# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=922 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 923 --- ## [Hindi & Urdu: Comparisons - Why are they so similar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindi-urdu-comparisons-why-are-they-so-similar/272607)
**Author:** [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hindi-urdu-comparisons-why-are-they-so-similar/272607 "2016-04-11T03:43:30Z")
I speak Hindi. All my life I’ve been able to understand someone who spoke Urdu and they me. The vocabulary is different, but not to such a great extent that you can’t pick it up from context. Now I am pretty sure that U… --- ## [Jose, can you spell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jose-can-you-spell/751340)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jose-can-you-spell/751340 "2016-04-11T03:24:49Z")
In recent perusals of Baseball-Reference.com, I have noticed that some Hispanic players with the name “Jose” are spelled (on that web site) with a plain, unaccented “e” at the end, and some with the letter accented like … --- ## [Cold water dousing, any scientific evidence of health benefit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-water-dousing-any-scientific-evidence-of-health-benefit/751769)
**Author:** [@G.A.Pster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G.A.Pster)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-water-dousing-any-scientific-evidence-of-health-benefit/751769 "2016-04-11T02:46:44Z")
In a nutshell it’s the act of pouring cold water on yourself, in an attempt to gain improved health. I think it’s most practiced in Russia (which is neither here nor there, just interesting considering it’s so cold fo… --- ## [Question for data warehouse people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-data-warehouse-people/751597)
**Author:** [@JcWoman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JcWoman)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-data-warehouse-people/751597 "2016-04-11T01:11:52Z")
I think this is a long shot, but lemme try anyway. It’s the Dope, I may be surprised. :smiley: Anybody here work in a company that collects and sells data? If so, do you also provide any kind of documentation to expl… --- ## [Muzzle loading gun question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muzzle-loading-gun-question/751249)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muzzle-loading-gun-question/751249 "2016-04-11T01:04:15Z")
Back in the day, could a person riding on horseback load a muzzle loading musket or rifle? Say someone in the cavalry? --- ## [ASL: What a particular sign means](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asl-what-a-particular-sign-means/751624)
**Author:** [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asl-what-a-particular-sign-means/751624 "2016-04-10T23:04:12Z")
In an episode of Emergency in which Carol McEvoy appeared, her character was the mother of a 12-year-old deaf girl trapped in a burning house. After Johnny got her safely outside, the girl signed to her mother, apparentl… --- ## [Please tell me about GMail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-gmail/751663)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-gmail/751663 "2016-04-10T22:28:10Z")
Our home computer has Windows Live Mail, and my work email is MS Outlook. I would like to create another email account that doesn’t interact with either of existing home or work emails and is completely separate. I’ve t… --- ## [What's up with this Star Wars ep7 DVD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-this-star-wars-ep7-dvd/751532)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-this-star-wars-ep7-dvd/751532 "2016-04-10T21:27:09Z")
In Australia Star Wars Episode 7 is officially released on Monday but my flatmate picked it up at Coles today (Friday) for $28. The intro is in some weird language. Firstly what language is it and why is it in another l… --- ## [Photoshop color change question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photoshop-color-change-question/751421)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photoshop-color-change-question/751421 "2016-04-10T21:12:39Z")
I am a total noob in photoshop and basically what I want to do is to change some colors of flags, for example to change red color to white and white to red, I can easily do that with the color replacement tool, but the p… --- ## [A quick question about using Open Office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-quick-question-about-using-open-office/751739)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-quick-question-about-using-open-office/751739 "2016-04-10T20:24:35Z")
I am editing a book about radio for one of my clients, and it contains a lot of technical terms which are apparently unfamiliar to the spell-checker of Open Office, the program I’m using for editing. So I went through t… --- ## [Text TRUMP to nnnnn \[Ed.: Question on texting, SMS, etc.\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/text-trump-to-nnnnn-ed-question-on-texting-sms-etc/751794)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/text-trump-to-nnnnn-ed-question-on-texting-sms-etc/751794 "2016-04-10T17:58:55Z")
I consider this to be a general question. Please feel free to move it. When Trump gives a speech, the sign on the podium says, “TEXT TRUMP TO (some 5-digit number)”. So what happens if I do that? What happens if I mi… --- ## [How does viewing video of falling cause the sensation of actually falling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-viewing-video-of-falling-cause-the-sensation-of-actually-falling/751775)
**Author:** [@PurpleClogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PurpleClogs)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-viewing-video-of-falling-cause-the-sensation-of-actually-falling/751775 "2016-04-10T17:51:10Z")
Playing an Xbox game, I jump off a high cliff or building and physically feel the weird elevator-like sensation, while I’m sitting motionless on my couch. What’s going on in my body/brain to cause this? Is it different… --- ## [Bayesian updating of probabilities in rating systems due to head-to-head results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayesian-updating-of-probabilities-in-rating-systems-due-to-head-to-head-results/751177)
**Author:** [@glowacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glowacks)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bayesian-updating-of-probabilities-in-rating-systems-due-to-head-to-head-results/751177 "2016-04-10T17:21:07Z")
I know this is mainly a general information forum and I’m asking what is likely a highly technical question, so maybe I just need direction to a forum where these kinds of questions are more typical. But this is the pla… --- ## [Why glass bath scales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-glass-bath-scales/751797)
**Author:** [@dataguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dataguy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-glass-bath-scales/751797 "2016-04-10T15:25:33Z")
I recently went shopping for new bathroom scales. I found that most of the current models have a platform made of glass. Why? All I could envision was either slipping on the glass with wet feet, or having the glass bre… --- ## [Microsoft Access: Is this file recoverable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-access-is-this-file-recoverable/751521)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-access-is-this-file-recoverable/751521 "2016-04-10T12:13:01Z")
I have a Microsoft Access file that, for some reason, stopped working. When I try to open it, the Disclaimer Form appears with the “Click Here to Enter” button. But now, the button no longer does anything when I click it… --- ## [How do you launder stolen bonds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-launder-stolen-bonds/751415)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-launder-stolen-bonds/751415 "2016-04-10T09:32:49Z")
From this story: And I’ve heard of large stashes of securities, bonds, treasury bonds etc non cash items being stolen at gunpoint, then magically laundered by the thieves. I dont see bonds or security notes the same … --- ## [Aluminum foil leaching out when thawing food](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-foil-leaching-out-when-thawing-food/751698)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 8:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-foil-leaching-out-when-thawing-food/751698 "2016-04-10T08:07:29Z")
Supposedly, while refrigerating food in aluminum foil is OK, freezing and thawing it in aluminum foil is not, because the thawing process can cause aluminum to begin leaching into the food? Is it that moisture condenses… --- ## [Abortion laws, before Roe vs. Wade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-laws-before-roe-vs-wade/751281)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-laws-before-roe-vs-wade/751281 "2016-04-10T06:37:44Z")
Back in the old pre-RvW days, it was obviously illegal to PERFORM an abortion, but was it also illegal to GET one? Would the woman have been prosecuted in addition to the doctor? If necessary, this may need to be broken … --- ## [Fridge in the garage during winter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-in-the-garage-during-winter/265337)
**Author:** [@Qwisp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwisp)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-in-the-garage-during-winter/265337 "2016-04-10T03:48:58Z")
I have put my old refrigerator in the garage. It’s great for stocking up on beer and soda, etc. My question is what will happen during the winter months when the temp outside reaches below freezing. Will beverages inside… --- ## [Is there such a thing as "symptom-less food poisoning?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-symptom-less-food-poisoning/751623)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-symptom-less-food-poisoning/751623 "2016-04-10T01:42:12Z")
If you eat spoiled food, and don’t feel symptoms for a week, is it more probable that your body simply killed off the germs or that you did get symptom-less food poisoning? Doesn’t seem that your body would let spoiled … --- ## [Do infrared and ultraviolet bands exist in rainbows?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-infrared-and-ultraviolet-bands-exist-in-rainbows/125862)
**Author:** [@MarkyDeSade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarkyDeSade)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-infrared-and-ultraviolet-bands-exist-in-rainbows/125862 "2016-04-10T00:21:59Z")
If I use proper optical equipment, (filters, etc…) could I see rainbow bands in the infrared or ultraviolet range? It seems to make sense that I would, but I’ve never heard anything about it. Anybody got the straight d… --- ## [What's up with Windows 10 calendars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-windows-10-calendars/751199)
**Author:** [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-windows-10-calendars/751199 "2016-04-09T23:26:43Z")
My dad has been experiencing problems with Windows 10 calendars. It periodically deletes all old saved items, clears the history. My dad would like to retain his calendar as a record of what happened when. He had devis… --- ## [Bank resetting customer passwords to SSN's en masse - have they thought this through?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-resetting-customer-passwords-to-ssns-en-masse-have-they-thought-this-through/751640)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-resetting-customer-passwords-to-ssns-en-masse-have-they-thought-this-through/751640 "2016-04-09T23:24:27Z")
My bank has announced they are upgrading their web service and in the process resetting all our passwords to be the last four digits of our Social Security numbers. Am I just being alarmist, or is this really poorly tho… --- ## ["Thank God for Mississippi!" - is there anywhere it doesn't work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-god-for-mississippi-is-there-anywhere-it-doesnt-work/751436)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-god-for-mississippi-is-there-anywhere-it-doesnt-work/751436 "2016-04-09T22:34:43Z")
Dunno if you’ve heard the phrase, it was new to me, that when it comes to rankings of the States (in things like educational achievement, poverty rates, life expectancy etc.), one can always turn to Mississippi to find a… --- ## [Why do some items on a legal document require initialing while others require a signature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-items-on-a-legal-document-require-initialing-while-others-require-a-signature/751618)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-items-on-a-legal-document-require-initialing-while-others-require-a-signature/751618 "2016-04-09T21:51:54Z")
What’s the difference? --- ## [Is It a Felony to Export $5 in Nickels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-felony-to-export-5-in-nickels/751705)
**Author:** [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-felony-to-export-5-in-nickels/751705 "2016-04-09T21:29:57Z")
I’m reading Rick Harrision’s License to Pawn. I haven’t come to any startling revelations from its contents yet, but it’s nice mind candy. Anyway, he has a chapter called “Research in Action” about some of the more esote… --- ## [Why do some institutions get an opt-out clause for the law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-institutions-get-an-opt-out-clause-for-the-law/751288)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-institutions-get-an-opt-out-clause-for-the-law/751288 "2016-04-09T18:21:54Z")
In the last day or so someone reported to the media that Brandon University, in Manitoba Canada, has a “behavioural contract” that victims of sexual assault, and the accused, must sign. It is essentially a non-disclosure… --- ## [Has the number of stray cats and dogs gone down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-number-of-stray-cats-and-dogs-gone-down/751174)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-number-of-stray-cats-and-dogs-gone-down/751174 "2016-04-09T17:15:56Z")
Since Bob Barker made it a mission of his to tell people to spay and neuter pets, also the price of a vacation in Bora Bora with a ‘6’ in the price, I’ve noticed a lot of campaigns and PSA’s on limiting stray pet births … --- ## [Large Cities without Graffiti?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-cities-without-graffiti/751505)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-cities-without-graffiti/751505 "2016-04-09T16:50:44Z")
I don’t remember seeing graffiti in Kathmandu. I also don’t recall seeing it in China or India. Anyone else been to cities that didn’t have graffiti? Is it primarily a scourge of Western cities? --- ## [Can somone please back-up or debunk this "fact" about plastic and Microwaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somone-please-back-up-or-debunk-this-fact-about-plastic-and-microwaves/123893)
**Author:** [@bernse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bernse)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 9, 2016, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somone-please-back-up-or-debunk-this-fact-about-plastic-and-microwaves/123893 "2016-04-09T12:34:24Z")
I received this in my email today as part of a mass-mailing (God I hate those!!) Does anyone know if there is any truth to this? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=921) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=923)