# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1020 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1021 --- ## [Physics-related questions about accelerometers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-related-questions-about-accelerometers/735222)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-related-questions-about-accelerometers/735222 "2015-10-20T14:27:34Z")
I’ve never used them before, but apparently piezoresistive accelerometers use one or more resistors to sense acceleration. (I’ve only used piezoelectric accelerometers, which use a crystal.) The resistor(s) are configure… --- ## [Legs long or trunk long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legs-long-or-trunk-long/735104)
**Author:** [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legs-long-or-trunk-long/735104 "2015-10-20T14:03:53Z")
Google Fu fail::::: On a human, a line drawn through the hip sockets. Now measure down to the floor for X. Then measure up to the top of the head for Y. Which distance is greater? Now what I really want to know is w… --- ## [State minimum prices on milk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-minimum-prices-on-milk/734911)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-minimum-prices-on-milk/734911 "2015-10-20T12:55:40Z")
In Maine, there is a minimum price for milk that no store can go below. IIRC it is also illegal for a store to offer coupons for milk, or if the store has a reward program, to give reward points for buying it. Why do t… --- ## [PC suddenly refuses to drag and drop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-suddenly-refuses-to-drag-and-drop/734923)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-suddenly-refuses-to-drag-and-drop/734923 "2015-10-20T10:36:27Z")
I am using a homebuilt PC running Windows 7 and using firefox with a corded USB mouse. It happens usually when I am playing online scrabble, or another game I love called Dictionary Devil. Basically any game involving … --- ## [Chrysler -2000 3-speed aut. transmission TorqueFlite A413 / 31TH symptons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrysler-2000-3-speed-aut-transmission-torqueflite-a413-31th-symptons/735142)
**Author:** [@dr\_zippermeyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dr_zippermeyer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrysler-2000-3-speed-aut-transmission-torqueflite-a413-31th-symptons/735142 "2015-10-20T09:36:12Z")
I have a problem with such a transmission box. When I start to drive, only first gear works. After couple of minutes I change gear from D to 2 and 1. After that to D again and now transmission works nicely. This has happ… --- ## [Quantum entanglement and simultaneity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-entanglement-and-simultaneity/734861)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-entanglement-and-simultaneity/734861 "2015-10-20T06:18:16Z")
In quantum mechanics two particles can be entangled in such a way that a measurement done on one will guarantee what the measured state of the other will be. But how does this jibe with special relativity setting limits … --- ## [unimpressed with windows 10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unimpressed-with-windows-10/734885)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unimpressed-with-windows-10/734885 "2015-10-20T05:10:30Z")
I just got windows 10 and, so far, I’m not impressed with it. Some of the games that worked with windows 7 do not work with windows 10. It’s different, but not better, for me. I’m going to hang on to it and see what i… --- ## [What is this building in old Manhattan/Roosevelt Island photograph?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-building-in-old-manhattan-roosevelt-island-photograph/735180)
**Author:** [@Walken\_After\_Midnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walken_After_Midnight)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-building-in-old-manhattan-roosevelt-island-photograph/735180 "2015-10-20T02:27:02Z")
This view of Midtown Manhattan in 1932 is one of my favorite photographs: link \[large size warning, 5359×3779px\]. For my tastes, this period represents the apogee of (American) architecture. For reference, here’s a moder… --- ## [Is hospital Care for Drug Overdoses covered by insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hospital-care-for-drug-overdoses-covered-by-insurance/735024)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hospital-care-for-drug-overdoses-covered-by-insurance/735024 "2015-10-20T02:11:58Z")
Drug overdoses can require extensive car in the ER and hospital stays. Lamar Odom is a recent example. He’s had a remarkable recovery so far. Due largely to the quick response of emergency services and the hospital. Wh… --- ## [Please explain the term "flash" measure of sentiment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-term-flash-measure-of-sentiment/735205)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-term-flash-measure-of-sentiment/735205 "2015-10-20T01:18:59Z")
Hi, I would like to know what is meant by “flash” measure of sentiment. Is it a snapshot of the way eg. purchasing manager feel about the market? I look forward to your feedback. The “flash” measure of sentiment amo… --- ## [Why does the weather app on my iPhone think it's Saturday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-weather-app-on-my-iphone-think-its-saturday/735095)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-weather-app-on-my-iphone-think-its-saturday/735095 "2015-10-20T00:49:19Z")
I just noticed this on Friday. All day Friday, it showed the current day as Thursday. Yesterday it showed the current day as Friday. Today it’s showing Saturday. I did a close-and-reopen on y phone, which usually fixes … --- ## [How fast does dentin grow in response to decay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-dentin-grow-in-response-to-decay/735174)
**Author:** [@TheUser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheUser)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-does-dentin-grow-in-response-to-decay/735174 "2015-10-20T00:39:40Z")
I’m going through a cavity very close to the pulp and the dentist expressed hope that maybe, with time, a new layer of dentin will form around the pulp. On Wikipedia it says that dentin growth “can be initiated in respo… --- ## [Why do police care if people are flashing gang signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-police-care-if-people-are-flashing-gang-signs/733932)
**Author:** [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2015, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-police-care-if-people-are-flashing-gang-signs/733932 "2015-10-20T00:03:31Z")
Why does Chicago Police care about people on the streets flashing gang signs? I hear it reported on the scanner often. Wouldn’t that be protected “speech”? Seems to me it’s no different than wearing a shirt or cap wit… --- ## [Are there many jurisdictions where trying to cause harm by supernatural means is a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-many-jurisdictions-where-trying-to-cause-harm-by-supernatural-means-is-a-crime/734974)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-many-jurisdictions-where-trying-to-cause-harm-by-supernatural-means-is-a-crime/734974 "2015-10-19T23:30:11Z")
Question inspired by the water pistol attempted murder question currently in GQ. But let’s chuck out the water pistol and bring in the supernatural - prayers to the Almighty, beseeching Beelzebub and his imps, or Voodoo,… --- ## [Stamping US Currency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stamping-us-currency/734585)
**Author:** [@qualityleashdog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qualityleashdog)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stamping-us-currency/734585 "2015-10-19T21:39:46Z")
The FFRF is back in town so of course there all sorts of debates that go along with the whole church/state issue, including that phrase that is printed on our money. Someone mentioned that they have a stamp they put ove… --- ## [When I type an i, why does it show up as an ia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-type-an-i-why-does-it-show-up-as-an-ia/735081)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-type-an-i-why-does-it-show-up-as-an-ia/735081 "2015-10-19T21:01:12Z")
Just what my post says. When IA type an “ia” iat appears as an “iaa” See what IA mean. IAt ianserts an “ia” after IA type an “ia.” Don’t laugh. IA triaed Googliang, but the miasp\[elliangs ianterfered. --- ## [Question about principal components analysis and copulas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-principal-components-analysis-and-copulas/735145)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-principal-components-analysis-and-copulas/735145 "2015-10-19T19:06:38Z")
I have often heard that a copula describes in full the interdependence of a set a random variables. Lets say I want to generate a set of random variables that conform to an observed joint probability distribution. My fir… --- ## [How much, relative to sea level, does a kilogram/lb weigh at these 4 spots? What's the math?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-relative-to-sea-level-does-a-kilogram-lb-weigh-at-these-4-spots-whats-the-math/734839)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-relative-to-sea-level-does-a-kilogram-lb-weigh-at-these-4-spots-whats-the-math/734839 "2015-10-19T18:44:40Z")
Make that 3 spots. Kind of offshoot from thread on ridiculous accuracy in cooking measurements– “Take a kilo/lb of x…” Say, pound cake, so named from baseline “lb of flour, lb of butter, lb of eggs, lb of sugar.” Wou… --- ## [Car battery leaking acid in car collision?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-leaking-acid-in-car-collision/735096)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-leaking-acid-in-car-collision/735096 "2015-10-19T18:35:21Z")
In a moderately severe collision impacting a car hood (say, 40 mph,) which components are likely to get mangled first? Is the car battery likely to leak acid? --- ## [What factors determined whether a culture became matrilineal or patrilineal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-factors-determined-whether-a-culture-became-matrilineal-or-patrilineal/734888)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-factors-determined-whether-a-culture-became-matrilineal-or-patrilineal/734888 "2015-10-19T16:45:51Z")
Hi What factors in history determined whether a culture became matrilineal or patrilineal? All I know is that many cultures in Africa were matrilineal before becoming patrilinial. Jewish culture is rooted in matrilinea… --- ## [I apparently have a huge leak somewhere in my house plumbing. Best way to detect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-apparently-have-a-huge-leak-somewhere-in-my-house-plumbing-best-way-to-detect/734867)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-apparently-have-a-huge-leak-somewhere-in-my-house-plumbing-best-way-to-detect/734867 "2015-10-19T14:56:38Z")
I apparently have huge leak in my plumbing… somewhere. Best way to trace it down if it’s not visible? My water bills have quadrupled and I’ve gotten notice from the city that it appears I have a significant leak. It say… --- ## [Can a prosecutor take a case in order to get a law repealed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-prosecutor-take-a-case-in-order-to-get-a-law-repealed/734813)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-prosecutor-take-a-case-in-order-to-get-a-law-repealed/734813 "2015-10-19T14:53:01Z")
It seems that one of the bedrock principles of the adversarial legal system is that there must be an actual dispute before a court will consider a case: There must be a current controversy, not a prospective or a histori… --- ## [How does one get moisture out of a car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-moisture-out-of-a-car/710086)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-one-get-moisture-out-of-a-car/710086 "2015-10-19T13:38:26Z")
Does anyone know of a product that will help remove moisture from the inside of a car? I have heard charcoal does the trick, however I wonder if there is something commercially available, like the stuff that comes in th… --- ## [windows 10 question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-question/734746)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/windows-10-question/734746 "2015-10-19T12:10:29Z")
When I start up windows 10, I have to type in my password every time. I am the only person using the computer. Is there a way to start it up without typing my password every time? Can I do something so that it will kno… --- ## [who was the first person to wear a hat backwards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-first-person-to-wear-a-hat-backwards/229989)
**Author:** [@vinniepaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vinniepaz)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 9:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-first-person-to-wear-a-hat-backwards/229989 "2015-10-19T09:20:19Z")
a friend offered a cash reward for the answer all i know is that he was a blues musician from the 1960s --- ## [Leaky tub faucet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaky-tub-faucet/735045)
**Author:** [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 9:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaky-tub-faucet/735045 "2015-10-19T09:19:00Z")
Until about two weeks ago hot water was coming out in a thin stream. Now the stream is no longer thin. I really don’t want to contact the landlord, but I fear it’s at the point of noticeably affecting the pressure in the… --- ## [What animal is the common ancestor of humans and horses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-is-the-common-ancestor-of-humans-and-horses/734842)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-is-the-common-ancestor-of-humans-and-horses/734842 "2015-10-19T05:57:43Z")
We are both mammals, what animal can both life forms trace their lineage back to? --- ## [Is the a way to recover phone contacts from a dead phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-a-way-to-recover-phone-contacts-from-a-dead-phone/734816)
**Author:** [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2015, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-a-way-to-recover-phone-contacts-from-a-dead-phone/734816 "2015-10-18T23:17:26Z")
A friend of mine dropped his phone in the toilet. It’s been over a week now, and the phone still won’t turn on. It’s an android/Samsung Galaxy Centura using Straight Talk prepaid. He tried installing a new battery wit… --- ## [Ellery Queen and the Mystery of the Yellow Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ellery-queen-and-the-mystery-of-the-yellow-thing/735101)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ellery-queen-and-the-mystery-of-the-yellow-thing/735101 "2015-10-19T05:32:42Z")
In the novel Ellery Queen and the Vanishing Corpse (1941), there’s this odd bit at the end. Ellery is up a tree pulling objects out of a crow’s nest, and there’s the following exchange with the police below. What the … --- ## [ISP of a cold gas thruster using spacesuit air mix?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-of-a-cold-gas-thruster-using-spacesuit-air-mix/734969)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2015, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isp-of-a-cold-gas-thruster-using-spacesuit-air-mix/734969 "2015-10-19T05:07:25Z")
Suppose, for the sake of argument, you had an astronaut wearing a spacesuit. The suit is pressurized with pure oxygen to 5.8 psi at 25 degrees Celsius. The astronaut’s spacecraft is on a ballistic trajectory that will … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1019) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1021)