# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=650 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 651 --- ## [Do Brass over steel meat grinders plates exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-brass-over-steel-meat-grinders-plates-exist/801883)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-brass-over-steel-meat-grinders-plates-exist/801883 "2017-11-20T11:35:50Z")
Probably a fairly niche question,but I figured what the hell, I 'd ask. So I was doing some straightening up and sorting away of boxes and came upon on old Oster stand mixer, with a meat grinder attachment. I have bee… --- ## [Instead of eliminating the penny, why not just scale back production?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instead-of-eliminating-the-penny-why-not-just-scale-back-production/802052)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instead-of-eliminating-the-penny-why-not-just-scale-back-production/802052 "2017-11-20T07:39:18Z")
I was thinking about this today, instead of the USA (or any country) eliminating the penny due to costs associated with it. Why don’t they just scale production down drastically? I pulled 10 pennies out of my pocket, th… --- ## [So why don’t we know what is beyond our observable universe?...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-don-t-we-know-what-is-beyond-our-observable-universe/801739)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2017, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-don-t-we-know-what-is-beyond-our-observable-universe/801739 "2017-11-20T02:03:13Z")
… or at least how much? The physics threads here got me more interested in learning about how our universe works, so I’ve been watching a lot of PBS Spacetime and How The Universe Works. According to what I’ve seen, we… --- ## [Looking for idioms about experience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-idioms-about-experience/801677)
**Author:** [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-idioms-about-experience/801677 "2017-11-19T21:06:42Z")
Spanish has a bunch of idioms or sentences which boil down to “you’re underestimating my experience, knowledge and threat level”. I’m sure English has its own colorful ways of saying the same thing, but I’m currently dra… --- ## [Determining my Firefox version (it won't run)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determining-my-firefox-version-it-wont-run/802101)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determining-my-firefox-version-it-wont-run/802101 "2017-11-19T21:04:53Z")
I started Firefox and it started downloading an update. It’s not supposed to do that, I had it configured to “ask every time”. So I hit escape. Bad idea. Now it won’t try to run, shows a message about “cannot find firef… --- ## [for the love of god, can anyhow solve this mystery how to use this luggage strap??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-love-of-god-can-anyhow-solve-this-mystery-how-to-use-this-luggage-strap/802076)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-the-love-of-god-can-anyhow-solve-this-mystery-how-to-use-this-luggage-strap/802076 "2017-11-19T19:42:37Z")
this has caused me frustration for over half a year before I realised I could get help here… how do you even use this luggage strap?? \[… --- ## [Which exercise equipment for shoulder exercises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-exercise-equipment-for-shoulder-exercises/801843)
**Author:** [@edwardcoast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwardcoast)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-exercise-equipment-for-shoulder-exercises/801843 "2017-11-19T19:20:47Z")
I hurt my shoulder doing something. Likely pushing too hard on the remote control. :slight\_smile: Anyway, my doctor said I should do some of these exercises called THROWER’S TEN EXERCISE PROGRAM. He said I need to do … --- ## [Is it true that a roll of dimes or nickles can protect your hand in a fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-a-roll-of-dimes-or-nickles-can-protect-your-hand-in-a-fight/700781)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-true-that-a-roll-of-dimes-or-nickles-can-protect-your-hand-in-a-fight/700781 "2017-11-19T17:37:25Z")
I’ve seen this mentioned in crime fiction. Characters in Rex Stout, and Mickey Spillane novels would protect their hands with a roll of coins. Often a roll of dimes or nickles for guys with bigger hands. IIRC Saul Panzer… --- ## [Question about charging an iPod (yes, I have one!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789)
**Author:** [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-charging-an-ipod-yes-i-have-one/801789 "2017-11-19T16:30:09Z")
I have a 10-year old iPod that still works like a champ! I use it on flights and drives to catch up on podcasts, and maybe play a little solitaire. I have other electronics, but music/camera/games have all been softwar… --- ## [How do I keep a game score on my Android Notifications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-keep-a-game-score-on-my-android-notifications/802017)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-keep-a-game-score-on-my-android-notifications/802017 "2017-11-19T16:24:11Z")
Somehow, magically Google notices that I used Google to search for a game score. I keep that Chrome Tab open, refresh (the search) to see who is ahead. Once in awhile, Google adds the score to my notifications and on my… --- ## ["Seasoning" a cheap stainless steel muffin pan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seasoning-a-cheap-stainless-steel-muffin-pan/766470)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seasoning-a-cheap-stainless-steel-muffin-pan/766470 "2017-11-19T14:43:22Z")
A while back I decided to make some muffins so I went to Wal-Mart and bought a cheap muffin pan for $.88 and, since I’m cheap, some canola oil instead of Pam (spray-on food-release oil). Soon after I discovered that “st… --- ## [Do Muslim Males Get Circumcised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-muslim-males-get-circumcised/801663)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-muslim-males-get-circumcised/801663 "2017-11-19T12:05:54Z")
In the Old Testament, Abraham commands all the males in his house to be circumcised. This included young Ishmael who was still living in his house. As I understand it, the Muslims recognize Abraham as their patriarch. An… --- ## [talc vs starch vs cellulose as foot powder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054)
**Author:** [@G.A.Pster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.A.Pster)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talc-vs-starch-vs-cellulose-as-foot-powder/802054 "2017-11-19T08:09:10Z")
I’ve seen various starches, talc, and cellulose with talc, all as a base in foot powders. How do they all compare? There must be differences in absorbancy, smoothness, PH, or something that would make some better than … --- ## [question from the landlord owned router thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-from-the-landlord-owned-router-thread/802014)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-from-the-landlord-owned-router-thread/802014 "2017-11-19T07:57:50Z")
Ok in this thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=841930d The op is moving in to a place where the ownership controls the internet My questions are on the "no illegal/questionable downloads… does m… --- ## [Can't sign into my YouTube account](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-sign-into-my-youtube-account/802044)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-sign-into-my-youtube-account/802044 "2017-11-19T04:36:15Z")
In 2007 I created a YouTube account and I uploaded a few videos. How do I go about signing into my account? Here’s the problem: I created the account with a hotmail address I’d set up for my late mother. To log into Y… --- ## [Volo Bog Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volo-bog-fire/801846)
**Author:** [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volo-bog-fire/801846 "2017-11-19T02:08:37Z")
Hi, everybody. My husband was going on and on tonight about a fire burning underground in the Volo Bog that’s been going on for years. I have done a search on google for everything I could think of, but no luck. Does … --- ## [Have lightning strikes killed whales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-lightning-strikes-killed-whales/802006)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2017, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-lightning-strikes-killed-whales/802006 "2017-11-19T01:59:38Z")
Have there been verified cases of whale deaths due to lightning strikes. How do large sea creatures react to thunder and lightning? Any evidence that they dive to deeper depth to stay away from the sound and light show t… --- ## [Do most militaries think "blue=friendly" and "red=hostile?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-militaries-think-blue-friendly-and-red-hostile/801709)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-most-militaries-think-blue-friendly-and-red-hostile/801709 "2017-11-18T23:26:05Z")
AIUI, in NATO and Western circles it’s typical for militaries to refer to friendly forces as “blue” and hostile forces as “red.” And I wonder if, in militaries like Russia’s or China’s or other “hostile” countries (host… --- ## [cost of asbestos removal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-asbestos-removal/572689)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cost-of-asbestos-removal/572689 "2017-11-18T21:47:28Z")
A friend of mine has piping in his home that has asbestos insulation and is looking to have it removed (obvisouly). Apparently, a contractor gave him a price that he thought was crazy high. He posted on facebook asking… --- ## [Dothraki, Vulcan etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dothraki-vulcan-etc/801939)
**Author:** [@legion60](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/legion60)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dothraki-vulcan-etc/801939 "2017-11-18T21:05:38Z")
Are any of these fictional languages actually real? How many words does a language need to have to be a real language anyway? What make a few or a few hundred or a few thousand words a language? Or is it the number of sp… --- ## [Lead/asbestos removal questions -RREM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lead-asbestos-removal-questions-rrem/725774)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lead-asbestos-removal-questions-rrem/725774 "2017-11-18T19:45:38Z")
This is a bit long - sorry. Our NJ house was damaged during Superstorm Sandy and we are considering elevating using grant money. As part of the process a “scope of work” report was prepared by the grant administrators li… --- ## [Staying in church to avoid arrest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staying-in-church-to-avoid-arrest/801727)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/staying-in-church-to-avoid-arrest/801727 "2017-11-18T15:46:54Z")
Has it always been the case in the US that police don’t want to arrest someone in church? It seems now the main people who use this are people trying to avoid deportation . I assume that you can stay in church to av… --- ## [Is an unlocatable US “Private Ryan” possible now? Then? / MIA trends](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-unlocatable-us-private-ryan-possible-now-then-mia-trends/801879)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-unlocatable-us-private-ryan-possible-now-then-mia-trends/801879 "2017-11-18T05:05:44Z")
Query means: the plot of Saving Private Ryan is predicated on finding what is portrayed as a needle in a haystack. Granted, we are told his parachute drop was scattered to hell. He’s eventually located in a tiny besieged… --- ## [Is Julius Caesar's bloodline traceable to present day?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-julius-caesars-bloodline-traceable-to-present-day/542725)
**Author:** [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-julius-caesars-bloodline-traceable-to-present-day/542725 "2017-11-18T04:45:26Z")
Of course for the average mortal I would never expect to be able to follow a genealogy that far back. But for someone whose lineage was considered as important as Caesar’s, one would think they would have made some effor… --- ## [Sleeping in a closed car w/ the engine off. Can you run out of oxygen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeping-in-a-closed-car-w-the-engine-off-can-you-run-out-of-oxygen/606625)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleeping-in-a-closed-car-w-the-engine-off-can-you-run-out-of-oxygen/606625 "2017-11-18T03:58:06Z")
Just curious. If you fall asleep in a car with the engine off and the windows all the way up can you eventually use up all the oxygen in the air and asphyxiate yourself if you are asleep long enough or are cars designed … --- ## [Navy pilot contrails dirty pictures, if you squint and think about it. The legal mind boggles...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-pilot-contrails-dirty-pictures-if-you-squint-and-think-about-it-the-legal-mind-boggles/801925)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/navy-pilot-contrails-dirty-pictures-if-you-squint-and-think-about-it-the-legal-mind-boggles/801925 "2017-11-18T02:57:01Z")
A partial image, SFW because it’s just a cloud that looks like a pair of sunglasses, if they ask. The event, as reported. Interested not so much in the future career of the pilot, which looks cloudy (heh). FAA in cite … --- ## [Does AirBnB allow cancellations within 24 hours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-airbnb-allow-cancellations-within-24-hours/801911)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-airbnb-allow-cancellations-within-24-hours/801911 "2017-11-18T02:16:50Z")
I have heard that, according to US law, most travel arrangements made in the US can be cancelled at no cost within 24 hours of booking. I’m pretty sure this applies even to non-refundable airline reservations. I’ve loo… --- ## [How does salt/sugar reduce acidity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-salt-sugar-reduce-acidity/801899)
**Author:** [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2017, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-salt-sugar-reduce-acidity/801899 "2017-11-18T00:33:48Z")
I posted this on the thread about reducing coffee’s acidity before realizing it’s actually a different topic and should probably be in a new thread. Why do people swear that adding salt or sugar to an acidic food or bev… --- ## [Replacing the Throne](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-the-throne/801821)
**Author:** [@Goggles03](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Goggles03)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2017, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replacing-the-throne/801821 "2017-11-17T23:16:16Z")
I have three toilets in the house, and it seems like every 6 months or so, one of the three takes a crap (so to speak). I’ve replaced flappers, fillers, siphons, and entire guts trying to keep one working. Not to menti… --- ## [So, what's up with New Jersey Rest Areas having no bathrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-new-jersey-rest-areas-having-no-bathrooms/801741)
**Author:** [@Tempe\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tempe_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2017, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-up-with-new-jersey-rest-areas-having-no-bathrooms/801741 "2017-11-17T22:55:37Z")
Driving from Allentown, Pa to Newark on I-78 yesterday, I pulled into a Rest Area with no Bathroom facilities. Not even, a Port-A-Can. What the heck? At least, my Navigation on my phone said, " Welcome to New Jersey", wh… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=649) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=651)