# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1358 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1359 --- ## [Are we being hit by a bad spammer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-being-hit-by-a-bad-spammer/937134)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-being-hit-by-a-bad-spammer/937134 "2021-08-25T14:21:52Z")
I’ve noticed a lot of old threads popping up, some from before the transition, but the most recent post is old; no new post. Is there a bad spammer going around the Boards? --- ## [How important is it to wait until a kitten is 6 months before neutoring?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-wait-until-a-kitten-is-6-months-before-neutoring/949042)
**Author:** [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-is-it-to-wait-until-a-kitten-is-6-months-before-neutoring/949042 "2021-08-25T13:56:21Z")
We haven’t had a kitten for over 30 years and things change a bunch in that amount of time. When I was volunteering with a rescue group, we liked to have kittens fixed ASAP because people just couldn’t be trusted to fix… --- ## [Local TV news people - who dresses them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-tv-news-people-who-dresses-them/949400)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-tv-news-people-who-dresses-them/949400 "2021-08-25T10:54:50Z")
Who is responsible for what local TV anchors, reporters, etc wear when on the air? Does the station keep a wardrobe? Do they have a wardrobe person who helps them dress? Or is it pretty much up to the “talent” to decide … --- ## [Potable water: desalination vs. condensation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potable-water-desalination-vs-condensation/948440)
**Author:** [@doubleminus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doubleminus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potable-water-desalination-vs-condensation/948440 "2021-08-25T09:45:39Z")
Say I’m building a raft for crossing the ocean. I have a (fairly limited) solar and/or wind generator and I want to make potable water. What is more energy efficient? Desalination by reverse osmosis or capturing humidit… --- ## [Typing a website url](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typing-a-website-url/949464)
**Author:** [@Somethingwitty1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Somethingwitty1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/typing-a-website-url/949464 "2021-08-25T09:43:17Z")
In the free association thread, I typed in M A T C H. COM. (without spaces). When I hit enter, I apparently posted a link to match.com, which was not my intent. Does it always do this? --- ## [Government forcing everyone to be vaccinated--what specific law prohibits this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-forcing-everyone-to-be-vaccinated-what-specific-law-prohibits-this/949280)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/government-forcing-everyone-to-be-vaccinated-what-specific-law-prohibits-this/949280 "2021-08-25T05:56:21Z")
My personal opinion is that it should be a criminal offence to refuse the covid vaccination. But my personal opinion doesn’t matter. What matters is the law. And thus, my question is in the title. Why can’t a democrat… --- ## [Are emergency vehicles allowed to keep going when school buses are stopped?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-emergency-vehicles-allowed-to-keep-going-when-school-buses-are-stopped/949435)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-emergency-vehicles-allowed-to-keep-going-when-school-buses-are-stopped/949435 "2021-08-25T05:42:45Z")
Everyone’s supposed to stop for school buses that have their flashing red light arm extended, except for on the opposite side of a divided highway. Emergency vehicles routinely go through red lights. Are emergency vehi… --- ## [NHS treatment for tuberculosis in the 1960s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhs-treatment-for-tuberculosis-in-the-1960s/949325)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhs-treatment-for-tuberculosis-in-the-1960s/949325 "2021-08-25T04:32:00Z")
In the film Alfie, which is set in London in the 1960s, the title character (played by Michael Caine) goes for a routine chest X-ray and is discovered to have a lung infection which is implied to be tuberculosis. He’s s… --- ## [Former NBA Champion tries out NCAA Golf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-nba-champion-tries-out-ncaa-golf/949457)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-nba-champion-tries-out-ncaa-golf/949457 "2021-08-25T03:09:43Z")
NBA champion J.R. Smith joins North Carolina A&T golf team as walk-on after enrolling at school He might be the most popular walk-on golfer in history among the co-eds. I think it is great that he is going back to scho… --- ## [Were the starship Enterprise, the submarine Seaview and the Time Tunnel built by the same contractor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-starship-enterprise-the-submarine-seaview-and-the-time-tunnel-built-by-the-same-contractor/949334)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-the-starship-enterprise-the-submarine-seaview-and-the-time-tunnel-built-by-the-same-contractor/949334 "2021-08-25T01:47:00Z")
Watching old TV programs, I noticed that these three things have terrible equipment failures with alarming regularity. Are these case of ACME construction saving money by using duct tape instead of nuts and bolts? --- ## [Got suckered into running an Euchre (card game) app](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-suckered-into-running-an-euchre-card-game-app/949467)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/got-suckered-into-running-an-euchre-card-game-app/949467 "2021-08-25T01:44:16Z")
(topic deleted by author) --- ## [Which phone would you recommend for screen quality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-phone-would-you-recommend-for-screen-quality/949398)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-phone-would-you-recommend-for-screen-quality/949398 "2021-08-25T01:13:40Z")
I dropped my phone the other day and screen has bright lines all over it. So time for a new phone. I mainly use my phone for watching video content, and since my current phone and Netflix both support HDR, I have decide… --- ## [What adaptation is least like the source?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-adaptation-is-least-like-the-source/949238)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-adaptation-is-least-like-the-source/949238 "2021-08-25T00:57:04Z")
I was wondering what movies are least like the material, often a play or movie, that they are based on? But with so much innovative TV decided to make the question more general. I was thinking movies that added an upbe… --- ## [The Death of Just-In-Time Manufacturing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-just-in-time-manufacturing/942392)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-just-in-time-manufacturing/942392 "2021-08-25T00:52:58Z")
This might not be appropriate for GQ since I’m not sure there’s a factual answer, but I figured I’d start here and see what happens. The pandemic has exposed serious, gaping holes in the supply chain, which have been ex… --- ## [What do "AK-47 people" like the Taliban think of American guns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-ak-47-people-like-the-taliban-think-of-american-guns/949292)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-ak-47-people-like-the-taliban-think-of-american-guns/949292 "2021-08-25T00:33:45Z")
As a layman with little to no understanding of guns: I understand that the stereotype of Kalashnikovs is that they are cheap but reliable. And AK-47s are the de facto gun in the Middle East, like in many other non-Weste… --- ## [How does the US military pay for things when abroad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-us-military-pay-for-things-when-abroad/949284)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2021, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-us-military-pay-for-things-when-abroad/949284 "2021-08-25T00:16:06Z")
When a US military ship or plane or whatever needs supplies when in a foreign country how do they pay for it? Are they given stacks of cash? Do they carry a Visa or AmEx card? How do they pay for transit through thing… --- ## [The Sad Last Days of Nichelle Nichols](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sad-last-days-of-nichelle-nichols/948919)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sad-last-days-of-nichelle-nichols/948919 "2021-08-24T23:20:27Z")
Im posting this for fans of hers who might be interested. Its sad. Its also a reminder for all of us to have ironclad legal end of life plans. --- ## [Did the word "alot" ever exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-word-alot-ever-exist/589150)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-word-alot-ever-exist/589150 "2021-08-24T23:07:18Z")
I distinctly remember being taught the word “alot” in public school (early '80s). It was used like, “I enjoy eating nachos alot” or “I have alot of nachos.” Now, in the age of Microsoft Office, the word “alot” gets auto… --- ## [Non Slip Socks for Dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-slip-socks-for-dogs/945268)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-slip-socks-for-dogs/945268 "2021-08-24T22:07:31Z")
We have an old (14 years) large (100+ lbs) dog with bad hips, and her feet slide all over any flooring that isn’t carpet. Lately her feet slip so much she can barely get herself up off the floor. I’m thinking about getti… --- ## [Photog dopers: What kind of 35mm film is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photog-dopers-what-kind-of-35mm-film-is-this/949442)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/photog-dopers-what-kind-of-35mm-film-is-this/949442 "2021-08-24T22:00:22Z")
It is 35mm but I’ve never seen this kind of negative strip. I am scanning some old family negatives, probably 45 years old. It has one sprocket hole per frame, only one one edge of the film. The frame markings are also … --- ## [Graduated Payment / Growing Equity Mortgages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graduated-payment-growing-equity-mortgages/949170)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graduated-payment-growing-equity-mortgages/949170 "2021-08-24T21:52:23Z")
According to the Internet, there are a variety of different mortgage types, including the titular two. However, the Internet is silent on where one can actually find these. Does any company actually offer these types… --- ## [Why all the hate for Branson and Bezos, and their forays into space travel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-hate-for-branson-and-bezos-and-their-forays-into-space-travel/946916)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-all-the-hate-for-branson-and-bezos-and-their-forays-into-space-travel/946916 "2021-08-24T20:10:41Z")
It’s their money, and they can do whatever they want with it. Wally Funk probably never thought, when Apollo 11 landed, that she would go into space herself 52 years to the day later. --- ## [Does bee/wasp/ant venom cause pain when applied topically?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bee-wasp-ant-venom-cause-pain-when-applied-topically/949440)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bee-wasp-ant-venom-cause-pain-when-applied-topically/949440 "2021-08-24T19:33:00Z")
There are many substances that hurt when injected under the skin or applied to an open wound, but don’t cause pain when applied to healthy skin. It hurts to get stung by bees, wasps, and ants, but they’re injecting thei… --- ## [COVID-Damaged Relationships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-damaged-relationships/927317)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-damaged-relationships/927317 "2021-08-24T19:02:11Z")
I just wonder at how many relationships - family, friends, or otherwise - have been damaged by the pandemic. Just more casualties of this horrid disease. I thought I would start a support thread for people dealing with f… --- ## [Missing fire chief's truck found, but body not IDed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-fire-chiefs-truck-found-but-body-not-ided/949382)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missing-fire-chiefs-truck-found-but-body-not-ided/949382 "2021-08-24T18:46:09Z")
Ok a while ago a local fire chief went missing – phone off. After a search his truck was found. There is a dead body inside and has “yet to be identified” I understand they are being careful, but who else’s body would … --- ## [Do you get annoyed when strangers comment about your food?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-annoyed-when-strangers-comment-about-your-food/948688)
**Author:** [@Hakushon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakushon)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-get-annoyed-when-strangers-comment-about-your-food/948688 "2021-08-24T18:20:54Z")
Example #1: You’re buying many of the same item (eg, potato chips) because there’s a sale (but you’re not at Costco). Cashier: “Are you having a party?” Example #2: You’re buying several things that don’t normally go to… --- ## [Kleenex Box Conversion Tables](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kleenex-box-conversion-tables/949446)
**Author:** [@GenerallyCute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GenerallyCute)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kleenex-box-conversion-tables/949446 "2021-08-24T17:29:36Z")
Hi, I remember that 30-40 years ago you could look on the bottom of a box of tissues and there was a conversion table. I think it was mainly imperial to metric. I am in Canada and so maybe it was something specific to Ca… --- ## [Early, but growing evidence vaccines less effective against Delta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-but-growing-evidence-vaccines-less-effective-against-delta/945775)
**Author:** [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/early-but-growing-evidence-vaccines-less-effective-against-delta/945775 "2021-08-24T16:48:01Z")
There’s growing evidence that Delta is able to beat the vaccine in an increasing number of cases, though it appears that the vaccines are able to generally do its job of preventing the worst outcomes. Still, as someone w… --- ## [Unremembering Log-In Info on Websites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unremembering-log-in-info-on-websites/949419)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unremembering-log-in-info-on-websites/949419 "2021-08-24T16:15:57Z")
Even though my laptop is not a public computer, I prefer not to save my log-in info on any of the websites I regularly frequent. However, over the past year or two, I have accidentally ticked “Save My Info” or however th… --- ## [I made mac and cheese soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-mac-and-cheese-soup/949432)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2021, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-made-mac-and-cheese-soup/949432 "2021-08-24T15:52:56Z")
I haven’t had mac and cheese in years, so I thought I’d try Kraft Mac and Cheese Big Bowl. The instructions say to add water up to the line. What line? There’s a line pretty far down, didn’t seem like enough water. There… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1357) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1359)