# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=787 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 788 --- ## [What does this symbol mean: &νβσπ;](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-symbol-mean/777968)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-symbol-mean/777968 "2017-01-23T20:45:59Z")
I am taking an online course that utilizes Blackboard. The headings and titles of many sections of the course include this string of characters: &νβσπ; This course is taught entirely in english, and does not study for… --- ## [Virus warning on Smartphones, appearing only on Straight Dope site: Bogus warning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virus-warning-on-smartphones-appearing-only-on-straight-dope-site-bogus-warning/777961)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virus-warning-on-smartphones-appearing-only-on-straight-dope-site-bogus-warning/777961 "2017-01-23T20:41:51Z")
For the last few weeks, I have been getting a maddening picture appearing on the screen on my Samsung 5 Smartphone–only when I am on the Straight Dope site. It is a supposed Virus Warning, beginning with the word “Androi… --- ## [How does foil, baking soda and hot water clean silver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-foil-baking-soda-and-hot-water-clean-silver/608757)
**Author:** [@Sri\_Theo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sri_Theo)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-foil-baking-soda-and-hot-water-clean-silver/608757 "2017-01-23T20:32:38Z")
So I recently had need to clean some silver, and this technique was shown to me. Basically you put hot water, baking soda and foil in a bowl. Add the silver and tarnish disappears in under a minute. Can anyone explain … --- ## [Weather patterns, do they always move in a consistent direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-patterns-do-they-always-move-in-a-consistent-direction/777370)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weather-patterns-do-they-always-move-in-a-consistent-direction/777370 "2017-01-23T16:53:44Z")
I never appreciated the benefits of weather radar until I got a weather app on my phone. It’s amazing to see rain on the left side of the map (west) and watch it approach my city. Or, a big rain storm is dumping rain on… --- ## [Any SQL Server 2016 DBAs here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sql-server-2016-dbas-here/776454)
**Author:** [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-sql-server-2016-dbas-here/776454 "2017-01-23T16:29:09Z")
So I’m in the process of setting up a system to run SQL Server 2016 and I have a few questions that maybe some experienced DBAs can relate to. Good grief this thing is hard to buy! I work in a very small business whe… --- ## [Does this resource exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-resource-exist/777685)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-resource-exist/777685 "2017-01-23T16:09:21Z")
Is there a constantly updated list for average pricing in the USA for commodities like meat, produce,seafood, etc. I would find such a list extremely helpful in managing the pricing structure of my grocery store. --- ## [In terms of government rules, how does the govenment determine race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-terms-of-government-rules-how-does-the-govenment-determine-race/777924)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-terms-of-government-rules-how-does-the-govenment-determine-race/777924 "2017-01-23T15:10:26Z")
Say that, for example, the U.S. government provides study assistance to people who are American native’s, or decendants therefrom (let’s say up to 1/16th). Joe Citizen applies for the assistance program, claiming 1/16th… --- ## [Altering a leather jacket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/altering-a-leather-jacket/777559)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/altering-a-leather-jacket/777559 "2017-01-23T12:48:21Z")
I expect to reach my goal weight soon, and as a reward I’ve promised myself a leather jacket that I’ve been wanting for a while. I love the jacket but it has one problem – it has no fasteners (zipper, buttons, etc.). I… --- ## [If Jesus, Buddha, etc returned who'd find it easiest to be understood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-jesus-buddha-etc-returned-whod-find-it-easiest-to-be-understood/777628)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-jesus-buddha-etc-returned-whod-find-it-easiest-to-be-understood/777628 "2017-01-23T10:13:29Z")
OK, let’s say Jesus, Mohammed, Gautama Buddha and Confucius returned to their respective countries, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Nepal and the Shandong province of China. Which of them would have the least trouble making themse… --- ## [PLA Uniform Ribbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pla-uniform-ribbons/639938)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pla-uniform-ribbons/639938 "2017-01-23T09:18:02Z")
As one might imagine, there are quite a lot of PLA military higher-ups on China’s various television shows at the moment (guests, persons of interest, etc.). I’ve tried searching the ol’ 'net with my favorite search site… --- ## [Social programs in ancient societies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-programs-in-ancient-societies/777856)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-programs-in-ancient-societies/777856 "2017-01-23T07:10:36Z")
How much is known about social programs in ancient societies? When did they first start appearing? I would include education in this but also programs for the disabled, old, etc. --- ## [What logo is this\>](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-logo-is-this/777679)
**Author:** [@grrandy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grrandy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-logo-is-this/777679 "2017-01-23T04:00:32Z")
This is a logo on a vintage cigarette lighter, looks like maybe a company promotion? http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t23/zzvinyl/eBay/logo.jpg --- ## [What is this thing? Stone flower blossum on top of an egg?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-stone-flower-blossum-on-top-of-an-egg/777662)
**Author:** [@ZPG\_Zealot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZPG_Zealot)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-stone-flower-blossum-on-top-of-an-egg/777662 "2017-01-23T02:01:31Z")
I found this object in a box of donations. It appears to be a stone egg with a flower blossum also carved out of stone (though it’s a different stone than the egg) attached at the top. A couple of symbols have been car… --- ## [Plastic is a pretty tough material except when it is used to make CD jewel boxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-is-a-pretty-tough-material-except-when-it-is-used-to-make-cd-jewel-boxes/777666)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-is-a-pretty-tough-material-except-when-it-is-used-to-make-cd-jewel-boxes/777666 "2017-01-23T01:25:29Z")
Why is that? Plastic pipes, clam shell packaging, kid’s toys, etc… used everywhere and very strong and durable. And a good choice for the usage. But CD jewel cases will crack and break at the first excuse. :mad: They … --- ## [Does Trump have any ties to Coca-Cola?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-have-any-ties-to-coca-cola/777863)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2017, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-trump-have-any-ties-to-coca-cola/777863 "2017-01-23T00:28:59Z")
Apparently the Hispanic community is boycotting Coca-Cola because of The Donald. Does he own any stock in them, or have any other relationship with them? --- ## [Can you activate IED's with a stick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-activate-ieds-with-a-stick/777534)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-activate-ieds-with-a-stick/777534 "2017-01-22T23:31:42Z")
When you are in a city that you captured from a enemy, you’re probably going to find mines and booby traps somewhere in some house, so, would it be possible to activate them using a simple long wooden stick or something … --- ## [electrical knock out box holes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-knock-out-box-holes/777869)
**Author:** [@virtually\_yours](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/virtually_yours)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electrical-knock-out-box-holes/777869 "2017-01-22T23:25:56Z")
hello, in the electrical boxes/ knock out boxes there are lots of holes some larger than the others what are they all for? I googled but didnt come up with anything. I don’t mean the ones that you take out to put wires … --- ## [Trump's vs. Obama's inauguration crowds, True, or False](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-vs-obamas-inauguration-crowds-true-or-false/777654)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-vs-obamas-inauguration-crowds-true-or-false/777654 "2017-01-22T18:11:45Z")
Side-by-side comparison of Obama’s and Trump’s inauguration crowds. The linked site says the 2017 photo was taken at 11:49 EST. Another site (Vox) says it was taken at 11:04 EST, and the 2009 photo was taken at 11:30 E… --- ## [HVAC filters -- newer less older more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-filters-newer-less-older-more/776738)
**Author:** [@Johnegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnegee)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-filters-newer-less-older-more/776738 "2017-01-22T17:22:28Z")
January 9, 2017 Last July I got a new A/C and furnace; everything was replaced except the refrigerant lines and, obviously, the ductwork. The lead installer told me to change the filter once a month and the other insta… --- ## [Half of the deaths occuring could be delayed by medical means?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-of-the-deaths-occuring-could-be-delayed-by-medical-means/777609)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/half-of-the-deaths-occuring-could-be-delayed-by-medical-means/777609 "2017-01-22T15:46:45Z")
Reading about a high profile euthanasia case in France (family dispute about whether or not this person is actually dead and medical care should be withdrawn), I saw the following comment : “In France in 2015, almost ha… --- ## [Any idea why Reddit would kick a Gold recipient off the site?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-reddit-would-kick-a-gold-recipient-off-the-site/777796)
**Author:** [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-idea-why-reddit-would-kick-a-gold-recipient-off-the-site/777796 "2017-01-22T15:11:19Z")
Yes, I got Reddit Gold last week for a particularly zingy comment. (Yay me.) A day or so later, I noticed some of my comments were hanging up and not posting. (I’d get a “Submitting…” notice that normally lasts a split s… --- ## [Early British Prison Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-british-prison-question/323419)
**Author:** [@straykat23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/straykat23)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-british-prison-question/323419 "2017-01-22T14:37:33Z")
Am reading “A Certain Justice” by P.D. James. I googled ‘pressing yard prison’ and got this site. \[http://www2.canisius.edu/canhp/canlib/virtualtour/newgate.html It mentions the Pressing Yard but does not give detail… --- ## [How hard is it to fly--at least take off and land--a military/civil jet if you' we never flow it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-fly-at-least-take-off-and-land-a-military-civil-jet-if-you-we-never-flow-it/732250)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-hard-is-it-to-fly-at-least-take-off-and-land-a-military-civil-jet-if-you-we-never-flow-it/732250 "2017-01-22T14:15:31Z")
ETA: screwed up hed. “…if you’ve never flown it but have trained on another.” When you get your first accreditation, or whatever they call it, to operate a 747 or F-16, you can make that baby sing. I presume learning t… --- ## [Gun Caliber Identification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-caliber-identification/777595)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-caliber-identification/777595 "2017-01-22T13:09:50Z")
Is it difficult to determine the caliber of a gun if you don’t have the cartridge casing? I sometimes watch reality shows and noticed they spend a lot of time looking for casings at the crime scene in order to id the sho… --- ## [When did "the rainbow bridge" become a popular metaphor for pet deaths?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-rainbow-bridge-become-a-popular-metaphor-for-pet-deaths/777449)
**Author:** [@Interrobang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Interrobang)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2017, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-rainbow-bridge-become-a-popular-metaphor-for-pet-deaths/777449 "2017-01-22T00:15:57Z")
Pretty much what I’m asking in the title: As an adult, I’ve noticed that many people will refer to “the rainbow bridge” when talking about pets that have died. I don’t remember this concept from when I was a kid (excep… --- ## [Longest Stretch Between Airliner Maintenance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-stretch-between-airliner-maintenance/777656)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/longest-stretch-between-airliner-maintenance/777656 "2017-01-21T23:53:53Z")
While waiting getting off our “a little bit late” flight the cabin crew exhorted everyone to clean up after themselves in order to facilitate a quick turn around for the next flight. (Exiting the plane I saw that someone… --- ## [Mail forwarding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-forwarding/777682)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-forwarding/777682 "2017-01-21T23:52:59Z")
My mother is elderly and her cognitive skills are not what they once were. She has made some mistakes recently in paying bills and, more alarmingly, responded to an unsolicited offer of health insurance, thinking that s… --- ## [President-elect refuses oath of office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-elect-refuses-oath-of-office/777699)
**Author:** [@drgnrdr07](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drgnrdr07)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-elect-refuses-oath-of-office/777699 "2017-01-21T23:31:54Z")
What would happen if a president-elect refused to say the oath of office? Would the vice president-elect become president? Who would it go to exactly? --- ## [President Obama, Vice President Pence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-obama-vice-president-pence/777684)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-obama-vice-president-pence/777684 "2017-01-21T22:40:14Z")
There seemed to be a a few minutes today after Pence was sworn but before Trump was sworn in that we had this very odd combination. 1: Is this actually what we had, 2: if Obama resigned during that time, would Pence be … --- ## [Why is body armor available to the public? Another NRA "thing"? ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-body-armor-available-to-the-public-another-nra-thing/777501)
**Author:** [@DtypeJag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DtypeJag)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2017, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-body-armor-available-to-the-public-another-nra-thing/777501 "2017-01-21T22:15:28Z")
What concievable use could body armor be to a civilian? Admitedly, and mercifully, there are few examples of mass shooters with body armor what possible justification could there be to sell them to the public. Charging… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=786) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=788)