# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1626 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1627 --- ## [How to get musty smell out of wood furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-musty-smell-out-of-wood-furniture/926878)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-get-musty-smell-out-of-wood-furniture/926878 "2020-12-06T16:41:49Z")
I bought a machinist’s chest used and cheap (structurally similar to this one https://gerstnerusa.com/shop/2008-vintage-chest/ but the outer box is covered with metal). It is not fancy, but I do have a potential use for … --- ## [What is "e-ink"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-e-ink/927158)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-e-ink/927158 "2020-12-06T16:04:19Z")
I’ve seen a few references to “e-ink”, including in the ongoing trhead about e-plates. What is “e-ink”, please? --- ## [Are we in another tech bubble?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-in-another-tech-bubble/790367)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-in-another-tech-bubble/790367 "2020-12-06T15:46:53Z")
Companies like Uber are losing vast amounts of money, and keeping the lights on with promises of growth to their investors. Companies often make purchases of app creators for hundreds of millions of dollars, even when t… --- ## [As a Progressive, I am throwing in the towel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-progressive-i-am-throwing-in-the-towel/924912)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-progressive-i-am-throwing-in-the-towel/924912 "2020-12-06T13:19:44Z")
Except for a period of about 12 years in the middle of my life, where I swung more Right, I have been pretty Progressive (left-leaning). This has been especially true the last 13 years. As a Progressive, I have been v… --- ## ["Scientific racism" is readily testable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-racism-is-readily-testable/927377)
**Author:** [@ChiefPedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChiefPedant)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-racism-is-readily-testable/927377 "2020-12-06T13:06:58Z")
A moderator here recently locked a thread that wondered if we should avoid investigating certain sensitive issues. Here was the mod’s reasoning (which I find unsupportable): “Any proposed connection between race and IQ… --- ## [The Pandemic Blues support group thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pandemic-blues-support-group-thread/925729)
**Author:** [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-pandemic-blues-support-group-thread/925729 "2020-12-06T12:49:14Z")
The Pandemic Blues seems to be A Thing. I have seasonal depression on a regular basis anyway, but I can already tell this is year is going to be bad. My last really bad year was 2013, and I was suicidal. I’m not that ba… --- ## [Yahoo mail getting obnoxious about adblockers:any good alternatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-mail-getting-obnoxious-about-adblockers-any-good-alternatives/927307)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 9:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yahoo-mail-getting-obnoxious-about-adblockers-any-good-alternatives/927307 "2020-12-06T09:44:49Z")
They are starting to get really obtrusive about trying to get me to disable my adblocker. Which I am not about to do. So, does anyone have suggestions for a free email service which is reliable and seems to be establis… --- ## [Discobot Quote Prompter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discobot-quote-prompter/915512)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discobot-quote-prompter/915512 "2020-12-06T07:17:44Z")
I think we can benefit from Discobot’s presence on Discourse by involving him/her/it in a game. I don’t know whether it is a fruitful idea or not but it may work. The rules are simple: Ask the bot to provide a quote. W… --- ## [Jack Piper can eat no pretzels, his wife can eat no SunChips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-piper-can-eat-no-pretzels-his-wife-can-eat-no-sunchips/927168)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-piper-can-eat-no-pretzels-his-wife-can-eat-no-sunchips/927168 "2020-12-06T06:08:27Z")
Got a bag of mixed snax at the Petro-Can the other day. Gave it to Mrs Piper when she wanted some salty snax. She ate some, then gave me the bag and said, “Done for now, can you put in the cupboard?” As I put it away,… --- ## [Trump to put nut on fed reserve board](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-to-put-nut-on-fed-reserve-board/925738)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-to-put-nut-on-fed-reserve-board/925738 "2020-12-06T04:02:44Z")
She was nominated a while back and just now will be OKd Probably see a lot more of this in the next 2 months. --- ## [Zoom/Teams meeting etiquette](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zoom-teams-meeting-etiquette/927020)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zoom-teams-meeting-etiquette/927020 "2020-12-06T02:54:09Z")
Since this spring, many of us have been working exclusively from home, attending virtual meetings over the internet using Zoom, Teams, or something similar. This is a new thing, so there have been growing pains. The mo… --- ## [Is there a way to gift a music playlist these days?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-gift-a-music-playlist-these-days/927327)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-gift-a-music-playlist-these-days/927327 "2020-12-06T02:48:07Z")
With Christmas approaching I thought it would be neat to gift some people with a music play list. I am not asking how to pirate anything. Quite the opposite. I would like to pay for the music and gift someone a cool j… --- ## [Is there a dye for revealing athlete's foot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-dye-for-revealing-athletes-foot/927047)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-dye-for-revealing-athletes-foot/927047 "2020-12-06T02:12:14Z")
There’s an over-the-counter product known as disclosing tablets that’s intended to help people improve their toothbrushing. It is basically a dye that you apply to you teeth after brushing which conspicuously stains any … --- ## [The Irishman SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-irishman-spoilers-spoilers-spoilers/843750)
**Author:** [@russian\_heel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/russian_heel)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2020, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-irishman-spoilers-spoilers-spoilers/843750 "2020-12-06T00:38:09Z")
Just saw it. Fantastic but depressing movie. Not as “fun” as Goodfellas or Casino in that 20 years from now bros are going to be repeating lines with glee from the movie. It also moves at a more somber pace than those t… --- ## [Superman’s secret identity is the opposite of convention](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-secret-identity-is-the-opposite-of-convention/921095)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superman-s-secret-identity-is-the-opposite-of-convention/921095 "2020-12-05T23:21:25Z")
This has probably been discussed here before, but for some reason I started thinking about this. Bruce Wayne becomes Batman to fight crime. Likewise, Peter Parker becomes Spider-Man. For most superheroes, their civilia… --- ## [Eating without killing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-without-killing/927063)
**Author:** [@Jillena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jillena)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-without-killing/927063 "2020-12-05T22:51:33Z")
Moralities; Giving a list of what we can eat without murdering it or the source of it, nor causing it pain. Please add your knowledge, thankyou. Unfertilized eggs Cheese Berries Nuts Fruits Milk Vegetables Flowers Hone… --- ## [I quit my progressively crappier job and got a dream job](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-my-progressively-crappier-job-and-got-a-dream-job/926324)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-my-progressively-crappier-job-and-got-a-dream-job/926324 "2020-12-05T21:58:16Z")
TL;DR: My old job was going to shit, so I got a job as a carpenter. So my old job (gosh, I love typing that) was ok for a while. I worked for the state government, in a regulatory position for an industry. Investigating… --- ## [Stranger Things 3 - did Hopper not care what El and Mike did when they were alone in the cabin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-3-did-hopper-not-care-what-el-and-mike-did-when-they-were-alone-in-the-cabin/927291)
**Author:** [@HMSVictory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMSVictory)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stranger-things-3-did-hopper-not-care-what-el-and-mike-did-when-they-were-alone-in-the-cabin/927291 "2020-12-05T20:45:56Z")
I got the impression from S3E1 that Mike and El spent time alone in the cabin when Hop was at work. El called Mike at 9:32 in the morning wondering where he was, and that’s right before Hop left for work, so they obvious… --- ## [Kubrick's 'The Shining' "documentary" 'Room 237' \*spoilers\*](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kubricks-the-shining-documentary-room-237-spoilers/653479)
**Author:** [@Groucho\_Twain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Groucho_Twain)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kubricks-the-shining-documentary-room-237-spoilers/653479 "2020-12-05T19:12:33Z")
I’m a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick’s movies; IMHO, he was a master filmmaker and pretty sharp cookie, who used his considerable and many skills to make entertaining and thought-provoking flicks. Last night I watched a “d… --- ## [Dune: what novels should I read?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dune-what-novels-should-i-read/921845)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dune-what-novels-should-i-read/921845 "2020-12-05T19:03:10Z")
I last read Dune as a teenager almost 40 years ago, so I decided to dust it off and read it again in preparation for the movie. Give me your opinions: how far into the series should I go? I think that back then I made i… --- ## [Moby Dick: Did Captain Ahab own his ship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moby-dick-did-captain-ahab-own-his-ship/927231)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moby-dick-did-captain-ahab-own-his-ship/927231 "2020-12-05T18:58:20Z")
Somehow a discussion I got in we ended up wondering if Captain Ahab from “Moby Dick” owned his ship. At first my instinct was no. Ships are expensive. Crew are expensive and supplying and operating the ship is expensi… --- ## [Is warp speed too fast?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-warp-speed-too-fast/927057)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-warp-speed-too-fast/927057 "2020-12-05T18:54:58Z")
One reason it takes so long to conduct drug–and presumably vaccine–trials is that they spend a lot of time finding the sweet spot between effective action of the drug and side effects. The whole odd business about the A… --- ## [Botticelli - Nov 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-nov-2020/924569)
**Author:** [@MissTake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissTake)\ **Replies:** 503\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/botticelli-nov-2020/924569 "2020-12-05T18:48:34Z")
So here we are, new month, new people to discover. My letter is A --- ## [Ohio Republicans begin impeachment against Gov. DeWine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-republicans-begin-impeachment-against-gov-dewine/926970)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-republicans-begin-impeachment-against-gov-dewine/926970 "2020-12-05T17:38:22Z")
Some Ohio House representatives are starting impeachment proceedings against governor DeWine. The accusation is that he violated state and federal law by ordering COVID-19 mask and curfew restrictions. My particular … --- ## [mRNA lifetime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mrna-lifetime/927127)
**Author:** [@xtenkfarpl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xtenkfarpl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mrna-lifetime/927127 "2020-12-05T16:20:26Z")
Once a ribosome has “read” a piece of mRNA to add an amino acid to a protein that is being constructed, what happens to the mRNA? Is the readout a destructive process, or does the mRNA just sort of “spool out” of the ri… --- ## [Pencils with "Mark Sense Lead"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pencils-with-mark-sense-lead/742273)
**Author:** [@CT\_Damsel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CT_Damsel)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pencils-with-mark-sense-lead/742273 "2016-01-07T19:19:14Z")
Today I was looking through my collection of art/office supplies of the pen, pencil and marker variety. Many I purchased or were gifts; but some \[del\]possibly junk\[/del\] were given to me over the years when someone was c… --- ## [What are "error bars"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-error-bars/927266)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-error-bars/927266 "2020-12-05T14:43:17Z")
I see this phrase frequently in discussions of statistical analysis, but I’ve got no idea what it means? Is it something like margin of error? --- ## [2020 continues undeterred, as Adolf Hitler rises to power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-continues-undeterred-as-adolf-hitler-rises-to-power/927187)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-continues-undeterred-as-adolf-hitler-rises-to-power/927187 "2020-12-05T14:07:15Z")
In Namibia: A man named Adolf Hitler Uunona has won a local election in Namibia with 85 percent of the vote, becoming a councilor in the Ompundja Constituency. So here’s more evidence for the theory that we’re just … --- ## [Rich Little - Good or mediocre?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-little-good-or-mediocre/53545)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rich-little-good-or-mediocre/53545 "2020-12-05T12:28:27Z")
I saw a rerun of Chico and the Man recently in which Rich Little was a guest star. His character stammered a lot, so to get around him he spoke as various celebrities (of course). I remember when I was much younger and … --- ## [Do we have a DC area (D.C./Northern Virginis (NoVa)/Maryland) Doper group?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-dc-area-d-c-northern-virginis-nova-maryland-doper-group/927132)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2020, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-dc-area-d-c-northern-virginis-nova-maryland-doper-group/927132 "2020-12-05T11:36:51Z")
I know there have been some efforts in the past to create a local Doper group. I have avoided them in fear of having my online and real life identities merged, but given the conditions of the past year, the pandemic lock… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1625) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1627)