# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1407 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1408 --- ## [What could cause an AA battery to get extremely hot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-an-aa-battery-to-get-extremely-hot/945760)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2021, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-cause-an-aa-battery-to-get-extremely-hot/945760 "2021-07-06T01:50:59Z")
Last night, I was watching TV, and when I picked up the remote, it was almost too hot to touch! That was certainly freaky, and I figured out that one of the batteries was overheated. I changed the batteries, and the re… --- ## [I like touchscreens on laptops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-touchscreens-on-laptops/945747)
**Author:** [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2021, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-like-touchscreens-on-laptops/945747 "2021-07-06T01:20:05Z")
I purchased an HP Envy laptop last year and one of my requirements was that it should have a touchscreen. On the whole I like it and probably won’t buy another laptop without one. It’s not something that I use routinely… --- ## [What is this optical property I see in some liquids? Liquid crystals? Almost a texture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-optical-property-i-see-in-some-liquids-liquid-crystals-almost-a-texture/945600)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-optical-property-i-see-in-some-liquids-liquid-crystals-almost-a-texture/945600 "2021-07-05T23:50:32Z")
I saw it just the other day in a mix of two miscible transparent liquids. There was a ripply, grainy quality to the liquids, a little like the effect you see in hot air rising above a heated object. It was perhaps like a… --- ## [What's the point of those personality tests entry-level jobs give you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-personality-tests-entry-level-jobs-give-you/944846)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-those-personality-tests-entry-level-jobs-give-you/944846 "2021-07-05T23:38:08Z")
When I was last looking for a job 10 years ago everywhere I applied to (Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, McDonald’s) all made me take an online test that was 100s of questions that were literally all personality based. Stuff like … --- ## [Insect stings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insect-stings/945294)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insect-stings/945294 "2021-07-05T23:23:58Z")
While reading an article about the President’s movements immediately after the September 11th attacks, I came across this quote: Gordon Johndroe , assistant press secretary, White House : The day starts off very normal… --- ## [Have you read the sequel to "101 Dalmatians"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-sequel-to-101-dalmatians/943650)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-read-the-sequel-to-101-dalmatians/943650 "2021-07-05T23:23:14Z")
There have been numerous sequels and remakes of the animated “101 Dalmatians”, but none of them are based on the actual sequel to the book. “The Starlight Barking” was published in 1967, and nobody I know (besides myse… --- ## [Real estate selling question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-estate-selling-question/945766)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-estate-selling-question/945766 "2021-07-05T23:14:22Z")
I guess the answers might be more opinions than facts, so I put this in IMHO. In a year or two, we’re going to move to another state. We now live within commuting distance of major Silicon Valley employers, which is a … --- ## [Could balloonists J. Glashier and H. Coxwell really have ascended to 29000-37000 feet in 1862?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-balloonists-j-glashier-and-h-coxwell-really-have-ascended-to-29000-37000-feet-in-1862/944868)
**Author:** [@themapleleaf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/themapleleaf)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-balloonists-j-glashier-and-h-coxwell-really-have-ascended-to-29000-37000-feet-in-1862/944868 "2021-07-05T23:10:27Z")
Some time ago, while doing some research, I came across an account of a balloon ascent made by English balloonists James Glashier and Henry Coxwell in 1862, during which they ascended to extreme heights. A decent descrip… --- ## [How do you become a member of the SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-become-a-member-of-the-sdmb/916992)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-become-a-member-of-the-sdmb/916992 "2021-07-05T22:55:59Z")
I recall getting a popup once that asked me to become a member of the SDMB (as opposed to a “guest”). But at the time I was busy and dismissed it. Now, I cannot find a place to do that (and I have looked). So two thin… --- ## [Beck's Update: second kidney successfully removed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becks-update-second-kidney-successfully-removed/944775)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/becks-update-second-kidney-successfully-removed/944775 "2021-07-05T22:22:57Z")
Beckdawrek had some exploratory surgery scheduled for today to see if her leftover kidney would need to come out. If so they would remove it while she was open and asleep. This is the latest info from her youngest daug… --- ## [Exterior cathedral photo/art: Is license/permission needed for use as book cover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exterior-cathedral-photo-art-is-license-permission-needed-for-use-as-book-cover/945621)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exterior-cathedral-photo-art-is-license-permission-needed-for-use-as-book-cover/945621 "2021-07-05T22:01:41Z")
I know Notre Dame requires it. Does anyone know if the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela require permission or a licensing fee to use on a book cover: a distant, exterior photo (of the spires, no detail but shape vis… --- ## [Amazon Workspace and PrtScr](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-workspace-and-prtscr/945742)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazon-workspace-and-prtscr/945742 "2021-07-05T21:13:39Z")
I’ve just got a temp job working from home. As part of it I need to use Amazon Workspaces. Whenever Amazon Workspaces is onscreen the PrtScr button does nothing. Is there any way to get PrtScr to work whilst AWS is up, o… --- ## [Hilarious the first time/ Meh, the second time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-the-first-time-meh-the-second-time/944925)
**Author:** [@oldoaktree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oldoaktree)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilarious-the-first-time-meh-the-second-time/944925 "2021-07-05T21:09:31Z")
I can re watch any number of comedy movies/routines over and over again Always kill me. (Caddyshack, Monty Python etc) But there are some that, even if they had me rolling on the floor the first time, do nothing for me… --- ## [What's this song \[mentioned in the Maltese Falcon\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-song-mentioned-in-the-maltese-falcon/4209)
**Author:** [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-this-song-mentioned-in-the-maltese-falcon/4209 "2021-07-05T20:27:55Z")
In Dashiell Hammett’s THE MALTESE FALCON (published in 1930 in BLACK MASK magazine, in book form the following year) there are a number of oblique references. In Sam Spade’s first encounter with Wilmer, the gunman emplo… --- ## [Star Wars anime anthology on Sep 22](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-anime-anthology-on-sep-22/945755)
**Author:** [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-anime-anthology-on-sep-22/945755 "2021-07-05T18:55:03Z")
This should be good. Reminds me of the Animatrix which was a similar Matrix-themed anthology. Like that one, I expect this will be hit and miss but will have a few episodes that I really like (A Detective Story was pro… --- ## [Editing function](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-function/945675)
**Author:** [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/editing-function/945675 "2021-07-05T19:32:50Z")
Did a couple edits recently on a post, but didn’t see that annoying little orange pencil thingy at the top right of my post. To confirm, then, that that thing’s gone? --- ## [What animal makes this sound?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-makes-this-sound/945700)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-animal-makes-this-sound/945700 "2021-07-05T17:57:01Z")
I was noticing tonight how the local somethings in trees were really numerous and active, (after torrential rains a couple of days back–they are always very active after rain in warm weather) overwhelming the local firew… --- ## [The 2021 SDMB Book Exchange](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2021-sdmb-book-exchange/934053)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2021-sdmb-book-exchange/934053 "2021-07-05T17:47:36Z")
I’ve decided to give this a two month window-Cut off date is May 1st. The event is for the exchange of book(s) you already own and have read, so please don’t go book shopping. They could be books you find interesting o… --- ## [Rock stars who rejoined the workaday world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-stars-who-rejoined-the-workaday-world/945498)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rock-stars-who-rejoined-the-workaday-world/945498 "2021-07-05T17:17:05Z")
\[Inspired in part by this thread on rock stars from working-class backgrounds\] Today’s Guardian features an interview with Bowie/Lennon sideman Earl Slick. At one point, this incredibly talented guitarist left music to … --- ## [Can I search for anyone who got a chess ranking ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-search-for-anyone-who-got-a-chess-ranking-ever/945702)
**Author:** [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-search-for-anyone-who-got-a-chess-ranking-ever/945702 "2021-07-05T17:10:53Z")
Like on old schoolmate. Would it be in Chess Life and would it be a special issue? --- ## [Inflatable pillow pinhole leaks...how to cheaply fix](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inflatable-pillow-pinhole-leaks-how-to-cheaply-fix/945692)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inflatable-pillow-pinhole-leaks-how-to-cheaply-fix/945692 "2021-07-05T17:06:46Z")
I’ve got a lightweight inflatable camping pillow, an trekology aluft 1.0. Its done very well and I like it very much. However, it has sprung multiple pinhole leaks on one side of it. This makes me suspect that the fab… --- ## [Is Matt Damon the cameo king?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-matt-damon-the-cameo-king/945698)
**Author:** [@peccavi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peccavi)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-matt-damon-the-cameo-king/945698 "2021-07-05T16:27:20Z")
I just saw another movie with Matt Damon in an uncredited role. (don’t click if you don’t want to be spoiled) He’s uncredited, but has two significant scenes towards the end of the film. I looked up his filmography o… --- ## [Attorneys And Physicians Are Beautiful People](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-and-physicians-are-beautiful-people/945717)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attorneys-and-physicians-are-beautiful-people/945717 "2021-07-05T16:23:46Z")
Because they always look at people as persons, regardless of what they’ve done. Physicians often work in prisons. And lawyers often defend people no one else would. Also interesting, and perhaps not entirely uncoincide… --- ## [Pickett's Charge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picketts-charge/945626)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/picketts-charge/945626 "2021-07-05T15:57:02Z")
158 years ago today the largest artillery barrage in North American history began as a prelude to the stupidest military maneuver ever seen on these shores. I’d just like to take a moment on this anniversary to say FUCK… --- ## [Professional bowlers and the 7-10 split](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-bowlers-and-the-7-10-split/945395)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professional-bowlers-and-the-7-10-split/945395 "2021-07-05T15:50:17Z")
Hello Everyone, While discussing bowling recently my friend and I noted that none of us have ever made a 7-10 pickup, but we’ve all seen professional bowlers on TV do it. Are the pros skilled enough to pickup the 7-10 … --- ## [Did anyone else think todays' Google banner was Captain Kangaroo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-think-todays-google-banner-was-captain-kangaroo/945597)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-think-todays-google-banner-was-captain-kangaroo/945597 "2021-07-05T15:43:22Z")
It’s Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a german physician who advocated for the disabled and helped start the Paralympic games. Sure looks like the Captain to me in that drawing, though… --- ## [Insomnia Is Killing Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insomnia-is-killing-me/945720)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/insomnia-is-killing-me/945720 "2021-07-05T12:56:39Z")
It’s been with me ever since I could remember, but instead of getting used to it, it just kills me more and more with each passing day. --- ## [Why do highly educated people accept 100 hour a week jobs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-highly-educated-people-accept-100-hour-a-week-jobs/938367)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 316\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-highly-educated-people-accept-100-hour-a-week-jobs/938367 "2021-07-05T11:09:18Z")
I read that bankers working for Goldman work for 80 and even 100 hours a week and that blew my mind. I live in the Balkans in one of the poorest countries in Europe, where the average salary is about 450 - 500 usd, yet … --- ## [Veterans, do you have problems with home fireworks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-do-you-have-problems-with-home-fireworks/945701)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/veterans-do-you-have-problems-with-home-fireworks/945701 "2021-07-05T09:25:32Z")
One of my neighbors seems to be reenacting part of the Tet Offensive in his back yard, from small caliber arms to artillery. I’m especially fond of the mortars that launch sky rockets: Foom pause BOOM! Jean Shepard wa… --- ## [Why did US presidents become worse around 1830?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-us-presidents-become-worse-around-1830/945501)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2021, 9:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-us-presidents-become-worse-around-1830/945501 "2021-07-05T09:17:43Z")
This one is a bit of a spin off on the thread about ranking the US presidents. Looking at the list, there’s definitely a trend, with only a few notable exceptions. It seems like the top of the list is dominated by a mi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1406) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1408)