# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1362 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1363 --- ## [I need advice on searching for a book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-advice-on-searching-for-a-book/835853)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-need-advice-on-searching-for-a-book/835853 "2021-08-20T18:53:17Z")
I will give some backstory first. From 1931 to 1958 there was a cookbook published in Topeka, Kansas, called The Household Searchlight Recipe Book…It went through twenty-eight printings. The editors are all long gone, … --- ## [Do modern electric vehicles need the weight of their battery for ballast & balance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-modern-electric-vehicles-need-the-weight-of-their-battery-for-ballast-balance/949209)
**Author:** [@Ponderoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponderoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-modern-electric-vehicles-need-the-weight-of-their-battery-for-ballast-balance/949209 "2021-08-20T18:49:49Z")
Let’s say tomorrow someone makes the hoped-for breakthrough and invents a new type of rechargeable battery with 100x the energy density of the best batteries available on the market today. Obviously this will be a great … --- ## [5G Cell Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-cell-service/949160)
**Author:** [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-cell-service/949160 "2021-08-20T16:53:58Z")
I think the major US carriers have started to offer 5G cell service in the last year or two. I believe the area where I live is one in which it’s available and my cell phone (Apple iPhone 12 Pro) supports it, but I belie… --- ## [How large an explosion would the congressional bomb threat make if he had what he said](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-an-explosion-would-the-congressional-bomb-threat-make-if-he-had-what-he-said/949183)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-an-explosion-would-the-congressional-bomb-threat-make-if-he-had-what-he-said/949183 "2021-08-20T16:17:49Z")
So from this article on the threat: At one point he claimed he had a “toolbox full of ammonium nitrate.” At another, he said police should ask their experts “what a 7-pound beg of gunpowder would do with 2.5-lbs. of Ta… --- ## [‘Sinister’ words that sound innocent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sinister-words-that-sound-innocent/948663)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sinister-words-that-sound-innocent/948663 "2021-08-20T16:17:21Z")
Of course, a mirror image of this thread: I’ve always thought ‘Melanoma’ sounded like a beautiful tropical island nation where one would love to vacation. --- ## [A "Breakthrough" story. Are there others?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-breakthrough-story-are-there-others/949100)
**Author:** [@Joeu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joeu)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-breakthrough-story-are-there-others/949100 "2021-08-20T15:48:30Z")
In case anyone is interested in a first-person bit of anecdata, I’m currently on day 6 of a “breakthrough” covid infection. Maybe others can share, too? I’m finding the reporting about these infections to be sensational… --- ## [A question about spacetime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-spacetime/948267)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-spacetime/948267 "2021-08-20T15:15:27Z")
I’m putting this here because I’m not convinced there is a factual answer. So, what got me thinking about this was a documentary I watched some time ago about a group of people who could count to 3 or 4 and then it was … --- ## [What happened to my new iMac?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-new-imac/948970)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-my-new-imac/948970 "2021-08-20T14:36:50Z")
I have a month-old iMac with the M1 chip. Beautiful machine. That is, until last Thursday night. All of a sudden the screen went dark. I tried to restart several times before it finally restarted. Upon restart, there was… --- ## [Explain makeup to the clueless](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-makeup-to-the-clueless/949118)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-makeup-to-the-clueless/949118 "2021-08-20T13:52:22Z")
I like to cosplay at conventions, and usually I crossplay (dressing as male characters). I’ve watched a few tutorials on how to use makeup to masculinize my face and I’d like to try it. Problem is, I’ve never worn makeu… --- ## [Well, it looks like it's time for me to go back to working in the office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-it-looks-like-its-time-for-me-to-go-back-to-working-in-the-office/948165)
**Author:** [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-it-looks-like-its-time-for-me-to-go-back-to-working-in-the-office/948165 "2021-08-20T12:59:46Z")
…because I need to steal more printer paper! So, what trivial reason do you think it will be to make you think about going back to your office? --- ## [Make the Conservative Case for Overriding Various COVID restrictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-the-conservative-case-for-overriding-various-covid-restrictions/948289)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-the-conservative-case-for-overriding-various-covid-restrictions/948289 "2021-08-20T11:54:06Z")
I know we don’t have too many conservatives here, but we have a few. And, feel free to comment even if you’re not conservative, but I would appreciate it if you do, to make a good faith argument, not some conservative h… --- ## [Is this bottle of Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1949 51 Year Old single malt worth the price?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-bottle-of-gordon-macphail-mortlach-1949-51-year-old-single-malt-worth-the-price/949090)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-bottle-of-gordon-macphail-mortlach-1949-51-year-old-single-malt-worth-the-price/949090 "2021-08-20T09:12:58Z")
OK as ive shared before I’m on " the whisky shop"'s e-mail list and a lot of it is fascinating just to read some of the stories behind the makers and the process they use to make it and such But they have a small list … --- ## [The President is coming to fight you! What are the legal implications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-is-coming-to-fight-you-what-are-the-legal-implications/948501)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-is-coming-to-fight-you-what-are-the-legal-implications/948501 "2021-08-20T07:19:56Z")
So here’s the situation. For whatever reason, possibly having nothing to do with politics, the POTUS has singled you out of a crowd and has declared “I am coming to KICK YOUR ASS!” And he can do it! So what are the le… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Clary O'possum(sounds Irish, don't it) and the Lord of the Flies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-clary-opossum-sounds-irish-dont-it-and-the-lord-of-the-flies/948687)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-clary-opossum-sounds-irish-dont-it-and-the-lord-of-the-flies/948687 "2021-08-20T06:22:03Z")
We seemed to have a fly situation at the dog kennel that houses 17 - 20 beagles. I haven’t counted lately. Mr Wrekker went to the Tractor Supply store and got enough insecticide things to upend the natural balance of th… --- ## [Reasons why I believe the Gta trilogy rumors and E&E are actually the new game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-why-i-believe-the-gta-trilogy-rumors-and-e-e-are-actually-the-new-game/949185)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reasons-why-i-believe-the-gta-trilogy-rumors-and-e-e-are-actually-the-new-game/949185 "2021-08-20T01:04:35Z")
At the moment there are 2 more…or less confirmed things we are getting from Rockstar: Expanded and enhanced version of GTA V Trilogy of LC, VC and SA released on UE (I think still only a rumour, but a strong one) For … --- ## [Any vaccine with very-long-term side effects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-vaccine-with-very-long-term-side-effects/947976)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-vaccine-with-very-long-term-side-effects/947976 "2021-08-20T01:17:30Z")
Some of the current COVID vaccine hesitancy is among people who claim to be concerned about side effects. And indeed there are side effects - some of which are severe - but AIUI, not dramatically different in severity o… --- ## [Odds of winning a mature Queen of Hearts game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-of-winning-a-mature-queen-of-hearts-game/949175)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2021, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-of-winning-a-mature-queen-of-hearts-game/949175 "2021-08-20T00:35:04Z")
If you are not familiar with the game: A new deck of cards including the jokers is shuffled. Each card is placed in a sealed envelope and those are shuffled. Then a set of 1 to 54 numbered balls or something is used to a… --- ## [Droppings!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/droppings/949061)
**Author:** [@Dr.Crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Crap)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/droppings/949061 "2021-08-19T22:57:40Z")
Cuckoo I have crap-level intelligence Where is McConnell? Follow McConnell Trump is not in jail (yet) Why does Biden surround himself with people? This is not about shirts v skins (yet) That anime character isn’t u… --- ## [Congressional reapportionment numbers are in](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-reapportionment-numbers-are-in/940808)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congressional-reapportionment-numbers-are-in/940808 "2021-08-19T22:52:28Z")
Not nearly as bad as it could have been for the Democrats: TX gets two new seats FL, OR, CO, MT, NC get one new seat NY, IL, CA, WV, MI, OH, PA lose one seat each. NY only losing one seat is amazing. Arizona didn’t… --- ## [How do I permanently turn off Facebook Messenger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-permanently-turn-off-facebook-messenger/949130)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-permanently-turn-off-facebook-messenger/949130 "2021-08-19T22:39:38Z")
I have Facebook on both my computer and phone. I use it to follow a couple of groups, keep up with what’s going on in my nieces’ and nephews’ lives, and wish happy birthday to people. I can count on one hand the number… --- ## [English Among the Germanic Languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-among-the-germanic-languages/949141)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-among-the-germanic-languages/949141 "2021-08-19T22:07:21Z")
As I understand it, Icelandic is the most conservative among the Germanic languages. Learning it is not unlike learning Latin, with all the case endings. And Icelanders can still read their sagas. It is ancient and very … --- ## [What fictional settings would you like to see reused?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fictional-settings-would-you-like-to-see-reused/949108)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-fictional-settings-would-you-like-to-see-reused/949108 "2021-08-19T21:53:08Z")
A one-off story that took place in a fictional universe that you think was an interesting enough setting to have potential for more stories, not necessarily sequels. --- ## [How come I can watch this TV series?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-i-can-watch-this-tv-series/949167)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-i-can-watch-this-tv-series/949167 "2021-08-19T21:19:50Z")
I live in the UK, so am able to watch terrestrial TV (BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub.) I use Amazon Video to buy various series (not Amazon Prime Video) and have been kindly gifted Disney+. So far, so good. I’ve just discovered… --- ## [Someday I'm going to inherit a hoarder's house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someday-im-going-to-inherit-a-hoarders-house/948450)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/someday-im-going-to-inherit-a-hoarders-house/948450 "2021-08-19T21:13:02Z")
I’m estranged from my brother and sister, for reasons. My brother still lives in our parents’ house, but my parents have been gone for years. Yesterday, I used Google street view to look at the family home. Up until y… --- ## [Foundation series trailer (Apple TV+)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foundation-series-trailer-apple-tv/912354)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foundation-series-trailer-apple-tv/912354 "2021-08-19T20:51:06Z")
Just saw that Apple released a trailer for their upcoming (2021) series based on the Foundation series (Asimov). I’m not sure whether it will work. Although the series has several scenes which would lend themselves well… --- ## [Seeming Opposites That Mean the Exact Same Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeming-opposites-that-mean-the-exact-same-thing/947923)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seeming-opposites-that-mean-the-exact-same-thing/947923 "2021-08-19T20:48:51Z")
I had this idea for a thread quite some time ago. But it’s been so long, I don’t even remember if I posted. In any event, it was long ago in any event, as I said. Words that seemingly should mean the exact opposite, but… --- ## [Possible truck bomb puts US Capitol on Lockdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-truck-bomb-puts-us-capitol-on-lockdown/949162)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-truck-bomb-puts-us-capitol-on-lockdown/949162 "2021-08-19T20:47:24Z")
The situation is still active. The guy in the truck appears to be holding a detonator. https://abc7chicago.com/capitol-bomb-threat-library-of-congress-evacuated-lockdown/10961684/ --- ## [Why is winning so important?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-winning-so-important/949104)
**Author:** [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-winning-so-important/949104 "2021-08-19T20:26:12Z")
In the animal world it means getting a potential mate. What about humans ? Why do we have the desire to win ? --- ## [Zero (not NET) carbon emissions aircraft with minimum changes to current engines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zero-not-net-carbon-emissions-aircraft-with-minimum-changes-to-current-engines/949099)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zero-not-net-carbon-emissions-aircraft-with-minimum-changes-to-current-engines/949099 "2021-08-19T19:57:49Z")
Inspired by the battery powered aviation thread : https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuel-economics-of-battery-powered-airplanes/ What do the aviation experts on the board think about ammonia powered jet engines ? And … --- ## [Am I a bad person for wishing all the Taliban fighters would get COVID?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-bad-person-for-wishing-all-the-taliban-fighters-would-get-covid/948744)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2021, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-a-bad-person-for-wishing-all-the-taliban-fighters-would-get-covid/948744 "2021-08-19T19:50:59Z")
The ones who choose to be there, at least? That’s all. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1361) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1363)