# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1148 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1149 --- ## [How did this change in the Spanish alphabet affect software?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-change-in-the-spanish-alphabet-affect-software/962290)
**Author:** [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-this-change-in-the-spanish-alphabet-affect-software/962290 "2022-04-06T12:32:22Z")
When I studied Spanish in middle school years ago, I was taught that CH, LL, and RR were considered distinct letters in the Spanish alphabet. Years later, when I did some internationalization work on a Java database prod… --- ## [Computer screen illumination: white versus dark](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-screen-illumination-white-versus-dark/962280)
**Author:** [@ASGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASGuy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-screen-illumination-white-versus-dark/962280 "2022-04-06T12:16:29Z")
In the days of cathode ray tube computer monitors it was considered wise to have a dark background (in Windows vernacular: wallpaper). A dark background reduced the intensity of the electron gun or guns illuminating the … --- ## [Going back to work in NYC -- wanna grab a beer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-back-to-work-in-nyc-wanna-grab-a-beer/962328)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-back-to-work-in-nyc-wanna-grab-a-beer/962328 "2022-04-06T12:01:57Z")
After two years working from home, I’ve been going back to work once or twice per week. I work down in lower Manhattan, and I can usually get out by 5:00 or so. I’ve only met one other Doper in person (that I know of –… --- ## [Mark Rothko Paint by Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-rothko-paint-by-numbers/962329)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-rothko-paint-by-numbers/962329 "2022-04-06T11:31:26Z")
We recently had a thread that mentioned paint by numbers kits, which made me look up a few of these. They are definitely still around. But it made me think of a line from Mystery Science Theater. In episode 419 (“The Re… --- ## [Did the use of Previtan by the German Army in WWII produce a huge number of addicts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-use-of-previtan-by-the-german-army-in-wwii-produce-a-huge-number-of-addicts/962309)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-use-of-previtan-by-the-german-army-in-wwii-produce-a-huge-number-of-addicts/962309 "2022-04-06T10:36:54Z")
Hello Everyone, During WWII Germany kept it’s army awake and moving by the liberal use of Previtan, I can’t remember now if it was amphetamine or meth amphetamine. Did the use of this freely distributed drug produce a l… --- ## [A Spanish language question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-spanish-language-question/962067)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-spanish-language-question/962067 "2022-04-06T09:58:45Z")
The question would also apply to any language which assigns genders to nouns: does deliberate switching of genders of the nouns factor in any wordplay like puns or jokes? And is anyone who accidentally misassigns a gende… --- ## [Does this type of smart light switch exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-type-of-smart-light-switch-exist/962054)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-type-of-smart-light-switch-exist/962054 "2022-04-06T06:03:35Z")
I’ve starting making the switch (no pun intended) to installing smart LED bulbs in and around my house. One issue is that when the light switch is turned off, the light is completely off and will no longer respond to vo… --- ## [Ink pens ink](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ink-pens-ink/961713)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ink-pens-ink/961713 "2022-04-06T03:38:19Z")
Is it just me, or are pen manufacturers putting less ink in their pens? I have a Cross pen that I love but stopped using it because the refills don’t seem the last more than a few weeks. In my search for decent writing … --- ## [Did the UK have any trade relationship with North Vietnam during the Vietnam War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-uk-have-any-trade-relationship-with-north-vietnam-during-the-vietnam-war/962141)
**Author:** [@cannonkuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cannonkuo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-uk-have-any-trade-relationship-with-north-vietnam-during-the-vietnam-war/962141 "2022-04-06T02:35:00Z")
Was there any trade relationship between the UK and North Vietnam during the Vietnam War? Thank you in advance. --- ## [Xander hits on Buffy in the Season 1 Finale, and that sucks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xander-hits-on-buffy-in-the-season-1-finale-and-that-sucks/962092)
**Author:** [@MarkSh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MarkSh)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xander-hits-on-buffy-in-the-season-1-finale-and-that-sucks/962092 "2022-04-06T00:54:07Z")
I’d seen plenty of Buffy in the past, but I’ve been watching a lot of episodes recently- out of order… Someone once told me that the more a person knows about something, the less they tend to revere it. I’ve found this … --- ## [94th Academy Awards Nominees are out. Let's discuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/94th-academy-awards-nominees-are-out-lets-discuss/959575)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2022, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/94th-academy-awards-nominees-are-out-lets-discuss/959575 "2022-04-06T00:15:08Z")
The Oscar nominations were announced last week (full list is here). I don’t see a thread on these yet, so I figured I’d start one. Below are the most popular categories. How many have you seen? Which nominees do you thi… --- ## [I am dogless](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-dogless/962304)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-dogless/962304 "2022-04-05T23:25:36Z")
My last pup has gone over the rainbow bridge. I have owned dogs for over 25 years. Yesterday I had to put down Harley, my last doggie. He was the sweetest, best dog of them all. Harley D. Hogg was a “fat boy” (over 22 lb… --- ## [English place names, why two?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-place-names-why-two/961450)
**Author:** [@DooProcess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DooProcess)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-place-names-why-two/961450 "2022-04-05T22:15:03Z")
I have noticed that English (the place not the language) often are given in pairs. Somethingshire, Otherthingford for example. This has proven difficult for me to figure out with search engines only providing results fo… --- ## [The 2021 Gardening Thread - what's going on in your yard?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2021-gardening-thread-whats-going-on-in-your-yard/938321)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2021-gardening-thread-whats-going-on-in-your-yard/938321 "2022-04-05T21:19:47Z")
On behalf of the vernal equinox (“spring has sprung!”) let’s talk about what we’re growing this year. Gardeners and wannabe growers, here’s our thread! What seeds have you planted, even if they’re in a pot or window box… --- ## [Weird technical problem (autofill)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-technical-problem-autofill/962312)
**Author:** [@Red\_Wiggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Wiggler)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-technical-problem-autofill/962312 "2022-04-05T21:14:04Z")
I often post from a Fire tablet. When I tap the Reply button in a thread, a keypad appears at the bottom of my tablet for entering text. In the past, suggested words appeared at the top of my keypad as I was typing, allo… --- ## [SNK is now owned by Mohammad Bin Salman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snk-is-now-owned-by-mohammad-bin-salman/962343)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snk-is-now-owned-by-mohammad-bin-salman/962343 "2022-04-05T21:09:45Z")
You might know Salman as the guy who killed a journalist. --- ## [What's the best job any non-native speaker has done in speaking accent-free English](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-job-any-non-native-speaker-has-done-in-speaking-accent-free-english/961917)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-best-job-any-non-native-speaker-has-done-in-speaking-accent-free-english/961917 "2022-04-05T20:46:11Z")
Note to pedants: of course we all have accents. Duh. The winner in this contest will be someone who did not speak a word of English until fairly late in life (mid-teens, say) and then acquired a use of English such that… --- ## [Is there a free e-file for higher income filers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-e-file-for-higher-income-filers/962013)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-free-e-file-for-higher-income-filers/962013 "2022-04-05T20:37:19Z")
Most free e-file sites have an income cut-off - around $73,000. Are there any free sites out there for higher incomes - federal or state? --- ## [Go-fund me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-fund-me/962238)
**Author:** [@stosh1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh1)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/go-fund-me/962238 "2022-04-05T20:11:49Z")
On these go-fund me things. How much do the people really get? --- ## [A question about the movie Krull](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-movie-krull/962243)
**Author:** [@furryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furryman)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-movie-krull/962243 "2022-04-05T19:56:27Z")
They call that spinning weapon he uses a glaive. I always thought a glaive was a type of halberd. Is that really the name of that weapon or did the scriptwriter call it that and the name stuck? … --- ## [Saltine quality/availability](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saltine-quality-availability/962200)
**Author:** [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saltine-quality-availability/962200 "2022-04-05T19:45:45Z")
So my go-to brand used to be Nabisco Premium Saltines. But a while back they suffered a dramatic drop in quality. Specifically, they began to smell/taste funny, as in a chemical aroma of some sort. Well, I switched to… --- ## [Indian Satellite Capabilities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-satellite-capabilities/962334)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/indian-satellite-capabilities/962334 "2022-04-05T19:06:08Z")
This is in regards to the event at Bucha but just looking for factual answers. The US is saying that satellite imagery shows bodies lying in the street since several weeks ago. Does India have satellite imagery capable … --- ## [Electric Garage Door Opener?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-garage-door-opener/962116)
**Author:** [@19USMC69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/19USMC69)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electric-garage-door-opener/962116 "2022-04-05T17:57:57Z")
Most have sensors at the bottom edge that shuts down the motor when the beam is broken. If, for instance, the door is opening and a physical obstruction physically stops the door, will the motor shut down. Thx. --- ## [Just curious: Why is this thread closed for review?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-curious-why-is-this-thread-closed-for-review/962112)
**Author:** [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-curious-why-is-this-thread-closed-for-review/962112 "2022-04-05T17:56:33Z")
Prioritize the principles that Trump has shown to be toothless for POTUSes - #9? It seemed like an interesting P&E thread, but was shut down yesterday. Any chance of it being reopened? --- ## [March Madness 2022](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-madness-2022/961302)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-madness-2022/961302 "2022-04-05T16:56:12Z")
Day 1 of the Big Dance is in the books, and Day 2 is underway. Day 1 happenings: The 3 #1 seeds that played (Gonzaga, Baylor, Kansas) all coasted to big victories. Kentucky became the 10th #2 seed to lose to a #15 see… --- ## [In the book "National Velvet" by Enid Bagnold](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-book-national-velvet-by-enid-bagnold/961755)
**Author:** [@salinqmind1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-book-national-velvet-by-enid-bagnold/961755 "2022-04-05T16:40:03Z")
Velvet inherits several horses from an elderly gentleman who committed suicide. (apart from ‘The Pie’ she won in a lottery.). She and her three sisters live in a countryside-seaside English village with fields and the… --- ## [Oh, My my my, Ken Burns is doing a new series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-my-my-my-ken-burns-is-doing-a-new-series/962287)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-my-my-my-ken-burns-is-doing-a-new-series/962287 "2022-04-05T16:10:12Z")
It seems he’s done a series on the Holocaust. Particularly, America and the Holocaust. I really can’t wait. Out this fall. --- ## [You down with OPP? (Old People's Problems) Then post them here](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002)
**Author:** [@Unintentionally\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unintentionally_Blank)\ **Replies:** 255\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-down-with-opp-old-peoples-problems-then-post-them-here/956002 "2022-04-05T14:44:15Z")
As you get older…things happen. Hot flashes, Colonoscopies, Funerals, Financial Planning, Hair in weird places. This is the thread to kvetch about it. There are things in my life that I’d like to discuss and can’t reall… --- ## [How can I fix a bifurcated thumbnail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-fix-a-bifurcated-thumbnail/962276)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-fix-a-bifurcated-thumbnail/962276 "2022-04-05T14:14:44Z")
Several years ago I injured my thumbnail—I don’t recall exactly how—which resulted in it splitting down the middle, from the tip to about halfway to the base. It took many, many months before the rent finally grew out c… --- ## [Rep. Don Young (R-AK) has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-don-young-r-ak-has-died/961335)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2022, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-don-young-r-ak-has-died/961335 "2022-04-05T13:15:16Z")
Obit. After 25 terms in the House, he’s finally gone. The man did some good things for Alaska, but far too few. He was an advocate for the Alaska Natives, but that was tempered by his racist and misogynistic views, and h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1147) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1149)