My last oven was off by about 20 degrees, but I just learned to add extra time. I mean @palmer.jordan, I see your point with the thermometer, but for me it's extra work. I usually watch my food and take it out when it seems done. Maybe it's just me, but I've made okay cookies without checking the temperature. After a few tries, you get a feel for how your oven runs. I'd rather use my own judgment than buy another thing to keep track of.

That frog hotel... bet the croaks kept you up all night.

Consider it research for his next protest meme.

Remembered my friend getting turned around in Montreal with just a paper map. He had to figure out the metro by asking people and spotting bakery signs, which actually stuck in his brain. That kind of fix really builds a mental picture you just don't get from turn-by-turn voice commands.

That local sleuth group thing sounds familiar. I joined one last year and found that setting clear boundaries on how deep to dig stopped it from getting too stressful. Also, sticking to public records and avoiding contact with families unless they reach out first helped with the ethics part.