# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=130&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 131 --- ## [How is my computer listening to me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-my-computer-listening-to-me/1028103)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-my-computer-listening-to-me/1028103 "2026-03-07T23:21:30Z")
I don’t ask why. Of course it is, in a manner of speaking. But how did this happen? My mom and I are discussing our yearly family get together during the summer. She was looking up houses to rent. We continue talking an… --- ## [Virginia shines the light of truth in the political darkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-shines-the-light-of-truth-in-the-political-darkness/1028265)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-shines-the-light-of-truth-in-the-political-darkness/1028265 "2026-03-07T21:11:05Z")
Virginia passes legislation prohibiting schools from teaching falsehoods about Jan. 6 riot - CBS News " Virginia’s legislature has passed a bill prohibiting schools from teaching what it considers to be falsehoods about… --- ## [Could consciousness be a fundamental field? (Physics related.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-consciousness-be-a-fundamental-field-physics-related/1028135)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-consciousness-be-a-fundamental-field-physics-related/1028135 "2026-03-07T21:10:08Z")
Maria Strømme published a paper three months ago where she hypothesizes that consciousness is a fundamental “field,” and that everything else in the universe (matter, spacetime) emerges from this field. Which I think mea… --- ## [I want to buy a leather jacket at a brick and mortar store](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-buy-a-leather-jacket-at-a-brick-and-mortar-store/1025243)
**Author:** [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-buy-a-leather-jacket-at-a-brick-and-mortar-store/1025243 "2026-03-07T20:33:09Z")
Recently, my 40-year old leather jacket fell apart from old age. I bought it at a Wilson’s Leather store in a local mall. Wilson’s are still in business, but as far as I can determine, only online. I’ve had bad luck bu… --- ## [The Doomsday Clock](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doomsday-clock/1028263)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doomsday-clock/1028263 "2026-03-07T19:30:17Z")
Doomsday Clock - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists In January, they posted " On January 27, 2026, the Doomsday Clock was set at 85 seconds to midnight, the closest the Clock has ever been to midnight in its history. The… --- ## [Heart's on Sleeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearts-on-sleeve/1028248)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearts-on-sleeve/1028248 "2026-03-07T17:34:48Z")
Apostrophe or not? I asked someone brilliant and they say it means more than one heart. I say it means the one heart is on the actual sleeve. (This is a hoodie I designed. Slubby heather Red, white curvy letters “Heart… --- ## [Help explain a British cryptic answer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-explain-a-british-cryptic-answer/1028231)
**Author:** [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-explain-a-british-cryptic-answer/1028231 "2026-03-07T16:06:27Z")
As I’ve mentioned before, I have been doing cryptic crosswords from the London Times. I find them very difficult, but I like a challenge. As an American, I’m at a disadvantage because those puzzles make tremendous use … --- ## [New tag, maybe temporary added: iran-strikes-2026 {also handy How To's in second post} If I missed a good discourse trick please add it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tag-maybe-temporary-added-iran-strikes-2026-also-handy-how-tos-in-second-post-if-i-missed-a-good-discourse-trick-please-add-it/1028225)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-tag-maybe-temporary-added-iran-strikes-2026-also-handy-how-tos-in-second-post-if-i-missed-a-good-discourse-trick-please-add-it/1028225 "2026-07-28T17:29:56Z")
iran-strikes-2026 This is a quick link to the bombing campaign by the US & Israel in 2026. It will cover any expansion that happens, if it happens. If this somehow dies down, I’ll probably remove the tag a few months… --- ## [Google auto-complete is going crazy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-auto-complete-is-going-crazy/1028256)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-auto-complete-is-going-crazy/1028256 "2026-03-07T12:46:10Z")
I just noticed that it is adding people’s AI queries to the suggestions, with unlikely choices. --- ## [Why does ketchup only start separating AFTER the bottle has been started?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ketchup-only-start-separating-after-the-bottle-has-been-started/1028173)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-ketchup-only-start-separating-after-the-bottle-has-been-started/1028173 "2026-03-07T12:23:24Z")
(This is an actual factual question, though it’s about food so…..) Think about it. Heinz (or whoever) brews up the ketchup, pours it into a bottle, and seals it up with a little cardboard/foam/metallic foil disk undern… --- ## [Abortion should be decided state-by-state because democracy is more important](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-should-be-decided-state-by-state-because-democracy-is-more-important/1027738)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-should-be-decided-state-by-state-because-democracy-is-more-important/1027738 "2026-03-07T11:12:34Z")
Continuing the discussion from Re: Validity of positions in the topic: For those who are in favor of “abortion being left to the states” - why?: I’m putting myself out there, but I think this is what it comes down to, … --- ## [Late-'60s/early-'70s science fiction sub-genre: Technology gone bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/late-60s-early-70s-science-fiction-sub-genre-technology-gone-bad/1011987)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/late-60s-early-70s-science-fiction-sub-genre-technology-gone-bad/1011987 "2026-03-07T07:16:29Z")
My friend Horror Mike posted a video: Did Elon Musk Remove AI Sci-Fi Film Colossus The Forbin Project To Protect His Own Super Computer? (9:07). He posits that Musk, who is developing AI called ‘Colossus’ caused Colossu… --- ## [Best way to prevent carpenter bees from boring into exposed lumber](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-prevent-carpenter-bees-from-boring-into-exposed-lumber/1028264)
**Author:** [@Stana\_Claus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stana_Claus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-prevent-carpenter-bees-from-boring-into-exposed-lumber/1028264 "2026-03-07T02:45:25Z")
Continuing the discussion from Hey, that hurt? (Wasp Stings): I’ve read the suggested threads for treating the holes already bored with insecticide and/or sealing the holes, but are there any known methods (short of wra… --- ## [What's the thing you inexplicably own a million of?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-thing-you-inexplicably-own-a-million-of/1028206)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-thing-you-inexplicably-own-a-million-of/1028206 "2026-03-07T02:37:49Z")
I’m getting close to owning 100 watch straps. And there’s simply no reason for it. I do like wearing wristwatches but I’m not so into them that it makes sense to own this many straps. The vast majority have never been w… --- ## [Museum of Snowmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/museum-of-snowmen/1028152)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/museum-of-snowmen/1028152 "2026-03-07T02:12:09Z")
There’s an art form that is tragically underappreciated and in need of preservation. Snowmen, and snow-women and animals. We build them, we photograph them (maybe) but are resigned to their eventual disappearance. Should… --- ## [Help with a song - what is this](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-song-what-is-this/1028273)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-a-song-what-is-this/1028273 "2026-03-07T01:52:26Z")
I know I know I’ve heard it, but I don’t know if I’ve ever known it. To be clear, I mean what he’s playing on the uke. --- ## [EE-UU??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ee-uu/78972)
**Author:** [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ee-uu/78972 "2026-03-07T01:17:46Z")
I am reading the multi-lingual instructions on a new piece of office equipment (Dymo labelmaker). At the bottom is the standard copyright and contact information. One line intrigues me: Made in USA/ Fabrique aux EE-UU/H… --- ## [Giving Laptops to Students: Does It Cause a Cognitive Decline in Students?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-laptops-to-students-does-it-cause-a-cognitive-decline-in-students/1027952)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2026, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/giving-laptops-to-students-does-it-cause-a-cognitive-decline-in-students/1027952 "2026-03-07T00:32:44Z")
In 2002, Maine became the first state to implement a statewide laptop program to some grade levels. Then-governor Angus King saw the program as a way to put the internet at the fingertips of more children, who would be … --- ## [Amazon having site problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-having-site-problems/1028235)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-having-site-problems/1028235 "2026-03-06T20:10:01Z")
I just noticed this about 30 minutes ago. Apparently none of the product pages can be reached, I just get an “oops” error message. Other functions seem fine. And as soon as I post it, it gets fixed. Never mind. --- ## [What US Constitutional Amendments Could Be Ratified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-us-constitutional-amendments-could-be-ratified/1028219)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-us-constitutional-amendments-could-be-ratified/1028219 "2026-03-06T18:44:42Z")
Continuing the discussion from Abortion should be decided state-by-state because democracy is more important: Inspired by this post from @kenobi\_65 where he states: Plus, for reasons that are above my pay grade to und… --- ## [Noise canceling ear phones/buds for roofing project](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-canceling-ear-phones-buds-for-roofing-project/988437)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noise-canceling-ear-phones-buds-for-roofing-project/988437 "2026-03-06T17:53:13Z")
The roofers are coming next Monday Aug 21st to roof my house. My house has open beam ceilings upstairs. I will be downstairs most of the day, I don’t leave for work. I expect it to be quite loud due to the lack of attic. … --- ## [Does Weird Al belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-weird-al-belong-in-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/1028142)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-weird-al-belong-in-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame/1028142 "2026-03-06T17:39:08Z")
So, does Weird Al belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? I say, absolutely and unequivocally. He pulled parody music from the depths of AM radio/Dr. Demento and made it popular and relevant again. I think his legiti… --- ## [Let's talk about Liver](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-liver/1028144)
**Author:** [@anny\_m](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anny_m)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-liver/1028144 "2026-03-06T17:09:07Z")
As you probably know, RFK Jr. recently suggested that if steak prices are too high for your budget, you should substitute “liver or the cheaper cuts of steak that are very, very affordable.” (Although there’s plenty to … --- ## [I went to my first Purim tonight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-to-my-first-purim-tonight/1028158)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-went-to-my-first-purim-tonight/1028158 "2026-03-06T15:26:04Z")
As some of you may know, I’ve taken a strong interest in Judaism over the last year. Last year I undertook a medieval occult ritual loosely inspired by Kabbalah, part of which involved rigorous study of Jewish scriptures… --- ## [Wouldn’t it make sense for an Iranian ship’s captain to negotiate a surrender to US forces in 2026?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldn-t-it-make-sense-for-an-iranian-ship-s-captain-to-negotiate-a-surrender-to-us-forces-in-2026/1028230)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldn-t-it-make-sense-for-an-iranian-ship-s-captain-to-negotiate-a-surrender-to-us-forces-in-2026/1028230 "2026-03-06T14:41:11Z")
Wouldn’t it make sense for the ship’s captain to negotiate a surrender to US forces? AFAIK They haven’t made any hostile acts against the US military. The seamen aren’t criminals. --- ## [The current cover of Entertainment Weekly - That's Jim Carrey?!? {Old thread from 2003}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-cover-of-entertainment-weekly-thats-jim-carrey-old-thread-from-2003/169981)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-current-cover-of-entertainment-weekly-thats-jim-carrey-old-thread-from-2003/169981 "2026-03-06T14:03:44Z")
Is it just me or does the person posing with Jennifer Aniston look nothing like Jim Carrey? But more like, I don’t know, Keanu Reeves younger brother or something? --- ## [Worst movie titles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-movie-titles/1027889)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-movie-titles/1027889 "2026-03-06T13:09:43Z")
For the purpose of this thread, I am retiring “Mother, May I Sleep With Danger?” and sticking it in the WTF Movie Title Hall Of Fame. :grin: Movie titles only (tv movies included). I was flicking through the free movi… --- ## [RIP Neil Sedaka](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-neil-sedaka/1028064)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rip-neil-sedaka/1028064 "2026-03-06T12:36:30Z")
Neil Sedaka, songwriter to the stars for decades, dies at 86 I almost titled this “Sedaka is Dead, bah bah bah dah”, but it felt too irreverent. This guy was ubiquitous in the 70s, and had a genius for simple pop songs… --- ## [In cultures where incense is burned ritually, is it also used at home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cultures-where-incense-is-burned-ritually-is-it-also-used-at-home/1028174)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-cultures-where-incense-is-burned-ritually-is-it-also-used-at-home/1028174 "2026-03-06T05:18:52Z")
When I was a wee lad in the 1970’s, MammaHomie would take me to her favorite head shop to buy incense. She developed a fondness for it from her hippy friends who smoke the Sticky Icky and burned incense to cover the smel… --- ## [AI-Generated "News"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-generated-news/1028187)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2026, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ai-generated-news/1028187 "2026-03-06T04:14:03Z")
I use Edge and occasionally take a look at the Microsoft news feed. For about a year, or maybe longer (I’m not sure), there has been a variety of apparently AI-generated “news” about all sorts of family problems (between… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=129&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=131&state=muted)