# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=783 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 784 --- ## [Can I force my Ipad to the wifi login screen for public wifi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-force-my-ipad-to-the-wifi-login-screen-for-public-wifi/778695)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-force-my-ipad-to-the-wifi-login-screen-for-public-wifi/778695 "2017-01-31T22:41:30Z")
My issue is this. When I go to McDoald’s or my local doctor, they have free wifi. However, they have a login screen where you have to accept their rules. A lot of times, my Ipad Air does not redirect to that page. I get… --- ## [What's growing in my toilet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-growing-in-my-toilet/778589)
**Author:** [@blood63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blood63)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-growing-in-my-toilet/778589 "2017-01-31T21:13:19Z")
I have a strange brown film that grows in one of my toilets. My habit is to use the cleaner Comet and scrubs the sides and bowl of the toilet thoroughly. A few days after the cleaning, a brown film starts to build up i… --- ## [What's this white stuff on my kumquat plant? Is my plant harmed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-white-stuff-on-my-kumquat-plant-is-my-plant-harmed/778653)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-white-stuff-on-my-kumquat-plant-is-my-plant-harmed/778653 "2017-01-31T20:09:42Z")
Found some white silky stuff on the bark and shoots of my kumquat plant. Anyone can help with the identification? How do i get rid of it? Or if it is harmless, i will leave it there. Here is the picture: … --- ## ["A Rabbi and a glam squad walk into a bar..."...Brits: What's a glam squad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rabbi-and-a-glam-squad-walk-into-a-bar-brits-whats-a-glam-squad/778364)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-rabbi-and-a-glam-squad-walk-into-a-bar-brits-whats-a-glam-squad/778364 "2017-01-31T20:04:31Z")
I couldn’t resist setting up the query waiting for a punch line, but actually, according to this Brit news report, a Rabbi and “members of a glam squad” were seen entering President Trump’s daughter’s house preparatory t… --- ## [Does every nation on earth have a picnic table?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-every-nation-on-earth-have-a-picnic-table/776849)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-every-nation-on-earth-have-a-picnic-table/776849 "2017-01-31T18:38:20Z")
The very iconic picnic table, with a big flat surface and two attached benches, is a fixture of parks all over the USA. While on vacation here in Australia, I noticed (not surprisingly) that they are basically identical. … --- ## [Politics of entrepreneurs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politics-of-entrepreneurs/778238)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politics-of-entrepreneurs/778238 "2017-01-31T16:00:08Z")
Does anyone know of data that goes into the general political leanings of startups and new business creators? Is there a disproportionate number of conservatives? Libertarians? Liberals? --- ## [Smartquotes in WordPad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartquotes-in-wordpad/441153)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartquotes-in-wordpad/441153 "2017-01-31T14:42:34Z")
I’m on Win2k, using WordPad v5.0 Every google search I’ve tried tells me that M$ WordPad doesn’t do “smart” quotes. Those are the curly kind that have to be balanced in open quote and close quote versions, like “this.”… --- ## [Dog Hair Trimming Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-hair-trimming-question/778611)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dog-hair-trimming-question/778611 "2017-01-31T14:22:53Z")
I believe there is a factual answer to this question… I have a 3-year old Parson Russell Terrier. He’s a great dog, but PRTs, like other working dogs, require regular exercise. During the summer months I take him on lon… --- ## [Has Trump signed any bills yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-trump-signed-any-bills-yet/778631)
**Author:** [@ricksummon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricksummon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-trump-signed-any-bills-yet/778631 "2017-01-31T06:18:20Z")
We’ve all heard about Trump’s executive orders, but has he signed or vetoed any Congressional bills yet other than the one that allows Mattis to be Secretary of Defense? --- ## [Oak Floors - Old and New Don't Match](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oak-floors-old-and-new-dont-match/778501)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oak-floors-old-and-new-dont-match/778501 "2017-01-31T07:18:56Z")
Our kitchen was recently expanded, and the new floor was done in quarter-sawn white oak. Quarter-sawn had been used because the expanded part of the floor has built in radiant heat. The floors on the entire level of the … --- ## [What is the original Latin for this Pompey quote (and where should I be looking for this?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-original-latin-for-this-pompey-quote-and-where-should-i-be-looking-for-this/778639)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-original-latin-for-this-pompey-quote-and-where-should-i-be-looking-for-this/778639 "2017-01-31T07:07:28Z")
What is the original Latin for this Pompey quote (from as related by Plutarch, I believe): I actually thought this would be 30 second googling job. But I was surprised that the original Latin versions of many Latin quo… --- ## [Time Crystals! TIIIMEEE CRYYSTAAAALSSS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-crystals-tiiimeee-cryystaaaalsss/778613)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-crystals-tiiimeee-cryystaaaalsss/778613 "2017-01-31T03:16:08Z")
I saw an article talking about the discovery of Time Crystals, a new form of matter that has a crystal lattice across both time AND space! So as I understand it, if we graphed the location of the atoms in the crystall… --- ## [Nearing a toilet and the urge to poop.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nearing-a-toilet-and-the-urge-to-poop/778485)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nearing-a-toilet-and-the-urge-to-poop/778485 "2017-01-31T03:10:47Z")
Let’s say that you’re in a public park full of kids and soccer moms. You’ve been reading and then stand up, this makes you realize that you need to poop. No problem, the bathroom is at the other end of field, 100 meters … --- ## [Nazis and the Klan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nazis-and-the-klan/778190)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nazis-and-the-klan/778190 "2017-01-31T02:45:28Z")
“What are two groups of racist scumbags, Alex.” Question inspired by this Nazi propaganda poster aimed at the Americans, published by the Dutch branch of the SS. If you can’t see it, it’s a depiction of a destructive mo… --- ## [Is there any way to get my browser to ignore Facebook etc?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-get-my-browser-to-ignore-facebook-etc/778576)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-way-to-get-my-browser-to-ignore-facebook-etc/778576 "2017-01-31T01:17:48Z")
I’ve noticed that when I try to access a page, my browser (Firefox) hangs, because it is trying to access Facebook, Imagesnap, Snapchat, Snapimage, and whatever other stuff I pay no attention to and have no interest in. … --- ## [Are white cars less expensive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-cars-less-expensive/778347)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-cars-less-expensive/778347 "2017-01-30T23:44:04Z")
Having never purchased a new car myself, I’m curious about this. Do paint jobs in colors other than white or black cost more, when buying a new car? If not, why is boring ol’ white such a damned popular car color? The o… --- ## [What changed about English estates (like Downton Abby) that caused them to fail after WWI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-english-estates-like-downton-abby-that-caused-them-to-fail-after-wwi/778232)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-changed-about-english-estates-like-downton-abby-that-caused-them-to-fail-after-wwi/778232 "2017-01-30T23:31:33Z")
I’ve been watching Downton Abby (still watching… no spoilers!) and one of the subjects that comes up is that many of the large estates are failing and being sold after WWI. But I’m not really clear about what has change… --- ## [Is there any difference between si and oui in French?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-difference-between-si-and-oui-in-french/777986)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-difference-between-si-and-oui-in-french/777986 "2017-01-30T23:26:02Z")
I’ve heard the French occasionally use si instead of oui for yes. Is there some subtle difference in the usage or do both terms convey exactly the same shade of meaning? --- ## [physics people, answers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-people-answers/778496)
**Author:** [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physics-people-answers/778496 "2017-01-30T23:20:25Z")
On the earth, at the equator, how fast would the world have to be spinning in order for a 100# weight to float? (gravity vs. circumferential force). Would speed needed depend on weight, shape, or any other factor? Ar… --- ## [My Speedometer Wonkiness: What the Heck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-speedometer-wonkiness-what-the-heck/773653)
**Author:** [@MonkeyMensch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MonkeyMensch)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-speedometer-wonkiness-what-the-heck/773653 "2017-01-30T20:50:52Z")
My speedometer (1998 Nissan Frontier) has gone bonkers. It used to be utterly precise albeit a smidgen inaccurate. That is to say, it has after-market wheels and tires that are bigger than production size, but through so… --- ## [Oracle page break in middle of row](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oracle-page-break-in-middle-of-row/778591)
**Author:** [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oracle-page-break-in-middle-of-row/778591 "2017-01-30T18:32:39Z")
OK - I’ve got a query that selects rows that, for my default linesize (133) ends up producing 3-lines of output for each row of data (4 counting the blank line). This ends up with a single row displaying on two pages. I… --- ## [Is mailing back a winning sports book ticket to a casino for a claim safe to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mailing-back-a-winning-sports-book-ticket-to-a-casino-for-a-claim-safe-to-do/778563)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mailing-back-a-winning-sports-book-ticket-to-a-casino-for-a-claim-safe-to-do/778563 "2017-01-30T17:54:02Z")
I won a fairly substantial amount of money at the MGM (on the Falcons!) and have 120 days to claim my winnings. I bet on a future weekend so can not cash out in person. Any advice out there? Could someone who opens ma… --- ## [Follow-up to 2002 thread on dry ice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/follow-up-to-2002-thread-on-dry-ice/778482)
**Author:** [@glilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glilly)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/follow-up-to-2002-thread-on-dry-ice/778482 "2017-01-30T16:26:18Z")
After getting some dry ice in a grocery shipment, I happened upon a thread I’d participated in in 2002 http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=108542. In short, there was a question about where dry ice woul… --- ## [Underground Powerlines and Corona Discharge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underground-powerlines-and-corona-discharge/778130)
**Author:** [@The\_Evening\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Evening_Cat)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/underground-powerlines-and-corona-discharge/778130 "2017-01-30T15:12:50Z")
Around a decade ago, Cecil discussed the effects of high voltage power lines on human health. The column can be found here: He mentioned that some people contend that corona discharge from HV lines could ionize airbor… --- ## [Latin Translation Help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-help/777547)
**Author:** [@GinoC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GinoC)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-help/777547 "2017-01-30T07:06:29Z")
There is an English motto “Ready, Aye, Ready” that has been translated into Latin as “Parati Vero Parati”. It seems to me that this might be a direct literal translation that wouldn’t make syntactic sense in Latin. Can… --- ## [Quilt Pattern Brain Buster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quilt-pattern-brain-buster/778552)
**Author:** [@phall0106](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phall0106)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quilt-pattern-brain-buster/778552 "2017-01-30T06:37:46Z")
I’m making a quilt and have a specific style in mind, but the layout is driving me nuts. For some reason, I can’t get the pattern down. There are six different fabric (A, B, C, D, E, F) in a large size, then there small… --- ## [Smartphone data capacity and that little number at the top](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-data-capacity-and-that-little-number-at-the-top/778489)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smartphone-data-capacity-and-that-little-number-at-the-top/778489 "2017-01-30T06:27:56Z")
I had been having a problem with using my smartphone to go on the Internet, and getting a message after a while that I have reached a limit of data use. To make a long story short, the phone warns me that I have reached … --- ## [Bullet vs Sword Edge = 3 Bullet Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullet-vs-sword-edge-3-bullet-bits/778548)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bullet-vs-sword-edge-3-bullet-bits/778548 "2017-01-30T04:55:31Z")
I’ve seen a bunch of videos of bullets shot at sword edges. Invariably the result is the bullet is split into three bits. Why is it so consistently three and not two? --- ## [Non-water humidity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-water-humidity/778236)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-water-humidity/778236 "2017-01-30T02:27:48Z")
Would any chemical other than water vapor make the air feel humid? --- ## [What's more fattening, \[cookie\] dough or a cooked cookie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-more-fattening-cookie-dough-or-a-cooked-cookie/778447)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-more-fattening-cookie-dough-or-a-cooked-cookie/778447 "2017-01-30T02:20:41Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m a Duckett for raw cookie dough. I usually by a roll of Pilsbury sugar cookie dough and go to town. Is the dough more fattening than a cooked cookie or would it be the same? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=782) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=784)