# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=270 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 271 --- ## [What could cause an AA battery to get extremely hot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-an-aa-battery-to-get-extremely-hot/945760)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2021, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-an-aa-battery-to-get-extremely-hot/945760 "2021-07-06T01:50:59Z")
Last night, I was watching TV, and when I picked up the remote, it was almost too hot to touch! That was certainly freaky, and I figured out that one of the batteries was overheated. I changed the batteries, and the re… --- ## [What is this optical property I see in some liquids? Liquid crystals? Almost a texture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-optical-property-i-see-in-some-liquids-liquid-crystals-almost-a-texture/945600)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-optical-property-i-see-in-some-liquids-liquid-crystals-almost-a-texture/945600 "2021-07-05T23:50:32Z")
I saw it just the other day in a mix of two miscible transparent liquids. There was a ripply, grainy quality to the liquids, a little like the effect you see in hot air rising above a heated object. It was perhaps like a… --- ## [What's the point of those personality tests entry-level jobs give you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-personality-tests-entry-level-jobs-give-you/944846)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-personality-tests-entry-level-jobs-give-you/944846 "2021-07-05T23:38:08Z")
When I was last looking for a job 10 years ago everywhere I applied to (Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, McDonald’s) all made me take an online test that was 100s of questions that were literally all personality based. Stuff like … --- ## [Could balloonists J. Glashier and H. Coxwell really have ascended to 29000-37000 feet in 1862?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-balloonists-j-glashier-and-h-coxwell-really-have-ascended-to-29000-37000-feet-in-1862/944868)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-balloonists-j-glashier-and-h-coxwell-really-have-ascended-to-29000-37000-feet-in-1862/944868 "2021-07-05T23:10:27Z")
Some time ago, while doing some research, I came across an account of a balloon ascent made by English balloonists James Glashier and Henry Coxwell in 1862, during which they ascended to extreme heights. A decent descrip… --- ## [Amazon Workspace and PrtScr](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-workspace-and-prtscr/945742)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-workspace-and-prtscr/945742 "2021-07-05T21:13:39Z")
I’ve just got a temp job working from home. As part of it I need to use Amazon Workspaces. Whenever Amazon Workspaces is onscreen the PrtScr button does nothing. Is there any way to get PrtScr to work whilst AWS is up, o… --- ## [What animal makes this sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-makes-this-sound/945700)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-makes-this-sound/945700 "2021-07-05T17:57:01Z")
I was noticing tonight how the local somethings in trees were really numerous and active, (after torrential rains a couple of days back–they are always very active after rain in warm weather) overwhelming the local firew… --- ## [When did wooden toilet tanks stop being made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-wooden-toilet-tanks-stop-being-made/945616)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-wooden-toilet-tanks-stop-being-made/945616 "2021-07-05T03:55:15Z")
I remember my first apartment had a wooden tank, not wall mounted or above, but in the basic modern setup. It was replaced on my watch, but it lasted years with me. I think of toilets being replaced in 5-10, 15 years a… --- ## [Gearheads: need help to "child lock" the front passenger seat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gearheads-need-help-to-child-lock-the-front-passenger-seat/945461)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2021, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gearheads-need-help-to-child-lock-the-front-passenger-seat/945461 "2021-07-04T21:58:54Z")
My youngest is on the autism spectrum and is getting pretty strong at 16. She, like much of society, is having trouble transitioning to a post covid world. Very serious fight or flight can be triggered in a vehicle, and … --- ## [Skateboard riding bulldogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skateboard-riding-bulldogs/945602)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2021, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/skateboard-riding-bulldogs/945602 "2021-07-04T08:14:42Z")
Why always (afaict) bulldogs? I’m thinking maybe their lower center of gravity helps. Do the dogs actually steer and consciously go where they want? --- ## [This has to be a scam, yeah?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-be-a-scam-yeah/945471)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2021, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-be-a-scam-yeah/945471 "2021-07-04T02:32:27Z")
99% of me thinks it is. But I can’t figure out the angle, unless the link is dirty. Anyway, I got this text today… I haven’t clicked on the link yet. But I did text the phone number. And it turns out that it’s a landl… --- ## [What is a cable? (communications)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cable-communications/945547)
**Author:** [@Peanuthead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanuthead)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2021, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-a-cable-communications/945547 "2021-07-03T23:34:14Z")
I’m reading a book about the Aldrich Ames spy case in which they communicate between embassies by sending and receiving “cables”. Most of the activity takes place in the 1970s and 1980s which is before the internet, and … --- ## [Trying to pay on eBay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-pay-on-ebay/945511)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2021, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-pay-on-ebay/945511 "2021-07-03T21:04:38Z")
I’m trying to make a purchase. I click the “complete purchase” button. It takes me to the checkout page, where I have the option of PayPal or my debit card. If I choose debit, it needs me to update my security code. I do… --- ## [Bicycles with gyroscopic effect "cancelled out"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicycles-with-gyroscopic-effect-cancelled-out/942505)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2021, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bicycles-with-gyroscopic-effect-cancelled-out/942505 "2021-07-03T09:21:49Z")
I keep seeing reference to the idea that bicycles don’t stay up because the wheels are gyroscopes. People even have built bikes with extra wheels that “cancel out the effect.” I thought that spinning objects don’t like t… --- ## [Why do we say "achoo" when we sneeze?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-achoo-when-we-sneeze/945061)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2021, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-say-achoo-when-we-sneeze/945061 "2021-07-03T02:57:40Z")
More specifically, why is there any vocalization at all? When I breathe heavily while working out I don’t vocalize. When I cough I don’t vocalize. What is it about a sneeze that activates the vocal cords? Note: prior th… --- ## [What happens to a corpse buried in space?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-corpse-buried-in-space/945322)
**Author:** [@ArtBeforeScience](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArtBeforeScience)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-a-corpse-buried-in-space/945322 "2021-07-02T22:47:34Z")
Yesterday in yoga I was in the final resting pose, which is called Corpse Pose or Savasana, and suddenly wondered what would happen if I died on a space capsule and they just pushed my body out into the void. My body wo… --- ## [Help with Irish language term](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-irish-language-term/945092)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-irish-language-term/945092 "2021-07-02T22:17:23Z")
I found the following in Wikipedia: Irish speaking Dopers, is this accurate? The origin of kibosh is the subject of much discussion, but the candle snuffer theory sounds like a good candidate. Trouble is, I’ve not hea… --- ## [Demolecularization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demolecularization/416628)
**Author:** [@mks57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mks57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/demolecularization/416628 "2007-08-23T17:19:45Z")
What temperature would be required to reduce all chemical compounds to their component atoms? Would it be possible to construct a super-incinerator that could maintain that temperature? --- ## [How did energy become matter after the big bang](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-energy-become-matter-after-the-big-bang/945348)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-energy-become-matter-after-the-big-bang/945348 "2021-07-02T21:06:47Z")
I know matter can become energy by things like nuclear reactions or matter antimatter collisions. So how did energy become matter after the big bang? I heard the energy ‘cooled off’ and became matter but two questions. … --- ## [Help with rock identification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-rock-identification/945376)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-rock-identification/945376 "2021-07-02T19:49:09Z")
Found this rock on a recent trip to Tofino (Vancouver Island) along the beach. The little white bumps (quartz?) stick out further than the smaller, blueish bumps. … --- ## [Statistics--more than meets the eye](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-more-than-meets-the-eye/941492)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-more-than-meets-the-eye/941492 "2021-07-02T18:44:27Z")
My local surplus food store has these https://allcitycandy.com/products/hersheys-treasure-surprise-mc-kisses-transformers-64z-case-of-5?variant=32605846601794 for $1.00 per case. While $16.25 for 20 Hershey’s Kisses an… --- ## [Explain gyroscopic precession - I'll pay you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-gyroscopic-precession-ill-pay-you/945445)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-gyroscopic-precession-ill-pay-you/945445 "2021-07-02T17:25:51Z")
Feel free to move this thread to the correct forum. Don’t bother telling me that this was already done in this thread: Bicycles with gyroscopic effect "cancelled out" I started that thread, I know too much about it. I… --- ## [How do countries work out water rights for a body of water that separates the countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-countries-work-out-water-rights-for-a-body-of-water-that-separates-the-countries/945506)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-countries-work-out-water-rights-for-a-body-of-water-that-separates-the-countries/945506 "2021-07-02T15:17:01Z")
Water is a valuable resource. Rivers and lakes often serve as the boundaries between different countries. Both countries may want to use 100% of the water for their own use. How do they work out how much water each co… --- ## [Does water that is higher than the room air temperature raise or lower the air temp when it evaporates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-water-that-is-higher-than-the-room-air-temperature-raise-or-lower-the-air-temp-when-it-evaporates/945457)
**Author:** [@Delayed\_Reflex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delayed_Reflex)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-water-that-is-higher-than-the-room-air-temperature-raise-or-lower-the-air-temp-when-it-evaporates/945457 "2021-07-02T14:31:14Z")
If I were to, say, mop my floor with warm water (that is hotter than the air temperature in the room), then let the floor dry naturally, would the air temperature in the room go up or down as a result? Suppose the water … --- ## [Was Dr Seuss on heroin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-dr-seuss-on-heroin/497855)
**Author:** [@filmyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmyak)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-dr-seuss-on-heroin/497855 "2021-07-02T14:10:45Z")
My coworker is swearing up and down that not only was Dr Seuss a heroin junkie, but that many of his stories were about heroin. I call bullshit on both counts, but am wondering if anyone hear has heard anything similar … --- ## [Origin of the word Kifed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-the-word-kifed/30307)
**Author:** [@furthur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furthur)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-the-word-kifed/30307 "2021-07-02T13:35:09Z")
A friend of mine says he uses the word “kifed,” meaning to steal something. Recently he was out to dinner with his mother-in-law and used that word and she replied “Isn’t that kind of offensive?” She wouldn’t elaborate o… --- ## [Are there any human-specific diseases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-human-specific-diseases/945439)
**Author:** [@bizzwire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizzwire)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-human-specific-diseases/945439 "2021-07-02T12:33:07Z")
Pretty straightforward. A Google search turned up lots of articles on zoonotic diseases, and an interesting lecture on heart disease in chimps versus humans, but I am looking for organisms which can only reproduce withi… --- ## [Map service with elevation filter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-service-with-elevation-filter/945393)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/map-service-with-elevation-filter/945393 "2021-07-02T09:44:57Z")
Hi, I’m looking for an online zoom-able map provider that has something like an ‘altitude box’. When we type, for example, 1000m into the box, every part of the world map which is lower than 1km will be greyed out and t… --- ## [Can a laptop screen be replaced (upgraded) without updating any system software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-laptop-screen-be-replaced-upgraded-without-updating-any-system-software/945468)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-laptop-screen-be-replaced-upgraded-without-updating-any-system-software/945468 "2021-07-02T05:01:08Z")
The screen on my work computer broke. It’s worth it to me to just replace the screen myself, rather than turn it in and wait to get it back. I can still use it with an external monitor in the meantime, so if I order the … --- ## [Email address sometimes not even close in spam. How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/email-address-sometimes-not-even-close-in-spam-how/945259)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/email-address-sometimes-not-even-close-in-spam-how/945259 "2021-07-02T04:59:32Z")
I’m very aware of how to spot scam emails, as are the rest of the smart, good-looking members here. But there’s something I just can’t figure. Well, actually 2 as I’m thinking about it. (I’m specifically talking about GM… --- ## [How far back does the word "baby" as a term of endearment for a significant other date to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-back-does-the-word-baby-as-a-term-of-endearment-for-a-significant-other-date-to/945096)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2021, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-back-does-the-word-baby-as-a-term-of-endearment-for-a-significant-other-date-to/945096 "2021-07-02T03:58:44Z")
Calling someone “baby” doesn’t really seem like a compliment, if you think about it. But people call their significant other, “baby” all the time, and don’t literally mean “you’re acting like an infant”, but “you’re dea… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=269) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=271)