# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=689 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 690 --- ## [Having Openoffice or Excel Documents Open At Startup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-openoffice-or-excel-documents-open-at-startup/793455)
**Author:** [@georgeflo300](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/georgeflo300)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/having-openoffice-or-excel-documents-open-at-startup/793455 "2017-08-15T23:14:04Z")
Everytime i turn on my computer, i have to open several openoffice or excel documents. So i would need to open on each of those one at a time etc. Is there a way to open excel where the moment i click on openoffice or … --- ## [The Sierras and the Cascades--how did they determine the "border" between them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sierras-and-the-cascades-how-did-they-determine-the-border-between-them/793367)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sierras-and-the-cascades-how-did-they-determine-the-border-between-them/793367 "2017-08-15T21:00:48Z")
If you’ve ever looked at a 3-D relief map of North America, you’ll notice in the far western U.S. and Canada, a chain of wall-like mountains that runs north-south several hundred miles from the coast. In California, its… --- ## [Where are dreams stored in the memory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-dreams-stored-in-the-memory/793727)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-dreams-stored-in-the-memory/793727 "2017-08-15T19:48:21Z")
They’re certainly stored somewhere as it’s quite common to have a fragment of an old dream flash across your memory. In fact it’s just happened to me, I suddenly remembered part of a dream I had last week. It was only a … --- ## [Do black people mutate faster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-black-people-mutate-faster/793542)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-black-people-mutate-faster/793542 "2017-08-15T18:51:03Z")
Sorry for the clickbait title. But seriously, do populations closer to the equator undergo more frequent genetic mutations? If evolution is partially driven by random mutations, and if sunlight is one source of mutation… --- ## [What USAF Aircraft Did I See?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-usaf-aircraft-did-i-see/793576)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-usaf-aircraft-did-i-see/793576 "2017-08-15T17:14:01Z")
Yesterday I saw a US Air Force aircraft on final approach into PDX (Portland, OR) as we were arriving at Costco to shop. My view was crystal clear but fleeting. Hence, no time to whip out a smartphone for a photo. \[ul… --- ## [Crowd Control Techniques for Protests/Counter-Protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crowd-control-techniques-for-protests-counter-protests/793523)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crowd-control-techniques-for-protests-counter-protests/793523 "2017-08-15T14:58:48Z")
I was watching some of the live footage of the Charlottesville rally before the state of emergency was declared and the march was broken up (with the unfortunately terrible aftermath). It appeared that the Alt-Right pro… --- ## [Excel 2003 question about unhiding columns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-2003-question-about-unhiding-columns/793380)
**Author:** [@Daylate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daylate)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-2003-question-about-unhiding-columns/793380 "2017-08-15T14:05:00Z")
I have a spreadsheet that is giving me a problem with unhiding a column. I keep Column B hidden as a matter of course, and use it to calculate some clock intervals that are then accessed by printing Bxxxx. Now, Bxxxx i… --- ## [MS-Word: Why is it screwing up hyperlinks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-why-is-it-screwing-up-hyperlinks/793170)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-word-why-is-it-screwing-up-hyperlinks/793170 "2017-08-15T14:00:03Z")
I’m doing a document in Word, and I’m putting some hyper-links into it as references. I find the web-page I want to reference, copy the link from Safari, switch to Word, us the command-K function to insert the link and … --- ## [The difference between a uranium bomb and a hydrogen bomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-uranium-bomb-and-a-hydrogen-bomb/793465)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-a-uranium-bomb-and-a-hydrogen-bomb/793465 "2017-08-15T11:59:53Z")
At first glance, the kablooey aspects of the two bombs look pretty much the same. My question is mainly about the fallout- uranium bombs scatter radioactive fallout far and wide, while hydrogen bombs… what? There will st… --- ## ["blue" berry plants (NOT BLUEBERRIES) in Minnesota](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-berry-plants-not-blueberries-in-minnesota/793603)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-berry-plants-not-blueberries-in-minnesota/793603 "2017-08-15T05:34:47Z")
I was recently in the Boundary Waters, and noted a plant with blue berries, that were clearly not blueberry plants. The berries were on a stalk about a foot high and the leaves were low to the ground. ANy ideas? Googl… --- ## [Using smell to help ID bacteria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-smell-to-help-id-bacteria/344550)
**Author:** [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-smell-to-help-id-bacteria/344550 "2017-08-15T01:54:17Z")
I’ve noticed that the veteran techs in the micro lab have the ability to open up a plate and say “oh, that’s a staph aureus” just from the smell as the lid is lifted. My clinical instructor used to have a printout about … --- ## [One switchbox, two circuits.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-switchbox-two-circuits/793685)
**Author:** [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2017, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-switchbox-two-circuits/793685 "2017-08-15T01:21:01Z")
I need to replace a light switch, which is one of a pair in double switchbox. I discovered that the two switches are on different breakers. Apparently, this is actually to code, but how common is it? It seems like you… --- ## [Why is a solar eclipse more harmful to your eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-solar-eclipse-more-harmful-to-your-eyes/793653)
**Author:** [@ReticulatingSplines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReticulatingSplines)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-a-solar-eclipse-more-harmful-to-your-eyes/793653 "2017-08-14T23:56:10Z")
So I’ve been wondering this for years, and I still can’t find a single source that actually explains why looking at a partial solar eclipse is so dangerous compared to looking at the non-eclipsed sun. Initially I figure… --- ## [Excel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel/793680)
**Author:** [@EleanorSWPN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EleanorSWPN)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel/793680 "2017-08-14T23:33:16Z")
How do you copy and paste in Microsoft Excel? --- ## [How much energy "in"/released by boiling carbonated water vs plain water?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-in-released-by-boiling-carbonated-water-vs-plain-water/793644)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-energy-in-released-by-boiling-carbonated-water-vs-plain-water/793644 "2017-08-14T23:28:20Z")
Spinoff (unlikely, perhaps) from a current thread on electromagnetic energy and binding energy “contained”/released from the same material under different assumptions. Let’s start off, for my peabrain-level mind, boilin… --- ## [Strange flood insurance question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-flood-insurance-question/793025)
**Author:** [@rainy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rainy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-flood-insurance-question/793025 "2017-08-14T18:14:59Z")
Say you have a property where you could buy flood insurance, but are not required to. Then there is a flood, which undermines the roots of a tree on your property and it falls on your house, damaging it greatly. You ha… --- ## [Is there a market for old style entertainment centers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-market-for-old-style-entertainment-centers/792936)
**Author:** [@justmeetee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/justmeetee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-market-for-old-style-entertainment-centers/792936 "2017-08-14T17:53:55Z")
I have been using an old CRT television but am about to join modern man and go flat screen. But the old, but still in good condition, entertainment center is to tall to put anything larger then a 36 inch or so on top and… --- ## [How many tons of human nail clippings generated each day in the world.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tons-of-human-nail-clippings-generated-each-day-in-the-world/793545)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-tons-of-human-nail-clippings-generated-each-day-in-the-world/793545 "2017-08-14T17:39:40Z")
Assuming 1 in a 1000 people clip their nails on any given day. That person generates about 5 mg of nail clippings that day. So by my fag packet calculations that is 37 kg of nail clipping every day on this planet for 7.4… --- ## [Another Nuclear War Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-nuclear-war-question/793277)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-nuclear-war-question/793277 "2017-08-14T14:28:39Z")
There should be a factual answer to this, but I keep finding conflicting answers, so here goes. Can the President of the United States, under current law and current constitutional interpretation, legally launch a preem… --- ## [What would happen if North Korea nuked us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-north-korea-nuked-us/792405)
**Author:** [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-north-korea-nuked-us/792405 "2017-08-14T11:17:23Z")
I’m not asking about the political or international repercussions – all good questions suitable for IMHO or GD – but about what would physically happen. According to this morning’s newspaper, the last test by North Kore… --- ## [Who gets the documents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-gets-the-documents/793413)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-gets-the-documents/793413 "2017-08-14T05:46:33Z")
This question is timely, with respect to all those Trump investigations going on… but it’s also more general about investigations in general. There are multiple committees in the House and Senate, and Mueller also, inve… --- ## [US currency serial numbers and Counterfeit question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-currency-serial-numbers-and-counterfeit-question/793521)
**Author:** [@Daksys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daksys)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-currency-serial-numbers-and-counterfeit-question/793521 "2017-08-14T05:11:50Z")
I am writing a short sci-fi story about a man who moves through parallel universes. I realized that he might run into an issue spending cash from one universe in another. If he spent a large amount of cash in one world, … --- ## [Physics gurus: Quantum Erasor Experiment. New commentary. and My thought experiment.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-gurus-quantum-erasor-experiment-new-commentary-and-my-thought-experiment/128345)
**Author:** [@ready29003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ready29003)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-gurus-quantum-erasor-experiment-new-commentary-and-my-thought-experiment/128345 "2017-08-14T04:53:02Z")
Please visit the following page and review the commentary. Let me know if you see any mistakes. “A Delayed Choice Quantum Eraser Experiment” with Commentary My comments and questions on this experiment: The beam spli… --- ## [Can the President fire the Vice President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-fire-the-vice-president/793052)
**Author:** [@Goosie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Goosie)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-fire-the-vice-president/793052 "2017-08-14T04:17:53Z")
Can the President of the United States fire the Vice President of the United States (or otherwise compel the Vice President to resign?) --- ## [How to calculate the amount of water needed to keep relative humidity 95% in a 20'\*6.5'\*8' room?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-calculate-the-amount-of-water-needed-to-keep-relative-humidity-95-in-a-20-6-5-8-room/793453)
**Author:** [@oparthiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oparthiv)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-calculate-the-amount-of-water-needed-to-keep-relative-humidity-95-in-a-20-6-5-8-room/793453 "2017-08-14T01:59:24Z")
How to calculate the amount of water needed to keep relative humidity 95% in a 20’\*6.5’\*8’ room? The room temperature is 60 degree celcius. --- ## [Genealogical terminology: "low confidence region"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genealogical-terminology-low-confidence-region/793458)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2017, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/genealogical-terminology-low-confidence-region/793458 "2017-08-14T00:11:01Z")
My sister got a report from the ancestry.com website after giving them her information, which, of course, applies to me too. In the subheadings for each region appeared the term “low confidence region.” What does this me… --- ## [How long can I leave bloody mary mix sitting out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-leave-bloody-mary-mix-sitting-out/793381)
**Author:** [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-can-i-leave-bloody-mary-mix-sitting-out/793381 "2017-08-13T23:32:14Z")
We’re having a small brunch on Sunday. I’m planning on making a pitcher of bloody mary mix the night before. How long can I leave the pitcher sitting out at the drink station after taking it out of the fridge? It’s a b… --- ## [Is this an actual New Math problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-an-actual-new-math-problem/793042)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-an-actual-new-math-problem/793042 "2017-08-13T21:29:18Z")
Or just a parody of one? http://3xbqtf1y2zbf2etuqo18sk64.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Untitled-design-1-1.jpg I don’t follow it, but it sorta’ looks like it could be an example of “subtraction equ… --- ## [What ceremony did I observe this morning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ceremony-did-i-observe-this-morning/793530)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-ceremony-did-i-observe-this-morning/793530 "2017-08-13T20:01:12Z")
Riding along the lakefront around 6:30 I passed a bunch of people on the beach. Some appeared to be wearing some sort of African or island garb, i.e. women had on those sort of boxy hats and both men and women were wear… --- ## [I need an automated way to email tweets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-automated-way-to-email-tweets/793311)
**Author:** [@qazwart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/qazwart)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-an-automated-way-to-email-tweets/793311 "2017-08-13T18:47:05Z")
I have an account that does occasional tweets. Maybe two to three times per week. The purpose is to say whether a service is up or down. People can follow the Twitter account, but some people just don’t like Twitter. I h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=688) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=690)