# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=78 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 79 --- ## [You know those 100-calorie bags of microwave popcorn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-those-100-calorie-bags-of-microwave-popcorn/989856)
**Author:** [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2024, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-know-those-100-calorie-bags-of-microwave-popcorn/989856 "2024-08-08T01:29:33Z")
Is it 100 calories per bag only if every last kernel gets popped? Cause I just ate a bag and there were maybe 20 unpopped kernels left. I’m thinking that means I can have a few potato chips :slight\_smile: --- ## [Search engine optimization - specific to eBay selling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-engine-optimization-specific-to-ebay-selling/1005332)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2024, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/search-engine-optimization-specific-to-ebay-selling/1005332 "2024-08-07T18:41:12Z")
I am selling a bunch of stuff on eBay, and I am a bit disappointed at how many views my items get despite my moderate efforts to choose my keywords effectively. I’m open to all input, but I’d specifically like to know t… --- ## [What is the point of this gibberish spam to my web site?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-this-gibberish-spam-to-my-web-site/1005228)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-this-gibberish-spam-to-my-web-site/1005228 "2024-08-07T15:52:38Z")
What possible purpose is there to web spam that is just nonsense content? I have a web site for my jazz trio with a Contact Us page. It takes the user’s message and emails it to me. I manage to filter out most of the sp… --- ## [Weird car issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-car-issue/1005174)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-car-issue/1005174 "2024-08-07T14:18:57Z")
I’ll probably be getting it towed to the mechanic tomorrow, but I’m still curious. This evening, I got in my car and tried to start it… and nothing. It doesn’t even sound like it’s trying to start. Now, normally, tha… --- ## [Do the stripes on these flags have a specific meaning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-stripes-on-these-flags-have-a-specific-meaning/1005221)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-stripes-on-these-flags-have-a-specific-meaning/1005221 "2024-08-07T13:25:40Z")
The American flag has thirteen alternating red and white vertical stripes. I have heard these represent the original thirteen states. There are several other flags which resemble the American flag in a general way. The … --- ## [Can someone explain this politics inspired joke?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-this-politics-inspired-joke/1005361)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2024, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-this-politics-inspired-joke/1005361 "2024-08-07T02:22:38Z")
I didn’t get a chance to ask on this post before the thread closed. I recognize the people involved, but I don’t think I get what phrase or title or whatever it’s riffing off of. Explanation would be appreciated! --- ## [Excel question: transform data table from landscape to portrait](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-transform-data-table-from-landscape-to-portrait/1005311)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/excel-question-transform-data-table-from-landscape-to-portrait/1005311 "2024-08-06T18:37:34Z")
I have a listing of a couple of thousand skus and their national total inventory quantity by month. For budgetary purposes I need to partition the national totals into four warehouses. I know the BP proportion by whse … --- ## [Wife's browsers aren't browsing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifes-browsers-arent-browsing/1005211)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wifes-browsers-arent-browsing/1005211 "2024-08-06T17:50:59Z")
One of my wife’s computers is a 17-inch HP G72 Notebook PC. It is running Windows 7 Premium (2009). She uses Firefox, but the computer also has Explorer. When she clicks in the search box, a list of websites pops up. … --- ## [Happy "Civic Holiday," Canadians!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-civic-holiday-canadians/1005272)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-civic-holiday-canadians/1005272 "2024-08-06T16:34:16Z")
My calendar says today is “Civic Holiday” in Canada? What the heck is that? Do you get presents? Cake? The day off? --- ## [Term Limits for SCOTUS -- Constitutional Amendment needed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-scotus-constitutional-amendment-needed/1004387)
**Author:** [@Thing.Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thing.Fish)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-scotus-constitutional-amendment-needed/1004387 "2024-08-06T11:02:01Z")
Reportedly Biden is considering calling for term limits on SCOTUS Justices. It’s a good idea, but offhand I would think it would need a Constitutional amendment, which makes it completely impractical. Anyone know the str… --- ## [Anyone know what this (kosher certification?) logo is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-what-this-kosher-certification-logo-is/1005324)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2024, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-what-this-kosher-certification-logo-is/1005324 "2024-08-06T09:00:03Z")
I was stocking shelves at the store I work at tonight when my eyes happened to glance on the jarred artichokes, and the little logo to the right of Napoleon’s face caught my attention; … --- ## [Another "What's this Scam?" Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-whats-this-scam-thread/1005293)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-whats-this-scam-thread/1005293 "2024-08-05T23:23:39Z")
I’ve gotten the following text 3 Mondays in a row from 3 different phone numbers (826- area code, N. VA and DC). “Hi \[my first name\], our records show someone in your house may have voted in the primary but you STILL ha… --- ## [Firefox not working properly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-not-working-properly/1005244)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2024, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefox-not-working-properly/1005244 "2024-08-05T02:39:15Z")
The problem is a little hard to describe, so bear with me. It stopped working properly after some upgrade a few months ago. Let’s say I am reading the Times. I go through the list of topics and find an article I want … --- ## [How much power can a discworld axle generate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-a-discworld-axle-generate/1004885)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-power-can-a-discworld-axle-generate/1004885 "2024-08-04T19:33:42Z")
Axles are rare artifacts of unknown origin that are composed a 2 cubes with six inch sides, connected by a rod. The cubes rotate with respect to each other. The rotation is unstoppable so we can assume infinite torque. T… --- ## [Are there well accepted rules for writin' dialect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-well-accepted-rules-for-writin-dialect/1003278)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2024, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-well-accepted-rules-for-writin-dialect/1003278 "2024-08-04T12:01:32Z")
F’rinstance in the Pig Parts thread “cracklins” came up\*. The word is “cracklings”, but if I used an apostrophe to show the elision it would be “cracklin’s” which looks exactly like it would be a possession of a single c… --- ## [Does a person weigh less when falling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-person-weigh-less-when-falling/1005069)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2024, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-person-weigh-less-when-falling/1005069 "2024-08-03T20:11:39Z")
Of course they do. That’s how we produce microgravity on Earth. In fact objects in orbit are constantly falling. But how about a standing person who passes out or otherwise just tips over?. The feet are solidly at 1 G wh… --- ## [Does opening a vial of blood and pouring it into another ruin the quality of the sample?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-opening-a-vial-of-blood-and-pouring-it-into-another-ruin-the-quality-of-the-sample/1004859)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2024, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-opening-a-vial-of-blood-and-pouring-it-into-another-ruin-the-quality-of-the-sample/1004859 "2024-08-03T17:46:37Z")
Went to get blood drawn for some lab work and the technician commented that I was dehydrated and my blood was flowing too slowly (he had to take 9 vials of blood) and so since the last few tubes couldn’t be filled, he re… --- ## [Can a postman refuse to deliver mail because he disapproves of the recipients' living arrangements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-postman-refuse-to-deliver-mail-because-he-disapproves-of-the-recipients-living-arrangements/1004912)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2024, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-postman-refuse-to-deliver-mail-because-he-disapproves-of-the-recipients-living-arrangements/1004912 "2024-08-03T12:52:30Z")
A day or two ago, the Times printed an article by columnist Gail Collins about her husband’s death. She mentioned along the way that before they were married in 70s, they started living together and she had had to adopt… --- ## [Removing manual line breaks in Excel for Macs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-manual-line-breaks-in-excel-for-macs/1005112)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-manual-line-breaks-in-excel-for-macs/1005112 "2024-08-03T04:46:51Z")
Some of the data I receive has non-display characters that cause problems when converting the file to text. (They break the record.) On a PC I can search-and-replace ALT+010 with pipes. I can’t make an ALT+010 on my m… --- ## [Firefighting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefighting/1005140)
**Author:** [@Jemma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jemma)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/firefighting/1005140 "2024-08-02T18:42:41Z")
Do firefighters put out controlled fires with water as well? --- ## [Outlook format question - Font colour](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-format-question-font-colour/1005064)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-format-question-font-colour/1005064 "2024-08-02T15:12:26Z")
I have a form in Word. There are fields to be filled in, and then there is a box for Problem Statement (which I’ll call PS). The PS is formatted as Bold and Dark Blue. (I didn’t choose it. That’s just the way it is a… --- ## [Repair or replace a parachute buckle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-a-parachute-buckle/1005071)
**Author:** [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-a-parachute-buckle/1005071 "2024-08-02T11:55:38Z")
Note: the buckle itself is not part of a parachute, and is not a safety-critical application. I need to repair or replace a plastic parachute buckle on a 2" wide strap on my frame backpack’s hip belt. The “female” part… --- ## [How does a stand-alone inside air-conditioner work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415 "2024-07-08T16:19:32Z")
I looked at past threads yet those machines had exhaust hoses to let the heat generated by an air compressor out of the room. I’ve reinstalled a Windows 11 machine and of course the opening page for msn.com is full of u… --- ## [Damage to duct work and HVAC can occur with shut-off vents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damage-to-duct-work-and-hvac-can-occur-with-shut-off-vents/986248)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damage-to-duct-work-and-hvac-can-occur-with-shut-off-vents/986248 "2023-06-30T22:35:57Z")
Just about all the HVAC-related sites indicate that shutting off vents (“registers” in the industry parlance) can potentially damage your unit because it adds stress to you unit and duct work since it increases pressure. … --- ## [What does "Heat, Central Air Included" mean regarding a condo unit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-heat-central-air-included-mean-regarding-a-condo-unit/1004993)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-heat-central-air-included-mean-regarding-a-condo-unit/1004993 "2024-08-02T04:42:05Z")
My daughter and her boyfriend bought a condo a while back (Still can’t get a live person at the mortgage company!) Part of the HOA fees are to include Water, hot water, heat, and central air. What exactly does that mea… --- ## [Can any car mechanic update a car's software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080 "2024-08-01T19:12:57Z")
We recently took our 2 Subarus to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Our impression is that some of the computer displays had been updated - although the receipts do not mention it. I know all mechanics hook cars up… --- ## [Does an hourglass weigh less while sand is falling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-hourglass-weigh-less-while-sand-is-falling/1004895)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-hourglass-weigh-less-while-sand-is-falling/1004895 "2024-08-01T14:33:47Z")
Does an hourglass weigh less while sand is falling? I mean, does it register as less weight on a scale before the last grain of sand falls? Obviously, it has the same mass either way, but when those grains are in freefal… --- ## [Information about Danika (or Danica) automobile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-about-danika-or-danica-automobile/1005067)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-about-danika-or-danica-automobile/1005067 "2024-08-01T03:20:34Z")
It is a Eurovan type of vehicle…and any search for it, under either spelling, gives me 3,000,006 articles about Danica Patrick. I have typed in the name with the word “car”, “automobile”, “van” etc. and all revert back… --- ## [Why is there such a large population of Arab-Americans in Michigan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-such-a-large-population-of-arab-americans-in-michigan/1004951)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-such-a-large-population-of-arab-americans-in-michigan/1004951 "2024-07-31T23:04:34Z")
Apparently, Michigan has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the USA. I know people tend to settle near others who are similar, but why Michigan specifically? --- ## [Rule about turning a car without hitting a pillar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rule-about-turning-a-car-without-hitting-a-pillar/1005024)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rule-about-turning-a-car-without-hitting-a-pillar/1005024 "2024-07-31T21:51:26Z")
I came across a rule or rule of thumb that if there is a fixed object such as a wall or pillar beside your car, if you drive straight forward so that your (the driver’s) shoulder is level with, or forward of, the object,… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=77) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=79)