# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1163 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1164 --- ## [Insurance against bankruptcy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-against-bankruptcy/713500)
**Author:** [@Donnerwetter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donnerwetter)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insurance-against-bankruptcy/713500 "2015-02-24T18:03:28Z")
I was watching an episode of Who do you think you are? in which Nigel Havers explored the life of an ancestor in 19th century England. After having been a successful businessman for some time, the ancestor’s business fai… --- ## [Why did my inflatable sleds come with holes in them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-inflatable-sleds-come-with-holes-in-them/713510)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-my-inflatable-sleds-come-with-holes-in-them/713510 "2015-02-24T16:33:17Z")
This past weekend I bought some inflatable sleds for my kids. They were pretty cheap, $10, but I figured they would work ok for the weekend. When I got them home and inflated them it took a lot longer then what I thought… --- ## [Using the best of existing technology, what is the true population capacity of the earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-best-of-existing-technology-what-is-the-true-population-capacity-of-the-earth/712551)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-the-best-of-existing-technology-what-is-the-true-population-capacity-of-the-earth/712551 "2015-02-24T15:04:24Z")
Goal : cram as many healthy, living humans onto the Earth as possible. Guidelines : you can use any technology that exists in at least working prototype form. This means, for instance, you can use a nuclear breeder rea… --- ## [Can you have half a tooth filled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-half-a-tooth-filled/713487)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-half-a-tooth-filled/713487 "2015-02-24T13:53:53Z")
I have a tooth, it is next to the incisor not sure on the term. where it had two “prongs” and one prong had a cavity which lead to said prong breaking into bits and falling off. So now there is one prong left, the front… --- ## [Size versus nutritional content of food](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-versus-nutritional-content-of-food/713491)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/size-versus-nutritional-content-of-food/713491 "2015-02-24T12:53:26Z")
At the grocery stores, I’ve gotten used to seeing Jumbo apples, bananas, eggs, etc. - that screams something artificial to me. This may have something to do with the human association of better with bigger (or does it ?)… --- ## [How to setup my alarm for Contact ID communication protocol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-setup-my-alarm-for-contact-id-communication-protocol/652301)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 9:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-setup-my-alarm-for-contact-id-communication-protocol/652301 "2015-02-24T09:30:27Z")
I have a Roiscok 208cn alarm and the central station uses Contact ID. Here is the manual: http://www.mrsecurity.co.nz/GUARD8%20Installation%20Manual.pdf My problem it that although Contact ID is mentioned in my alarm m… --- ## [How Did Martha Siegel Die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-martha-siegel-die/135980)
**Author:** [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-martha-siegel-die/135980 "2015-02-24T08:07:03Z")
Ok, so I’m suffering from morbid curiousity. Does anyone happen to know? (Of course I am referring to Siegel of Cantor & Siegel infamy). --- ## [Can you record/if so how much any data you want on a commercial hotel key card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-record-if-so-how-much-any-data-you-want-on-a-commercial-hotel-key-card/713469)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-record-if-so-how-much-any-data-you-want-on-a-commercial-hotel-key-card/713469 "2015-02-24T06:56:58Z")
see subject. --- ## [Why is my monitor text blury, sometimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-monitor-text-blury-sometimes/712824)
**Author:** [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-my-monitor-text-blury-sometimes/712824 "2015-02-24T05:00:03Z")
About a week ago I got into work to find my computer had reset due to a Windows Update (I checked it was just Windows Defender updating). I didn’t think much of it until I got to FireFox and noticed that it looked…diffe… --- ## [How many named stars are there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-named-stars-are-there/524596)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-named-stars-are-there/524596 "2015-02-24T03:31:17Z")
I thought this would be trivial to Google but I am not having any luck. How many named stars are there in the sky? Named like Sirius and not like XQÑ-3576. --- ## [What exactly is the arrangement between search engines and news providers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-arrangement-between-search-engines-and-news-providers/713397)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-arrangement-between-search-engines-and-news-providers/713397 "2015-02-24T03:18:02Z")
Hi What exactly is the arrangement between search engines and news providers regarding the distribution of news content? I remember reading of an agreement between the New York Times and Google some years ago on this ve… --- ## [What Fastener to Use To Reupholster 3/8" Plastic Chair Seat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fastener-to-use-to-reupholster-3-8-plastic-chair-seat/713220)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fastener-to-use-to-reupholster-3-8-plastic-chair-seat/713220 "2015-02-24T03:10:04Z")
I wish to re-upholster my office chair seat which has a base of 3/8" plastic. Originally the fabric was fastened onto the plastic with heavy duty staples. What alternative fasteners can be used? Thanks. --- ## [road-traction-wise, is it safer driving in a pouring rain, or an up and coming light sprinkle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-traction-wise-is-it-safer-driving-in-a-pouring-rain-or-an-up-and-coming-light-sprinkle/713332)
**Author:** [@Win\_Place\_Show](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Win_Place_Show)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-traction-wise-is-it-safer-driving-in-a-pouring-rain-or-an-up-and-coming-light-sprinkle/713332 "2015-02-24T02:11:27Z")
I’m tentative about asking stuff in ‘General Questions’ (because in this case, I’m not sure if there really is ONE factual answer)… Suppose I’m driving up the freeway, blowin’ and goin’ at my own speed with little traff… --- ## [Is There A Way To Track Page Views In Real Time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-track-page-views-in-real-time/713436)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2015, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-track-page-views-in-real-time/713436 "2015-02-24T00:12:36Z")
Is it possible to see how many page views a web page gets - for example, this article - without having access to the page’s code? Like some script of something that I can run that says “this page has x viewers since you … --- ## [Two questions for iPad users/experts (sorry, long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-for-ipad-users-experts-sorry-long/713433)
**Author:** [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-for-ipad-users-experts-sorry-long/713433 "2015-02-23T23:56:24Z")
I have been using computers for 35 years, and while not a great lover of Windows, am so immersed in it that never did try a Mac, although I readily admit they have been very good, especially with graphics. Anyhow, a cou… --- ## [So, ISIS now has MIGs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-isis-now-has-migs/696426)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-isis-now-has-migs/696426 "2015-02-23T21:55:27Z")
The Syrian air base at Tabqa is now controlled by ISIS., as it does (Wiki cite) Taftanaz. That Wiki cite gives the following aircraft for the two: Tabqa: Squadron MiG-21MF/UM Brigade Mi-8 Taftanaz: Two Squadron s M… --- ## [Did they freeze my dead grandma?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-freeze-my-dead-grandma/713297)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-they-freeze-my-dead-grandma/713297 "2015-02-23T20:03:20Z")
As a way of coping with the terrible oppressiveness of this winter, there’s a lot of gallows humor. I jokingly threatened to throw myself in front of a snow plow as a quick way of avoiding any more shoveling, and lil bro… --- ## [Soda Bottles Freezing (or not)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-bottles-freezing-or-not/713413)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soda-bottles-freezing-or-not/713413 "2015-02-23T19:57:34Z")
I frequently stock up on 2 liter soda bottles when they’re on a good sale, and stack them in my garage for a while. So at this time, I have probably about 60 sealed never-opened bottles or so, stacked on these soda palle… --- ## [Back Doors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-doors/711404)
**Author:** [@deregulated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deregulated)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-doors/711404 "2015-02-23T19:26:06Z")
I have heard the US Government has installed back doors in all computers. Is there a way to find these back doors and close them? I have also become aware of intrusion devices. Is there any protection from these devic… --- ## [What do the Chinese call WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-chinese-call-wwii/713257)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-chinese-call-wwii/713257 "2015-02-23T18:50:23Z")
Thought this would be an easy one to Google but my Google-fu is failing. Do the Chinese have special terminology when it comes to WWII? During the war they had probably one of the worst times of all nations involved as … --- ## [Are there foods that no one is allergic to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-foods-that-no-one-is-allergic-to/526989)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-foods-that-no-one-is-allergic-to/526989 "2015-02-23T18:46:00Z")
I know people who are allergic to all manner of foods and things. Peanuts, wheat, strawberries, bee venom, me…so on and so forth. Got me to wondering if there wasn’t someone, somewhere allergic to anything you could na… --- ## [Big machine in beauty salons.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-machine-in-beauty-salons/713342)
**Author:** [@Plumpudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plumpudding)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-machine-in-beauty-salons/713342 "2015-02-23T18:24:51Z")
Hi. I have a question regarding beauty salons, and specifically the big machine with a helmet-like thing placed on womens heads while they sit and read magazines or something. First, what is the name of such a machine? S… --- ## [Ceteris Paribus question (Economics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceteris-paribus-question-economics/713352)
**Author:** [@paste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paste)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceteris-paribus-question-economics/713352 "2015-02-23T17:42:09Z")
Hello! :slight\_smile: Can anyone explain to me more further this example of Ceteris Paribus: (By the way, Ceteris Paribus is translated as “all other things equal”) If the supply of the beef increases, ceteris paribus,… --- ## [Simple light bulb/socket question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-light-bulb-socket-question/713319)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simple-light-bulb-socket-question/713319 "2015-02-23T16:49:53Z")
I currently have 3 fixtures in my house that have 6 bulbs in each fixture. I don’t need the light they provide and desperately want to cut energy costs. Do dead light bulbs consume any electricity if I leave them in? D… --- ## [Turn signals that blink extra fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turn-signals-that-blink-extra-fast/713336)
**Author:** [@kaltkalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaltkalt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turn-signals-that-blink-extra-fast/713336 "2015-02-23T16:48:29Z")
Has anyone else noticed that every now and then the turn signals on all sorts of cars will blink extra fast? Why does this happen? It hasn’t happened to me in my current car but it did happen to me in my old car a few … --- ## [Does electricity from power generating sources get stored?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-electricity-from-power-generating-sources-get-stored/713128)
**Author:** [@misterW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misterW)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-electricity-from-power-generating-sources-get-stored/713128 "2015-02-23T16:09:29Z")
Is the electricity from wind farms, nuclear plants, hydroelectric plants, etc. ever stored up in some fashion? Are there giant batteries where this energy is stored, to be used as needed? Or does it directly enter the … --- ## [What's the name for that piece of furniture that sits at the foot of the bed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-that-piece-of-furniture-that-sits-at-the-foot-of-the-bed/527020)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-name-for-that-piece-of-furniture-that-sits-at-the-foot-of-the-bed/527020 "2015-02-23T15:05:24Z")
You know the one, it’s like a bench to sit on, but the bench-top lifts up so it is also a box to store things in. I want to get one, but can’t remember the name, so I can’t search for them online. Any help, much apprec… --- ## [What duck is this "American duck?" (.jpgs enclosed)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-duck-is-this-american-duck-jpgs-enclosed/713372)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-duck-is-this-american-duck-jpgs-enclosed/713372 "2015-02-23T15:05:20Z")
See subject. Little harder in their current state than Audubon. The top is a Pekin. The bottom is, in Chinatown language, “American.” The diced meat is from the “American”; the breast on top (lighter) is from the farme… --- ## [Sentenced to life without parole but paroled anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sentenced-to-life-without-parole-but-paroled-anyway/713295)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sentenced-to-life-without-parole-but-paroled-anyway/713295 "2015-02-23T08:46:19Z")
Usually, when someone is sentenced to life without parole, you expect them to stay in prison for the rest of their lives, right? But that doesn’t seem to be the case, at least not always. David Gordon Smith was convicte… --- ## [Approximately how many atoms are in a mustard seed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/approximately-how-many-atoms-are-in-a-mustard-seed/713276)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2015, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/approximately-how-many-atoms-are-in-a-mustard-seed/713276 "2015-02-23T08:36:27Z")
Approximately how many atoms are in a mustard seed? Is it in the millions? Billions? Thousands? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1162) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1164)