what I assume to be fleas on me. They’d hop away and sometimes I’d kill them, but I never found more than one every couple of days. I have no pe… --- ## [What would a golden lion have sounded like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-golden-lion-have-sounded-like/779533)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-golden-lion-have-sounded-like/779533 "2017-02-12T04:20:26Z")
In the year 968 of the Common Era the Bishop of Cremona, Liutprand, was sent by his monarch Otto I, the King of Italy, on a mission to the Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus Phocas in Constantinople. As he entered the audienc… --- ## [Congress and Wells - Traffic rule question.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-and-wells-traffic-rule-question/779436)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-and-wells-traffic-rule-question/779436 "2017-02-12T04:10:28Z")
So if you’re going northbound on Wells, making that left turn to get onto Congress, is it legal to make a left turn from the right lane? 'Cause I know everyone does it, but it fills me with grr every time. The left lane… --- ## [How do I upload my mom's iPad photos to the cloud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-upload-my-moms-ipad-photos-to-the-cloud/779513)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2017, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-upload-my-moms-ipad-photos-to-the-cloud/779513 "2017-02-12T00:17:07Z")
I have Cloud access off of my cell phone and that upload photos and videos to my cloud automatically. That is an Android. Mom has an iPad, which I’m generally not familiar with. She keeps getting a message saying X hund… --- ## [For what reasons would a loose archwire straighten itself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-what-reasons-would-a-loose-archwire-straighten-itself/779559)
**Author:** [@Yonathan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yonathan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2017, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-what-reasons-would-a-loose-archwire-straighten-itself/779559 "2017-02-11T22:20:06Z")
Everybody loves slipstream fiction, right? Let’s pretend that a kid has braces, and because of chewing pecans one of his archwires became loose. The next morning, the archwire is straight for what seems to be no reason,… --- ## [New cable box doesn't work with home theater. HELP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cable-box-doesnt-work-with-home-theater-help/779104)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2017, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-cable-box-doesnt-work-with-home-theater-help/779104 "2017-02-11T17:49:20Z")
I Have an LG HD TV in my den with a Sony Blu Ray player and a Roku hooked up to a Vizio soundbar with a wireless sub-woofer with 2 rear speakers. Television service is via Time Warner with digital cable box. Last week t… --- ## [During the Cold War, was it illegal for Americans to move to the USSR?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-cold-war-was-it-illegal-for-americans-to-move-to-the-ussr/779218)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2017, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-cold-war-was-it-illegal-for-americans-to-move-to-the-ussr/779218 "2017-02-11T15:36:14Z")
There have been many repressive regimes over time that have placed significant barriers over their citizens abilities to emigrate, including the USSR during the Cold War. Indeed, one of the propaganda talking points duri… --- ## [Question regarding setting up electronic payments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-setting-up-electronic-payments/779253)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-regarding-setting-up-electronic-payments/779253 "2017-02-11T15:00:59Z")
Somewhat convoluted background facts: Just after the New Year, kaylasmom and I spent the afternoon and evening at a car dealership getting a Prius. All in all (time consumption aside), it was a quite satisfactory experi… --- ## [Warrant officers: why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warrant-officers-why/779191)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2017, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warrant-officers-why/779191 "2017-02-11T14:50:29Z")
Warrant officers (in the US military) are typically individuals who have extensive experience with some particular area of technical expertise. They occupy a position in the rank structure above enlisted ranks and below … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=775) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=777)