# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1135 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1136 --- ## [Trouble with NAT and network switches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-with-nat-and-network-switches/717340)
**Author:** [@Doug\_K](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doug_K)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2015, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trouble-with-nat-and-network-switches/717340 "2015-04-11T04:13:07Z")
We recently split our network into three segments. We have numerous devices (door panels, heating/ac system, etc.) in segments 2 and 3 that need to be accessible from segment 1. For the most part, using NAT rules to map … --- ## [Why does Puerto Rico have their own olympic team?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-puerto-rico-have-their-own-olympic-team/717262)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2015, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-puerto-rico-have-their-own-olympic-team/717262 "2015-04-11T03:26:40Z")
Since they are part of the US? I assume the US is OK with them having their own team? --- ## [Customers exploiting the customer-satisfaction-guaranteed loophole](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customers-exploiting-the-customer-satisfaction-guaranteed-loophole/717026)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2015, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customers-exploiting-the-customer-satisfaction-guaranteed-loophole/717026 "2015-04-11T01:36:27Z")
There are many food products that say something to the effect of, “your satisfaction as a customer is guaranteed, or we’ll give you your money back.” With that sort of loophole, what prevents a customer from buying many… --- ## [Is underage drinking an offence on the part of the underage drinkers in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-underage-drinking-an-offence-on-the-part-of-the-underage-drinkers-in-the-us/717308)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2015, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-underage-drinking-an-offence-on-the-part-of-the-underage-drinkers-in-the-us/717308 "2015-04-11T00:36:41Z")
A question relating to a statement in the Do any other wealthy, developed nations have the level of police violence in the US thread: Is underage drinking (of alcohol) really a criminal offence on the part of the under… --- ## [Using black holes to travel into the future, how would this work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-black-holes-to-travel-into-the-future-how-would-this-work/717072)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-black-holes-to-travel-into-the-future-how-would-this-work/717072 "2015-04-10T22:38:31Z")
I just watched interstellar, and enjoyed the concept that 1 hour on a planet orbiting a massive black hole is equal to 7 years of time on earth. So how does that work? I found this But it mentions how after you cross… --- ## [iCloud wants my password](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icloud-wants-my-password/717225)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/icloud-wants-my-password/717225 "2015-04-10T22:03:59Z")
I’ve mentioned before, a problem when I’m using Remote Desktop Connection to connect to my office PC, where the cursor will go to the upper-right corner and clears the desktop. Then it won’t let me pull the windows back… --- ## [The yemen Civil War: Does It resemble Nasser's 1962-65 War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-yemen-civil-war-does-it-resemble-nassers-1962-65-war/717374)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-yemen-civil-war-does-it-resemble-nassers-1962-65-war/717374 "2015-04-10T22:01:27Z")
The conflict in Yemen is quite savage-the Saudis seem to be doing everything (short of invading) to route the Shia forces who are battling the government. I recall that there was a civil war in Yemen in 1962-Nasser sent… --- ## [How does topical (non-systemic) anti-tic/flea dog goop cover the whole coat if applied in 6-8 dabs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-topical-non-systemic-anti-tic-flea-dog-goop-cover-the-whole-coat-if-applied-in-6-8-dabs/717365)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-topical-non-systemic-anti-tic-flea-dog-goop-cover-the-whole-coat-if-applied-in-6-8-dabs/717365 "2015-04-10T20:15:10Z")
See subject. Shelled out $100 bucks for new formulation that wouldn’t get my dog all itchy and distressed-panting, which required giving him some Benadryl and getting him all sleepy, to cure what I thought was some sort… --- ## [Inside WTC collapse, did a spike in air pressure kill officeworkers a microsecond before the debris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-wtc-collapse-did-a-spike-in-air-pressure-kill-officeworkers-a-microsecond-before-the-debris/717223)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inside-wtc-collapse-did-a-spike-in-air-pressure-kill-officeworkers-a-microsecond-before-the-debris/717223 "2015-04-10T19:57:00Z")
An interest in physics coupled to a horrible event: as the floors pancaked down, wouldn’t there have been a crushing spike in air pressure from the instant the ceiling was driven downwards before it traveled the few feet… --- ## [Who Owned the Sinai Desert in Biblical Days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-owned-the-sinai-desert-in-biblical-days/717330)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-owned-the-sinai-desert-in-biblical-days/717330 "2015-04-10T19:47:27Z")
So, Israel took control of the Sinai desert from Egypt in the 1967 War, as I recall. Then, Israel returned it to Egypt as part of the 1979 Peace Treaty and still holds it today. But, I was wondering… When the Jews left… --- ## [Why do ingested round worms, parasites, head for the human eyes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-ingested-round-worms-parasites-head-for-the-human-eyes/717101)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-ingested-round-worms-parasites-head-for-the-human-eyes/717101 "2015-04-10T19:31:26Z")
Apparently there are round worms and parasites in soil, etc., that if accidentally ingested (which is quite easy, if you don’t wash your hands after touching soil and then eat something, you may ingest it,), that head fo… --- ## [How do we know other planets are neutral with respect to Earth? Are they?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-other-planets-are-neutral-with-respect-to-earth-are-they/717307)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-know-other-planets-are-neutral-with-respect-to-earth-are-they/717307 "2015-04-10T15:20:45Z")
Or, On Alien Ground Or, This Test Charge Earth OK, I’m done. Let’s say we send a probe to elsewhere. The probe is, presumably, at a potential of 0 V relative to the dirt its launchpad sits on. How do we know its first… --- ## [Dissecting an old microwave oven - Is it safe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissecting-an-old-microwave-oven-is-it-safe/717245)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dissecting-an-old-microwave-oven-is-it-safe/717245 "2015-04-10T14:45:47Z")
So, like an idiot, I left my microwave sitting in the backyard and it got rained on. I’m not feeling real safe about using it again, so started to toss it in the dumpster. But then I got to thinking, the magnetron must… --- ## [What's the difference in production cost between glued & sewn-sheet hardcover books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-in-production-cost-between-glued-sewn-sheet-hardcover-books/464910)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-in-production-cost-between-glued-sewn-sheet-hardcover-books/464910 "2015-04-10T12:34:34Z")
Followup to this Pit thread. Anyone here work in publishing? Do you know? --- ## [Question about streaming video from TV channel sites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-streaming-video-from-tv-channel-sites/717232)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-streaming-video-from-tv-channel-sites/717232 "2015-04-10T05:02:19Z")
I’ll use the History channel as an example, although I know they are not the only company to do this. If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes the History channel, you can enter your login to stream s… --- ## [Can't enable firewall - help, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-enable-firewall-help-please/717185)
**Author:** [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-enable-firewall-help-please/717185 "2015-04-10T03:20:34Z")
I have Window 7 Professional, version 6.1 (build 7601, Service Pack 1) , and Norton Security Suite version 21.7.0.11. Last night I tried to apply the most recent Firefox update. I clicked on “restart Firefox to complete… --- ## [New computer question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-computer-question/717133)
**Author:** [@robcaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robcaro)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-computer-question/717133 "2015-04-10T02:32:45Z")
I recently bought a new HP Windows 8.1 laptop. It is much faster than my old one which was Windows 8.1 also. I want to give my old one to a family member but need to reinstall windows 8.1 with my recovery disks from the … --- ## [High-school calculus question - do I have enough information to figure out the function?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-calculus-question-do-i-have-enough-information-to-figure-out-the-function/716935)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-school-calculus-question-do-i-have-enough-information-to-figure-out-the-function/716935 "2015-04-10T02:19:06Z")
Not homework - just an old guy trying to learn some calculus. If I am given the x values of two local maximums and one local minimum, do I have enough information to figure out a possible equation for the function? I f… --- ## [Why do I "install" an OS on my laptop but "flash" a ROM on my phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-install-an-os-on-my-laptop-but-flash-a-rom-on-my-phone/717048)
**Author:** [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-install-an-os-on-my-laptop-but-flash-a-rom-on-my-phone/717048 "2015-04-10T00:48:59Z")
They’re both just computers, right? I understand that phone OSes are stripped down versions with only the drivers they need, tailored to a specific version of a specific vendor’s hardware. But is there a reason I can’t r… --- ## [Making a xylophone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-xylophone/717076)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2015, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-xylophone/717076 "2015-04-10T00:00:42Z")
I am trying to find some kind of formula for cutting stainless steel pipes to a proper length for a xylophone. I see some examples on line but the pipes are different diameters. I did find where I can buy a note reader f… --- ## [Is Libertarianism the offspring of McCarthyism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-libertarianism-the-offspring-of-mccarthyism/717187)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-libertarianism-the-offspring-of-mccarthyism/717187 "2015-04-09T23:53:11Z")
It seems like libertarian in the Tea Party/Ron Paul sense is more or less a mirror opposite of Marxism. Do you think it’s essentially based on fear of socialism and big government and could be thought of as McCarthyism i… --- ## [Mozilla Firefox weirdness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mozilla-firefox-weirdness/716743)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mozilla-firefox-weirdness/716743 "2015-04-09T21:20:08Z")
Been using it for years. Currently running Ver. 37.0 My chosen Home Page is Google. Not Yahoo, or anything else. A few months ago, I would be denied the ability to load a page. Could be any page. Instead, I get a Yahoo… --- ## [In the US, can a caterer refuse to cater an interracial marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-can-a-caterer-refuse-to-cater-an-interracial-marriage/716931)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-us-can-a-caterer-refuse-to-cater-an-interracial-marriage/716931 "2015-04-09T18:04:30Z")
I guess this is a factual question? (Even if it turns out to differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction). Suppose a caterer had a religious objection to interracial marriages. Can that caterer be compelled to cater an int… --- ## [Is use of jetstream box legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-use-of-jetstream-box-legal/717201)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-use-of-jetstream-box-legal/717201 "2015-04-09T17:03:22Z")
I found it hard to get a straight answer. How does the use of this device stumble into illegal use or is it totally legit? --- ## [Why is netflix so eager to de-emphasize the DVD business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-netflix-so-eager-to-de-emphasize-the-dvd-business/716751)
**Author:** [@doubled](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubled)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-netflix-so-eager-to-de-emphasize-the-dvd-business/716751 "2015-04-09T16:50:41Z")
Inspired by this thread, where everybody agrees Netflix’s DVD business is the only service in the world with “watch virtually EVERY MOVIE EVER MADE for one low monthly fee”, there is no (legal) streaming service that com… --- ## [Do Scandinavians tan better than Brits/Irish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-scandinavians-tan-better-than-brits-irish/717200)
**Author:** [@protoboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/protoboard)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-scandinavians-tan-better-than-brits-irish/717200 "2015-04-09T16:41:58Z")
I’ve heard that Scandinavians actually have darker skin than people in the British Isles, and can produce more melanin and burn less. I’m not sure it’s true though because I’ve seen some very pale people from Scandinavia… --- ## [Dog food brands in Paris same/similar to US ones: need answer fastish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-food-brands-in-paris-same-similar-to-us-ones-need-answer-fastish/717117)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-food-brands-in-paris-same-similar-to-us-ones-need-answer-fastish/717117 "2015-04-09T16:06:00Z")
Im leaving for a vacation in under 3 weeks, and rather than shlep his regular stuff, I’d like to buy him stuff in Paris. I’ve been to Eukanuba site in French, and for some other companies. Obviously they sell dog food t… --- ## [form 8606 for a Roth IRA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/form-8606-for-a-roth-ira/717219)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/form-8606-for-a-roth-ira/717219 "2015-04-09T16:05:12Z")
I’m confused My wife and I contribute to a Roth IRA (maximum), do I need to fill out a Form 8606? My accountant neighbor says I should, but he may think I have a traditional IRA. He claims I will be stung for taxes whe… --- ## [Are the police allowed to shoot a fleeing suspect? What is the court's position?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-police-allowed-to-shoot-a-fleeing-suspect-what-is-the-courts-position/717132)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-police-allowed-to-shoot-a-fleeing-suspect-what-is-the-courts-position/717132 "2015-04-09T15:45:33Z")
I realize this can be quite controversial. I was very surprised to learn many years ago that police shoot fleeing suspects. But, I have seen this come up over and over again in news reports. Somebody takes off running … --- ## [Bakery/Caterer religious freedom invoked for other reasons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bakery-caterer-religious-freedom-invoked-for-other-reasons/717042)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2015, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bakery-caterer-religious-freedom-invoked-for-other-reasons/717042 "2015-04-09T15:43:03Z")
Does anyone know any instances of someone refusing to provide services for religious reasons other than opposition to gay marriage? Such as a Catholic baker refusing to bake a cake for previously married Catholics who ha… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1134) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=1136)