# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=813 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 814 --- ## [Cattle and Sheep Wars Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-and-sheep-wars-question/610472)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cattle-and-sheep-wars-question/610472 "2016-11-23T18:16:46Z")
I’m having trouble understanding what the Sheep Wars in the western US from 1870 - 1921 were all about. According to Wikipedia the cattlemen saw the sheepherders as invaders, and that the sheep would ruin their shared g… --- ## [What kind of radar is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-radar-is-this/772806)
**Author:** [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-radar-is-this/772806 "2016-11-23T18:07:57Z")
Watching an old archive film on Operation Dominic I saw something rather odd. At around 4:20 the film shows some, I presume, radar dishes; the odd thing is the thingamabob in the center that appears to be either vibrati… --- ## [Electric hot water "booster"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-hot-water-booster/772618)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-hot-water-booster/772618 "2016-11-23T17:26:58Z")
The hot water tap in my (not-large) house takes a really long time to deliver hot water. I live in southern California and would rather not waste water this way. Is there such a thing as a small electric hot water heat… --- ## [Would this work? Fusion power by "Hellpit"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-work-fusion-power-by-hellpit/448911)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-work-fusion-power-by-hellpit/448911 "2016-11-23T17:16:13Z")
Basically, have a large lake or small sea of molten lava kept hot by periodically dropping a nuclear weapon in and exploding it. Since the bomb goes off under a mile or so of molten rock, the explosion doesn’t reach the … --- ## [Why are some sentences in legal documents written in ALL CAPS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-sentences-in-legal-documents-written-in-all-caps/772396)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-sentences-in-legal-documents-written-in-all-caps/772396 "2016-11-23T17:12:26Z")
I was browsing Terms of Use - Jet's Pizza for no good reason, and noticed something that I have noticed in many disclaimers and EULAs: the presence of certain sections being in all capital letters. What is the reason fo… --- ## [Cats drowning mice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-drowning-mice/772666)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-drowning-mice/772666 "2016-11-23T16:29:50Z")
My cat’s favorite toy is a little plush mouse (the latest in a series…they don’t last long). He bats them around, flings them in the air, chases them down. Much fun. On a few occasions I’ve gotten up in the morning to… --- ## [Who can charge, investigate, arrest and sentence a sitting president](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-charge-investigate-arrest-and-sentence-a-sitting-president/772625)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-can-charge-investigate-arrest-and-sentence-a-sitting-president/772625 "2016-11-23T12:15:26Z")
Is the house of representatives the only body that has this power? Can cops and prosecutors on the city, county, state or federal level do this? Does any other organization have this power? Example: Lets say Trump is … --- ## [Was there a lot of fear regarding the growth of the USSR after WW2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-a-lot-of-fear-regarding-the-growth-of-the-ussr-after-ww2/771423)
**Author:** [@m30wc0w](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/m30wc0w)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-a-lot-of-fear-regarding-the-growth-of-the-ussr-after-ww2/771423 "2016-11-23T10:34:11Z")
I doubt the West was happy about such a large expansion, despite the Soviet Union’s contribution to the war effort (and also considering how evident the USSR’s territorial ambitions were prior to taking up a front agains… --- ## [Is it possible to capsize an aircraft carrier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-capsize-an-aircraft-carrier/764736)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-capsize-an-aircraft-carrier/764736 "2016-11-23T03:26:59Z")
Random question thrown up from my mind’s murky depths while reading a former Navy person’s Facebook page where he commented that he’d spent a lot of time at sea and hurricanes were nothing new to him. So suddenly I wond… --- ## [Downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving day and night](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downtown-chicago-on-thanksgiving-day-and-night/772712)
**Author:** [@cncdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cncdad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downtown-chicago-on-thanksgiving-day-and-night/772712 "2016-11-23T02:00:11Z")
SDMB, I am coming into town with my 2 teenage sons and staying in River North. We will be arriving Thanksgiving day and staying through the weekend. We have stayed downtown quite a few times during the Christmas Season… --- ## [Why w is so unstable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-w-is-so-unstable/772587)
**Author:** [@correlophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/correlophus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2016, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-w-is-so-unstable/772587 "2016-11-23T00:04:58Z")
Linguistics question: why the consonant w is so unstable and tends to get changed or lost in many languages? Once upon a time, all the indo-european languages had a w, inherited from proto-indo-european. Then something … --- ## [Does hi def make special effects more difficult to create?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hi-def-make-special-effects-more-difficult-to-create/772564)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hi-def-make-special-effects-more-difficult-to-create/772564 "2016-11-22T22:49:07Z")
Hello Everyone, We’re at a family members house and they have a new flat screen that had a much better picture then e have at home. The HD shows are incredible, but I’ve noticed that it’s easier to tell when they use a… --- ## [Pilot license for military pilots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilot-license-for-military-pilots/772300)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilot-license-for-military-pilots/772300 "2016-11-22T21:48:00Z")
If a pilot is trained by the Air Force or Navy do they also get a regular US pilot license? Or do they get a special version of a license? I know some people join the military with a license already, I mean people wh… --- ## [Is A $15 Gas Mask As Good As A $250 Gas Mask?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-15-gas-mask-as-good-as-a-250-gas-mask/772554)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-15-gas-mask-as-good-as-a-250-gas-mask/772554 "2016-11-22T19:20:43Z")
I’ve been looking at gas masks online, and prices are all over the place, from about $15 to well over $250. Is there that big of a difference in quality? I don’t plan on conducting chemical warfare. --- ## [Ammo Question - .223 Remington/5.56 NATO](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ammo-question-223-remington-5-56-nato/772476)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ammo-question-223-remington-5-56-nato/772476 "2016-11-22T16:17:49Z")
Assuming 5.56 was in use first, why did Remington develop its .223? --- ## [iPad workaround?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-workaround/772496)
**Author:** [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ipad-workaround/772496 "2016-11-22T15:11:14Z")
A friend of mine has gifted to me her late mother’s iPad mini. Her mom died rather unexpectedly, and she thinks there may be some pertinent information on the tablet that might answer some questions. Of course, her mom’… --- ## [US election laws: very limited term limits--incumbent cannot run for re-election: still around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-election-laws-very-limited-term-limits-incumbent-cannot-run-for-re-election-still-around/772349)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-election-laws-very-limited-term-limits-incumbent-cannot-run-for-re-election-still-around/772349 "2016-11-22T14:33:31Z")
After re-watching the Coen’s O Brother, Where Art Thou I read a little on W. Lee O’Daniel, a Texas pol who served as something of a character model for the fictional governor of Mississippi in the 1930’s running for re-e… --- ## [Yellowstone geyser guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellowstone-geyser-guy/761570)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yellowstone-geyser-guy/761570 "2016-11-22T14:13:51Z")
Inspired more or less by the Apollo fire thread… I looked to see what happened to the guy who “disappeared into” Porkchop geyser in Yellowstone Park back in early June - apparently he walked off the boardwalk and accord… --- ## [Logistics of secure drug dispenser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-secure-drug-dispenser/772451)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-secure-drug-dispenser/772451 "2016-11-22T12:37:47Z")
If a person needs a specific drug but lacks the self control to take them as prescribed would somekind of secure dispenser be feasable. This would be set up with the pharmacy or health manager system presently in place a… --- ## [Shaving With Mouthwash](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaving-with-mouthwash/772474)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shaving-with-mouthwash/772474 "2016-11-22T11:33:15Z")
At the Y I saw a guy shaving his face and head. No shaving cream, no soap. Turns out he’s been using mouthwash for years. Said is was best to use a brand with plaque remover and apply to a dry face. Tried it the next m… --- ## [3D bluray (or blu-ray with hyphen) - what TV set is optimal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-bluray-or-blu-ray-with-hyphen-what-tv-set-is-optimal/772627)
**Author:** [@Enlightening\_Meditation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enlightening_Meditation)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/3d-bluray-or-blu-ray-with-hyphen-what-tv-set-is-optimal/772627 "2016-11-22T09:19:31Z")
Background info: I was at a retail store a few days ago. The inventory included 3D blu-ray discs and blu-ray consoles. I am intrigued, but somewhat ignorant of the technology as I have only watched 3D films in theatres… --- ## [Was open defecation the norm across the world before the 1800s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-open-defecation-the-norm-across-the-world-before-the-1800s/772156)
**Author:** [@Waxwinged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waxwinged)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-open-defecation-the-norm-across-the-world-before-the-1800s/772156 "2016-11-22T07:07:28Z")
I just finished reading a rather interesting book, (“The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters.” by Rose Baker) on the subject, and was curious- historically, were latrines ever the sta… --- ## [turning on a home stereo: why the delay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-on-a-home-stereo-why-the-delay/772648)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-on-a-home-stereo-why-the-delay/772648 "2016-11-22T04:39:43Z")
I push the power button on my home stereo (or on its remote), and maybe five seconds later a relay closes, and it finally starts driving the speakers. Contrast this with a clock-radio or some equally cheap/small sound s… --- ## [Military vehicle and crews question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-vehicle-and-crews-question/772249)
**Author:** [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-vehicle-and-crews-question/772249 "2016-11-22T04:08:51Z")
For military vehicles which require substantial special training, such as tanks and airplanes, do the crews generally stick with a single vehicle, or do they move around a lot between vehicles of the same type? Is it dif… --- ## [Immigration status: Relationship between H-1B visa and EAD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-status-relationship-between-h-1b-visa-and-ead/772665)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-status-relationship-between-h-1b-visa-and-ead/772665 "2016-11-22T03:43:48Z")
If a foreign worker acquires an H-1B visa, they can get sponsorship from an employer and can work for that employer. USCIS also describes an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) but doesn’t say anything about how tha… --- ## [Opiod pain killer strengths.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opiod-pain-killer-strengths/772542)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2016, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opiod-pain-killer-strengths/772542 "2016-11-22T02:38:34Z")
Hello Everyone, Going through some of my old medications got me curious, so I found a chart online that lists relative strengths of painkillers. For example morphine is the standard and a drug like Tramadol is 10 time… --- ## [Do small businesses generally prefer to be paid in cash or credit/debit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-small-businesses-generally-prefer-to-be-paid-in-cash-or-credit-debit/772311)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-small-businesses-generally-prefer-to-be-paid-in-cash-or-credit-debit/772311 "2016-11-21T23:13:22Z")
With cash, the money is literally in hand, but it requires physical counting and storage, whereas with debit/credit the electronic records are all neatly recorded down to the penny, but it is more vulnerable to electroni… --- ## [EU/UN have redefined the age of the term child to facilitate immigration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-un-have-redefined-the-age-of-the-term-child-to-facilitate-immigration/772090)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-un-have-redefined-the-age-of-the-term-child-to-facilitate-immigration/772090 "2016-11-21T20:39:20Z")
I’ve seen this allegation made on several occassions during discussions on immigration into the European Union, usually variations on the quote below: ‘In a cunning sleight of hand, the EU/NGO Volunteer Corps have redef… --- ## [Some more questions about physics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-more-questions-about-physics/772613)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-more-questions-about-physics/772613 "2016-11-21T20:10:14Z")
Please forgive me if these are dumb questions. Wikipedia is wonderful, but it tends (unsurprisingly) not to address the questions I have, and so the SDMB is my only place to ask these things. In the standard two-dimensi… --- ## [Translation of "el Malo"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-el-malo/772635)
**Author:** [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-of-el-malo/772635 "2016-11-21T16:58:04Z")
So the newspapers are telling us a certain American electee is known in Mexico as “el Malo,” which they (the news sources) translate as “the bad one.” Is that the best translation? Would it reasonable to translate that… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=812) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=814)