# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=145 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 146 --- ## [Do more Neanderthal genes exist in living beings now than ever before in history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-neanderthal-genes-exist-in-living-beings-now-than-ever-before-in-history/983698)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2023, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-more-neanderthal-genes-exist-in-living-beings-now-than-ever-before-in-history/983698 "2023-05-08T17:33:43Z")
I was reading that Neanderthal genes make up close to 0.5 percent of the DNA of people with African ancestry and the number is closer to between 1.7 and 1.8 percent for people with European and Asian genomes. With 4.7… --- ## [USA - cross-country trains?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-cross-country-trains/983228)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-cross-country-trains/983228 "2023-05-08T17:25:56Z")
Were there ever any regularly-scheduled passenger trains in the USA which traversed the entire country - i.e. from Atlantic to Pacific? It seems you always had to change in Chicago (and still do). How about further sout… --- ## [Star of Bethlehem = comet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-of-bethlehem-comet/983666)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2023, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-of-bethlehem-comet/983666 "2023-05-08T13:12:29Z")
Would the writers of the New Testament have used their word for “star” to describe a comet, or was there a distinction between the two? --- ## [Fiber optic connector (PC-APC)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-optic-connector-pc-apc/530196)
**Author:** [@Fang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fang)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2023, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiber-optic-connector-pc-apc/530196 "2023-04-23T07:21:04Z")
This is kind of obscure but maybe by chance someone knows. In my optics lab we have an adapter for converting FC/PC connectors to FC/APC (or vice versa). Here is a picture of it. It is about 7 cm long, black, and is p… --- ## [Adobe Video Editing Suite: When does a video card matter (if ever?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-video-editing-suite-when-does-a-video-card-matter-if-ever/983412)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2023, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adobe-video-editing-suite-when-does-a-video-card-matter-if-ever/983412 "2023-05-07T23:43:53Z")
I’ve never been able to sort this out. The company Adobe makes video/image processing software for PCs. I know that sometimes a better video card matters. And other times, it does almost nothing. But, despite Googlin… --- ## [Fish Tape (electrical) Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-tape-electrical-question/983672)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2023, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fish-tape-electrical-question/983672 "2023-05-07T20:06:53Z")
I’m a pretty good Junior Electrician, but I’m really struggling with pulling a wire. I’ve drilled down inside a closet wall and made a hole into the joist bay. I’m over a finished ceiling, but should have a clean shot p… --- ## [Translation, please? (Chinese or Japanese)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-please-chinese-or-japanese/663980)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2023, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translation-please-chinese-or-japanese/663980 "2023-05-07T17:29:01Z")
From the 1965 movie “None but the Brave.” --- ## [How do I set up email only for my domain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-set-up-email-only-for-my-domain/983639)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2023, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-set-up-email-only-for-my-domain/983639 "2023-05-07T16:41:31Z")
I have a domain and want to set up an email using that domain. Can anyone recommend a company/site where I can do this? What can I expect to pay? It will just be one address. I’ve googled but it looks like everyone want… --- ## [Live free or die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-free-or-die/983407)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2023, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/live-free-or-die/983407 "2023-05-07T12:29:19Z")
I was at a recent travel show, and one of the booths was promoting New Hampshire. Thete were several signs reading “Live Free!” (without “or die” at the end to complete the state’s motto). Does anyone know if they are p… --- ## [Would this airport design proposal work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-airport-design-proposal-work/979439)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2023, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-airport-design-proposal-work/979439 "2023-05-06T16:47:05Z")
This article from aviation industry blog Innaxis proposes a new approach to airport design. In summary (my paraphrase), it suggests that terminal buildings should be optimised landside rather than airside: There is no ne… --- ## [Physics and "Toss Bombing"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-and-toss-bombing/983319)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2023, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-and-toss-bombing/983319 "2023-05-06T14:04:48Z")
In a Ukraine war thread, the use of guided/steerable bombs (JDAMs) was discussed. One way to deliver this weapons is to speed along close to the ground, pull up abruptly and release the weapon. (Presumably, at or near th… --- ## [Are there statistics on a population's average yearly temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-statistics-on-a-populations-average-yearly-temperature/983568)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2023, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-statistics-on-a-populations-average-yearly-temperature/983568 "2023-05-06T05:18:09Z")
The world’s surface temp is ~14°C, but it’s very likely that the human population’s (outdoor) temp is higher, because lots of people live near the equator and few live near the poles. The same can be said for individual … --- ## [Presidential suicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-suicide/983450)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2023, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-suicide/983450 "2023-05-06T01:43:30Z")
Has any country’s head of state ever died by their own hand while still in office? How about governor? ETA: Oh, yeah. Hitler. Anyone else? --- ## [External SSD drives - this sounds too good to be true](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/external-ssd-drives-this-sounds-too-good-to-be-true/982164)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/external-ssd-drives-this-sounds-too-good-to-be-true/982164 "2023-05-05T21:57:49Z")
An ad in Facebook popped up promoting external SSD drives of up to 30 Tb capacity - buy one, get one free (the 30Tb goes for $99.99). I suspect a scam - someone is using Toshiba logos and similar URL’s without their kno… --- ## [Globally invasive species?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/globally-invasive-species/983100)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/globally-invasive-species/983100 "2023-05-05T19:38:57Z")
I recently read a claim that the domestic cat is an invasive species worldwide. Such a thing never occurred to me before, and it both feels completely wrong and makes perfect sense. Are there living beings on this planet… --- ## [Is the moon really hollow and other moon observations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-moon-really-hollow-and-other-moon-observations/795601)
**Author:** [@Silver\_lining](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_lining)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-moon-really-hollow-and-other-moon-observations/795601 "2023-05-05T18:07:51Z")
Is the moon really hollow? Test says the moon is older than the earth but is it hollowed out? Perhaps. In two test crashes from the Applo missions, the moon rang like a bell for a while, then on a second larger force… --- ## [How many g does my washer generate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-g-does-my-washer-generate/983142)
**Author:** [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-g-does-my-washer-generate/983142 "2023-05-05T15:55:10Z")
I have an LG, if that helps. I was watching it during the spin cycle, and that drum really moves! How many g does the laundry experience? --- ## [Urination Causes Finger Pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urination-causes-finger-pain/363300)
**Author:** [@woodflute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodflute)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/urination-causes-finger-pain/363300 "2023-05-05T13:55:33Z")
A question, please–and it really is a perfectly serious question– I am a 40-year-old man. As long as I can remember, definately back into my preteen years, if I have to postpone urination, when I finally do get to “go,… --- ## [How does draining a lithium-ion battery to 0% cause it damage in a way that 1% does not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-draining-a-lithium-ion-battery-to-0-cause-it-damage-in-a-way-that-1-does-not/983550)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-draining-a-lithium-ion-battery-to-0-cause-it-damage-in-a-way-that-1-does-not/983550 "2023-05-05T12:19:38Z")
So I’d read that draining a smartphone Li-On battery all the way down to 0% causes ‘deep discharge’ and permanent harm to the battery, such that phones are designed to emergency-shut-down once you get to 1%. I’m curious… --- ## [How do Modern Muslims generally view Marijuana and AltCannabinoids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-muslims-generally-view-marijuana-and-altcannabinoids/983464)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2023, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-modern-muslims-generally-view-marijuana-and-altcannabinoids/983464 "2023-05-05T09:06:24Z")
From Wiki: " The Quran does not directly forbid cannabis . There is a controversy among Muslim scholars about cannabis as some deemed it, by analogy (qiyas), to be similar to khamr (intoxicants/alcoholic drink) and ther… --- ## [Can any two people share the same pair of glasses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-two-people-share-the-same-pair-of-glasses/983291)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-two-people-share-the-same-pair-of-glasses/983291 "2023-05-04T18:34:54Z")
When someone looks through another person’s pair of glasses, it naturally appears very blurry. Of course, we go through a long time at the opthalmologist’s office going through tests to make sure we have the right prescr… --- ## [Is sending mail "Some Name, General Delivery" still a thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sending-mail-some-name-general-delivery-still-a-thing/983212)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2023, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-sending-mail-some-name-general-delivery-still-a-thing/983212 "2023-05-04T13:13:20Z")
It’s something I saw sometimes, mainly in Western tv shows and movies. Someone would mail a letter to somebody, using as address just the name and “General Delivery” and some town name. Like “Bob Farmboy, General Deliv… --- ## [How does German "netto" differ from English "net" in sales signage, costing, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-german-netto-differ-from-english-net-in-sales-signage-costing-etc/983472)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2023, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-german-netto-differ-from-english-net-in-sales-signage-costing-etc/983472 "2023-05-04T07:05:34Z")
( @EinsteinsHund might have a bead on this) If I’m looking at a German-language website – a product-selling website – and I see pricing information rendered like so: 20,00 € netto €16,25 … what exactly is “netto” - a… --- ## [Difference between stenosis (horizontal) and compression (vertical?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-stenosis-horizontal-and-compression-vertical/983453)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2023, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-stenosis-horizontal-and-compression-vertical/983453 "2023-05-04T03:20:12Z")
Got an X-ray and the doctor said I had cervical stenosis - however, my issue apparently is not the spinal cord region getting narrower (a horizontal constriction) but rather, that the vertebrae have compressed together (… --- ## [Why do particle colliders have to be bigger to achieve higher energies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-particle-colliders-have-to-be-bigger-to-achieve-higher-energies/983449)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2023, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-particle-colliders-have-to-be-bigger-to-achieve-higher-energies/983449 "2023-05-02T23:52:10Z")
Naively, I would have guessed that you could merely accelerate particles for longer periods of time before colliding them, but why doesn’t that work? A long time ago, I heard that you would need an accelerator aa big as… --- ## [Some water/hydration myths I've seen over the years](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-water-hydration-myths-ive-seen-over-the-years/983349)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-water-hydration-myths-ive-seen-over-the-years/983349 "2023-05-02T19:39:43Z")
Anyone know anything about these? I remember being taught these in a fitness class in middle school and they stuck with me. Drinking cold water is actually bad for you either because A. It lowers your core body temper… --- ## [Question on 240v appliance wiring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-240v-appliance-wiring/983372)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2023, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-240v-appliance-wiring/983372 "2023-05-02T15:34:34Z")
I am replacing an electric cooktop in a house that is ~40 years old. The service to the old cooktop has 2 black wires and 1 gray. I assume the blacks are L1 and L2 and the gray is neutral. I tested the neutral with a dis… --- ## [Is it true that the tradition of raising the right hand in court was to check for branding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-the-tradition-of-raising-the-right-hand-in-court-was-to-check-for-branding/983395)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2023, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-the-tradition-of-raising-the-right-hand-in-court-was-to-check-for-branding/983395 "2023-05-02T02:58:54Z")
I just came across this online, but I’m not certain if if it’s accurate. The story goes that the reason people are asked to raise their right hand when being sworn in is to see if they have been branded a criminal. I’m… --- ## [What ever happened to Helios, the solar plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-helios-the-solar-plane/983422)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2023, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ever-happened-to-helios-the-solar-plane/983422 "2023-05-01T18:14:39Z")
I know what happened to the original plane, but what I really want to know is what happened to the program? Does it live on in other research? NASA, IIRC, flew Helios, a solar powered airplane in about 2004. The origi… --- ## [Is there an easy way to make this map?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-make-this-map/983359)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2023, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-easy-way-to-make-this-map/983359 "2023-05-01T11:53:01Z")
OK, rather than trying to genericize my question, let me just jump to the chase. I’m organizing a Bike to School Day at my school. I want to create a map, centered on the school, with colored zones on it: So, for inst… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=144) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=146)