# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=313 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 314 --- ## [GMail: How Long to Implement a Changed Verification-code Tel#?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-how-long-to-implement-a-changed-verification-code-tel/927906)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gmail-how-long-to-implement-a-changed-verification-code-tel/927906 "2020-12-12T18:32:39Z")
I signed up for GMail ~4 years ago, to use for one specific group endeavor where the group leader specified “everybody on GMail please”. Then didn’t use it subsequently. Lately I’ve been thinking I’d resurrect it. I a… --- ## [Why does WHO list dementia as a cause of death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-who-list-dementia-as-a-cause-of-death/927763)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-who-list-dementia-as-a-cause-of-death/927763 "2020-12-12T15:54:42Z")
A recent publication from WHO lists the leading causes of death worldwide. On that list is “Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias.” While I understand that Alzheimer’s disease can be fatal, the dementia, per se, isn’t … --- ## [Electric devices changing brightness - motion detectors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-devices-changing-brightness-motion-detectors/927831)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-devices-changing-brightness-motion-detectors/927831 "2020-12-12T13:13:58Z")
I’ve often perceived that electric devices - such as the LED time displays on clock radios - seem to brighten when I enter the room. It doesn’t seem to happen all of the time entirely predictably. But occasionally I wi… --- ## [Fixing iOS autocorrect bizarre behavior (because it’s driving me nuts even with text replacement)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-ios-autocorrect-bizarre-behavior-because-it-s-driving-me-nuts-even-with-text-replacement/927834)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-ios-autocorrect-bizarre-behavior-because-it-s-driving-me-nuts-even-with-text-replacement/927834 "2020-12-12T03:35:22Z")
iOS autocorrect has been driving me up a fricking wall and it seems to be getting worse. I’ve been using the floating mini keyboard on my iPad Pro (I started using mini keyboard because for whatever idiotic reason iOS d… --- ## [Can Lyme Disease Be Passed To An Infant In Utero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-lyme-disease-be-passed-to-an-infant-in-utero/927866)
**Author:** [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2020, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-lyme-disease-be-passed-to-an-infant-in-utero/927866 "2020-12-12T02:20:23Z")
If a mother has Lyme Disease, can it pass to her unborn child? --- ## [Who Is The Intended Audience For "News" Articles About Instagram Models](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-intended-audience-for-news-articles-about-instagram-models/921427)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-intended-audience-for-news-articles-about-instagram-models/921427 "2020-12-11T19:05:43Z")
From time to time I’ll see an article with some title like “Girl-Next-Door Model Tahlia Skines Stuns In Sexy Bikini In Racy Instagram Post.” Oft they’ll be from semi-legitimate news sources, like People or whatever. Who… --- ## [What kind of gun delivers a recoil like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gun-delivers-a-recoil-like-this/925790)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-gun-delivers-a-recoil-like-this/925790 "2020-12-11T15:58:05Z")
Here’s a compilation of clips of a bunch of people shooting a particular rifle: The recoil seems absolutely insane. For comparison, here’s Destin shooting a 50-cal rifle (cued to 4:14): The… --- ## [Car 115V output electrical question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-115v-output-electrical-question/927658)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2020, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-115v-output-electrical-question/927658 "2020-12-11T05:05:44Z")
I have a 2019 4Runner that has an auxiliary 115V 400 watt output plug for… stuff (never used it) I also have a small compressor that has a 2hp motor that draws 14.5 amps. Could my car at 115V 400 watts power that compr… --- ## [Can elevated CO2 levels in blood cause blindness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-elevated-co2-levels-in-blood-cause-blindness/927729)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-elevated-co2-levels-in-blood-cause-blindness/927729 "2020-12-10T21:00:45Z")
Trying to format my question without any personal elements. Are there cases where low O2 levels in blood causes bad bacteria grow rapidly - perhaps like cyano bacteria in waters with excess CO2? Any illnesses that cause… --- ## [Final frontiers of fields/endeavors run non-scientifically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-frontiers-of-fields-endeavors-run-non-scientifically/927596)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/final-frontiers-of-fields-endeavors-run-non-scientifically/927596 "2020-12-10T19:47:41Z")
So I was reading this thread about how the same item priced at 4.95 will outsell the one priced 5.00, and had the thought that there’s a LOT more business-related research out there than a lot of people think, and that I… --- ## [Question about RF Remote 433/1527m](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-rf-remote-433-1527m/927606)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-rf-remote-433-1527m/927606 "2020-12-10T19:34:41Z")
I’ve been experimenting a little with home automation. I have one device that turns on with an RF remote, which just has a single button. On the back of the remote is printed 433/1527m. I think the 433 means MHz, but I’m… --- ## [Did ductwork branches change form 5" to 6" at some point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ductwork-branches-change-form-5-to-6-at-some-point/927409)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ductwork-branches-change-form-5-to-6-at-some-point/927409 "2020-12-10T17:28:27Z")
Looking at my house most of the duct branches are 5" round. I planned to put in some more branches off the trunk and found most of the fittings at Home Depot are for 6" round. This won’t cause any issues since I’m starti… --- ## [Does "human hunting" actually exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-human-hunting-actually-exist/641163)
**Author:** [@Atakapa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atakapa)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-human-hunting-actually-exist/641163 "2020-12-10T16:36:18Z")
I’ve heard the odd rumor that real life cases of The Most Dangerous Game occur from time to time. According to an acquaintance of mine in law enforcement, police in Idaho and Alaska have found evidence of small groups of… --- ## [Choice of personal pronouns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choice-of-personal-pronouns/927771)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choice-of-personal-pronouns/927771 "2020-12-10T16:27:37Z")
Elliot Page posted a statement on Twitter introducing himself as transgender. He told us his name and pronouns (he/they). What exactly does that choice me? They are both nominative pronouns, one singular and one plural… --- ## [Where do police snipers aim for an instant kill shot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-police-snipers-aim-for-an-instant-kill-shot/639764)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-police-snipers-aim-for-an-instant-kill-shot/639764 "2020-12-10T16:08:42Z")
I’ve heard conflicting anecdotal stories on where police snipers will aim in the event that a criminal is about to start offing his hostages, thus necessitating and instant and guaranteed kill shot. Most military sniper… --- ## [2000 Pontiac Bonneville Power Window Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2000-pontiac-bonneville-power-window-problem/516896)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2000-pontiac-bonneville-power-window-problem/516896 "2020-12-10T03:42:46Z")
Maybe one of you car guys can help me isolate this problem. 4 door power windows. Driver’s window, lock, and mirror adjust work properly. Passenger side and both rear windows and power locks don’t work, either from th… --- ## [Why don't stars fall up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-stars-fall-up/596252)
**Author:** [@Sinisterniik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sinisterniik)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2020, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-stars-fall-up/596252 "2020-12-10T02:48:46Z")
When shooting stars fall across the sky, why don’t they just shoot in all directions? Why don’t we ever see a star shoot straight up from the horizon? --- ## [How do I send electronic Christmas cards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-send-electronic-christmas-cards/927684)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-send-electronic-christmas-cards/927684 "2020-12-09T22:13:24Z")
I would like to send electronic Christmas cards. How do I do that? --- ## [Human selection (breeding) and evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-selection-breeding-and-evolution/927060)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-selection-breeding-and-evolution/927060 "2020-12-09T21:07:05Z")
I understand that a lot of fruits, vegetables, pets etc that we have today are a result of human selection. Recently I read an article where a plant has evolved to hide (camouflage ) from humans. Are there other plants … --- ## [Health insurance--why restricted open enrollment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-why-restricted-open-enrollment/927594)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/health-insurance-why-restricted-open-enrollment/927594 "2020-12-09T20:55:01Z")
Why do health insurance plans only changes allow at one designated time during the year, or unless you have a qualifying event (i.e., change jobs so change in coverage, new baby)? --- ## [Federal umemployment benefits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-umemployment-benefits/927666)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-umemployment-benefits/927666 "2020-12-09T20:01:48Z")
Currently unemployed, getting benefits from NJ. They sent an email a while back about additional benefits, but I thnk I would only quaifiy if I was unemployed directly because of COVID, is that right? I am not talking ab… --- ## [How do professional translators do it on the fly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-professional-translators-do-it-on-the-fly/926264)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-professional-translators-do-it-on-the-fly/926264 "2020-12-09T19:06:21Z")
I am fluent in several languages, but I have some trouble doing precise translations even when translating the written word. The core issue is that there is frequently not a specific word in one language which fully capt… --- ## [Slow Surface Pro](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-surface-pro/926718)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slow-surface-pro/926718 "2020-12-09T18:58:49Z")
I have a 3yo Surface Pro 5 that is now running so slowly that it is almost unusable. The batteries have died, but I can live with that and plug it in, but in spite of some extensive searches I have been unable to detect… --- ## [Shower caddy made to fit over square pipe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-caddy-made-to-fit-over-square-pipe/927612)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shower-caddy-made-to-fit-over-square-pipe/927612 "2020-12-09T17:41:51Z")
The shower pipe in the condo we moved into a year ago is a square, just about one inch. All the “over the pipe” caddies I can find are made for round pipes. Whatever I google seems to come up with quite ordinary caddie… --- ## [Which cell carrier has a particular phone number](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cell-carrier-has-a-particular-phone-number/927260)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-cell-carrier-has-a-particular-phone-number/927260 "2020-12-09T16:51:02Z")
I’m trying to figure out which carrier might have a particular number. I realize numbers are now portable so it could have been moved, but perhaps I can figure out which cell carrier originally was assigned a particular… --- ## [Why is reddit creating new accounts for me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-reddit-creating-new-accounts-for-me/927649)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-reddit-creating-new-accounts-for-me/927649 "2020-12-09T15:41:16Z")
I have a reddit account already. That being said about 6 weeks ago I clicked on a link that sent me to reddit. Note I did not know the link would do that. After that I got spammed by Reddit updates to the email linked… --- ## [Plumbing question: vent, shower drain, trap location](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-vent-shower-drain-trap-location/927592)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plumbing-question-vent-shower-drain-trap-location/927592 "2020-12-09T15:14:01Z")
We bought and renovated our house two years ago. It was a near-total gut job. One thing we did was remove a gross jacuzzi tub from the master bath and replace it with a large walk-in shower. We’ve lately noticed an inte… --- ## [Highest Numbered Street in US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highest-numbered-street-in-us/61479)
**Author:** [@Hometownboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hometownboy)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/highest-numbered-street-in-us/61479 "2020-12-09T05:19:53Z")
The nearest moderate size city to me is Portland, Oregon, which goes up to approximately 257th Street, which led me to wonder. Then I did a Google search and found midwestern towns with 1300th Street, etc. I suspect tha… --- ## [Why did the Camel die out in the wild?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-camel-die-out-in-the-wild/927577)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-camel-die-out-in-the-wild/927577 "2020-12-09T01:07:06Z")
As I understand it, there are three species of camel. The Dromedary comes from Somalia/Ethiopia; the Bactrians from Asia; and in fact there were two distinct types of Bactrian camels which had split 1 million years ago, … --- ## [Kindle Fire HD power-down crashes when I plug in a charger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-fire-hd-power-down-crashes-when-i-plug-in-a-charger/927608)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2020, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kindle-fire-hd-power-down-crashes-when-i-plug-in-a-charger/927608 "2020-12-09T00:36:34Z")
Is there a hardware failure mode where the device shuts down if you plug it in? I have tried four different working chargers and it does the same thing every time. If I plug it in powered on, it immediately powers down a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=312) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=314)