# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=786&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 787 --- ## [Why does my iPhone flash when I post to the SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-flash-when-i-post-to-the-sdmb/986950)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-my-iphone-flash-when-i-post-to-the-sdmb/986950 "2023-07-12T18:09:38Z")
Can’t remember when it started, but now when I post to a thread, or start a new thread, the display on my iPhone goes to the bottom of the thread and flashes the screen a couple of times. Should I be worried? Why does i… --- ## [Is there a military term or phrase for a strategy of one belligerent country grabbing as much land as possible in an invasion and settling for an advantageous truce or armistice later?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-military-term-or-phrase-for-a-strategy-of-one-belligerent-country-grabbing-as-much-land-as-possible-in-an-invasion-and-settling-for-an-advantageous-truce-or-armistice-later/986840)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-military-term-or-phrase-for-a-strategy-of-one-belligerent-country-grabbing-as-much-land-as-possible-in-an-invasion-and-settling-for-an-advantageous-truce-or-armistice-later/986840 "2023-07-12T16:23:12Z")
Is there a military term or phrase for a strategy of one belligerent country grabbing as much land as possible in an invasion and settling for an advantageous truce or armistice later? I’m thinking specifically of German… --- ## [A four-lane bridge in Pittsburgh has collapsed just hours before Biden visits the city to talk about infrastructure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-four-lane-bridge-in-pittsburgh-has-collapsed-just-hours-before-biden-visits-the-city-to-talk-about-infrastructure/958569)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-four-lane-bridge-in-pittsburgh-has-collapsed-just-hours-before-biden-visits-the-city-to-talk-about-infrastructure/958569 "2023-07-12T13:54:15Z")
The collapse also severed a natural gas line. From the first article: The cause of the collapse is under investigation. The bridge was most recently inspected in September, city officials said, but it was not imme… --- ## [Why can’t I run as fast as I used to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-run-as-fast-as-i-used-to/986914)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-t-i-run-as-fast-as-i-used-to/986914 "2023-07-12T13:06:37Z")
I’ve been playing senior (55+) softball for 20+ years. When I started playing I was pretty fast. Now at 75, not so fast. I’ve put on a few pounds, maybe 5 or so, and I’m just as active. So what happened? The obvious ans… --- ## [Is there a name for this fallacy? See OP for details](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-fallacy-see-op-for-details/986707)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-name-for-this-fallacy-see-op-for-details/986707 "2023-07-12T11:40:56Z")
I’ve been feeling pessimistic about global warming recently given the news about the record worldwide high being broken for three consecutive days. My thinking was along these lines. “Given the large number of highly in… --- ## [How do you say it? \[How to pronounce Cecil\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-say-it-how-to-pronounce-cecil/986236)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-say-it-how-to-pronounce-cecil/986236 "2023-07-12T00:10:46Z")
It just occurred to me. How do you pronounce @Cecil\_Adams first name? 'See-cil’? Or 'Seh-cil’?? When I’m feeling fancy I say Sehcil Wonder how Cecil himself pronounces it? I need to know. :blush: --- ## [Sigh. Another computer question: how do I change the password on my gmail accounts and my chromebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-another-computer-question-how-do-i-change-the-password-on-my-gmail-accounts-and-my-chromebook/986902)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2023, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-another-computer-question-how-do-i-change-the-password-on-my-gmail-accounts-and-my-chromebook/986902 "2023-07-12T00:00:30Z")
I have another probably simple computer question. Our home e-mail, from a internet service provider, got hacked. Somehow a spoof account was set up, linked somehow to the gmail account which I access on my acer chromeb… --- ## [Breaking news: Essex truck deaths \[was: Can Bulgarians Freely Enter the UK\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-essex-truck-deaths-was-can-bulgarians-freely-enter-the-uk/842185)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-essex-truck-deaths-was-can-bulgarians-freely-enter-the-uk/842185 "2023-07-11T23:50:03Z")
Horrible news from Essex where thirty-nine people were found dead in the back of a truck. They may have been Bulgarians trying to sneak into the UK. Why? Bulgaria and the UK are part of the EU. Can’t people freely trav… --- ## [Wilhelm Scream original recording uncovered](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wilhelm-scream-original-recording-uncovered/986277)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wilhelm-scream-original-recording-uncovered/986277 "2023-07-11T22:39:42Z")
CBS News just did a story about the Wilhelm Scream which I think everyone will enjoy. You all know the stock sound effect, even if you may not know it by name. An iconic Hollywood sound effect called the Wilhelm scream… --- ## [(Old) It's the heat AND the humidity in the MMP!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-the-heat-and-the-humidity-in-the-mmp/986494)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 414\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-the-heat-and-the-humidity-in-the-mmp/986494 "2023-07-11T21:54:44Z")
Does it really matter whether it’s hot, or hot and dry, or hot and humid? Isn’t that why air conditioners were invented?? Happy Moanday!! --- ## [Conferences, stipends and taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conferences-stipends-and-taxes/985678)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conferences-stipends-and-taxes/985678 "2023-07-11T21:30:25Z")
I am going to a conference representing my union local. I assumed it would be mostly at my expense but I received a stipend for part of it. I was just told that I need to fill out a 1099 but to hold on to my receipts t… --- ## [What constitutes a (prosecutable) war criminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-constitutes-a-prosecutable-war-criminal/986870)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-constitutes-a-prosecutable-war-criminal/986870 "2023-07-11T21:01:06Z")
I’m asking mostly in regards to Putin (Russia invading Ukraine). He has given varying reasons why he ordered the invasion. None seem (to me) to rise to justification levels. The US estimates between civilians and troops… --- ## [Best way to sharpen lawn mower blades](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades/986837)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades/986837 "2023-07-11T20:25:12Z")
Recently bought a Hustler zero-turn with 54 inch deck. It has three blades. I’m sure there are a zillion YT videos on how to sharpen mower blades. But am wondering if the teeming millions have some good advice. --- ## [The Office and The Laws of Karma](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-and-the-laws-of-karma/635091)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-and-the-laws-of-karma/635091 "2023-07-11T19:54:50Z")
IMO, the TV comedy sitcom, “The Office” represents a tiny microcausm of all the different kinds of people in the world and I hope it will end very soon because at one time it was a most excellent comedy show but ever sin… --- ## [Is pretending to be stupid in film, etc kinda like Blackface?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pretending-to-be-stupid-in-film-etc-kinda-like-blackface/979351)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-pretending-to-be-stupid-in-film-etc-kinda-like-blackface/979351 "2023-07-11T18:36:14Z")
Okay, one thing I hate is film, tv etc, where someone pretends to be stupid. Dumb and Dumber (which did have a few funny moments, due to the stars, but the sequel was pure cringe, and of course, Philomena Cunk. We conde… --- ## [When was a good time to live in Russia? Was there one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-a-good-time-to-live-in-russia-was-there-one/986061)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-a-good-time-to-live-in-russia-was-there-one/986061 "2023-07-11T17:35:53Z")
In discussing the events of today with my daughter, she said, “I guess it’s a bad time to be living in Russia?” Which lead to a discussion of whether there ever was a good time to live in Russia. When was the best time t… --- ## [Toyota Auto A/C repair question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toyota-auto-a-c-repair-question/986874)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toyota-auto-a-c-repair-question/986874 "2023-07-11T17:27:56Z")
2012 Toyota. A/C stopped working. Service center says we need to recharge the system $300.00, Did not fix the problem, brought it back to service center and now being told it’s the compressor. $1,500. Not being a me… --- ## [What’s Trump’s Trial Strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-trump-s-trial-strategy/986060)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-s-trump-s-trial-strategy/986060 "2023-07-11T17:02:52Z")
Not specific to any one case, but in general, I think he’s conceding that he will be found guilty of committing at least one felony, and very likely more, and that he will have little to no basis for a winning appeal whe… --- ## [Things you loved as a kid that you now think are terrible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-loved-as-a-kid-that-you-now-think-are-terrible/985857)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-you-loved-as-a-kid-that-you-now-think-are-terrible/985857 "2023-07-11T14:52:18Z")
This is a companion thread to the things you still like, but now it’s things that are objectively awful and you struggle to understand what you liked about them originally. This is NOT the thread for things you’ve natur… --- ## [Free dive to bottom of Mariana Trench, yes or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-dive-to-bottom-of-mariana-trench-yes-or-no/915442)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-dive-to-bottom-of-mariana-trench-yes-or-no/915442 "2023-07-11T14:27:10Z")
This is so mundane it belongs more in MPSIMS, but IMHO is more the place for polling. Say you are the lucky sweepstake winner of a free submarine dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, in a mini-submersible like the … --- ## [What's the best way to clean tape residue off metal (aluminum, I think)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-tape-residue-off-metal-aluminum-i-think/986578)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-way-to-clean-tape-residue-off-metal-aluminum-i-think/986578 "2023-07-11T13:58:26Z")
We have an old cat door that we can’t use, because the slider opening in our house is about one inch too short for it to fit. We last used it in our old apartment, where the building had settled a bit and the slider o… --- ## [Things I learned watching a Love Boat marathon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-watching-a-love-boat-marathon/986823)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-i-learned-watching-a-love-boat-marathon/986823 "2023-07-11T11:46:14Z")
An entire cruise ship can be run with a crew of 5 - a Captain, a cruise director, a gopher, a doctor, and, of course, a bartender. Lots of aging former stars and D-list TV actors went on cruises very often in the late 7… --- ## [Can my camera be saved? (It got wet)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-camera-be-saved-it-got-wet/986872)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-my-camera-be-saved-it-got-wet/986872 "2023-07-11T11:03:00Z")
I brought my DSLR camera with me to Ireland last week. As I guess is kind of typical of weather in the British Isles, I got caught in a rain shower, and as a result the camera got wet. Now the camera will not turn on. … --- ## [Recommend LED fixture to replace 48" fluorescent tube](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-led-fixture-to-replace-48-fluorescent-tube/986825)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-led-fixture-to-replace-48-fluorescent-tube/986825 "2023-07-11T10:46:30Z")
In my bathroom I have two fixtures that each have one 48" fluorescent tube. I am tired of replacing them and properly disposing of the burned-out ones. What kind of LED fixtures would work here? I replaced a couple of cl… --- ## [Tell me about taking care of plants in the office](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-taking-care-of-plants-in-the-office/984830)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2023, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-taking-care-of-plants-in-the-office/984830 "2023-06-08T18:31:51Z")
I have a window! With sills! So I’ve gotten some plants and am desperately trying to not murder them. The window faces west and gets lots of light but the office itself stays pretty cool throughout the day. I’ve already… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad, Great, mighty and Powerful Oz..er..um I mean Cece? Knock,knock! You home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-great-mighty-and-powerful-oz-er-um-i-mean-cece-knock-knock-you-home/986759)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-great-mighty-and-powerful-oz-er-um-i-mean-cece-knock-knock-you-home/986759 "2023-07-11T01:49:57Z")
Beck needs to know. If I came skipping down a yellow road, in a goofy dress and a couple losers and a flea bitten dog in tow, would you help me get home? Or could I just stay in Emera…wherever you are? Need answer fas… --- ## [Describe a comedy as a tragedy (or a tragedy as a comedy) after guessing the previous one](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-a-comedy-as-a-tragedy-or-a-tragedy-as-a-comedy-after-guessing-the-previous-one/986826)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/describe-a-comedy-as-a-tragedy-or-a-tragedy-as-a-comedy-after-guessing-the-previous-one/986826 "2023-07-11T01:45:09Z")
I’ll start off with an easy one: A down on his luck bus driver with a violent temper wastes his time on ridiculous get-rich-quick schemes while constantly threatening to beat his long-suffering wife. --- ## [Finger Lakes meetup July 2023?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finger-lakes-meetup-july-2023/986318)
**Author:** [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finger-lakes-meetup-july-2023/986318 "2023-07-11T01:27:58Z")
@penultima\_thule has been travelling through the USA (thread here: Diary of a Wandering Thule ), and will be coming through the Finger Lakes area. We’ve been discussing a possible meetup, maybe at a brewery @Paintcharge … --- ## [Dude! Where are my songs? (Apple Music on MacBook)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dude-where-are-my-songs-apple-music-on-macbook/986564)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2023, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dude-where-are-my-songs-apple-music-on-macbook/986564 "2023-07-11T01:00:31Z")
I was going to post some lyrics from an obscure song, or at least the song’s title and artist, in response to someone else’s post. I wanted to ensure I had the right song, so I opened Apple Music to play myself a snippe… --- ## [What's wrong with my iPhone (cellular coverage problem)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-iphone-cellular-coverage-problem/986824)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2023, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-my-iphone-cellular-coverage-problem/986824 "2023-07-10T21:32:25Z")
A recurring issue with my phone, where it gets no bars in areas where I know there’s coverage. My wife and I are on the same plan, same carrier; standing next to me she has 2 bars on her phone and I have none. (If it m… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=785&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=787&state=muted)