# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1376 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1377 --- ## [Paper airline tickets - horrible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-airline-tickets-horrible/947847)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-airline-tickets-horrible/947847 "2021-08-05T15:23:07Z")
There’s a commercial, I think it’s for insurance and a guy wants to teach people how not to be their parents. In the airport, he says “show me your tickets” and the people he’s teaching hold up paper tickets. He says “We… --- ## [Another Social Security question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-question/940279)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-social-security-question/940279 "2021-08-05T14:42:33Z")
Say I quit working at age 65, but don’t need to take any social security distributions for awhile. I’m able to delay taking payment from them until I’m 70. Will my expected future payments still continue to go up the l… --- ## [Can the landing page for the SDMB have a description of the site?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-landing-page-for-the-sdmb-have-a-description-of-the-site/948102)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-landing-page-for-the-sdmb-have-a-description-of-the-site/948102 "2021-08-05T14:41:55Z")
The main page at https://boards.straightdope.com doesn’t really say what the site is about. It lists the categories, but there’s no introduction to the site. Someone stumbling on the page won’t necessarily know about C… --- ## [Do we have any native Polish speakers here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-native-polish-speakers-here/948072)
**Author:** [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-native-polish-speakers-here/948072 "2021-08-05T14:40:24Z")
I have seen the following in Polish in an email: Awanturę robi się temu According to google this translates as “you make a fuss about it”. But this is ambiguous about whether this is a direction (eg I am asking you to… --- ## [Have you noticed that restaurants typically use only one delivery service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-noticed-that-restaurants-typically-use-only-one-delivery-service/947892)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-noticed-that-restaurants-typically-use-only-one-delivery-service/947892 "2021-08-05T14:17:21Z")
I’m not sure if this works the same everywhere. I’ve noticed locally that my favorite restaurants are only listed on one delivery service. Like Door Dash or Bite Squad. Sometimes the restaurant disappears from one App a… --- ## [If you discover some new scientific or math thing, who are you supposed to contact?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-discover-some-new-scientific-or-math-thing-who-are-you-supposed-to-contact/947589)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2021, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-discover-some-new-scientific-or-math-thing-who-are-you-supposed-to-contact/947589 "2021-08-01T01:39:52Z")
Say you suddenly stumble across some huge scientific discovery one day, or find some new math theorem that’s as monumental as the Pythagorean Theorem. Who should you contact, to get your thing its proper attention, or t… --- ## [Unemployment and Jobs in the UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-and-jobs-in-the-uk/947975)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-and-jobs-in-the-uk/947975 "2021-08-05T13:23:44Z")
I was going to reply to the Nahployment topic, but then I thought a UK centric version might be interesting. There seem to be three main factors that have upset the job market in the UK. Thankfully, being shot for enfor… --- ## [Why Mark Antony? Why is no other Roman name Anglicised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-mark-antony-why-is-no-other-roman-name-anglicised/947591)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-mark-antony-why-is-no-other-roman-name-anglicised/947591 "2021-08-05T13:11:23Z")
The historical individual know as Marcus Antonius is remembered in English as Mark Atomy. Why is his name anglicised when most other historical Roman names aren’t? --- ## [Whats the difference between different PBS apps](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-different-pbs-apps/948078)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-different-pbs-apps/948078 "2021-08-05T13:03:03Z")
Theres PBS passport, PBS documentaries, PBS masterpiece. PBS living. Probably others. Each one has a fee. Whats the difference? Why doesn’t PBS just have one app that has all their shows on it? Are they redundant so tha… --- ## [Smoke detectors!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smoke-detectors/947432)
**Author:** [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smoke-detectors/947432 "2021-08-05T11:31:24Z")
BIP! Sitting here having coffee and I hear that sound that ruins your morning. BIP! Yup. Smoke detector battery. The sensors make a very loud chirp, very high frequency, and very long intervals. Forever. Until BIP! you… --- ## [How would a jetpack work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-jetpack-work/947737)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-jetpack-work/947737 "2021-08-05T10:32:42Z")
The LAX jetpack guy thread made me start to wonder: how would a jetpack work? What would the aerodynamics be? No wings; how would there be any stability? --- ## [A bit of ersatz therapy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bit-of-ersatz-therapy/948063)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-bit-of-ersatz-therapy/948063 "2021-08-05T06:46:04Z")
“Witnessed” a death today, just as I was leaving work. Need to process it and this is part of that. I was sitting there waiting to get out going in the direction of home. Right by the entrance to our lot there is an S… --- ## [OMG, OMG, OMG! I picked Clarence, the 'possum, up and gave him the full benefit of this Mothers-love. I may have hugged and kissed him. I know I tickled his soft belly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-omg-omg-i-picked-clarence-the-possum-up-and-gave-him-the-full-benefit-of-this-mothers-love-i-may-have-hugged-and-kissed-him-i-know-i-tickled-his-soft-belly/947734)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-omg-omg-i-picked-clarence-the-possum-up-and-gave-him-the-full-benefit-of-this-mothers-love-i-may-have-hugged-and-kissed-him-i-know-i-tickled-his-soft-belly/947734 "2021-08-05T06:11:02Z")
Well. That last part was a lie. This whole incident happened in about 30 seconds. But I believe I conveyed my true love for my new pet. And, I sure felt his love back. You see, it’s like this: I think Clarence needs … --- ## [Mandalay Bay (Las Vegas) shooting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandalay-bay-las-vegas-shooting/797797)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 452\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandalay-bay-las-vegas-shooting/797797 "2021-08-05T05:50:17Z")
Bad shit comes to my town. 2 dead, 24 hurt so far. Latest word I’m hearing on the local news is that they know where the gunman is, but that’s all we know. The video footage is scary. --- ## [Fix my Roku (please!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-my-roku-please/947978)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fix-my-roku-please/947978 "2021-08-05T02:48:39Z")
Up until a recent loss of power my Roku Express had no problem finding our wifi signal and worked swell for years. Now it cannot find our signal (nor any of our neighbors signals, for that matter). The router is about 20… --- ## [A few layman questions about P vs NP \[computer science\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-layman-questions-about-p-vs-np-computer-science/947981)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2021, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-few-layman-questions-about-p-vs-np-computer-science/947981 "2021-08-05T01:05:34Z")
What is the reason that anyone believes that P may equal NP in the first place? It seems extremely counter to what we know of the universe and how it works - and, as I understand it, it’s overwhelmingly believed and as… --- ## [Unplugging this cord](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unplugging-this-cord/948036)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unplugging-this-cord/948036 "2021-08-04T23:17:24Z")
In anticipation of getting a new printer, I’m uninstalling my old one. But no matter what I do, I can’t get this connector unplugged. I’ve tried just yanking it, I’ve tried squeezing those two “wings” while pulling, noth… --- ## [What are some ways for small to medium towns to make money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-ways-for-small-to-medium-towns-to-make-money/947139)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-ways-for-small-to-medium-towns-to-make-money/947139 "2021-08-04T22:25:28Z")
Let’s assume you’re a mayor and leader of the majority local party, so you can implement almost any decision. You have an average small/medium town in a relatively rural area that’s not a tourist hotspot and your town/ci… --- ## [I received a tax refund from the state... except they don't owe me a refund](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-received-a-tax-refund-from-the-state-except-they-dont-owe-me-a-refund/947154)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-received-a-tax-refund-from-the-state-except-they-dont-owe-me-a-refund/947154 "2021-08-04T21:34:38Z")
A few days ago I got a tax refund check in the mail from the state of California. The problem with that is that as far as I know they don’t actually owe me a refund this year. On my 2020 taxes I owed them money. I fil… --- ## [Trump CDC takes over housing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cdc-takes-over-housing/919824)
**Author:** [@Earl\_McCabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_McCabe)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cdc-takes-over-housing/919824 "2021-08-04T20:01:33Z")
In another step towards a highly centralized fascistic economy, the CDC has claimed authority over every residential rental agreement in the United States. This will destroy faith in contracts across the entire societ… --- ## [Brands moving upscale](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brands-moving-upscale/947887)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brands-moving-upscale/947887 "2021-08-04T19:15:45Z")
Adidas and Nike were generally considered serious athletic clothing when I was wee. Most decidedly, Champion and Fila were considered cheaper brands at the snobby schools I attended. Lots of brands try to raise their p… --- ## [Licking the tip on a pencil before writing (especially in Westerns)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licking-the-tip-on-a-pencil-before-writing-especially-in-westerns/367580)
**Author:** [@Sir\_Rhosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_Rhosis)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/licking-the-tip-on-a-pencil-before-writing-especially-in-westerns/367580 "2021-08-04T17:59:53Z")
I’ve seen this done quite a number of times (especially on television Western series)–just saw Heath do it in an episode of The Big Valley. On a cattle drive, or somesuch, he took out a pencil, licked the lead tip, then… --- ## [DeLorean’s registered license plate is actually “3CZV657”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delorean-s-registered-license-plate-is-actually-3czv657/947957)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delorean-s-registered-license-plate-is-actually-3czv657/947957 "2021-08-04T17:35:40Z")
Many trivia sites mention this ‘fact’. But where are they getting this from? Can you see this in the films? --- ## [Those Lovable Drunks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-lovable-drunks/947974)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/those-lovable-drunks/947974 "2021-08-04T17:04:28Z")
Read about old-timey publishers and businessmen leaves the impression people used to drink very heavily, even at work. Books on management in the 1950s say every bank had executives who one did not visit on Friday after… --- ## [What happens in a universe with only one object as time goes to infinity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-a-universe-with-only-one-object-as-time-goes-to-infinity/947959)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-in-a-universe-with-only-one-object-as-time-goes-to-infinity/947959 "2021-08-04T16:46:09Z")
Besides the case of that object being/becoming a blackhole. Perhaps a moon or planet sized object in a universe with nothing else in it. Assuming a universe with laws like ours. Will it somehow evaporate away over time… --- ## [Black Summer on Netflix - anyone else watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-summer-on-netflix-anyone-else-watching/833015)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-summer-on-netflix-anyone-else-watching/833015 "2021-08-04T16:27:37Z")
Well, this is basically the Walking Dead spinoff that Fear the Walking Dead never was. It’s actually a very distant spinoff of Z Nation, a show that I really grew tired of. This show is played straight, no comedy like Z… --- ## [What countries, other than Brazil, have done a worse job with Covid-19?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-other-than-brazil-have-done-a-worse-job-with-covid-19/916643)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-countries-other-than-brazil-have-done-a-worse-job-with-covid-19/916643 "2021-08-04T15:57:04Z")
Use whatever definition you feel is appropriate. Rate of infections, mortality, economic damage, whatever. I get the impression that the US has done a particularly poor job dealing with Covid-19. Not just compared to … --- ## ["weightlifter's headache:" migraines from certain workouts--how serious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weightlifters-headache-migraines-from-certain-workouts-how-serious/945672)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weightlifters-headache-migraines-from-certain-workouts-how-serious/945672 "2021-08-04T11:59:18Z")
I’ve been on a journey of self-improvement that has included getting back in shape after a few years of neglect. I’ve started seeing a new primary care doc re: getting my blood pressure in check (which is down to the nor… --- ## [Why does the US have such a low tech and easily forged vaccine card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-us-have-such-a-low-tech-and-easily-forged-vaccine-card/943045)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-us-have-such-a-low-tech-and-easily-forged-vaccine-card/943045 "2021-08-04T04:28:41Z")
Surely the richest country in the world and the planet’s most technologically advanced nation can do better than \*\* checks notes \*\* a a paper card with details filled in by hand. A kid with some art supplies and a print… --- ## [Drop out of High School--Play College Basketball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-out-of-high-school-play-college-basketball/947363)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2021, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drop-out-of-high-school-play-college-basketball/947363 "2021-08-04T03:34:47Z")
Summary: 16 year old in the UK takes the equivalent of a GED, drops out of school and will play for WVU next year. In my opinion, the NCAA should have the power to stop this stuff. I have commented in the other thre… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1375) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1377)