# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=263 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 264 --- ## [Fix my Roku (please!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-my-roku-please/947978)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-my-roku-please/947978 "2021-08-05T02:48:39Z")
Up until a recent loss of power my Roku Express had no problem finding our wifi signal and worked swell for years. Now it cannot find our signal (nor any of our neighbors signals, for that matter). The router is about 20… --- ## [A few layman questions about P vs NP \[computer science\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-layman-questions-about-p-vs-np-computer-science/947981)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-layman-questions-about-p-vs-np-computer-science/947981 "2021-08-05T01:05:34Z")
What is the reason that anyone believes that P may equal NP in the first place? It seems extremely counter to what we know of the universe and how it works - and, as I understand it, it’s overwhelmingly believed and as… --- ## [Unplugging this cord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unplugging-this-cord/948036)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unplugging-this-cord/948036 "2021-08-04T23:17:24Z")
In anticipation of getting a new printer, I’m uninstalling my old one. But no matter what I do, I can’t get this connector unplugged. I’ve tried just yanking it, I’ve tried squeezing those two “wings” while pulling, noth… --- ## [What happens in a universe with only one object as time goes to infinity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-a-universe-with-only-one-object-as-time-goes-to-infinity/947959)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-a-universe-with-only-one-object-as-time-goes-to-infinity/947959 "2021-08-04T16:46:09Z")
Besides the case of that object being/becoming a blackhole. Perhaps a moon or planet sized object in a universe with nothing else in it. Assuming a universe with laws like ours. Will it somehow evaporate away over time… --- ## [How to adjust this nut at the top of my drill press spindle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-adjust-this-nut-at-the-top-of-my-drill-press-spindle/947902)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-adjust-this-nut-at-the-top-of-my-drill-press-spindle/947902 "2021-08-03T23:49:28Z")
I drilled a 5/8" hole through 1/4" wall steel tubing today, and the drill caught while penetrating the second wall. The chuck stopped, but the motor kept going. Later with the belt guard open I found that the splined sha… --- ## [A sequence that repeats after n terms, as n goes to infinity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sequence-that-repeats-after-n-terms-as-n-goes-to-infinity/947969)
**Author:** [@brossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brossa)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sequence-that-repeats-after-n-terms-as-n-goes-to-infinity/947969 "2021-08-03T22:11:20Z")
I have a sequence that repeats after one term: 1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1… I have a sequence that repeats after two terms: 1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2… Three terms: 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3… You get the idea. A sequence can repeat after n… --- ## [Why is Citrucel (and I assume other fiber pills) so hard to find these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-citrucel-and-i-assume-other-fiber-pills-so-hard-to-find-these-days/944560)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-citrucel-and-i-assume-other-fiber-pills-so-hard-to-find-these-days/944560 "2021-08-03T19:44:42Z")
I feel like Indiana Jones, searching high and low, far and wide, for Citrucel. The powder still seems plentiful, but the caplets are just so much more convenient. I had no problem getting them during the height of the … --- ## [How to load a DVD (ca. 2003) onto Youtube?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-load-a-dvd-ca-2003-onto-youtube/947962)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-load-a-dvd-ca-2003-onto-youtube/947962 "2021-08-03T19:24:46Z")
I made a documentary (32 minutes) in 2003, and had 100 or so copies of a DVD to be made, of which I’ve given away maybe 75 or 80. Rather than hoard my remaining DVDs, which are beginning to deteriorate (pixels, freezing,… --- ## [How are "buy now, pay later" apps different than a credit card?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-buy-now-pay-later-apps-different-than-a-credit-card/947890)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-buy-now-pay-later-apps-different-than-a-credit-card/947890 "2021-08-03T18:33:30Z")
It has made news today that Afterpay was just bough for $29 billion. I can’t figure out how this business model works (never even heard of such a thing until now). Sounds like what a credit card does but it’s not a cre… --- ## ['The Limit of the Heat'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-limit-of-the-heat/947671)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-limit-of-the-heat/947671 "2021-08-03T15:07:58Z")
I asked a while ago what was the hottest day of the year. But I only got a lot of smart aleck remarks :slight\_smile: . Okay, I got a globe pencil sharpener a while ago. And it charts the apparent course of the Sun. So n… --- ## [App/Extension to filter items Sold by Amazon (not third parties)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/app-extension-to-filter-items-sold-by-amazon-not-third-parties/947960)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/app-extension-to-filter-items-sold-by-amazon-not-third-parties/947960 "2021-08-03T14:34:27Z")
If you search for any item on the Amazon website or app, it will produce results with items sold by amazon and also by third party vendors. You can then manually select the category for the item and then again manually … --- ## [Is the "indigo" stripe of the rainbow more blue or violet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-indigo-stripe-of-the-rainbow-more-blue-or-violet/925700)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-indigo-stripe-of-the-rainbow-more-blue-or-violet/925700 "2021-08-03T12:04:23Z")
The traditional description of the colors of the rainbow (since Isaac Newton established it) is that there are seven of them: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. “Indigo” is one that has kind of annoyed … --- ## [Runners, records, and the wind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-records-and-the-wind/947754)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-records-and-the-wind/947754 "2021-08-03T10:20:56Z")
We know that world records in track events are not allowed if the wind speed is above a certain amount. But suppose a 100m runner was allowed an unlimited amount of wind at his back (under his control). How fast could he… --- ## [How to pull these 2 data fields from Goodreads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pull-these-2-data-fields-from-goodreads/947570)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pull-these-2-data-fields-from-goodreads/947570 "2021-08-03T05:44:58Z")
Hi there! I made a spreadsheet of books that I want to read, and now I want to update it with live info from goodreads.com. The essential 2 fields I want to get are the number of votes and book score (with only the deci… --- ## [Need help powering an Arduino board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-powering-an-arduino-board/947911)
**Author:** [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-powering-an-arduino-board/947911 "2021-08-03T04:03:33Z")
Calling on the collective wisdom of the SDMB members: tl;dr version: I have an Arduino Nano Extra that is sending step and direction pulses to an A4988 stepper motor driver board. I want to use a single 12 volt power so… --- ## [Facebook related problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-related-problem/947917)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-related-problem/947917 "2021-08-03T03:49:20Z")
Somehow a certain video/ad has inserted itself right above my contact list on my Facebook page. I have closed it, I have blocked it and I have reported it in every way possible, but to no avail. It is from an outfit ca… --- ## [Prime number question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-question/947813)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-question/947813 "2021-08-03T03:54:38Z")
Construct a grid six spaces wide and with as many rows as you like. Number the spaces 1, 2, 3,…. Highlight the spaces containing primes. Why, after the first row, do primes only appear in spaces in the first or fifth col… --- ## [Can you identify this insect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-insect/944809)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-insect/944809 "2021-08-02T22:42:16Z")
Does anyone have any guess as to what this insect might be? I saw one in my house and I’ve been hearing crackling noises in one wall indicating something’s alive in there. :frowning: Pic didn’t come up. How do I post … --- ## [Female Criminality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-criminality/947800)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-criminality/947800 "2021-08-02T21:26:12Z")
I read a lot, and about many different things. One thing that stood out was a claim that, although crime and violent crime rates have dropped substantially, female criminality was increasing. Now, I do not know this to… --- ## [What's the theoretical max temperature at Death Valley?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-theoretical-max-temperature-at-death-valley/947877)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-theoretical-max-temperature-at-death-valley/947877 "2021-08-02T21:22:56Z")
Prompted by this post 'The Limit of the Heat'? The highest recorded temperature at Death Valley is 134 F. (Death Valley Records Hottest Average Temperature Over 24 Hours | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine) Knowing all … --- ## [Impact of a practical room temperature superconductor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-a-practical-room-temperature-superconductor/947528)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-a-practical-room-temperature-superconductor/947528 "2021-08-02T17:26:11Z")
Suppose such a material were discovered: say it’s as inexpensive and easy to work with as copper or aluminum. This would be a Holy Grail triumph for materials science of course, and obviously extremely useful. But woul… --- ## [Kasashi or Kazashi ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kasashi-or-kazashi-ring/947631)
**Author:** [@the\_bing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_bing)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kasashi-or-kazashi-ring/947631 "2021-08-02T14:55:34Z")
In automotive technical documentation, I have come across a (seemingly) technical term for . It is “Kasahsi ring” or “Kazashi ring” and the term is used to describe an aerial for receiving RF frequency signals for remote… --- ## [What is this NE Ohio tree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-ne-ohio-tree/947794)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-ne-ohio-tree/947794 "2021-08-02T01:26:56Z")
In NE Ohio. Very dusty looking gray-green leaves. --- ## [Isomer Bombs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isomer-bombs/947733)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isomer-bombs/947733 "2021-08-02T01:12:56Z")
I’ve just read a brief book review, claiming that the Pentagon is trying to develop something called an “isomer bomb”. Allegedly the size of a hand grenade, it supposedly would have a two kiloton yield. The book review… --- ## [Slide rule manufacture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slide-rule-manufacture/947454)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slide-rule-manufacture/947454 "2021-08-01T23:50:43Z")
I mentioned in a thread that someone asked me about slide rules. Apparently, this is not an item that is still being manufactured. My very simple question is, how were they made? Accurately inscribing a scale with regul… --- ## [Probationary firefighter question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probationary-firefighter-question/947786)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probationary-firefighter-question/947786 "2021-08-01T23:03:35Z")
In general, are probationary firefighters (those who have completed their training and are working as fulltime firefighters) generally assigned to engine companies first? --- ## [How Can We Reduce the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-reduce-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch/779832)
**Author:** [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-reduce-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch/779832 "2021-08-01T14:22:56Z")
In 1997, a sailor (since turned oceanographer and campaigner), Charles Moore, was traversing the ocean between Hawaii and California when he came across the now infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch, one of the five main … --- ## [What would happen if we covered all the oceans with white stuff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-covered-all-the-oceans-with-white-stuff/947688)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-we-covered-all-the-oceans-with-white-stuff/947688 "2021-08-01T13:38:26Z")
Say 85% or so. Not with plastic, though! Is 15% light penetration a killer for life in the seas? What would happen to winds and rainfall? Can scientists design such a life form - white algae perheps - that we could use … --- ## [Why are CNN articles greyed out onmy iPhone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cnn-articles-greyed-out-onmy-iphone/945791)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-cnn-articles-greyed-out-onmy-iphone/945791 "2021-08-01T07:40:45Z")
Weird thing for the past three days: I can’t read CNN articles on my iPhone. If a CNN article comes up in my Google newsfeed and I click on it, it opens, but with a dark grey screen over it. I can see the picture and th… --- ## [How does a prisoner manage their estate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-prisoner-manage-their-estate/947516)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-prisoner-manage-their-estate/947516 "2021-08-01T04:27:58Z")
Suppose a person is arrested and charged with a crime, held without bail, tried/convicted and given a lengthy prison sentence. They own a house (with a mortgage), a couple of vehicles, and have a bank account and some m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=262) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=264)