# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=988 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 989 --- ## [Debt programs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-programs/740322)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debt-programs/740322 "2015-12-14T17:16:30Z")
Hi SD, I was listening just now to a radio commercial that claims that if you’re 5000 or more in debt, the company will work with your creditors to lower your interest rate, reduce, even eliminate your debt. How does t… --- ## [Did Ted Kennedy have any Bastard Children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ted-kennedy-have-any-bastard-children/740419)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-ted-kennedy-have-any-bastard-children/740419 "2015-12-14T17:15:59Z")
The late Senator Kennedy was famous for his affairs…I have always wondered if he had any children from any of them. In any case, given the potential for scandal, would such a child be hidden behind payoffs, legal agreem… --- ## [Why is copper used for hot water pipes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-copper-used-for-hot-water-pipes/740188)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-copper-used-for-hot-water-pipes/740188 "2015-12-14T17:09:20Z")
Copper is one of the best known conductors of heat. Wouldn’t this waste energy by dumping heat from the water into whatever the pipes are touching? Also, with metal prices the way they are, I doubt copper saves any mo… --- ## [did the discovery of the southern hemisphere affect astronomy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-discovery-of-the-southern-hemisphere-affect-astronomy/740095)
**Author:** [@curwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curwin)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-discovery-of-the-southern-hemisphere-affect-astronomy/740095 "2015-12-14T15:39:12Z")
When did Europeans first discover the equator and that south of it the seasons are reversed? That must have come as a pretty significant shock to them, no? --- ## [a little help with transistors please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-help-with-transistors-please/740100)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-little-help-with-transistors-please/740100 "2015-12-14T14:04:13Z")
I am just getting into arduino, electronics etc. There are lots of great tutorials online. One of the circuits requires a transistor. The circuit didn’t work as expected and I decided to test all my components. I hav… --- ## [Stupid question: I bought some stock online, but forgot where](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-i-bought-some-stock-online-but-forgot-where/740238)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-question-i-bought-some-stock-online-but-forgot-where/740238 "2015-12-14T13:07:26Z")
Probably around 10 years ago or so, I bought some stock online in a tech company you guys have heard of. It wasn’t much, as I was very poor at the time but I felt very responsible for spending my money that way-but I’ve… --- ## [Why does my armpit itch so badly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-armpit-itch-so-badly/460819)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-armpit-itch-so-badly/460819 "2015-12-14T07:52:58Z")
I certainly hope this doesn’t fall under the category of asking for medical advice. If so, my apologies. Long story short, my left armpit has been itchy for more than a week. At first I couldn’t see any visible skin irr… --- ## [How many GB needed for mobile hotspot on phone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-gb-needed-for-mobile-hotspot-on-phone/733655)
**Author:** [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-gb-needed-for-mobile-hotspot-on-phone/733655 "2015-12-14T06:45:01Z")
We bought a lakehouse in a remote location that is not serviced by cable. I’ve searched around for other solutions but they leave a lot to be desired. The satellite internet companies are very expensive and restrictive… --- ## [Another computer nuisance--installing an already-installed program](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-computer-nuisance-installing-an-already-installed-program/740187)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-computer-nuisance-installing-an-already-installed-program/740187 "2015-12-14T06:16:23Z")
As if I haven’t had enough computer problems lately, now Windows Installer is aggravating the situation. Every time I log on a box appears informing me that Windows Installer is installing a program I have, called Photo … --- ## [FM station that can be heard In the most states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-station-that-can-be-heard-in-the-most-states/740320)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fm-station-that-can-be-heard-in-the-most-states/740320 "2015-12-14T06:06:44Z")
I usually listen to WFNK if I am driving somewhere far because it has the longest range of any station in my area. I live in Maine, and have been able to hear this station in parts of NH, Mass , and Vermont as well. Th… --- ## [When the placebo effect works...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-placebo-effect-works/740390)
**Author:** [@Ornery\_Bob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ornery_Bob)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-placebo-effect-works/740390 "2015-12-14T05:46:21Z")
Many years ago I read an article in a popular psychology magazine about a study that had been done to look at the differences in talk therapy vs. drug therapy for a group of psychiatric patients. All of the patients were… --- ## [Woodworkers, would you help me figure out how much wood to order for a project?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-would-you-help-me-figure-out-how-much-wood-to-order-for-a-project/740091)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woodworkers-would-you-help-me-figure-out-how-much-wood-to-order-for-a-project/740091 "2015-12-14T05:44:10Z")
Thanks to lots of help from the Dope, I’ve been building a workshop—going from a fix-it area to a burgeoning crafting area. And, as a good beginner, I first made a bandsaw box and frame, and now it’s time to make a cutti… --- ## [How would this "lampblack" substance turn modulated light into comprehensible sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-this-lampblack-substance-turn-modulated-light-into-comprehensible-sound/740393)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-this-lampblack-substance-turn-modulated-light-into-comprehensible-sound/740393 "2015-12-14T04:56:38Z")
Today I learned that Alexander Graham Bell invented a form of wireless telephony which created its signal by using a vibrating mirror to modulate light, then translated the signal back into sound by having the light shin… --- ## [Linear least squares optimization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linear-least-squares-optimization/740223)
**Author:** [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/linear-least-squares-optimization/740223 "2015-12-14T04:08:42Z")
I need to compute a set of coefficients c that best minimizes e for: x\[sub\]n\[/sub\] - e = c\[sub\]1\[/sub\]x\[sub\]n-1\[/sub\] + c\[sub\]2\[/sub\]x\[sub\]n-2\[/sub\] + … + c\[sub\]l\[/sub\]x\[sub\]n-l\[/sub\] I have quite a lot of data points … --- ## [Origin of duck, duck, goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-duck-duck-goose/740185)
**Author:** [@Alviano](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alviano)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-duck-duck-goose/740185 "2015-12-14T03:56:45Z")
Duck, duck, goose where and why did it come to be? --- ## [Electrical engineer question about charger](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineer-question-about-charger/740302)
**Author:** [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-engineer-question-about-charger/740302 "2015-12-14T02:49:25Z")
I have a CPAP machine and wanted to get a battery backup for it. The one I want comes in a nice kit and is capable of starting a car. I wanted to keep it in my motorcycle saddlebag for emergencies which are highly lik… --- ## [Transmission trouble...Need Help with my 00 Nissan Xtera Please!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmission-trouble-need-help-with-my-00-nissan-xtera-please/740367)
**Author:** [@vegasthormahlen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vegasthormahlen)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transmission-trouble-need-help-with-my-00-nissan-xtera-please/740367 "2015-12-14T02:30:01Z")
Hi… I recently had the band in the drum of my transmission replaced. It ran normal for about a week then began to start slipping when engaging gears. Last night it would not shift into 4 or 5th gear and was idling high? … --- ## [Pedometer says 669 KCALS What does that mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pedometer-says-669-kcals-what-does-that-mean/738242)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pedometer-says-669-kcals-what-does-that-mean/738242 "2015-12-14T01:13:04Z")
My pedometer says 18,235 steps, 8 miles, 669 KCALS. What are KCALS? And how do they relate to calories burned? I’m a 165 lbs. if that info is needed. --- ## [Are Prepaid Cell Phones More Expensive In The Middle East?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prepaid-cell-phones-more-expensive-in-the-middle-east/740282)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-prepaid-cell-phones-more-expensive-in-the-middle-east/740282 "2015-12-14T01:10:26Z")
On at least seven occasions in the past week or so, men (in at least one case Middle-Eastern men) have purchased several dozen pre-paid cell phones at a time, paying with cash, at various Walmart locations in Missouri. W… --- ## [Why can't toasters work better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-toasters-work-better/739709)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-toasters-work-better/739709 "2015-12-14T00:48:26Z")
(I really hesitated over where to put this – maybe it should be CS because it’s sorta about food but really about physics, I think so… apologies to the mod if you have to move it.) Anyway, I’ve had multiple toasters o… --- ## [Nationall Political Polls & Powers That Be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationall-political-polls-powers-that-be/732130)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2015, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nationall-political-polls-powers-that-be/732130 "2015-12-14T00:28:26Z")
You hear it every day. The national media quotes “the latest polls”. But, who are the ones doing the polling? And, who are the ones polled? One would think they’d find pollsters around every corner in every town…right… --- ## [Gender discrimination: What endeavors are closed to men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-discrimination-what-endeavors-are-closed-to-men/705725)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-discrimination-what-endeavors-are-closed-to-men/705725 "2015-12-13T23:57:24Z")
This question is not limited to any specific culture or jurisdiction, and is intended to be interpreted broadly. Also, please no terminology nitpicking - I know that there is a technical distinction between “gender” and … --- ## [Largest possible "super-Earth"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/largest-possible-super-earth/740281)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/largest-possible-super-earth/740281 "2015-12-13T22:44:28Z")
Is there a practical calculation that would reveal how large an astronomical body could be and still form a lithosphere? The really large non-stellar bodies in this system appear to have no discernible “surface”, transit… --- ## [Why do airplane black boxes only record voice? Why not video as well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airplane-black-boxes-only-record-voice-why-not-video-as-well/674147)
**Author:** [@Vicullum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicullum)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-airplane-black-boxes-only-record-voice-why-not-video-as-well/674147 "2015-12-13T22:14:14Z")
After watching every season of Air Crash Investigation it occurred to me how much easier it’d be to figure out the cause of a crash if airlines would simply put a camera in the cockpit. Hell, the technology is so cheap n… --- ## [TSA Pre-Check](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsa-pre-check/740251)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tsa-pre-check/740251 "2015-12-13T19:02:40Z")
TSA Pre-Check gives you shorter security lines and a little less hassle (don’t have to take your shoes off). If you are ‘Pre-checked’ it’s noted on the boarding pass. I almost missed it. Is this a random thing? I nev… --- ## [Anchoring a gazebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anchoring-a-gazebo/657544)
**Author:** [@bot3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bot3)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anchoring-a-gazebo/657544 "2015-12-13T18:14:04Z")
I’m erecting a gazebo on patio paver blocks. The blocks are 18" x 18" square. The gazebo is 10’ x 12’ with four beveled corners allowing for up to 4 mounting holes in each corner. As is well known these gazebos are very… --- ## [Vat Grown beef? Why Not Vat Grown Lobster, Crab?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vat-grown-beef-why-not-vat-grown-lobster-crab/740067)
**Author:** [@botsgotme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/botsgotme)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vat-grown-beef-why-not-vat-grown-lobster-crab/740067 "2015-12-13T17:26:07Z")
The possibility of mass growth of animal muscle tissue has been investigated, and i believe that it is feasible. So could we grow the edible parts of lobsters and crabs by the same techniques? Has anyone tried this? Anot… --- ## [Mystery object --can you ID it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-object-can-you-id-it/740328)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-object-can-you-id-it/740328 "2015-12-13T16:10:40Z")
(Sorry, I don’t have a working camera at hand. If what this is this isn’t ‘obvious’ to someone, I’ll get a friend to help me with a photo.) I’ve been sorting through boxes left from my mother’s estate and found … somet… --- ## [Countries That Are Almost Neighbors But Separated By A Third Country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-that-are-almost-neighbors-but-separated-by-a-third-country/740045)
**Author:** [@Nema98](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nema98)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-that-are-almost-neighbors-but-separated-by-a-third-country/740045 "2015-12-13T16:08:06Z")
I hope I can word this correctly, but I am looking for instances when two countries nearly border one another but are separated by a narrow land belonging to another country. In other words near misses when it comes to n… --- ## [Earliest historical event with a confirmed date](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-historical-event-with-a-confirmed-date/740131)
**Author:** [@Artfog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Artfog)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/earliest-historical-event-with-a-confirmed-date/740131 "2015-12-13T15:56:38Z")
What is the earliest historical event that can be reliably pinned down to a specific day? These are the closest I’ve found but with a lot of ambiguity as to the year: The Battle of Megido is supposed to have occurred on… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=987) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=989)