# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=258 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 259 --- ## [Why do you have to buy a whole new wiper blade when just an insert would do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-have-to-buy-a-whole-new-wiper-blade-when-just-an-insert-would-do/949586)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2021, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-have-to-buy-a-whole-new-wiper-blade-when-just-an-insert-would-do/949586 "2021-08-31T18:25:31Z")
It would seem so simple to replace the rubber part of a windshield wiper - slide out, slide in - but you have to buy a whole new wiper blade assembly just to get the rubber refill. Why do they do it like that? The simp… --- ## [Do they still make cell phones that can only call certain numbers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-still-make-cell-phones-that-can-only-call-certain-numbers/949761)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2021, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-they-still-make-cell-phones-that-can-only-call-certain-numbers/949761 "2021-08-31T01:20:47Z")
Looking for a cell phone for one of my very young nieces. Years back I recall there were some cell phones that could be set up so they could only text/call/receive to or from certain numbers, like 911, parents, etc… Do… --- ## [Restoring MacOS from backup. OR making Microsoft Desktop Connect work. Need answer fast!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restoring-macos-from-backup-or-making-microsoft-desktop-connect-work-need-answer-fast/949701)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restoring-macos-from-backup-or-making-microsoft-desktop-connect-work-need-answer-fast/949701 "2021-08-30T22:27:39Z")
I got tired of Apple nagging me to upgrade to Big Sur. Sure, I’ll lose a couple of games but I can download more. Everything seemed to work OK. I lost Hoyle Casino, Freecell, and Sudoku Companion. That’s fine. But t… --- ## [Is it dangerous to combine sedatives with alcohol?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-dangerous-to-combine-sedatives-with-alcohol/949630)
**Author:** [@hunterjones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hunterjones)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-dangerous-to-combine-sedatives-with-alcohol/949630 "2021-08-30T20:00:58Z")
I’ve always heard doctors say that combining benzodiazepines, barbitutates, z-drugs, or opiates with alcohol is a toxic combo that results in either a coma or death. I do know anecdotally many friends who have been pres… --- ## [Airborne evacuations where evacuating aircraft were under direct attack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airborne-evacuations-where-evacuating-aircraft-were-under-direct-attack/949680)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airborne-evacuations-where-evacuating-aircraft-were-under-direct-attack/949680 "2021-08-30T15:52:19Z")
Speaking about civilian evacuations using either civilian/government/military aircraft. Wondering if there’s been a civilian evacuation using aircraft in history where the aircraft came under constant direct attack. Sta… --- ## [Are female breast considered sexual in societies where women are always topless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-female-breast-considered-sexual-in-societies-where-women-are-always-topless/949222)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-female-breast-considered-sexual-in-societies-where-women-are-always-topless/949222 "2021-08-30T14:47:53Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m sure this has been asked before, but my search skills are weak. In societies where women go about their business bare chested do the breast become sexualized during romantic "operations” or are they … --- ## [Aluminum Poptops Recycling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-poptops-recycling/185362)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2021, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aluminum-poptops-recycling/185362 "2021-08-30T03:10:37Z")
I thought this question might have been addressed here before, but a search didn’t reveal anything, so if it’s been answered, please accept my apologies and put me out of my misery by answering once more…:slight\_smile: M… --- ## [Question about quantum entanglement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-quantum-entanglement/949683)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-quantum-entanglement/949683 "2021-08-29T22:36:52Z")
Not sure if this question has been addressed before so apologies if so. If I’m understanding what I read correctly, there is (very probably) no such thing as hidden variables- a quantum does not contain any sort of prop… --- ## [Couplers and rods on steam locomotives' pilots (cowcatchers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couplers-and-rods-on-steam-locomotives-pilots-cowcatchers/949697)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couplers-and-rods-on-steam-locomotives-pilots-cowcatchers/949697 "2021-08-29T22:00:20Z")
There is a difference that I have remarked on the pilot (AKA cowcatcher) of older (ca. 1860s) steam engines and newer ones (late 19th- to mid-20th century). On the newer ones, you typically - nay, almost univerally - hav… --- ## [I found a bug in my milk. What kind is it? Where did it come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-bug-in-my-milk-what-kind-is-it-where-did-it-come-from/669227)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-found-a-bug-in-my-milk-what-kind-is-it-where-did-it-come-from/669227 "2021-08-29T21:47:15Z")
The Scenario: I took a glass out of my kitchen cabinet. I pushed it against my refrigerator ice dispenser lever and I received about 5 pieces of ice. I poured 1% milk into the cup.\* I started to walk to the table and t… --- ## [Dow Handi-Wrap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dow-handi-wrap/949135)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dow-handi-wrap/949135 "2021-08-29T19:40:28Z")
In our household when I was growing up, the plastic wrap we always had was Handi-Wrap. It was stretchy and futzy to rip on the metal teeth — the place where you ripped it would invariably spring back onto the rest of th… --- ## [UPS batteries need replacing. Should I just replace entire unit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-batteries-need-replacing-should-i-just-replace-entire-unit/948939)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ups-batteries-need-replacing-should-i-just-replace-entire-unit/948939 "2021-08-29T07:30:09Z")
I have a Tripp-Lite UPS for my computer setup. After a recent power blink in our area, I ran a test and learned that the batteries need replacing. The unit is 4 years old. A new one costs about $150ish. Two new batterie… --- ## [Car battery as energy alternative in hurricane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-as-energy-alternative-in-hurricane/949220)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2021, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-as-energy-alternative-in-hurricane/949220 "2021-08-29T06:15:07Z")
As a recent immigrant to South Florida, I’ve been worrying about hurricanes in general but specifically about coping when our power goes down for a couple or three or five days, as I hear it tends to do. Specifically, I… --- ## [When was the last recorded brawl in the US House of Representatives or Senate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-recorded-brawl-in-the-us-house-of-representatives-or-senate/949678)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2021, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-recorded-brawl-in-the-us-house-of-representatives-or-senate/949678 "2021-08-28T23:31:55Z")
When was the last recorded brawl in the US House of Representatives or Senate ? --- ## [Legally when can US soldiers disobey an order to surrender](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legally-when-can-us-soldiers-disobey-an-order-to-surrender/949506)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2021, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legally-when-can-us-soldiers-disobey-an-order-to-surrender/949506 "2021-08-28T14:17:59Z")
I’ve read some stories about Afghanistan where Afghan commando units were ready to fight the taliban, but their officers told them to surrender and give up their weapons instead. In the US military, what situations can … --- ## [Weight difference between fully charged and discharged phone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-difference-between-fully-charged-and-discharged-phone/947319)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2021, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-difference-between-fully-charged-and-discharged-phone/947319 "2021-08-28T13:25:12Z")
So what is the difference in weight between full and empty battery in mobile phones. Can that be used as a measure for weight of energy? If not why not. --- ## [How small is the smallest microchip? How large are vaccine needles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-small-is-the-smallest-microchip-how-large-are-vaccine-needles/949218)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2021, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-small-is-the-smallest-microchip-how-large-are-vaccine-needles/949218 "2021-08-28T11:52:39Z")
People who believe conspiracies (not necessarily Conspiracy Theorists, but also people who aren’t ‘all in’) have said microchips are being put into vaccines to track people or for some other nefarious purpose. My sister… --- ## [Keypad Unicode entry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keypad-unicode-entry/840739)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2021, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keypad-unicode-entry/840739 "2021-08-28T04:18:02Z")
My Google-Fu has failed due to the wide variety of contradictory information on this subject. Simply put, in Windows 10 can you manually type a string to get a Unicode character? The answers have varied between yes, no, … --- ## [Hurricane Ida](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-ida/949644)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2021, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hurricane-ida/949644 "2021-08-27T22:46:38Z")
Is it reasonable to assume that New Orleans defences have been sufficiently improved in the 16 years since Katrina to withstand Ida - forecast to be a cat 3. --- ## [What is the origin of the phrase "sweet surrender"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-sweet-surrender/949616)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2021, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-sweet-surrender/949616 "2021-08-27T16:39:01Z")
I have always understood the phrase, in its original sense, to refer to romantic (or sexual) surrender, but it has also been used to refer to religious or spiritual surrender. It has appeared in numerous songs over the y… --- ## [What is the name of this informal fallacy - not accounting for second order consequences?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-informal-fallacy-not-accounting-for-second-order-consequences/943835)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2021, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-name-of-this-informal-fallacy-not-accounting-for-second-order-consequences/943835 "2021-08-27T16:29:39Z")
I have this vague feeling I’ve heard this fallacy named before but my admittedly relatively perfunctory search of various lists of common fallacies hasn’t turned it up. Maybe I’m wrong and it has no name. The fallacy i… --- ## [Original Definition of Freedom of Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/original-definition-of-freedom-of-speech/949289)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2021, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/original-definition-of-freedom-of-speech/949289 "2021-08-27T13:20:24Z")
And you notice I put it in GQ, because I assume it requires only a nice and tidy factual answer. What was the SCOTUS original rendering of the First Amendment, specifically for freedom of speech? I mean all the way back… --- ## [Cable-smacking acoustics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cable-smacking-acoustics/949575)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cable-smacking-acoustics/949575 "2021-08-26T22:54:18Z")
I had heard years ago that the sound the the blasters in the Star Wars universe was achieved by hitting taut steel cables and recording the resulting noise. This seems to be confirmed by this video: This … --- ## ["Remove" Early 20th Century English Education level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-early-20th-century-english-education-level/949423)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remove-early-20th-century-english-education-level/949423 "2021-08-26T22:06:41Z")
Question came up because of the use of the term in the Malaysian educational system, which probably got the term from the English educational system, and I think I’ve seen it in English literature. Maybe Billy Bunter wa… --- ## [Fuel economics of battery-powered airplanes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-economics-of-battery-powered-airplanes/948977)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-economics-of-battery-powered-airplanes/948977 "2021-08-26T17:51:37Z")
United just ordered 100 electric planes. Although car efficiency is affected by weight, I would think that effect is much higher for planes because of the requirements for lift. I also have the impression that enough ba… --- ## [The pluplural](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pluplural/949386)
**Author:** [@ALOHA\_HATER](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ALOHA_HATER)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pluplural/949386 "2021-08-26T14:56:46Z")
Two farthings = One Ha’penny. Two ha’pennies = One Penny. Three pennies = A Thrupenny Bit. Two Thrupences = A Sixpence. Two Sixpences = One Shilling, or Bob. Two Bob = A Florin. One Florin and One Sixpence = Half a Crow… --- ## [Morbid question: At what speed does it become impossible to hold on to the outside of an airplane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morbid-question-at-what-speed-does-it-become-impossible-to-hold-on-to-the-outside-of-an-airplane/949038)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morbid-question-at-what-speed-does-it-become-impossible-to-hold-on-to-the-outside-of-an-airplane/949038 "2021-08-26T05:42:13Z")
The Afghans who clung to the outside of the C-17 during takeoff probably had no clue how fast an airplane flies and thought it was like holding on to the outside of a bus or train. Within a few seconds of takeoff, the tw… --- ## [Mortgage Lump Sum Payoff Calculator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-lump-sum-payoff-calculator/949505)
**Author:** [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2021, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-lump-sum-payoff-calculator/949505 "2021-08-26T02:44:32Z")
Anyone know of an online calculator that will show how much interest I would save if I payed off my mortgage right now in one lump sum? I am probably using incorrect search terms, but all the calculators that I am findi… --- ## [Painting on the wall in Ashraf Ghani's office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-on-the-wall-in-ashraf-ghanis-office/948976)
**Author:** [@Fish\_Cheer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish_Cheer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-on-the-wall-in-ashraf-ghanis-office/948976 "2021-08-25T16:06:00Z")
What is the name of the painting seen in the background in these recent news photos of the Taliban taking over the presidential palace? (scroll down for a better view) What scene is depicted in the painting? I thought th… --- ## [Question about legality of a famous music biz press photo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-legality-of-a-famous-music-biz-press-photo/949296)
**Author:** [@Bananabug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bananabug)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-legality-of-a-famous-music-biz-press-photo/949296 "2021-08-25T15:42:59Z")
As many of us all know about the topless model publicity stunt event where J arvis Cocker of Pulp got heckled by her , Linsey Dawn Mackenzie out on the field during the Pulp vs Blur vs Oasis Soccer 6 charity game event i… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=257) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=259)