# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1743 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1744 --- ## [Countries where the language is the same word as the citizens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-where-the-language-is-the-same-word-as-the-citizens/918245)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/countries-where-the-language-is-the-same-word-as-the-citizens/918245 "2020-08-23T17:39:53Z")
For no reason beyond boredom, I was thinking of countries where the name of the language is also the name of the citizens. By definition, it has to be the same term used for both men and women because they both have to m… --- ## [Today I learned that Rick James and Neil Young were in a band together](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-learned-that-rick-james-and-neil-young-were-in-a-band-together/918806)
**Author:** [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-i-learned-that-rick-james-and-neil-young-were-in-a-band-together/918806 "2020-08-23T17:19:38Z")
The Mynah Birds, which also included Bruce Palmer (who would go on to be in Buffalo Springfield with Young) and Goldy McJohn and Nick St Nicholas, who would later go on to form Steppenwolf. I’m honestly unsure from that… --- ## [Are there any guns that are actually silent (or nearly so) as the movies would have it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-guns-that-are-actually-silent-or-nearly-so-as-the-movies-would-have-it/917683)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-guns-that-are-actually-silent-or-nearly-so-as-the-movies-would-have-it/917683 "2020-08-23T16:42:42Z")
Movies frequently show people firing silenced weapons that make little more than a “pfft” sound when fired. But, a pistol with a silencer is far from silent. This guy says a silenced pistol is in the 130 decibel range.… --- ## [Any Utilitarians On These Boards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-utilitarians-on-these-boards/918719)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-utilitarians-on-these-boards/918719 "2020-08-23T15:06:44Z")
I always thought it was a historical term. But apparently some people still call themselves ‘utilitarians’ today. My question: Are there any people on these boards who call themselves ‘utilitarians’? And okay. If there … --- ## [Favorite browser, please?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-browser-please/918649)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/favorite-browser-please/918649 "2020-08-23T14:37:20Z")
What’s your favorite browser for a desktop running Windows, and why? Chrome is irritating the hell out of me and I can’t fix the issue so I may just abandon ship. --- ## [Blockchain tech for votes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blockchain-tech-for-votes/798478)
**Author:** [@Okrahoma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Okrahoma)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blockchain-tech-for-votes/798478 "2020-08-23T14:01:02Z")
I have been researching the bitcoin/blockchain tech recently, for various reasons. It really is a very elegant system that the guy (whoever it was) invented. Different aspects of the system just mesh nicely, ensure anon… --- ## [Trump and The Deaf Policeman: A Conspiracy Game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-the-deaf-policeman-a-conspiracy-game/918819)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-the-deaf-policeman-a-conspiracy-game/918819 "2020-08-23T13:51:32Z")
I don’t normally read this section so I hope this fits the spirit of the forum. The objective of this game is to try and link a random bit of childhood nonsense to some aspect of the Trump presidency. One bright day, i… --- ## [WTF happened around here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-happened-around-here/914781)
**Author:** [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-happened-around-here/914781 "2020-08-23T12:25:57Z")
If there was anywhere I thought I could count on to leave for a few years and come back and it would be exactly the same, it’s the Dope. Now I can do this :tipping\_hand\_woman:? Insanity!! --- ## [Why are the nicest parts of the US underpopulated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-nicest-parts-of-the-us-underpopulated/918607)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-nicest-parts-of-the-us-underpopulated/918607 "2020-08-23T11:56:39Z")
I’m a sucker for good used books. And I recently picked up one about “Scenic Drives In The United States”. It had a lot of routes, information, pretty pictures. Obviously, several of the drives are the famous coastal … --- ## [Two abortion and fetus-development questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-abortion-and-fetus-development-questions/918428)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-abortion-and-fetus-development-questions/918428 "2020-08-23T10:46:10Z")
I have to factual questions about abortion and would love some answers. In this column, Cecil Adams says measurable brain-waves occur in fetuses around Week 25 of development. I’ll quote him: However, this article in … --- ## [Does labeling people by race promote racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-labeling-people-by-race-promote-racism/918338)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-labeling-people-by-race-promote-racism/918338 "2020-08-23T09:00:36Z")
Our penchant for racial labeling, even when well-intentioned, is in and of itself a bias. This might be a new concept for many people to grasp, because for years America’s race-based diversity programs have relied upo… --- ## [I Am Not Okay With This (TV show)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-not-okay-with-this-tv-show/848595)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-am-not-okay-with-this-tv-show/848595 "2020-08-23T05:49:53Z")
Has anyone else checked out this brand new Netflix show? It just premiered today. I have already watched two episodes (they are only 20 minutes each, which is kind of cool) and I am completely hooked. I love the mai… --- ## [What to do when someone in your social group flaunts their flagrant violation of social distancing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-when-someone-in-your-social-group-flaunts-their-flagrant-violation-of-social-distancing/853968)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-when-someone-in-your-social-group-flaunts-their-flagrant-violation-of-social-distancing/853968 "2020-08-23T04:57:00Z")
Just today I was involved in a social situation (online, not in person) where one person in the social group (a longtime online acquaintance to me whom I would never have called a friend, but some of my friends would cer… --- ## [Has anyone had Endovenous laser ablation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for a leaky leg vein?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-had-endovenous-laser-ablation-or-radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-for-a-leaky-leg-vein/918798)
**Author:** [@dummygladhands71](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dummygladhands71)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-had-endovenous-laser-ablation-or-radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-for-a-leaky-leg-vein/918798 "2020-08-23T04:12:40Z")
Finally, an accurate diagnosis. Damn, medicine in the Covid era is tough. I kept getting told that a telemedicine appt. was what I needed. But I finally got to see a doctor, live and in person. So the previous diagnosis … --- ## [How to cook a heart](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-cook-a-heart/842537)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-cook-a-heart/842537 "2020-08-23T03:12:26Z")
I don’t need an answer fast. It will be at least several weeks before I act on this. But yeah, seriously. I bought a whole beef heart, because I thought it might be interesting and hey, it was there when I was picking u… --- ## [NBA 2019-2020 Season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-2019-2020-season/840732)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 298\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-2019-2020-season/840732 "2020-08-23T02:46:53Z")
Is it too soon? I have no idea WTF the Blazers are thinking. They traded away their front court and finally got rid of Myers Leonard, who has got to be the luckiest player to ever pick up a ball. I don’t know why any oth… --- ## [Why is canned salmon so expensive now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-canned-salmon-so-expensive-now/918606)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-canned-salmon-so-expensive-now/918606 "2020-08-23T02:30:08Z")
I like eating fish, and try to include it in my diet frequently. A lot of local grocery stores sell many types of frozen fillets at very reasonable prices. I don’t usually buy canned salmon, though I like it. Been a f… --- ## [Making America Grating Again - Pompeo pisses off entire UN Security Council](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-america-grating-again-pompeo-pisses-off-entire-un-security-council/918723)
**Author:** [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-america-grating-again-pompeo-pisses-off-entire-un-security-council/918723 "2020-08-23T01:54:30Z")
…except the Dominican Republic. :slightly\_smiling\_face: Diplomats at the UN said the depth of US isolation was in part a reflection of the abrasive style used by Pompeo, who accused Europeans of choosing to “side wi… --- ## [The recent derecho in Iowa -- Massive devastation!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recent-derecho-in-iowa-massive-devastation/918221)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-recent-derecho-in-iowa-massive-devastation/918221 "2020-08-23T01:35:23Z")
I couldn’t find a thread on this specifically (like the thread about the explosion in Beirut or other big news items). Only tangential topics, like “Who is staying in hotels?” and “Don’t assume someone else called in th… --- ## [My Last Word On a Closed Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-last-word-on-a-closed-thread/917891)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2020, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-last-word-on-a-closed-thread/917891 "2020-08-23T00:26:26Z")
This is the last thing I will say about this thread. But I did post this exact same subject on another message board. And I got a much more positive response. People realized that it was lighthearted, and they responded … --- ## [WTF with Chrome pausing sync/logging me out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-with-chrome-pausing-sync-logging-me-out/918648)
**Author:** [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-with-chrome-pausing-sync-logging-me-out/918648 "2020-08-22T22:46:19Z")
This is so frustrating. Chrome essentially logs me out of everything when I close my browser, and I have to log in every time. I have cleared cache and cookies, played with settings, all of it. I managed to erase ALL my … --- ## [Question about Spanish ser vs estar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spanish-ser-vs-estar/918532)
**Author:** [@yearofglad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yearofglad)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-spanish-ser-vs-estar/918532 "2020-08-22T22:27:39Z")
So I (generally speaking) think I understand the difference between ser and estar but am having trouble understanding the when to use the preterite past tense with each - maybe that means I don’t really understand the di… --- ## [Is a refi mortgage at 2.625% about a good as it gets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-refi-mortgage-at-2-625-about-a-good-as-it-gets/917372)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-refi-mortgage-at-2-625-about-a-good-as-it-gets/917372 "2020-08-22T22:12:40Z")
Hello Everyone, We are looking at refinancing our home. Our current offer is a 15 year fixed at 2.625%. Both the wife and I have FICO scores in the high 700s, low 800s. Just wondering if anyone here has refinanced in … --- ## [Is there anything about Biden that you actually admire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-about-biden-that-you-actually-admire/915047)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 280\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anything-about-biden-that-you-actually-admire/915047 "2020-08-22T21:18:28Z")
Another election cycle, another establishment Democrat :yawning\_face: How were they able to find a candidate even MORE boring than Hillary? They couldn’t have tailormade an emptier politician if they tried. Is there any… --- ## [To what extent do people have to prove something to be true, to not be guilty of slander/libel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-people-have-to-prove-something-to-be-true-to-not-be-guilty-of-slander-libel/918600)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-do-people-have-to-prove-something-to-be-true-to-not-be-guilty-of-slander-libel/918600 "2020-08-22T20:38:47Z")
Suppose that one day a rumor goes around that John Doe is an embezzler and has a lot of guilty money to his name this way. Sally goes around spreading the rumor. Now, if John sues her for libel/slander, to what extent do… --- ## [Shortwave radio: Is it still a thing? Is there anything worth listening to on it? Or is everything online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortwave-radio-is-it-still-a-thing-is-there-anything-worth-listening-to-on-it-or-is-everything-online/918501)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shortwave-radio-is-it-still-a-thing-is-there-anything-worth-listening-to-on-it-or-is-everything-online/918501 "2020-08-22T20:29:13Z")
Back when I was a kid and a news nerd, I got a subscription to the Christian Science Monitor, which was a newspaper owned by the Christian Science church, but had a reputation for high-quality international news. The ch… --- ## [Wonder Woman 1984](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wonder-woman-1984/844569)
**Author:** [@borschevsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/borschevsky)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wonder-woman-1984/844569 "2020-08-22T19:20:36Z")
The trailer came out today. Looks pretty good, and I quite liked the first movie, so I’m looking forward to this one. --- ## [Happy Birthday to Dorothy Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-to-dorothy-parker/918733)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-birthday-to-dorothy-parker/918733 "2020-08-22T19:09:29Z")
This is a major celebration in my family. --- ## [So, what should I be hoarding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-i-be-hoarding/918683)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-should-i-be-hoarding/918683 "2020-08-22T18:33:40Z")
I expect significant supply chain disruptions this fall, due to the “second wave” of infections. So I feel like the responsible thing to do is to lay in a supply of stuff that I can store now, so I don’t have to panic bu… --- ## [Central Park gets 1st statue honoring real-life women](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/central-park-gets-1st-statue-honoring-real-life-women/918763)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2020, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/central-park-gets-1st-statue-honoring-real-life-women/918763 "2020-08-22T18:21:50Z")
First I’m a bit shocked there isn’t an actual woman statue in Central Park Second, I’m disappointed its taken this long Third, I’m uneasy that the ‘best’ place for this seems to be MPSIMS If I ever go to central par… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1742) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1744)