# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=786 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 787 --- ## [Passport expiration question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-expiration-question/777929)
**Author:** [@Gretchion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gretchion)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-expiration-question/777929 "2017-01-25T14:24:01Z")
I am a US citizen, and I’ve lived in China for almost 2 years on a work visa. My passport will expire in May, and I will go to have it renewed in February after the Spring Festival, since everything here will shut down … --- ## [How vulnerable is the US power grid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-vulnerable-is-the-us-power-grid/777890)
**Author:** [@Bones\_Daley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bones_Daley)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-vulnerable-is-the-us-power-grid/777890 "2017-01-25T13:24:02Z")
I keep getting spam from companies trying to sell solar powered generators, who allege that the US power grid system is hopelessly out of date, and vulnerable to terrorist attack which could bring the country to a stand… --- ## [Trump "Compels" Carmakers to Stay in the U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-compels-carmakers-to-stay-in-the-u-s/778050)
**Author:** [@Frankenstein\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frankenstein_Monster)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-compels-carmakers-to-stay-in-the-u-s/778050 "2017-01-25T10:10:16Z")
I took out the GD component of this question. Just wondering about the GQ. Video title: Trump Compels Carmakers to Stay in the U.S. Video description: President Donald Trump met with auto executives at the White House … --- ## [Why was S. America colonized before US ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-s-america-colonized-before-us/777841)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-s-america-colonized-before-us/777841 "2017-01-25T06:48:53Z")
Looking at history there were S. American settlements from Europe in the early 1500s but in the area that became the US it did not happen until 1600 in most cases. Was this because Spain and Portugal were just more aggr… --- ## [Why do businesses want me to "please use other door?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-businesses-want-me-to-please-use-other-door/777784)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-businesses-want-me-to-please-use-other-door/777784 "2017-01-25T02:20:25Z")
As often as not, when I approach a business with double doors (i.e. two doors, side-by-side covering one big opening, with hinges at the far left and far right) I find that one of the doors has a sign saying “PLEASE USE … --- ## [Residential natural gas line replacement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/residential-natural-gas-line-replacement/778061)
**Author:** [@gmak1520](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gmak1520)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/residential-natural-gas-line-replacement/778061 "2017-01-25T01:59:41Z")
Just completed a residential gas line replacement, due to a phantom leak. The gas meter is located in an alley easement, and the line replaced was that connecting the meter to the home service entry, just outside the P&B… --- ## [Do All Liquids Evaporate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-liquids-evaporate/778025)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-all-liquids-evaporate/778025 "2017-01-25T01:51:49Z")
If you spill gasoline, eventually the spill will evaporate leaving residue from the additives behind. But, what about cooking oils? …Do they eventually evaporate? I would assume so, but who waits long enough to find out?… --- ## [LPI radar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lpi-radar/777053)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lpi-radar/777053 "2017-01-25T01:47:24Z")
First, I’d like to know if I understand LPI radar properly: There are a few ways in which a radar can be LPI. It can use wideband, frequency hopping or continuous wave. However, the term “LPI” is usually reserved for ra… --- ## [Longest time between two non-consecutive terms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-time-between-two-non-consecutive-terms/777874)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-time-between-two-non-consecutive-terms/777874 "2017-01-25T01:47:13Z")
There is a councilor in my city who has been elected to two terms. The first from 1982-1985, and the second from 2014-2017. What is the longest period ever between two non-consecutive terms for the same elected officia… --- ## [Oldest military equipment in use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-military-equipment-in-use/777637)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-military-equipment-in-use/777637 "2017-01-25T01:40:05Z")
What is the oldest article of original military equipment still in service you’ve encountered (or are aware of)? “Article”, for the purpose of this discussion, is intended quite broadly - it might include a weapon, ammu… --- ## [Making a fighter jet immediately scramble-able, in seconds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-fighter-jet-immediately-scramble-able-in-seconds/777776)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-fighter-jet-immediately-scramble-able-in-seconds/777776 "2017-01-25T01:35:17Z")
I’m wondering how difficult it would be for a modern fighter jet to be devised so that, in scramble/intercept situations, you could instantly turn the thing on and be headed to the runway within seconds - like a car, tur… --- ## [Screen Magnifier App recommendiations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-magnifier-app-recommendiations/778054)
**Author:** [@davida03801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davida03801)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2017, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screen-magnifier-app-recommendiations/778054 "2017-01-25T00:54:21Z")
Does anyone have recommendations of good magnifying glass app for a Windows PC ? I do a lot of screen share work and getting a bit tired of squinting at the fine print by the time I see things on my PC. I am checking t… --- ## [What is this kind of ceiling light called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-kind-of-ceiling-light-called/777998)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-kind-of-ceiling-light-called/777998 "2017-01-24T23:31:31Z")
And where could I find one? It’s about 3.5 inches in diameter and about 12 inches in length. I need to replace it because when I tried to change the bulb in the matching light, this … --- ## [Fire Americans, retain Europeans - research ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-americans-retain-europeans-research/778082)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-americans-retain-europeans-research/778082 "2017-01-24T22:19:33Z")
WRT multinational corporations having major workforces in the USA and the European Union, I have heard anecdotically that they tend to fire Americans disproportionately over Europeans when facing a downturn. Apparently, … --- ## [The Immortal Centurion story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-immortal-centurion-story/127159)
**Author:** [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-immortal-centurion-story/127159 "2017-01-24T20:32:04Z")
Why don’t you think Nicodemus is the origin? Are there earlier references? --- ## [Opticians never want to replace lenses: Scam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opticians-never-want-to-replace-lenses-scam/656978)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2015, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opticians-never-want-to-replace-lenses-scam/656978 "2015-06-28T09:36:27Z")
Whenever I go to an optician for new lenses, they always strongly resist replacing the lenses in my existing frame. And I often want to keep my frame, not only to save money, but also once I find something I like, I don’… --- ## [Updating hangs Windows 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updating-hangs-windows-10/778032)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/updating-hangs-windows-10/778032 "2017-01-24T15:27:56Z")
Yesterday evening I got the message, Restart needed for updates (or however it’s phrased), and there was a restart button, so I hit it. The updates did their thing (light blue screen) and then rebooted. When the screen c… --- ## [What happens if more Supreme Court judges die or retire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-more-supreme-court-judges-die-or-retire/777948)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-more-supreme-court-judges-die-or-retire/777948 "2017-01-24T15:08:16Z")
By law, the Court is supposed to have nine members. Because of political gridlock, it seems very unlikely for any nominee to be confirmed. What happens if more leave the court? What if nobody is left? --- ## [Temp. to burn teeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temp-to-burn-teeth/9303)
**Author:** [@Steve-o](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve-o)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temp-to-burn-teeth/9303 "2017-01-24T15:00:09Z")
Does anyone know at what minimum temperature teeth will burn? Things are random only insofar as we don’t understand them. --- ## [6-Sided School Bus Stop Sign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-sided-school-bus-stop-sign/777913)
**Author:** [@jjakucyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjakucyk)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/6-sided-school-bus-stop-sign/777913 "2017-01-24T13:55:46Z")
I assume most North Americans are familiar with the swing-out stop signs on the driver’s side of yellow school buses. They’re red octagons that look just like the stop signs at intersections, with the addition of a coup… --- ## [Need Help with Translation (video) . Swedish to English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-translation-video-swedish-to-english/777977)
**Author:** [@kuyz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kuyz)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-with-translation-video-swedish-to-english/777977 "2017-01-24T11:43:24Z")
Hi guys, I need help translating a video, Swedish to English. The video is of a live performance of the wild west. Basically, I need to understand what the female announcer is saying to the audience. Link to the video, H… --- ## [When was the last public joint US-Russian joint military mission?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-public-joint-us-russian-joint-military-mission/777949)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-public-joint-us-russian-joint-military-mission/777949 "2017-01-24T10:58:47Z")
Prompted by newspaper report today of joint Russian/US Syrian mission supposedly announced by Russia–cite not given because the Brit newspaper does not give a referencable cite. But the question is begged. In the query,… --- ## [What are the best kind of washing machine supply hoses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-kind-of-washing-machine-supply-hoses/346327)
**Author:** [@Anaptyxis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaptyxis)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2006, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-kind-of-washing-machine-supply-hoses/346327 "2006-03-01T03:12:52Z")
This past Saturday, thanks to my sharp hearing, I managed to catch a washing machine hose bursting after only about ten minutes of its filling the basement with water. Don’t even ask how the carpet is doing down there. … --- ## [How much does a human being explode if we dissociate all the molecules?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-a-human-being-explode-if-we-dissociate-all-the-molecules/777466)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-a-human-being-explode-if-we-dissociate-all-the-molecules/777466 "2017-01-24T08:18:32Z")
Let’s say I’ve invented a sort of 1920s-style death ray that works by breaking molecular bonds (and leaving them broken). I point it at a 70kg adult human male and it causes all of the atoms in his body to instantly dis… --- ## [Presidential Limo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-limo/777630)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-limo/777630 "2017-01-24T02:48:50Z")
Watching the goings on in Washington, believe I heard a commentator say the doors on the new limo cannot be opened by the President from the inside. Assuming correct, why not? --- ## [Are there any consumer electronics made in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-consumer-electronics-made-in-the-usa/777889)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-consumer-electronics-made-in-the-usa/777889 "2017-01-24T02:24:24Z")
All the talk about bringing back American manufacturing has me wondering this. I remember a while ago looking for US-made headphones, to no avail. There are shops that custom build PCs. Other than that, is it possible… --- ## [Bra sizes. Please explain to this feeble male.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bra-sizes-please-explain-to-this-feeble-male/777286)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bra-sizes-please-explain-to-this-feeble-male/777286 "2017-01-24T01:50:57Z")
I should have paid more attention at some point in my life, but I didn’t. I have no idea what a “D” versus an “A” versus a “Q” even is. I’m sure Google will take me to very interesting places, which frankly I wouldn’t … --- ## [Name of a solid object.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-a-solid-object/777329)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2017, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-a-solid-object/777329 "2017-01-24T00:00:30Z")
I just bought some long life milk in travel sized containers. It is packed in small ’ ‘cartons’ which are formed by pinching the two ends of a cylinder together at 90 degrees to each other, creating a container with only… --- ## [Princess Charlotte of Wales's heirs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/princess-charlotte-of-waless-heirs/777923)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/princess-charlotte-of-waless-heirs/777923 "2017-01-23T22:40:45Z")
Upon the death of Princess Charlotte of Wales, the younger brothers of George IV raced to produce heirs, eventually winding up with Victoria. Until the birth of Victoria, the heirs to George IV were all of his brothers,… --- ## [Is there any reason why US money used to be only three colors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-why-us-money-used-to-be-only-three-colors/777855)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-why-us-money-used-to-be-only-three-colors/777855 "2017-01-23T21:51:23Z")
Yeah I know about the the yelowback currency and the beautiful rose colored designs on the Canal Bank of New Orleans banknotes, but all and all at least 99% of US money has been black, green and red (and occasionally bro… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=785) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=787)