# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1126 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1127 --- ## [Does an oscilliscope do this thing I want it to do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-oscilliscope-do-this-thing-i-want-it-to-do/963456)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-an-oscilliscope-do-this-thing-i-want-it-to-do/963456 "2022-04-28T21:31:04Z")
So, if I bought a moderately priced oscilliscope like this one would it be something I could take into a classroom, have kids (ages 8-12) make different sounds in front of it, and they would see different size/shape wave… --- ## [Sudden (within last couple days) network/internet connection issues on my PC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-within-last-couple-days-network-internet-connection-issues-on-my-pc/963179)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sudden-within-last-couple-days-network-internet-connection-issues-on-my-pc/963179 "2022-04-28T21:06:24Z")
I’ve just recently noticed weird glitches when connecting to the internet with my main work PC, which is less than a year old and normally very speedy in all functions. Sometimes when I open a web page, I get a “page not… --- ## [Why are military ships so difficult to attack from distance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-military-ships-so-difficult-to-attack-from-distance/962882)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-military-ships-so-difficult-to-attack-from-distance/962882 "2022-04-28T20:38:18Z")
With the recent news that Ukrainian missiles were likely responsible for the sinking of the Moskva, I wonder why they simply couldn’t sink a few more? The ships are large and basically floating islands, correct? I coul… --- ## [Before the modern era, did people think female orgasm was necessary for conception?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-the-modern-era-did-people-think-female-orgasm-was-necessary-for-conception/963577)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-the-modern-era-did-people-think-female-orgasm-was-necessary-for-conception/963577 "2022-04-28T20:32:05Z")
An article on Titian’s Venus of Urbino (c. 1530s) reads, in part, After examining the contemporary literature, Goffen came to the conclusion that the Urbino Venus is actively masturbating. “Under most circumstances, th… --- ## [Imagining Superman in today’s social media society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imagining-superman-in-today-s-social-media-society/963389)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imagining-superman-in-today-s-social-media-society/963389 "2022-04-28T19:57:29Z")
I’m no devotee of the comics, so forgive me if this has already been addressed there. But I got to thinking about what it would be like to be Superman in today’s social media obsessed world. I mean, talk about an influ… --- ## [Politicians and social media handlers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-and-social-media-handlers/963543)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-and-social-media-handlers/963543 "2022-04-28T19:03:40Z")
Might be better suited for Great Debates, but I’ll start it here. This came up in the MTG hearing, but I’ve seen it plenty. A politician (or other famous person) says something inflammatory, stupid, or potentially cri… --- ## [How should the media tackle the "hierarchy of death" problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-media-tackle-the-hierarchy-of-death-problem/962829)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-media-tackle-the-hierarchy-of-death-problem/962829 "2022-04-28T16:22:29Z")
It’s a well-known phenomenon that not all deaths, abductions or wars are the same. A war by Russia against a white-European nation like Ukraine commands far more media and public attention than, say, if some African nati… --- ## [World's oldest person dies (Kane Tanaka, age 119)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-oldest-person-dies-kane-tanaka-age-119/963406)
**Author:** [@Toxylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toxylon)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worlds-oldest-person-dies-kane-tanaka-age-119/963406 "2022-04-28T16:19:50Z")
World’s oldest living human (by some margin, I think), Japan’s Kane Tanaka, shuffled off her mortal coil a couple of days ago. --- ## [Can GPS successfully land a plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-gps-successfully-land-a-plane/963463)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-gps-successfully-land-a-plane/963463 "2022-04-28T16:05:50Z")
On my private plane I install the most accurate GPS unit a civilian can buy. I run it through a computer to calculate within the GPS range of accuracy the plane’s location, altitude, speed and heading. The computer has… --- ## [Dealbreaker screenplay clichés](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealbreaker-screenplay-cliches/961002)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 286\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dealbreaker-screenplay-cliches/961002 "2022-04-28T15:35:32Z")
“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” “I can explain!” “We’ve got company.” “It’s not what you think!” “Can you just trust me?” --- ## [What's the Dope on Medicare Advantage vs Medigap?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dope-on-medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/713994)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dope-on-medicare-advantage-vs-medigap/713994 "2022-04-28T14:15:17Z")
So my parental units have hit that age. They are now eligible for Medicare, and apparently almost everyone over 65 gets part A courtesy of the taxpayers. At the present time, both are in good health. So, apparently, t… --- ## [IRS payment of tax refunds](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-payment-of-tax-refunds/963411)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irs-payment-of-tax-refunds/963411 "2022-04-28T13:49:06Z")
Last week at my credit union I noticed my IRS refund will show up tomorrow. Is this because they only send out so many refunds per day? Or maybe they only send out a total dollar amount each day? --- ## [Buying gas with roubles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-gas-with-roubles/963539)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-gas-with-roubles/963539 "2022-04-28T13:08:53Z")
With the rouble worth $0.013, why do the Russians insist that the gas they sell in Europe be paid for in roubles? --- ## [American rocket engines](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-rocket-engines/963569)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-rocket-engines/963569 "2022-04-28T07:38:36Z")
Paging @Stranger\_On\_A\_Train. With the hostilities in Ukraine, Russia is no longer supplying the United States with rocket engines. I’d always thought it a mistake to rely on Russia for engines and transportation, but m… --- ## [Do navies patrol lakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-navies-patrol-lakes/963079)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-navies-patrol-lakes/963079 "2022-04-28T07:06:10Z")
After reading about the sinking of the Russian ship Moskva in the Caspian Sea, a lake by any other name, I had to wonder how many countries have a military presence on inland bodies of water. I can’t imagine the US Navy… --- ## [Your transaction is now over, now STFU!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-transaction-is-now-over-now-stfu/616525)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-transaction-is-now-over-now-stfu/616525 "2022-04-28T06:29:56Z")
I used to work retail so I understand chatting with the customer as you are ringing them up, but I’ve noticed a trend where the cashier and customer are having a conversation, the transaction is done/paid/receipt handed … --- ## [Mutual Fund/Capital Gains Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mutual-fund-capital-gains-question/963515)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mutual-fund-capital-gains-question/963515 "2022-04-28T05:57:37Z")
I just got hit with a big tax bill after a fund I own took profits on several stocks. This prompts a hypothetical question. XYZ FUND purchased a particular stock in January for $20.00 per share. When an investor purchas… --- ## [Trump held in contempt in NY](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-held-in-contempt-in-ny/963452)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-held-in-contempt-in-ny/963452 "2022-04-28T04:04:07Z")
NY judge hold trump in contempt of court for withholding documents. I’m math challenged- $10,000 a day to a “billionaire” is how much to a minimum wager? --- ## [2022 House campaign discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-house-campaign-discussion/951457)
**Author:** [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2022-house-campaign-discussion/951457 "2022-04-28T03:06:56Z")
I debated whether this really needed its own thread but I didn’t want to pollute the Senate thread with discussion of the “lower chamber.” :slight\_smile: I’d like to use this thread to discuss anything related to the de… --- ## [Any Janelle Monae fans? She has a new album coming soon, first two songs released!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-janelle-monae-fans-she-has-a-new-album-coming-soon-first-two-songs-released/809377)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-janelle-monae-fans-she-has-a-new-album-coming-soon-first-two-songs-released/809377 "2022-04-28T02:47:04Z")
She is my absolute favorite current musical artist. The two songs almost couldn't be more different -- a pop-ish Prince/Bowie homage, and a hip-hop protest anthem. I loved both of 'em. --- ## [No, I don't want to take your stupid survey!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-i-dont-want-to-take-your-stupid-survey/962958)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-i-dont-want-to-take-your-stupid-survey/962958 "2022-04-28T01:34:27Z")
Every service company from plumbers to medical (actually not so far apart, now I think of it) wants me to do their survey (“it will only take a couple of minutes” is a fucking lie) so I can tell them how wonderful they a… --- ## [Cary Elwes bitten by a rattlesnake, recovering, Princess Bride jokes ensue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cary-elwes-bitten-by-a-rattlesnake-recovering-princess-bride-jokes-ensue/963514)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cary-elwes-bitten-by-a-rattlesnake-recovering-princess-bride-jokes-ensue/963514 "2022-04-28T01:11:28Z")
Elwes himself starts off the Princess Bride jokes with his Twitter announcement: “Bit not by a ROUS but a rattlesnake.” Don’t click on the spoilered link if you’ll be triggered by a photo of his swollen, discolored fin… --- ## [Anyone Care to Help Me With Batting Average Statistics Question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-care-to-help-me-with-batting-average-statistics-question/963430)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-care-to-help-me-with-batting-average-statistics-question/963430 "2022-04-28T00:47:08Z")
My statistics is rusty, and even when shiny I doubt I could have done this justice. The question is inspired by a debate about hitters’ stats in baseball (specifically the value of Home Runs). Let’s suppose you have a t… --- ## [“Our Version of (Famous Perfume or Cologne)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-version-of-famous-perfume-or-cologne/963550)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2022, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-version-of-famous-perfume-or-cologne/963550 "2022-04-28T00:24:32Z")
I like some things at some dollar stores. Many things are excellent buys - if you choose carefully. Some things come in such small sizes you would be better off elsewhere - it might be an expensive place to buy vitamin… --- ## [Bit of a panic with my car tonight... Possible causes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bit-of-a-panic-with-my-car-tonight-possible-causes/963466)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bit-of-a-panic-with-my-car-tonight-possible-causes/963466 "2022-04-27T23:16:51Z")
I think I mentioned before that my car is a 2000 Civic; it’s old, yes, but it still seems to work, and the car market is majorly inflated due to supply chain issues anyway. But tonight, there were some seconds where the … --- ## [Why do guests on Maury constantly get Maurys name wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-guests-on-maury-constantly-get-maurys-name-wrong/963570)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-guests-on-maury-constantly-get-maurys-name-wrong/963570 "2022-04-27T22:58:05Z")
The most common one is guests calling Maury “Murry” but I literally just saw a new episode where somebody called him “Mark”. I have literally never seen this on any other talk show, when did you ever see anyone mangle O… --- ## [Recent Non-Fiction Books You Think Everyone Should Read](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-non-fiction-books-you-think-everyone-should-read/946736)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recent-non-fiction-books-you-think-everyone-should-read/946736 "2022-04-27T21:32:53Z")
As per the title, on this thread you are invited to share at least two recent non-fiction books you think everyone should read.. Perhaps you found them interesting or they deserve to be better known. (At least two are r… --- ## [Has a TED talk ever changed your life or views?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-ted-talk-ever-changed-your-life-or-views/963198)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-ted-talk-ever-changed-your-life-or-views/963198 "2022-04-27T21:28:43Z")
Maybe not recently - it’s been eight years since a similar topic was addressed. Well? --- ## [Yet another "Name That Tune"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-name-that-tune/963222)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-name-that-tune/963222 "2022-04-27T21:28:00Z")
This one’s going to be a challenge. In the 1990s (I can’t recall hearing it more recently), there was a piano solo, mostly played during public service announcements but I also heard it on PBS nature shows a couple time… --- ## [Why was this post modded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-this-post-modded/963419)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-this-post-modded/963419 "2022-04-27T20:38:52Z")
Why in the world was this post modded? Was it flagged by mistake as there is literally nothing wrong witg it. We were debating about insurrection and I asked why killing the president wouldnt qualify if Jan 6 did. Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1125) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1127)