# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=335 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 336 --- ## [Did the Merced river use to go a different way through Nevada Falls?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-merced-river-use-to-go-a-different-way-through-nevada-falls/919322)
**Author:** [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2020, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-merced-river-use-to-go-a-different-way-through-nevada-falls/919322 "2020-08-29T17:36:49Z")
The google maps link here shows pretty clearly, along with the terrain mode, that the Merced River in Yosemite National Park is only a few feet in height from taking an alternate way to the north of the falls. If you lo… --- ## [Sprint Cell Phone = Faster Upload Speed Than DSL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprint-cell-phone-faster-upload-speed-than-dsl/919188)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2020, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sprint-cell-phone-faster-upload-speed-than-dsl/919188 "2020-08-29T14:31:59Z")
I have DSL with only .67 mbps upload speed and lots of large video files to upload. Sprint cellular is being shown with an upload speed of about 4 mbps and it seems to me that using my smart phone to upload the files wou… --- ## [Nikon D3300 help - Not connecting to MacBook Pro, can't view pics when plugged in](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nikon-d3300-help-not-connecting-to-macbook-pro-cant-view-pics-when-plugged-in/919264)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2020, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nikon-d3300-help-not-connecting-to-macbook-pro-cant-view-pics-when-plugged-in/919264 "2020-08-29T14:20:14Z")
Yesterday I moved a TON of heavy stuff out of the storage unit so that I could take some pictures. I’ve just tried to download the pics onto my MacBook Pro. On my previous MacBook Pro, I just plugged the camera in and … --- ## [How do they 'recover data'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-recover-data/211420)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2020, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-recover-data/211420 "2020-08-29T06:49:22Z")
I see and hear ads for companies that recover data from dead hard drives. How is this done? What do they have that the rest of us don’t? Are their secret/expensive programs not available to the general public? Or do they… --- ## ["Blue Ball" as a place name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-ball-as-a-place-name/603104)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-ball-as-a-place-name/603104 "2020-08-29T01:11:01Z")
What is the significance of the phrase “Blue Ball” as a place name? I know of several Blue Balls on the map, and don’t know any Green Cubes or Turquoise Toroids. I know of the meaning of “blue balls” as aching, congeste… --- ## [Recommend me a PDF-to\_Word document converter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-pdf-to-word-document-converter/264463)
**Author:** [@Guy\_Incognito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Incognito)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-pdf-to-word-document-converter/264463 "2020-08-28T21:47:00Z")
I’ve been asked to find an application which will convert a PDF file over to a Word-compatible document file and vice-versa. This program should retain formatting of text as well as graphical content during the conversio… --- ## [Why are Genesis 1 and 2 divided in a spot that doesn't make sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-genesis-1-and-2-divided-in-a-spot-that-doesnt-make-sense/919184)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-genesis-1-and-2-divided-in-a-spot-that-doesnt-make-sense/919184 "2020-08-28T17:40:51Z")
I’ve taken to reading some parts of the Bible, and I’m curious about why Genesis 1 and 2 are divided where they are. The 1st chapter presents the on the first day, on the second day, etc. story of creation. The 2nd cha… --- ## [Kissinger's Bilderberg Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissingers-bilderberg-speech/618788)
**Author:** [@EightPeaks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EightPeaks)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kissingers-bilderberg-speech/618788 "2020-08-28T16:01:12Z")
Is it true that Kissinger made a speech at a Bilderberg meeting calling for the formation of a world government through false flag tactics? ““Today Americans would be outraged if U.N. troops entered Los Angeles to resto… --- ## [Why is eating grass not good for humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-eating-grass-not-good-for-humans/918905)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-eating-grass-not-good-for-humans/918905 "2020-08-28T13:41:12Z")
Hello Everyone, Watching our horses and donkeys this morning munching on grass in the pasture got me thinking, why is it bad for humans to consume grass? I mean yeah, it taste terrible (I was hungry as a kid! ) but I… --- ## [.pdf to text](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pdf-to-text/483724)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2009, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pdf-to-text/483724 "2009-02-24T18:20:24Z")
Where can I get a free program to convert .pdf files to text? I googled and tried one, but it got to 99% and then quit. (The particular .pdf file was rotated 90º, but I’d expect a conversion program to be able to handl… --- ## [How do I batch-convert Word docs to PDF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-batch-convert-word-docs-to-pdf/709897)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2015, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-batch-convert-word-docs-to-pdf/709897 "2015-01-15T17:50:59Z")
I don’t have Acrobat Pro. :frowning: I have about 50 Word docs that I need to convert to PDF, and I don’t wanna hafta do it individually. The PDF reader I have here at work is “PDF X-change Editor” which doesn’t appear … --- ## [How can I convert a PDF file to a Word document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-convert-a-pdf-file-to-a-word-document/647991)
**Author:** [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2013, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-convert-a-pdf-file-to-a-word-document/647991 "2013-01-23T19:16:46Z")
I need to send several files in Microsoft Word Document (.doc) format and two of them are PDFs. I’ve just manage to thoroughly confuse myself by going through the Word help section, so I thought I’d turn to the experts … --- ## [Third-party utility for converting PDFs to Word files?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party-utility-for-converting-pdfs-to-word-files/583206)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2011, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party-utility-for-converting-pdfs-to-word-files/583206 "2011-05-26T13:54:20Z")
Every once in a while I need to get large amounts of text from a PDF. A few paragraphs or pages aren’t a big deal, but 40, 50 or 100+ pages are a nightmare. Acrobat has an export and save as utility, but it’s fairly weak… --- ## [Jpeg to pdf converter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jpeg-to-pdf-converter/796281)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2017, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jpeg-to-pdf-converter/796281 "2017-09-17T03:44:17Z")
If I google my question, I get at least a half dozen converters. Trouble is I don’t trust something that just comes on google and I am hoping some doper can point me to a safe one. I’ve not gone wrong with things that … --- ## [Converting PDF into Powerpoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-into-powerpoint/432093)
**Author:** [@audiobottle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/audiobottle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2008, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/converting-pdf-into-powerpoint/432093 "2008-01-04T06:31:45Z")
I’m looking for a way to easily convert a PDF into a Powerpoint. I know it’s probably not feasible to get all the animations, individual object, whatnot back, but what I want is really simple. In fact, it’s so simple, I … --- ## [Convert PDF file to PPT file](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-pdf-file-to-ppt-file/526622)
**Author:** [@Hirka\_T\_Bawa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hirka_T_Bawa)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2010, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convert-pdf-file-to-ppt-file/526622 "2010-01-27T16:25:59Z")
I have a Adobe PDF file that I would like to convert to a Power Point slide show. Is there a program I can download that will let me do this easily? --- ## [Best method to convert PDF to text](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-method-to-convert-pdf-to-text/683721)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2014, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-method-to-convert-pdf-to-text/683721 "2014-03-15T10:03:33Z")
Acrobat 9 Pro sucks donkey balls at converting PDFs to text. I vaguely recall that a more recent version promised better conversion, and I know there are more Acrobat alternatives out there today. Do any of them (Update… --- ## [Is Earth a Gas Giant core?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-earth-a-gas-giant-core/919163)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-earth-a-gas-giant-core/919163 "2020-08-28T04:50:24Z")
Looking at this YouTube video (FF to time index 3:00) it occurred to me…if that planet may have been a gas giant that had most of it’s hydrogen and helium atmosphere blown away, how possible is it our own rocky planets o… --- ## [Is there a risk of salmonella in homemade garlic-infused olive oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-risk-of-salmonella-in-homemade-garlic-infused-olive-oil/577051)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-risk-of-salmonella-in-homemade-garlic-infused-olive-oil/577051 "2020-08-28T02:55:02Z")
ISTR reading that making garlic-infused olive oil carries a risk of salmonella. Does anyone have any information? --- ## [Names for different bowlers (hats?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-different-bowlers-hats/918335)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/names-for-different-bowlers-hats/918335 "2020-08-28T01:58:03Z")
Or maybe they’re not all bowlers. In this ep of The Beverly Hillbillies, starting around 1:52, Uncle Jed is wearing a somewhat roundish bowler with a flattish top. But many bowlers are somewhat more longish, roundish o… --- ## [Muscle stretch and flexibility exercise too difficult right after waking up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muscle-stretch-and-flexibility-exercise-too-difficult-right-after-waking-up/918637)
**Author:** [@MaverocK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaverocK)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muscle-stretch-and-flexibility-exercise-too-difficult-right-after-waking-up/918637 "2020-08-28T01:50:54Z")
The majority of the stretch exercises feel painful after waking up although they are easier to do during the daytime (or a certain while after waking up). Why does this happen? I think the muscles are tight during sleep,… --- ## [Ford's pardon of Nixon: Was the fix in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fords-pardon-of-nixon-was-the-fix-in/919080)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2020, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fords-pardon-of-nixon-was-the-fix-in/919080 "2020-08-28T00:46:22Z")
I recently saw a FB post in which the writer worried that at this late date, the America-hating fuckstick might be removed from office and be pardoned by his successor, President Pence. After a few people pointed out how… --- ## [How Do Computer Viruses Transfer from an Infected DVD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-computer-viruses-transfer-from-an-infected-dvd/919106)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-computer-viruses-transfer-from-an-infected-dvd/919106 "2020-08-27T20:49:57Z")
After reading Google, I only see the same common information over and over. Can a virus transfer from an infected DVD-RW or other storage peripheral by simply viewing the contents? While it is typically said that an infe… --- ## [WTF is up with Wells Fargo mortgage people w.r.t. insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-up-with-wells-fargo-mortgage-people-w-r-t-insurance/919077)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-up-with-wells-fargo-mortgage-people-w-r-t-insurance/919077 "2020-08-27T20:07:35Z")
So about 2 weeks ago, I get all the information from my homeowner’s insurance carrier telling me that it’s going to auto-renew, just like it has for the past 13 years. So I think “ok, good. I don’t have to worry about … --- ## [Some help trying to understand what is legal hearsay and not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-help-trying-to-understand-what-is-legal-hearsay-and-not/918891)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-help-trying-to-understand-what-is-legal-hearsay-and-not/918891 "2020-08-27T17:10:10Z")
Been doing more legal reading…interesting but baffling… To my complete-legal-layman ears, hearsay sounds kind of like the NFL definition of what a “catch” is and isn’t; something that’s simple yet maddeningly hard to de… --- ## [Are There ANY Biden Ads on the Fox Channel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-biden-ads-on-the-fox-channel/919063)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-biden-ads-on-the-fox-channel/919063 "2020-08-27T15:06:08Z")
A question, not an accusation. Also there is a very important reason why I put this in General Questions (more on that later). I have satellite TV. And I do sometimes surf into the Fox News Channel. Then when I have abo… --- ## [Tandem Circuit Breaker Trouble](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tandem-circuit-breaker-trouble/918919)
**Author:** [@Dark\_Sponge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dark_Sponge)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tandem-circuit-breaker-trouble/918919 "2020-08-27T14:56:21Z")
About once a week we have a circuit breaker pop off in our house. Invariably it is one of the ‘thin’ tandem 20A breakers in the box, similar to the one here: https://roundybox.com/product/square-d-type-qot-2-pole-twin-t… --- ## [Companies that sell SEO services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-that-sell-seo-services/502306)
**Author:** [@zeno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zeno)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/companies-that-sell-seo-services/502306 "2009-07-08T14:03:20Z")
Do they really do anything? I read tons of stuff about SEO on blogs and forums and everybody seems to contradict each other. I was wondering if companies that sell SEO services really do what they say. Or is it a ripoff? … --- ## [Why are toilets with integrated bidets so much more expensive than bidet seats?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-toilets-with-integrated-bidets-so-much-more-expensive-than-bidet-seats/919075)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-toilets-with-integrated-bidets-so-much-more-expensive-than-bidet-seats/919075 "2020-08-27T10:23:22Z")
We have a Toto washlet toilet seat. It’s awesome. It cost about $400, which is not cheap, but I consider it well worth it. We’re looking at getting another one for a different toilet, but we might want to replace the toi… --- ## [How to distinguish cotton from polyester from silk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-distinguish-cotton-from-polyester-from-silk/919022)
**Author:** [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2020, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-distinguish-cotton-from-polyester-from-silk/919022 "2020-08-27T05:37:53Z")
I just bought a shirt at a thrift store. I didn’t want a pure polyester shirt, cause it’s 95 F outside. The shirt didn’t have a fabric list label, but it seemed like an Indian-style shirt – short sleeves and not designed… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=334) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=336)