# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1685 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1686 --- ## [Potatoes au gratin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potatoes-au-gratin/802150)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potatoes-au-gratin/802150 "2020-10-13T14:13:27Z")
I made potatoes au gratin from scratch for the first time today. I made a roux, added milk, melted a slice of American cheese (not ‘cheese food’ or ‘food product’) and a handful of shredded Tillamook medium cheddar into… --- ## [White House Press Coordinator (?) US Carbon Emissions Reduced by 30% (?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-press-coordinator-us-carbon-emissions-reduced-by-30/922671)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-house-press-coordinator-us-carbon-emissions-reduced-by-30/922671 "2020-10-13T13:28:52Z")
I heard this on NPR and I didn’t catch the guy’s name. Not the White House Press Secretary, but some White House Press liaison of some sort, so that’s my first question, who was that guy? His named was something like G… --- ## [Presidential debate cancelled](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-debate-cancelled/922725)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-debate-cancelled/922725 "2020-10-13T13:10:31Z")
So, Trump refused to participate in a virtual debate over a video link. And the result is the debate has been cancelled. I think this is the wrong decision. They can hold the debate, invite both candidates to appear, … --- ## [Hunter Biden wins Nobel Prize](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunter-biden-wins-nobel-prize/922755)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hunter-biden-wins-nobel-prize/922755 "2020-10-13T13:00:07Z")
Well, almost. I can’t believe this isn’t the headline on every news page in the world. It’s got “technically true” written all over it, and that’s a lot closer to an actual fact that most of what we read these days. Th… --- ## [Variant on Thin Blue Line Flag](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/variant-on-thin-blue-line-flag/922672)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/variant-on-thin-blue-line-flag/922672 "2020-10-13T05:30:43Z")
I learned about the US Flag where red is replaced with blue, to indicate solidarity with the police. I saw one today which was like that, except one of the blue stripes was green, instead. What does this signify? --- ## [How do I find comments I've made on Pinterest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-comments-ive-made-on-pinterest/922849)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-find-comments-ive-made-on-pinterest/922849 "2020-10-13T04:00:58Z")
I very rarely make comments on that site, but I have made a few. I’d like to go back and see if there are any responses or better answers than what I provided in my comments. I’m having zero luck discovering how. Anyone … --- ## [What are unique/cool powers for a super villain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-unique-cool-powers-for-a-super-villain/922840)
**Author:** [@Cmyers1980](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cmyers1980)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-unique-cool-powers-for-a-super-villain/922840 "2020-10-13T04:00:15Z")
I have an idea for a psychopathic super villain that got their powers from a demon that wants to create more death and chaos in the world. I have some ideas (the villain will have multiple powers) but what powers do you… --- ## [What is it about Willie Nelsons voice that is....comforting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-willie-nelsons-voice-that-is-comforting/922686)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-about-willie-nelsons-voice-that-is-comforting/922686 "2020-10-13T03:59:45Z")
Whether hes the lead Or he surprisingly shows up in someone elses song. Is it because he is a little unpolished so he sounds like your grandad? Of course if you dont like Will… --- ## [Democratic Secretaries of State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-secretaries-of-state/922846)
**Author:** [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-secretaries-of-state/922846 "2020-10-13T03:42:03Z")
How many states have a Democrat in the position of Secretary of State (or the equivalent position which runs and certifies elections)? Might be important. I know Arizona’s Secretary of State (who is also effectively lieu… --- ## [COVID is not contagious, says noted crank](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-not-contagious-says-noted-crank/921251)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-is-not-contagious-says-noted-crank/921251 "2020-10-13T03:34:59Z")
I got onto the mailing list of the Weston A. Price Foundation, which started by proselytizing for raw milk and then branched out into all sorts of medical quackery. I battled them on my blog for years. At some point they… --- ## [Video Killed the Radio Star... but which star(s)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-killed-the-radio-star-but-which-star-s/591279)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-killed-the-radio-star-but-which-star-s/591279 "2020-10-13T03:09:33Z")
Since the 30th anniversary of MTV is upon us, the question of “What was the first video played on MTV” now loses its cachet (sp?) as a bar trivia question, with the answer being, of course, The Buggles Video Killed The R… --- ## [What's the dorkiest prop used by any superhero or superheroine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-dorkiest-prop-used-by-any-superhero-or-superheroine/395990 "2020-10-13T02:22:09Z")
I’m voting for Wonder Woman’s invisible jet. Especially when it was drawn as a series of dotted lines with Wonder Woman’s figure perched in the middle of it. Incredibly silly-looking. --- ## [Do you know what Lestoil is? Are you aware that it is still around?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-lestoil-is-are-you-aware-that-it-is-still-around/922225)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-know-what-lestoil-is-are-you-aware-that-it-is-still-around/922225 "2020-10-13T02:00:21Z")
In today’s Sunday New York Times crossword, one of the answers was “Lestoil”. I had no problem with that one. In a crossword blog I follow (Rex Parker - link), a surprising number of posters - as well as Rex himself - w… --- ## [Petersburg, Andrei Bely novel (spoilers ok)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petersburg-andrei-bely-novel-spoilers-ok/922841)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/petersburg-andrei-bely-novel-spoilers-ok/922841 "2020-10-13T01:29:53Z")
I just bought on a whim a novel I never heard of before today: Petersburg. It was only $2.99 for the kindle version and it’s the John Elsworth translation which according to Goodreads reviews is a good one. What have I… --- ## [Sports drink -- suggestion wanted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-drink-suggestion-wanted/921184)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-drink-suggestion-wanted/921184 "2020-10-13T01:29:21Z")
I’m running low on my current sports drink and want suggestions. Perhaps there’s a better one out there. Currently I drink Cytomax. I used to get it from Performance Bicycles, but they closed their local store a couple … --- ## [Damn you lower lip! I just want to sleep!! Anyone else have this weird problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-you-lower-lip-i-just-want-to-sleep-anyone-else-have-this-weird-problem/430316)
**Author:** [@Red\_Barchetta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Red_Barchetta)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2020, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/damn-you-lower-lip-i-just-want-to-sleep-anyone-else-have-this-weird-problem/430316 "2020-10-13T00:12:29Z")
Okay, this is weird. I can verify it’s weird because a ton of Google searches yielded 0 relevant results – that NEVER happens! Unfortunately, it also seems hard to explain… In short, my damn lower lip rests right on top… --- ## [If someone offered you a Rolls, would you accept it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-offered-you-a-rolls-would-you-accept-it/921761)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-someone-offered-you-a-rolls-would-you-accept-it/921761 "2020-10-12T23:46:40Z")
Simply what the title says. Say someone offers you a mid-80s Rolls Royce, low miles, in fine operating condition. Only catch is - you have to keep it, at least for a couple years, rather than just turn around and sell … --- ## [What's your favorite mask?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-mask/920705)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-your-favorite-mask/920705 "2020-10-12T23:01:17Z")
No one really likes having to wear masks, but I admit I like the fashion statement potential. My favorite owned mask is a depiction of the Link mural from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. I have a matching T-shirt t… --- ## [Chessboard story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chessboard-story/922147)
**Author:** [@TheKingOfSoup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheKingOfSoup)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chessboard-story/922147 "2020-10-12T22:28:47Z")
Hello. I don’t play chess, my hobby is writing, but I sometimes enjoy solving chess puzzles. It occurred to me recently that a chess game consists of a bunch of different characters, with different characteristics, enga… --- ## [Here's a reminder of what sports should look like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-a-reminder-of-what-sports-should-look-like/922798)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-a-reminder-of-what-sports-should-look-like/922798 "2020-10-12T22:27:05Z")
Having lived in the United States for 20 years, I’m a huge fan of baseball, a pretty big fan of the NFL, and I watch the NHL when I get a chance. But I also retain a love for both rugby codes, league and union, from my … --- ## [Could the Democratic Party have kept Bernie off the primaries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-democratic-party-have-kept-bernie-off-the-primaries/851867)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-democratic-party-have-kept-bernie-off-the-primaries/851867 "2020-10-12T22:16:31Z")
This point has come up in various permutations over the past few months, and as a furriner, I’m confused. Over in the “Bernie Withdraws” thread, Left Hand of Dorkness says this: But I thought, from previous threads on… --- ## [Internal Polls--what are they, and how are they used?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internal-polls-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-used/922820)
**Author:** [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internal-polls-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-used/922820 "2020-10-12T21:16:09Z")
In most elections, we hear a lot about each party’s “internal polling”, and how that affects their strategy. My question is : What’s the difference between an internal poll, and a regular poll? (by,say, the Gallup compa… --- ## [ID this SF story from the quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-sf-story-from-the-quote/922785)
**Author:** [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-this-sf-story-from-the-quote/922785 "2020-10-12T19:52:13Z")
I was thinking about a particular scene from a book this morning. It’s quite clear in my mind, but I can’t for the life of me remember what the book was. The book is almost certainly 70s era or earlier. Hard SF. The pro… --- ## [What kind of nuts in your rocky road ice cream?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-nuts-in-your-rocky-road-ice-cream/920116)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-nuts-in-your-rocky-road-ice-cream/920116 "2020-10-12T19:32:44Z")
I’m getting ready to make some rocky road ice cream, but when I look up the ingredients list, there seems to be a question about what kind of nuts goes into it. What do you say? Walnuts, almonds, or something else? poll --- ## [Gaps in my (your) education](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaps-in-my-your-education/922689)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaps-in-my-your-education/922689 "2020-10-12T19:15:44Z")
Nobody has read or seen or done everything. Here’s a thread for what you missed and maybe for others to tell you whether it’s worth circling back (or not). I’ll start: I’ve never read Don Quixote. My dad went on and o… --- ## [A message from a fly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-from-a-fly/922490)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-message-from-a-fly/922490 "2020-10-12T19:02:59Z")
“Fly: symbol of rot, wasting away, decay, death, melancholia” Yes, of course this is inspired by the VP debate last night! --- ## [What do you do - or try to do - most every day toward self improvement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-or-try-to-do-most-every-day-toward-self-improvement/922708)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-do-or-try-to-do-most-every-day-toward-self-improvement/922708 "2020-10-12T18:34:55Z")
There are not enough hours in the day. Or maybe there is too much television and internet in my day. Anyway, I’ve been pretty good on two fronts: I walk at least a mile most days, and I play the piano for a half hour ev… --- ## [Would Her Majesty please take us back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-her-majesty-please-take-us-back/922634)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-her-majesty-please-take-us-back/922634 "2020-10-12T18:13:54Z")
So sorry about that bit about the taxes. We had a good run, but the American Experiment ended in failure – a republic we could not keep. Could England reclaim her wayward colony? What would it take, short of a reverse-r… --- ## [Restrictions on gatherings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrictions-on-gatherings/921748)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/restrictions-on-gatherings/921748 "2020-10-12T17:58:29Z")
Inspired by the wedding thread, I’m curious about what, if any, local restrictions you have on people getting together. Over the summer in England, as restaurants and pubs opened up and people starting reviving family g… --- ## [Another "Help me remember the title of a movie I liked" thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-help-me-remember-the-title-of-a-movie-i-liked-thread/922803)
**Author:** [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2020, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-help-me-remember-the-title-of-a-movie-i-liked-thread/922803 "2020-10-12T17:50:22Z")
I rented it on DVD from Netflix back yonder before streaming. Netflix used to have a place where you could look at all the movies you’ve ever rented, but if it’s still a feature, I couldn’t find it today. Movie takes pl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1684) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1686)