# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=160&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 161 --- ## [Tennis 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2026/1026805)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2026/1026805 "2026-01-18T21:02:18Z")
Australian Open for 2026 is underway and I find myself watching: Federer-Agassi vs Rafter-Hewitt A very fun exhibition. Agassi correctly pointed out that the only non-hall-of-famer is actually Federer at this point. Ha… --- ## [ICE shootings: What's the end game and how does MAGA plan to get there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-shootings-whats-the-end-game-and-how-does-maga-plan-to-get-there/1026719)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ice-shootings-whats-the-end-game-and-how-does-maga-plan-to-get-there/1026719 "2026-01-18T19:15:15Z")
Many have proposed that ICE aggressiveness, brutality, and the shootings are all part of a plan to instigate a strong reaction, which would then enable them to declare martial law and bring in the US military. There doe… --- ## [Hello from a past member](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-from-a-past-member/1026680)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-from-a-past-member/1026680 "2026-01-18T18:55:19Z")
Just popping my head in the door to say hello. I used to be very active on here many years ago. I came back for a fairly boring reason - my email provider is going to start charging for the account and so I’m moving st… --- ## [Where did the "overlord" phrase originate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-overlord-phrase-originate/415466)
**Author:** [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-the-overlord-phrase-originate/415466 "2026-01-18T18:04:10Z")
“Well I, for one, welcome our new (bacony, or whatever) overlords.” Where did this phrase originally come from? Thanks! --- ## [Is there any knife sharpener for home that is as a good as a pro?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-knife-sharpener-for-home-that-is-as-a-good-as-a-pro/971679)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-knife-sharpener-for-home-that-is-as-a-good-as-a-pro/971679 "2026-01-18T17:53:26Z")
I had an electric knife sharpener very similar to this that sharpened the knives with an oscillating surface (not rotating) and gave them a bit of a ragged edge. Now I take them to a pro and they come back razor sharp wi… --- ## [Mass Killings in the US (2025)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-killings-in-the-us-2025/1012650)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-killings-in-the-us-2025/1012650 "2026-01-18T14:00:21Z")
Mass killings in the United States, 2025 Four or more dead (Suicides Indicated by an asterisk) By a single killer (The killer is charged or would have been charged had he lived.) Minors cannot generally be held legall… --- ## [Crowdstrike failure - How? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crowdstrike-failure-how-why/1004492)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crowdstrike-failure-how-why/1004492 "2026-01-18T12:59:27Z")
Massive outage across lots of platforms worldwide. Did they not adequately test the update? Something else? Explain as you would a child! Bonus point for the movie reference. --- ## [Let's talk infant & toddler brains, "Tummy Time", colors and the Pantone Book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-infant-toddler-brains-tummy-time-colors-and-the-pantone-book/1026503)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-infant-toddler-brains-tummy-time-colors-and-the-pantone-book/1026503 "2026-01-18T11:38:20Z")
We’ve had quite a few friends and family have babies in the last few years. Most, if not all have deployed some form of the Tummy Time routine. I do buy into the idea of this, and it’s always fun to watch a fairly young … --- ## [Has anyone here seen a female ICE agent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-seen-a-female-ice-agent/1026770)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-seen-a-female-ice-agent/1026770 "2026-01-18T06:14:25Z")
I’m not one to constantly scan ICE street video. But I have watched several of them closely when there were murders or violations in the news. It occurred to me today that I don’t recall ever seeing a female agent. Do… --- ## [Android tablet/Google Play recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271 "2026-01-18T05:13:42Z")
Recently I ordered a new Fire tablet online (after I learned Best Buy hadn’t had any for sale for ages, this despite literally the entire line being on open display…I really don’t get modern capitalism at all). I got it … --- ## [Testing for Giardia in Dogs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-giardia-in-dogs/1026730)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-giardia-in-dogs/1026730 "2026-01-18T01:25:28Z")
I suspect my dog has giardia, based on past experience and his absolute love for drinking from any puddle he finds outside. Really, nothing makes him happier than a bird bath, puddle, or even the rain water on the patio … --- ## [What is filling up my Mac hard drive WHILE I am watching it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-filling-up-my-mac-hard-drive-while-i-am-watching-it/1026595)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-filling-up-my-mac-hard-drive-while-i-am-watching-it/1026595 "2026-01-17T23:15:17Z")
Mac Mini. Running OS Sequoia 15.5 250 Gig HDD I have less than 5 Gig left on it- and I don’t keep ANY large files on it. Everything of size lives on a 1 Tb external drive on the desk. I’ve run BOTH of my anti-virus s… --- ## [Origin of "moon cricket" as a racial slur?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-moon-cricket-as-a-racial-slur/1026188)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-moon-cricket-as-a-racial-slur/1026188 "2026-01-17T23:06:50Z")
I can find no reference to it preceding the 2009 classic Black Dynamite, relevant part starts at about 1:30, where Mr. Dynamite is called thus by Pat Nixon. I can find references to the term, but it seems to refer to a … --- ## [Worried well or data hunger gone crazy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worried-well-or-data-hunger-gone-crazy/1026671)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worried-well-or-data-hunger-gone-crazy/1026671 "2026-01-17T20:19:13Z")
I have previously posted in other fora about how “we” have too much data, specifically health metric data, available now. This bit though is not at IMHO level (gift link) - https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/well/funct… --- ## [Caribbean Flight Cancellations due to Venezuelan "War"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caribbean-flight-cancellations-due-to-venezuelan-war/1026353)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caribbean-flight-cancellations-due-to-venezuelan-war/1026353 "2026-01-17T18:20:20Z")
I just watched a video showing how tens of thousands of USAans are stranded in the Caribbean because all their flights have been grounded. The airlines have no obligation to feed or accommodate them; all they get is a re… --- ## [2 ad campaign characters on at the same time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-ad-campaign-characters-on-at-the-same-time/1026746)
**Author:** [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-ad-campaign-characters-on-at-the-same-time/1026746 "2026-01-17T16:42:50Z")
Watching TV (too much, but it is winter time) and noticed Progressive Insurance has 2 popular ad campaigns going on at the same time right now with completely different characters. Flo and her group and Dr. Rick and his … --- ## [When did the expression "low-key" start being used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-expression-low-key-start-being-used/977780)
**Author:** [@Danger\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Danger_Man)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-expression-low-key-start-being-used/977780 "2026-01-17T16:01:14Z")
Talking about the modern usage, as described here: https://allthings.how/what-does-low-key-slang-mean-and-how-to-use-it/ The article says that it started getting used during the late 2000s, but this song seems to use it… --- ## [Swipe fees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swipe-fees/1025721)
**Author:** [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swipe-fees/1025721 "2026-01-17T15:43:39Z")
I’ve noticed in the last week that merchants are now charging me a 3% credit card “recovery” fee for using my card. This apparently only started after the Visa/Mastercard settlement with the Merchants Association. I wond… --- ## [Guitar amp effects loop with only one jack: How does this work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-amp-effects-loop-with-only-one-jack-how-does-this-work/1026667)
**Author:** [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-amp-effects-loop-with-only-one-jack-how-does-this-work/1026667 "2026-01-17T10:19:00Z")
Since I started playing electric guitar again during the Covid lockdowns, I’ve just been using a Line6 interface into my computer + modeling software, listening with headphones. This has been mostly great, but the downsi… --- ## [This thread is so vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-thread-is-so-vanilla/1026760)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-thread-is-so-vanilla/1026760 "2026-01-17T09:09:25Z")
I want to celebrate all foods and drinks that are authentically vanilla. Sodas, shakes, ice cream, cake, candy, cookies etc. White cake is white cake, but a good vanilla cake is heaven. Your turn.:grin: --- ## [The longest stretch of highway in the U.S. without an exit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-stretch-of-highway-in-the-u-s-without-an-exit/1025001)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-longest-stretch-of-highway-in-the-u-s-without-an-exit/1025001 "2026-01-17T05:10:39Z")
What is the longest stretch of highway/freeway in the United States without an official exit? --- ## [MS Windows - How do I get rid of pop-ups in the Taskbar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-windows-how-do-i-get-rid-of-pop-ups-in-the-taskbar/1026681)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ms-windows-how-do-i-get-rid-of-pop-ups-in-the-taskbar/1026681 "2026-01-17T02:13:05Z")
The taskbar at the bottom of the screen has the icons for your pinned programs. When you hover the mouse over them, there are popups that expand the icon. I find that if I’m working on a Word document and get to the bot… --- ## [US attacks Venezuela and captures President Maduro - Jan 3, 2026 {Breaking News}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-attacks-venezuela-and-captures-president-maduro-jan-3-2026-breaking-news/1026300)
**Author:** [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2026, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-attacks-venezuela-and-captures-president-maduro-jan-3-2026-breaking-news/1026300 "2026-01-17T01:46:24Z")
This is the Breaking News thread. CNN updating link below https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/venezuela-explosions-caracas-intl-hnk-01-03-26 --- ## [TV Binge Watch (Part 2)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-binge-watch-part-2/972711)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 9999\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-binge-watch-part-2/972711 "2026-01-16T22:01:42Z")
Continuing the discussion from TV Binge Watch (Part 1) - #10008 by dirtball. Previous discussions: TV Binge Watch (Part 1) --- ## [Valar Hiatus: The Game of Thrones offseason thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valar-hiatus-the-game-of-thrones-offseason-thread/624208)
**Author:** [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Replies:** 1303\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/valar-hiatus-the-game-of-thrones-offseason-thread/624208 "2026-01-16T21:10:13Z")
There will be spoilers in this thread by necessity. This is the place to post casting news, media appearances, awards (we hope) and general updates about the series. --- ## [When is "enough" .... well enough (Minnesota ICE shooting)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-enough-well-enough-minnesota-ice-shooting/1026488)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-enough-well-enough-minnesota-ice-shooting/1026488 "2026-01-16T18:15:55Z")
Hi there, I’d be interested in opinions of people living in the USA about the PERCEIVED climate with regards to the ICE-shooting/killing. NOT interested in a discussion of the case at hand (there are prob. already th… --- ## [Spinoffs (NOT rebrands/renames) with the most appearances from the other show?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoffs-not-rebrands-renames-with-the-most-appearances-from-the-other-show/1026540)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spinoffs-not-rebrands-renames-with-the-most-appearances-from-the-other-show/1026540 "2026-01-16T18:09:26Z")
(This is a spinoff of the spinoff of a spinoff thread.) I’m wondering about legitimate spinoffs (not continuations under a different name) that include the most cast members from the original series. Angel comes to min… --- ## [A question about one aspect of the 2nd Amendment-and please read the OP before responding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-aspect-of-the-2nd-amendment-and-please-read-the-op-before-responding/1026650)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-one-aspect-of-the-2nd-amendment-and-please-read-the-op-before-responding/1026650 "2026-01-16T17:07:53Z")
Please-no discussion about the formation of the 2nd Amendment or what the founders intended. This is not a free-for-all, and no “gun owners are poopyheads” vs “they want to take away all our weapons” arguments. It is s… --- ## [Major Verizon wireless outage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-verizon-wireless-outage/1026693)
**Author:** [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-verizon-wireless-outage/1026693 "2026-01-16T16:12:58Z")
Starting this thread now that I am using WiFi. I thought I was going crazy. Did I not pay my bill? Do I turn it off and turn it on? Then I got home and was able to look it up. Seems like it’s been over an hour and it’s d… --- ## [Why Has 70's and 80's Music Remained Prevalent in Our Culture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-70s-and-80s-music-remained-prevalent-in-our-culture/787969)
**Author:** [@golffan1963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/golffan1963)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2026, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-70s-and-80s-music-remained-prevalent-in-our-culture/787969 "2026-01-16T14:30:46Z")
OK…if this has been addressed before, I apologize, but I’ve wondered about something for awhile: The other night while watching the American TV show “The Americans”, they used the song “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, relea… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=159&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=161&state=muted)