# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1792 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1793 --- ## [Do gasses ever truly reach a state of internal thermodynamic equilibrium?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gasses-ever-truly-reach-a-state-of-internal-thermodynamic-equilibrium/914964)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-gasses-ever-truly-reach-a-state-of-internal-thermodynamic-equilibrium/914964 "2020-07-14T00:56:05Z")
In a previous thread, it was stated that a gas is only in a state of internal thermodynamic equilibrium when there is no heat flow between any two subsystems. I question whether any system comprising of a gas could actua… --- ## [Could the Cuban revolution have turned out differently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-cuban-revolution-have-turned-out-differently/914406)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-cuban-revolution-have-turned-out-differently/914406 "2020-07-14T00:29:07Z")
Cuba Libre! is a an entertianing read as a summary, about 300 pages or so. And it does not deal much with the question I am asking. But I did not know that just after the revolution, Castro was looked upon as a hero in t… --- ## [Kitchen Knife Maintenance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitchen-knife-maintenance/915174)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2020, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kitchen-knife-maintenance/915174 "2020-07-14T00:17:35Z")
Whilst cutting up some veggies for a meal today, I noticed that my knife was a bit dull. Having started cooking more fresh foods lately, rather than frozen or boxed stuff, I’ve been paying attention more to my knives. … --- ## [Apartment or condo owners and renters, what amenities do you like or use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apartment-or-condo-owners-and-renters-what-amenities-do-you-like-or-use/913987)
**Author:** [@urbanredneck2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urbanredneck2)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apartment-or-condo-owners-and-renters-what-amenities-do-you-like-or-use/913987 "2020-07-13T23:55:51Z")
So people who live in a complex, what amenities do you like or use? For example Avenue 80 is one of the newest in my area. It has way too many to list but includes pool, fitness center, outdoor kitchen, sky lounge, dog … --- ## [Did you know your great-grandparents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-know-your-great-grandparents/745269)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-you-know-your-great-grandparents/745269 "2020-07-13T23:37:52Z")
I put in 3 possible answers-in the 2nd choice, you met them at least once, but had no close ongoing relationship with them. In the 3rd they were a more regular part of your life. Me, I missed mine by c. 10-15 years, bu… --- ## [Problematic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic/914985)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/problematic/914985 "2020-07-13T23:30:31Z")
The word, and how people online and in real life use it bother me. The definition is constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty or a thing that constitutes a problem or difficulty. That’s fine. How it is often… --- ## [If you could hack news headlines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-hack-news-headlines/915243)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-could-hack-news-headlines/915243 "2020-07-13T21:26:54Z")
Say you have amazing hacker skills and can break into any news reporting service. But for reasons you can only edit the headlines, and at most one word (ideally, only a single letter.) Your motive? Mostly for the lols. S… --- ## [Tired fictional tropes you hate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tired-fictional-tropes-you-hate/853937)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tired-fictional-tropes-you-hate/853937 "2020-07-13T20:56:26Z")
Now that most of us are watching a lot more movies and TV, and our options for new, quality entertainment are going to get thin pretty soon, I thought it might be good to vent on this. One of mine is “friend / mentor / … --- ## [Why am I awake now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-awake-now/913489)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-am-i-awake-now/913489 "2020-07-13T20:44:02Z")
I slept badly last night, and was exhausted all day. I got nothing done, I was so tired. So I went to bed at 8pm. I woke up about 1/2 hr. ago, and can’t fall back asleep. I’m in the living room, because I was making my h… --- ## [What would Trump voters be like if it weren’t for right wing media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-trump-voters-be-like-if-it-weren-t-for-right-wing-media/914981)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-trump-voters-be-like-if-it-weren-t-for-right-wing-media/914981 "2020-07-13T20:43:37Z")
I hear stories all the time of older people turning completely against their previous political views and becoming “meaner” after watching Fox News regularly for a while. So that got me wondering about something I’ve mu… --- ## [Bunco questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bunco-questions/915167)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bunco-questions/915167 "2020-07-13T20:38:19Z")
We picked up the game and tried learning it tonight. As I understand it, there’s the “bunco” (you’re in round 1, you roll three 1’s for instance) and the “bonko,” where the three of a kind doesn’t match the round (you’r… --- ## [If Biden picks a female VP over a male, will he lose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-biden-picks-a-female-vp-over-a-male-will-he-lose/915058)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-biden-picks-a-female-vp-over-a-male-will-he-lose/915058 "2020-07-13T20:20:07Z")
Do you really think America is ready for a female vice president? Yea, we have Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, but most Americans don’t care for her. If Biden picks a female VP, could he lose? America has never had a fe… --- ## [Is this a violation of election law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-violation-of-election-law/914973)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-violation-of-election-law/914973 "2020-07-13T19:02:01Z")
If not, it should be! This Missouri state legislator made a extremely dubious and just all-around shitty claim, pitting healthcare and education against each other, that a whole detailed series of deep cuts to individua… --- ## [Ever been to the Franklin Institute? \[Was there a dinosaur skeleton there?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-to-the-franklin-institute-was-there-a-dinosaur-skeleton-there/696439)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ever-been-to-the-franklin-institute-was-there-a-dinosaur-skeleton-there/696439 "2020-07-13T18:40:56Z")
I haven’t been there since the 1960s. Back then, there was a dinosaur skeleton in the main entrance hall. I remember it was supposed to be a herbivore and I remember some sort of crest on the top of it’s skull. It was po… --- ## [So You Don't Think Grocery Workers Deserve Protection....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-dont-think-grocery-workers-deserve-protection/851708)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 520\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-you-dont-think-grocery-workers-deserve-protection/851708 "2020-07-13T18:34:57Z")
This thread is prompted by This post And this post I am going to work so that YOU can get your toilet paper, fancy coffee, fresh oranges, and whatever the fuck else you want and I’m exposed to not only YOU but all of … --- ## [Robot vacuum for pet hair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-vacuum-for-pet-hair/915151)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robot-vacuum-for-pet-hair/915151 "2020-07-13T18:35:04Z")
I have 2 dogs so pet hair removal is important to me. Anyone have any pros and cons of models of robot vacs for dog hair? I have both wood floors and carpets. --- ## [What's the point of those "split" refridgerators where half is freezer and half is fridge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-split-refridgerators-where-half-is-freezer-and-half-is-fridge/915002)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-split-refridgerators-where-half-is-freezer-and-half-is-fridge/915002 "2020-07-13T18:23:57Z")
Anytime I have to use one of those it’s always a nightmare because they’re just so cramped, and I never really see the benefit of extra freezer space because unless I’m buying a million TV dinners or ice cream tubs I don… --- ## [Can citizens/residents of foreign countries open U.S. bank accounts remotely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-citizens-residents-of-foreign-countries-open-u-s-bank-accounts-remotely/914086)
**Author:** [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-citizens-residents-of-foreign-countries-open-u-s-bank-accounts-remotely/914086 "2020-07-13T17:38:15Z")
I have a friend who is a citizen and resident of Finland. My friend co-owns a rental property in CA. Last year, my friend received an income refund check from the IRS for about $1000. The problem is that my friend has… --- ## [What is the type of German plane shot down in the movie 1917?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-type-of-german-plane-shot-down-in-the-movie-1917/914756)
**Author:** [@wei-ji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wei-ji)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-type-of-german-plane-shot-down-in-the-movie-1917/914756 "2020-07-13T17:32:33Z")
In the movie “1917,” a German biplane is shot down and we get a pretty good look at it on film. I used to build models of WW I aircraft, but I can’t tell if the movie makers did their homework and used a good model of a… --- ## [Latest sign of senility part 27](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-sign-of-senility-part-27/913469)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-sign-of-senility-part-27/913469 "2020-07-13T17:10:58Z")
When you have reading glasses all around your apartment, one at the computer, one on the coffee table, one in the kitchen, one in the library and one in the bathroom, just so you never have to say, “Where the hell are my… --- ## [Apparent retaliation in statue teardowns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparent-retaliation-in-statue-teardowns/914472)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apparent-retaliation-in-statue-teardowns/914472 "2020-07-13T16:08:00Z")
There was an earlier case where a statue of an abolitionist was torn down in Wisconsin. I don’t know if that was retaliation or a mistake by BLM protestors. --- ## [Is rice truly a desiccant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rice-truly-a-desiccant/914763)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-rice-truly-a-desiccant/914763 "2020-07-13T15:59:14Z")
Depending on your search term, google will show you websites that claim rice as a desiccant or claim that as a myth. Here is an example for rice is truly a desiccant : “ Results: All desiccants and the white rice wer… --- ## [I will make or redo your avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-will-make-or-redo-your-avatar/914921)
**Author:** [@Dr.Crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Crap)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-will-make-or-redo-your-avatar/914921 "2020-07-13T15:48:41Z")
I’ll sharpen, remove backgrounds, zoom out, put 2 emojis together, anything a 5 year old can do. It might be garbage but by god I’ll do it. Try me. --- ## [Kelly Preston has passed away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelly-preston-has-passed-away/915202)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kelly-preston-has-passed-away/915202 "2020-07-13T15:21:36Z")
She was only 57. RIP --- ## [Sunday Morning Coming Down... (bad, bad, bad re-evaluating)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunday-morning-coming-down-bad-bad-bad-re-evaluating/915124)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunday-morning-coming-down-bad-bad-bad-re-evaluating/915124 "2020-07-13T15:20:30Z")
You know sometimes no matter how perky & optimistic a person is, bad crap just gets her down. Sunday mornings always get to me. I usually try to sleep them away and ignore it. I’m tending some kittens and they have to … --- ## [Incredible savings via facebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredible-savings-via-facebook/914938)
**Author:** [@keno1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keno1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/incredible-savings-via-facebook/914938 "2020-07-13T15:14:21Z")
I’ve noticed recently, say the past couple months, a proliferation of ads on facebook that offer products at unbelievable savings, e.g. electric scooters that retail at $899 for $19.99. Similar items at less than 1/10th… --- ## [Mortgage Document Retention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-document-retention/915119)
**Author:** [@mtnmatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mtnmatt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-document-retention/915119 "2020-07-13T15:06:26Z")
I have a primary mortgage that I’m about 9 years into, and a HELOC that I’m about 5 years into. I am current with the payments, and have both through my primary credit union where I do all my D2D banking, and I don’t ha… --- ## [Auto insurance companies to refund hundreds of millions of dollars to customers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-insurance-companies-to-refund-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-to-customers/851286)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-insurance-companies-to-refund-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-to-customers/851286 "2020-07-13T14:42:02Z")
Two major car insurance companies, Allstate and American Family Insurance, will refund over $800 million in premiums to their covered drivers. Allstate will refund 15% of customers’ premiums for April and May, and Americ… --- ## [Is this board up-and-down-and-flakey today (7/11/2020)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-board-up-and-down-and-flakey-today-7-11-2020/915089)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-board-up-and-down-and-flakey-today-7-11-2020/915089 "2020-07-13T14:34:48Z")
Is this board intermittently up-and-down today, or is it just me? (Various other sites I go to aren’t giving me any problems.) --- ## [Fridge problem---water from door self-dispensing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-problem-water-from-door-self-dispensing/915127)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2020, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fridge-problem-water-from-door-self-dispensing/915127 "2020-07-13T14:32:18Z")
This morning I came out to the kitchen and noticed the clock on the stove blinking but the light inside is on. Hmm. Did the power go out? (Later I learned out that yes, it had). We have a refrigerator with ice and wa… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1791) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1793)