# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=641 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 642 --- ## [Why is South Africa abbreviated ZA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-south-africa-abbreviated-za/804460)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-south-africa-abbreviated-za/804460 "2017-12-14T19:41:30Z")
I just saw a reference to somebody being born in Johannesburg, ZA, which confused me. I knew there was a major city called Johannesburg in South Africa but I didn’t think South Africa would be abbreviated as ZA. So I go… --- ## [How would you solve the equation 2+2X2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-solve-the-equation-2-2x2/582144)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-solve-the-equation-2-2x2/582144 "2017-12-14T19:02:49Z")
I, and most of my Facebook friends, say 6 (as opposed to 8) --- ## [Can careful regulation of hormonal levels during pregnancy control / affect gender?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-careful-regulation-of-hormonal-levels-during-pregnancy-control-affect-gender/804500)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-careful-regulation-of-hormonal-levels-during-pregnancy-control-affect-gender/804500 "2017-12-14T18:34:35Z")
Big fat note: I seek a rigorously factual answer. This isn’t meant to be an incendiary thread. \* In this thread on Transgender people, Kanicbird wrote this in post #4: This article from Scientific American magazine d… --- ## [What are some other things besides caffeine can I take to keep me awake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-things-besides-caffeine-can-i-take-to-keep-me-awake/804480)
**Author:** [@rastafarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rastafarian)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-other-things-besides-caffeine-can-i-take-to-keep-me-awake/804480 "2017-12-14T16:19:18Z")
Ever since I had my first sip of coffee when trying to stay awake from an assignment as a teen, I’ve always had nausea and vomited twice from it. I’ve tried a cold brew as the warm one is said to cause higher acidity, tr… --- ## [Is Cleft Lip Problem Hereditary ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cleft-lip-problem-hereditary/804423)
**Author:** [@ryannice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ryannice)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-cleft-lip-problem-hereditary/804423 "2017-12-14T14:00:01Z")
Is it true never marry in family which has Cleft lip and cleft palate family history Is Cleft Lip Problem Hereditary ? Girl Father & Mother never had Cleft Lip problem & only 1 out of 2 kids have Problem, as a boy if… --- ## [How often are those teacher-high school student sexual affairs uncovered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-those-teacher-high-school-student-sexual-affairs-uncovered/804400)
**Author:** [@jonpluc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonpluc)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-are-those-teacher-high-school-student-sexual-affairs-uncovered/804400 "2017-12-14T13:49:09Z")
We just had a local English teacher arrested for having a sexual affair with one of her students. Apparently the affair had been going on for over a year and was only discovered because the husband of the teacher found o… --- ## [What medicines do doctors usually prescribe for people with migraines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medicines-do-doctors-usually-prescribe-for-people-with-migraines/804369)
**Author:** [@rastafarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rastafarian)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-medicines-do-doctors-usually-prescribe-for-people-with-migraines/804369 "2017-12-14T11:42:46Z")
This isn’t a medical advice question. My mother had migraines but apparently no longer suffers from them any more. I’m just curious as to what drug she was given for her migraines a while back when we lived in the US. S… --- ## [Internet Puzzle Adventure (HELP!!!!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-puzzle-adventure-help/177258)
**Author:** [@Fugazi79](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fugazi79)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-puzzle-adventure-help/177258 "2017-12-14T05:50:41Z")
Got this stupid puzzle game as a gift and I cant solve it. PuzzleAdventure.com The website offers no clue as the game states, and I cant solve the puzzle. Anyone familiar with this pleasr help me. Just give me the pa… --- ## [Is there a way to assess the value of old vinyl records?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-assess-the-value-of-old-vinyl-records/804084)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-assess-the-value-of-old-vinyl-records/804084 "2017-12-14T05:14:18Z")
A family member passed away and I’m now in possession of a lot of old records. I cannot afford to ship them all back home (there are a lot). A local record store has said they buy old vinyl which is great. My question … --- ## [Interpreting Herpes Igg blood test results?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpreting-herpes-igg-blood-test-results/804468)
**Author:** [@Hect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hect)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpreting-herpes-igg-blood-test-results/804468 "2017-12-14T02:25:35Z")
Hi! I’m not asking for medical advice on what actions to take, I just need to help interpreting my herpes test results. They gave me numerical values but didn’t say what they mean. This was a blood test by the way. Her… --- ## [What are the benefits of having more intramuscular fat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-benefits-of-having-more-intramuscular-fat/804336)
**Author:** [@Contemplation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contemplation)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2017, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-benefits-of-having-more-intramuscular-fat/804336 "2017-12-14T02:07:54Z")
Intramuscular fat is that fat that your body stores inside your muscles. It is also white stuff you see when you look at a marbled cut of beef or pork. Everyone has intramuscular fat, and most fitness sites only talk a… --- ## [How fast would be a tank engine put on a car?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-be-a-tank-engine-put-on-a-car/803909)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-would-be-a-tank-engine-put-on-a-car/803909 "2017-12-13T22:47:19Z")
Tanks can be +40 tons and even so they can reach speeds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour (40 mph), however, if we took out all the heavy armor, all the auto-loaders, computers, shells, cannon and everything else that can … --- ## [Has the EU done anything about Poland's descent into authoritarianism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-eu-done-anything-about-polands-descent-into-authoritarianism/803987)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-eu-done-anything-about-polands-descent-into-authoritarianism/803987 "2017-12-13T22:32:57Z")
Does the EU have the ability or initiative to do anything about Poland’s move to becoming more and more authoritarian? Have they so far? --- ## [Attachment of electrical box ground bond](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attachment-of-electrical-box-ground-bond/804411)
**Author:** [@Cleophus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cleophus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attachment-of-electrical-box-ground-bond/804411 "2017-12-13T22:28:30Z")
I have been replacing some damaged old 2-prong outlets with grounded ones. Fortunately, the house was wired with grounded NM cable and the affected boxes are bonded to the ground wires, but in a possibly unusual way. Th… --- ## [Duty and culpability of Realtors during the negotiation and closing process?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duty-and-culpability-of-realtors-during-the-negotiation-and-closing-process/804285)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duty-and-culpability-of-realtors-during-the-negotiation-and-closing-process/804285 "2017-12-13T19:26:10Z")
If a person is buying a house using a real estate agent, and that person communicated to the agent a certain offer (Example: “I will buy that home for $200,000 if seller pays closing costs, includes the fridge and a rug,… --- ## [Computer Help: HP Laptop, Windows 10, Screen Resolution Went All Wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-hp-laptop-windows-10-screen-resolution-went-all-wonky/804281)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-hp-laptop-windows-10-screen-resolution-went-all-wonky/804281 "2017-12-13T16:57:05Z")
I downloaded Star Wars, The Old Republic last night, and ever since then my screen resolution has been weird. I think my PC have gone into Safe Mode (is that still a thing?). Images and text aren’t as sharp, everything s… --- ## [How do you say (cell phone) “butt call” in Spanish Real question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-say-cell-phone-butt-call-in-spanish-real-question/804291)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-say-cell-phone-butt-call-in-spanish-real-question/804291 "2017-12-13T16:40:52Z")
I’m assuming the phenomenon exists as thoroughly in Spanish countries, generating a slang, perhaps, to identify it, as it does in America. My nephew, a student in Spain, butt-called (butt- dialed) me, which by definitio… --- ## [Why would a liquor store take debit cards but not credit cards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-liquor-store-take-debit-cards-but-not-credit-cards/804290)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-liquor-store-take-debit-cards-but-not-credit-cards/804290 "2017-12-13T16:34:02Z")
Just was at one yesterday, and was surprised by this policy of theirs. Not in a rough section of town, if that’s a factor. --- ## [Is it possible to make a computer without oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-make-a-computer-without-oil/804242)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-make-a-computer-without-oil/804242 "2017-12-13T16:22:47Z")
Just thinking about the role of petroleum in modern life. I think most people think about it in terms of carbon emissions from vehicles and so on, and advocate for other types of energy sources. But doesn’t petroleum pl… --- ## [Who is this celebrity expert defense witness? (Thick accent, older, like Cyril Wecht.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-celebrity-expert-defense-witness-thick-accent-older-like-cyril-wecht/804282)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-this-celebrity-expert-defense-witness-thick-accent-older-like-cyril-wecht/804282 "2017-12-13T13:56:06Z")
Or maybe I’m just confusing two people. Cyril Wecht is one of the most notable ‘high profile defense witnesses at large,’ but I seem to recall another one who reminded me of Wecht, but had a thick German/Eastern Europea… --- ## [the etymology of "stall" (fluid mechanics)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-etymology-of-stall-fluid-mechanics/804237)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-etymology-of-stall-fluid-mechanics/804237 "2017-12-13T13:01:59Z")
When/how/why did “stall” enter common usage as a word to describe flow separation and consequent loss of lift of an aerodynamic surface? --- ## [When You Need a Neuter Pronoun in Romance Languages.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-need-a-neuter-pronoun-in-romance-languages/804219)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-need-a-neuter-pronoun-in-romance-languages/804219 "2017-12-13T07:19:28Z")
I don’t speak more than one language. But I still like learning about other languages though. It’s a fascinating topic. Did you know, for example, Romance languages don’t have a neuter gender? Certainly none of the ones… --- ## [Two Earths (or really big moon)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-earths-or-really-big-moon/804278)
**Author:** [@Delicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delicious)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-earths-or-really-big-moon/804278 "2017-12-13T05:42:44Z")
After seeing the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermoon in all the papers last week, I got to wondering; just how big could a moon actually physically get? This, combined with vaguely remembered astronomic knowledge th… --- ## [Tell me about Geo-Caching](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-geo-caching/804280)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-geo-caching/804280 "2017-12-13T05:13:09Z")
The Cub wants to try geo-caching. I know in a vague way how it works, but is there a special app that is used? Any tips? What do you look for? How do you know where someone has geo-cached something? And, most import… --- ## [How often do car battery cables get shorts in them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-car-battery-cables-get-shorts-in-them/803675)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-often-do-car-battery-cables-get-shorts-in-them/803675 "2017-12-13T02:20:01Z")
In over 40 years of driving and owning cars I’ve never had something like this happen. 2008 Jeep. 60K miles. Battery has only been replaced once. Terminals and such were always maintained. Recently had a problem start… --- ## [Alcoholics Hospitalized for Unrelated Conditions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcoholics-hospitalized-for-unrelated-conditions/803810)
**Author:** [@MetroGnome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MetroGnome)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcoholics-hospitalized-for-unrelated-conditions/803810 "2017-12-13T00:54:12Z")
What happens when a high-functioning alcoholic in denial gets hospitalized for an unrelated condition? Say Barbara gets hit by a car and has to stay in the hospital for a few weeks. Barbara is also a highly functional b… --- ## [Where does air pressure really come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-air-pressure-really-come-from/804247)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2017, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-air-pressure-really-come-from/804247 "2017-12-13T00:48:06Z")
At the surface of the Earth the air pressure is around 14.7 psia. I’ve heard the pressure can be explained by looking at a 1" X 1" (square) column of air that extends all the way to the upper atmosphere, and the column o… --- ## [Who decides who's image goes on US currency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-whos-image-goes-on-us-currency/804173)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2017, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-decides-whos-image-goes-on-us-currency/804173 "2017-12-12T18:48:42Z")
I was just watching Total Recall and they had a quick shot of a stack of bills and Obama’s likeness was on some of them. I bet he’ll make it one day. Anyway, it made me wonder what the process is. Could it be over-ridden… --- ## [Are two dollar bills from the late 1950's worth putting on Ebay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-two-dollar-bills-from-the-late-1950s-worth-putting-on-ebay/804217)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2017, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-two-dollar-bills-from-the-late-1950s-worth-putting-on-ebay/804217 "2017-12-12T17:02:38Z")
I have several $2 bill my dad kept from the early 1960’s. Should I spend them at McDonald’s or list on eBay? How much would they have to sell for? I know eBay gets their cut and I have to mail them. I don’t want to lo… --- ## [Question on equal pay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-equal-pay/803738)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2017, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-equal-pay/803738 "2017-12-12T15:43:19Z")
I just found out a female relative quit her job because she found out the men she worked with were being paid more. Now my question is, is this legal? How can she prove gender discrimination? In fact, how would a woman … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=640) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=642)