# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1722 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1723 --- ## [Could 17th century man run a marathon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-17th-century-man-run-a-marathon/920101)
**Author:** [@Dingbang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dingbang)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-17th-century-man-run-a-marathon/920101 "2020-09-10T19:40:50Z")
I was watching a triathlon with a friend and he casually mentioned how these contests were possible only in our recent history, as ancient men and women physically could not carry out these feats. I scoffed at the idea, … --- ## [I am SERIOUSLY WORRIED that these riots are going to get Trump re-elected](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-seriously-worried-that-these-riots-are-going-to-get-trump-re-elected/919092)
**Author:** [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Replies:** 277\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-seriously-worried-that-these-riots-are-going-to-get-trump-re-elected/919092 "2020-09-10T19:29:35Z")
My title says it all. Prior to COVID, I thought Trump stood a good chance of being re-elected since I felt that the Democratic field was so weak. Post-COVID I was initially much more sanguine about the Democrats’ (now B… --- ## [I was a longtime fan of The Onion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-a-longtime-fan-of-the-onion/919838)
**Author:** [@2\_More\_Bits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2_More_Bits)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-was-a-longtime-fan-of-the-onion/919838 "2020-09-10T19:04:22Z")
…until so much of the “real” news became “Oniony.” Do you still read it? \[In case you know not what I refer to, here’s today’s “paper.”\] --- ## [So remind me why I should practice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-remind-me-why-i-should-practice/855262)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-remind-me-why-i-should-practice/855262 "2020-09-10T19:03:43Z")
Played golf yesterday for the 1st time all year. Shot a very uneventful 3-over 38 for 9 holes. (For any non-golfers, that’s a pretty decent score - even on a relatively easy 9 hole course.) I could play the rest of th… --- ## [How did you know when it was over?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-you-know-when-it-was-over/920131)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-you-know-when-it-was-over/920131 "2020-09-10T18:56:25Z")
Yes I left “it” ambiguous. In these COVID days, well… My hunch is that there are certain signs. Maybe your job was over or your relationship was over or there were friendships you let lapse and never went back or some… --- ## [Brian in The Breakfast Club](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-in-the-breakfast-club/920138)
**Author:** [@awahl1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/awahl1138)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brian-in-the-breakfast-club/920138 "2020-09-10T18:10:08Z")
Brian is kind of labeled as the dweeb in the movie next to the anarchic Bender and high school athlete Andrew, but I always felt he was pretty street smart, he wasn’t really a pushover at all --- ## [What is Softbank doing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-softbank-doing/919898)
**Author:** [@Terwilliger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terwilliger)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-softbank-doing/919898 "2020-09-10T18:07:31Z")
Can someone explain in layman’s terms what this strategy is? And why it is “raising eyebrows”. Specifically, why buy both the stock and options? I have a basic a novice’s understanding of how options work. Also, whi… --- ## [Why do Star Fleet officers/crew wear uniforms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-star-fleet-officers-crew-wear-uniforms/919943)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-star-fleet-officers-crew-wear-uniforms/919943 "2020-09-10T18:04:17Z")
I saw a scene in Star Trek: the Next Generation in which a young crew member encountering Captain Picard spilled her beverage on him, forcing him to go change and it got me to wondering: with all the amazing technology i… --- ## [Fires in California 200+ years ago](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fires-in-california-200-years-ago/920261)
**Author:** [@Honolulu\_Lulu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honolulu_Lulu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fires-in-california-200-years-ago/920261 "2020-09-10T18:03:01Z")
There’s a lot of press about all the out-of-control forest fires in California as well as many places west of the Rockies. Were there just as many fires 200 years ago? Are many of the current fires started or exacerbate… --- ## [Blue cheese dressing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-cheese-dressing/919957)
**Author:** [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blue-cheese-dressing/919957 "2020-09-10T17:47:06Z")
What’s a good mass market blue cheese dressing? I bought Kraft but it’s really too sweet. --- ## [ID a kitchen range?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-a-kitchen-range/920180)
**Author:** [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-a-kitchen-range/920180 "2020-09-10T17:42:16Z")
Found this on pinterest, and I would love to own it. Anybody happen to know the make? I am sure it is amazingly expensive, but a girl can dream =) --- ## [SDMB NFL Pick 'em and Survival Leagues 2019](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-pick-em-and-survival-leagues-2019/839568)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-pick-em-and-survival-leagues-2019/839568 "2020-09-10T17:29:25Z")
So I’m starting this thread way late because it just completely slipped my mind to start these leagues. Last year’s thread Everyone is invited to play - it’s not like fantasy football where you have head to head matchu… --- ## [Please tell me all the message repeating in a thread is my fault…](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-all-the-message-repeating-in-a-thread-is-my-fault/920134)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-all-the-message-repeating-in-a-thread-is-my-fault/920134 "2020-09-10T17:09:41Z")
That it’s in my settings or something… So I can fix it. It’s hard to believe the software will be designed to show messages multiple times in a thread. It’s very confusing and irritating please tell me how I can make it … --- ## [Book author: 1960s book 'It Is Easier to Succeed Than to Fail'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-author-1960s-book-it-is-easier-to-succeed-than-to-fail/781559)
**Author:** [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/book-author-1960s-book-it-is-easier-to-succeed-than-to-fail/781559 "2020-09-10T17:07:38Z")
Not Truett Cathy or Ivan Kos. This would have been published probably in the last 1960s, no later than 1970. Some sort of. . . self-help book? --- ## [Self defence by harming another innocent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defence-by-harming-another-innocent/920199)
**Author:** [@CardboardBoxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CardboardBoxx)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-defence-by-harming-another-innocent/920199 "2020-09-10T16:40:55Z")
This is not specific to any jurisdiction, but I’m wondering what crime John would generally be charged with, if any, in this situation. John is minding his own business, hasn’t caused the situation, but suddenly is in a… --- ## [Buying a used car from CarMax - tell me your stories (good or bad)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-used-car-from-carmax-tell-me-your-stories-good-or-bad/677357)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buying-a-used-car-from-carmax-tell-me-your-stories-good-or-bad/677357 "2020-09-10T16:39:46Z")
My stepdaughter’s car broke down on her last week, so my wife and I are heading out with her today to do some used car shopping. We are planning on heading up to Kansas City where there is a CarMax dealer. My wife has do… --- ## [Is there such a thing as a third party DVR that works with cable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-third-party-dvr-that-works-with-cable/920118)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-third-party-dvr-that-works-with-cable/920118 "2020-09-10T16:38:20Z")
I have a normal cable subscription, including several movie channels (HBO, Showtime, Starz) with a typical set top box. Is tivo still a thing? Could I get a tivo and then have it record, say, Lovecraft Country from my ca… --- ## [Americans: Are your payroll taxes (FICA and OASDI) being deferred?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-your-payroll-taxes-fica-and-oasdi-being-deferred/920195)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-are-your-payroll-taxes-fica-and-oasdi-being-deferred/920195 "2020-09-10T16:26:14Z")
I know that there’s a current thread asking Dopers if they want to have it done. I’m curious as to what percentage are actually having theirs deferred. poll --- ## [Are we lying to ourselves about education?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-lying-to-ourselves-about-education/847819)
**Author:** [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-lying-to-ourselves-about-education/847819 "2020-09-10T15:54:03Z")
When I think of education, specifically US K-12 education, both public and private, I think of kids learning things. With a school being defined as an institution for the teaching of children, this seems natural. I think… --- ## [Certificate of Degree of Indian or Native Alaskan Blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/certificate-of-degree-of-indian-or-native-alaskan-blood/919025)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/certificate-of-degree-of-indian-or-native-alaskan-blood/919025 "2020-09-10T14:41:50Z")
Is the United States Certificate of Degree of Indian or Native Alaskan Blood inherently racist? --- ## [What Lies Beneath, or Subterranean Shivers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-lies-beneath-or-subterranean-shivers/849818)
**Author:** [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-lies-beneath-or-subterranean-shivers/849818 "2020-09-10T14:34:14Z")
There is something even more frightening than famine, war and pestilence. The Basement. Those who live in parts of the country lacking basements (i.e. areas with high water tables like the Gulf Coast) may have had no e… --- ## [Please, suggest some historical biographies for me to read](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-suggest-some-historical-biographies-for-me-to-read/920047)
**Author:** [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-suggest-some-historical-biographies-for-me-to-read/920047 "2020-09-10T14:24:33Z")
As a rule, I enjoy reading well written, historically relevant biographies and I would appreciate it if you would share some of your favorites. I tend to skip around and not focus too much on any era or culture so feel f… --- ## [Article June 25, 2010: How does the earth’s rotation affect the path of a bullet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-june-25-2010-how-does-the-earth-s-rotation-affect-the-path-of-a-bullet/824423)
**Author:** [@kertmoore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kertmoore)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/article-june-25-2010-how-does-the-earth-s-rotation-affect-the-path-of-a-bullet/824423 "2020-09-10T14:23:19Z")
I cannot imagine any property of physics that would account for the earth spinning at 1040 mph at the equator amounting to 1,525 ft. per second would cause a targeting adjustment of only a few inches. A formula can be cr… --- ## [Driver who was doing 187 mph charged with drug smuggling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driver-who-was-doing-187-mph-charged-with-drug-smuggling/920115)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driver-who-was-doing-187-mph-charged-with-drug-smuggling/920115 "2020-09-10T14:13:01Z")
I thought smugglers were supposed to avoid cops. --- ## [Visual Studio USB problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-studio-usb-problem/920205)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/visual-studio-usb-problem/920205 "2020-09-10T13:16:25Z")
I finally had to abandon VB6 and move to Visual Studio. Just downloaded Visual Studio Community and worked my way through some tutorials and now have reconstructed my present project. I have a MSP430f169 microcontroller… --- ## [Mary Spender plays a Rory Gallagher Strat in GC/NYC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-spender-plays-a-rory-gallagher-strat-in-gc-nyc/920081)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mary-spender-plays-a-rory-gallagher-strat-in-gc-nyc/920081 "2020-09-10T13:07:13Z")
I enjoyed this. --- ## [What is this language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-language/920245)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-language/920245 "2020-09-10T11:48:39Z")
Though this question is opera-related, it’s a factual question about language, so I’m putting it in GQ. Near the end of the Berlioz opera The Damnation of Faust, which is mostly in French, a chorus of demons chants the … --- ## [Massachusetts has NEGATIVE CoVID cases today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massachusetts-has-negative-covid-cases-today/920156)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massachusetts-has-negative-covid-cases-today/920156 "2020-09-10T11:06:30Z")
I just had a look at the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus site this morning\* and noticed something weird about the plot for New Cases in Massachusetts. It goes negative. It does the same in the other Cases by State page, too … --- ## ["Mondegreens" where the singer really IS singing that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mondegreens-where-the-singer-really-is-singing-that/916979)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mondegreens-where-the-singer-really-is-singing-that/916979 "2020-09-10T06:47:05Z")
Is it really a mondegreen then? Or do we base the mondegreen on what they intended to sing? Infamous examples: Manfred Mann, “Blinded By the Light”-he is supposedly singing “deuce”, but there’s a clear “ch” sound for … --- ## [Books set in an alternate history timeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-set-in-an-alternate-history-timeline/918742)
**Author:** [@Boycott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boycott)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2020, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-set-in-an-alternate-history-timeline/918742 "2020-09-10T06:38:14Z")
I’ve finished two books of this kind in the last month: The Man in the High Castle by Phillip Dick and The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Robinson. Thoroughly enjoyed them both and want to explore this kind of theme of bo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1721) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1723)