# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1502 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1503 --- ## [HVAC: Natural Gas furnaces all 110v in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-natural-gas-furnaces-all-110v-in-the-us/938946)
**Author:** [@JR2525](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JR2525)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-natural-gas-furnaces-all-110v-in-the-us/938946 "2021-03-31T04:43:35Z")
Maybe someone can answer this. Why is it that all forced air gas furnaces in the united states are driven by 110v half-phase motors? It makes no seance to me, 220v motors are by their very nature more energy efficient. … --- ## [Poker: How does "All In" work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poker-how-does-all-in-work/938941)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poker-how-does-all-in-work/938941 "2021-03-31T04:05:30Z")
We see it a lot in movies where someone goes “all in” while gambling (usually poker). How doe that work? I get that if I have (say) $1000 and another player has $2000 they can make it so I can’t complete a hand because… --- ## [Is there any moral defense for eating meat in modern first-world countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-moral-defense-for-eating-meat-in-modern-first-world-countries/930637)
**Author:** [@Delayed\_Reflex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Delayed_Reflex)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-moral-defense-for-eating-meat-in-modern-first-world-countries/930637 "2021-03-31T02:46:39Z")
I was listening to an episode of Hidden Brain on Thomas Jefferson’s stance on slavery, and how he was “hypocritical in the way that many people are hypocritical, in that all of us are hypocritical when we have an intelle… --- ## [Why Aren't Toilets made of Plastic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-toilets-made-of-plastic/677236)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-arent-toilets-made-of-plastic/677236 "2021-03-30T18:21:21Z")
Ceramic toilets are durable-but they weigh a ton. Couldn’t they make them out of fiberglass reinforced plastics? the weight savings would be nice, and they probably would cost less to make. are there any? --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Beck has a gift for all of you. You're gonna love it. I promise. Don't be afraid. It won't hurt you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-has-a-gift-for-all-of-you-youre-gonna-love-it-i-promise-dont-be-afraid-it-wont-hurt-you/938909)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-has-a-gift-for-all-of-you-youre-gonna-love-it-i-promise-dont-be-afraid-it-wont-hurt-you/938909 "2021-03-31T01:36:06Z")
I said before, for some odd reason we’ve been watching the western channels. You know the ones where Gunsmoke, Bonanza and The Virginian is always on?! Yeah, that channel. I was awakened bright and early with a particu… --- ## [Planning to buy a new computer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-to-buy-a-new-computer/938913)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob1)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/planning-to-buy-a-new-computer/938913 "2021-03-31T01:11:12Z")
My computer is 7-8 years old, and I plan on buying a new one. What should I look for if I just plan on browsing the internet? What’s the price for a good computer? I’m looking at buying, not building, and I would like … --- ## [Anyone know about Cakewalk for recording](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-about-cakewalk-for-recording/938393)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-know-about-cakewalk-for-recording/938393 "2021-03-31T01:11:01Z")
What I am trying to do is go from my Mustang amp USB to computer, but Cakewalk (what a weird name) is not recognizing it, it only sees Realtex speakers. Do I have to have an audio interface($169) , and if so, are there a… --- ## [Ship stuck in the Suez](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ship-stuck-in-the-suez/938869)
**Author:** [@ashtayk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ashtayk)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ship-stuck-in-the-suez/938869 "2021-03-31T01:01:24Z")
So, I am getting increasingly confused about the name of the ship in question. Is it Evergreen or Ever Given? If you read the bbc article it refers to the ship as the Ever Given whereas if you see the picture accompanyi… --- ## [NASCAR dirt track racing weekend at Bristol: what a joke](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nascar-dirt-track-racing-weekend-at-bristol-what-a-joke/939013)
**Author:** [@stuccosuperstar2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuccosuperstar2020)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2021, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nascar-dirt-track-racing-weekend-at-bristol-what-a-joke/939013 "2021-03-31T00:17:04Z")
I’m not blaming the drivers who put on an exciting race. I also appreciate NASCAR coming up with ideas for attracting new fans. And when I heard they were going to do this, I marked out as much as anyone. But the execut… --- ## [Grammar - 'may' or 'might'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-may-or-might/938875)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-may-or-might/938875 "2021-03-30T22:38:45Z")
They played a track from a group called They Might be Giants on the radio today. The pedant in me immediately thought “Noo, They ‘May’ be Giants”. Then I thought, “no, ‘might’ is okay.” Then I thought “why?” Are may a… --- ## [Unusually bright night on Sunday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusually-bright-night-on-sunday/939018)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusually-bright-night-on-sunday/939018 "2021-03-30T21:17:48Z")
Hi all. A couple of nights ago, I awoke at random (yep, digestion, that happens at my age) and was pretty sure the sun was rising, there was so much light outside. But when I looked at the clock it was about 4 AM. I was… --- ## [Is now a good time to talk about gun safety laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-now-a-good-time-to-talk-about-gun-safety-laws/938605)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-now-a-good-time-to-talk-about-gun-safety-laws/938605 "2021-03-30T21:01:29Z")
This is an incredibly complex issue that I can’t possibly present comprehensively in one OP. So instead of attempting a coherent “essay” on the subject, I’ll employ an alternative format: NOTES ON "GUN CONTROL" Gun co… --- ## [Teenager Makes Car Out of Wood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenager-makes-car-out-of-wood/938994)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenager-makes-car-out-of-wood/938994 "2021-03-30T20:40:22Z")
Wanted to share this video of a teenager who made a model car out of wood. I found this on Reddit where he posted it to an engineering group and explained he was mildly autistic and could never have a career in engineeri… --- ## [Old C-41 (and ECN-2) film development](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-c-41-and-ecn-2-film-development/938884)
**Author:** [@leswax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leswax)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-c-41-and-ecn-2-film-development/938884 "2021-03-30T19:32:37Z")
I have six exposed rolls of C-41 process Kodak Gold Max 35mm film (5x400 speed and 1x100). I most likely shot these rolls when I was in high school sometime before graduating in 2001. I believe they’ve been stored under … --- ## [The point at which cyberwarfare justifies an actual war response](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-point-at-which-cyberwarfare-justifies-an-actual-war-response/937293)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-point-at-which-cyberwarfare-justifies-an-actual-war-response/937293 "2021-03-30T19:03:44Z")
AIUI, there is this general understanding that a cyberattack is a cyberattack and a kinetic attack (i.e., bombing) is a kinetic attack, and you don’t respond to a cyberattack with kinetic means. This is why, for instance… --- ## [HVAC (central air/heat) systems, what voltage wiring do these typically use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-central-air-heat-systems-what-voltage-wiring-do-these-typically-use/464785)
**Author:** [@Bobalude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bobalude)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hvac-central-air-heat-systems-what-voltage-wiring-do-these-typically-use/464785 "2021-03-30T19:03:38Z")
I am thinking about installing a HVAC / central heating & air system in my house. I was told by an electrician who came by that I must upgrade my wiring to 220v in order to use an HVAC system… I am a bit skeptical as to … --- ## [Who is more likely to leave for another partner, men or women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-likely-to-leave-for-another-partner-men-or-women/931522)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-more-likely-to-leave-for-another-partner-men-or-women/931522 "2021-03-30T18:41:27Z")
Women end most relationships but what I’m specifically asking about is situations where A is in a relationship with B then ends the relationship with B to begin a relationship with C. I mean to include situations where t… --- ## [Does a bigger brake rotor on a wheel help brake performance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-bigger-brake-rotor-on-a-wheel-help-brake-performance/938540)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-bigger-brake-rotor-on-a-wheel-help-brake-performance/938540 "2021-03-30T18:33:43Z")
I recently bought an electric scooter. One of the touted selling points was that is has a bigger brake rotor. Where most e-scooters have a 140mm rotor this one has 160mm rotor. They claim this gives it noticeably bett… --- ## [The Championship Rings (or Banners) Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-championship-rings-or-banners-thread/938934)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-championship-rings-or-banners-thread/938934 "2021-03-30T18:04:05Z")
The first championship ring in modern times was worn by…the Montreal Hockey Club in 1893. https://sihrhockey.org/\_\_a/public/column.cfm?cid=3&aid=470 It looked like a…wedding band. What are your favorite championship r… --- ## [Re: Down’s Syndrome strength](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-down-s-syndrome-strength/938645)
**Author:** [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-down-s-syndrome-strength/938645 "2021-03-30T18:00:48Z")
I worked with Down’s Syndrome kids (under the age of 18) and young adults (under the age of 21). Both supervision and side-by-side. I lived on-site with Down’s Syndrome kids and young adults, before they were de-institu… --- ## [NCAA Tournament bracket challenge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-tournament-bracket-challenge/937968)
**Author:** [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ncaa-tournament-bracket-challenge/937968 "2021-03-30T17:22:18Z")
Are we doing a Tournament Challenge on ESPN.com like in past years? I’m hankering to pick my Florida Gators as national champions again! (Seriously, I don’t have great expectations for them this year. I’m just amazed … --- ## [Legal question re: shipping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-re-shipping/938928)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-question-re-shipping/938928 "2021-03-30T16:57:30Z")
Not a court case, just a question. As usual. FedEx messed up on a shipment. This time it was a perishable item that sat on an unmoving truck for 4 days. FedEx says they don’t owe me anything because I’m not the ship… --- ## [Is it my imagination, or is the management of AstraZeneca incompentent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-the-management-of-astrazeneca-incompentent/938519)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-my-imagination-or-is-the-management-of-astrazeneca-incompentent/938519 "2021-03-30T16:50:08Z")
I keep seeing weird news about the Oxford AstroZeneca vaccine trials. First it was that a bunch of people in the initial study got the wrong dose Many scientists raised concerns on the robustness of results from a su… --- ## [Is thriller novel w/o big final scene possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thriller-novel-w-o-big-final-scene-possible/938967)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-thriller-novel-w-o-big-final-scene-possible/938967 "2021-03-30T16:26:25Z")
I enjoy reading thrillers, but one thing that kinda disappoints me is the standard formula. There is an interesting, lengthy buildup and character development for 300 pages, and then a big confrontation scene in the fin… --- ## [How important is it that a mystery book solution be solvable by the reader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-that-a-mystery-book-solution-be-solvable-by-the-reader/938050)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-that-a-mystery-book-solution-be-solvable-by-the-reader/938050 "2021-03-30T15:35:04Z")
I am reading the Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and I will not spoil\* the book, but I am very near the end and instead of the “solution” being something that a series of clues indicated, it appears to be something… --- ## [Roth IRAs: How would they know... (Not a Tax Q)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roth-iras-how-would-they-know-not-a-tax-q/938914)
**Author:** [@Ptolomy57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ptolomy57)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roth-iras-how-would-they-know-not-a-tax-q/938914 "2021-03-30T15:05:55Z")
I understand money for a Roth IRA contribution uses “after tax” dollars; hence, one does not report contributions to a Roth IRA on the 1040 tax form. Hence, the only record of what you contributed is your financial insti… --- ## [Buying stuff from China on Amazon, who pays customs/duties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-stuff-from-china-on-amazon-who-pays-customs-duties/939002)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-stuff-from-china-on-amazon-who-pays-customs-duties/939002 "2021-03-30T13:53:14Z")
So I live in the USA, and I’ve been ordering some clothing from China of late, on Amazon - over $80’ worth (and I might end up doubling it to $160+.) When stuff like this arrives in the USA, is the seller (in China) the… --- ## [How viable is your local “downtown”?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-viable-is-your-local-downtown/938870)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-viable-is-your-local-downtown/938870 "2021-03-30T13:37:40Z")
I live in a medium city. When I was growing up, the downtown was a lively place with some nice restaurants and a “fancy” five story department store, a library in a beautiful old building, a decent repertory cinema show… --- ## [Eating bran (3 simple questions)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-bran-3-simple-questions/938979)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-bran-3-simple-questions/938979 "2021-03-30T13:09:06Z")
As I understand it, eating bran is good for you as it assists digestion, correct? I like bran with milk as a breakfast cereal - but presumably one could just nibble the bran flakes for the same benefits? Here’s t… --- ## [I'm in the market for a big screen TV, should I buy one IMMEDIATELY?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-the-market-for-a-big-screen-tv-should-i-buy-one-immediately/938820)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2021, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-the-market-for-a-big-screen-tv-should-i-buy-one-immediately/938820 "2021-03-30T11:23:15Z")
I’ve had the same HDTV since 2012, given me great service and still works fine but showing it’s age with absolutely no “modern” amenities like built-in apps or more than two HDMI ports. I was thinking sometime in the nex… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1501) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1503)