# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=537 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 538 --- ## [Norm! (no, not that one, the This Old House guy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norm-no-not-that-one-the-this-old-house-guy/972737)
**Author:** [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norm-no-not-that-one-the-this-old-house-guy/972737 "2024-06-22T20:44:17Z")
We just watched The House That Norm Built on our local PBS station, and it made me both happy and sad at the same time. We consistently watched This Old House since its inception with Bob Vila, and we always thought Norm… --- ## [Why does Redbox exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-redbox-exist/807566)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-redbox-exist/807566 "2024-06-22T17:52:30Z")
The other day as I was outside the grocery store, I noticed a Redbox kiosk and was astonished to see people actually using it. This surprised me. You know how many times I’ve said, ‘hmm, I feel like watching \[whatever m… --- ## [Should I pay McAfee to speed up my computer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-pay-mcafee-to-speed-up-my-computer/1003000)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-pay-mcafee-to-speed-up-my-computer/1003000 "2024-06-22T14:49:51Z")
I have an HP laptop running Widows 11. It’s a few years old (I don’t recall exactly how old; 5-6 years is my guess). It boots up slowly these days. Sometimes it works great and sometimes it runs really slowly and/or free… --- ## [Mystery monolith in Nevada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-monolith-in-nevada/1003014)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystery-monolith-in-nevada/1003014 "2024-06-22T12:19:47Z")
Is it a movie promotion? But it’s not anyplace you’d be likely to see it. Weird art thing seems much more plausible. Mysterious! --- ## [Rail Gun vs. Coil Gun efficiency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-gun-vs-coil-gun-efficiency/1002749)
**Author:** [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rail-gun-vs-coil-gun-efficiency/1002749 "2024-06-22T12:04:30Z")
If we have hypothetical versions of these devices made of magical lightweight inexpensive materials which method of propulsion is more efficient, if either, and why? Clearly, in the real world a simple rail gun is much … --- ## [Do NOT "Just Drop In" on people without notice!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-just-drop-in-on-people-without-notice/1002740)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-not-just-drop-in-on-people-without-notice/1002740 "2024-06-22T11:02:13Z")
I don’t care what your relationship is to them. I don’t care if you are besties, close blood relatives, their spiritual advisor, whatever. JUST DON’T DO IT. Yesterday was a beautiful day, and I had a spurt of energy an… --- ## [Has any government ever addressed rude behavior by LOCALS at tourist destinations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-government-ever-addressed-rude-behavior-by-locals-at-tourist-destinations/1002928)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-any-government-ever-addressed-rude-behavior-by-locals-at-tourist-destinations/1002928 "2024-06-22T10:59:47Z")
The internet is filled with listicles about tourist traps you should avoid, and often at or near the top of the list are certain destinations where the aggressive vendors and/or corrupt security guards ruin the experienc… --- ## [What's the little taste of wine at the start of the bottle called?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-little-taste-of-wine-at-the-start-of-the-bottle-called/1003085)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-little-taste-of-wine-at-the-start-of-the-bottle-called/1003085 "2024-06-22T10:29:36Z")
So, the little taste of wine that you get when you order a bottle of wine at a posh restaurant. What’s it called? When they pour a little splash of wine in your glass, for you to taste, and make sure the bottle is not c… --- ## [Identify this font, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-font-please/1003078)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-font-please/1003078 "2024-06-22T08:15:50Z")
(Wasn’t sure where to put this) Can anyone identify this font? --- ## [If fusion reactors were a reality, what would the fuel cycle for them be like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-fusion-reactors-were-a-reality-what-would-the-fuel-cycle-for-them-be-like/1002938)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-fusion-reactors-were-a-reality-what-would-the-fuel-cycle-for-them-be-like/1002938 "2024-06-22T05:08:39Z")
Suppose we mastered nuclear fusion to the point where it becomes commercially viable and provided the lion’s share of our energy generation. What would the overall fuel cycle in such an economy be like? Would we produce … --- ## [Just got Dr. Fauci's new book from the library!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-dr-faucis-new-book-from-the-library/1003181)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-dr-faucis-new-book-from-the-library/1003181 "2024-06-22T03:23:24Z")
It was released on Tuesday (today’s Friday) and I got the call this morning that it was available for me. I must have been at the head of the line, and/or there were multiple copies. Unfortunately, I also hid it on the… --- ## [Your Favourite Diner Meals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-diner-meals/987241)
**Author:** [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favourite-diner-meals/987241 "2024-06-22T03:08:39Z")
Just wondering what Dopers’ favourite diner meals are. For the purposes of this thread, “diner” refers to a place to get a meal. Nothing more, nothing less. It might be in a repurposed streetcar, or it might be a hole… --- ## [Nevada Fake Electors Indicted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nevada-fake-electors-indicted/994236)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nevada-fake-electors-indicted/994236 "2024-06-22T02:39:01Z")
A Nevada grand jury has indicted the six fake electors. Kenneth « The Cheese » Chesebro has been singing like a canary, sounds like. --- ## [Out-of-Place Rock on Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-place-rock-on-mars/1003152)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-place-rock-on-mars/1003152 "2024-06-22T01:43:30Z")
I saw this on Daily Kos. The image is startling. In the middle of a field of black basalt rocks atop the red Martian sand, there sits an anomalously white boulder. There are no other similar rocks or outcroppings anywhe… --- ## [Back when men wore suits all the time, how did they handle the summer heat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-when-men-wore-suits-all-the-time-how-did-they-handle-the-summer-heat/1002926)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-when-men-wore-suits-all-the-time-how-did-they-handle-the-summer-heat/1002926 "2024-06-22T01:34:21Z")
In days of yore, men wore suits everywhere. It wasn’t just when going to work or out on the town. And while climate change is a thing, it still got hot during the summer back in the day. And although air conditioning … --- ## [Tethering Windows 11 to iPhone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tethering-windows-11-to-iphone/1003188)
**Author:** [@NoCoolUserName](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoCoolUserName)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tethering-windows-11-to-iphone/1003188 "2024-06-22T01:19:24Z")
I turned on hotspot on my iPhone. I connected to the PC by Bluetooth. I kept looking at Wi-Fi connections, and suddenly the iPhone appeared. Voila, Internet access. But now it has disappeared again. How do I get it back… --- ## [Dakota Johnson on Jimmy Kimmel (6-19-24)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dakota-johnson-on-jimmy-kimmel-6-19-24/1003138)
**Author:** [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dakota-johnson-on-jimmy-kimmel-6-19-24/1003138 "2024-06-22T00:18:39Z")
Her dress designer would have earned an “Auf Wiedersehhen” on Project Runway for that fiasco! Mr VOW was mildly disappointed that there was no gratuitous boob shot. I’m sure Jimmy could have offered his jacket, or maybe… --- ## [High-bypass turbofan engines: thrust vs. speed & altitude?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-engines-thrust-vs-speed-altitude/1003108)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/high-bypass-turbofan-engines-thrust-vs-speed-altitude/1003108 "2024-06-22T00:17:29Z")
How does the max available thrust from a passenger jet engine vary with air speed and altitude? I’m aware of the concept of thrust lapse, in which the thrust produced by a jet engine tends to decrease as airspeed and/or… --- ## [Ancient ship wreck found](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-ship-wreck-found/1003153)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-ship-wreck-found/1003153 "2024-06-21T22:42:33Z")
Off the coast of Israel, a ship from approximately the time of king Tut was recently discovered during a survey by Energean, looking to develop natural gas fields. Ancient Shipwreck Preserves a Deep Bronze Age Time Caps… --- ## [Old Diner Dash Games](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-diner-dash-games/1003176)
**Author:** [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-diner-dash-games/1003176 "2024-06-21T20:46:13Z")
I used to love the old Diner Dash games but I haven’t had much luck finding them other than a couple of website that have the first few levels of Diner Dash: Hometown Hero available to play. Can you still get these anywh… --- ## [Second Shot at Russell's Paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-shot-at-russells-paradox/1003034)
**Author:** [@EnolaStraight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnolaStraight)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-shot-at-russells-paradox/1003034 "2024-06-21T20:21:46Z")
In this thread… Possible avenue for Russell’s Paradox solution? - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board I attempted to lay the groundwork for articulating and/or programming a solution. Lumpy stated his (her… --- ## [I'm in a pickle-jam...yes, I am!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-a-pickle-jam-yes-i-am/1003142)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-in-a-pickle-jam-yes-i-am/1003142 "2024-06-21T18:46:07Z")
Well …on my counter is tomatoes. On my deck rail is tomatoes. I count about 60. Son-of-a-wrek is out picking peas with the kids. Gonna be a hot stinky mess when they’re done. He picked a bushel and a peck Saturday. Mi… --- ## [Are there any indications that when the Norse arrive in the New World they brought death via diseases with them](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-indications-that-when-the-norse-arrive-in-the-new-world-they-brought-death-via-diseases-with-them/1003052)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-indications-that-when-the-norse-arrive-in-the-new-world-they-brought-death-via-diseases-with-them/1003052 "2024-06-21T18:17:02Z")
It is pretty well known that the European Explorers of the early 1500s ended up setting off smallpox and I believe flu epidemics that devastated the natives. I’ve never seen where anything similar to occurred with the ea… --- ## [How are Facebook posts monetized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-facebook-posts-monetized/1003037)
**Author:** [@kahunamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kahunamoon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-facebook-posts-monetized/1003037 "2024-06-21T18:00:10Z")
I’ve been noticing ever-increasing misinformation and lies in posts on Facebook and am hoping someone can help me know how to respond to it. One form is obviously wrong information that seems designed to get outraged res… --- ## [Hail, roof damage and insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hail-roof-damage-and-insurance/505076)
**Author:** [@El\_Zagna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Zagna)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hail-roof-damage-and-insurance/505076 "2024-06-21T17:44:05Z")
It seems that every year two or three hail storms blow through town (Austin, TX) immediately followed by a migration of roofing companies eager to put up new roofs paid for by insurance companies. In the past 20 years or… --- ## [Is there a gadget for wringing moisture out of frozen food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-gadget-for-wringing-moisture-out-of-frozen-food/1001799)
**Author:** [@GailForce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GailForce)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-gadget-for-wringing-moisture-out-of-frozen-food/1001799 "2024-06-21T16:52:27Z")
I have been having some good luck recently making my own home-cooked cauliflower pizza. It begins with squeezing all of the moisture out of a package of defrosted cauliflower rice through cheesecloth. This does the trick… --- ## [Life and Electricity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-electricity/1003062)
**Author:** [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-and-electricity/1003062 "2024-06-21T15:23:27Z")
So humans and other large animals use electrical signals in our nerves to allow different parts of our bodies to communicate. But it seems like this is dependent on having nerve cells. Is electricity used other than in… --- ## [Looking for a particular party favor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-particular-party-favor/1003147)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-particular-party-favor/1003147 "2024-06-21T13:59:21Z")
Many years ago I saw a a party favor that was a ribbon ball that when unwrapped slowly, would reveal little toys/trinkets as it unraveled. Everyone would get a ball, and we took turns tossing a die and unwrapping the ba… --- ## [Another edition of "What is this Weird Thing I Found?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-edition-of-what-is-this-weird-thing-i-found/1003128)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-edition-of-what-is-this-weird-thing-i-found/1003128 "2024-06-21T13:41:56Z")
We had to remove part of our back deck for some plumbing work, and under the deck we found this thing. Covered in dirt and corrosion, I thought it was a broken bottle at first. But it’s made of metal with a symmetrical c… --- ## [Intellectual property question: rights to one's "likeness" then and now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intellectual-property-question-rights-to-ones-likeness-then-and-now/1003131)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intellectual-property-question-rights-to-ones-likeness-then-and-now/1003131 "2024-06-21T12:56:26Z")
When I read MAD Magazine as a kid, I became aware of the way they sometimes drew incidental characters in their TV/movie satires to resemble celebrities. One example: in the satire of “Hawaii Five-O” (“How-Are-Ya-Five-O”… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=536) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=538)