# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=509 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 510 --- ## [If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for a month, which would you pick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-to-give-up-one-of-your-5-senses-for-a-month-which-would-you-pick/1004743)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-had-to-give-up-one-of-your-5-senses-for-a-month-which-would-you-pick/1004743 "2024-08-01T19:52:37Z")
Before anyone starts, yes, I recognize that science now identifies more than the traditional 5 senses but I’d like to limit this thread to the 5 “classic” senses of taste, touch, sight, hearing, and smell. So if you had… --- ## [Can any car mechanic update a car's software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-car-mechanic-update-a-cars-software/1005080 "2024-08-01T19:12:57Z")
We recently took our 2 Subarus to the dealer for scheduled maintenance. Our impression is that some of the computer displays had been updated - although the receipts do not mention it. I know all mechanics hook cars up… --- ## [If you get sick on vacation (cold/flu/COVID) is it ok to fly home or should you hunker down in a hotel room till you are better?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-sick-on-vacation-cold-flu-covid-is-it-ok-to-fly-home-or-should-you-hunker-down-in-a-hotel-room-till-you-are-better/1004901)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-get-sick-on-vacation-cold-flu-covid-is-it-ok-to-fly-home-or-should-you-hunker-down-in-a-hotel-room-till-you-are-better/1004901 "2024-08-01T19:12:29Z")
I have a friend who recently went on vacation. Within a day after arriving she got sick (cold/flu). She decided to come home. I can certainly understand wanting to be back home and not paying a couple hundred dollars … --- ## [So I’m in Paris for the Olympics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-m-in-paris-for-the-olympics/1005108)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-m-in-paris-for-the-olympics/1005108 "2024-08-01T16:24:37Z")
As a spectator, not an athlete, that is. Arrived this morning by train with the SO. City’s ot and chock full of people. Got good tickets, including the men’s 100 metres final. Let’s hope we make it back without bringing … --- ## [Taxonomic names to be revised, because racism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxonomic-names-to-be-revised-because-racism/1004455)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxonomic-names-to-be-revised-because-racism/1004455 "2024-08-01T16:23:30Z")
There’s a plan to revise the scientific names of a whole load of different organisms, where they contain racist slurs. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02365-x My only thoughts on this are really, why has thi… --- ## [What was your favorite Twilight Zone episode?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-favorite-twilight-zone-episode/325971)
**Author:** [@GrahamWellington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrahamWellington)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-favorite-twilight-zone-episode/325971 "2024-08-01T15:37:27Z")
Several months ago I bought a couple of box-sets of TZ DVDs, but have only watched a couple of them. The episode I like the best so far is called “The Lonely.” It’s about a guy that’s been exiled as punishment to a plan… --- ## [Does an hourglass weigh less while sand is falling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-hourglass-weigh-less-while-sand-is-falling/1004895)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-hourglass-weigh-less-while-sand-is-falling/1004895 "2024-08-01T14:33:47Z")
Does an hourglass weigh less while sand is falling? I mean, does it register as less weight on a scale before the last grain of sand falls? Obviously, it has the same mass either way, but when those grains are in freefal… --- ## [Recommend a game like Myst, the 2024 thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-game-like-myst-the-2024-thread/999515)
**Author:** [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-game-like-myst-the-2024-thread/999515 "2024-08-01T11:01:52Z")
This has been done here three times before by my count, in 2002, 2006, and 2008. Since it’s been over 15 years, can we do it again? Myst and Riven were the only video games I ever really liked, for all the usual reasons… --- ## [Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass interview question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aubrey-plaza-and-mark-duplass-interview-question/1005072)
**Author:** [@SpacedOutBanana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacedOutBanana)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aubrey-plaza-and-mark-duplass-interview-question/1005072 "2024-08-01T05:26:29Z")
What are these two saying in the harder to hear parts between like 2:15-2:26 into it? And there a weird vibe or that just then being them? :joy: --- ## [Which sport is safest/healthiest for its athletes, over their lifetimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sport-is-safest-healthiest-for-its-athletes-over-their-lifetimes/1005058)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-sport-is-safest-healthiest-for-its-athletes-over-their-lifetimes/1005058 "2024-08-01T04:25:47Z")
I’m someone who basically doesn’t watch or follow sports and so knows little about the whole field, but every four years it’s inescapable. So I’ve been watching all these best of the best athletes, and noticing how many… --- ## [Information about Danika (or Danica) automobile](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-about-danika-or-danica-automobile/1005067)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-about-danika-or-danica-automobile/1005067 "2024-08-01T03:20:34Z")
It is a Eurovan type of vehicle…and any search for it, under either spelling, gives me 3,000,006 articles about Danica Patrick. I have typed in the name with the word “car”, “automobile”, “van” etc. and all revert back… --- ## [Do other countries use "Baby Boomer" and "Generation x"? Or what do they describe the generations as?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-countries-use-baby-boomer-and-generation-x-or-what-do-they-describe-the-generations-as/1004914)
**Author:** [@dorvann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dorvann)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-other-countries-use-baby-boomer-and-generation-x-or-what-do-they-describe-the-generations-as/1004914 "2024-08-01T02:55:27Z")
I know the United States uses the following as Generation terms: The Lost Generation (born from 1883 to 1900) The Greatest Generation (born from 1901 to 1927) The Silent Generation (born from 1928 to 1945) Baby Boome… --- ## [iPhone Security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-security/1005083)
**Author:** [@TXRebel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TXRebel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iphone-security/1005083 "2024-08-01T01:52:44Z")
Hi All, this may have been asked and answered but if so I couldn’t find it (surprise!) is there an IPhone case that provides security for someone trying to steal your info by proximity technology? You know just like when… --- ## [How would you avoid being captured in this scenario?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-avoid-being-captured-in-this-scenario/1004482)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-you-avoid-being-captured-in-this-scenario/1004482 "2024-08-01T01:48:30Z")
You will win $100 million if you complete a special task. 25 random adults within five miles of you will attempt to capture you to get the money themselves. All you have to do is avoid being captured by them for 24 hours… --- ## [The photography tips thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-photography-tips-thread/1000889)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-photography-tips-thread/1000889 "2024-08-01T00:22:09Z")
(No, discourse, this is not a thread about tipping) The monthly photo competition threads have inspired me to try to become a better photographer, and I recall other people expressing the same sentiment. So I thought I… --- ## [Sheriff Joe just won't go away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheriff-joe-just-wont-go-away/1003950)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheriff-joe-just-wont-go-away/1003950 "2024-07-31T23:40:50Z")
A question I posed two years ago has been answered: Update: Final vote has been announced, Sheriff Joe lost by ~200 votes (2%) - 5420 to 5207. Could we finally be rid of the little troll for good? The answer in “NO… --- ## [Why is there such a large population of Arab-Americans in Michigan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-such-a-large-population-of-arab-americans-in-michigan/1004951)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-such-a-large-population-of-arab-americans-in-michigan/1004951 "2024-07-31T23:04:34Z")
Apparently, Michigan has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the USA. I know people tend to settle near others who are similar, but why Michigan specifically? --- ## ["VOTE HERE AQUI" Multilingual signage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-here-aqui-multilingual-signage/1005009)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vote-here-aqui-multilingual-signage/1005009 "2024-07-31T22:36:55Z")
Here in Arizona, voting signs are in two, and only two, languages. (This despite the fact that, while Spanish is of course very widespread here, Phoenix metro has a such a significant diversity that mainstream movie hous… --- ## [Rule about turning a car without hitting a pillar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rule-about-turning-a-car-without-hitting-a-pillar/1005024)
**Author:** [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rule-about-turning-a-car-without-hitting-a-pillar/1005024 "2024-07-31T21:51:26Z")
I came across a rule or rule of thumb that if there is a fixed object such as a wall or pillar beside your car, if you drive straight forward so that your (the driver’s) shoulder is level with, or forward of, the object,… --- ## [Does Albot (Words with Friends) cheat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-albot-words-with-friends-cheat/1005075)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-albot-words-with-friends-cheat/1005075 "2024-07-31T20:42:43Z")
I’ve been playing Word with Friends on Facebook games for a while both against friends and their “robot” Albot. If I play ESQ, I’m told it’s not a valid word. However, Albot is allowed to play it. Has anyone else seen t… --- ## [Bringing beer from Canada to the U.S. (need answer quickly)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-beer-from-canada-to-the-u-s-need-answer-quickly/1004801)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bringing-beer-from-canada-to-the-u-s-need-answer-quickly/1004801 "2024-07-31T20:22:11Z")
My wife and I are U.S. citizens. We are currently in Canada on vacation. We will be returning to the U.S. this Saturday. I am going to have around 1.5 cases of unopened beer on Saturday. How much am I allowed to take ba… --- ## [Time Bandits, the series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-bandits-the-series/1004732)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-bandits-the-series/1004732 "2024-07-31T20:01:48Z")
The first two episodes are out. Very funny, very well-written. --- ## [RIP Sinead O'Connor - 26 July 2023](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sinead-oconnor-26-july-2023/987657)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-sinead-oconnor-26-july-2023/987657 "2024-07-31T19:40:13Z")
Wasn’t expecting this. RIP. :frowning: --- ## [Botticelli - July 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2024/1003634)
**Author:** [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-july-2024/1003634 "2024-07-31T19:26:40Z")
Hello, all, and welcome back to another month of “Lives of the Great Accountants”! Oh, wait, sorry, I meant “welcome to a new month of Botticelli!” I am N! Link to last month’s thread. --- ## [Khadaji’s Whatcha Reading Thread - July 2024 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2024-edition/1003626)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/khadaji-s-whatcha-reading-thread-july-2024-edition/1003626 "2024-07-31T18:49:08Z")
New thread. The only thing I have to say is that I am now listening to my 17th book by Phillip Margolin. Needless to say, I enjoy his stories. --- ## [Dumb question about taxation of IRA withdrawals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-question-about-taxation-of-ira-withdrawals/1004987)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-question-about-taxation-of-ira-withdrawals/1004987 "2024-07-31T18:45:52Z")
I consider myself to have above-average sophistication for an investor. Yet there is one thing I never thought of before. When you contribute to an IRA, the part of your income used for the contribution is not taxed; it… --- ## [Do you ever drive on "autopilot"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-drive-on-autopilot/1005010)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-ever-drive-on-autopilot/1005010 "2024-07-31T18:31:56Z")
The other day, I was taking my MIL to visit some friends. The route took me past Food Lion, where I frequently shop. I automatically pulled into their parking lot because that’s what I do. It only took a couple of second… --- ## [Name of dish](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-dish/1004973)
**Author:** [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-dish/1004973 "2024-07-31T15:29:10Z")
What do you call that side dish that consists of corn cooked with diced green and red peppers, and onions? What name do you refer to this dish by and when did you first have it? --- ## [Bands you don't really care for ... except that one album](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-you-dont-really-care-for-except-that-one-album/1003957)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bands-you-dont-really-care-for-except-that-one-album/1003957 "2024-07-31T13:09:14Z")
well, title says it all … for me its Fleetwood Mac (never really cared for them) … but they album TUSK is really on high rotation on my music server … what is yours? --- ## [Testing the basic coding stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-the-basic-coding-stuff/1005013)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2024, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-the-basic-coding-stuff/1005013 "2024-07-31T12:51:42Z")
I’m a 99er and for some reason, some basic coding isn’t working. I know I can click in the above menu to Cartooniverse \<----bold that name. And yet, in Preview, it’s not bolded. If I use the old-school method of bracket… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=508) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=510)