# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=509&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 510 --- ## [Good quality mysteries that follow "Mystery Rules" rather than "Detective Rules"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-quality-mysteries-that-follow-mystery-rules-rather-than-detective-rules/978963)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-quality-mysteries-that-follow-mystery-rules-rather-than-detective-rules/978963 "2024-08-02T15:16:47Z")
Monk, Death in Paradise, Ellery Queen, Jonathan Creek, Blacke’s Magic, some episodes of Marple, some episodes of Poirot, follow “mystery rules”. They give the viewer all the information they need to solve the case, and p… --- ## [Outlook format question - Font colour](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-format-question-font-colour/1005064)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/outlook-format-question-font-colour/1005064 "2024-08-02T15:12:26Z")
I have a form in Word. There are fields to be filled in, and then there is a box for Problem Statement (which I’ll call PS). The PS is formatted as Bold and Dark Blue. (I didn’t choose it. That’s just the way it is a… --- ## [Consumer Fireworks USA vs. Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumer-fireworks-usa-vs-europe/1004153)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumer-fireworks-usa-vs-europe/1004153 "2024-08-02T14:33:47Z")
So, the U.S.'s fireworks laws vary from state to state, with some states forbidding everything more powerful than lighting your cigarette, and others (looking at you, Missouri) just say “fuck it” and allow basically anyt… --- ## [Do you re-use ZipLock bags?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-re-use-ziplock-bags/1004888)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-re-use-ziplock-bags/1004888 "2024-08-02T14:31:07Z")
My Mom does. Used to make me crazy. Now, if the bag isn’t soiled with heavy odors or oils or something obvious, I’ll scrub it out with soapy water and hang to dry and re-use. Trying to reduce my plastics footprint a bit… --- ## [Dozens at TikTok HQ suffer food poisoning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-at-tiktok-hq-suffer-food-poisoning/1005052)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dozens-at-tiktok-hq-suffer-food-poisoning/1005052 "2024-08-02T14:07:43Z")
I know the internet is probably aflame with conspiracy theories, but why? If TikTok fell ( and I realize this is nowhere close to that happening) who would profit? And are the food safety laws in Singapore pretty good? … --- ## [Cake: In fridge or Room Temp?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cake-in-fridge-or-room-temp/1004073)
**Author:** [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cake-in-fridge-or-room-temp/1004073 "2024-08-02T13:52:46Z")
I have been having cake ( small piece, no frosting) for breakfast every morn for a long time. Also a snack at night. It helps me drink more water. I have been keeping it in the fridge, it lasts about 6 days. My recent… --- ## [Repair or replace a parachute buckle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-a-parachute-buckle/1005071)
**Author:** [@SunUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SunUp)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repair-or-replace-a-parachute-buckle/1005071 "2024-08-02T11:55:38Z")
Note: the buckle itself is not part of a parachute, and is not a safety-critical application. I need to repair or replace a plastic parachute buckle on a 2" wide strap on my frame backpack’s hip belt. The “female” part… --- ## [How does a stand-alone inside air-conditioner work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415)
**Author:** [@Coriolanus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coriolanus)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2024, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-a-stand-alone-inside-air-conditioner-work/1003415 "2024-07-08T16:19:32Z")
I looked at past threads yet those machines had exhaust hoses to let the heat generated by an air compressor out of the room. I’ve reinstalled a Windows 11 machine and of course the opening page for msn.com is full of u… --- ## [Monthly Photo Competition #20 – July, 2024 – “Bridges” \[Poll added\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-20-july-2024-bridges-poll-added/1003772)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monthly-photo-competition-20-july-2024-bridges-poll-added/1003772 "2024-08-02T10:31:27Z")
This is the monthly thread for July , 2024. The topic this month is “Bridges”, chosen by Spiderman. Please note: The general rules for the competition are here. One entry per person per month . To make the photos easi… --- ## [Damage to duct work and HVAC can occur with shut-off vents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damage-to-duct-work-and-hvac-can-occur-with-shut-off-vents/986248)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damage-to-duct-work-and-hvac-can-occur-with-shut-off-vents/986248 "2023-06-30T22:35:57Z")
Just about all the HVAC-related sites indicate that shutting off vents (“registers” in the industry parlance) can potentially damage your unit because it adds stress to you unit and duct work since it increases pressure. … --- ## [What does "Heat, Central Air Included" mean regarding a condo unit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-heat-central-air-included-mean-regarding-a-condo-unit/1004993)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-heat-central-air-included-mean-regarding-a-condo-unit/1004993 "2024-08-02T04:42:05Z")
My daughter and her boyfriend bought a condo a while back (Still can’t get a live person at the mortgage company!) Part of the HOA fees are to include Water, hot water, heat, and central air. What exactly does that mea… --- ## [MLB-July 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2024/1003558)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-july-2024/1003558 "2024-08-02T02:20:42Z")
Is it time to call the Craig Counsell experiment in Chicago a failure? Yes, the Cubs have had a lot of injuries but this team has too much talent to be a last place team. --- ## [Bob vs The Laser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-vs-the-laser/1005091)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2024, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-vs-the-laser/1005091 "2024-08-02T01:52:54Z")
This is a story of what happens when an idiot gets a good idea. It’s from the website Funranium Labs, created by health physicist Phil Broughton who has had an interesting life, especially as it relates to ionizing radi… --- ## [SageRat Discussion re Proposed Changes to be Made to the Supreme Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sagerat-discussion-re-proposed-changes-to-be-made-to-the-supreme-court/1004970)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sagerat-discussion-re-proposed-changes-to-be-made-to-the-supreme-court/1004970 "2024-08-01T23:17:17Z")
I’d also like to note that there should be a system put in place to ensure that justices can be nominated and approved in a timely manner. For example (and only for example - I’m not presuming this to be a perfect or so… --- ## [Should Dems make the secret documents at Mar a Lago a major issue?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dems-make-the-secret-documents-at-mar-a-lago-a-major-issue/1004616)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dems-make-the-secret-documents-at-mar-a-lago-a-major-issue/1004616 "2024-08-01T22:21:47Z")
Everybody saw the pictures of boxes stacked in Trump’s bathroom. Should the Democrats publicize them as part of their campaign? Obviously, the docs are top secret. But a general description of their content is of legiti… --- ## [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… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=508&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=510&state=tracking)