# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 2 --- ## [What are the Strongest Scientific Consensuses That Turned Out to Be Possibly, or Definitely, Wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-strongest-scientific-consensuses-that-turned-out-to-be-possibly-or-definitely-wrong/1032888)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-strongest-scientific-consensuses-that-turned-out-to-be-possibly-or-definitely-wrong/1032888 "2026-09-16T23:05:53Z")
An example of an extremely strong scientific consensus today is that faster than speed of light communication is impossible. My guess is that when consensus is so strong – with every tenured university physicist who wor… --- ## [What's the origin of "Hooptie" (beat up car)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-origin-of-hooptie-beat-up-car/424501 "2026-09-15T20:06:02Z")
An older coworker was asking me what “hooptie” meant, and I explained what it was but was unable to come up with the derivation. UrbanDictionary.com says that it goes back to the fifties and came from “Coupe De,” as in C… --- ## [Yet another AC question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-ac-question/1033016)
**Author:** [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2026, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-ac-question/1033016 "2026-09-15T00:10:50Z")
The house we’re renting has a “Florida room”: 90% windows and I can’t vouch for insulation in the roof/ceiling. And, get this — there are two AC vents and a large return in the ceiling. We have the door to the backyard o… --- ## [What are some clear signs of undiagnosed autism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-clear-signs-of-undiagnosed-autism/1032710)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-clear-signs-of-undiagnosed-autism/1032710 "2026-09-14T18:00:37Z")
I have recieved bullying in the past for allegedly having autism, and because i am going to a new school i would like to see what to hide in order to avoid bullying --- ## [Optimal speed for ground attack aircraft?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-speed-for-ground-attack-aircraft/1032576)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/optimal-speed-for-ground-attack-aircraft/1032576 "2026-09-14T17:57:31Z")
The speed of an aircraft engaging a ground target could vary from zero for a helicopter hovering in place to multiple hundreds of kilometers per hour for fast attack jets doing strafing runs. So what determines the optim… --- ## [What's the potential for automating air traffic control?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-potential-for-automating-air-traffic-control/1032927)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-potential-for-automating-air-traffic-control/1032927 "2026-09-13T19:57:10Z")
I don’t want to denigrate the admirable skill of air traffic controllers, but it seems to me that this work is highly suitable for automation by computers. The movements of planes with known bearing, altitude and speed a… --- ## [Grinding the beans - Euphemism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grinding-the-beans-euphemism/473449)
**Author:** [@Fat\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fat_Chance)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grinding-the-beans-euphemism/473449 "2026-09-13T17:25:45Z")
Maybe I am crazy, but I’m trying to convince someone here that “grinding the bean(s)” is a euphemism for female masturbation. I am choosing to not google it here at work for fear of where it might bring me, so I reach o… --- ## [Zanussi washer dryer - possible to dry cycle only](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zanussi-washer-dryer-possible-to-dry-cycle-only/1032966)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2026, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zanussi-washer-dryer-possible-to-dry-cycle-only/1032966 "2026-09-12T19:36:24Z")
Help! I’m in the UK. There are only washer dryer combos in our rooms. I’m trying to dry only. Otherwise I have to pack wet clothes. I am so frustrated. I googled it, the directions seem straight forward but every time … --- ## [Is there a free, easy to use, pdf file editor floating around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-easy-to-use-pdf-file-editor-floating-around/1032890)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-easy-to-use-pdf-file-editor-floating-around/1032890 "2026-09-11T20:08:28Z")
It’s been a while since someone asked this question, and I’m hoping there is something new out there. I just need to cut out some sections of a .pdf document I created and don’t want to buy anything to do it. The program… --- ## [Taking a day trip to Canada. Problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-day-trip-to-canada-problems/1032675)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-day-trip-to-canada-problems/1032675 "2026-09-11T01:33:47Z")
I’m thinking of taking a day trip up to Montreal. Will I have any problems due to the recent “policies” of the Trump administration? I would be using a passport as ID to drive across the border. Have there been any issu… --- ## [Why are profanity bleeps so freakin' LOUD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-profanity-bleeps-so-freakin-loud/1032946)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-profanity-bleeps-so-freakin-loud/1032946 "2026-09-10T22:05:09Z")
Is there any specific reason, in this day and age of digital production, why profanity bleeps in TV shows are so much louder than the surrounding dialogue? It’s not as if it needs to physically drown out the profanity; t… --- ## [Statistics and sample-size question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-and-sample-size-question/1032882)
**Author:** [@hideousidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hideousidiot)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statistics-and-sample-size-question/1032882 "2026-09-10T19:12:15Z")
According to an AI I consulted, and my own sense, education-levels in this country correlate closely with voting patterns: people with doctorates tend to vote Democratic much more than people who never graduated high sch… --- ## [Betelgeuse losing brightness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betelgeuse-losing-brightness/845478)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/betelgeuse-losing-brightness/845478 "2026-09-09T21:09:18Z")
The gradual loss of Betelgeuse brightness although not a surprise has been reported as a possible sign that the star may explode. If it does indeed destruct and we see the celestial supernova …when did it actually happe… --- ## [There are nut allergies and seafood allergies. Are there broccoli allergies? Why are some things dangerous and others not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-nut-allergies-and-seafood-allergies-are-there-broccoli-allergies-why-are-some-things-dangerous-and-others-not/1032709)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-are-nut-allergies-and-seafood-allergies-are-there-broccoli-allergies-why-are-some-things-dangerous-and-others-not/1032709 "2026-09-09T05:32:56Z")
My question is why are there only a few notorious allergic reactions but not a broad spread of people allergic to this or that? We hear about nut allergies all the time. Touch a peanut and drop dead. Yet I have never … --- ## [What changed about online gambling apps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-online-gambling-apps/1032904)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-online-gambling-apps/1032904 "2026-09-09T00:49:46Z")
Here in Texas, I have been seeing television ads for gambling apps like DraftKings. The ads say that the app is now available in all fifty states. In the past, such gambling was only available to those physically prese… --- ## [Has the Panama Canal always operated 24 hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-panama-canal-always-operated-24-hours/1032461)
**Author:** [@Timz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timz)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2026, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-panama-canal-always-operated-24-hours/1032461 "2026-09-08T10:22:20Z")
McCullough’s The Path Between the Seas: “Channel lighting was installed in 1966 and night-time transits were inaugurated.” Encyclopedia Britannica 14th Edition (late 1930s): " A thorough system of lights and buoys makes… --- ## [What is the science behind our love for cats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855)
**Author:** [@Xarrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xarrot)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-science-behind-our-love-for-cats/1032855 "2026-09-07T21:35:12Z")
Many people love cats (including me), which makes me wonder why, because they don’t hunt, do service animal stuff, or airport stuff like dogs. --- ## [Name for Most Interior Point of a Plane Figure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-most-interior-point-of-a-plane-figure/1032728)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2026, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-for-most-interior-point-of-a-plane-figure/1032728 "2026-09-07T07:48:46Z")
For any finitely large plane figure, there has to be a name for the point most distant from all its sides, right? I’d’ve thought ‘centroid’ did it, until I saw how to determine the centroid of an L-shaped object. Maybe … --- ## [What is the Probability of Someone with Active Measles Dying from Something Unrelated to Their Measles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-probability-of-someone-with-active-measles-dying-from-something-unrelated-to-their-measles/1032614)
**Author:** [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-probability-of-someone-with-active-measles-dying-from-something-unrelated-to-their-measles/1032614 "2026-09-06T21:25:30Z")
The title question relates to a current political controversy, but it is nonetheless a factual question. It is blazingly obvious to me that the probability is quite low in the United States today. But I think a much bet… --- ## [Do Spam Calls Increase with Age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831)
**Author:** [@Tj54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tj54)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spam-calls-increase-with-age/1032831 "2026-09-06T13:52:46Z")
I recently turned 72 and celebrated my birthday by receiving over 20 spam calls to my cell phone. I expect a few daily, since my number is out there as a Realtor and having another business, but this was over the top. Ev… --- ## ["Biddle v. The Walt Disney Company - Reminder Notice of Class Action Settlement"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biddle-v-the-walt-disney-company-reminder-notice-of-class-action-settlement/1032721)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biddle-v-the-walt-disney-company-reminder-notice-of-class-action-settlement/1032721 "2026-09-06T00:49:22Z")
Has anyone else gotten this email? It goes on to say: “f you purchased a YouTube TV or DirecTV Stream subscription from April 1, 2019, through March 31, 2026, you may be entitled to a cash payment from a class action se… --- ## [Recycling old paint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-old-paint/1032823)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recycling-old-paint/1032823 "2026-09-05T14:05:34Z")
I’ve been seeing a lot of advertising lately for paint recycling. The ads are asking people to turn in old cans of house paint they have sitting around their houses. I’m in favor with the idea of recycling old house pai… --- ## [Under what authority does a US president have the right to rename a body of water shared with another country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-authority-does-a-us-president-have-the-right-to-rename-a-body-of-water-shared-with-another-country/1032636 "2026-09-05T11:05:49Z")
A simple question. Has it been done before by any previous president? --- ## [What do I call this (Researching records w/a US County Clerk)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-this-researching-records-w-a-us-county-clerk/1032687)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2026, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-this-researching-records-w-a-us-county-clerk/1032687 "2026-09-04T01:35:54Z")
Howdy, pardners! I recently came to read a book about a real-world gunslinger & suspected cattle rustler, in a part of the country where I own some property, making it an interesting tie to my local area. In one part o… --- ## [Has office building security gotten tighter in the last quarter-century?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-office-building-security-gotten-tighter-in-the-last-quarter-century/1032648)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-office-building-security-gotten-tighter-in-the-last-quarter-century/1032648 "2026-09-03T20:00:00Z")
My experience of office buildings from the Toronto area from the 1990s to early 2000s was mostly that they were open-access. Basically, you went in, went to the elevator, and when you got to the business that was your de… --- ## [What probable electricity hardware did I see today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-probable-electricity-hardware-did-i-see-today/1032443)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-probable-electricity-hardware-did-i-see-today/1032443 "2026-09-03T17:27:51Z")
I’m sure I’ve seen these before at some point but haven’t given them much conscious concideration. It was in the back of a truck stopped on the side of the road. It was covered with angled cylinders the size of large buc… --- ## [Is there a process that could see through the Kennedy Center tarps?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-process-that-could-see-through-the-kennedy-center-tarps/1032670)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-process-that-could-see-through-the-kennedy-center-tarps/1032670 "2026-09-03T03:54:40Z")
I, and several others I presume, would like to know if the “Donald J. Trump” lettering is still on the façade of the Kennedy Center. When a judge ordered that the extra name be removed, the wall was covered up with some… --- ## [Is anybody familiar with the NYC Culture Pass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anybody-familiar-with-the-nyc-culture-pass/1032727)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anybody-familiar-with-the-nyc-culture-pass/1032727 "2026-09-02T22:31:20Z")
I just read an online article about this. According to the article, New York state residents can get free admission to NYC museums via the New York Public Library system. The article said it works like this: Anybody who… --- ## [Do cranes and bucket trucks have to be parked with their booms raised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cranes-and-bucket-trucks-have-to-be-parked-with-their-booms-raised/1032318)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2026, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cranes-and-bucket-trucks-have-to-be-parked-with-their-booms-raised/1032318 "2026-09-02T18:51:54Z")
This is not one of those questions that will inspire deep conversation or introspection. I’ve just noticed that cranes and bucket trucks parked at dealerships/rental places, they always have their booms raised. I figur… --- ## [Why were Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG killed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-tupac-shakur-and-notorious-big-killed/293154)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-tupac-shakur-and-notorious-big-killed/293154 "2026-09-01T01:33:46Z")
Per the linked MSNBC article quoted below - “Hip Hop Probe” did anything ever come out as to a definitive reason they were targeted and killed? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=2)