# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1378 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1379 --- ## [Runners, records, and the wind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-records-and-the-wind/947754)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/runners-records-and-the-wind/947754 "2021-08-03T10:20:56Z")
We know that world records in track events are not allowed if the wind speed is above a certain amount. But suppose a 100m runner was allowed an unlimited amount of wind at his back (under his control). How fast could he… --- ## [Post Colonial Nosedive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-colonial-nosedive/947200)
**Author:** [@PozhanPop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PozhanPop)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 10:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-colonial-nosedive/947200 "2021-08-03T10:08:19Z")
A chance remark from a Congolese friend got me thinking. We were talking about hospitals and she said Kinshasa had some of the best hospitals before they became an independent country and how people from places as far a… --- ## [How to pull these 2 data fields from Goodreads?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pull-these-2-data-fields-from-goodreads/947570)
**Author:** [@longtry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longtry)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-pull-these-2-data-fields-from-goodreads/947570 "2021-08-03T05:44:58Z")
Hi there! I made a spreadsheet of books that I want to read, and now I want to update it with live info from goodreads.com. The essential 2 fields I want to get are the number of votes and book score (with only the deci… --- ## [Olympic Records](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-records/947659)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-records/947659 "2021-08-03T04:55:13Z")
I have not watched a lot of the Olympics, but even so have managed to see a surprising number of new Olympic and World records. Didn’t quite think how many until I read this at www.economist.com: “AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES … --- ## [Need help powering an Arduino board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-powering-an-arduino-board/947911)
**Author:** [@Vlad\_Igor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Igor)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-powering-an-arduino-board/947911 "2021-08-03T04:03:33Z")
Calling on the collective wisdom of the SDMB members: tl;dr version: I have an Arduino Nano Extra that is sending step and direction pulses to an A4988 stepper motor driver board. I want to use a single 12 volt power so… --- ## [Facebook related problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-related-problem/947917)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-related-problem/947917 "2021-08-03T03:49:20Z")
Somehow a certain video/ad has inserted itself right above my contact list on my Facebook page. I have closed it, I have blocked it and I have reported it in every way possible, but to no avail. It is from an outfit ca… --- ## [Prime number question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-question/947813)
**Author:** [@whc.03grady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whc.03grady)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2021, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prime-number-question/947813 "2021-08-03T03:54:38Z")
Construct a grid six spaces wide and with as many rows as you like. Number the spaces 1, 2, 3,…. Highlight the spaces containing primes. Why, after the first row, do primes only appear in spaces in the first or fifth col… --- ## [Rescind this warning, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rescind-this-warning-please/946668)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rescind-this-warning-please/946668 "2021-08-02T23:56:48Z")
@Hari\_Seldon warns @Pinecone for a post where Pinceone says: The artwork does not merit the price. This is to buy influence with the President or fund a political movement - clearly. The donors names are kept secret… --- ## [Well-known products with entirely different uses today than their original intended use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-known-products-with-entirely-different-uses-today-than-their-original-intended-use/946718)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-known-products-with-entirely-different-uses-today-than-their-original-intended-use/946718 "2021-08-02T23:39:24Z")
Coca-Cola was originally intended not as a refreshing soft drink, but as a patent medicine, touted to cure everything from indigestion to impotence. Listerine, before its very successful marketing as a halitosis-fightin… --- ## [The Seekers - Black Reflexions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seekers-black-reflexions/947789)
**Author:** [@Knighted\_Vorpal\_Sword](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knighted_Vorpal_Sword)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-seekers-black-reflexions/947789 "2021-08-02T23:17:20Z")
My daughter sent me a WhatsApp asking about the Seekers, the group from the 1960s and 70s. she mentioned that Spotify has listed, under “popular releases,” three songs. All three sound techno and modern, and (to me) are … --- ## [Can you identify this insect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-insect/944809)
**Author:** [@Newtosite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Newtosite)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-insect/944809 "2021-08-02T22:42:16Z")
Does anyone have any guess as to what this insect might be? I saw one in my house and I’ve been hearing crackling noises in one wall indicating something’s alive in there. :frowning: Pic didn’t come up. How do I post … --- ## [First "yeah" that pops into your head](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-yeah-that-pops-into-your-head/947618)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-yeah-that-pops-into-your-head/947618 "2021-08-02T21:33:06Z")
At the end of Shatter the illusion of integrity, yeah. Geddy --- ## [Female Criminality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-criminality/947800)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-criminality/947800 "2021-08-02T21:26:12Z")
I read a lot, and about many different things. One thing that stood out was a claim that, although crime and violent crime rates have dropped substantially, female criminality was increasing. Now, I do not know this to… --- ## [What's the theoretical max temperature at Death Valley?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-theoretical-max-temperature-at-death-valley/947877)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-theoretical-max-temperature-at-death-valley/947877 "2021-08-02T21:22:56Z")
Prompted by this post 'The Limit of the Heat'? The highest recorded temperature at Death Valley is 134 F. (Death Valley Records Hottest Average Temperature Over 24 Hours | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine) Knowing all … --- ## [Post Your Music Playlist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-music-playlist/947898)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-music-playlist/947898 "2021-08-02T20:43:52Z")
I find this a good way to share and find music… Say someone has a list, and you know and love 95% of their list. There’s a good chance that the other 5% you don’t know could be really good stuff. This is very easy to … --- ## [Inspiring Olympic Moments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inspiring-olympic-moments/947861)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inspiring-olympic-moments/947861 "2021-08-02T19:35:16Z")
We’ve had a thread on pittings. This one is for inspiring moments. Mine is the Dutch 1500m sprinter Hassan. Knocked over on the last lap, she ran from twelfth place to finish first and win the heat. Wow. --- ## [What are the biggest differences between the US and Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-biggest-differences-between-the-us-and-canada/947209)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-biggest-differences-between-the-us-and-canada/947209 "2021-08-02T19:23:39Z")
The first things that come to mind are: a parliamentary system of government, the healthcare system, and lack of private higher education (for the most part.) What are other major differences? I’ve only been to southern… --- ## [Welcome 2 America - new Prince album](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-2-america-new-prince-album/947889)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/welcome-2-america-new-prince-album/947889 "2021-08-02T18:58:50Z")
A new album by Prince just dropped, the first release since his death. He recorded it in 2010 as an actual album, so it’s not just a random collection of b-sides and cast-offs. There’s nothing that’s going to take off l… --- ## [How much is goodwill alone worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-goodwill-alone-worth/947866)
**Author:** [@JohnnyEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnyEcks)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-goodwill-alone-worth/947866 "2021-08-02T18:50:24Z")
Suppose there’s a person-maybe an accountant, or a waitress, or a machinist-and through some happenstance they become universally known and liked. Maybe they ask a particularly insightful question of a candidate, or are… --- ## [MCU question - Hydra infiltration of SHIELD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcu-question-hydra-infiltration-of-shield/947879)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcu-question-hydra-infiltration-of-shield/947879 "2021-08-02T18:10:38Z")
So, I don’t read the comics. All I know is the movies. And I saw them out of order. Iron Man first, then The Avengers. Given that, was it obvious before Avengers that Hydra infiltrated SHIELD? How far back in time? Were… --- ## [Botticelli - July 2021](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2021/945874)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 358\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2021/945874 "2021-08-02T17:36:59Z")
Last month’s thread: Botticelli - June 2021 Updated: Botticelli - the letters we've used so far - #82 by Elendil\_s\_Heir Our first letter for July is C Have at you! --- ## [Impact of a practical room temperature superconductor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-a-practical-room-temperature-superconductor/947528)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impact-of-a-practical-room-temperature-superconductor/947528 "2021-08-02T17:26:11Z")
Suppose such a material were discovered: say it’s as inexpensive and easy to work with as copper or aluminum. This would be a Holy Grail triumph for materials science of course, and obviously extremely useful. But woul… --- ## [What happens in 2022 and 2024 when Republicans refuse to certify elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-2022-and-2024-when-republicans-refuse-to-certify-elections/941917)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-2022-and-2024-when-republicans-refuse-to-certify-elections/941917 "2021-08-02T16:30:08Z")
The Liz Cheney thing, where a reliable conservative is being stripped of leadership for saying Trump lost the 2020 election, and various other events has led me to believe that Trumpism has taken over the GOP permanently… --- ## [The original Chilly Willy song ... where can I hear it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-original-chilly-willy-song-where-can-i-hear-it/273251)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-original-chilly-willy-song-where-can-i-hear-it/273251 "2021-08-02T15:33:56Z")
Note, I am looking for the ORIGINAL song. It goes something like: At least, that’s how I remember it from my childhood. I am NOT looking for the other version, which includes the line “What about the crocodiles along … --- ## [Hubble Telescope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hubble-telescope/235055)
**Author:** [@empfsu1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/empfsu1)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hubble-telescope/235055 "2021-08-02T15:06:25Z")
It is said that the Hubble Telescope can see farther into space than any telescope on earth. And that seeing deep into space is actually seeing the past, because the light hitting the telescope is not happening "now’ bu… --- ## [Kasashi or Kazashi ring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kasashi-or-kazashi-ring/947631)
**Author:** [@the\_bing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_bing)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kasashi-or-kazashi-ring/947631 "2021-08-02T14:55:34Z")
In automotive technical documentation, I have come across a (seemingly) technical term for . It is “Kasahsi ring” or “Kazashi ring” and the term is used to describe an aerial for receiving RF frequency signals for remote… --- ## [Meat spoilage after cooking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meat-spoilage-after-cooking/947870)
**Author:** [@Bluenoser54](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bluenoser54)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meat-spoilage-after-cooking/947870 "2021-08-02T14:49:47Z")
Is the shelf life of a piece of cooked chicken shorter – once the chicken is cooked – if the chicken was – while raw – closer to spoiling? E.g., assume a piece of chicken that is 5 days from its best-before date – Piece… --- ## [Why is the US fielding a “B” team for the Gold Cup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-us-fielding-a-b-team-for-the-gold-cup/947793)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-us-fielding-a-b-team-for-the-gold-cup/947793 "2021-08-02T14:21:54Z")
With the plethora of US and international sports events occurring this sunmer, I haven’t kept track of the progress of the the Gold Cup this summer. I fully expected a US-Mexico showdown at the end, and indeed that is h… --- ## [What's the coolest bug (or bugs) that you see on a regular basis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-bug-or-bugs-that-you-see-on-a-regular-basis/944763)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-coolest-bug-or-bugs-that-you-see-on-a-regular-basis/944763 "2021-08-02T13:48:29Z")
Please define “cool” or “regular basis” however you want. I only ask that we don’t get too pedantic and challenge someone if theirs is a spider or something else that isn’t a true bug. For me, it’s fire flies (or light… --- ## [The Back-pain virus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-back-pain-virus/947710)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2021, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-back-pain-virus/947710 "2021-08-02T12:02:57Z")
The mysterious and puzzling recurrence of back pain throughout society, which no one has been able to identify a cause of nor prescribe a cure, can be explained as a virus. I have no basis for this assertion, nor do I h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1377) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1379)