# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=440 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 441 --- ## [Do Cruise Ships Get Paid to Dock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cruise-ships-get-paid-to-dock/838074)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-cruise-ships-get-paid-to-dock/838074 "2019-08-03T17:18:38Z")
So tomorrow my wife & I are off on our first cruise. I wonder if a town might pay a cruise ship to bring in a boatload of suckers, or does the ship have to pay for the privilege of dropping anchor? --- ## [Odd plumbing mystery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-plumbing-mystery/838039)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-plumbing-mystery/838039 "2019-08-03T16:28:37Z")
I have a standard bathroom sink setup: a hot water tap, a cold water tap and a faucet where the mixed water emerges. Everything works normally except for this: when I turn on the cold water, a little water seeps out of t… --- ## [What kind of plane did William Conrad fly in WWII?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plane-did-william-conrad-fly-in-wwii/837814)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-plane-did-william-conrad-fly-in-wwii/837814 "2019-08-03T15:16:42Z")
Actor William Conrad was a fighter pilot in WWII. It appears he served in the Pacific. What kind of plane did he fly? I know the USAAF flew P-38s and P-51s, but they may still pave been flying P-40s too. --- ## [Could a Tasmanian Devil kill a human adult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-tasmanian-devil-kill-a-human-adult/837879)
**Author:** [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-tasmanian-devil-kill-a-human-adult/837879 "2019-08-03T05:22:31Z")
Is a Tasmanian Devil capable of killing an adult human? (Don’t need an answer fast.) --- ## [Meaning of bizarre spam call](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-bizarre-spam-call/838063)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning-of-bizarre-spam-call/838063 "2019-08-03T04:59:33Z")
I got a call that said it was from “your local newspaper.” It said that an online payment had not gone through and that I need to check if my card had expired or I changed information. To do so I should call customer ser… --- ## [Why Is It So Hard to Lose Your Accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-lose-your-accent/837767)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-so-hard-to-lose-your-accent/837767 "2019-08-03T01:12:01Z")
From what I understand, when you learn a new language as an adult, it is almost impossible to lose your accent. Unless you’re a small child. For them language acquisition is apparently easier. Why is this so? I mean I… --- ## [Would it be of any advantage for a snake to be warm-blooded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-of-any-advantage-for-a-snake-to-be-warm-blooded/838077)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-of-any-advantage-for-a-snake-to-be-warm-blooded/838077 "2019-08-02T21:50:28Z")
A Burmese Python for example. This is just from a random thought today, what advantages or disadvantages would it be for such a snake to be warm-blooded, living in its natural environment? I’m guessing it could be a lot… --- ## [Immigration and customs, private planes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-and-customs-private-planes/837950)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-and-customs-private-planes/837950 "2019-08-02T16:51:24Z")
How is it handled? I have flown privately internationally, on a handful of occasions, on an aircraft owned by clients, and on each occasion bar one, I gave the crew my passport before boarding at my port of origin (and a… --- ## ["License, proof of insurance, and registration please." Why registration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/license-proof-of-insurance-and-registration-please-why-registration/835848)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/license-proof-of-insurance-and-registration-please-why-registration/835848 "2019-08-02T15:30:40Z")
Oklahoma is about to join the ranks of states that require that you show proof of registration when being stopped by an LEO. What does showing registration accomplish? They can get if and who the car is registered to f… --- ## [Why do the number of orbitals in successive subshells always increase by 2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-number-of-orbitals-in-successive-subshells-always-increase-by-2/837994)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-the-number-of-orbitals-in-successive-subshells-always-increase-by-2/837994 "2019-08-02T13:07:14Z")
S,P,D,F subshells allow for 1,3,5,7 orbitals respectively. Is there some obvious reason why successive subshells always allow for 2 more orbitals (besides obviously that it will allow for the total electrons to be 2N^2’… --- ## [Nicknames with no relation to the longer name.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicknames-with-no-relation-to-the-longer-name/837623)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nicknames-with-no-relation-to-the-longer-name/837623 "2019-08-02T13:02:47Z")
Most nicknames (which I’m using here to mean a shortened form of a given name) are pretty obvious what name they are short for – Matt for Matthew, Dave for David, Nick for Nicklaus, and so forth. But some have never mad… --- ## [Efficacy of exosome therapy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficacy-of-exosome-therapy/837870)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficacy-of-exosome-therapy/837870 "2019-08-02T12:02:36Z")
I have had some trouble with pinched nerves. Long story short, we un-pinched it, or so we believe. I’m feeling much better, thank you very much, but I do still get a certain amount of my old nerve symptoms. The un-pinchi… --- ## [Currency Devaluations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/currency-devaluations/837846)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2019, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/currency-devaluations/837846 "2019-08-02T01:53:18Z")
Hi Everyone I’m fascinated by monetary policy, currency valuations, etc. But mostly ignorant. I understand how a strong / weak dollar impacts imports and exports. I’m aware that Trump would like see the dollar weaker i… --- ## [Cheapest cedar fence rejuvenation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapest-cedar-fence-rejuvenation/837943)
**Author:** [@wallewek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wallewek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheapest-cedar-fence-rejuvenation/837943 "2019-08-01T22:15:43Z")
I’ve inherited an old cedar fence. It’s tall and long, and I own both sides. I’m replacing the old posts with steel; that takes time, but it’s going well. However, it’s been a really long time since it was stained, and… --- ## [What if somebody DID shoot Bigfoot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-somebody-did-shoot-bigfoot/678708)
**Author:** [@kk\_fusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kk_fusion)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-somebody-did-shoot-bigfoot/678708 "2019-08-01T22:06:32Z")
A question related to this is circling the net, and I am interested in the American legal view on this. Suppose a surviving individual of a hominid sideline, so far unknown to science, is found and deliberately killed b… --- ## [mystery device on my home network](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-device-on-my-home-network/837736)
**Author:** [@rbroome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rbroome)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-device-on-my-home-network/837736 "2019-08-01T21:46:24Z")
I need some suggestions. I have a standard Uverse ATT router and operate a minimal home network. My computers, cell phones, printer. Nothing special. I run a freeware app called “Who’s on my WIFI” which is just portsca… --- ## [Who is responsible for babies who survive their abortions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-responsible-for-babies-who-survive-their-abortions/838020)
**Author:** [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-responsible-for-babies-who-survive-their-abortions/838020 "2019-08-01T21:19:15Z")
Fairly straightforward, and although I anticipate that there will be variations by state, is there a generally applicable answer to the question? If a woman instructs a provider to induce an abortion, and the baby is bor… --- ## [Translate this (Japanese?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-japanese/838018)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/translate-this-japanese/838018 "2019-08-01T20:29:36Z")
Pic. This is a mediocre quality screen cap from Season 1 of “Hill Street Blues” I Never Promised You a Rose, Marvin. Lt. Hunter (James B. Sikking) is showing off the Hill’s latest toy, an urban warfare tank. This was … --- ## [Efficient map routing when you don't care which branch/location you visit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficient-map-routing-when-you-dont-care-which-branch-location-you-visit/837930)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/efficient-map-routing-when-you-dont-care-which-branch-location-you-visit/837930 "2019-08-01T20:14:43Z")
Say I have some errands to run. For example, this afternoon, I need to visit any Wells Fargo branch, and then I want to visit any Safeway for some groceries, and on my way home I want to pick up some KFC. Each of tho… --- ## [Ways Around Jewish Sabbath Restrictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-around-jewish-sabbath-restrictions/837267)
**Author:** [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ways-around-jewish-sabbath-restrictions/837267 "2019-08-01T20:04:19Z")
Earlier today I was thinking about “Sabbath elevators” that, from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, constantly move up and down, stopping at every floor so that observant Jews don’t have to use the stairs. That got me … --- ## [How to replace a failing disk in a Raid 1 array?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-replace-a-failing-disk-in-a-raid-1-array/837831)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-replace-a-failing-disk-in-a-raid-1-array/837831 "2019-08-01T18:11:56Z")
A couple of years ago I set up a Raid 1 array using two identical ‘Seagate Barracuda - 1 TB internal hard drive ST1000DM010’ hard drives in an ORICO 9528RU3 enclosure. It sounds like one of the drives is about to fail a… --- ## [I got spam email when I cycled past a business – how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-spam-email-when-i-cycled-past-a-business-how-does-that-work/837884)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-got-spam-email-when-i-cycled-past-a-business-how-does-that-work/837884 "2019-08-01T17:00:30Z")
Here’s the story. I have been sent 2 spam emails from a business, dating from the 15th and 28th of July. On the 15th I cycled past it and on the 28th I drove past it, and I had my cell phone with me on both occasions. Ap… --- ## [Is there something wrong with Expedia or is it just me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-wrong-with-expedia-or-is-it-just-me/837918)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-something-wrong-with-expedia-or-is-it-just-me/837918 "2019-08-01T16:56:56Z")
For the last 2 days I’ve been searching for trips on Expedia. The main search page opens OK. But when I put in trips to search all I get is a page with the circling icon as if it’s searching for trips. But it never opens… --- ## [Pain/soreness after edema (swelling)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-soreness-after-edema-swelling/837959)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pain-soreness-after-edema-swelling/837959 "2019-08-01T16:21:20Z")
I sustained an injury on my hand late in the evening a week ago, on the side of one finger, and by early next morning that hand was swollen like a balloon, hot to the touch, and very painful. Infection time! Yes, I immed… --- ## [Why do mentally retarded people LOOK retarded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mentally-retarded-people-look-retarded/344908)
**Author:** [@CanTak3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanTak3)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-mentally-retarded-people-look-retarded/344908 "2019-08-01T12:03:21Z")
Why is it that a mentally handicapped person looks that way? Why is the condition mental and physical? How long until someone is diagnosed as mentally challenged? Can you tell at birth? Or are they the same as everyo… --- ## [How/why do the effects of humidity vary from place to place?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-why-do-the-effects-of-humidity-vary-from-place-to-place/837660)
**Author:** [@The\_Stafford\_Cripps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stafford_Cripps)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-why-do-the-effects-of-humidity-vary-from-place-to-place/837660 "2019-08-01T08:20:36Z")
A few years ago I was in Ocean City, New Jersey at the end of September. The temperature was probably low to mid 20s centigrade, nothing that would be remarkable on a British summer’s day. Walking around, it didn’t feel … --- ## [What Is This Guy's Accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-guys-accent/819356)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-guys-accent/819356 "2019-08-01T07:11:11Z")
The narrator of this YouTube video has an accent that I can’t place. I’m tempted to think that maybe English isn’t his first language and he retains the accent of his mother tongue (also which I can’t place). Any ideas? … --- ## [What is this butterfly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-butterfly/819363)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-butterfly/819363 "2019-08-01T07:10:07Z")
I’m usually pretty good with the Lepidoptera but I’m not sure where to start searching for this colorful butterfly. Not very big, about 1 1/4" across, found in northern Ohio. https://i.imgur.com/Yl8oVvd.jpg Dennis --- ## [Computer working harder on fringe of wifi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-working-harder-on-fringe-of-wifi/819175)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-working-harder-on-fringe-of-wifi/819175 "2019-08-01T07:05:28Z")
If a computer is a distance away, on the boundary fringe or wifi or wireless Internet, does it have to “work harder” to load a browser or is it always “working” the same amount of work no more no less and just takes long… --- ## [Is Hollywood Blvd still set up for Tarantino's 1969 movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hollywood-blvd-still-set-up-for-tarantinos-1969-movie/819236)
**Author:** [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2019, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hollywood-blvd-still-set-up-for-tarantinos-1969-movie/819236 "2019-08-01T07:04:01Z")
I wanted to check out the 1969 era transformation of Hollywood Blvd. Does anyone living in LA know if the filming is still going on, or at least is Hollywood Blvd still set up for the movie? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=439) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=441)