# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1757 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1758 --- ## [Looking for a book I read in the Eighties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-book-i-read-in-the-eighties/917931)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2020, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-book-i-read-in-the-eighties/917931 "2020-08-13T00:01:22Z")
I remember a book I read and liked back in my days working as a library page as a teenager. I’d like to read it again, but it must be long out of print because I can’t find it on Amazon, Abebooks, EBay, or Google. I’d th… --- ## [Thoughts on an Epstien like operation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-an-epstien-like-operation/915943)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-on-an-epstien-like-operation/915943 "2020-08-12T23:27:34Z")
If it does in fact turn out that the rich and famous were using Epstein’s place as pedophile haven I have to wonder how he was able to make his clients feel secure enough to not being exposed. Were the children used from… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Beck is cleanin' house!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-is-cleanin-house/917454)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beck-is-cleanin-house/917454 "2020-08-12T22:43:05Z")
In an effort(Herculean as it may be) to keep my abode neat and clean, I’m going through some oft forgotten drawers. I found a metal band-aid box. It still had Band-Aids in it. You know, the ones with the red string to … --- ## [Unemployment questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-questions/917773)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unemployment-questions/917773 "2020-08-12T22:28:21Z")
As of last week, I am gettting unemployment benefits for the 2nd time in my life, the last time in 2013 in Rhode Island for three months. Now I am in New Jersey, and I qualify for $603 a week. My question is about the e… --- ## [Thoughts and prayers to the NRA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-prayers-to-the-nra/917549)
**Author:** [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thoughts-and-prayers-to-the-nra/917549 "2020-08-12T21:38:13Z")
I have been a shooting enthusiast most of my life but I parted ways with the NRA back in the early 90s. Looking like I made the right decision ! --- ## [How did China sanction Rubio et al.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-china-sanction-rubio-et-al/917724)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-china-sanction-rubio-et-al/917724 "2020-08-12T20:50:56Z")
News today: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/10/politics/china-sanctions-rubio-cruz-cotton-smith/index.html The article doesn’t say exactly what the sanctions were. I assumed they were just banned from visiting China/Hong … --- ## [Is a chapan (coat) formal attire, casual or something in-between?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-chapan-coat-formal-attire-casual-or-something-in-between/917920)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-chapan-coat-formal-attire-casual-or-something-in-between/917920 "2020-08-12T20:36:26Z")
Hamid Karzi seems to wear one at all times, in all places and for all occasions. And some are plain-but-spiffy-looking while others are downright fancy. Do the colors and/or patterns have any special significance, li… --- ## [British Dopers: How, And At What Age, Did You First Learn That The USA Was Once A British Colony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-how-and-at-what-age-did-you-first-learn-that-the-usa-was-once-a-british-colony/915841)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-dopers-how-and-at-what-age-did-you-first-learn-that-the-usa-was-once-a-british-colony/915841 "2020-08-12T20:03:06Z")
I’ve heard, in more than one context, that British schoolchildren are not taught that the USA was once a British colony, that the Americans fought for independence against the Crown, that the Declaration of Independence … --- ## [Could President Trump's Appeal to Racism Be His Draw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-president-trumps-appeal-to-racism-be-his-draw/917637)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-president-trumps-appeal-to-racism-be-his-draw/917637 "2020-08-12T19:42:32Z")
I have been trying for quite some time now to figure out why Pres. Trump is still popular. Yes, at the present time Biden is a little ahead. But even that is distressing. Why is Biden only a little ahead? To me the choic… --- ## [Why are medical doctors expected, or required, to be good at math?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-medical-doctors-expected-or-required-to-be-good-at-math/917740)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-medical-doctors-expected-or-required-to-be-good-at-math/917740 "2020-08-12T19:00:21Z")
I long ago heard a lawyer joke, “If I were any good at math, I’d be a doctor.” I certainly understand doctors being required to master various sciences such as biology, chemistry, anatomy and even botany, which have a d… --- ## [I think it's weird that "finding a job" should be so difficult for nearly everyone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-its-weird-that-finding-a-job-should-be-so-difficult-for-nearly-everyone/915487)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-its-weird-that-finding-a-job-should-be-so-difficult-for-nearly-everyone/915487 "2020-08-12T18:24:43Z")
Even disregarding the current economic situation. I find it weird that “finding a job” seems like such a universally difficult problem for nearly everyone. I can see how that might happen if you are trying to get into… --- ## [What did you eat yesterday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-you-eat-yesterday/917389)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-you-eat-yesterday/917389 "2020-08-12T17:20:39Z")
I will start by listing the meals I took yesterday. This is everything I ate. I follow the traditional Romanian meals and times. BREAKFAST - 7 a.m. 1 apple 1 slice of bread with homemade roe spread 1 bowl of vegeta… --- ## [Jump starters - lithium ion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jump-starters-lithium-ion/917829)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jump-starters-lithium-ion/917829 "2020-08-12T16:47:59Z")
I just bought another one of these to replace he old one that got flooded. (BTW, it worked as advertised - easily jump starting a few boats this summer.) This time around I noticed that the paperwork says it can jump sta… --- ## [Write the music, lyrics, and book, and also star--who has done this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-the-music-lyrics-and-book-and-also-star-who-has-done-this/917850)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-the-music-lyrics-and-book-and-also-star-who-has-done-this/917850 "2020-08-12T16:30:25Z")
Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the music, lyrics, and book for Hamilton, and also played the starring role. I cannot think of anyone else who has done this and achieved any significant notoriety. I cannot think of any other e… --- ## ["V-C for me"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/v-c-for-me/917827)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/v-c-for-me/917827 "2020-08-12T16:20:33Z")
I was looking at a photo from 1964 and can see a distant billboard. When I enlarge the sign I can see a guy holding up a bottle and the caption reads, “V-C for me”. I can’t see any more detail then that. Any idea what V-… --- ## [Documentaries on Directors](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documentaries-on-directors/915946)
**Author:** [@MortSahlFan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MortSahlFan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/documentaries-on-directors/915946 "2020-08-12T15:47:55Z")
There are some directors whose work I might not love, but whose lives were interesting… I can name a few more, but I’m curious if anyone else will point them out. I’ll be happy to discuss them, too, since I’ve seen many,… --- ## [Available "summary" pages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/available-summary-pages/917813)
**Author:** [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/available-summary-pages/917813 "2020-08-12T14:58:27Z")
When I click on the “The Straight Dope Message Board” header on my phone, I go to a page where I see a list of categories, and each one has a couple of topics listed underneath it. When I do the same on my laptop, I get… --- ## [Dioscorea elephantipes, the elephant's foot Plant. Why this strange adaptation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dioscorea-elephantipes-the-elephants-foot-plant-why-this-strange-adaptation/917754)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dioscorea-elephantipes-the-elephants-foot-plant-why-this-strange-adaptation/917754 "2020-08-12T14:03:16Z")
So I got this unique plant today : Dioscorea elephantipes - Wikipedia It’s an interesting plant and the seller claimed that it grew wild in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas). I don’t see that mentioned anywhere on online s… --- ## [Is anyone updating the SD homepage now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-updating-the-sd-homepage-now/917860)
**Author:** [@medicated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medicated)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anyone-updating-the-sd-homepage-now/917860 "2020-08-12T13:47:26Z")
https://www.straightdope.com/ hasn’t been updated in over a month. This makes me sad. --- ## [Aquarium lights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aquarium-lights/917460)
**Author:** [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aquarium-lights/917460 "2020-08-12T13:00:00Z")
So, my lights are set to come on from 6am to 2pm (8 hrs), but I’m here for maybe the 6am-8am stretch, if I’m lucky, I might catch the 1-2 stretch. I could set them for 8am-4pm, in which case I’d never see them in the mor… --- ## [Why Are Some Lesbians So Mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-lesbians-so-mean/917853)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-lesbians-so-mean/917853 "2020-08-12T12:42:54Z")
You realize I am saying this as a gay man. But some Lesbians are really mean. Not half. Not all. But a good percentage of them I would say. Just to give one example (and I’ve seen many), we had this gym teacher in Catho… --- ## [iOS update causing battery drain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ios-update-causing-battery-drain/917753)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ios-update-causing-battery-drain/917753 "2020-08-12T12:06:09Z")
Just did the automatic update to 12.4.8 and now my phone is already almost out of juice. I barely use it but it never sucked power like this before. WTF happened? Can I revert to my former version? --- ## [What would you expect if you won tickets at a charity auction...and COVID canceled the event](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-expect-if-you-won-tickets-at-a-charity-auction-and-covid-canceled-the-event/917815)
**Author:** [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-expect-if-you-won-tickets-at-a-charity-auction-and-covid-canceled-the-event/917815 "2020-08-12T11:13:44Z")
My husband and I are long time ticket holders to our city’s ATP 1000 Masters tennis tournament. If you’re not familiar, these events are one rung below the Grand Slam tournaments, and will draw the biggest names in tenn… --- ## [Proprietary apps you like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proprietary-apps-you-like/917820)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proprietary-apps-you-like/917820 "2020-08-12T10:41:20Z")
More and more, services which used to be web-based are doing everything they can to get you to use their app instead. This is sensible from a business perspective, of course, because it puts them in complete control over… --- ## [What can you tell me about Search Engine Optimization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-tell-me-about-search-engine-optimization/543572)
**Author:** [@Nefarious\_Chipmunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nefarious_Chipmunk)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-you-tell-me-about-search-engine-optimization/543572 "2010-06-23T04:41:06Z")
I am looking at applying for a job in an SEO department. When I talked to them on the phone, they said experience wasn’t necessary, but I might want to do some research on the subject so I know a little about it when I … --- ## [Anyone use bugguide.net?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-bugguide-net/917779)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-use-bugguide-net/917779 "2020-08-12T06:38:00Z")
I had used them before, years ago, for some arthropod IDs. I’m currently trying to pin names on all the spider species I’ve photographed over the years. So I post photos of one of the spiders yesterday morning, check may… --- ## [Bully for ol'beck. I've had an epiphany regarding my bad, bad, bad cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bully-for-olbeck-ive-had-an-epiphany-regarding-my-bad-bad-bad-cats/916959)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bully-for-olbeck-ive-had-an-epiphany-regarding-my-bad-bad-bad-cats/916959 "2020-08-12T05:48:08Z")
It’s shark time on NGChannel. I have watched all kinda episodes. Shark attacks. Shark science-y stuff about why, how and who they attack. In Darwinism we learn we all started at a similar place. Thinking and pondering… --- ## [2020 Ticket Predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-ticket-predictions/833998)
**Author:** [@Oly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oly)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2020-ticket-predictions/833998 "2020-08-12T04:13:54Z")
Time to commit! Here’s mine: Republicans: Trump & Nikki Haley. Mike is no longer needed. Democrats: Biden & Harris. --- ## [Fill me in on Mrs Butterworths syrup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fill-me-in-on-mrs-butterworths-syrup/855892)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fill-me-in-on-mrs-butterworths-syrup/855892 "2020-08-12T04:07:56Z")
I’ve seen reports this morning of various brands/products being withdrawn in the US to be rebranded. I’m not American so I’m probably missing some nuance or history here. The two main ones from what I see is Uncle Ben’s … --- ## [Is a sleeper compartment on a train safer than flying by plane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-sleeper-compartment-on-a-train-safer-than-flying-by-plane/917360)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2020, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-sleeper-compartment-on-a-train-safer-than-flying-by-plane/917360 "2020-08-12T02:14:20Z")
Pros of sleeping train compartment: It’s just me, nobody else, I have the cabin all to myself. And there may be less security screening at a train station, meaning TSA might not be patting me down with the same virus-la… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1756) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1758)