# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=832 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 833 --- ## [Did the Japanese notice the A-bomb training runs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-japanese-notice-the-a-bomb-training-runs/768433)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-japanese-notice-the-a-bomb-training-runs/768433 "2016-10-14T16:09:31Z")
My understanding is that the US unit, the 509th Composite Group, did various training runs to practise for the A-bomb drops. Did the Japanese ever notice the training runs? Speculate what they were doing? Try to interc… --- ## [Flurry of telephone cable-laying in metro Chicago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flurry-of-telephone-cable-laying-in-metro-chicago/768463)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flurry-of-telephone-cable-laying-in-metro-chicago/768463 "2016-10-14T15:55:03Z")
This week, I’ve noticed a lot of telephone underground cables being buried under the street in various places in Chicago and suburbs. Two or more trucks blocking the right lane in a couple of different spots (presumably … --- ## [American Military History: Winning by air power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-military-history-winning-by-air-power/768473)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-military-history-winning-by-air-power/768473 "2016-10-14T15:48:57Z")
I was watching a historical documentary on Vietnam that stated that the higher echelons of American command though that air power would quickly bring the NVA and Vietcong to their knees (within about 8 months). That thro… --- ## [Why does reading incude hearing my inner voice.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-reading-incude-hearing-my-inner-voice/768422)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-reading-incude-hearing-my-inner-voice/768422 "2016-10-14T15:01:04Z")
When i read or write my inner voice says the words in my head. Why. --- ## [Question about Maine state constitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-maine-state-constitution/768300)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-maine-state-constitution/768300 "2016-10-14T14:54:42Z")
http://legislature.maine.gov/const/#aA Read article X, section 7. I read the state constitution today for some opposition research and I found something strange. Parts of it are in effect, but are not allowed to be pr… --- ## [Can an electron's spin change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-electrons-spin-change/768078)
**Author:** [@keeganst94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keeganst94)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-electrons-spin-change/768078 "2016-10-14T14:48:08Z")
So electron’s have spins of either plus or minus one-half, but can they change spin from plus one-half to minus one-half? If you have a hydrogen atom with one electron with a plus one-half spin, and you transfer another… --- ## [Consequences of shooting down a plane bearing a nuclear weapon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consequences-of-shooting-down-a-plane-bearing-a-nuclear-weapon/768420)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consequences-of-shooting-down-a-plane-bearing-a-nuclear-weapon/768420 "2016-10-14T14:27:05Z")
So here is the scenario. Country A loads and arms a atomic bomb onto a plane intending to drop it onto a neighbouring country B. Country B gets wind of this and dispatches its aircraft to intercept. Missile hits nuclear… --- ## [Does Trump face criminal penalties for Trump University](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-face-criminal-penalties-for-trump-university/768330)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-face-criminal-penalties-for-trump-university/768330 "2016-10-13T04:33:49Z")
I cannot figure out if there are potential criminal penalties for Trump University or if it is a civil lawsuit. I’ve heard RICO mentioned several times, but I thought it was a civil suit. How much could Trump lose in t… --- ## [Can Bactrian and Dromedary camels interbreed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bactrian-and-dromedary-camels-interbreed/284760)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2005, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-bactrian-and-dromedary-camels-interbreed/284760 "2005-01-16T17:08:13Z")
What does the hybrid look like? And, which species yields the wool (used for camel hair coats)? --- ## ["Only Connect" wall game valid combinations.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-connect-wall-game-valid-combinations/768497)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/only-connect-wall-game-valid-combinations/768497 "2016-10-14T12:49:15Z")
On the BBC4 quiz show “Only Connect”, there’s a round where 16 have to be sorted into 4 connected groups, 4 in each group. Once the connections are figured out it can still be hard as many items double as red herrings f… --- ## [What if a "Designated Survivor" became president and then a higher ranking Cabinet member was found?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-designated-survivor-became-president-and-then-a-higher-ranking-cabinet-member-was-found/768500)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-designated-survivor-became-president-and-then-a-higher-ranking-cabinet-member-was-found/768500 "2016-10-14T12:36:43Z")
This was inspired by a plot point in the new Kiefer Sutherland show (which BTW I find equal parts intriguing/cheesy/maddening). Would they rescind Kiefer’s presidency? I suppose his previous actions are still valid a… --- ## [College using its endowment to stave off bankruptcy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-using-its-endowment-to-stave-off-bankruptcy/768427)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-using-its-endowment-to-stave-off-bankruptcy/768427 "2016-10-14T12:36:37Z")
I found out that my alma mater (a small rural college) is about $10 million in debt. They have a $40 million endowment, but that, like all endowments, is no doubt strictly regulated. Now if push came to shove, would the… --- ## [Precision when doing division by log](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precision-when-doing-division-by-log/768222)
**Author:** [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/precision-when-doing-division-by-log/768222 "2016-10-14T10:34:49Z")
Somewhat archaic question. I’m teaching high school students exponential equations, and logarithms, and starting thinking of how only a few decades ago they would have learned to division by using logarithm tables. Now … --- ## [Electric Motor Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-motor-question/768340)
**Author:** [@vtxrider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vtxrider)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-motor-question/768340 "2016-10-14T10:24:26Z")
My daughter is trying to build a contraption to cause a rocking chair to rock using an electric motor. Imagine like a rocking chair on the porch at Halloween that is slowly rocking as if occupied, but it is empty. She … --- ## [Trans-oceanic cables and continental drift](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trans-oceanic-cables-and-continental-drift/768410)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trans-oceanic-cables-and-continental-drift/768410 "2016-10-14T09:30:49Z")
How do those laying trans-oceanic cables deal with continental drift? Sure the expansion rate is not a lot and the cables have an expected lifespan but the cables are relatively fragile and the stresses must be enormous … --- ## [What is the oldest extant written document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-extant-written-document/522975)
**Author:** [@MwNNrules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MwNNrules)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-oldest-extant-written-document/522975 "2016-10-14T05:29:41Z")
I like to read in my spare time, and it occured to me that I didn’t know what the oldest written document known to man was. I knew that there were at least two ways I could find out: 1) on the internet; and 2) by asking … --- ## [How to upload markers to a map?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-upload-markers-to-a-map/768430)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-upload-markers-to-a-map/768430 "2016-10-14T04:01:57Z")
A friend has 400 company locations in an Excel spreadsheet. He wants to upload them to appear on a map. I looked into Google Maps and it looks like you can do this, but it requires using their API. Is there something els… --- ## [Quitting smoking/NRT and sugar cravings.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quitting-smoking-nrt-and-sugar-cravings/768476)
**Author:** [@Memnon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Memnon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quitting-smoking-nrt-and-sugar-cravings/768476 "2016-10-14T03:08:28Z")
Not sure whether this belongs here or IMHO, but my (ever-expanding) gut tells me there’s a factual answer for this so here it is. I quit smoking at the beginning of the year. Aside from a couple of very minor slips, I’… --- ## [Will a masseuse "scratch" one's back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-masseuse-scratch-ones-back/768475)
**Author:** [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-masseuse-scratch-ones-back/768475 "2016-10-14T01:27:52Z")
I’m looking for a back scratch. My Wife finds my occasional request for such thoroughly disagreeable, and I’m fed up with her reluctance. Would it be unreasonable to request a masseuse to scratch my back for monetary co… --- ## [Best way to get from Toronto to Oneonta, NY?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-get-from-toronto-to-oneonta-ny/767955)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-get-from-toronto-to-oneonta-ny/767955 "2016-10-14T00:43:45Z")
My cousin unexpectedly announced that she is moving from Florida to Oneonta, NY. Since this is a lot closer to me, she says it will be a lot easier to come for a visit. What’s the best way for my aunt and I to get there… --- ## [How high is this plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-is-this-plane/767950)
**Author:** [@glennwith2ns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glennwith2ns)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2016, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-high-is-this-plane/767950 "2016-10-14T00:21:21Z")
Any way to tell how high this FedEx plane is flying? --- ## [Interpersonal Communication and horror movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpersonal-communication-and-horror-movies/768459)
**Author:** [@dlc0570](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dlc0570)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpersonal-communication-and-horror-movies/768459 "2016-10-13T20:45:44Z")
Hello New to the forum. Currently, a nursing student and have a unique assignment regarding finding examples of interpersonal communications in scary/horror films. Enlisting the forums advice to help find examples of I… --- ## [iPhone Auto Dialing Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-auto-dialing-question/768416)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-auto-dialing-question/768416 "2016-10-13T19:40:42Z")
A few months ago I received my new iPhone 6S Plus. I love the phone, but I’ve noticed a problem since the first day I got it. I carry the iPhone in a holster on my belt, and about 25% of the time when I put my phone in … --- ## [Bugs in the Attic that Bite You?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-the-attic-that-bite-you/766523)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bugs-in-the-attic-that-bite-you/766523 "2016-10-13T19:30:51Z")
So I have been crawling around in the attic the last few days, starting to remove the stuff I have stored up there and picked up bug bites which look ugly but don’t sting/itch at all and wonder what they could be? I live… --- ## [Wells Fargo Employees Independent Agents of Malfeasance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wells-fargo-employees-independent-agents-of-malfeasance/768441)
**Author:** [@curious11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curious11)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wells-fargo-employees-independent-agents-of-malfeasance/768441 "2016-10-13T18:27:15Z")
Hey All, In discussing the WF employee account slamming, which ended with over a million fraudulent accounts and over 5000 employees being dismissed, the question as to the dismissed employee’s scheme arose. Scheme is … --- ## [What is this bizarre coin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-bizarre-coin/768438)
**Author:** [@theOldGoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theOldGoat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-bizarre-coin/768438 "2016-10-13T17:49:43Z")
A friend showed me this bizarre coin. Anyone have any idea what it is? I’ll hang up and listen https://postimg.org/image/q95taf22d/ --- ## [Did Johannes Stark Nobel Prize winner & Nazi proponent of "German Physics" ever apologize?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-johannes-stark-nobel-prize-winner-nazi-proponent-of-german-physics-ever-apologize/768269)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-johannes-stark-nobel-prize-winner-nazi-proponent-of-german-physics-ever-apologize/768269 "2016-10-13T16:31:42Z")
Re Johannes StarkI’ve poked around google and there does not seem to be anything more than short wiki style bios of him. He supported Einstein in early years then went full in as a Nazi against “Jewish physics”. The spe… --- ## [If it wasnt for Columbus...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-wasnt-for-columbus/768164)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-it-wasnt-for-columbus/768164 "2016-10-13T14:09:23Z")
How long do you think it would have taken Europe to rediscover the Americas? I’m no historian but it seems to me that others would also have tried sailing eastward with the hope of discovering new lands or passageways t… --- ## [Odd question about Social Security retirement benefits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-question-about-social-security-retirement-benefits/768333)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-question-about-social-security-retirement-benefits/768333 "2016-10-13T14:07:59Z")
As I understand it, a person has to have 40 Social Security credits in order to qualify for retirement benefits. I should be on pace to get to 40 credits by age 33 or 34. Does this mean that someone could “retire” in th… --- ## [How do I permenantly shut-down this background process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-permenantly-shut-down-this-background-process/768228)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2016, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-permenantly-shut-down-this-background-process/768228 "2016-10-13T07:20:07Z")
I use a Western Digital external hard-drive, it comes with quite a bit of software some of which isn’t optional to install, it also adds few background processes and I discovered that a known problem is that they can slo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=831) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=833)