# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=811 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 812 --- ## [What's the straight dope on Himalayan Salt and High Blood Pressure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-himalayan-salt-and-high-blood-pressure/773066)
**Author:** [@HeXen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeXen)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2016, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-himalayan-salt-and-high-blood-pressure/773066 "2016-11-29T01:04:52Z")
I’m on HBP medicine and use ‘No Salt’ which is phosphate instead of table salt. But mom was onto me yet again at Thanksgiving about using it saying processed, man made…blah, blah something yadda. She hands me the pink s… --- ## [Can an black African baby born with pale skin and soft hair maintain features?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-black-african-baby-born-with-pale-skin-and-soft-hair-maintain-features/773193)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2016, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-an-black-african-baby-born-with-pale-skin-and-soft-hair-maintain-features/773193 "2016-11-29T01:04:38Z")
Something interesting I’ve pondered. My cousin was born to two black African parents but at birth he essentially looked like an Arab/Indian child with soft hair. Now in 98% of cases like other ethnically black African ki… --- ## [Trying to find mention of the use of the swastika in ancient Palestine/Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-mention-of-the-use-of-the-swastika-in-ancient-palestine-israel/773262)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-find-mention-of-the-use-of-the-swastika-in-ancient-palestine-israel/773262 "2016-11-28T22:55:38Z")
Hi I know I read somewhere or saw it online but now come up with nothing reliable concerning the ancient use of the swastika in ancient Palestine/Israel. Was there any use of it in ancient synagogues? I look forward to … --- ## ["Sign up with Facebook", what if you don't have a Facebook account?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-up-with-facebook-what-if-you-dont-have-a-facebook-account/773126)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sign-up-with-facebook-what-if-you-dont-have-a-facebook-account/773126 "2016-11-28T22:54:40Z")
“Sign up with Facebook”, what if you don’t have a Facebook account? --- ## [What's wrong with my icemaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-icemaker/765950)
**Author:** [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-icemaker/765950 "2016-11-28T22:35:48Z")
TL;DR My ice-maker doesn’t make ice. I had it replaced under warranty a couple a years ago when it was new, but now the new ice-maker is doing the same thing the old one did–not make ice. I have discovered a well-plac… --- ## [Old PC System requirements - what's better/cheaper now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-pc-system-requirements-whats-better-cheaper-now/773261)
**Author:** [@EmbarrassingDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmbarrassingDad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-pc-system-requirements-whats-better-cheaper-now/773261 "2016-11-28T22:32:55Z")
Trying to set up an HTPC for basic videos and old game emulation., especially Sega Saturn. I have a pile of old Saturn games, but my console is kaput. I found SSF but am confused by the older system requirements… Plea… --- ## [Irish Gaelic speakers- translation help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-gaelic-speakers-translation-help/773012)
**Author:** [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irish-gaelic-speakers-translation-help/773012 "2016-11-28T22:24:44Z")
I had such great success with my last translation request, that I hope choosing a new language yields the same helpful response. Translating “pet of the devil dog” or “devil dog’s pet” from English to Irish Gaelic; would… --- ## [Waterbury CT - Ongoing Construction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waterbury-ct-ongoing-construction/773254)
**Author:** [@UncleFred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncleFred)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/waterbury-ct-ongoing-construction/773254 "2016-11-28T20:56:10Z")
I have been driving through Waterbury CT on I-84 for 20 or more years and it seems there is always construction going on east of the city. I can find online a description of the “I-84 Waterbury Project” that was suppose… --- ## [Why are piano or keyboard keys called that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-piano-or-keyboard-keys-called-that/625968)
**Author:** [@KlondikeGeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KlondikeGeoff)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-piano-or-keyboard-keys-called-that/625968 "2016-11-28T17:14:35Z")
Searching for the derivation of “key” resulted in no help. I am guessing that “key” probably was only for locks, predating pianos, organs or typewriters. So why would the keys on those devices be called that? --- ## [Universal Studios - Simpsons Ride physics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-studios-simpsons-ride-physics/772856)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-studios-simpsons-ride-physics/772856 "2016-11-28T16:49:30Z")
At universal studios in Hollywood they have a Simpson Ride where you sit in a mock up of a car that doesn’t ever really move from that spot. It is a motion simulator. The walls of the room fall away and you end up in fro… --- ## [Does bacteria exist in sub-absolute zero temperatures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bacteria-exist-in-sub-absolute-zero-temperatures/773167)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bacteria-exist-in-sub-absolute-zero-temperatures/773167 "2016-11-28T13:56:20Z")
Hi Does bacteria exist in sub-absolute zero temperatures? I have looked but have found no websites with any mention of it. I look forward to your feedback --- ## [Vaccinations hurt!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccinations-hurt/514267)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 21, 2009, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccinations-hurt/514267 "2009-10-21T21:54:18Z")
Okay, so just a little. That’s why babies cry when jabbed. So why don’t they apply a topical pain killer, especially for babies and children, before the shot? Peace, mangeorge --- ## [Anyone here have a kid using MobyMax at school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-have-a-kid-using-mobymax-at-school/773052)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-here-have-a-kid-using-mobymax-at-school/773052 "2016-11-28T12:58:14Z")
I am not seeing any kind of support forum for the product so… SDMB it is, I guess. It seems like no matter how many problems my kid completes, the “problems completed” number for that subject does not update. I just che… --- ## [Customs declaration on bringing cash into a country vs gold jewelry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customs-declaration-on-bringing-cash-into-a-country-vs-gold-jewelry/745508)
**Author:** [@Isamu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isamu)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2016, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/customs-declaration-on-bringing-cash-into-a-country-vs-gold-jewelry/745508 "2016-02-09T03:16:15Z")
Well, I know that you must make a customs declaration when you are bringing in more than X amount of currency, but what about if you bring it in in the form of a big gold rope chain necklace with a spot value of over, sa… --- ## [Bail Money...what happens to it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bail-money-what-happens-to-it/105152)
**Author:** [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2002, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bail-money-what-happens-to-it/105152 "2002-04-26T00:31:51Z")
So, as I watched robert blake plead…chortle…innocent yesterday for the murder of his wife, and heard that his body guard’s bail was set at $1,000,000, I was moved to ask…where does all that money go? I understand that t… --- ## [Tapatalk - how do I turn off stickies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-how-do-i-turn-off-stickies/773134)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tapatalk-how-do-i-turn-off-stickies/773134 "2016-11-28T06:54:22Z")
Browsing in Tapatalk, and suddenly stickies are showing up. How do I turn them off? Thanks. --- ## [Pirate talk I don't understand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pirate-talk-i-dont-understand/50506)
**Author:** [@aha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aha)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pirate-talk-i-dont-understand/50506 "2016-11-28T06:09:43Z")
Belay as in "Belay that! I know it means be quiet or shut up or something and where did it come from? Avast! As in Avast ye mateys! What the hell does Avast mean and where did it come from? Arrg. What does Arrg mean an… --- ## [How involved is the Queen in governing Great Britain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-involved-is-the-queen-in-governing-great-britain/772999)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-involved-is-the-queen-in-governing-great-britain/772999 "2016-11-28T03:34:31Z")
I’m watching Netflix’s The Crown about the time period where Queen Elizabeth first became the Queen after her father died. It seems that despite the Monarchy having very little legal power to run the country, the Queen … --- ## [Bulk rename of files](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulk-rename-of-files/773076)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bulk-rename-of-files/773076 "2016-11-28T01:58:46Z")
I have hundreds of files named like: 11c Summertime.mp3 I want to lop off the first four characters to rename as: Summertime.mp3 Anyone know how to do this in a .bat or .cmd? --- ## [When did manufactured pet food become a 'thing'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-manufactured-pet-food-become-a-thing/772287)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2016, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-manufactured-pet-food-become-a-thing/772287 "2016-11-28T00:29:21Z")
When I was a kid, it seemed to me that any family pets (cats and dogs specifically) ate whatever leftovers were to be had, free offcuts of meat from the butcher, or whatever they could scrounge or catch. In fact I reca… --- ## [Switching off wifi router at night.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-off-wifi-router-at-night/773061)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-off-wifi-router-at-night/773061 "2016-11-27T20:49:27Z")
Almost every one i know in India has this annoying habit of switching off their wifi router at night. So for a visitor on an international time zone who is wide awake at night has no access to wifi as it has been switche… --- ## [Capacity of the brain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capacity-of-the-brain/773086)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capacity-of-the-brain/773086 "2016-11-27T19:41:46Z")
Homer Simpson said once that his brain was full and he had to forget old stuff in order to learn new. Clearly the human brain does have a limited capacity. There must come a point when there is just no more room to store… --- ## [Funny Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-bone/772929)
**Author:** [@SigMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SigMan)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-bone/772929 "2016-11-27T15:22:29Z")
Ouch! What’s so funny about it? :dubious: --- ## [The Chinese and the Japanese, historically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chinese-and-the-japanese-historically/726141)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chinese-and-the-japanese-historically/726141 "2016-11-27T12:57:49Z")
I’ve wondered how these two peoples have gotten along–or not–over the ages; I once read that the turbulent seas and the notoriously bad weather between China and Japan has made contact between them difficult or impossibl… --- ## [Why do you never see food's on deep discount on Black Friday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-never-see-foods-on-deep-discount-on-black-friday/773023)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-never-see-foods-on-deep-discount-on-black-friday/773023 "2016-11-27T01:41:02Z")
It seems like everywhere has black friday sales, all except grocery stores or other places with food markets. Why is it that Wal-Mart and Target have sales in every single section of their stores except their supermarket… --- ## [Defensive flashlights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defensive-flashlights/771941)
**Author:** [@IBuildEm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IBuildEm)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2016, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/defensive-flashlights/771941 "2016-11-27T00:53:54Z")
Anyone carry these? Could be a smart move when you can’t OC or CCW, I see the SureFire brand alot. Anyone have any reccomendations? Preferably not brand specific batteries, and comes with high lumens --- ## [Solving the world's problems through apocalypse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solving-the-worlds-problems-through-apocalypse/773051)
**Author:** [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2016, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solving-the-worlds-problems-through-apocalypse/773051 "2016-11-26T22:18:05Z")
Climate change exists, and seems to be accelerating. Regardless of your politics, we have people at the helms of the US (soon) and Russia (now) who are at least a little more likely to consider nuclear war than the lead… --- ## [What if a juvenile commits a crime but isn't caught until an adult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-juvenile-commits-a-crime-but-isnt-caught-until-an-adult/772790)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2016, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-juvenile-commits-a-crime-but-isnt-caught-until-an-adult/772790 "2016-11-26T19:45:06Z")
What happens if someone commits a crime as a juvenile, but has become an adult before he is caught? Do they still try him in juvenile court? Or regular adult court? Or is the ex-kid home free? Does it matter what the… --- ## [Car phone in 1957?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-phone-in-1957/772984)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2016, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-phone-in-1957/772984 "2016-11-26T07:57:46Z")
I was watching a MST3K horror movie last night Beginning Of The End, 1957. The female lead is a reporter and early in the film, reaches under the dash and pulls up a traditional handset with cord. Apparently she connects… --- ## [Is the bullet-catch-in-the-mouth trick dangerous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bullet-catch-in-the-mouth-trick-dangerous/772158)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2016, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bullet-catch-in-the-mouth-trick-dangerous/772158 "2016-11-24T10:04:24Z")
In an article on David Blaine’s performance on TV comes this comment: Supposedly claimed? I thought this stunt was all trickery and not dangerous in the least. So is this hint on previous magicians dying just part of t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=810) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=812)