# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1305 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1306 --- ## [Debates with no moderators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debates-with-no-moderators/953170)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debates-with-no-moderators/953170 "2021-10-25T20:59:05Z")
Is there any particular reason that moderators are needed for political debates? ISTM that all they do is provide for distractions and for accusations of bias. I don’t see any reason they can’t be dispensed with entirely… --- ## [Is there a theoretical minimum to the Phase velocity of light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-theoretical-minimum-to-the-phase-velocity-of-light/953106)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-theoretical-minimum-to-the-phase-velocity-of-light/953106 "2021-10-25T20:38:02Z")
So diamond has the highest refractive index and presumably the phase velocity of light is reduced by a factor (about 2.4) of the refractive index of diamond. Is there a theoretical minimum that a media can slow down lig… --- ## [Question about OTC meds manufacturing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-otc-meds-manufacturing/953119)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-otc-meds-manufacturing/953119 "2021-10-25T20:33:28Z")
Right off the bat let me state that I know nothing about this stuff. That being said, the following strikes me as ineffective or at least not cost-effective. I sometimes have trouble sleeping because of pain so I bought… --- ## [Without answers, why religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/without-answers-why-religion/943909)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/without-answers-why-religion/943909 "2021-10-25T19:58:59Z")
I was looking at this revived thread by @JohnT, Is it possible to lie to oneselves so much that you can get sent to Hell for it?. It’s true that the theoretical question was poorly formed, but accepting the theoretical, … --- ## [Can someone explain the plan to give the IRS power to track $600 in bank activities? Why $600?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-plan-to-give-the-irs-power-to-track-600-in-bank-activities-why-600/952819)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-the-plan-to-give-the-irs-power-to-track-600-in-bank-activities-why-600/952819 "2021-10-25T19:40:17Z")
The main thing I was wondering (it looks like this might not happen at this point) is…why $600.00? I get that its aggregate activity showing a difference between deposits and withdrawals, but that seems like a really lo… --- ## [Is there a Blackjack book that explains the ‘why’ behind basic strategy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-blackjack-book-that-explains-the-why-behind-basic-strategy/951783)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-blackjack-book-that-explains-the-why-behind-basic-strategy/951783 "2021-10-25T18:43:58Z")
There’s obviously hundreds of books on blackjack, I don’t need one that tells me to play basic strategy, I’d like to find one that tells me the reason I play the hand that way. Why do I double down against a particular d… --- ## [Sports question your the best player on a eternally s--ty team how long do you stay for the stats before you leave or ask to be traded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-question-your-the-best-player-on-a-eternally-s-ty-team-how-long-do-you-stay-for-the-stats-before-you-leave-or-ask-to-be-traded/952979)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-question-your-the-best-player-on-a-eternally-s-ty-team-how-long-do-you-stay-for-the-stats-before-you-leave-or-ask-to-be-traded/952979 "2021-10-25T18:40:45Z")
I know convential theory is when your drafted or in mlbs case brought up from the farm league you play for a few seasons on the team your drafted so everyone can see how good you play and get some positive stats for … --- ## [Richard Nixon's "foreign policy" chops?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-nixons-foreign-policy-chops/951811)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-nixons-foreign-policy-chops/951811 "2021-10-25T16:30:54Z")
It appears to me that Nixon is generally credited with being a foreign policy wizard, an expert on foreign affairs, a genius who was eagerly consulted by Democratic Presidents (Clinton) and GOPers (Reagan, Bush) alike, a… --- ## [Two Questions About Irrational Numbers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-irrational-numbers/952939)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-questions-about-irrational-numbers/952939 "2021-10-25T16:14:45Z")
As I said on another message board, I have a hard time understanding how irrational numbers never repeat. Nonterminating, repeating numbers I can understand. ⅓ is .3333333333333333333333… I understand that well. You go t… --- ## [Canada's Gov. wants to buy grenades in response to COVID-19? Website exploit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadas-gov-wants-to-buy-grenades-in-response-to-covid-19-website-exploit/952696)
**Author:** [@edwin\_klockars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwin_klockars)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadas-gov-wants-to-buy-grenades-in-response-to-covid-19-website-exploit/952696 "2021-10-25T14:47:30Z")
There is some viral nonsense making the rounds on Facebook and I’m having trouble debunking it. If you goto the official website of the government, http://canada.ca and then search for “Grenades and tear gas” the top se… --- ## [Wife, mother (or daughter) listed first](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-mother-or-daughter-listed-first/953137)
**Author:** [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wife-mother-or-daughter-listed-first/953137 "2021-10-25T13:32:59Z")
Continuing the discussion from Alec Baldwin \[accidentally\] Kills Crew Member with Prop Gun: Pulling this to a new thread so the original can be more about the accident itself. It’s a weak argument to say “OK you dispr… --- ## [Anyone interested in running a D&D for newbies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-interested-in-running-a-d-d-for-newbies/659223)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-interested-in-running-a-d-d-for-newbies/659223 "2013-05-26T18:58:09Z")
Anyone interested in running a plain-vanilla D&D campaign here on the boards? I’m fairly sure this has been done before here, but I’m a rank newbie looking to play a 1st-level Human fighter, so I’m hoping some wise, kin… --- ## [Casinos in Ontario are still open, holy crap](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casinos-in-ontario-are-still-open-holy-crap/849407)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/casinos-in-ontario-are-still-open-holy-crap/849407 "2020-05-03T16:06:12Z")
Amidst all the COVID-19 closings, Ontario’s casinos remain cheerily open for business. I am a poker player. I love playing live poker in casinos and I’m reasonably good at it, but I wouldn’t come within a mile of a cas… --- ## [My Days with the Cute, Sweatshirt Wearing Girl.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-days-with-the-cute-sweatshirt-wearing-girl/154405)
**Author:** [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-days-with-the-cute-sweatshirt-wearing-girl/154405 "2021-10-25T05:51:12Z")
She was sitting on a padded bench outside the classroom when I first saw her. One of her legs was folded up under her, and she was wearing khaki shorts and sweatshirt with G\*\*\*\*\* (a small midwestern college) printed acro… --- ## [The "counting one's blessings" MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-counting-ones-blessings-mmp/952680)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 338\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-counting-ones-blessings-mmp/952680 "2021-10-25T05:22:35Z")
I was trying to get out of a rut of negative thinking, and made a conscious effort to notice the little joys of life: Eating whatever I please. Having a smoke. Sleeping on a comfortable mattress with as many blankets … --- ## [I want to bring CastletonSnob1 to the ops' attention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-bring-castletonsnob1-to-the-ops-attention/953133)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-bring-castletonsnob1-to-the-ops-attention/953133 "2021-10-25T01:16:38Z")
@CastletonSnob was given at least one Official Warning by the ops for repeatedly beating the topic of “the South is horrible” into the ground. He has since made another account, @CastletonSnob1, and is doing the same th… --- ## [Why Do Some Women Peel Labels Off Their Beer Bottles When At The Bar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-women-peel-labels-off-their-beer-bottles-when-at-the-bar/298920)
**Author:** [@Klaatu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Klaatu)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-some-women-peel-labels-off-their-beer-bottles-when-at-the-bar/298920 "2021-10-25T01:02:46Z")
I just heard this referenced in a country song even, and it prompted me to ask. I have lived in a few states, and as a tradesman, have always found a neighborhood bar to hang out at after work. I like being a regular, a… --- ## [Does the south have any redeeming qualities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-south-have-any-redeeming-qualities/953115)
**Author:** [@CastletonSnob1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CastletonSnob1)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 25, 2021, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-south-have-any-redeeming-qualities/953115 "2021-10-25T00:49:43Z")
It seems to me that the American South doesn’t have any redeeming qualities besides good food. Are there any other good things about it? --- ## [What was your favorite toy as a kid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-favorite-toy-as-a-kid/952046)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-your-favorite-toy-as-a-kid/952046 "2021-10-24T23:03:19Z")
Something just reminded me of the smell of Tinkertoys. The real ones. The wood ones. That lead to thinking about my favorite toys. Legos are up there. Silly Putty. But I’m sticking with Tinkertoys. So what was your fav… --- ## [Language used around transgender issues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/language-used-around-transgender-issues/952697)
**Author:** [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/language-used-around-transgender-issues/952697 "2021-10-24T21:42:28Z")
Your guidance on that point seems unclear. You also seem to be warning against the use of the word “sex” when it is referring to biology by pointing to guidance that talks about gender. For the purpose of this thread is… --- ## [Weird, Interesting or Embarrassing Roommate Stories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-interesting-or-embarrassing-roommate-stories/951207)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weird-interesting-or-embarrassing-roommate-stories/951207 "2021-10-24T21:07:46Z")
This thread invites you to tell an interesting, weird or embarrassing (keep it anonymous?) story about a roommate you had while attending university or college. --- ## [Accidental posting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidental-posting/953109)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidental-posting/953109 "2021-10-24T20:07:32Z")
How do you delete a post? --- ## [Woman raped on crowded Philadelphia train car; bystanders film it without intervening](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-raped-on-crowded-philadelphia-train-car-bystanders-film-it-without-intervening/952794)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-raped-on-crowded-philadelphia-train-car-bystanders-film-it-without-intervening/952794 "2021-10-24T19:51:42Z")
I heard on NPR earlier today that the suspect had her clothes already torn off when they boarded the train! I’m sure hoping that nobody intervened because they feared collaborators. This story makes me wonder if he’s… --- ## [How do I open my new phone to change the battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-my-new-phone-to-change-the-battery/953034)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-open-my-new-phone-to-change-the-battery/953034 "2021-10-24T19:14:17Z")
The manual glosses over it. --- ## [Gangs within the LA County Sheriff's Department](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gangs-within-the-la-county-sheriffs-department/953104)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gangs-within-the-la-county-sheriffs-department/953104 "2021-10-24T17:51:12Z")
Article here: In summary, at least 4 violent gangs made up of deputies operate within the LASD, with initiation rituals like breaking the bone of an inmate in custody or killing a civilian on the streets. How did thi… --- ## [Midnight Mass - anyone else watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midnight-mass-anyone-else-watching/951304)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/midnight-mass-anyone-else-watching/951304 "2021-10-24T17:26:45Z")
New limited series from Mike Flanagan. I just started it tonight and liked the first episode really well. I thought Haunting of Hill House was amazing and that Bly House was…well, pretty good. Reviews for Midnight Mass … --- ## [Real bands cameoing as fictional bands in movies/TV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-bands-cameoing-as-fictional-bands-in-movies-tv/952714)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-bands-cameoing-as-fictional-bands-in-movies-tv/952714 "2021-10-24T16:56:35Z")
TIL from Craig “Dave Lister” Charles (on his new 6 Music show) that in the Red Dwarf episode where he meets his waster younger self and his crappy band “Smeg and the heads”, the band in question is played by the real met… --- ## [Climate Change - IPCC Report - Putting information in a form that will influence politicians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-ipcc-report-putting-information-in-a-form-that-will-influence-politicians/952620)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-ipcc-report-putting-information-in-a-form-that-will-influence-politicians/952620 "2021-10-24T16:35:26Z")
Purdue University President Mitch Daniels is a climate science denier. He’s invited Steve Koonin, author of “Unsettled” to speak on campus this week, and has received some blowback. In his WaPo editorial of 10/12, Mitc… --- ## [What can I do with this bunch of mushrooms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-with-this-bunch-of-mushrooms/953039)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-i-do-with-this-bunch-of-mushrooms/953039 "2021-10-24T16:08:03Z")
I had a Whole Food cart that was $6.50 short of free delivery. Had run across a Chef’s Mix 8 oz package of mushrooms for 7 bucks. I would not buy 8 ounces of mystery mushrooms for 7 dollars but for, um. . . errr… $3.50? … --- ## [Question about LEO "bragging rights", re: getting shot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-leo-bragging-rights-re-getting-shot/938188)
**Author:** [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-leo-bragging-rights-re-getting-shot/938188 "2021-10-24T15:44:56Z")
Just a light question I thought of last night. On FBI, one of the characters got shot (at) by the bad guy, and his vest stopped the round. I believe his comment was “bruised a rib, but didn’t break the skin.” It got me… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1304) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1306)