# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=921 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 922 --- ## [Longest unbroken drive between two cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-unbroken-drive-between-two-cities/691571)
**Author:** [@CaryKen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaryKen)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-unbroken-drive-between-two-cities/691571 "2016-04-13T15:42:33Z")
No… I am NOT looking for maximum total distance between any two cities (on the Earth, on a continent, or in a country). That has been covered in another thread. I’m looking for two cities connected by roadways with the … --- ## [Used car with a mp3 player jack mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-car-with-a-mp3-player-jack-mystery/751948)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/used-car-with-a-mp3-player-jack-mystery/751948 "2016-04-13T13:56:32Z")
Bought a used car and noticed it has a jack in the dash. Bonus, I can listen to my jams through the car stereo! It is a male jack, but it isn’t 3.5 mm it is smaller. Okay, did a quick google search and see that some o… --- ## [Why did the milk curdle in my coffee mug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-milk-curdle-in-my-coffee-mug/751989)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-milk-curdle-in-my-coffee-mug/751989 "2016-04-13T13:19:48Z")
I travel to work on the train and I usually take an insulated travel mug of coffee to drink on the way (the kind with a screw-on lid with drinking spout you hold a button down to open. This morning, my coffee tasted just… --- ## [How do 999 / 911 verify police / FBI, etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-999-911-verify-police-fbi-etc/752010)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-999-911-verify-police-fbi-etc/752010 "2016-04-13T12:46:00Z")
The scenario is that you unexpectedly have police (or FBI or DEA or…) - or people claiming to be police (or…) - outside the door demanding entry. Modestly aggressively too. Being sensible, you ring 999 / 911 to verify th… --- ## [Most times excommunicated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-times-excommunicated/752068)
**Author:** [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-times-excommunicated/752068 "2016-04-13T12:18:54Z")
Who was excommunicated the most times? It was certainly easier back in the day, all you had to do was piss off the wrong bishop, so a medieval source is probably most likely. I’m not necessarily concerned with whether it… --- ## [Collection of dust in uninhabited house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-of-dust-in-uninhabited-house/752039)
**Author:** [@nansbread](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nansbread)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/collection-of-dust-in-uninhabited-house/752039 "2016-04-13T11:00:14Z")
Dust collects in appreciably large amounts in unnhabited houses whose doors and windows are shut. So human cells are not the only constituent of house dust. This much is sure. What is rest of dust? Pollen, sand, disinte… --- ## [Mentally Ill Defendants In Other Countries.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mentally-ill-defendants-in-other-countries/751312)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mentally-ill-defendants-in-other-countries/751312 "2016-04-13T09:56:25Z")
Mentally ill defendants are usually cut no slack, in U.S. courts. Whether you think that is right or not, I think we can all agree on that. I live in Michigan. And we do still have the insanity defense. But it is rarely … --- ## [Is there a difference between a vacuum and nothingness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-a-vacuum-and-nothingness/751930)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-a-vacuum-and-nothingness/751930 "2016-04-13T01:20:04Z")
My question relates to the Big Bang theory of creation and quantum theory. Please help correct my understanding of the theories. My understanding is that the universe arose in a Big Bang out of a singularity. Quantum the… --- ## [Looking for accurate bathroom scale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-accurate-bathroom-scale/751934)
**Author:** [@dataguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dataguy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-accurate-bathroom-scale/751934 "2016-04-13T00:44:20Z")
I’ve been shopping for a new bathroom scale. I bought one of the digital ones, but am annoyed that it seems to give a different weight (by several pounds) every time you step on it. I bought it from Bed Bath & Beyond, … --- ## [Bonehead electrical wiring question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonehead-electrical-wiring-question/751503)
**Author:** [@Washoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washoe)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonehead-electrical-wiring-question/751503 "2016-04-12T23:53:35Z")
I just moved into a new home. The 240 volt outlet in the laundry room is four-pronged and my dryer is three-pronged. So I went Lowes’s and bought a four-pronged cord and installed it. That was the easy part. Now for the … --- ## [How much tax money is spent on the Presidential elections every four years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-tax-money-is-spent-on-the-presidential-elections-every-four-years/752013)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-tax-money-is-spent-on-the-presidential-elections-every-four-years/752013 "2016-04-12T22:17:29Z")
I would like to know the total cost to the taxpayer for holding our Presidential elections. That would include protection for the candidates, travel expenses(if paid for by the government), the cost of holding the elect… --- ## [Some Word docs turing into gibberish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-word-docs-turing-into-gibberish/751909)
**Author:** [@TSBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TSBG)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-word-docs-turing-into-gibberish/751909 "2016-04-12T20:21:59Z")
I just moved all my files from an old Macbook running 10.6.8 to a newer (but still old) MacBook Air running El Capitan. I have been using Baskerville as my default font on both computers; new computer has Word 2011, the… --- ## [What did I do to my wifi router?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-i-do-to-my-wifi-router/751394)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-i-do-to-my-wifi-router/751394 "2016-04-12T18:56:48Z")
I have two routers. Different models and brands. TLDR: My router would only let me connect for a few seconds at a time. What kind of misconfiguration could cause that? Long story: Ok, so last night I embarked on an at… --- ## [How much does election spending effect the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-election-spending-effect-the-economy/752008)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-election-spending-effect-the-economy/752008 "2016-04-12T17:52:11Z")
Every election cycle, candidates and their donors and SuperPacs throw billions of dollars around on campaigning. How much does this effect the economy? Is there a marked difference of economic activity during election … --- ## [Navy Life Raft Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-life-raft-question/751997)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-life-raft-question/751997 "2016-04-12T13:14:00Z")
On the perimeter of Navy ships you see life rafts in canisters. How are they released from the ship into the water and what triggers the canister opens and inflates the raft? --- ## [Prisoner with the biggest net worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prisoner-with-the-biggest-net-worth/751887)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prisoner-with-the-biggest-net-worth/751887 "2016-04-12T06:36:51Z")
Who is (was) the individual with the biggest net worth, in other words: the richest man or woman, doing time in prison/jail, preferably for a considerable amount of time? Note: Only prisoners who have acquired their wea… --- ## [Supreme Court opinions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-opinions/751204)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-opinions/751204 "2016-04-12T03:44:11Z")
In some cases a justice will agree with majority/minority but will write their own separate opinion. It seems pretty common. Why is this done? Does the justice want to give his "2 cents? " Or do they just wa… --- ## [Is the Bering Strait growing or shrinking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bering-strait-growing-or-shrinking/751898)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bering-strait-growing-or-shrinking/751898 "2016-04-12T02:15:00Z")
Subject asks it all really. I’m wondering how erosion, isostatic rebound, etc are affecting the width and depth of the Bering Strait. --- ## [Boeing 737](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737/751918)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boeing-737/751918 "2016-04-12T01:54:10Z")
I am watching the Smithsonian channel and there is film of a Boeing 737 flying and there is an object trailing from the top of the tail. It looks like the thing is on a wire and is about 6 feet behind the plane. Does a… --- ## [Removing a stubborn bolt!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-a-stubborn-bolt/751829)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-a-stubborn-bolt/751829 "2016-04-11T22:55:59Z")
I’m trying to get a bolt loose on the latch fitting on my car’s trunk lid to adjust it. The bolt has a “star” hole in its head, similar to an allen head; I got a set of wrenches for that kind of bolt. The bolt, however,… --- ## [I was told that hardwood hardness & quality was impacted directly by soil minerals - True or false?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-told-that-hardwood-hardness-quality-was-impacted-directly-by-soil-minerals-true-or-false/751688)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-told-that-hardwood-hardness-quality-was-impacted-directly-by-soil-minerals-true-or-false/751688 "2016-04-11T22:36:09Z")
I was commenting the other day that it was interesting that tree harvesters on the Eastern Shore of Maryland don’t seem to want hardwoods and focused mainly on pine. I was then told by one of the guys in our farm & land … --- ## [Four questions about a judge's power in sentencing in court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-questions-about-a-judges-power-in-sentencing-in-court/751620)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/four-questions-about-a-judges-power-in-sentencing-in-court/751620 "2016-04-11T21:21:00Z")
(1) Has there ever been a judge who gave a bizarrely, inexplicably light sentence for a crime - for instance, just 2 years in prison for first-degree murder? (2) What can be done if a judge has a pattern of discrimin… --- ## [What's the term for this logical fallacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-term-for-this-logical-fallacy/751831)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-term-for-this-logical-fallacy/751831 "2016-04-11T21:01:54Z")
Most people, when they hear, read, or whatever, that all members of group A are members of group B, will tend to assume (wrongly) that all members of group B are also members of group A. For example, many years ago it w… --- ## [How do hospitals handle spiked drink victims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hospitals-handle-spiked-drink-victims/751788)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-hospitals-handle-spiked-drink-victims/751788 "2016-04-11T20:18:56Z")
No, do not need answer quick. Given the unknowns involved, I’m wondering how hospitals handle people who’ve had their drinks spiked. Let’s say a woman walks in and says she was at a party, left her drink out of their si… --- ## [Low cost airline safety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-cost-airline-safety/751853)
**Author:** [@Always\_thinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Always_thinking)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-cost-airline-safety/751853 "2016-04-11T18:19:48Z")
I am not a comfortable flier so I worry about safety records etc. I know zero about how planes stay in the air and have the upmost respect for pilots who take that job on. I am looking at a flight on Scoot which is the l… --- ## [Comparing brands of home HVAC units specifically York and Ducane](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-brands-of-home-hvac-units-specifically-york-and-ducane/751893)
**Author:** [@gholby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gholby)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-brands-of-home-hvac-units-specifically-york-and-ducane/751893 "2016-04-11T15:59:42Z")
Received two estimates to replace my HVAC system. Both estimates provide the same air handler: Spacepak ESP- 4860GH4C The compressors offered are: Ducane 5 Ton 13 SEER R410A and a York-Luxaire 5T - the model TC4B6021… --- ## [Population stability in primitive societies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/population-stability-in-primitive-societies/751873)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/population-stability-in-primitive-societies/751873 "2016-04-11T15:58:08Z")
Are there places in the world where the population remained pretty stable for thousands of years? I’d assume that each couple would have many babies so how did the population stay stable? Famine, disease, accidents, etc?… --- ## [Has anyone ever fired a gun in space or on the moon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-a-gun-in-space-or-on-the-moon/396545)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-ever-fired-a-gun-in-space-or-on-the-moon/396545 "2016-04-11T15:03:20Z")
Inspired by This thread on whether or not the Space Shuttle can defend itself, it’s gotten me wondering: Has anyone ever fired a gun in space or on the moon? I can’t imagine it would be possible to actually hold or opera… --- ## [Is this plant in my yard poison oak, poison ivy or anything else nasty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-plant-in-my-yard-poison-oak-poison-ivy-or-anything-else-nasty/751586)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-plant-in-my-yard-poison-oak-poison-ivy-or-anything-else-nasty/751586 "2016-04-11T14:44:08Z")
It has 3 leaves and looks sorta like some images I found. It’s not in an area with trees. Just a large patch growing on the side of the house . --- ## [Junction Boxes accessible through can lights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junction-boxes-accessible-through-can-lights/751510)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/junction-boxes-accessible-through-can-lights/751510 "2016-04-11T13:32:34Z")
So while I’m redoing my outdoor soffits I’m installing can lights. The tiny boxes that they supply aren’t big enough for one of the locations. I could install a junction box in the attic, but a thought occurred to me: Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=920) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=922)