# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=450 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 451 --- ## [What animal did I see???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-did-i-see/836293)
**Author:** [@smokey78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smokey78)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-did-i-see/836293 "2019-07-03T10:02:06Z")
This morning I looked into my backyard, I live in the suburbs . I saw this big white animal the shape of a broad possum with the bushiest brown tail I’d ever seen (shaped like a Lion’s mane) It was flat and width of 12-… --- ## [Browsers getting hijacked by redirection ads. Help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browsers-getting-hijacked-by-redirection-ads-help/836226)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2019, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/browsers-getting-hijacked-by-redirection-ads-help/836226 "2019-07-03T01:09:58Z")
Using both Chrome and Dolphin browsers when I go to Listverse and Cracked I open an article and soon after it’s hijacked with some scam offer and I have to close the browser and try to get back to the article. I’ve tried… --- ## [How does my smartwatch know how I sleep?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-my-smartwatch-know-how-i-sleep/836341)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-my-smartwatch-know-how-i-sleep/836341 "2019-07-02T18:36:07Z")
If I wear my smartwatch (Huawei\* Watch 2 Sport) to bed, it will show me a report on my sleep. It shows light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep over time. How does something I wear on my wrist know this? \*Hopefully it is… --- ## [Old llight news-tickers. How did they control them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-llight-news-tickers-how-did-they-control-them/836266)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-llight-news-tickers-how-did-they-control-them/836266 "2019-07-02T16:11:41Z")
Here is a picture of NY on D-day. I was surprised to learn that they had electronic light news-tickers back then. I looked it up and it went up in 1928. I’m not sure if it moved around or was just still, but no matter … --- ## [How to discover events on military bases that will impact nearby traffic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-discover-events-on-military-bases-that-will-impact-nearby-traffic/836057)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-discover-events-on-military-bases-that-will-impact-nearby-traffic/836057 "2019-07-02T12:07:43Z")
As part of my commute I have to drive past some major gates for a joint US army/air force base. Is there any way for a civilian (with no friends in service or other connections) to hear about major events on the base so … --- ## [Need help kinda fast: Lotus Notes archive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-kinda-fast-lotus-notes-archive/602472)
**Author:** [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-kinda-fast-lotus-notes-archive/602472 "2019-07-02T02:23:21Z")
So many years ago (six) our company got bought out. Part of the change was that they switched us from Outlook to Lotus Notes. We all hated it. Lotus Notes is terrible. But over six years, I’ve come to tolerate it. M… --- ## [PMI removal from mortgage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pmi-removal-from-mortgage/836292)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pmi-removal-from-mortgage/836292 "2019-07-02T02:21:25Z")
Hello Everyone, My wife and I have a mortgage through BB&T that we’ve had for about 8 years now. We’ve always paid on time and even have made extra payments. We were fortunate as we were able to purchase our home at j… --- ## [Why don't I bruise or swell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-bruise-or-swell/550392)
**Author:** [@Novalyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novalyne)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2019, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-i-bruise-or-swell/550392 "2019-07-02T02:01:32Z")
The most current thread on Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva got me thinking about injuries that cause swelling and bruising. I don’t know how common it is, but I just about never bruise or swell. I’ve had a dislocated fi… --- ## [Can't play second movie of double feature DVD on XBOX](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-play-second-movie-of-double-feature-dvd-on-xbox/836329)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-play-second-movie-of-double-feature-dvd-on-xbox/836329 "2019-07-01T23:49:06Z")
Couldn’t find any way to get to the second movie of a double feature DVD. There is a “Title Menu” on the controls bar but selecting always give “Action not available” What’s the trick? Or are XBOX’s incapable? Any help… --- ## [scientific term/phrase for rhino horn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-term-phrase-for-rhino-horn/836330)
**Author:** [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-term-phrase-for-rhino-horn/836330 "2019-07-01T20:04:50Z")
I’ve learned that rhino horn is not a true horn. A true horn (like that of the antelope) has a bony core with a covering. The rhino horn is just the covering (keratin) without the bony core. Is there a scientific term/… --- ## [A Browser For Old Shockwave Games](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-browser-for-old-shockwave-games/836301)
**Author:** [@molten](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/molten)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-browser-for-old-shockwave-games/836301 "2019-07-01T19:43:44Z")
Where do I get a browser that will run flash and shockwave (hopefully preinstalled with the thing)? I tried older FF versions (51 & a special 52), and then installing the plugin in windows + enabling in FF – it shows in… --- ## [Question on why Rutherford proposed electrons around a proton nucleus.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-why-rutherford-proposed-electrons-around-a-proton-nucleus/836238)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-why-rutherford-proposed-electrons-around-a-proton-nucleus/836238 "2019-07-01T18:37:01Z")
Scientists throughout history have generally been loathe to accept a new theory that doesn’t fit with existing theory until it’s forced upon them with a preponderance of evidence. Correct me if I’m wrong on any of my fa… --- ## [The difference between "Common" Law and "Statute" Law to a lay person.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-common-law-and-statute-law-to-a-lay-person/836262)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-difference-between-common-law-and-statute-law-to-a-lay-person/836262 "2019-07-01T18:07:49Z")
From another thread, UDS posts a comment regarding common law versus statute law: \[sub\]The parts that jump out to me bolded by me, Tripler\[/sub\] Sit down, 'cause this is gonna be a bumpy ride down memory lane (and I a… --- ## [Banding birds query](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banding-birds-query/836252)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/banding-birds-query/836252 "2019-07-01T13:53:02Z")
I ran across this interesting article about finding a Golden Eagles nest: Rare golden eagle nest found in Santa Monica Mountains for first time in 30 years In the article it states they banded the young eaglets. The ban… --- ## [Thing for getting stones out of horses' hooves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thing-for-getting-stones-out-of-horses-hooves/287236)
**Author:** [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2005, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thing-for-getting-stones-out-of-horses-hooves/287236 "2005-01-31T00:47:02Z")
On a Swiss Army knife, there are many useful gadgets. Most of them are logical and people know just what they are, such as the magnifying glass, or the scissors, or the corkscrew, etc. As well as several different blades… --- ## [Have any car manufacturers included automatic turn signals on their cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-car-manufacturers-included-automatic-turn-signals-on-their-cars/732015)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-any-car-manufacturers-included-automatic-turn-signals-on-their-cars/732015 "2019-06-30T22:43:02Z")
Brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal. Why don’t turn signals activate when the steering wheel is turned significantly? It might have been difficult to detect mechanically. But couldn’t computer sensors ea… --- ## [New form of spam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-form-of-spam/836221)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-form-of-spam/836221 "2019-06-30T22:19:03Z")
I’ve been getting daily emails timestamped Dec. 26, 2037. Naturally, this means that the email sits on top of the list so that I see it first no matter when the others arrived. Spoofed email dates are new to me. Are oth… --- ## [Using up all the particles in the universe (Numberphile video question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-up-all-the-particles-in-the-universe-numberphile-video-question/836272)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-up-all-the-particles-in-the-universe-numberphile-video-question/836272 "2019-06-30T20:07:27Z")
Here is a link to the video in question: In it he explains that humans will equate for 100% of the particles in the universe in 8604 years. This seems crazy to me…surely there are red giant stars that con… --- ## [Cell phone knows information never input.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-knows-information-never-input/836194)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-knows-information-never-input/836194 "2019-06-30T19:08:29Z")
Checking up on app settings after an OS update, I opened the calendar app. I have never used the app. Just wanted to see if any changes to permissions and such had happened. A notice popped up, that it was X number of d… --- ## [Things that hospitals would run out of quickly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-hospitals-would-run-out-of-quickly/836268)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-hospitals-would-run-out-of-quickly/836268 "2019-06-30T17:22:17Z")
What are (important) things that hospitals tend to run out of quickly (that cannot be replaced very easily, such as bandages or gauze?) I thought antibiotics, but at any given moment there probably aren’t too many patie… --- ## [Twitter: How exactly does blocking/muting work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitter-how-exactly-does-blocking-muting-work/836257)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/twitter-how-exactly-does-blocking-muting-work/836257 "2019-06-30T08:16:20Z")
I’m thinking of finally biting the bullet and getting a Twitter account. The chances that I’ll ever post anything on it are microscopic (I vividly remember what happened to James Gunn…among OTHER things); mostly I don’t… --- ## [Do people with incomes below 138% of FPL get subsidized ACA plans in non medicaid states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-with-incomes-below-138-of-fpl-get-subsidized-aca-plans-in-non-medicaid-states/836283)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-with-incomes-below-138-of-fpl-get-subsidized-aca-plans-in-non-medicaid-states/836283 "2019-06-30T03:56:52Z")
In a place like Texas that didn’t expand medicaid as part of the ACA If you make \<138% federal poverty line can you qualify for subsidies for the ACA or do you not get anything until you are above 138%? --- ## [Alpha, beta, and gamma radiation - why only these three](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alpha-beta-and-gamma-radiation-why-only-these-three/835998)
**Author:** [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2019, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alpha-beta-and-gamma-radiation-why-only-these-three/835998 "2019-06-30T02:59:57Z")
In high school physics I learned that there are three types of radiation - alpha (2 protons and 2 neutrons), beta (one electron) and gamma (high energy photon). Why only these three? Why not 3 neutrons, or a proton/ele… --- ## [Does a new Tesla have the hardware to be fully autonomous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-new-tesla-have-the-hardware-to-be-fully-autonomous/836204)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-new-tesla-have-the-hardware-to-be-fully-autonomous/836204 "2019-06-29T22:00:22Z")
If you somehow uploaded KITT (or another AI of roughly human intelligence) into a Tesla, would all the sensors, servos, etc be in place for the car to drive itself as well as a human in all situations? --- ## [Internet search](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-search/836126)
**Author:** [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-search/836126 "2019-06-29T19:40:01Z")
Does anyone know of a search program, similar to Google or Bing, that will return hits only on what I tell it to search for? And if there isn’t one, why not? --- ## [Physics - hero catches falling child, how much force does he absorb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-hero-catches-falling-child-how-much-force-does-he-absorb/836176)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-hero-catches-falling-child-how-much-force-does-he-absorb/836176 "2019-06-29T03:20:06Z")
It’s been a few decades since my college physics class. I can’t remember exactly how to setup the force vectors. Hero catches a child in this video. He obviously absorbs an impact, but stays on his feet. It certainly he… --- ## [Social Security Benefit calculation question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-benefit-calculation-question/835960)
**Author:** [@stanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stanger)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2019, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-benefit-calculation-question/835960 "2019-06-29T01:30:36Z")
I’m getting close to retirement time and wondering about how my benefit will be determined. I am not finding a definitive answer about something and hoping someone can give me a simple answer to a simple question. I und… --- ## [I'm really getting tired of these biting and stinging insects by the pool.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-really-getting-tired-of-these-biting-and-stinging-insects-by-the-pool/836239)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-really-getting-tired-of-these-biting-and-stinging-insects-by-the-pool/836239 "2019-06-28T22:42:35Z")
At my girlfriend’s in the pool. For yet another day we’re being eaten and stung. Yeah, mosquitoes at night, but this is all day and night. And not horse flies. There are some sort of water bugs that bite and leave welts… --- ## [Is a sapphire crystal on a watch the same thing as a sapphire gem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-sapphire-crystal-on-a-watch-the-same-thing-as-a-sapphire-gem/836141)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-sapphire-crystal-on-a-watch-the-same-thing-as-a-sapphire-gem/836141 "2019-06-28T19:51:55Z")
Many high end watches (or even middle-end watches) advertise that the crystal is sapphire on the watch. The reason being is sapphire has a super high hardness only beat by diamond (maybe there are some other things hard… --- ## [Does washing fruit actually do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-washing-fruit-actually-do-anything/835944)
**Author:** [@Mdcastle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mdcastle)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2019, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-washing-fruit-actually-do-anything/835944 "2019-06-28T18:58:29Z")
Yesterday I was sitting down on a bench on the street, and a teenager walked by me eating blueberries out of a carton that she had obviously just bought at the grocery store next door. My parents always told me I’d get s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=449) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=451)