# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=957 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 958 --- ## [What is the purpose of the oral arguments at SCOTUS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-oral-arguments-at-scotus/743594)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2016, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-oral-arguments-at-scotus/743594 "2016-02-06T03:21:12Z")
What is the purpose of the oral argument part of SCOTUS cases? The cases heard by SCOTUS are, pretty much by definition, complex. The justices have received lengthy briefs from both petitioner and respondent, and usuall… --- ## [What's the deal with George Soros?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-george-soros/745178)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2016, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-deal-with-george-soros/745178 "2016-02-06T03:01:09Z")
Ok this may be the wrong place to start this thread, so moderators feel free to move it. I’ve been hearing all these conspiracies about George Soros on talk radio and tv for years now, mostly from conservative sources: … --- ## [How to gauge the strength (or stupidity) of a custom car cargo carrier?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-gauge-the-strength-or-stupidity-of-a-custom-car-cargo-carrier/745145)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2016, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-gauge-the-strength-or-stupidity-of-a-custom-car-cargo-carrier/745145 "2016-02-06T01:20:21Z")
How to gauge the strength (or stupidity) of a custom car cargo carrier? We spend summers travelling to music festivals in Fest Van, a 1995 Mazda MPV. One of the larger items—really important with a six-year-old—is our g… --- ## [Why isn't zika virus causing birth defects in Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-zika-virus-causing-birth-defects-in-africa/745200)
**Author:** [@Rick\_Kitchen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick_Kitchen)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-zika-virus-causing-birth-defects-in-africa/745200 "2016-02-05T23:43:19Z")
If the zika virus originated in Africa, why are the media not reporting cases of birth defects in Africa? --- ## [My Photo Stream on iApple devices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-photo-stream-on-iapple-devices/744601)
**Author:** [@orangeapples](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orangeapples)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-photo-stream-on-iapple-devices/744601 "2016-02-05T23:17:29Z")
I have an older iPod, 6.1 I believe, and put some ill-advised photos on it recently. I then quickly reconsidered that course of action, and deleted said photos in short order. Upon doing a paranoid review of the albums … --- ## [How to choose a master password for LastPass](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-a-master-password-for-lastpass/745103)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-a-master-password-for-lastpass/745103 "2016-02-05T23:02:39Z")
I used to use an alphanumeric string with some punctuation spelling out a certain quotation. I believe that quotation itself became more common on the internet than it used to be, so I’ve changed my LastPass master passw… --- ## [Why are people selling $20 bills for $24 on Ebay? Plus shipping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-selling-20-bills-for-24-on-ebay-plus-shipping/744821)
**Author:** [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-selling-20-bills-for-24-on-ebay-plus-shipping/744821 "2016-02-05T22:58:33Z")
Ok, I’ve been staring at these auction for a while and I just can’t put it together. People are selling $20 bills (as well as other denominations) well above face value, with a couple extra bucks thrown in for shipping,… --- ## [What's the fastest a person could be frozen completely solid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-fastest-a-person-could-be-frozen-completely-solid/745161)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-fastest-a-person-could-be-frozen-completely-solid/745161 "2016-02-05T21:34:49Z")
Naively, the colder something is, the faster it could freeze a person. However I’m told that liquid nitrogen for example forms a vapor barrier which actually slows heat transfer. And then there’s the specific heat of the… --- ## [Can you convert HDMI to coaxial cable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-convert-hdmi-to-coaxial-cable/745019)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-convert-hdmi-to-coaxial-cable/745019 "2016-02-05T21:33:59Z")
I upgraded my cable/DVR and they gave me a main box and a set top box for my old second TV. However, I didn’t have the storage I was promised.They said that they would upgrade and I switched to a new DVD box. However, wh… --- ## [Chemical trail traced with purple (UV?) light as seen on Better Call Saul](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemical-trail-traced-with-purple-uv-light-as-seen-on-better-call-saul/745213)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chemical-trail-traced-with-purple-uv-light-as-seen-on-better-call-saul/745213 "2016-02-05T21:26:25Z")
Season 1, Episode 7 of Better Call Saul (“Bingo”). Not necessarily really a spoiler but just to err on the side of caution, spoiler-boxed: So what chemical would realistically fit this scene? It would have to be visibl… --- ## [Bad year for whale strandings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-year-for-whale-strandings/745266)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-year-for-whale-strandings/745266 "2016-02-05T20:48:34Z")
Countries that dont see whale strandings are experiencing a glut. India, UK, Germany, Chile. Has the polar shift started in earnest? Has it skewed the whale navigation systems? --- ## [In SAS graphs, what's that thing to control which elements appear on top of which other elements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-sas-graphs-whats-that-thing-to-control-which-elements-appear-on-top-of-which-other-elements/745260)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-sas-graphs-whats-that-thing-to-control-which-elements-appear-on-top-of-which-other-elements/745260 "2016-02-05T19:52:13Z")
There’s some way in SAS software to force various elements in a graph to get drawn in the order you want, so for example a fine line appears in front of the cloud of big dots rather than hidden behind it. I know the choi… --- ## [Please help me understand health insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-health-insurance/745196)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-help-me-understand-health-insurance/745196 "2016-02-05T19:47:21Z")
So, its that time of year again. Health insurance is large in the minds of us folks living in the Guest House. Looking at plan details, something I’ve never understood is individual deductible and family deductible. H… --- ## [How to get proof the house is paid off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-proof-the-house-is-paid-off/745054)
**Author:** [@misling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/misling)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-proof-the-house-is-paid-off/745054 "2016-02-05T19:13:08Z")
Quite a while ago we paid off our mortgage. During its life, it was sold several times to different mortgage companies. I tried several times to get some statement or deed proving the mortgage was paid off - I meant to… --- ## [How can 128 ounces = 133.5 ounces?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-128-ounces-133-5-ounces/744876)
**Author:** [@Johnegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnegee)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-128-ounces-133-5-ounces/744876 "2016-02-05T18:08:08Z")
According to Google Search and Wolfram and other online conversion programs, 3.785411784 liters = 128 fluid ounces. Please feel free to check for yourself. So I would think that if you switch from liters (volume) to gr… --- ## [Microwaved a stink bug -- now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaved-a-stink-bug-now-what/745093)
**Author:** [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microwaved-a-stink-bug-now-what/745093 "2016-02-05T17:12:54Z")
Apparently the unexpected pop I heard yesterday was a now deceased and dried out stink bug. The microwave has been used a few times since, so the smell has penetrated throughout. Washing it out with a soapy rag hasn’t c… --- ## [Were absurd accusations of racism or racist conspiracies ever really a semi-common occurrence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-absurd-accusations-of-racism-or-racist-conspiracies-ever-really-a-semi-common-occurrence/745078)
**Author:** [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-absurd-accusations-of-racism-or-racist-conspiracies-ever-really-a-semi-common-occurrence/745078 "2016-02-05T16:58:17Z")
There’s a standard comedy cliche of characters calling something (usually a statement or performance) racist because said thing contains either parts that are black or brown, parts that are white, or both. For example, o… --- ## [Comparing 2 remanufactured auto engine companies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-2-remanufactured-auto-engine-companies/745244)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comparing-2-remanufactured-auto-engine-companies/745244 "2016-02-05T16:54:01Z")
Need a new engine and I really like Powertrain Products. My mechanic goes through Jasper which seems to be hit or miss in their reviews. Anyone have any experience with either company? --- ## [Biting the big one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biting-the-big-one/549903)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biting-the-big-one/549903 "2016-02-05T16:36:31Z")
To ‘bite the big one’ is to die. But… the big one what? Back in the '80s my friends and I would say so-and-so bit the big cookie. I don’t remember why biting a big cookie is deadly, but to bite the big cookie means bi… --- ## [How fast was JFK's car going when he was shot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-was-jfks-car-going-when-he-was-shot/745032)
**Author:** [@sara20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sara20)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-was-jfks-car-going-when-he-was-shot/745032 "2016-02-05T13:10:25Z")
Does anyone know how fast was JFK’s car going when he was shot, and if it sped up or slowed down at all after the first shot, until the last shot? --- ## [Yiddish proverb translate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yiddish-proverb-translate/745159)
**Author:** [@quicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/quicker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yiddish-proverb-translate/745159 "2016-02-05T10:13:24Z")
Can someone please tell me the original Yiddish for this proverb? “If God wants people to suffer he sends them too much understanding.” --- ## [How do vehicles in the millitary start?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-vehicles-in-the-millitary-start/744947)
**Author:** [@bomberswarm2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bomberswarm2)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-vehicles-in-the-millitary-start/744947 "2016-02-05T02:51:33Z")
How did the cars and tanks get started by the soldiers? Any soldier could need to drive and car or tank at any time, or even the enemy’s. I’m sure they don’t have a key, so how do these get started without any risk of th… --- ## [Yahoo doesn't look right \[in Safari\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-doesnt-look-right-in-safari/737061)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-doesnt-look-right-in-safari/737061 "2016-02-05T02:48:33Z")
I thought I’d asked this before, but then I may have found a solution before asking. Anyway… The Yahoo home page. Prior to earlier today, the top of the page had an image. Below the image were a series of thumbnails … --- ## [Re story about cheating pro-bicyclist how do you hide a cheating "motor" in a racing bicycle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-story-about-cheating-pro-bicyclist-how-do-you-hide-a-cheating-motor-in-a-racing-bicycle/744886)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-story-about-cheating-pro-bicyclist-how-do-you-hide-a-cheating-motor-in-a-racing-bicycle/744886 "2016-02-05T02:42:42Z")
Per the story below (which does not have tech details) how do you put/hide a useful motor in a skinny frame racing bike? Any pics of how this is accomplished? Cyclist withdraws from race after officials find a hidden mo… --- ## [2001 Taurus: T/C button](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2001-taurus-t-c-button/745188)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2001-taurus-t-c-button/745188 "2016-02-05T01:41:10Z")
My 2001 Ford Taurus SES has an odd button on the instrument panel, right in front of the tachometer. It’s only label is “T/C”. WTF does that button do? I don’t notice anything different whether it’s on or off. --- ## [On Yellow vs. White-Hued Headlights (and high beams)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-yellow-vs-white-hued-headlights-and-high-beams/743966)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-yellow-vs-white-hued-headlights-and-high-beams/743966 "2016-02-05T01:37:42Z")
I was driving on the freeway tonight, and suddenly when I looked in the rear-view I felt semi-blinded by the lights of the car behind me. My first reaction was, “does this asshole have his high beams on?” But I couldn’t … --- ## [Garbage disposal just hums?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garbage-disposal-just-hums/519923)
**Author:** [@Mr.Lahey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Lahey)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garbage-disposal-just-hums/519923 "2016-02-05T01:35:47Z")
My gabage disposal does not work. It only makes a humming sound. I have used the wrench at the bottom to rotate it and make sure it’s not jammed. I also have tried pressing the breaker switch on the bottom but I still o… --- ## [Way to get marriage and divorce records if not on-line?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-get-marriage-and-divorce-records-if-not-on-line/744983)
**Author:** [@boozilu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boozilu)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-to-get-marriage-and-divorce-records-if-not-on-line/744983 "2016-02-05T01:31:18Z")
My mother was married before she married my dad, and we need to find copies of the records to prove she had a legal divorce for her to receive benefits through my dad. She thinks it was probably in 1955, either in India… --- ## [Are there any streets with names containing all four cardinal points?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-streets-with-names-containing-all-four-cardinal-points/744501)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-streets-with-names-containing-all-four-cardinal-points/744501 "2016-02-05T01:29:36Z")
I see an address on Southeast North Bend Way. OK, ‘Southeast’ isn’t a cardinal point, but close enough for the purposes of this question. So it has south, east, and north. If there were an East North Bend Way and a We… --- ## [Sewing thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewing-thread/266562)
**Author:** [@Saranga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saranga)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2016, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sewing-thread/266562 "2016-02-05T01:09:01Z")
First of all, I don’t know jack about sewing. What’s the strongest thread available for me to sew with? Do people sew with fishing line? I am trying to anchor some hard foam in place and I think thread would be the most… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=956) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=958)