# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1720 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1721 --- ## [Romania sure has changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romania-sure-has-changed/920407)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romania-sure-has-changed/920407 "2020-09-12T14:05:10Z")
I was making some comments on grocery delivery in Romania in this thread, and Chefguy remembered how bad Romania was in 1990: Well, I agree. One should remember that Romania was a communist state until 1989 and the reg… --- ## [The Most Iconic Domestically-Created Character for Each Country](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-iconic-domestically-created-character-for-each-country/918263)
**Author:** [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-iconic-domestically-created-character-for-each-country/918263 "2020-09-12T13:00:33Z")
I can only think of a few, USA: Mickey Mouse Japan: Godzilla UK: Sherlock Holmes France: Hunchback of Notre Dame Most of the ones I immediately think of for other countries are the product of American or other forei… --- ## [People getting positive test results when they never took a test: an issue in your area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-getting-positive-test-results-when-they-never-took-a-test-an-issue-in-your-area/915957)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-getting-positive-test-results-when-they-never-took-a-test-an-issue-in-your-area/915957 "2020-09-12T12:44:46Z")
I will preface this by stating that my source is Facebook, so take it with a big nugget of salt like I did, at least at first. (Now, it’s just a grain.) Someone posted that they had two friends, in my city no less, who… --- ## [Can the president issue a blanket pardon or does he need to enumerate each crime being pardoned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-issue-a-blanket-pardon-or-does-he-need-to-enumerate-each-crime-being-pardoned/920164)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-president-issue-a-blanket-pardon-or-does-he-need-to-enumerate-each-crime-being-pardoned/920164 "2020-09-12T12:41:32Z")
Let’s say there is someone who has allegedly committed numerous crimes but hasn’t been indicted yet for any of them. Can the president issue a blanket pardon saying, “Person-X is hereby pardoned of any and all federal c… --- ## [Where's the original 9/11 thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-original-9-11-thread/920382)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-the-original-9-11-thread/920382 "2020-09-12T09:04:29Z")
Where is the thread where we all posted about the 9/11 attacks as they were happening? --- ## [Anyone looking forward to the Michael Cohen book about Donald Trump that comes out tomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-looking-forward-to-the-michael-cohen-book-about-donald-trump-that-comes-out-tomorrow/920069)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-looking-forward-to-the-michael-cohen-book-about-donald-trump-that-comes-out-tomorrow/920069 "2020-09-12T08:14:15Z")
I read and really enjoyed Mary Trump’s book, I think I finished it in a day or two. I haven’t read most of the tell alls that have come out but Cohens book and Mary Trump’s book are ones I really want to go through. --- ## [Diana Rigg dies at 82](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diana-rigg-dies-at-82/920264)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diana-rigg-dies-at-82/920264 "2020-09-12T07:44:41Z")
I watched the Avengers because Diana Rigg was in it. She was such a lovely lady and one of the early female action heroes. Diana was recently in Game of Thrones and a new generation of fans discovered her. She’ll be re… --- ## [Are there any at home ways to test if my body thermometers are registering the correct temperature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-at-home-ways-to-test-if-my-body-thermometers-are-registering-the-correct-temperature/919816)
**Author:** [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-at-home-ways-to-test-if-my-body-thermometers-are-registering-the-correct-temperature/919816 "2020-09-12T07:17:48Z")
I have a few oral thermometers at home, but they aren’t always consistent with each other. I have two oral and one touchless, but sometimes they can be off by a degree from each other. Regular thermometers can easily b… --- ## [My unorthodox fish tank (long and probably really boring)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-unorthodox-fish-tank-long-and-probably-really-boring/843800)
**Author:** [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2019, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-unorthodox-fish-tank-long-and-probably-really-boring/843800 "2019-11-27T18:56:06Z")
So I’ve done all the things you aren’t supposed to do for a fish tank and it’s turned out beautifully. It was a bit of an accidental process that started with my failed pickle jar ecosphere where I scooped up some pond w… --- ## [Where can I ask for YouTube help?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-ask-for-youtube-help/920395)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-can-i-ask-for-youtube-help/920395 "2020-09-12T06:09:12Z")
I have tried Google, and I’ve tried to find a subreddit. I’m at my wits end for the day. It’s like Google wants to be difficult. Where can I ask about subtitles or notes or something on YT videos? In case that place is … --- ## [How much say do journalists have about what they reveal and when?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-say-do-journalists-have-about-what-they-reveal-and-when/920356)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-say-do-journalists-have-about-what-they-reveal-and-when/920356 "2020-09-12T05:45:02Z")
How much say do journalists have about what they reveal and when? What do journalists have to reveal to their supervisors or editors of what they have uncovered ? I’ve had the feeling for a very long time that journalist… --- ## [Drone weed attack!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drone-weed-attack/919754)
**Author:** [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2020, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drone-weed-attack/919754 "2020-09-12T01:31:03Z")
Dozens of pot packets rained down from the sky in Tel Aviv — sending folks running into the street to snag them and leading to two arrests. Two men who allegedly operated the weed-wielding quadcopter were likely affili… --- ## [How will the White House spin Woodward quoting Trump saying Covid is "deadly"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-white-house-spin-woodward-quoting-trump-saying-covid-is-deadly/920219)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-white-house-spin-woodward-quoting-trump-saying-covid-is-deadly/920219 "2020-09-11T23:44:21Z")
One fascinating aspect of the shit-show we are living through is how Trump and cronies manage to counter what seem at first to be impossibly damning things Trump has said - from “grab 'em by the pussy” to “people who ser… --- ## [Travel restrictions from Japan to US - return of green card holder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-restrictions-from-japan-to-us-return-of-green-card-holder/920381)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/travel-restrictions-from-japan-to-us-return-of-green-card-holder/920381 "2020-09-11T22:52:13Z")
Anyone have any experience or knowledge of current conditions? My husband is a Japanese citizen with a US green card, and he wants to travel to Japan due to urgent family issues. He understands about the self-quarantinin… --- ## [What if the POTUS used force to win a reelection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-potus-used-force-to-win-a-reelection/920214)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-potus-used-force-to-win-a-reelection/920214 "2020-09-11T22:47:28Z")
By executive order or use of military or anything at his disposal this hypothetical POTUS is determined to be reelected. Doing things like detaining people, physically stopping people likely not to vote for him, even de… --- ## [Is American exceptionalism actually right? Is the U.S. the most important country in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-exceptionalism-actually-right-is-the-u-s-the-most-important-country-in-the-world/920142)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-exceptionalism-actually-right-is-the-u-s-the-most-important-country-in-the-world/920142 "2020-09-11T22:36:05Z")
I’ve read quite a few people imply or outright say that without the United States, no concerted global effort to mitigate climate change will work. Someone described the “It Could Happen Here” podcast as speculating that… --- ## [Admis & Mods](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/admis-mods/920293)
**Author:** [@Not\_the\_sharpest\_roc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_the_sharpest_roc)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/admis-mods/920293 "2020-09-11T22:01:29Z")
Admins & Mods. I haven’t used SDMB in a long time. Tuesday or Wednesday ( 8th or 9th of Sep.) I tried using my old user name and password, the system wouldn’t recognize my old credentials. I was able to create an entir… --- ## [Did the North not create their own statues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-north-not-create-their-own-statues/919066)
**Author:** [@urbanredneck2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/urbanredneck2)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-north-not-create-their-own-statues/919066 "2020-09-11T21:55:59Z")
We have had many discussions about taking down statues and monuments to the heroes of the confederacy. My question is why didnt the people of the north make a huge mountain carving to Union heroes like Grant, Sherman, M… --- ## [Nested spoilers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nested-spoilers/919916)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nested-spoilers/919916 "2020-09-11T21:45:45Z")
I found an old thread that I’d posted in a few years back - in which I had posted something with two or perhaps 3 levels of spoilers. You can click on the blurred bit - which displays the outermost spoiler, Then a graye… --- ## [How best to get a fine wristwatch serviced?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-best-to-get-a-fine-wristwatch-serviced/920132)
**Author:** [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-best-to-get-a-fine-wristwatch-serviced/920132 "2020-09-11T21:18:13Z")
My aging father recently gave me his mid-1960s Omega Constellation watch. It’s a nice looking device, but it has a couple problems I’d like to get fixed. For one, the crown has broken off, so you can’t set the time.\* It … --- ## [What do I call that "window" inside my house?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-that-window-inside-my-house/920296)
**Author:** [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-i-call-that-window-inside-my-house/920296 "2020-09-11T20:38:31Z")
My upstairs hallway has an opening that overlooks the downstairs living area. It’s window-like in that it’s rectangular and has a sill, but surely there is some more appropriate word for this opening. Anyone know? --- ## [Any thoughts on this piece on free speech?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-thoughts-on-this-piece-on-free-speech/919397)
**Author:** [@complexfreeformd2r](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/complexfreeformd2r)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-thoughts-on-this-piece-on-free-speech/919397 "2020-09-11T19:43:41Z")
I can’t tell if this is satire or serious, but it seems to be serious since it’s so fleshed out. In any case, any thoughts, rebuttals, comments to the professor’s proposal? --- ## [How is trump running so well when he is doing worse with major demographics compared to 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-running-so-well-when-he-is-doing-worse-with-major-demographics-compared-to-2016/920129)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-trump-running-so-well-when-he-is-doing-worse-with-major-demographics-compared-to-2016/920129 "2020-09-11T19:43:19Z")
so hear me out. my understanding is predictions have trump at about a 1 in 3 chance of winning. that’s about the odds he had in 2016. But several voter demographic groups have reduced support for him. college educate… --- ## [Boomer Esiason](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boomer-esiason/855714)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boomer-esiason/855714 "2020-09-11T19:16:22Z")
Do you like the former NFL quarterback and current radio broadcaster/CBS Sports commentator? Some people don’t like him because of his anti-Colin Kaepernick rants due to the national anthem kneeling issue. --- ## [Best Mobile Games that do not utilize micro-transactions? (Android if possible)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-mobile-games-that-do-not-utilize-micro-transactions-android-if-possible/914002)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-mobile-games-that-do-not-utilize-micro-transactions-android-if-possible/914002 "2020-09-11T19:12:33Z")
I could use a time-killer game, but really hate games that time you out for hours unless you pay. Games like Simpsons Tapped Out(which I heavily played for a couple years) are nice, but I am wondering what decent games a… --- ## [Gobekli Tepe: What do we really know?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gobekli-tepe-what-do-we-really-know/820508)
**Author:** [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Replies:** 296\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gobekli-tepe-what-do-we-really-know/820508 "2020-09-11T18:11:47Z")
So, there’s this city, that we are currently digging up. That is older than we thought civilization was. But clearly we were humans peoples before we thought we were. Is anyone else excited about this? Here: A vide… --- ## [Multiple boats sink at Trump boat parade on Lake Travis in Texas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-boats-sink-at-trump-boat-parade-on-lake-travis-in-texas/919905)
**Author:** [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multiple-boats-sink-at-trump-boat-parade-on-lake-travis-in-texas/919905 "2020-09-11T17:43:24Z")
First off, I hope no one is seriously injured and there is no loss of life. That said, this is hilarious. #Dumbkirk is trending on Twitter. It also works on a lot of levels. For example it could be a metaphor for the … --- ## [Favorite scores - violin edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-scores-violin-edition/920309)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-scores-violin-edition/920309 "2020-09-11T17:10:02Z")
What are your favorite violin scores in movies and television? Today I binged all of Normal People on hulu, which I highly recommend. A bit of a slow start but by the end of the second episode it had gotten its hooks in… --- ## [French adjective q](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-adjective-q/920350)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-adjective-q/920350 "2020-09-11T16:44:48Z")
It’s feu ma tante, but ma feue tante. What’s the difference in meaning, if any Why does the adjective agree with the noun in the second case but remain invariable in the first case? Are there other examples? --- ## [I'm getting drunk today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-drunk-today/919942)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-drunk-today/919942 "2020-09-11T16:44:38Z")
Just cause I feel like it. I started with orange flavored vodka at 8:00 am and told myself that it was close enough to orange juice to not matter. I might need better reasoning for the tequila at 9:00 am. Any suggesti… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1719) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1721)