# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=337 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 338 --- ## [Two abortion and fetus-development questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-abortion-and-fetus-development-questions/918428)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-abortion-and-fetus-development-questions/918428 "2020-08-23T10:46:10Z")
I have to factual questions about abortion and would love some answers. In this column, Cecil Adams says measurable brain-waves occur in fetuses around Week 25 of development. I’ll quote him: However, this article in … --- ## [Why is canned salmon so expensive now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-canned-salmon-so-expensive-now/918606)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-canned-salmon-so-expensive-now/918606 "2020-08-23T02:30:08Z")
I like eating fish, and try to include it in my diet frequently. A lot of local grocery stores sell many types of frozen fillets at very reasonable prices. I don’t usually buy canned salmon, though I like it. Been a f… --- ## [WTF with Chrome pausing sync/logging me out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-with-chrome-pausing-sync-logging-me-out/918648)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-with-chrome-pausing-sync-logging-me-out/918648 "2020-08-22T22:46:19Z")
This is so frustrating. Chrome essentially logs me out of everything when I close my browser, and I have to log in every time. I have cleared cache and cookies, played with settings, all of it. I managed to erase ALL my … --- ## [Question about Spanish ser vs estar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spanish-ser-vs-estar/918532)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spanish-ser-vs-estar/918532 "2020-08-22T22:27:39Z")
So I (generally speaking) think I understand the difference between ser and estar but am having trouble understanding the when to use the preterite past tense with each - maybe that means I don’t really understand the di… --- ## [To what extent do people have to prove something to be true, to not be guilty of slander/libel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-people-have-to-prove-something-to-be-true-to-not-be-guilty-of-slander-libel/918600)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-people-have-to-prove-something-to-be-true-to-not-be-guilty-of-slander-libel/918600 "2020-08-22T20:38:47Z")
Suppose that one day a rumor goes around that John Doe is an embezzler and has a lot of guilty money to his name this way. Sally goes around spreading the rumor. Now, if John sues her for libel/slander, to what extent do… --- ## [How can I find a chair like this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-find-a-chair-like-this/918541)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-find-a-chair-like-this/918541 "2020-08-22T15:49:01Z")
I want to get a chair like the one in this picture — A.C. Senray on Instagram But I don’t know what search terms to use. Any suggestions? --- ## [Why are there so many steps to starting an engine on a plane? Why not a turn-key start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-steps-to-starting-an-engine-on-a-plane-why-not-a-turn-key-start/916306)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-steps-to-starting-an-engine-on-a-plane-why-not-a-turn-key-start/916306 "2020-08-22T14:14:14Z")
I was watching a video of a guy climbing into a small plane and starting it before flying off (see below). My question is why so much button pushing, switch flipping and whatnot to start the engine (in this case a singl… --- ## [How did Spain feel about the name "Spanish Flu"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-spain-feel-about-the-name-spanish-flu/918011)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-spain-feel-about-the-name-spanish-flu/918011 "2020-08-22T13:08:10Z")
I’ve seen people post things along the lines of “Well Spain wasn’t offended by the name ‘Spanish Flu’”, as an argument that there’s nothing wrong with calling COVID19 the “Chinese Virus”. Putting the whole Chinese virus… --- ## [How do Wi-Fi Access Points Work? (Schools)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-wi-fi-access-points-work-schools/918449)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-wi-fi-access-points-work-schools/918449 "2020-08-21T19:57:17Z")
I’m a bit unclear how a Wi-Fi Access Point devices brings Internet access into a Student’s home? I had DSL which used the phone line and a DSL modem. I currently use U-verse which uses fiber optic from the street and CA… --- ## [Repairing speaker surrounds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-speaker-surrounds/918438)
**Author:** [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repairing-speaker-surrounds/918438 "2020-08-21T18:44:21Z")
So I’ve got this high-end-for-early/mid-90’s home theater active subwoofer that has spent a few too many year in an environmentally unregulated garage. I fired it up today and everything is great except the surround has … --- ## [The Suez Canal: Alleged difference in levels between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-suez-canal-alleged-difference-in-levels-between-the-red-sea-and-the-mediterranean/918590)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-suez-canal-alleged-difference-in-levels-between-the-red-sea-and-the-mediterranean/918590 "2020-08-21T14:06:09Z")
I have repeatedly read the claim that an objection that was raised in the 19th century against proposals to construct a Suez Canal was that the sea level of the Red Sea was considerably higher than that of the Mediterran… --- ## [Using too high octane gasoline can damage your engine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-too-high-octane-gasoline-can-damage-your-engine/918546)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2020, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-too-high-octane-gasoline-can-damage-your-engine/918546 "2020-08-21T13:49:05Z")
Today this post from a local car dealership, explaining regular versus premium gasoline, showed up as a sponsored post in my Facebook feed. This particular claim caught my attention: If you’re putting premium gas in… --- ## [Discrimination in the US: how bad did the Irish have it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-in-the-us-how-bad-did-the-irish-have-it/915769)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discrimination-in-the-us-how-bad-did-the-irish-have-it/915769 "2020-08-20T18:40:53Z")
In the context of current events (i.e. the murder of George Floyd and subsequent BLM protests), I’ve seen claims that black people aren’t the only folks who had to deal with shoddy treatment (the implication being that b… --- ## [Regain control of a hobby group's Facebook page?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regain-control-of-a-hobby-groups-facebook-page/918599)
**Author:** [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/regain-control-of-a-hobby-groups-facebook-page/918599 "2020-08-20T18:29:51Z")
I’ve been voluntold to help a group out with their FB page. :slight\_smile: It’s an association that is essentially a hobby club that puts on a judged art show each year where I work. They have a newsletter and meetings a… --- ## [Getting used to Mac software](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-used-to-mac-software/918247)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2020, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-used-to-mac-software/918247 "2020-08-20T03:24:51Z")
So. A couple of days ago, my PC-based computer decided that it would prefer to be a paperweight or a doorstop. I was on a FaceTime call with my daughter when this became apparent, so she suggested that I replace it with… --- ## [Noun for language but not for speakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noun-for-language-but-not-for-speakers/916915)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noun-for-language-but-not-for-speakers/916915 "2020-08-19T17:05:32Z")
Many nouns for languages also are the cultural/ethnic noun (loosely) for the speakers. For example : French: May refer to the language and Or the people English : may refer to the language or the people Spanish : ma… --- ## [Could COVID deaths reshape the American electorate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-covid-deaths-reshape-the-american-electorate/918453)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-covid-deaths-reshape-the-american-electorate/918453 "2020-08-19T14:47:28Z")
Assuming that older people vote more conservatively, are more susceptible to COVID deaths, and that red unmasked states are seeing more and more cases per capita, is there a statistical chance that an increased coronavir… --- ## [If a US Supreme Court justice became mentally diminished (say Alzheimer's) can their family remove them from the court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-us-supreme-court-justice-became-mentally-diminished-say-alzheimers-can-their-family-remove-them-from-the-court/918135)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-us-supreme-court-justice-became-mentally-diminished-say-alzheimers-can-their-family-remove-them-from-the-court/918135 "2020-08-19T13:56:50Z")
Imagine a case where a SCOTUS justice had some form of dementia and it was well advanced. Advanced enough to make them unable to function in the world without help. Despite that, they refuse to step down from the Supre… --- ## [Why does water expand when cold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-water-expand-when-cold/918447)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-water-expand-when-cold/918447 "2020-08-19T07:47:26Z")
See headline. Seems that most things contract in extreme cold, but water expands. Why? --- ## [Direction of flow of current vs electrons in a wire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direction-of-flow-of-current-vs-electrons-in-a-wire/917405)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direction-of-flow-of-current-vs-electrons-in-a-wire/917405 "2020-08-19T02:05:22Z")
I just read in a physics text book that current flows in the opposite direction of electrons, and, as it seems with every textbook I’ve ever read, it doesn’t explain why. So I did a little googling and on places like Qu… --- ## [Illinois Dopers: how long are unemployment benefit payments actually taking right now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-dopers-how-long-are-unemployment-benefit-payments-actually-taking-right-now/917994)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2020, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illinois-dopers-how-long-are-unemployment-benefit-payments-actually-taking-right-now/917994 "2020-08-19T01:00:34Z")
To make a long story short, I was approved for unemployment benefits and just certified for the first time on Monday. I set up direct deposit, and the IDES website says I should receive the funds within 2 - 3 days of cer… --- ## [How are the odds tilted toward the house in Blackjack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-odds-tilted-toward-the-house-in-blackjack/249870)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-the-odds-tilted-toward-the-house-in-blackjack/249870 "2020-08-18T22:51:11Z")
If I understand the rules of Blackjack and casinos correctly (perhaps a flawed assumption to start with), how is it that the odds are in favor of the house? If I’m the only person playing against the dealer, say, and I f… --- ## [Sara Gideon's maiden/married name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sara-gideons-maiden-married-name/918416)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sara-gideons-maiden-married-name/918416 "2020-08-18T20:02:28Z")
So after watching Sara Gideon speak at the DNC last night, I wikied her to learn more about her. I noticed it doesn’t mention a maiden name, nor does it mention her parents’ names. But it does mention she’s married to Be… --- ## [Alaska: how far north can I drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-how-far-north-can-i-drive/621895)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-how-far-north-can-i-drive/621895 "2020-08-18T19:26:30Z")
Driving from California up the ALCAN Highway into Alaska has been a dream of mine and I plan to do it in the coming years. Once in Alaska I want to drive as far north as possible. I’ve read in articles here and there th… --- ## [Will this tire/rim upgrade noticeably slow my car's acceleration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-tire-rim-upgrade-noticeably-slow-my-cars-acceleration/918313)
**Author:** [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-this-tire-rim-upgrade-noticeably-slow-my-cars-acceleration/918313 "2020-08-18T18:02:27Z")
Hello everyone. My current car’s engine makes a mere 115 HP. Current (Factory spec) tires/rims are 195 65 with 15" rims. Considering (same brand) 205 55 tires with 16" rims. I would expect a handling improvement … --- ## [How do vines sense which direction to grow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-vines-sense-which-direction-to-grow/918115)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-vines-sense-which-direction-to-grow/918115 "2020-08-18T14:37:21Z")
ISTM best as I can tell that vines have a tendency to extend themselves in the direction which allow them to attach to something else. For example, in my backyard I have some vines which tend to grow up a fence and then … --- ## [Thailand pronunciation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thailand-pronunciation/917541)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thailand-pronunciation/917541 "2020-08-18T11:56:00Z")
Looking for a GQ fact check on Dinesh D’Souza’s claim that “most of the English-speaking world” pronounces Thailand “thigh-land” rather than “tie-land”. --- ## [Is there a way to connect to two Bluetooth devices to a single phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-connect-to-two-bluetooth-devices-to-a-single-phone/917991)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2020, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-connect-to-two-bluetooth-devices-to-a-single-phone/917991 "2020-08-18T11:15:42Z")
Hello Everyone, I have a Samsung A21 and I use Bluetooth to connect to wireless earbuds. If I have a friend that would like to listen to whatever I’m playing on my phone through their earbuds is there a way to stream to… --- ## [How do grocery coupons work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-grocery-coupons-work/725266)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2015, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-grocery-coupons-work/725266 "2015-07-18T06:14:34Z")
So, the manufacturer of Sugar-oos, my favorite breakfast cereal, has placed a $1 off coupon in the Sunday newspaper ad inserts. I clip the coupon and head out to my favorite supermarket. I find my sweet nuggets on the … --- ## [Dell Coupons in Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dell-coupons-in-canada/167627)
**Author:** [@eunoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eunoia)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dell-coupons-in-canada/167627 "2003-04-09T19:24:03Z")
Very soon I’ll be buying a new computer and dude, it looks like it’s going to be a Dell Dimension desktop from Dell.ca. I was wondering about the box at checkout that says “Enter Coupon Code”. Where does one get these … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=336) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=338)