# Factual Questions **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=297 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 298 --- ## [Explain the sounds from a VFD-controlled electric motor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-sounds-from-a-vfd-controlled-electric-motor/759660)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2021, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-sounds-from-a-vfd-controlled-electric-motor/759660 "2021-03-01T14:46:02Z")
AIUI, an AC induction motor under the control of a variable frequency drive (VFD) has its speed controlled by varying the frequency of the current supplied by the VFD. OK, so my expectation is that when I hear whining n… --- ## [How do I remove a dingleberry from my cat without hurting her?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-remove-a-dingleberry-from-my-cat-without-hurting-her/562936)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2021, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-remove-a-dingleberry-from-my-cat-without-hurting-her/562936 "2021-03-01T07:55:02Z")
One of my cats has developed a sizable clump of dried poop on her nether regions. How do I remove it without hurting her either physically or psychologically? She’s a 7-year-old medium-hair domestic. --- ## [Please explain the proverb "borrowed things will home again"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-proverb-borrowed-things-will-home-again/933903)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-the-proverb-borrowed-things-will-home-again/933903 "2021-02-28T23:23:29Z")
Hi I hope someone can explain the proverb “borrowed things will home again”. I couldn’t find any satisfactory explanations of it. I believe it simply means to return borrowed things promptly so as to remain in good stan… --- ## [Dimmable bulbs are still flickering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmable-bulbs-are-still-flickering/933954)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmable-bulbs-are-still-flickering/933954 "2021-02-28T21:04:32Z")
I have a couple light switches that are dimmers. In my guest bathroom, I have one connected to the 3-bulb light fixture above the mirror. I’ve made the mistake before of not getting dimmable bulbs, and make sure to clear… --- ## [When does Harbor Freight have sales?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-harbor-freight-have-sales/933859)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-harbor-freight-have-sales/933859 "2021-02-28T17:58:17Z")
Right now, Harbor Freight is sponsoring a 10% off sale. That will pay the taxes, but does HB have any better sales - like in a month or so? Usually stores have yearly sales, so I can expect a Christmas - January sale (… --- ## [Who is and who isn't a "peasant"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-and-who-isnt-a-peasant/933451)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-and-who-isnt-a-peasant/933451 "2021-02-28T16:48:07Z")
When I hear the word “peasant”, I imagine a serf or other person working the land in a feudal society. I have seen/heard it used for people in the modern era as well, but it seems to be exclusively used by English speake… --- ## [At what temperature will your eyeballs freeze?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-temperature-will-your-eyeballs-freeze/524645)
**Author:** [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-temperature-will-your-eyeballs-freeze/524645 "2021-02-28T14:13:34Z")
And what keeps them from freezing before that temperature? This post got me wondering: Assume no eye protection. Corollary 1: Is there a temperature at which our eyeballs will freeze before we hit hypothermia? Corol… --- ## [Youtube videos blocked everywhere except Somaliland? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-videos-blocked-everywhere-except-somaliland-why/933926)
**Author:** [@Didi44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Didi44)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2021, 10:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-videos-blocked-everywhere-except-somaliland-why/933926 "2021-02-28T10:21:01Z")
I’m on a few Sub-Reddits and I’ve been seeing this pop up more and more. I know it’s been going on for years and it’s not limited to potentially political or subversive videos. Why Somaliland? I have a VPN service and wh… --- ## [A physics question about melting ice in a cup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-physics-question-about-melting-ice-in-a-cup/933677)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2021, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-physics-question-about-melting-ice-in-a-cup/933677 "2021-02-27T22:10:26Z")
Imagine a typical fast-food drink cup, made of some kind of heavy waxy-coated paper, half full of ice with no liquid. It is in a room at (say) 70 degrees F. It naturally starts to melt, gradually changing the ice into wa… --- ## [This drill press arbor is ruined and shouldn't be used, correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-drill-press-arbor-is-ruined-and-shouldnt-be-used-correct/933900)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2021, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-drill-press-arbor-is-ruined-and-shouldnt-be-used-correct/933900 "2021-02-27T20:05:07Z")
I finally have my first nice drill press, a 1 hp 12 speed floor standing model that uses a Morse taper in the spindle (MT3) and a Jacobs taper in the chuck. It came with the arbor floating around loose in the outer shipp… --- ## [Protection against wrong automatic deposits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protection-against-wrong-automatic-deposits/933831)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protection-against-wrong-automatic-deposits/933831 "2021-02-27T19:50:48Z")
I’m a little worried because I got my tax refund today and Mrs Cad didn’t. I’m always paranoid about putting in the ABA Routing and Account Number wrong although I triple-check. Lets say instead of 100200300 123456789… --- ## [Cell phone help - blocked numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-help-blocked-numbers/933743)
**Author:** [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cell-phone-help-blocked-numbers/933743 "2021-02-26T22:14:17Z")
My wife and I have a old cell (Moto e5 Play about 5 years old, uses Verizon) that we keep at home as a “landline” that we only give out the number to businesses we use. We get occasional spam calls, block them and no wo… --- ## [Could UV/Suntanning/Burning be very different in Hawaii?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-uv-suntanning-burning-be-very-different-in-hawaii/933710)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-uv-suntanning-burning-be-very-different-in-hawaii/933710 "2021-02-26T21:48:14Z")
I’ve been living in Hawaii for the last six months and one thing that struck me as strange is that it’s very difficult to tan/burn here. The weather is always sunny with few clouds and I do spend a fair amount of time o… --- ## [Why are gunshots to the gut so deadly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-gunshots-to-the-gut-so-deadly/723219)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-gunshots-to-the-gut-so-deadly/723219 "2021-02-26T21:20:03Z")
Hello Everyone, I’m rereading a book about personal stories from the Marines who fought on Iwo Jima. One thing that is mentioned quite often is the expectation that when one of the Marines sees another gut shot, he is … --- ## [Removing the DRM Protection On Songs I Have Legally Bought In iTunes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-the-drm-protection-on-songs-i-have-legally-bought-in-itunes/933830)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removing-the-drm-protection-on-songs-i-have-legally-bought-in-itunes/933830 "2021-02-26T19:12:15Z")
I have 12 songs in my iTunes library that I legally purchased through the iTunes store years ago, and they came into my library with DRM Protection. I would like to remove this DRM so I can burn these songs to disks and … --- ## [How cold does it have to be before "bundling up" does no good and you still freeze to death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-cold-does-it-have-to-be-before-bundling-up-does-no-good-and-you-still-freeze-to-death/933312)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-cold-does-it-have-to-be-before-bundling-up-does-no-good-and-you-still-freeze-to-death/933312 "2021-02-26T17:09:23Z")
Suppose you put on two sweaters and a decent winter coat, how cold does it have to be before it overcomes your trapped body heat? Make whatever assumptions you want about the size or BMI of the individual, or the qualit… --- ## [When you're an ACE in human resources](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-an-ace-in-human-resources/833694)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2021, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-youre-an-ace-in-human-resources/833694 "2021-02-26T10:25:59Z")
I have seen this postnomial a few times. It may not be exactly a human resourse certification but it seems to come up with people in that position. Any idea what this is? --- ## [What Are These Telescope Features Called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-telescope-features-called/933355)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-telescope-features-called/933355 "2021-02-25T22:34:20Z")
I’m thinking about saving up for a high-quality backyard telescope. I’m specifically looking for two features, but I don’t know what they’re called in the telescope industry (I want to know the right search terms to look… --- ## [Computer problem with playing shows from CW.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-with-playing-shows-from-cw-com/933741)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-problem-with-playing-shows-from-cw-com/933741 "2021-02-25T20:51:49Z")
Everybody sounds like they’re whispering. When the characters talk softly I can’t understand them at all. Any way to fix this? --- ## [I would like to dual boot my computer, can anyone help me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-like-to-dual-boot-my-computer-can-anyone-help-me/933674)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-would-like-to-dual-boot-my-computer-can-anyone-help-me/933674 "2021-02-25T16:27:52Z")
I would like to dual boot my computer. Currently, I am running windows 10 64bit, so I would like to run windows 10 32 bit for legacy programs. The first step is to buy another copy of windows 10 32bit. The next step i… --- ## [What's the proper name for those bollards that you tie boats up to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-name-for-those-bollards-that-you-tie-boats-up-to/367202)
**Author:** [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-name-for-those-bollards-that-you-tie-boats-up-to/367202 "2021-02-25T02:32:13Z")
You know, the big, often mushroom-shaped bollards on a quayside used for tying boats up to, and/or tripping up pedestrians who aren’t watching where they’re going. I’m sure they have a proper nautical-sounding name, but … --- ## [Why are shoes typically made with an inward curving back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-shoes-typically-made-with-an-inward-curving-back/933540)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2021, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-shoes-typically-made-with-an-inward-curving-back/933540 "2021-02-25T00:07:42Z")
Breaking in a new pair of shoes right now and one problem I often have is that the top part of the heel section (where there is sometimes a loop attached for pulling on the shoe) curves back in, pressing on my Achilles t… --- ## [Perseverence on Mars: what limits the bandwidth of comms to Earth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseverence-on-mars-what-limits-the-bandwidth-of-comms-to-earth/933487)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perseverence-on-mars-what-limits-the-bandwidth-of-comms-to-earth/933487 "2021-02-24T19:29:30Z")
AIUI, bandwidth of the link between Perseverance on Mars and us here on Earth means we’ll get plenty of still images, but not much video. Why is bandwidth so limited? How would the rover (or its orbiting comm relay) ha… --- ## [2017 Nissan rogue wiper stopped working](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-nissan-rogue-wiper-stopped-working/932384)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2021, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2017-nissan-rogue-wiper-stopped-working/932384 "2021-02-24T15:55:16Z")
It’s under warranty but I would like to avoid a dealership trip. It’s the passenger side wiper. Is there stuff I should check on my own? Like fuses . --- ## [Why did we start using "Ms" instead of calling all adult women "Mrs"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-we-start-using-ms-instead-of-calling-all-adult-women-mrs/929596)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2021, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-we-start-using-ms-instead-of-calling-all-adult-women-mrs/929596 "2021-02-24T09:16:23Z")
Inspired by this thread. Why did Anglophones create a new honorific for women when other European language speakers just shifted to referring to all adult women by the honorific for married women (Madame, Frau, Señora, … --- ## [Did Diogenes really write 'I pissed on the man who called me a dog. Why was he so surprised?'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-diogenes-really-write-i-pissed-on-the-man-who-called-me-a-dog-why-was-he-so-surprised/933587)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2021, 7:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-diogenes-really-write-i-pissed-on-the-man-who-called-me-a-dog-why-was-he-so-surprised/933587 "2021-02-24T07:12:09Z")
The question is in the title. If he did write it, in what work is it written? That is, I know none of his writings survive, but what is the source where the quote is attributed to him? --- ## [Suppose a litigant (deliberately) insults the judge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-a-litigant-deliberately-insults-the-judge/933468)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2021, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-a-litigant-deliberately-insults-the-judge/933468 "2021-02-24T03:16:48Z")
Suppose a litigant says (either in or outside of court) a bunch of extremely insulting things about the judge in the case, such that any normal person would feel highly aggrieved. Can they then turn around and claim that… --- ## [B-52 stratofortress: why EIGHT engines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-52-stratofortress-why-eight-engines/932441)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2021, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/b-52-stratofortress-why-eight-engines/932441 "2021-02-23T22:57:08Z")
As the subject line says, why is the B-52 fitted with eight modest engines instead of, say four bigger ones? --- ## [Hand washing vs. Dishwasher redux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-washing-vs-dishwasher-redux/933164)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2021, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hand-washing-vs-dishwasher-redux/933164 "2021-02-23T21:57:50Z")
Ok… so I understand that the dishwasher is generally reputed to be more efficient than hand-washing under normal circumstances. But here in Texas, we’re not experiencing normal circumstances. There are severe electrici… --- ## [How do you back up your Contact Lists for IMAP email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-back-up-your-contact-lists-for-imap-email/933412)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2021, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-back-up-your-contact-lists-for-imap-email/933412 "2021-02-23T19:29:02Z")
It appears that I’m not fully understanding how IMAP works, because every solution I’m coming up with seems pretty lame. My old computer (which I just upgraded) had two “email Accounts” set up for a single email address … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=296) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/factual-questions/9.md?page=298)