# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1554 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1555 --- ## ["China virus" is clearly racist. Why isn't "UK variant"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-virus-is-clearly-racist-why-isnt-uk-variant/932222)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-virus-is-clearly-racist-why-isnt-uk-variant/932222 "2021-02-08T03:43:25Z")
I am firmly in the camp that using the phrase “China virus” is racist on its face and that anyone that uses it is doing so to parrot Trump who is IMO, a racist. But when I hear the phrases “UK variant”, “Brazilian varia… --- ## [Super Bowl LV Commercials Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-lv-commercials-thread/932396)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-lv-commercials-thread/932396 "2021-02-08T03:19:44Z")
Didn’t see a thread for this yet, so I figured what the hell. Stop by to discuss (make fun of) all the big money, big hype, big stars, big stupid commercials from this year’s Super Bowl. Kickoff’s in about 90 minutes so … --- ## [Direct Deposit update for $600 stimulus checks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-deposit-update-for-600-stimulus-checks/929193)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/direct-deposit-update-for-600-stimulus-checks/929193 "2021-02-08T03:08:40Z")
So if you get your tax refund by direct deposit then the IRS will direct deposit the stimulus checks, but what if you’ve changed banks since you filed your taxes? I’ve changed banks since the first round of checks and f… --- ## [Unusual sensitivity on my skin around abdomen](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-sensitivity-on-my-skin-around-abdomen/932320)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unusual-sensitivity-on-my-skin-around-abdomen/932320 "2021-02-08T02:55:04Z")
I first felt this a couple of nights ago in bed, when I rolled over, and felt the T-shirt I was wearing brush against my skin. And now if I just move my fingertips across my abdomen I feel it. It is not internal, if I… --- ## [Things that seemed funny at the time but you couldn't get away with them now](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-seemed-funny-at-the-time-but-you-couldnt-get-away-with-them-now/921472)
**Author:** [@razordance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/razordance)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2021, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-seemed-funny-at-the-time-but-you-couldnt-get-away-with-them-now/921472 "2021-02-08T00:51:19Z")
To start with, John Belushi’s samurai skits. Too yellowface. I would add “Amos and Andy.” I’ve heard a couple of clips and to me it sounds about as racist as “Sanford and Son” or “Good Times” – but, I get that the pro… --- ## [Tell me about this Chinese or Japanese coin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-this-chinese-or-japanese-coin/932309)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-this-chinese-or-japanese-coin/932309 "2021-02-07T23:46:07Z")
Facebook is constantly telling me that I might want to be friends with some person with this as their avatar. I don’t know the person, but I’m really like the coin. … --- ## ["Cancel Every Existing Superhero Comic"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-every-existing-superhero-comic/921513)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-every-existing-superhero-comic/921513 "2021-02-07T22:26:52Z")
Gerry Conway, who’s been writing comics for about 50 years, made this announcement. Comics are meant for middle school kids, he says. They should be simple and easy to get into no matter what issue you pick up. Target… --- ## [Identify music from this commercial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-music-from-this-commercial/138018)
**Author:** [@LazarusLong42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LazarusLong42)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-music-from-this-commercial/138018 "2021-02-07T22:19:20Z")
Woo. Been a long time since I’ve been around here, not much time for message boards lately. But this music’s been running through my head since I saw the commercial, and I figure if anyone can tell me what it is, the T… --- ## ["to audit" with the meaning "to try out"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-audit-with-the-meaning-to-try-out/932376)
**Author:** [@Schnitte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Schnitte)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-audit-with-the-meaning-to-try-out/932376 "2021-02-07T22:17:52Z")
In the context of a MOOC, I’ve come across a sentence that said you could “audit” a course without payment for a limited period. Evidently, the intended meaning is “to try something out”. Is this common usage? I’ve only … --- ## [Babylon 5 actor Mira Furlan becomes star stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-actor-mira-furlan-becomes-star-stuff/931233)
**Author:** [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/babylon-5-actor-mira-furlan-becomes-star-stuff/931233 "2021-02-07T21:35:23Z")
Delenn has passed beyond the galactic rim: --- ## [All the new vaccines prevent death and serious illness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-the-new-vaccines-prevent-death-and-serious-illness/931998)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-the-new-vaccines-prevent-death-and-serious-illness/931998 "2021-02-07T21:34:25Z")
I get a daily news summary from the Times. Today’s included a long discussion of what effectiveness means to the pros and to us. Here is probably the most relevant paragraph: By those measures, all five of the vaccin… --- ## [How fast can we manufacture and distribute vaccines in the US if Biden uses the Defense Production Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-we-manufacture-and-distribute-vaccines-in-the-us-if-biden-uses-the-defense-production-act/929456)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-fast-can-we-manufacture-and-distribute-vaccines-in-the-us-if-biden-uses-the-defense-production-act/929456 "2021-02-07T21:29:07Z")
I don’t know what the bottlenecks are in vaccine manufacturing and distribution. I also know a lot of other nations have the infrastructure to manufacture vaccines and I assume/hope they are doing the same thing all over… --- ## [Make A Wish founder Frank Shankwitz dies at 77](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-wish-founder-frank-shankwitz-dies-at-77/932392)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-a-wish-founder-frank-shankwitz-dies-at-77/932392 "2021-02-07T20:44:25Z")
My family donates to Make A Wish every year. I admire the work they do for critically ill kids. Frank Shankwitz and his wife started the charity in 1980. They’ve fulfilled 500,000 wishes in 40 years! :heart: It’s humbl… --- ## [Math Question on stock sales and value over time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-question-on-stock-sales-and-value-over-time/932388)
**Author:** [@jonpluc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jonpluc)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/math-question-on-stock-sales-and-value-over-time/932388 "2021-02-07T20:37:12Z")
I hold stocks that appreciate 20% annually. What is cheaper for me, if i sell 6 shares now to purchase something outright or if i pay 1 share every year for 8 years (so i pay 8 shares instead of 6) but i get the benefit … --- ## [Virginia gets rid of death penalty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gets-rid-of-death-penalty/932288)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-gets-rid-of-death-penalty/932288 "2021-02-07T20:03:03Z")
What’s funny is many people who say the government always makes mistakes also believe they never make a mistake when someone is executed. Even though a lot of people on death row were found to be innocent. --- ## [With digital and streaming, I miss Director's Commentaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-digital-and-streaming-i-miss-directors-commentaries/932220)
**Author:** [@superwombat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superwombat)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-digital-and-streaming-i-miss-directors-commentaries/932220 "2021-02-07T19:40:53Z")
What are your favorites on disc? Lord Of The Rings Extended Trilogy Back to the Future Trilogy --- ## [Milk stops frothing shortly before it goes bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milk-stops-frothing-shortly-before-it-goes-bad/932293)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/milk-stops-frothing-shortly-before-it-goes-bad/932293 "2021-02-07T18:50:27Z")
We have a little milk frothing device that is like this one but a different brand. It’s got a little coiled wire ring that spins and aerates the milk as it heats to a nice foam for coffee. We’ve noticed that as milk age… --- ## [Rocketeer's model-building over the last couple months](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocketeers-model-building-over-the-last-couple-months/932221)
**Author:** [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rocketeers-model-building-over-the-last-couple-months/932221 "2021-02-07T18:49:03Z")
I haven’t posted here for a while; Mrs. R built me a Facebook account, so I’ve been sucked into the Infinite Hole. But I thought I might report in here, and let you guys see my latest model projects. An outfit out of A… --- ## [The best looking/presented candy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-looking-presented-candy/932270)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-looking-presented-candy/932270 "2021-02-07T18:39:16Z")
It should taste delicious also. My vote goes to Toffifay. Beautiful little caramel cup with a hazelnut inside and a chocolate cap. Nestled in a gold foil tray that slides out of a box for the presentation. --- ## [String lights for room illumination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/string-lights-for-room-illumination/932175)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/string-lights-for-room-illumination/932175 "2021-02-07T18:13:30Z")
I’m toying with ideas for better illumination in my master bedroom. It’s about 15 feet by 20 feet. I’m thinking it would be cool to have a lot of little lights. I’m considering adding an outlet high up on a wall and moun… --- ## [HBO shows on Tiger Woods and Rick Flair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-shows-on-tiger-woods-and-rick-flair/931283)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbo-shows-on-tiger-woods-and-rick-flair/931283 "2021-02-07T18:06:35Z")
Flair show was very good. He did not hold back at all. Said he was basically not home from 72 to 97 and drank a lot every day. Lots of beers and whiskey. Son died of an OD. Daughter is wrestling but she got her B… --- ## [Car Battery Charge Maintenance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-charge-maintenance/932334)
**Author:** [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-battery-charge-maintenance/932334 "2021-02-07T17:41:27Z")
Looking for a good way to maintain the charge on the battery of a car that is driven infrequently-about once a week or two weeks. My first thought was a solar charger but the car is parked on the north side of a buildin… --- ## [Which country had more forest on 01-01-2001, than it had on 01-01-1901?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-had-more-forest-on-01-01-2001-than-it-had-on-01-01-1901/930945)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-had-more-forest-on-01-01-2001-than-it-had-on-01-01-1901/930945 "2021-02-07T17:07:31Z")
I keep hearing a piece of trivia repeated, and as Tu B’Shevat (the New Year for Trees) is coming up on the Jewish calendar, the fact, or factoid, as it may be is making the rounds again. It’s as follows: “Israel is one … --- ## [Thread cool-offs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-cool-offs/932282)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thread-cool-offs/932282 "2021-02-07T17:06:03Z")
Brilliant idea, please do this as often as helpful. --- ## [According to the IRS, what is your age? (IRA contribution)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-the-irs-what-is-your-age-ira-contribution/932374)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-the-irs-what-is-your-age-ira-contribution/932374 "2021-02-07T16:50:54Z")
The amount you can contribute to your IRA changes when you are 50. So what is your limit the year you turn 50? Lets say you turn 50 on September 2nd, is your limit that year? $6000 since you started the year at age 49… --- ## [Can person IQ be improved? And why is science not looking into it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-person-iq-be-improved-and-why-is-science-not-looking-into-it/930127)
**Author:** [@Jillwood77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jillwood77)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-person-iq-be-improved-and-why-is-science-not-looking-into-it/930127 "2021-02-07T15:48:03Z")
I read about these different apps you can get for the iPad and iPhone to improve one IQ and different exercises on the internet to improve one IQ. but I’m wondering can person IQ really be improved? Some one was saying … --- ## [Exactly how done with Trump are you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exactly-how-done-with-trump-are-you/931525)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exactly-how-done-with-trump-are-you/931525 "2021-02-07T15:45:46Z")
So he’s been, so far, quiet and out of the news. But Sarah Huckabee’s campaign for governor has him being quoted in news articles about it. I’m not sure whether the reporter sought out a comment by him, or he somewhere o… --- ## [People who lisp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-lisp/928255)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-lisp/928255 "2021-02-07T15:45:09Z")
I don’t mean this to be offensive in any way, I am genuinely curious. Lisping occurs when you place the tip of your tongue against (or in between) your teeth. I cannot make myself lisp unless I do this. Placement of the… --- ## [Irresistible; new movie written & directed by Jon Stewart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irresistible-new-movie-written-directed-by-jon-stewart/932369)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/irresistible-new-movie-written-directed-by-jon-stewart/932369 "2021-02-07T13:17:07Z")
Stars Steve Carrell, Chris Cooper & Rose Byrne. A campaign consultant (Carrell) helps a retired Colonel (cooper) run for mayor in the small town of Deerlaken, WI. It is a funny Fish out of Water movie and political sati… --- ## [Presidential statistics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-statistics/931129)
**Author:** [@Greg\_Charles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greg_Charles)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2021, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-statistics/931129 "2021-02-07T10:52:59Z")
Watching the inauguration yesterday, I realized that six former and current U.S. presidents are still alive, which makes for over 13% of the total number of people to ever serve as president. (That’s true whether you co… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1553) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1555)