# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=638 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 639 --- ## [How, exactly, do Airtags work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-do-airtags-work/995317)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2024, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-do-airtags-work/995317 "2024-02-02T02:12:02Z")
I’ve read some articles that say Airtags use Bluetooth technology and Apple’s ‘extensive network’ to track them, but I’m not sure exactly how they work. I know that if I connect a device to my computer, I need to pair i… --- ## [Is it in poor taste to visit the graves of celebrities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-in-poor-taste-to-visit-the-graves-of-celebrities/996569)
**Author:** [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2024, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-in-poor-taste-to-visit-the-graves-of-celebrities/996569 "2024-02-02T01:43:31Z")
I have, on occasion, visited the graves of famous people whose careers I admire. The first were Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee, astronauts who died in the Apollo 1 tragedy, at Arlington National Cemetery. There have bee… --- ## [Let's expand the Chinese domino set](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-expand-the-chinese-domino-set/994852)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2024, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-expand-the-chinese-domino-set/994852 "2024-02-02T00:17:09Z")
As a wee lad, I learned to play dominoes with the classic western double-six set. As I got older, I learned to play a number of different games with larger sets, most notably the double-twelve set as the usual choice for… --- ## [Can any convex quadrilateral be folded exactly in half?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-convex-quadrilateral-be-folded-exactly-in-half/996358)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-any-convex-quadrilateral-be-folded-exactly-in-half/996358 "2024-02-01T23:16:57Z")
That is, without any gaps or overlap? This is of course trivially simple for squares, rectangles, rhombuses and kites. As for parallelograms, some time ago I posted here about an alternate way of folding rectangles in h… --- ## [Few things are more annoying than someone who's less sick than you acting like they're more sick than you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/few-things-are-more-annoying-than-someone-whos-less-sick-than-you-acting-like-theyre-more-sick-than-you/996085)
**Author:** [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/few-things-are-more-annoying-than-someone-whos-less-sick-than-you-acting-like-theyre-more-sick-than-you/996085 "2024-02-01T22:49:11Z")
Actually in this case it’s “less sick than I was a couple of days ago,” but the point stands. I had a 102 degree fever, complete shutdown of both nostrils, wet hacking cough so bad that it made me throw up, throat that … --- ## [Can I use a moblile hotspot to get my mom better internet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-moblile-hotspot-to-get-my-mom-better-internet/996902)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-use-a-moblile-hotspot-to-get-my-mom-better-internet/996902 "2024-02-01T21:56:09Z")
She lives in an area of town where the best internet she can get is Verizon DSL. 3-4 mbps on a good day. It’s enough for the internet, she only goes on to go to the hometown page. But for Christimas this year we got h… --- ## [It irritates me when people hold their phones like a Star Trek communicator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-irritates-me-when-people-hold-their-phones-like-a-star-trek-communicator/996862)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-irritates-me-when-people-hold-their-phones-like-a-star-trek-communicator/996862 "2024-02-01T21:47:50Z")
Phones were originally something you held up to the side of your face so that the earpiece was next to your ear. But now I see many people holding their smartphone horizontally, in front of their mouth. Clutching it weir… --- ## [The EU just approved a $54 billion aid package for Ukraine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eu-just-approved-a-54-billion-aid-package-for-ukraine/996983)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-eu-just-approved-a-54-billion-aid-package-for-ukraine/996983 "2024-02-01T21:43:38Z")
Being careful how I word this in order to not get in trouble on the board, but the EU has finally reached an arrangement that would send $54 billion in aid to Ukraine. It is likely to take all the form of economic aid in… --- ## [The Betamax of Wingnuts, or, When The Wrong Format Wins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-betamax-of-wingnuts-or-when-the-wrong-format-wins/996933)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-betamax-of-wingnuts-or-when-the-wrong-format-wins/996933 "2024-02-01T21:25:03Z")
When it is possible to make wingnuts that look like this: Why would you ever make wingnuts that look like this? … --- ## [Although an RMV Rant Might be Trite](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/although-an-rmv-rant-might-be-trite/996989)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/although-an-rmv-rant-might-be-trite/996989 "2024-02-01T20:21:02Z")
OK. This is absolutely insane. Here in Massachusetts, they’ve really started pushing to use the website for most RMV transactions, including registration renewals. On October 12 I renewed my registration online. Got th… --- ## [If someone thats drowned has been submerged for long enough, will they eventually puke up the contents of their stomach whilst still underwater?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-thats-drowned-has-been-submerged-for-long-enough-will-they-eventually-puke-up-the-contents-of-their-stomach-whilst-still-underwater/996159)
**Author:** [@bluerust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bluerust)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-thats-drowned-has-been-submerged-for-long-enough-will-they-eventually-puke-up-the-contents-of-their-stomach-whilst-still-underwater/996159 "2024-02-01T19:03:20Z")
I would have thought that if their stomach was uncontrollably and quickly filling up with water whilst they were unconscious, it wouldn’t take long for their stomach to forcibly expel it’s contents? I was thinking about… --- ## [Taco Bell & The Double Decker Taco](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taco-bell-the-double-decker-taco/996637)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taco-bell-the-double-decker-taco/996637 "2024-02-01T18:36:30Z")
Like the McRib this is an occassional item for a limited time. Unlike the McRib, Why? They have the supplies there. It’s just a soft taco tortilla and beans. In fact, right now you can get, directly off the menu, the… --- ## [Name of a Photographer of NYC at night](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-a-photographer-of-nyc-at-night/996076)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/name-of-a-photographer-of-nyc-at-night/996076 "2024-02-01T18:32:17Z")
I saw a series of remarkable black and white photos of NYC at night. Central Park and skyscrapers. These were taken in the 30’s or 40’s - 50’s? by a famous photographer and while there are scads of pictures online, I … --- ## [LOTR question {On Bilbo's Ring}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-on-bilbos-ring/996181)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lotr-question-on-bilbos-ring/996181 "2024-02-01T18:20:09Z")
If the ring Bilbo found wasn’t the One Ring what other ring could it have been? Gandalf acts like there are magical rings hidden in every nook and cranny of Middle Earth. --- ## [Any advice for a Chile visit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-advice-for-a-chile-visit/996928)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-advice-for-a-chile-visit/996928 "2024-02-01T17:30:41Z")
Thinking of spending a week or two there. Never been south of the equator, so that might be interesting… the sun appears to move in the opposite direction from which northern hemisphere people expect? Is this disorient… --- ## [Febyourweary (February Mini-Rants)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/febyourweary-february-mini-rants/996975)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/febyourweary-february-mini-rants/996975 "2024-02-01T17:05:16Z")
I guess I have to start another one, you slacker fucks. The local newspaper decided to cancel us. Turns out, instead of telling us we were in arrears on payments (our card was compromised), they let the debt climb up to… --- ## [Help with yahoo email?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-yahoo-email/980883)
**Author:** [@LynnM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LynnM)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-yahoo-email/980883 "2024-02-01T14:43:16Z")
Trying to log in to a yahoo email acct I’ve used over 15-years, I’m getting msgs like “uh oh, something went wrong, try again later” or “We are unable to process your request at this time–Please try again in 1 hour” I’v… --- ## [Botticelli - January 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-january-2024/995514)
**Author:** [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Replies:** 258\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-january-2024/995514 "2024-02-01T14:27:04Z")
I am G! Link to previous thread: Botticelli - December 2023 - #262 by Prof.Pepperwinkle --- ## [Is printing money free money or debt the government has to pay off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-printing-money-free-money-or-debt-the-government-has-to-pay-off/996599)
**Author:** [@Jackson99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackson99)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-printing-money-free-money-or-debt-the-government-has-to-pay-off/996599 "2024-02-01T14:19:03Z")
That link says Bureau of Engraving & Printing is where money is printed and send to the Federal Reserve System. And that there is $2 trillion worth of Federal Reserve notes in circulation. So that say the government s… --- ## [Doctored images of Australian MP appear in newspaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctored-images-of-australian-mp-appear-in-newspaper/996909)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctored-images-of-australian-mp-appear-in-newspaper/996909 "2024-02-01T13:53:53Z")
This story is both icky and weird. Icky, because the “Photoshopped” images somehow “slipped through the cracks” to appear on the bulletin. Weird because of the phrase “sexism fury” in the headline. It just sounds awkward… --- ## [Life Imitates "No Country For Old Men"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-imitates-no-country-for-old-men/996863)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-imitates-no-country-for-old-men/996863 "2024-02-01T13:50:19Z")
In a remote-ish desert in California, it appears a drug deal gone wrong resulted in the murders of several people. It looks like many people in cars met in a very un-traveled location to transact something, and mass mur… --- ## [DIY wooden staircase: solid tread or collage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-wooden-staircase-solid-tread-or-collage/996852)
**Author:** [@Heracles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heracles)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-wooden-staircase-solid-tread-or-collage/996852 "2024-02-01T13:36:11Z")
We have an oak staircase at home. It was built by amateurs (the whole house was) and is extremely creaky. The treads are simply 1-inch planks of oak (from the 1980s) that were screwed in with very little subtetly into th… --- ## [Overcoming Cognitive Dissonance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overcoming-cognitive-dissonance/684768)
**Author:** [@UncaRay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncaRay)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overcoming-cognitive-dissonance/684768 "2024-02-01T13:06:26Z")
Is there a proven method of overcoming cognitive dissonance in another human being? For example an Iraq Veteran who is being driven to suicide by his inability to accept that Iraq was an illegal war, even though he knows… --- ## [Brian J. Thompson has died (91)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-j-thompson-has-died-91/996872)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-j-thompson-has-died-91/996872 "2024-02-01T12:12:53Z")
Longtime Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Rochester, Professor, author of The Physical Optics Notebook and its successor The New Physical Optics Notebook, longtime editor of the… --- ## [Any point to interstellar probes now we have the solar lens concept?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-point-to-interstellar-probes-now-we-have-the-solar-lens-concept/996960)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-point-to-interstellar-probes-now-we-have-the-solar-lens-concept/996960 "2024-02-01T11:58:05Z")
I was excited about the Breakthrough Starshot initiative; a project to fire a tiny probe to the next star system. It would take decades to get there, or more than a human lifetime if we want it to enter into orbit when i… --- ## [NFL : What's all the significance of time-outs in the last minutes of the game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-whats-all-the-significance-of-time-outs-in-the-last-minutes-of-the-game/996855)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-whats-all-the-significance-of-time-outs-in-the-last-minutes-of-the-game/996855 "2024-02-01T07:23:52Z")
Bear with me. I don’t watch NFL very much; tuned in this week to see if the Lions made it. What puzzled me was all the discussion about time-outs in the last few minutes of the game. Why are time-outs so significant … --- ## [Tax Question. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-question-foreign-earned-income-exclusion/996885)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tax-question-foreign-earned-income-exclusion/996885 "2024-02-01T04:46:04Z")
Turbotax says I am due a refund, but I don’t trust it. I can’t find the answer to my specific situation. I’m trying to confirm this is not a bug before I continue. Married, Filing Jointly. Both people live together ove… --- ## [My, my, my... my coyote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-my-my-my-coyote/996874)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-my-my-my-coyote/996874 "2024-02-01T03:35:43Z")
A couple of days ago our 130 lb dog alerted to something in the front yard at dusk. He went berserk and man is he loud! It was foggy but I could see it was a fox or a coyote. I have never seen a coyote around here before… --- ## [Why use a pressure cooker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-a-pressure-cooker/996786)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-use-a-pressure-cooker/996786 "2024-02-01T02:54:28Z")
I have seen in recent posts people advocating the use of a pressure cooker. But, the only use I can see is it cooks some things faster. But how much faster and is that really worth having a bomb in your kitchen? I get… --- ## [Topic Playlist! (Part 3)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topic-playlist-part-3/996892)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2024, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/topic-playlist-part-3/996892 "2024-02-01T02:15:23Z")
Continuing the discussion from Topic Playlist! (Part 2) - #10001 by Skunkdog. Previous discussions: Topic Playlist! (Part 1) Topic Playlist! (Part 2) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=637) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=639)