# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=163 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 164 --- ## [I've seen \*Aliens\* a dozen times, but never the very beginning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-aliens-a-dozen-times-but-never-the-very-beginning/1026286)
**Author:** [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-seen-aliens-a-dozen-times-but-never-the-very-beginning/1026286 "2026-01-13T22:21:18Z")
I just realized this. I recorded the movie this morning and was just watching it. By heck, I have no memory of seeing the very beginning, with salvage robots lasering into Ripley’s ship, or of Jonesy the cat sleeping w… --- ## [Christmas Shepherds Pie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shepherds-pie/1026021)
**Author:** [@CaveMike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaveMike)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-shepherds-pie/1026021 "2026-01-13T22:15:44Z")
We’re making a ‘shepherds’ pie for Christmas dinner. Air quotes because it’s neither a true shepherds or cottage pie since we’re using ground turkey. As crazy as it seems, some family members don’t like mashed potatoes.… --- ## [We seem to be missing another poster (Stranger\_on\_a\_Train)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-seem-to-be-missing-another-poster-stranger-on-a-train/1026438)
**Author:** [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-seem-to-be-missing-another-poster-stranger-on-a-train/1026438 "2026-01-13T21:51:23Z")
@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train hasn’t posted since November 5. Does anyone know if he’s okay? --- ## [Why can't I download photos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-download-photos/1026653)
**Author:** [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-download-photos/1026653 "2026-01-13T21:46:26Z")
Took a photo with my phone. Emailed it to myself. Saved it to downloads, supposedly, but I can’t upload it to the internet, because it only shows up as “unknown”, multiple times. Why is this happening, and what can I do … --- ## [CSN singing "Teach your Children", location?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/csn-singing-teach-your-children-location/1026632)
**Author:** [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/csn-singing-teach-your-children-location/1026632 "2026-01-13T20:41:56Z")
Can someone identify where Crosby Stills and Nash are singing “Teach your Children” in the linked video? At the start of the clip, they’re seated and it looks like they’re indoors on a stage in a theater or studio. Then… --- ## [How expensive is your hobby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-is-your-hobby/1026139)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-expensive-is-your-hobby/1026139 "2026-01-13T20:31:54Z")
A few years ago, I decided to indulge my life-long interest in astronomy to purchase a good telescope for backyard viewing. When I began checking suppliers and equipment reviews, I was astonished at the sheer volume of e… --- ## [Transgender Sports bans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-sports-bans/1026656)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-sports-bans/1026656 "2026-01-13T19:38:21Z")
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/supreme-court-arguments-transgender-athletes-01-13-26 So what does everyone think- do trans athletes have an unfair advantage? --- ## [The case of the runaway onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-of-the-runaway-onion/1026586)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-of-the-runaway-onion/1026586 "2026-01-13T19:16:08Z")
I heard a screech coming from the kitchen and a Chihuahua barking. Only one. A cat flew by my head to the top of the bookshelf. Butch, the other Chihuahua, ran across my door, down the hallway to the stairs. Kids, dogs… --- ## [Did kids really used to say golly, gee, and gosh a lot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-kids-really-used-to-say-golly-gee-and-gosh-a-lot/1026356)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-kids-really-used-to-say-golly-gee-and-gosh-a-lot/1026356 "2026-01-13T19:12:30Z")
I’ve been browsing through lots of old (50s, 60s) comics lately, and the kids/teens say golly, gee, or gosh a lot. They also did on TV shows from the same period (like Leave it to Beaver). Was that actually common kid la… --- ## [Is this a font or just a logo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-font-or-just-a-logo/1026649)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-font-or-just-a-logo/1026649 "2026-01-13T18:06:34Z")
I like the bold geometric lettering on the Toyota Tundra tailgate. I wonder if it is a whole font or just a logo? --- ## [Flight sim controllers: Yokes, sticks, HOTAS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-sim-controllers-yokes-sticks-hotas/1026313)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-sim-controllers-yokes-sticks-hotas/1026313 "2026-01-13T18:04:05Z")
We last had a similar thread about this 10-20 years ago: yoke vs stick But that was more about design tradeoffs in real-world aircraft, things like legroom and panel space. In the sim & gaming world, where they’re all … --- ## [Are flagships still a thing in current navies? Does the US have a ship they designate as the flagship of the US Navy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-flagships-still-a-thing-in-current-navies-does-the-us-have-a-ship-they-designate-as-the-flagship-of-the-us-navy/1023892)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-flagships-still-a-thing-in-current-navies-does-the-us-have-a-ship-they-designate-as-the-flagship-of-the-us-navy/1023892 "2026-01-13T17:30:54Z")
Title says it all. I get what a flagship used to be back in Napoleonic times. Then it morphed into more of a place of honor when flags were no longer used. Is it still a thing? If so, what is the current flagship of t… --- ## [Anyone else who tried out smoking (tobacco) when young and just failed to see the point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-who-tried-out-smoking-tobacco-when-young-and-just-failed-to-see-the-point/1026591)
**Author:** [@Mops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mops)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-else-who-tried-out-smoking-tobacco-when-young-and-just-failed-to-see-the-point/1026591 "2026-01-13T16:56:16Z")
An experience that I do not recall others mentioning: I tried out smoking cigarettes as a teen, surreptitiously, over a period of days and to the extent of perhaps half a pack, and experienced no effect (pleasurable or … --- ## [In US football, why do we never see the "chains" come out to measure if a first down was made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584 "2026-01-13T16:14:15Z")
Title kinda says it all: Growing up I recall seeing the measuring sticks come out from sidelines in US football games to see if a first down was made. It was a pretty common thing to see happen. I realized watching ga… --- ## [Mass Effect Legendary - my thoughts while I play these games (spoilers as I play)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-effect-legendary-my-thoughts-while-i-play-these-games-spoilers-as-i-play/941984)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 683\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-effect-legendary-my-thoughts-while-i-play-these-games-spoilers-as-i-play/941984 "2026-01-13T15:47:29Z")
I should begin playing tomorrow afternoon since the game releases around 11AM my time. I am pre-loading it now and will try to put a few hours in over the next few days. I am 100% unspoiled, so please don’t spoil ahead … --- ## [Spam cell phone calls-- I don't get them but almost everyone I know gets lots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-cell-phone-calls-i-dont-get-them-but-almost-everyone-i-know-gets-lots/1026565)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spam-cell-phone-calls-i-dont-get-them-but-almost-everyone-i-know-gets-lots/1026565 "2026-01-13T15:23:55Z")
When I get together with friends for lunch or just to chat here at The Home, often the subject of spam calls will come up. To their cell phones (most don’t have a land line anymore). I had lunch with a friend on Friday … --- ## [Are there actually any decent nonstick pots and pans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-actually-any-decent-nonstick-pots-and-pans/1024093)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-actually-any-decent-nonstick-pots-and-pans/1024093 "2026-01-13T14:44:02Z")
All I want is one saucepan and one 10 inch frying pan that is reasonably nonstick. People kept telling me to get Calphalon but I did and despite never using metal utensils and never scrubbing it I found that the coating … --- ## [Books, books, books, and more books!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-books-books-and-more-books/1026234)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-books-books-and-more-books/1026234 "2026-01-13T14:17:51Z")
We’re doing it with movies & TV, so I thought maybe books would be fun too. Propose a category, and after 10 entries, it’s done. Last entrant posts a new one. Since it’s books, please, no in-fighting. If poster 1 thinks… --- ## [Federal Reserve Chairman Says He's Under Criminal Investigation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve-chairman-says-hes-under-criminal-investigation/1026579)
**Author:** [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-reserve-chairman-says-hes-under-criminal-investigation/1026579 "2026-01-13T13:29:06Z")
Jerome Powell, FTC Chairman, says the Department of Justice is investigating criminal charges against him. Powell says it’s in retaliation for his interest rate policy, which is not in agreement with Trump’s. The DOJ say… --- ## [On Stephen King, the Dark Tower, Lisey’s Story, and memory. Open spoilers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-stephen-king-the-dark-tower-lisey-s-story-and-memory-open-spoilers/1026401)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-stephen-king-the-dark-tower-lisey-s-story-and-memory-open-spoilers/1026401 "2026-01-13T12:47:42Z")
I’m listening to the audiobook of Lisey’s Story, having first read the book about 15 years ago. I was a newlywed at the time, and naturally I focused on the parts of the book involving the relationship between Lisey and… --- ## [Funny things you've heard people say.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-things-youve-heard-people-say/23215)
**Author:** [@Guy\_Incognito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guy_Incognito)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/funny-things-youve-heard-people-say/23215 "2026-01-13T12:12:27Z")
“So, are you going to have dinner at the carnival tonight?” “F@\*% you! I’m going to church.” Anybody else overhear stuff like this? --- ## [Where is the U.S. (roughly) on the Germany 1930-1945 scale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-u-s-roughly-on-the-germany-1930-1945-scale/1026338)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-u-s-roughly-on-the-germany-1930-1945-scale/1026338 "2026-01-13T06:51:40Z")
If you were to compare the actions and attitudes of the U.S. to that of Germany during the time of WWII, where in the timeline would you place the former? --- ## [Gov. Walz should activate the Minnesota Guard to protect his citizens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gov-walz-should-activate-the-minnesota-guard-to-protect-his-citizens/1026621)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gov-walz-should-activate-the-minnesota-guard-to-protect-his-citizens/1026621 "2026-01-13T06:07:23Z")
My cousin is a teacher in Minneapolis and ICE is terrorizing the schools – waiting outside when school is over to harass and detain teachers, students, etc. They are also terrorizing local residents, citizens and non-ci… --- ## [How many Dopers in your household?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-in-your-household/781322)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-dopers-in-your-household/781322 "2026-01-13T05:32:30Z")
How many people in your abode post to this message board? I’ve got three: My Beloved(aka Rahne McCloud), roomie Cerridwin and myself. --- ## [My alma mater is in the inaugural class of Black-Serving Institutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-in-the-inaugural-class-of-black-serving-institutions/1026556)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-alma-mater-is-in-the-inaugural-class-of-black-serving-institutions/1026556 "2026-01-13T05:19:39Z")
My alma mater is in the inaugural class of Black-Serving Institutions. The announcement is dated December 16, 2025, but I just got it in my E-mail today. Good job, UCD! --- ## [Marty Supreme (hidden spoilers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marty-supreme-hidden-spoilers/1026076)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marty-supreme-hidden-spoilers/1026076 "2026-01-13T04:29:16Z")
I took my family to go see this opening night because my daughter is a big Timmee fan. Suffice it to say, this is not a great Christmas-with-the-family movie. I missed part of the middle because one of my kids couldn’t… --- ## [How dramatically would baseball change if you eliminated foul territory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602 "2026-01-13T04:06:47Z")
Let’s create a stadium where the stands crowd up right next to the foul lines, give or take a few feet to allow for first- and third-base basepaths, as well as the batter’s boxes. We are going to all but eliminate caugh… --- ## [Who are the current admins to whom I would submit a name change request?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-current-admins-to-whom-i-would-submit-a-name-change-request/1026627)
**Author:** [@Darwins\_Finch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darwins_Finch)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-current-admins-to-whom-i-would-submit-a-name-change-request/1026627 "2026-01-13T03:07:32Z")
I had an extended absence from the boards, during which time the board software changed to Discourse. In the process, my username was changed from “Darwin’s Finch” to “Darwin\_s\_Finch” (it seems Discourse is not apostrop… --- ## [Corporation for Public Broadcasting to shut down following Trump budget cuts ~ Share your memories!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporation-for-public-broadcasting-to-shut-down-following-trump-budget-cuts-share-your-memories/1021604)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporation-for-public-broadcasting-to-shut-down-following-trump-budget-cuts-share-your-memories/1021604 "2026-01-13T03:03:14Z")
Over in The Trump Administration: The Clusterfuck Continues thread, I posted bit of news. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced on Aug. 1 that it was starting an “orderly wind-down of its operations” weeks … --- ## [Is What Exit? A Pit mod now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-what-exit-a-pit-mod-now/1026569)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-what-exit-a-pit-mod-now/1026569 "2026-01-13T01:48:01Z")
Or have they somehow decided the What Were you THINKING? thread is somehow their purview to mod? Because that’s a couple of times now they’ve been modding that thread, specifically. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=162) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=164)