# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1557 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1558 --- ## [How was switching of residential gaseous fuel accomplished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-switching-of-residential-gaseous-fuel-accomplished/932084)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-was-switching-of-residential-gaseous-fuel-accomplished/932084 "2021-02-05T09:27:34Z")
Coal/town gas and natural gas have different compositions that burn differently. A burner optimized for one may work poorly or not at all with the other. Natural gas is the most common utility-supplied residential gaseou… --- ## [Rights of Hatemongers in Europe (and Other Places)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rights-of-hatemongers-in-europe-and-other-places/932115)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rights-of-hatemongers-in-europe-and-other-places/932115 "2021-02-05T08:28:14Z")
This is a factual question. So please save you opinions for GD and other places :slight\_smile: . What rights do people who espouse hate have in Europe (and other modern industrial countries, Canada and Australia, e.g.)? … --- ## ["Kickoff at 6:20 p.m."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kickoff-at-6-20-p-m/932171)
**Author:** [@cardinal\_fang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cardinal_fang)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kickoff-at-6-20-p-m/932171 "2021-02-05T07:04:28Z")
Various sports use some vernacular related to the mechanics of the opening play to refer to the start of the match: “Puck-drop (or opening face-off) after this message.” “Tip-off at 8:07.” “First pitch coming up.” So… --- ## [Is an environmentally-friendly ocean liner feasible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-environmentally-friendly-ocean-liner-feasible/931538)
**Author:** [@John\_Bredin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Bredin)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-an-environmentally-friendly-ocean-liner-feasible/931538 "2021-02-05T06:32:46Z")
So I understand that cruise ships are not environmentally friendly. Link. Link. Link. In particular, cruising generates over twice as much CO2 as flying. But it’s also my understanding that ocean shipping is the most ef… --- ## [Death rates in NYC are six times what they normally are for this period](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rates-in-nyc-are-six-times-what-they-normally-are-for-this-period/852748)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-rates-in-nyc-are-six-times-what-they-normally-are-for-this-period/852748 "2021-02-05T06:29:32Z")
Some of the people who died from the virus would’ve died anyway, but almost 21000 excess deaths in a city of 8.6 million is about 0.25% of the population dying in excess. There are causes of death other than the viru… --- ## [Gravity/velocity question of two bodies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-velocity-question-of-two-bodies/931844)
**Author:** [@Kedikat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kedikat)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gravity-velocity-question-of-two-bodies/931844 "2021-02-05T06:03:22Z")
I am wondering about a situation of two identical bodies traveling the same speed on parallel trajectories at the same spot on the trajectories. They exert a gravitational attraction that will eventually have them come t… --- ## [Clear masks or masks with a clear window](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clear-masks-or-masks-with-a-clear-window/916492)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clear-masks-or-masks-with-a-clear-window/916492 "2021-02-05T05:44:03Z")
My hearing is crap and all the mask wearing makes it hard for me to know what people are saying, because I can’t see their mouths. Yeah, I wear super-duper hearing aids, and they help a lot, but people mumble, too. And B… --- ## [Atomic numbers, and weights of objects](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-numbers-and-weights-of-objects/932007)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-numbers-and-weights-of-objects/932007 "2021-02-05T05:04:34Z")
Do atomic numbers relate directly to weights of solid objects? As an example take these 3 elements, W, Au, and Pb, 74 W, Tungsten 79 Au, Gold 82 Pb, Lead… … if I had a chunk of Au that weighed 79 pounds, would the sa… --- ## [Why are midscale hotels constantly changing brands?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-midscale-hotels-constantly-changing-brands/931734)
**Author:** [@LivingGhost371](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LivingGhost371)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-midscale-hotels-constantly-changing-brands/931734 "2021-02-05T02:05:00Z")
In an area I frequently vacation at, five years ago there was A Courtyard by Marriott A Hilton Garden Inn A Holiday Inn A Hampton Inn A Fairfield Inn. Over the past 10 years or so, the Holiday Inn building was razed a… --- ## [Is this a new thing? (He/him), (She/her)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-new-thing-he-him-she-her/931377)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2021, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-new-thing-he-him-she-her/931377 "2021-02-05T00:00:12Z")
In the last week or so I have seen LinkedIn posts from two different people, one male, one female self-identified as “John Doe (He/him)” and “Jane Doe (She/her)”, respectively. Is this now a thing, or becoming a thing? --- ## [Have you or the person you're playing with ever scored 29 in cribbage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-or-the-person-youre-playing-with-ever-scored-29-in-cribbage/931663)
**Author:** [@EastUmpqua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EastUmpqua)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-or-the-person-youre-playing-with-ever-scored-29-in-cribbage/931663 "2021-02-04T23:54:02Z")
My dad taught me to play cribbage 50 yrs ago. I played a lot in college, and I still play regularly. I’ve never seen a 29 point hand. Has anyone actually seen one? --- ## [Has Anyone Received Their Stimulus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-received-their-stimulus/930543)
**Author:** [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-received-their-stimulus/930543 "2021-02-04T22:54:47Z")
I signed into the the “Get my stimulus” website at the IRS and it says: " We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021 to the address we have on file for you. We will mail you a letter with additional info… --- ## [Valentine gift ideas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valentine-gift-ideas/932088)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valentine-gift-ideas/932088 "2021-02-04T22:50:01Z")
It’s less than two weeks away? Let’s generate some ideas. Mrs. L likes Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark—I think she has all of their stuff, but maybe someone has knowledge of a similar artist? I once got her a… --- ## [Witnessing Executions During the Age of COVID May Be Hazardous to your Health](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-executions-during-the-age-of-covid-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/932134)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/witnessing-executions-during-the-age-of-covid-may-be-hazardous-to-your-health/932134 "2021-02-04T21:46:53Z")
I’m honestly not sure where to post this. It’s COVID-related, but it’s due to policies by Trump and his minions to forge ahead with executions, and those who came down with it weren’t necessarily in favor of any of this. … --- ## [Cardiac stent or bypass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardiac-stent-or-bypass/931218)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cardiac-stent-or-bypass/931218 "2021-02-04T21:31:15Z")
Anyone have experience with stent or bypass? I will probably have one or the other --- ## [Jigsaw puzzle poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jigsaw-puzzle-poll/931906)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jigsaw-puzzle-poll/931906 "2021-02-04T21:28:34Z")
You’re building a jigsaw puzzle. Do you look at the box cover while you’re working on it? poll Personally, I do not. I only work from the pieces themselves. --- ## [Name this fantasy movie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-fantasy-movie/931653)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-this-fantasy-movie/931653 "2021-02-04T21:21:23Z")
I never saw the movie- just the promos. Two planets, much like Earth, exist so close to one another that two lovers could stand on their respective worlds and kiss. That’s it. I’m just wondering if it was as dumb as it p… --- ## [Roaches and cocoa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roaches-and-cocoa/929466)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roaches-and-cocoa/929466 "2021-02-04T21:20:44Z")
Here: Cecil suggests: Calm yourself and pay attention to your Uncle Cecil. There are two proven approaches to dealing with la cucaracha : (1) borax, and (2) arson. Assuming your landlord objects to the latter line of a… --- ## [The 'Virginian' huh? (This thread casts no aspersions to the state of Virginia or the peeps found there)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-virginian-huh-this-thread-casts-no-aspersions-to-the-state-of-virginia-or-the-peeps-found-there/932087)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-virginian-huh-this-thread-casts-no-aspersions-to-the-state-of-virginia-or-the-peeps-found-there/932087 "2021-02-04T21:16:55Z")
Me and the lil’wrekker were driving somewhere. We saw a large car dealership with several of those large wiggly balloon guys dancing in the wind. We both did a little wiggly dance in the car. Never said a word. It just s… --- ## [Fuck Covid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-covid/932078)
**Author:** [@LordHarry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LordHarry)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fuck-covid/932078 "2021-02-04T21:01:42Z")
I cannot summon an adequate level of profanity to express how entirely fucking sick I am of coronavirus, quarantine, and trying to run a business while also having 2 teenagers stuck inside and distance-learning for nearl… --- ## [So my wife is trying to persuade me to move to New Zealand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-wife-is-trying-to-persuade-me-to-move-to-new-zealand/924402)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-my-wife-is-trying-to-persuade-me-to-move-to-new-zealand/924402 "2021-02-04T20:50:05Z")
My wife is American, moved here (UK) in…2006? We’ve been married since 2012 and now have a four year old daughter. We’ve seen all sense and reason thrown out of the window what with Brexit and Trump. We’re deeply pessim… --- ## [Fresh mozzarella that isn't: need answer fast](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-mozzarella-that-isnt-need-answer-fast/932152)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fresh-mozzarella-that-isnt-need-answer-fast/932152 "2021-02-04T20:06:03Z")
So… I have a tub in my fridge of what WAS fresh mozzarella. It says use by December. I just opened it and sniffed and tasted it. It’s certainly no longer fresh mozzarella, but it doesn’t taste terrible as some sort of c… --- ## [All my emails seem to be going to spam, help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-my-emails-seem-to-be-going-to-spam-help/932022)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-my-emails-seem-to-be-going-to-spam-help/932022 "2021-02-04T19:48:22Z")
I work for a small real estate management company. Lately a large percentage of my emails end up in the recipient’s spam folder. Any guesses as to why this is? Thanks --- ## [Apple to make electric car with Kia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-to-make-electric-car-with-kia/932150)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-to-make-electric-car-with-kia/932150 "2021-02-04T17:27:27Z")
I’m sure the Apple cult members will order one on day 1 --- ## [Sell me an iphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sell-me-an-iphone/931868)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sell-me-an-iphone/931868 "2021-02-04T17:26:26Z")
So, I see Cook and Zuck are going at it again regarding user’s personal data and how or if it gets used. I haven’t actually looked into it, just glanced at the headlines, but it’s enough to cause me to re-evaluate my st… --- ## [What are the advantages of ipads over, say, phones or laptops?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-advantages-of-ipads-over-say-phones-or-laptops/932085)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-advantages-of-ipads-over-say-phones-or-laptops/932085 "2021-02-04T17:12:42Z")
Just this. They seem like smartphones that do everything except take and make calls. They seem like laptops except they don’t sit very well on your lap. I mean, are there any real advantages to ipads over anything els… --- ## [My Clothes Dryer Just Perfectly Tri-folded A Washcloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-clothes-dryer-just-perfectly-tri-folded-a-washcloth/931686)
**Author:** [@Trinary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinary)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-clothes-dryer-just-perfectly-tri-folded-a-washcloth/931686 "2021-02-04T16:46:04Z")
…wish I had a pic but, it’s enough that I actually saw it for myself! I remember reading years ago that such a thing was essentially impossible. That opinion was about an entire load of laundry, but still… my frickin’ d… --- ## [Is there a way to do this when playing a Youtube video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-do-this-when-playing-a-youtube-video/932028)
**Author:** [@blabbermeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabbermeister)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-do-this-when-playing-a-youtube-video/932028 "2021-02-04T15:45:53Z")
(The web site, not the phone app) I want to always play every video at its maximum available quality. My current method is: I found a particular video that’s available in 2160p 60fps resolution; I always go to that vi… --- ## [The phrase “social distancing”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-social-distancing/932034)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-phrase-social-distancing/932034 "2021-02-04T14:58:44Z")
I assumed it was new, created for the COVID-19 pandemic. But I was watching Contagion last night and in the movie they recommended social distancing. That movie is about 10 years old. So hold is it? I’m not talking abo… --- ## [Social Welfare in Canada, c. 1954](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-welfare-in-canada-c-1954/932169)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2021, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-welfare-in-canada-c-1954/932169 "2021-02-04T09:09:58Z")
J. Gordon Whitehead, who punched Harry Houdini on the night that he died\*, himself died of malnutrition in 1954. He was a recluse and a hoarder and doubtless had struggled with mental illness. Was Canada’s social welfar… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1556) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1558)