# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=310 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 311 --- ## [LED Bulbs and Garage Door Openers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-bulbs-and-garage-door-openers/928842)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2020, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/led-bulbs-and-garage-door-openers/928842 "2020-12-27T19:27:37Z")
Garage door openers usually include sockets for light bulbs. What is it about using regular LEDs that can cause interference with the remote operation of openers? The LEDs specifically for openers are considerably more e… --- ## ["getting used to the cold weather"--What's the physiology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-used-to-the-cold-weather-whats-the-physiology/928908)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-used-to-the-cold-weather-whats-the-physiology/928908 "2020-12-27T17:20:51Z")
I hate cold weather, and feel the pain more severely than most people. If I am outdoors in weather below 50 degrees F (10 C), I wear long underwear and a heavy coat. (yes, I’m a very thin guy) I like to joke that any … --- ## [New grocery store branch - Does the food get moved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-grocery-store-branch-does-the-food-get-moved/928980)
**Author:** [@leswax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leswax)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2020, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-grocery-store-branch-does-the-food-get-moved/928980 "2020-12-27T00:40:38Z")
A local grocery store chain is opening a new store across the street from an existing one. What will they do with the food in the existing store? Are there companies that specialize in optimizing this sort of inventory m… --- ## [What is the fastest sorting algorithm](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-fastest-sorting-algorithm/928966)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-fastest-sorting-algorithm/928966 "2020-12-26T23:09:56Z")
I read that Quick Sort was the fastest in the average case. I am assuming on a random set of numbers if would be the fastest on average. Is this proven to be the fastest algorithm? In what cases would other algorithms b… --- ## [Traditional Mexican peasant clothing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traditional-mexican-peasant-clothing/928672)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traditional-mexican-peasant-clothing/928672 "2020-12-26T22:35:56Z")
What is the name of the white pajama-like clothing associated with Mexicans around the late 19th- early 20th century? --- ## [Does recursive uncertainty exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-recursive-uncertainty-exist/928840)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-recursive-uncertainty-exist/928840 "2020-12-26T18:42:01Z")
Let’s say I have a object where I’m uncertain about it’s temperature, but I can model it as a bell curve where the mean is 50C with a std dev of 10C. OK, fine, that’s simple enough, I can visualize that as like, a probab… --- ## [That giant iceberg](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-giant-iceberg/928662)
**Author:** [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/that-giant-iceberg/928662 "2020-12-26T18:30:39Z")
…that’s floatin’ round the south atlantic, (you know, this one) Why can’t i see it on google maps (satellite view, obvs) ? --- ## [Getting copies of old Polish vital records?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-copies-of-old-polish-vital-records/926402)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-copies-of-old-polish-vital-records/926402 "2020-12-26T17:17:52Z")
So I finally caved and subscribed to Ancestry.com, and last night I found the record of my great-grandmother’s initial arrival in the U.S. in 1907 with the oldest few kids. Which confirmed what I had long suspected her l… --- ## [Superluminal information transfer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superluminal-information-transfer/928688)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superluminal-information-transfer/928688 "2020-12-26T14:57:23Z")
I had always read that you cannot use entangled quantum states to transfer information, certainly not faster than light. This article claims otherwise: The summary paragraph reads: Please tell me it’s wrong. --- ## [Odd clearings on Google Maps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-clearings-on-google-maps/928780)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-clearings-on-google-maps/928780 "2020-12-26T11:17:47Z")
Each feature is about 300 x 400 feet. They look like identical gravel lots each with some structure in one corner. If you zoom out there are at least a dozen of them in theiss remote area of Columbiana County OH . The ro… --- ## [Question for Electrician](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-electrician/928203)
**Author:** [@Dante](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dante)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2020, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-electrician/928203 "2020-12-17T00:12:08Z")
My power went out recently, and while we were waiting for it to come back on, I switched on the gas fireplace. In that instant I was sure it wasn’t going to work, but lo and behold, the fireplace came on. And I was able… --- ## [Settle an argument, a 1 in 100 chance of something happening, happens 30 times. Is it basically around a 30% chance of occuring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-an-argument-a-1-in-100-chance-of-something-happening-happens-30-times-is-it-basically-around-a-30-chance-of-occuring/928520)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settle-an-argument-a-1-in-100-chance-of-something-happening-happens-30-times-is-it-basically-around-a-30-chance-of-occuring/928520 "2020-12-26T04:11:06Z")
I know I’m severely simplifying it but looking up the math online it seems like it’s basically a 28% chance rounded down, but my friend is arguing with me about gamblers fallacy and how the actual odds are significantly … --- ## [Nth stage analgesics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nth-stage-analgesics/847126)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nth-stage-analgesics/847126 "2020-12-25T22:17:23Z")
Any medicos out there? This one’s for you mostly. I read somewhere that it’s been found that for patients in the final stage of cancer, heroin is better than morphine to keep them comfortable. The reasoning is that for … --- ## [How did Floridians handle mold before air conditioning? (before c. 1960)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-floridians-handle-mold-before-air-conditioning-before-c-1960/928770)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-floridians-handle-mold-before-air-conditioning-before-c-1960/928770 "2020-12-25T21:57:55Z")
So you’ve got a Cracker house with a big electric fan in the attic to help with airflow. Trees offer shade but don’t block the wind. What do you do about all the mold? That house isn’t going to cool all the way down to 7… --- ## [Flushing cannabis plants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flushing-cannabis-plants/928781)
**Author:** [@therealhoax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/therealhoax)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flushing-cannabis-plants/928781 "2020-12-25T20:17:01Z")
As a new (legal) cannabis grower, I’ve noticed a lot of people swear by “flushing” plants to remove toxins/nutrients and to provide a smoother smoke. Others say flushing is BS…and it sounds like it to me. What’s the st… --- ## [Why do many Williams have the middle name Henry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-williams-have-the-middle-name-henry/928722)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-williams-have-the-middle-name-henry/928722 "2020-12-25T16:54:56Z")
I’ve noticed that many Williams have, or have had, the middle name Henry. Examples: -William Henry Harrison, President of the United States (1773-1841) -William Henry Smith, British bookseller (1792–1865) -William Hen… --- ## [What is the chance of getting 5 tails on 10 tries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-chance-of-getting-5-tails-on-10-tries/928883)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-chance-of-getting-5-tails-on-10-tries/928883 "2020-12-25T16:13:28Z")
Spinning off this debate; What is the chance of getting 5 of each when flipping a coin? Im pretty sure its rare? Although it should be the norm? Im all question marks, so have at it. --- ## [I am seeking something not findable (cable)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-seeking-something-not-findable-cable/928868)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-seeking-something-not-findable-cable/928868 "2020-12-25T10:47:24Z")
Kentek 18" Sound Blaster to MPC-4 Audio Cable for CD-ROM DVD-ROM CBL PC 4 Pin | eBay US $31.52 total … (too expensive) CD Audio Cable This cable has been evading me for many years, it was a stock cable with your CD-RO… --- ## [Smallest location tracker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-location-tracker/928362)
**Author:** [@sbright33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sbright33)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2020, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smallest-location-tracker/928362 "2020-12-25T00:31:29Z")
In theory what are the size limits? Like in the movies when they inject it, using satellites. In the near future using current technologies we already understand. Let’s assume it is done by measuring timing to multiple s… --- ## [Why do towels have that strip of non-towelliness at one end?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-towels-have-that-strip-of-non-towelliness-at-one-end/466647)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2020, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-towels-have-that-strip-of-non-towelliness-at-one-end/466647 "2020-12-24T17:48:36Z")
I asked this question a couple of years ago but nobody seemed to know the answer. Why do almost all towels have that little strip, an inch or two wide and a few inches from one end, that is a not actually towelling but … --- ## [Sous vide for a year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sous-vide-for-a-year/928675)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2020, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sous-vide-for-a-year/928675 "2020-12-24T10:13:49Z")
Sous vide fans talk about how you can’t overcook your food, because it’s held at the precise temperature. That’s not entirely accurate: It makes sense: the meat’s enzymes will start to break down the meat, making it mu… --- ## [What's happening in this video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-in-this-video/928502)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2020, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-happening-in-this-video/928502 "2020-12-24T06:25:03Z")
Out of focus dust? I don’t know. The creator says there was no fan on in the room, and he’s not knowledgeable enough to fake this. I’m not asking if it’s a ghost or some such, but I don’t have an explanation. https://dr… --- ## [Exercise and sweating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sweating/928702)
**Author:** [@jonpluc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonpluc)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2020, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exercise-and-sweating/928702 "2020-12-23T21:05:15Z")
When i exercise, i sweat from every pore of my skin from the waist up. When im done working out my shirt is soaked. But from the waist down i am pretty dry. I could wear my socks all day. The exercise is even coming from… --- ## [Why did my (car brake) floating caliper come loose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-car-brake-floating-caliper-come-loose/928582)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2020, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-car-brake-floating-caliper-come-loose/928582 "2020-12-23T20:40:54Z")
So my front passenger wheel started making a clunk sound that got worse over time. I was finally able to jack it up and check underneath. While checking the bearing I noticed the floating part of the caliper was askew … --- ## [U.S. Courts: Does a witness still swear on a Bible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-courts-does-a-witness-still-swear-on-a-bible/685653)
**Author:** [@randompattern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randompattern)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2020, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-courts-does-a-witness-still-swear-on-a-bible/685653 "2020-12-23T15:09:43Z")
This seems to be the right forum. I was watching TV and there was a re-enactment of a courtroom scene, the witness was sworn in by placing their hand on a bible and swearing to tell the truth so help them god. Does thi… --- ## [Car wiring question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-wiring-question/928579)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2020, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-wiring-question/928579 "2020-12-23T06:58:11Z")
I have an issue with the switch for my radiator cooling fan. The fan doesn’t come on when the engine coolant gets hot. One of the ways to diagnose the problem is to disconnect the switch and use a paperclip to jump the c… --- ## [Adjusting boiling points if liquid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-boiling-points-if-liquid/928570)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adjusting-boiling-points-if-liquid/928570 "2020-12-23T01:11:57Z")
Assume atmospheric pressure. Is there a way I could create a liquid compound (not necessarily water but water would be preferred) that would boil at very specific points by adding another chemical or compound to it. If s… --- ## [Breath training: Health benefits or woo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breath-training-health-benefits-or-woo/928655)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breath-training-health-benefits-or-woo/928655 "2020-12-22T22:54:46Z")
I just talked to someone today who is into breath training. This involves, among other things, holding your breath for extended times (3-4 minutes). I have the philosophy that forcing your body to do something that it’s … --- ## [Question about dimensional tolerances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dimensional-tolerances/928423)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-dimensional-tolerances/928423 "2020-12-22T15:31:42Z")
Let’s say the print tolerance for the length of a widget is 6.660 inches to 6.665 inches. A micrometer with a resolution of 0.0001 inches measures the length of a widget. It is 6.6652 inches. Is the widget out-of-spec? --- ## [Explain wifi signal, cell towers, bars on phone, etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-wifi-signal-cell-towers-bars-on-phone-etc/928281)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2020, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-wifi-signal-cell-towers-bars-on-phone-etc/928281 "2020-12-22T14:22:45Z")
I ask because I am having trouble getting my Ring doorbell to display video. The wifi signal - the half-rainbow logo - indicates the strength of the signal from my router to the device (phone, laptop, etc.), correct? T… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=309) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=311)