# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=164&state=watching [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 165 --- ## [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. --- ## [The 2025-26 Steelers March to the Super Bowl Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-26-steelers-march-to-the-super-bowl-thread/1022818)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-26-steelers-march-to-the-super-bowl-thread/1022818 "2026-01-13T01:27:36Z")
Football is upon us, and so it is time for me to compose my annual essay about how my beloved Steelers are going to win a 7th championship, only to have absolutely none of it come true. But, as always, fanaticism trumps … --- ## [Hatin' on Christmas music!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hatin-on-christmas-music/994897)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hatin-on-christmas-music/994897 "2026-01-12T22:28:59Z")
'Tis the season … for retail workers, customer service agents, etc. to be subjected to endless rounds of 50-year-old renditions of “Jingle Bell Rock,” plus all the new! fresh! yay! reworkings by yesterday’s has-beens. W… --- ## [Why don't football stadiums have dugouts like baseball fields?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-football-stadiums-have-dugouts-like-baseball-fields/1026600)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-football-stadiums-have-dugouts-like-baseball-fields/1026600 "2026-01-12T22:01:26Z")
It’s cold in the fall and all the players get are those heated seats. --- ## [WhiteDate and several other "White" sites scraped for data](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitedate-and-several-other-white-sites-scraped-for-data/1026414)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitedate-and-several-other-white-sites-scraped-for-data/1026414 "2026-01-12T21:55:28Z")
A person going by “Martha Root” has collected 100GB of data from several white supremacist type connection sites. Many of the personal profiles are posted on a website, though not quite in full, but the collected data is… --- ## [Neal Stephenson: recommendations for next book after REAMDE?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neal-stephenson-recommendations-for-next-book-after-reamde/1026287)
**Author:** [@Ferris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferris)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neal-stephenson-recommendations-for-next-book-after-reamde/1026287 "2026-01-12T21:34:32Z")
From what I can gather, his other works are either cyberpunk, sci-fi (e.g. Snow Crash) or something like steampunk (The Baroque Cycle)? I enjoyed the pace and settings of Reamde, but don’t know what to choose next. Will… --- ## [Hairdryer -\> Bathtub killings (are settings relevant?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hairdryer-bathtub-killings-are-settings-relevant/1026547)
**Author:** [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hairdryer-bathtub-killings-are-settings-relevant/1026547 "2026-01-12T19:50:56Z")
One of my many random shower-thoughts (bathtub?) … We have all seen the tv-trope of somebody killing a person who is taking a bath, by throwing the hairdryer into the tub. Which triggered the following Q of mine: Many… --- ## [Would this be junior modding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-junior-modding/1026571)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-be-junior-modding/1026571 "2026-01-12T19:36:34Z")
Hypothetically speaking: In a particular thread a person repeatedly posts incorrect statements. A bunch of other people have attempted to correct him. He refuses to even consider the possibility that he may be mistaken.… --- ## [Can I make my own wood putty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-make-my-own-wood-putty/1026563)
**Author:** [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-make-my-own-wood-putty/1026563 "2026-01-12T18:58:30Z")
I generally don’t like any store bought wood putty. But upon finishing a new railing for our stairs to the garage, I do have a small gap. Not really a big deal. The rail is made of oak. and I have a lot of very fine/sm… --- ## [How many pillows do you sleep with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-pillows-do-you-sleep-with/1026400)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-pillows-do-you-sleep-with/1026400 "2026-01-12T18:17:01Z")
How many pillows do you use to sleep, not how many are on your bed. Body pillows count as 2. poll --- ## [So I Have Shingles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-have-shingles/1001448)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-i-have-shingles/1001448 "2026-01-12T16:41:59Z")
I’m 53. My doctor told me, when I turned 50, that I should consider the singles vaccine if I had chicken pox as a child. The thing is, I didn’t know if I actually had chicken pox (I do now, of course), and Mamahomie didn… --- ## [The best episode of the worst show](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-episode-of-the-worst-show/1026573)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-episode-of-the-worst-show/1026573 "2026-01-12T13:21:17Z")
Galactica 1980 was a terrible show but the pilot episode showed the Cylons attacking Earth which is all any kid at the time wanted to see so it was a great episode. What is the best episode of the worst show? --- ## [What is this … thing (probably has something to do with livestock)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-probably-has-something-to-do-with-livestock/1026408)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-thing-probably-has-something-to-do-with-livestock/1026408 "2026-01-12T13:04:57Z")
What is this? There are a few for sale on the side of the road on my way to and from work (Salem, Missouri, USA). I imagine it has some agricultural purpose, as lots of folks around here raise chickens, turkeys, goats, e… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=163&state=watching) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=165&state=watching)