# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1384 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1385 --- ## [National Geographic Science ‘Magic’ kits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-geographic-science-magic-kits/947435)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/national-geographic-science-magic-kits/947435 "2021-07-28T01:30:58Z")
I’m sure I’m way overthinking this, but I don’t particularly like combining science with magic. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Science Magic Kit - Perform 20 Unique Science Experiments as Magic Tricks, Includes Magic Wand and Over… --- ## [I surefire way to get vaccination numbers up using the Bible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-surefire-way-to-get-vaccination-numbers-up-using-the-bible/947214)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2021, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-surefire-way-to-get-vaccination-numbers-up-using-the-bible/947214 "2021-07-28T00:27:36Z")
An announcement is made that the current mRNA vaccines will be available only for another 3 months, after which there will be enough numbers of people who have it. If people what to get vaccinated after that they will h… --- ## [Why were the Bezos and Branson space flights so short?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-bezos-and-branson-space-flights-so-short/946918)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-bezos-and-branson-space-flights-so-short/946918 "2021-07-27T23:59:00Z")
If you’re going that far, and at zero gravity, why not take few laps around the earth? --- ## [Frances Bavier home for sale (Aunt Bea)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frances-bavier-home-for-sale-aunt-bea/940104)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frances-bavier-home-for-sale-aunt-bea/940104 "2021-07-27T23:56:08Z")
Under contract but taking other offers . She lived there from 1972 to 1989 when she died. A lot of her stuff was auctioned with the money going to UNC public TV sorry it’s Aunt Bee --- ## [The Leftovers - I don't understand the praise \[Open Spoilers\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-leftovers-i-dont-understand-the-praise-open-spoilers/843398)
**Author:** [@Greathouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greathouse)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-leftovers-i-dont-understand-the-praise-open-spoilers/843398 "2021-07-27T22:53:33Z")
Based on the amazing mentions of The Leftovers in this thread I just finished watching all 3 seasons of The Leftovers over the past week. I just need to say…what the fuck? I must be missing the magic. Why even bring Kev… --- ## [Venmo Panhandling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venmo-panhandling/947367)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venmo-panhandling/947367 "2021-07-27T21:09:41Z")
Over the past few months traveling around my home state of Colorada, but also in Arizona, Texas and Florida, I’ve noticed many cars using their back windshields to venmo panhandle. … --- ## [Sharing/splitting referral bonus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharing-splitting-referral-bonus/947246)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sharing-splitting-referral-bonus/947246 "2021-07-27T19:48:26Z")
Neighbor’s son and his wife had to move back in with them a few months ago after a covid slowdown cost them their jobs. I mentioned that my employer was hiring and if he applies put my name down as the referral. He got … --- ## [What are your favorite and least favorite films of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-and-least-favorite-films-of-the-mcu-marvel-cinematic-universe/947239)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-and-least-favorite-films-of-the-mcu-marvel-cinematic-universe/947239 "2021-07-27T19:20:33Z")
The last time we did something like this, it was 2013 and Captain America: Winter Soldier hadn’t even come out yet. The MCU is so expansive that it would be difficult for a lot of people to rank them in order from favor… --- ## [Some questions about climate change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-questions-about-climate-change/947291)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-questions-about-climate-change/947291 "2021-07-27T19:05:13Z")
Not sure if this is strictly factual, or where to put it so I put it here. Is there a linear relationship between CO2 concentration in PPM and how much the temperature will go up, or is it more complex? Does every incre… --- ## [Is it possible to lie to oneselves so much that you can get sent to Hell for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-lie-to-oneselves-so-much-that-you-can-get-sent-to-hell-for-it/828557)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-to-lie-to-oneselves-so-much-that-you-can-get-sent-to-hell-for-it/828557 "2021-07-27T19:04:44Z")
Scenario: Perfect law-abiding, Christian citizen - doesn’t cheat, virgin until marriage, goes to church, believes faithfully, is honest with other people\*, heals the poor and sick, etc. In other words, a textbook example… --- ## [A question about highway driving](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-highway-driving/947156)
**Author:** [@Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-highway-driving/947156 "2021-07-27T19:00:58Z")
Three cars driving side-by-side on a three-lane highway. Car A is in the left lane. Car B is in the center lane. Car C is in the right lane. Car A starts to drift out of his lane. Car B, trying to avoid contact with Car… --- ## [Sliding into first in Softball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sliding-into-first-in-softball/947415)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sliding-into-first-in-softball/947415 "2021-07-27T18:55:34Z")
I’m watching the gold medal game between USA and Japan. So far, I’ve seen two Japanese players slide into first, both after a sacrifice play (I think). Can anyone think of a reason why a player would slide into first, … --- ## [Should statues of Washington, Jefferson, and Grant be removed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-statues-of-washington-jefferson-and-grant-be-removed/912321)
**Author:** [@Telemachus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemachus)\ **Replies:** 307\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-statues-of-washington-jefferson-and-grant-be-removed/912321 "2021-07-27T17:56:56Z")
In recent days, statues of Washington, Jefferson, and Grant have been defaced and torn down (Example, Example, , Example) Is it morally right to get rid of these monuments because they owned slaves? --- ## [Oh my! The lil'wrekker leaves her poor Ma. It's bad bad bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-my-the-lilwrekker-leaves-her-poor-ma-its-bad-bad-bad/947376)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-my-the-lilwrekker-leaves-her-poor-ma-its-bad-bad-bad/947376 "2021-07-27T17:31:26Z")
The lil’wrekker has decided it’s time to remove from the family home. Her and the PPB Hamza have rented a couple housing apartment at his Uni. He’s 2 years in his grad studies, she’s just starting. Ma(me) not handling… --- ## [Ads No One Will Believe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ads-no-one-will-believe/947280)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ads-no-one-will-believe/947280 "2021-07-27T16:59:22Z")
This thread invites you to write an ad likely to make people a little skeptical. Microsoft: The last software you’ll ever need to buy! No updates! Bob’s Brussels Sprout Toothpaste: Kids love its earthy vegetable taste… --- ## [I'm trying to remember a great British film from the '30s-'40s](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-trying-to-remember-a-great-british-film-from-the-30s-40s/947277)
**Author:** [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-trying-to-remember-a-great-british-film-from-the-30s-40s/947277 "2021-07-27T16:56:46Z")
The film was a common trope of movies at the time. A rich titled widower, away on vacation, falls in love with and marries a young girl. After the vacation, they return to his castle-esque home where his wife died… and… --- ## [What, if anything, turned you around on the fact that it's okay to be gay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-anything-turned-you-around-on-the-fact-that-its-okay-to-be-gay/947229)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-anything-turned-you-around-on-the-fact-that-its-okay-to-be-gay/947229 "2021-07-27T16:25:34Z")
I don’t think it was anything that my parents taught me, but as I was growing up, I grew to believe that homosexuality was gross. I guess a lot of that was peer pressure and the society I grew up in. I remember the exa… --- ## [I pit jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-jtur88/776309)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 244\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-jtur88/776309 "2021-07-27T16:13:17Z")
jtur88, you are a fucking ass!! Seriously dude, must you go in everyone’s thread for the sole purpose of laying a giant stinking turd? Your latest turd here. where you are basically complaining about a dude who called … --- ## [Kevlaw suspended for one week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevlaw-suspended-for-one-week/947431)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevlaw-suspended-for-one-week/947431 "2021-07-27T15:48:55Z")
kevlaw suspended for 1 week as he ignored moderator instruction & a warning. Suspension has been determined to be a full week. Suspended until Aug 3, 2021 9:00 am (EST) When you return be sure not to ignore moderator … --- ## [I pit Doc Cathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-doc-cathode/946680)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-doc-cathode/946680 "2021-07-27T15:44:24Z")
Only the most odious of newbies (and trolls trying to be Pitted) get pitted. --- ## [Most emotionally manipulative TV shows](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-emotionally-manipulative-tv-shows/943994)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-emotionally-manipulative-tv-shows/943994 "2021-07-27T15:42:53Z")
They pretty much all do it to some extent, but certain shows are clearly written specifically with the emotional manipulation of the audience in mind. They’re trying very openly to make you cry. Some examples: Flashpoi… --- ## [Actors who have played two generations of real people](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-have-played-two-generations-of-real-people/947161)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/actors-who-have-played-two-generations-of-real-people/947161 "2021-07-27T15:33:02Z")
While watching the King’s Speech (as HBO tells me it’s leaving the HBO app, they clearly know their punters I had no real desire to rewatch before that :slight\_smile: ) I realize Helena Bonham Carter plays the duchess of… --- ## [I am baffled by Facebook](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-baffled-by-facebook/947275)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-baffled-by-facebook/947275 "2021-07-27T15:17:19Z")
Timeline or News Feed or whatever. I posted something last night, and today I go to my home page and it is nowhere to be found. I scroll down for pages and pages and I see other posts, from a few weeks ago. I can see i… --- ## [Is it too late to get a vaccination against Delta?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-late-to-get-a-vaccination-against-delta/947018)
**Author:** [@GreysonCarlisle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreysonCarlisle)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-too-late-to-get-a-vaccination-against-delta/947018 "2021-07-27T13:40:25Z")
Given that the Delta surge is upon us and given that the minimum time for the first dose to have any positive effect at all seems to be at least a week (and about two months to get full protection from both doses), if yo… --- ## [Solar engines using highly expandable gases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-engines-using-highly-expandable-gases/947332)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-engines-using-highly-expandable-gases/947332 "2021-07-27T11:43:24Z")
Has there been any work done in this area past or present? A simple example would be freon gas heated by the sun and then the pressure used to lift weights that would drive generators as it came back down. No intake or e… --- ## [Is this wrong or unethical? Question about the reason for having IVF](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wrong-or-unethical-question-about-the-reason-for-having-ivf/947213)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-wrong-or-unethical-question-about-the-reason-for-having-ivf/947213 "2021-07-27T11:12:36Z")
I’m not asking for any medical advice, you are not my doctor, I am not your patient, yadda yadda yadda. Being able to choose the gender of your child using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been around since 1990. I don’… --- ## [Did my 5 year old daughter just use a metaphor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-5-year-old-daughter-just-use-a-metaphor/947311)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-my-5-year-old-daughter-just-use-a-metaphor/947311 "2021-07-27T09:49:24Z")
Follow up question. If she did, is that normal for a child her age? I have a 5 year old and 3 year old who are about to turn 6 and 4 respectively. The 3 year old just threw her milk bottles out because she is getting to… --- ## [Classical music from movie "Being There" (1979)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-from-movie-being-there-1979/155679)
**Author:** [@ECJones29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ECJones29)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/classical-music-from-movie-being-there-1979/155679 "2021-07-27T08:37:21Z")
This one’s keeping me up at night! Under the main titles to “Being There,” Chance wakes up and turns the TV set on to a symphony orchestra playing the opening movement of a very famous classical piece. Everyone knows thi… --- ## [Does the democrats 3.5 trillion domestic plan expand the ACA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-democrats-3-5-trillion-domestic-plan-expand-the-aca/947385)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-democrats-3-5-trillion-domestic-plan-expand-the-aca/947385 "2021-07-27T05:31:37Z")
There are a bunch of issues with the ACA like the subsidies are eliminated at 400% of FPL, or the lack of medicaid expansion in red states, too short a sign up period, Subsidies tied to silver plans (instead of gold), et… --- ## [Chess: handicap by Elo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-handicap-by-elo/945292)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2021, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-handicap-by-elo/945292 "2021-07-27T04:52:58Z")
So Wikipedia has a handy chart for handicapping chess games. However I cannot seem to find one relating to both players Elo rating. For instance one handicap is a knight removed, what should the Elo rating difference… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1383) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1385)