# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=645 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 646 --- ## [Why won't videos load in my Foxnow app?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-videos-load-in-my-foxnow-app/803441)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-videos-load-in-my-foxnow-app/803441 "2017-12-03T20:42:56Z")
I got a Kindle Fire as an early Christmas gift to occupy my time in the hospital. Netflix works great, and I could be happy with just that, but I want to catch up on The Orville. To do that I need the Foxnow app. I’ve d… --- ## [Is Music 'Universal'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-music-universal/803086)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-music-universal/803086 "2017-12-03T19:33:07Z")
Just purely scientifically-speaking, is music universal? I mean, is it reducible to some other science–like math? If some advanced extraterrestrial came to earth, would he recognize our music? And would he like it too? … --- ## [Crossing into Canada from the US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossing-into-canada-from-the-us/802969)
**Author:** [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossing-into-canada-from-the-us/802969 "2017-12-03T17:38:24Z")
I’m planning a road trip next year. One possible route has me driving from Flint to Buffalo, partly across Ontario. How much of a hassle is it to cross the border? For sake of clarity, I would cross at Point Edward and F… --- ## [Question about artificial lighting for plants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-artificial-lighting-for-plants/803274)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-artificial-lighting-for-plants/803274 "2017-12-03T17:29:01Z")
First of all I am not growing anything and don’t intend to but I used to years ago and am curious about something. Jan 1st pot will be legal in California, even little old ladies who are concerned about their electrical… --- ## [Consistent Romanization of Chinese](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consistent-romanization-of-chinese/802888)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consistent-romanization-of-chinese/802888 "2017-12-03T17:09:02Z")
For many Chinese names and texts, multiple transliterations seem to exist. For instance, you see Laozi, Lao-Tzu, or Lao-Tse; and you’ll see Tao Te King, Tao Te Ching, or Daodejing, the latter with a variety of spacings. … --- ## [Quartic equation generator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quartic-equation-generator/803401)
**Author:** [@D18](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D18)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quartic-equation-generator/803401 "2017-12-03T16:15:40Z")
I have some data that look like the middle bit of a quartic equation of the form ax^4-b^x2+c=0. I know how to do it in principle, but the arithmetic is quite complex. Is there a site into which I can enter a number of… --- ## [Surveillance videos. How do they filter them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surveillance-videos-how-do-they-filter-them/803290)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surveillance-videos-how-do-they-filter-them/803290 "2017-12-03T15:45:18Z")
Apparently a teen ran off with her soccer coach. And surveillance videos captured them. There are probably a bazillion surveillance videos across the nation. How did these get selected? Thanks as always. --- ## [Better keyboard and mousepad for a laptop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-keyboard-and-mousepad-for-a-laptop/803419)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-keyboard-and-mousepad-for-a-laptop/803419 "2017-12-03T12:55:05Z")
I have an HP Pavilion, which overall is just fine for my needs. But the keyboard and touchscreen have been a PITA from day one. You have to hit the keys really hard for them to work, which tires out my hands, and the s… --- ## [Logistics of the OR](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-the-or/803153)
**Author:** [@Cabin\_Fever\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cabin_Fever_1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logistics-of-the-or/803153 "2017-12-03T08:43:10Z")
Serious question. I wonder if anyone in the medical field can enlighten me. Backstory: I am scheduled to have a GID, esophageal biopsy, and whatever. I am scheduled for two weeks out. The kind lady at the surgeons off… --- ## [Why do blind people rock back and forth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-blind-people-rock-back-and-forth/345735)
**Author:** [@festusQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/festusQ)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-blind-people-rock-back-and-forth/345735 "2017-12-03T07:44:16Z")
I’ve always wondered why Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, etc. seem to rock back and forth while seated. I met a blind person recently who did the same thing while sitting in a chair. Why do blind people do this? Thanks. --- ## [Where do employee stock units come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-employee-stock-units-come-from/803180)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-employee-stock-units-come-from/803180 "2017-12-03T05:47:18Z")
Amazon.com gives out “restricted stock units” to employees every year, after they’ve worked there for a certain number of years. Based on news stories\* I’ve read this is becoming common with young companies, especially o… --- ## [Anyone taken the new MCAT?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-taken-the-new-mcat/726226)
**Author:** [@batsto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/batsto)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-taken-the-new-mcat/726226 "2017-12-02T23:49:17Z")
I’m specifically curious about the layout of the CARS section, because I keep seeing conflicting information and I’m curious what the experience is of someone who actually saw the real test. Specifically–can you see all… --- ## [Can you sit for the CPA exam with an MBA in accounting or finance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-sit-for-the-cpa-exam-with-an-mba-in-accounting-or-finance/562570)
**Author:** [@SanibelMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanibelMan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2011, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-sit-for-the-cpa-exam-with-an-mba-in-accounting-or-finance/562570 "2011-03-30T05:46:09Z")
My wife has a bachelor’s in management and she has worked at several banks in a customer service capacity, but she would like to move into accounting and eventually become a CPA. The problem is that it would take at leas… --- ## [Fluorescent Fixture Issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorescent-fixture-issue/803264)
**Author:** [@Lare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lare)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fluorescent-fixture-issue/803264 "2017-12-02T23:14:17Z")
I have 4 fluorescent lighting fixtures hanging in my garage. They’re the standard 4 foot, 2 bulb (each) that you might have in your own garage. As long as I’ve had them (they were here when I moved in) only one bulb in … --- ## [Question about paying for nursing homes (are children on the hook?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-paying-for-nursing-homes-are-children-on-the-hook/803194)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-paying-for-nursing-homes-are-children-on-the-hook/803194 "2017-12-02T23:12:56Z")
I know that paying for nursing homes can be a real fustercluck, and I have heard that if a parent is in a non-Medicaid facility and the money runs out before the parent can be transferred, their children are on the hook … --- ## [Is the Etruscan word aiser related to the Norse word Æsir?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-etruscan-word-aiser-related-to-the-norse-word-aesir/803157)
**Author:** [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-etruscan-word-aiser-related-to-the-norse-word-aesir/803157 "2017-12-02T22:46:22Z")
I just watched a video about the pronunciation of Etruscan. It was well done, I think, although I’ve never heard Etruscan spoken aloud before so I can’t quite say. I couldn’t help but be struck by the Etruscan word for … --- ## [Why is the term person of interest used instead of suspect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-term-person-of-interest-used-instead-of-suspect/803061)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-term-person-of-interest-used-instead-of-suspect/803061 "2017-12-02T22:33:04Z")
I often see law enforcement agencies refer to someone that most people would think of as a suspect as a person of interest instead. Why did this term come about? I would think a person of interest is someone like the no… --- ## [Is it any worse to be sick with 10 cold viruses at once than just one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-any-worse-to-be-sick-with-10-cold-viruses-at-once-than-just-one/803227)
**Author:** [@seidensticker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seidensticker)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-any-worse-to-be-sick-with-10-cold-viruses-at-once-than-just-one/803227 "2017-12-02T21:28:34Z")
If there were only one cold virus, it would make you sick for a week, and that would be that. After you recovered, you’d be immune from colds (though perhaps that immunity wanes with time). Unfortunately, there are lots… --- ## [Where are the white pages now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-white-pages-now/802986)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-white-pages-now/802986 "2017-12-02T18:00:37Z")
How do you all look up numbers now? There are too many people who want to sell you public info on google. What happened to free listings? --- ## [PayPal - is there a minimum payment amount?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-is-there-a-minimum-payment-amount/159250)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-is-there-a-minimum-payment-amount/159250 "2017-12-02T16:25:52Z")
I was just looking at my PayPal account and it occurred to me that since they charge me (£0.20 + 3.4%) to receive CC payments, if somebody were to send me a payment of value less than £0.20, the transaction would net out… --- ## [Where does this cord go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-this-cord-go/803149)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-this-cord-go/803149 "2017-12-02T15:10:21Z")
My home office has a few cords coming out of the floor. One of them appears to be ethernet\*, and the other goes into a small plastic box with two ethernet\* ports labelled “Phone Lines 1 & 2” and “VDSL in DT Out”. I’m pr… --- ## [Best glue for styrofoam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-glue-for-styrofoam/803219)
**Author:** [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-glue-for-styrofoam/803219 "2017-12-02T14:46:52Z")
My hot tub cover (styrofoam core) is shot. I’m reluctant to pay the $600+ for a replacement, so I thought I’d make my own. Unfortunately 4" thick foam costs a fortune, so I plan on laminating inexpensive Lowes 3/4"x2’x4’… --- ## [Geo constraints](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geo-constraints/803300)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geo-constraints/803300 "2017-12-02T14:38:49Z")
I’m confused. I thought the Internet was intended to make the flow of information borderless as it were. So why are there now Geo constraints? What the heck are they exactly? Why were they made? Who benefits from them … --- ## [What does it mean when Google Street View skips a block?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-google-street-view-skips-a-block/802998)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-when-google-street-view-skips-a-block/802998 "2017-12-02T13:54:39Z")
This is not out in the middle of nowhere (which is usually covered anyway), these are (a few, admittedly) streets here in San Francisco. How many years have they been doing street view? My little nothing street gets re-s… --- ## [Where to donate a unused, basic medical supplies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-donate-a-unused-basic-medical-supplies/803258)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-to-donate-a-unused-basic-medical-supplies/803258 "2017-12-02T12:49:52Z")
We are in the unfortunate position of having a good handful of unused, basic medical supplies. Tubing, saline syringes, IV caps, etc. I would prefer that they get some use, but do not have the time or ability at the mom… --- ## [Will freezing in water prevent freezer burn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-freezing-in-water-prevent-freezer-burn/309976)
**Author:** [@Standup\_Karmic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Standup_Karmic)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2005, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-freezing-in-water-prevent-freezer-burn/309976 "2005-06-27T05:25:04Z")
I have a freezer that freezer burns my stuff. Quite badly. If I were to submerge an item – say, shrimp – in water, and then freeze the whole thing, will that prevent the shrimp from suffering freezer burn? --- ## [foam mats buckling on basement floor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-mats-buckling-on-basement-floor/803098)
**Author:** [@shinnen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shinnen)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foam-mats-buckling-on-basement-floor/803098 "2017-12-02T05:32:46Z")
Hi, This may not be the place to ask this, but let’s give it a try. A few years ago, we put interlocking (jigsaw style) foam mats over the concrete on the basement floor. For a couple of years they were fine, but then … --- ## [Car running cold. What gives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-running-cold-what-gives/803003)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-running-cold-what-gives/803003 "2017-12-02T00:48:28Z")
2005 Jeep Liberty. Gave it an oil change and replaced the gasket where the lower radiator hose goes into the block via the thermostat. I mixed the coolant myself so pretty sure I didn’t mix water with 50/50. Drove it … --- ## [Why is the Koran ordered the way it is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-koran-ordered-the-way-it-is/803245)
**Author:** [@Jake\_Bullet\_Traffic\_Control](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake_Bullet_Traffic_Control)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2017, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-koran-ordered-the-way-it-is/803245 "2017-12-01T22:23:47Z")
I’ve not read the Koran, but I recently learned that the chapters are ordered by length, longest to shortest, rather than chronologically. Does anyone know why that is? --- ## [Anatomy of a tick/mite bite: Where are the chelicerae?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anatomy-of-a-tick-mite-bite-where-are-the-chelicerae/249576)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2017, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anatomy-of-a-tick-mite-bite-where-are-the-chelicerae/249576 "2017-12-01T18:48:56Z")
I saw an excellent program on ticks on the a Discovery channel some months ago when they had a break in their regularly scheduled programming of overhauling motorcycle engines and documentaries on the Bermuda triangle. T… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=644) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=646)