# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1010 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1011 --- ## [Shipping costs on the Transcontinental Railroad before the Panama Canal.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-costs-on-the-transcontinental-railroad-before-the-panama-canal/736775)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shipping-costs-on-the-transcontinental-railroad-before-the-panama-canal/736775 "2015-11-06T15:07:28Z")
Were goods ever regularly transported via rail from Europe to Asia across North America? I know that lots of humans used it to migrate, but was it ever a practical alternative to sailing the whole way? --- ## [Seeking Developer for paid project involving video files](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-developer-for-paid-project-involving-video-files/736802)
**Author:** [@Newbee2015](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newbee2015)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeking-developer-for-paid-project-involving-video-files/736802 "2015-11-06T14:40:16Z")
I have a project the involves automating a video process. I have a folder that will contain security video files of a door or stationary object. The need is as follows: Determine the first frame of motion. Give me th… --- ## [does quentin tarantino employ armed security guards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-quentin-tarantino-employ-armed-security-guards/736381)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-quentin-tarantino-employ-armed-security-guards/736381 "2015-11-06T14:11:30Z")
Does quentin tarantino employ armed security guards? After Quentin Taratino’s(sp) tirade against cops/guns I was wondering if he employs armed security guards? I’ve decided to do research on this in regards to findin… --- ## [Do dwarfs have the same 5 liters of blood as adults? How about kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dwarfs-have-the-same-5-liters-of-blood-as-adults-how-about-kids/736767)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-dwarfs-have-the-same-5-liters-of-blood-as-adults-how-about-kids/736767 "2015-11-06T09:34:35Z")
Most adults average about 5 liters of blood volume. How does dwarfism effect that? Would they be more comparable to blood volume in kids? I haven’t found an average for them. I’d guess it varies depending on a kid’s ag… --- ## [Does ALL commercial and military shipping go through the Panama canal now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-commercial-and-military-shipping-go-through-the-panama-canal-now/736640)
**Author:** [@Quintas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quintas)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-all-commercial-and-military-shipping-go-through-the-panama-canal-now/736640 "2015-11-06T09:16:56Z")
When going from the Atlantic to Pacific and vice versa. Are there any special cases where they still need to go around the tip of South America? --- ## [What is this plant/bush/tree called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-plant-bush-tree-called/736719)
**Author:** [@Foggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foggy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-plant-bush-tree-called/736719 "2015-11-06T03:49:44Z")
Sorry about the blurriness. plant/bush/tree Is it hard to care for? Is it good for a bright small lobby with no direct sunlight? Unrelated and just because: Cat --- ## [Rodent poisoning in dog- how long before I see improvement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rodent-poisoning-in-dog-how-long-before-i-see-improvement/736533)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rodent-poisoning-in-dog-how-long-before-i-see-improvement/736533 "2015-11-06T02:28:23Z")
I just bought a house, and unbeknownst to me, there was rodent poison in the laundry/utility room that my dog ate. Unfortunately, the symptoms did not show up until the night she received her latest round of vaccination… --- ## [How do antivirus detect self-modifying viruses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-antivirus-detect-self-modifying-viruses/736758)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-antivirus-detect-self-modifying-viruses/736758 "2015-11-06T01:44:30Z")
It seems to me like it would be extremely simple to take a working computer virus and add code that generates pseudorandom dummy instructions. The virus would make a copy of it’s own opcode file, then insert dummy instr… --- ## [US flag at half-mast: who orders? how? where mandatory? what reasons? "mourning" symbol only?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-flag-at-half-mast-who-orders-how-where-mandatory-what-reasons-mourning-symbol-only/735845)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-flag-at-half-mast-who-orders-how-where-mandatory-what-reasons-mourning-symbol-only/735845 "2015-11-06T00:35:00Z")
This morning I noticed the U.S. flag at half mast in my housing project. That used to rattle me–I associate it for some reason only with a Presidential assisination. I figured whoever hoisted it had done a half-assed jo… --- ## [Can the family/estate prevent a company from using a dead person's name in a brand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-family-estate-prevent-a-company-from-using-a-dead-persons-name-in-a-brand/736751)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-family-estate-prevent-a-company-from-using-a-dead-persons-name-in-a-brand/736751 "2015-11-06T00:34:59Z")
Or, Fannie Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on 1-800-Flowers (I promise I didn’t create this thread solely for that obscure reference.) Eh. I don’t really feel up to making an insane hypothetical, so let’s just go with wha… --- ## [Physicist needed: Gravity, Acceleration, and radiation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicist-needed-gravity-acceleration-and-radiation/736754)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2015, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicist-needed-gravity-acceleration-and-radiation/736754 "2015-11-06T00:20:01Z")
This is a real simple question to state. I suspect a precise answer might be difficult to give in the absence of a lot of math, but I’ll try anyway. Acceleration is indistinguishable from a gravitational field accordin… --- ## [Has there ever been a "you must spend a night in a haunted house" clause in a will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-you-must-spend-a-night-in-a-haunted-house-clause-in-a-will/736705)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-you-must-spend-a-night-in-a-haunted-house-clause-in-a-will/736705 "2015-11-05T22:48:23Z")
Or something similar? --- ## [Free high speed wifi for outside open area - How to bring inside apartment for Netflix connection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-high-speed-wifi-for-outside-open-area-how-to-bring-inside-apartment-for-netflix-connection/736655)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-high-speed-wifi-for-outside-open-area-how-to-bring-inside-apartment-for-netflix-connection/736655 "2015-11-05T21:34:27Z")
I was approached with this scenario by a co-worker. Free outside wireless wifi in our town covering the downtown Plaza courtesy of the city to promote people coming downtown and living, shopping etc. He has an apartment… --- ## [Audio media server?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-media-server/736378)
**Author:** [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/audio-media-server/736378 "2015-11-05T21:28:14Z")
I moved into a house that has built-in speakers in every room, with impedance-matching distribution system. All I need to do is add a sound source and an amplifier. I can come up with an amp, no problem. Here’s what I… --- ## [Can a tapeworm turn you into a savant genius ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-tapeworm-turn-you-into-a-savant-genius/736759)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-tapeworm-turn-you-into-a-savant-genius/736759 "2015-11-05T21:12:45Z")
There are numerous examples of brain injury or disease leaving a person with superb mental talents (as well as problems), could neurocysticersis do this ? --- ## [Refraining From Coughing, When You Have A Cold?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refraining-from-coughing-when-you-have-a-cold/736692)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refraining-from-coughing-when-you-have-a-cold/736692 "2015-11-05T20:05:20Z")
\[Dear Cecil:\] True story. When I was still quite young, we were going to my uncle’s house for a dinner party. And I was in the back seat, coughing up a storm, because I had a bad cold, naturally. My mother noticed, and … --- ## [Is there a website that has the full text of peace treaties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-website-that-has-the-full-text-of-peace-treaties/736684)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-website-that-has-the-full-text-of-peace-treaties/736684 "2015-11-05T18:40:18Z")
When Grant and Lee sat down, what did they contractually agree to? MacArthur vs. that poor guy that got kicked to the curb with the top hat. --- ## [Designing Floor Plans.. HELP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designing-floor-plans-help/736657)
**Author:** [@Alexandrakh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alexandrakh)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designing-floor-plans-help/736657 "2015-11-05T17:15:49Z")
Hi can anyone please help me with what are the best (free preferably and easy/quick to use) programs for designing floor plans. I need to design 1. an indoor floor plan with an outdoor courtyard attached as well as 2. a … --- ## [Are we configuring drones for wild weasel missions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-configuring-drones-for-wild-weasel-missions/736654)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-configuring-drones-for-wild-weasel-missions/736654 "2015-11-05T15:32:47Z")
Are we configuring drones for missions to take out enemy SAM radar? Is this sort of mission best done by manned aircraft? Does the unmanned nature of drones make such a mission moot? --- ## [Records from ancient Babylonia and Assyria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/records-from-ancient-babylonia-and-assyria/736555)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/records-from-ancient-babylonia-and-assyria/736555 "2015-11-05T11:05:26Z")
I just listened to the most recent episode of the fascinating Hardcore History podcast (which I highly recommend). It concerned Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, but it touched a lot on the Babylonian a… --- ## [Circumcised bits in freezer, witchdoctors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcised-bits-in-freezer-witchdoctors/736693)
**Author:** [@Sputnikkk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sputnikkk)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcised-bits-in-freezer-witchdoctors/736693 "2015-11-05T09:27:01Z")
I just read a news report about a man in Africa arrested for having clitorises from female circumcisions in his freezer. He has been arrested on other charges as well, and in the past for illegally selling elephant tusks… --- ## [Tree trimming around electric wires](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566)
**Author:** [@nineiron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nineiron)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2003, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tree-trimming-around-electric-wires/180566 "2003-06-10T00:06:55Z")
If one is going to trim a tree which has a few branches that touch electrical wiring, what is the danger in trimming branches that are nowhere near these wires? Is it only a risk if I were to touch the branch that itsel… --- ## [Hearing Music in new construction house.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-music-in-new-construction-house/645608)
**Author:** [@Netlace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Netlace)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-music-in-new-construction-house/645608 "2015-11-05T04:02:06Z")
I was drawn to a old thread at this site “Hearing radio/voices through box fan…is this possible???” It is dated 2006, so I thought I should start my own question. We are just finishing building a small 2 story house. We … --- ## [Is the Universe energy bound into different states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-universe-energy-bound-into-different-states/736652)
**Author:** [@Claude\_Remains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claude_Remains)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-universe-energy-bound-into-different-states/736652 "2015-11-05T03:50:49Z")
And “particles” just a word we use to describe matter and use math? --- ## [The Galileo "variable pressure accordion wheel/tire:" What new science/tech is involved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-galileo-variable-pressure-accordion-wheel-tire-what-new-science-tech-is-involved/736608)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-galileo-variable-pressure-accordion-wheel-tire-what-new-science-tech-is-involved/736608 "2015-11-05T03:44:52Z")
See subject: http://www.galileowheel.com. The company is aiming for nothing less than the “military, agricultural, and off-road market.” Things can always be tweaked, but I assumed tires are a done deal technologically … --- ## [Hair care regimine for black hair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-care-regimine-for-black-hair/736484)
**Author:** [@Char\_Aznable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Char_Aznable)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hair-care-regimine-for-black-hair/736484 "2015-11-05T03:40:17Z")
I’m a black male with 3c type hair and as of now try to shampoo/leave in at least once a week (twice or more in some circumstances when I end up working out or swimming though). As of lately however, after about day 4 or… --- ## [can I use chromecast to view pictures on a thumb drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-chromecast-to-view-pictures-on-a-thumb-drive/736385)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-chromecast-to-view-pictures-on-a-thumb-drive/736385 "2015-11-05T00:48:32Z")
I can’t seem to find the answer to this. I have a bunch of pictures on a thumb drive. If I get a Chromecast gizmo for my tv and I download the Chromecast extension for my Chromebook, can I Chromecast the pictures to my… --- ## [1999 GMC Denali. A couple of questions on maintanence/repairs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1999-gmc-denali-a-couple-of-questions-on-maintanence-repairs/736583)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1999-gmc-denali-a-couple-of-questions-on-maintanence-repairs/736583 "2015-11-04T22:59:04Z")
First of all, how easy would it be to remove all 8 of the plugs. I know on some cars there’s always a few that are near impossible to get to with just a home spark plug socket. Second, if the BCM is going out, how inte… --- ## [Would the remains of a shattered planet be safe to touch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-remains-of-a-shattered-planet-be-safe-to-touch/736331)
**Author:** [@grimalkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grimalkin)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2015, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-remains-of-a-shattered-planet-be-safe-to-touch/736331 "2015-11-04T22:47:10Z")
So… Assuming the Earth’s surface has been broken apart by parasitic aliens, via a closely-meshed network of hatchlings interwoven into the crust itself (I know this is very specific, but please bear with me). And assum… --- ## [How important to shred?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-to-shred/736444)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2015, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-to-shred/736444 "2015-11-04T21:53:12Z")
My wife and I are getting rid of old papers going back as far as 30 years. Some of them are old credit card chits (remember them?) that have our signatures on them. She thinks we ought to get a shredder and shred them.… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1009) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1011)