# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=854 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 855 --- ## [Have there been controlled studies for the variability of jury trial results?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-controlled-studies-for-the-variability-of-jury-trial-results/763885)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-controlled-studies-for-the-variability-of-jury-trial-results/763885 "2016-08-26T19:57:04Z")
I’m curious if anyone has ever attempted to quantify how much variation you can get in convictions from jury to jury. I’m imagining staging the same trial, as close as they can get it, for many different juries. The same… --- ## [Rings In Bulls' Noses.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rings-in-bulls-noses/603150)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rings-in-bulls-noses/603150 "2016-08-26T19:24:36Z")
This is something I have wondered at least since childhood. Why do some bulls have metal rings in their noses? You go to a farm or a cattle ranch, and you see this phenomemon. Interesting story, someone actually answere… --- ## [Dishwashing machines: Soap sticks to plastic take-out containers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwashing-machines-soap-sticks-to-plastic-take-out-containers/763745)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dishwashing-machines-soap-sticks-to-plastic-take-out-containers/763745 "2016-08-26T18:21:12Z")
I often leave the dishwashing until the situation is dire. Often I give the disgusting dishes a good rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. But sometimes I just toss them all in and hope for the best. For the most… --- ## [Nutritional value of medication (Open spoilers for "The Martian")](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutritional-value-of-medication-open-spoilers-for-the-martian/764014)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nutritional-value-of-medication-open-spoilers-for-the-martian/764014 "2016-08-26T16:21:18Z")
Finally got around to seeing The Martian, there’s a scene in it where Matt Damon laments the fact that he ran out of ketchup for his potato crop and is reduced to using Vicodin as a condiment. In his situation, is this … --- ## [Origin of "sacked" or "got the sack"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-sacked-or-got-the-sack/763877)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-sacked-or-got-the-sack/763877 "2016-08-26T15:10:28Z")
What does this term derive from? I assume there was never a time when people being dismissed from their jobs were literally put in sacks. I hope not, anyway. So what’s the origin? --- ## [Can you still stay at the YMCA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-stay-at-the-ymca/615346)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2012, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-still-stay-at-the-ymca/615346 "2012-03-12T15:36:37Z")
I know it’s supposed to be fun. I found this previous SD thread, but all the links are now broken. --- ## [Why do shopping carts always pull to the left?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-shopping-carts-always-pull-to-the-left/644009)
**Author:** [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-shopping-carts-always-pull-to-the-left/644009 "2016-08-26T12:37:14Z")
Being the Dope I fully expect the first three responses to be anecdotally proving me wrong but… It occurred to me recently that it seems that whenever I have a shopping cart that doesn’t work well, it pulls to the left. … --- ## [How is this 7?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-7/763594)
**Author:** [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-this-7/763594 "2016-08-26T12:16:25Z")
Nerd maths watch three vertical lines with a sub script 2 means what? --- ## [Is there such a thing as phone phishing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-phone-phishing/763911)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-phone-phishing/763911 "2016-08-26T12:00:15Z")
My sister received a phone call from me last night while we were both asleep. Any explanations? --- ## [I broke my Facebook account! Unable to see linked topics, but only in Chrome.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-broke-my-facebook-account-unable-to-see-linked-topics-but-only-in-chrome/763857)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-broke-my-facebook-account-unable-to-see-linked-topics-but-only-in-chrome/763857 "2016-08-26T05:29:49Z")
What the hell did I do? For the past few days my Facebook feed has been showing text in some posts, but not the picture from the actual link, or even the link itself most times. I think this is affecting about a third … --- ## [EpiPen alternatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epipen-alternatives/763923)
**Author:** [@Junkyard\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Junkyard_Cat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/epipen-alternatives/763923 "2016-08-26T04:59:23Z")
Surely there was something before the EpiPen. Is there a less-expensive method to deliver the same medicine? --- ## ["Florida Water"--ice and ammonia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-water-ice-and-ammonia/92777)
**Author:** [@Rmat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rmat)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/florida-water-ice-and-ammonia/92777 "2016-08-26T02:10:15Z")
Once upon a time there was a fixture in major league dugouts, at least on hot days, called “Florida water.” Stored in an open bucket, Florida water is a solution of water, ice, and (I think) spirits of ammonia. Players w… --- ## [Legal Q: Misrepresenting what somebody says in a political ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-q-misrepresenting-what-somebody-says-in-a-political-ad/763863)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2016, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-q-misrepresenting-what-somebody-says-in-a-political-ad/763863 "2016-08-26T02:05:55Z")
So I’m watching a political ad and I observed basically the following: Person A: John Bloggins. Person B: He really cares about the people. Person A: is doing a lot for families. Now they are implying that Person A s… --- ## [In what percent of divorces is alimony awarded](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-percent-of-divorces-is-alimony-awarded/763869)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-percent-of-divorces-is-alimony-awarded/763869 "2016-08-25T23:46:21Z")
Are there stats on things like the following: % of divorces where alimony is awarded Average time term of alimony Gender ratio of recipients (male vs female recipients) Odds of alimony for heterosexual vs homosexual … --- ## [Is the B-1 the loudest airplane ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-b-1-the-loudest-airplane-ever/763853)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-b-1-the-loudest-airplane-ever/763853 "2016-08-25T23:02:45Z")
See query. One criterion would be at ground level (at take-off, presumably) where someone’s around to hear it Another case might at altitude at maximum thrust–would that be louder, were it at ground level, but the … --- ## [Can I Get A Russian Translation Please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-russian-translation-please/763952)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-get-a-russian-translation-please/763952 "2016-08-25T22:23:14Z")
Can I please beseech a Russian speaker to give me a workable translation of this article? Google Translate is clunky at best. Thanks! --- ## [Clockwise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clockwise/754523)
**Author:** [@AlinAZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlinAZ)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clockwise/754523 "2016-08-25T17:41:35Z")
How did people describe circular motion around a central point before clocks were invented? --- ## [Forming groups while avoiding some pairings - is this combinatorics? No idea how to calculate...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-groups-while-avoiding-some-pairings-is-this-combinatorics-no-idea-how-to-calculate/763758)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/forming-groups-while-avoiding-some-pairings-is-this-combinatorics-no-idea-how-to-calculate/763758 "2016-08-25T14:54:59Z")
I have a set of 120 items from which I need to form 30 groups of 4 items. But there are items in the 120 that should not wind up in the same group. I don’t know how to calculate how trivial or impossible it is to satisf… --- ## [Slamming an oven door: can it break the oven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slamming-an-oven-door-can-it-break-the-oven/763870)
**Author:** [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slamming-an-oven-door-can-it-break-the-oven/763870 "2016-08-25T13:36:43Z")
I’m not talking about slamming the oven door in anger with all one’s might. I mean losing grip on the oven door and letting it close uncontrolled. It shut hard, but not insanely hard. And it was a one-time thing … defini… --- ## [Guide/Service Dogs and Exercise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guide-service-dogs-and-exercise/763817)
**Author:** [@Brodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brodi)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guide-service-dogs-and-exercise/763817 "2016-08-25T09:07:26Z")
One thing I’ve always wondered about guide or service dogs is; how do they get exercised? Labsand Golden Retrievers are two of the most common breeds used as service dogs. But both breeds are Retrievers and Retrievers a… --- ## [Has a peace memorial ever been bombed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-peace-memorial-ever-been-bombed/763791)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-peace-memorial-ever-been-bombed/763791 "2016-08-25T08:26:48Z")
As in, a monument to peace or some kind of memorial building or statue that is fully intended as some sort of anti-war or anti-violence gesture. It has to be deliberately targeted and not just collateral damage (such as … --- ## [Flying with a flare gun in your guitar case.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-with-a-flare-gun-in-your-guitar-case/763771)
**Author:** [@Bones\_Daley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bones_Daley)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flying-with-a-flare-gun-in-your-guitar-case/763771 "2016-08-25T04:58:07Z")
Catchy thread title, huh? There have been several reported instances of musicians having their guitars trashed by over-zealous TSA goons forcing the case open and mistreating the instrument. Canadian performer Don Ros… --- ## [What (military) tanks, if any, were in Louisiana in the late 1920s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-military-tanks-if-any-were-in-louisiana-in-the-late-1920s/763839)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-military-tanks-if-any-were-in-louisiana-in-the-late-1920s/763839 "2016-08-25T00:54:41Z")
A military/historical question for a story I’m working on, that hits a blind spot in my knowledge…what and how many tanks (the armored military vehicles) would have been in Louisiana—or the New Orleans metropolitan area … --- ## [What is and has been included in the CIA Lie-Detector Test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-and-has-been-included-in-the-cia-lie-detector-test/763725)
**Author:** [@candide](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/candide)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-and-has-been-included-in-the-cia-lie-detector-test/763725 "2016-08-25T00:32:43Z")
So I read this article in the NYT Magazine: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/21/magazine/how-to-pass-a-cia-background-check.html The one thing that the article doesn’t mention is homosexuality or other proclivities. That… --- ## [Air Conditioner vs Dehumidifier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-vs-dehumidifier/590165)
**Author:** [@gingerdrass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gingerdrass)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/air-conditioner-vs-dehumidifier/590165 "2016-08-24T23:10:04Z")
I have a window AC that has a dehumidifer. What cost more, to run AC or dehumidifer? When I run the D-H it seems to stay cooler than running the AC. What is the difference? --- ## [Water softener drain (DIY plumbing help)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-softener-drain-diy-plumbing-help/763769)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/water-softener-drain-diy-plumbing-help/763769 "2016-08-24T21:31:58Z")
So, I got myself a water softener, and I thought I could just run the drain line to a drain opening on the side of the house. But that won’t work for two reasons: 1, because that opening is, I think, a cleanout, and when… --- ## [Do Omnivores Need to Chew Meat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-omnivores-need-to-chew-meat/763672)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-omnivores-need-to-chew-meat/763672 "2016-08-24T20:56:52Z")
As I understand it, meat is more easily digestible than plant matter, for which reason carnivores don’t have molars and tend to gulp down their food while herbivores have molars and many spend quite a lot of time chewing… --- ## [Image of my computer screen shows up smaller than normal from projector](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-of-my-computer-screen-shows-up-smaller-than-normal-from-projector/763824)
**Author:** [@Yumblie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yumblie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/image-of-my-computer-screen-shows-up-smaller-than-normal-from-projector/763824 "2016-08-24T20:43:58Z")
For work I use my laptop to give presentations on a projector. The projector only has a VGA cable and my laptop doesn’t have a VGA slot, so I use an HDMI-VGA converter. But when I do so, the image on my screen only shows… --- ## [Why do packages of peanuts come in 1 5/8 ounce servings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-packages-of-peanuts-come-in-1-5-8-ounce-servings/763735)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-packages-of-peanuts-come-in-1-5-8-ounce-servings/763735 "2016-08-24T17:54:08Z")
I’ve noticed that bags of peanuts tend to come in 1 5/8 ounce package size. Why do they come in this quantity, instead of 1.5 or 2 ounces? I don’t think it’s because they’re measuring in a round number of grams, since i… --- ## [Wrong legal description in the title](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-legal-description-in-the-title/763275)
**Author:** [@bushindo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bushindo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2016, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wrong-legal-description-in-the-title/763275 "2016-08-24T17:05:31Z")
So, I have an interest situation with a pending home purchase. My wife and I made an offer on a home that was accepted. The title report came back, and it seems that the owner’s deed has the wrong legal description of t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=853) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=855)