# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1326 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1327 --- ## [Spiders, man!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiders-man/951535)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spiders-man/951535 "2021-09-30T23:13:36Z")
This is a project that I’ve been working on for a while, identifying the spider species that I have photographed in my home and yard in Upstate South Carolina over the past 20 years. Spiders are by far the most diverse c… --- ## [Why are truckdrivers such assholes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-truckdrivers-such-assholes/950922)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-truckdrivers-such-assholes/950922 "2021-09-30T22:24:45Z")
I just finished a 1200 mile drive, mostly up I-95 and I-81, and kept noticing on two-lane highways (in the same direction) that often two gigantic trucks would be doing 65 or even 60 in a 70 MPH zone side-by-side for mil… --- ## [Where does biologically active nitrogen come from](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-biologically-active-nitrogen-come-from/951376)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-biologically-active-nitrogen-come-from/951376 "2021-09-30T21:44:31Z")
The nitrogen in the atmosphere is N2 which is very difficult to break apart, but nitrogen is abundant in biological life. So where did life get the nitrogen that is suitable for biological activity? Especially considerin… --- ## [These professors (and other professionals) appearing on Ancient Aliens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-professors-and-other-professionals-appearing-on-ancient-aliens/951606)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/these-professors-and-other-professionals-appearing-on-ancient-aliens/951606 "2021-09-30T21:31:53Z")
Ok, I admit it. I like watching Ancient Aliens (It’s my fall asleep to show). Partly for the giggles, and partly bc I often think to myself: “That would make a cool Sci-Fi movie”. FTR: I don’t believe any of it. My ques… --- ## [Why would a gas station sell kerosene at a pump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-gas-station-sell-kerosene-at-a-pump/951408)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-gas-station-sell-kerosene-at-a-pump/951408 "2021-09-30T20:56:35Z")
I think of kerosene as an old-timey lamp fuel. What modern uses does it have, sufficient for a gas station to have a dedicated pump for it? Is it a regional thing? Never once saw this in 30-odd years in Texas. Now I’m … --- ## [I am getting a promotion I don't want](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-a-promotion-i-dont-want/951530)
**Author:** [@SharltoCopley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SharltoCopley)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-getting-a-promotion-i-dont-want/951530 "2021-09-30T20:49:18Z")
I joined my current company 18 months ago as the first person in a newly established department. Three days later, we hired three more people. Of the total four, I and some other guy were the most senior, but the departm… --- ## [Your reaction to cops "helpfully" locking your car door?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-reaction-to-cops-helpfully-locking-your-car-door/951133)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-reaction-to-cops-helpfully-locking-your-car-door/951133 "2021-09-30T20:41:42Z")
Found this on a police Facebook page. I don’t want to link to it since I’m not trying to start somethin’. I gave them my opinion, which is that I’ll treat any cop I find tampering wi… --- ## [Where is the expiration date on a cardboard case of Diet Dr. Pepper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-expiration-date-on-a-cardboard-case-of-diet-dr-pepper/951534)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-expiration-date-on-a-cardboard-case-of-diet-dr-pepper/951534 "2021-09-30T20:28:54Z")
We bought several cases of soda for our company kitchen from a local big box store. A coworker complained that the Diet Dr.Pepper tasted really off. Lo and behold on the bottom of each can is an expiration date and the … --- ## [Your tolerance for shopping requirements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-tolerance-for-shopping-requirements/951562)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-tolerance-for-shopping-requirements/951562 "2021-09-30T20:27:39Z")
You are interested in an online shop, theoretically: they claim to be selling products that interest you. But before you are permitted to explore their specific items, you must sign up a membership, including payment det… --- ## [Dead fish as a light source](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-fish-as-a-light-source/951563)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-fish-as-a-light-source/951563 "2021-09-30T17:09:37Z")
I learned in another thread recently that rotting fish give off a glow, and were at one time used as a safe light source in coal mines. What are the logistics of this? Questions I’d like to know include : How much lig… --- ## [What is the most entertaining movie you've ever seen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-entertaining-movie-youve-ever-seen/942897)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-entertaining-movie-youve-ever-seen/942897 "2021-09-30T17:01:33Z")
Not the best movie. Not the one that touched you the most deeply or the one that had you cheering the loudest. Not the best-written, -acted or -directed. Not the one that’s rewarded you with fresh insights over countless… --- ## [The lil' Bastard is gone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lil-bastard-is-gone/951618)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lil-bastard-is-gone/951618 "2021-09-30T16:41:04Z")
We have been dog-sitting for niece on and off for about a year. Several months back, she broke up with her boyfriend and came to live with us. Just before she did, she bought an obnoxious Frenchy pup. We had heard about… --- ## [How secure is the "cryptex" device from The Da Vinci Code (2006)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-the-cryptex-device-from-the-da-vinci-code-2006/951476)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-secure-is-the-cryptex-device-from-the-da-vinci-code-2006/951476 "2021-09-30T16:28:52Z")
The movie features a device called a “cryptex” which holds a secret message. It appears to be a combination lock with five dials (26 letters each), not unlike a bike lock. I believe the message is stored in a hollow comp… --- ## [My search for replacement shoelaces](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-search-for-replacement-shoelaces/951533)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-search-for-replacement-shoelaces/951533 "2021-09-30T16:19:39Z")
Where does one find a reasonable selection of shoelaces anymore? DSW carries 6 colors, all the same length. Target had 5 to choose from (with two empty hooks). None suitable. Driving around spending time and gas searchi… --- ## [Things you bought that you've never used](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-bought-that-youve-never-used/951124)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-bought-that-youve-never-used/951124 "2021-09-30T16:00:41Z")
I bought a 21" monitor last year after the office went into “Maximum Telework” mode and they sent me home with a teeny 11" Dell laptop. I was going to set it up as a totally separate computer station, but it turns out it… --- ## [Terraria - Journey's End update](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terraria-journeys-end-update/853708)
**Author:** [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terraria-journeys-end-update/853708 "2021-09-30T15:47:29Z")
Anyone excited about this update, due on 16th May? It sounds pretty good - a complete revamp of the game’s assets, plus hundreds of new items. I was excited until I realised (from comments in that forum) that this up… --- ## [Does anyone follow Middle Age Riot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-follow-middle-age-riot/947918)
**Author:** [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-follow-middle-age-riot/947918 "2021-09-30T15:02:35Z")
Since Dopers generally seem to skew toward liberalism, I am curious if anyone follows Middle Age Riot on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram? He’s a liberal meme/joke writer in his early fifties with 100k+ followers. He ofte… --- ## [Samsung commercial's 'Mew mew mew mew' song?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samsung-commercials-mew-mew-mew-mew-song/932347)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/samsung-commercials-mew-mew-mew-mew-song/932347 "2021-09-30T14:53:53Z")
A new Samsung phone commercial has a catchy song, ending with ‘Mew mew mew mew’. What is the name of the song, and who is the artist? --- ## [Wizard's Duel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wizards-duel/951441)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wizards-duel/951441 "2021-09-30T14:48:41Z")
Over the weekend, while preparing a pie, I threw in a DVD of an old film that I’d seen at a matinee as a kid – Bert I’ Gordon’s The Magic Sword. Gordon was a schlockmeister, turning out low-budget science fiction, horror… --- ## [Another Danny Elfman question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-danny-elfman-question/951597)
**Author:** [@Bananabug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bananabug)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-danny-elfman-question/951597 "2021-09-30T14:31:02Z")
Ok so I am a massive Oingo Boingo/Elfman fan and some people on another music page I belong to claim he has some criminal record regarding something pretty bad that I feel awkward posting what that is here. For various r… --- ## [How can I strengthen my nails for guitar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-strengthen-my-nails-for-guitar/625132)
**Author:** [@Crab007](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crab007)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2021, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-strengthen-my-nails-for-guitar/625132 "2021-09-27T12:56:03Z")
I am teaching myself Flamenco and my nails are taking a beating, how can I strengthen them to stand up to Flamenco playing? I really don’t like the idea of nail polish, I just don’t think it’s a good idea to seal up a na… --- ## [WWII: Battle of Midway...why couldn't the Japanese have pressed on and captured the island?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-battle-of-midway-why-couldnt-the-japanese-have-pressed-on-and-captured-the-island/917029)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 592\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-battle-of-midway-why-couldnt-the-japanese-have-pressed-on-and-captured-the-island/917029 "2021-09-30T14:09:35Z")
In World War II the Battle of Midway is seen as the turning point in the war against the Japanese. They lost four aircraft carriers in the space of a few hours. No doubt that was a massive loss. That said, why couldn’t… --- ## [Inline RS232 serial parser/add chars device](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inline-rs232-serial-parser-add-chars-device/951629)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inline-rs232-serial-parser-add-chars-device/951629 "2021-09-30T13:41:11Z")
I have a project at work I could use some help with. There are two RS232 serial devices that were never meant to talk to each other. The receiving instrument has some data registers that can be populated by input from … --- ## [At-home COVID tests- anyone try one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-home-covid-tests-anyone-try-one/951636)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-home-covid-tests-anyone-try-one/951636 "2021-09-30T13:36:46Z")
We’re cruising, yup, a themed music cruise fully paid for since 2019. We’re required to do a COVID test 48 hrs. prior to boarding. I’m checking the local testing sites and they’re over 48 hours out for results. The cruis… --- ## [Attack of the Hollywood Clichés (aka TV Tropes: The Movie!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-of-the-hollywood-cliches-aka-tv-tropes-the-movie/951614)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-of-the-hollywood-cliches-aka-tv-tropes-the-movie/951614 "2021-09-30T13:05:36Z")
I’m watching this now on Netflix. It’s actually pretty funny. --- ## [SH, JB, and all that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sh-jb-and-all-that/951576)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sh-jb-and-all-that/951576 "2021-09-30T13:03:42Z")
I was just listening to an audiobook of The Return of Sherlock Holmes and was struck by the fact that one of his “pupils” – a London detective who admires Holmes and who asks his help – is named Stanley Hopkins. He has t… --- ## [New Monitor Question: display resolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-monitor-question-display-resolution/951593)
**Author:** [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-monitor-question-display-resolution/951593 "2021-09-30T11:29:25Z")
I have a HUGE new monitor (LG 43UN700T-B) with a much higher resolution (max 3840 x 2160) than the one I was using (also LG, but a 32" with 2560x1080). The graphics support for the work laptop (Dell 5510) and in my pers… --- ## [Do sound bars generally sync up with remote subwoofers and auxiliary speakers, regardless of model?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sound-bars-generally-sync-up-with-remote-subwoofers-and-auxiliary-speakers-regardless-of-model/951541)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sound-bars-generally-sync-up-with-remote-subwoofers-and-auxiliary-speakers-regardless-of-model/951541 "2021-09-30T11:09:17Z")
We have a sound bar with a remotely connected subwoofer and two rear speakers. Last night the bar just up and died. We swapped the cord and confirmed the cord was ok, but the power light does not turn on. I think the cir… --- ## [Buying a new gas range - should I spring for a convection oven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-new-gas-range-should-i-spring-for-a-convection-oven/951590)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-new-gas-range-should-i-spring-for-a-convection-oven/951590 "2021-09-30T10:31:56Z")
Main question: Do convection ovens require an exhaust vent to the outside? I see conflicting info on this. Aside from that, do you have a “true convection” range? I know you have to adjust recipes, temp and time. Is the… --- ## [Pay upfront vs. pay as you go](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-upfront-vs-pay-as-you-go/951477)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2021, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-upfront-vs-pay-as-you-go/951477 "2021-09-30T10:29:21Z")
TLDR: I was prepared to pay $XXX up front for a four-week spa treatment. “Oh, no. You pay as you go.” Okay, but how do they know I won’t rip them off? There’s a spa I go to sometimes, and recently I had a facial and lik… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1325) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1327)