# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=460 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 461 --- ## [Non-local hidden variables](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-local-hidden-variables/834560)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-local-hidden-variables/834560 "2019-05-28T21:33:29Z")
Quantum mechanics doesn’t work if you use hidden variables. For instance, if you have two polarizers that are at 90 degrees to each other, no light can pass through them both, but if you insert a 45 degree polarizer bet… --- ## [Regarding the diameter of the earth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-the-diameter-of-the-earth/834660)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regarding-the-diameter-of-the-earth/834660 "2019-05-28T20:22:40Z")
is the equatorial diameter of the Earth measured at sea level? If the Earth was all smoothed out like a billiard ball, mountains leveled and holes filled in, would the diameter be much different? --- ## [Is the US military in the former Yugoslavia? And if so, why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-military-in-the-former-yugoslavia-and-if-so-why/834468)
**Author:** [@TGWATY](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TGWATY)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-military-in-the-former-yugoslavia-and-if-so-why/834468 "2019-05-28T19:53:32Z")
I was looking at this list of US military operations for which the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded and the last on the list says “Former Republic of Yugoslavia”, with start date of 2014 and no end date estab… --- ## [What defenses are currently employed against affirmative-action/gender cheaters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-defenses-are-currently-employed-against-affirmative-action-gender-cheaters/830968)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-defenses-are-currently-employed-against-affirmative-action-gender-cheaters/830968 "2019-05-28T18:25:54Z")
(\*\*\*Not \*\*\*a political debate: ) Suppose someone who is obviously white lies that they are black, Hispanic, Arab, Native-American, etc. on college applications in order to try to edge in on admissions on affirmative act… --- ## [How heavy would it have to rain to flood the Earth in 40 days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-heavy-would-it-have-to-rain-to-flood-the-earth-in-40-days/834494)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-heavy-would-it-have-to-rain-to-flood-the-earth-in-40-days/834494 "2019-05-28T17:10:32Z")
Cast your beliefs and disbeliefs to the side for the purpose of this thread, please. How much rain would have to fall in a forty day(and night) period to actually flood the Earth and cover the highest mountain 40 cubits… --- ## [By Geo.! When did we stop abbreviating names like that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-geo-when-did-we-stop-abbreviating-names-like-that/834650)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-geo-when-did-we-stop-abbreviating-names-like-that/834650 "2019-05-28T16:57:09Z")
In old newspapers, and even on old shop fronts etc, you often see people’s first names abbreviated, eg. Geo. for George, Wm. or W\[sup\]m\[/sup\] for William, Fredk. for Frederick and so on. Nowadays that never happens - no … --- ## [Did President Trump pardon convicted and/or accused war criminals on Memorial Day 2019?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-president-trump-pardon-convicted-and-or-accused-war-criminals-on-memorial-day-2019/834649)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-president-trump-pardon-convicted-and-or-accused-war-criminals-on-memorial-day-2019/834649 "2019-05-28T16:42:54Z")
The AP says he was planning on it, but I can’t find any news that he actually did it. Did he? --- ## [Chicken breeding (two-part question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-breeding-two-part-question/834559)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2019, 11:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chicken-breeding-two-part-question/834559 "2019-05-28T11:04:51Z")
Part the first: Is it possible to breed for hens that produce ONLY jumbo-sized eggs? Part the second: If it is possible, WHY THE FUCK HASN’T IT BEEN DONE? BONUS THIRD PART: If it HAS been done, WHY THE FUCK HAVE NON-JU… --- ## [Chemists help. Leaking bleach ate through some wood.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemists-help-leaking-bleach-ate-through-some-wood/834562)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemists-help-leaking-bleach-ate-through-some-wood/834562 "2019-05-27T18:53:44Z")
While working on a sink drain, I discovered a small leak in a bottle of Clorox Bathroom Bleach Foamer has eaten a 2"x4" wood part of the inside bottom part of the vanity. Where you store such products. It is the culpri… --- ## [55 year old home, all 2 prong outlets replaced with ungrounded 3 prong-remedy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/55-year-old-home-all-2-prong-outlets-replaced-with-ungrounded-3-prong-remedy/834510)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/55-year-old-home-all-2-prong-outlets-replaced-with-ungrounded-3-prong-remedy/834510 "2019-05-27T17:48:45Z")
Other than rewiring the whole thing? --- ## [What was the traditional Chinese weight 釐 (cash) used for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-traditional-chinese-weight-cash-used-for/834537)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-traditional-chinese-weight-cash-used-for/834537 "2019-05-27T17:12:11Z")
Doing a bit of research on traditional Chinese weights today. According to Wikipedia, a catty is about 604 grams, each catty can be split into 16 taels, each tael can be split into 10 mace, each mace can be split into 10… --- ## [Utilization of Military Kit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utilization-of-military-kit/834470)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utilization-of-military-kit/834470 "2019-05-27T16:45:51Z")
Hi All Something I wonder about: The US spends a lot on the military. Obviously that money goes to lots of things, but surely a substantial part of that is spent on “stuff” Vehicles, weapons (whether a howitzer, 5" gun… --- ## [Why does separation of quantum entanglement produce energy (and lots of it).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-separation-of-quantum-entanglement-produce-energy-and-lots-of-it/834518)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-separation-of-quantum-entanglement-produce-energy-and-lots-of-it/834518 "2019-05-27T05:04:40Z")
Is there a simple way to explain this? I was reading about the black hole firewall paradox and it seemed to hinge on the fact that separation, the disentanglement of entangled particles, generates huge amounts of energy… --- ## [Gun barrel pressed up directly against a metal door and opening fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-barrel-pressed-up-directly-against-a-metal-door-and-opening-fire/834355)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-barrel-pressed-up-directly-against-a-metal-door-and-opening-fire/834355 "2019-05-27T01:23:24Z")
Never tried this with a gun, and don’t intend to, but suppose one took a gun (maybe a pistol) and pressed it up directly against a steel door so that the barrel opening is directly on the steel itself; no place for air t… --- ## [The lost art of the dollar sign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-art-of-the-dollar-sign/833897)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2019, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-art-of-the-dollar-sign/833897 "2019-05-27T00:11:49Z")
I have been seeing more and more people in casual writing (message boards, texts, Facebook, tweets) putting the dollar sign after the amount, like 100$, instead of the traditional $100. Is this just an error/eccentricit… --- ## [How do submarine launched ballistic missiles fly when launched from "point blank" ranges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-submarine-launched-ballistic-missiles-fly-when-launched-from-point-blank-ranges/834219)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2019, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-submarine-launched-ballistic-missiles-fly-when-launched-from-point-blank-ranges/834219 "2019-05-26T13:58:23Z")
So if you look at a map of the United States, and try to red team out what a hypothetical Soviet attack might try, you notice an obvious vulnerability. The Pentagon, the White House, the aircraft that can serve as a mob… --- ## [Chainsaw troubleshooting: curving cuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chainsaw-troubleshooting-curving-cuts/261273)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2012, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chainsaw-troubleshooting-curving-cuts/261273 "2012-12-14T16:00:22Z")
I just had my chainsaw (a 16" gas-powered John Deere) chain sharpened … and now the saw cuts on a curve. I’ve been bucking firewood logs, making straight downward cuts. But the saw won’t go straight down. It gradually t… --- ## [Is the second law of thermodynamics routinely violated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-second-law-of-thermodynamics-routinely-violated/833151)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 284\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2019, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-second-law-of-thermodynamics-routinely-violated/833151 "2019-05-26T02:39:50Z")
In the thread on Dualism, it was claimed that \[POST=21610420\]we have observed violations\[/POST\] of the second law of thermodynamics; it was even suggested that \[POST=21612451\]large-scale violations occure with relative f… --- ## [Make Chrome auto-complete/suggest only URLs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-chrome-auto-complete-suggest-only-urls/834469)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2019, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-chrome-auto-complete-suggest-only-urls/834469 "2019-05-26T01:45:22Z")
Is there a way to stop Chrome from auto-completing search keywords, and only auto-complete URLs? I.e. When I click on the address/search box and start typing “bo…”, I want it to auto-complete to boards.straightdope.com, … --- ## [When did we start naming pets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-start-naming-pets/834454)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-we-start-naming-pets/834454 "2019-05-25T20:50:21Z")
So I have pets. I have kids, therefore I have pets. My cats have names. Good for them. But it got me thinking this morning. As I understand the history, humans ended up working with cats out of mutual self-interest.… --- ## ["Technical Writer" means something different now than it used to](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-writer-means-something-different-now-than-it-used-to/834474)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technical-writer-means-something-different-now-than-it-used-to/834474 "2019-05-25T18:56:06Z")
Technical writer used to be a documentation specialist for physical products. They were the people who wrote owner’s manuals. But now if you search job postings for Technical writers they are all for software. So if t… --- ## [General Eisenhower Question - Rank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-eisenhower-question-rank/834487)
**Author:** [@SanDiegoTim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanDiegoTim)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-eisenhower-question-rank/834487 "2019-05-25T18:31:11Z")
FDR gave General Eisenhower a fifth star prior to Operation Overlord. Eisenhower appears on a You Tube video clearly wearing only four stars. The video was was taken following the Battle of the Falaise Pocket which wa… --- ## [New tile job in bathroom cracking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tile-job-in-bathroom-cracking/834364)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tile-job-in-bathroom-cracking/834364 "2019-05-25T16:46:48Z")
It is a crack separating down the corners between the walls. Maybe this is common. The work is a week old. Does it mean a very bad thing, or it is a common repair that they need to do? --- ## [Biodegradable/compostable vs. Recyclable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biodegradable-compostable-vs-recyclable/834506)
**Author:** [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biodegradable-compostable-vs-recyclable/834506 "2019-05-25T16:04:07Z")
My spouse recently bought some k-cups that are 100% recyclable. We had been buying k-cups that are 95% biodegradable (except for the foil covering) – there is a biodegradable hard-plastic ring and the rest is a fine mesh… --- ## [Making a film, forget to use clapboard - movie completion impossible in 1972?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-film-forget-to-use-clapboard-movie-completion-impossible-in-1972/834467)
**Author:** [@Helmut\_Doork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helmut_Doork)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-film-forget-to-use-clapboard-movie-completion-impossible-in-1972/834467 "2019-05-25T11:47:12Z")
One of the main articles on the Wikipedia page yesterday was how novice director Syndey Pollak in 1972 was to film a documentary on the making of an Aretha Franklin album and for whatever reason did not use a clapboard, … --- ## [What is the minimum alcohol by volume % necessary to kill pathogens in liquids](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-minimum-alcohol-by-volume-necessary-to-kill-pathogens-in-liquids/834215)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-minimum-alcohol-by-volume-necessary-to-kill-pathogens-in-liquids/834215 "2019-05-25T09:05:06Z")
I believe in the middle ages and early industrial era it was common to drink alcoholic ciders that were only 2% ABV. Is something as low as 2% strong enough to kill pathogens? At an ABV that low does it take a few days t… --- ## [The theory that parents dump all their genetic defects on one child who dies, is there a name for it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-theory-that-parents-dump-all-their-genetic-defects-on-one-child-who-dies-is-there-a-name-for-it/834385)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2019, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-theory-that-parents-dump-all-their-genetic-defects-on-one-child-who-dies-is-there-a-name-for-it/834385 "2019-05-25T00:35:06Z")
I read about this theory 15 plus years ago. I do not remember the details beyond the idea that all of the defective genes are somehow dumped on one child who is expected to die since they carry all these shoddy genetics.… --- ## [How light could a nuclear warhead get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-light-could-a-nuclear-warhead-get/834447)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2019, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-light-could-a-nuclear-warhead-get/834447 "2019-05-24T21:23:59Z")
The W54 warhead weighs about 23kg and has a yield of up to 1kiloton of TNT. Is it possible to make a nuke light/smaller than that? If so, what kind of yield could it have? What about thermonuclear (fusion) warheads, how… --- ## [Google Play store returns different Apps on different Android device.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-play-store-returns-different-apps-on-different-android-device/834456)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2019, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-play-store-returns-different-apps-on-different-android-device/834456 "2019-05-24T19:45:31Z")
This is nuts. I am looking for an application called ‘Collector for ArcGIS’ in Google Play Store I have two devices. An Android tablet and an Android phone. This application WAS installed and working on both devices. … --- ## [Impeachment procedural question: multiple charges and split vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeachment-procedural-question-multiple-charges-and-split-vote/834371)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2019, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeachment-procedural-question-multiple-charges-and-split-vote/834371 "2019-05-24T16:20:45Z")
I know that the House of Representatives votes on articles of impeachment to present to the Senate, which then hears testimony in the style of a trial, even though this is not a criminal proceeding. The officeholder is r… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=459) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=461)