# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1766 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1767 --- ## [Why does tapping on the top of a shaken soda can keep it from exploding when opened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-tapping-on-the-top-of-a-shaken-soda-can-keep-it-from-exploding-when-opened/917156)
**Author:** [@obbn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/obbn)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-tapping-on-the-top-of-a-shaken-soda-can-keep-it-from-exploding-when-opened/917156 "2020-08-04T11:29:01Z")
Question in title. Drop a can of soda and open it and you’re showered with a fizzy explosion . Tap the top of the can a few times and you disarm the fizzyness. Why? --- ## [Could US RV vacation travel blow up and overwhelm the RV park system?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-us-rv-vacation-travel-blow-up-and-overwhelm-the-rv-park-system/917131)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-us-rv-vacation-travel-blow-up-and-overwhelm-the-rv-park-system/917131 "2020-08-04T09:54:42Z")
We’ve been watching travel shows to scratch the travel itch- we started with Europe and Japan, but have recently really gotten into a US travel show where a guy travels all over the US towing his Winnebago and visiting c… --- ## [How do I correctly refer to an Arabic name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-correctly-refer-to-an-arabic-name/915433)
**Author:** [@Latimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Latimera)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-correctly-refer-to-an-arabic-name/915433 "2020-08-04T06:01:28Z")
A researcher in Algaria has contacted me about using one of my photos in a publication. I would like to respond to him correctly as Dr. so-and-so. His name has 4 parts. Which do I use as his surname? I feel dumb having … --- ## [Questions involving etiquette at the Old Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-involving-etiquette-at-the-old-bailey/917022)
**Author:** [@Octagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Octagon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-involving-etiquette-at-the-old-bailey/917022 "2020-08-04T05:47:47Z")
I’ve been reading up on etiquette in the British Court system, particularly at the Old Bailey. I haven’t been able to find any reference to how a judge addresses a Prosecution Counsel or Defense Counsel during a trial. … --- ## [I Want To Go To There](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-go-to-there/916957)
**Author:** [@Galactus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galactus)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-go-to-there/916957 "2020-08-04T03:34:27Z")
New to the Board(Hello). Tried to do a search on a couple of topics, didn’t end well(I may just be stupid). Could there be a thread for newbs to throw out a potential topic that older Dopers could link to a pre-existing … --- ## [I don't think threads should be censored](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-think-threads-should-be-censored/917081)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-think-threads-should-be-censored/917081 "2020-08-04T01:13:35Z")
I don’t think threads should be censored. In the Charlie Foxtrot thread, there are instances like this: CLOSED 9 HOURS AGO This topic is temporarily closed for at least 4 hours due to a large number of community flags… --- ## [Is it normal for antibodies to 'fade'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-for-antibodies-to-fade/916054)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2020, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-normal-for-antibodies-to-fade/916054 "2020-08-04T00:18:21Z")
I put this here instead of the quarantine zone, because I’m asking generally about acquired immunity. My understanding has been that the immune system, when first stimulated takes some time to produce antibodies. But aft… --- ## [Your favorite spoken-word segment in a song](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-spoken-word-segment-in-a-song/915218)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-favorite-spoken-word-segment-in-a-song/915218 "2020-08-03T23:13:58Z")
What song can you think of that is mostly sung but also includes a really memorable spoken part? It can come at any part of the song. By way of example: “You know, someone said that the world’s a stage…” Elvis - Are Y… --- ## [Recommendations for film reviewers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-film-reviewers/917177)
**Author:** [@Powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Powers)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommendations-for-film-reviewers/917177 "2020-08-03T23:11:05Z")
I’m having trouble locating reliable and entertaining film reviews. I used to read Roger Ebert (online), not because I usually agreed with his assessments (I often didn’t) but because a) his writing was always top-notch… --- ## [DIfferent Newbies & Different Feel - True or False?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-newbies-different-feel-true-or-false/916612)
**Author:** [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-newbies-different-feel-true-or-false/916612 "2020-08-03T22:48:34Z")
I’m not certain this is the best forum for this. But it’s a place to start. I was absent from the boards for 2-1/2 years and returned just before the cutover to Discourse in June. So despite being a long-time high-volu… --- ## [I beat teh coronavirus!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-beat-teh-coronavirus/916164)
**Author:** [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-beat-teh-coronavirus/916164 "2020-08-03T22:30:00Z")
I got my first negative result today (from Tuesday’s test) since July 3. I got tested today and should know the results of that one on Saturday. Then I’ll have two consecutive negative tests and can consider myself virus… --- ## [For people who like ridiculous heat in the MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-like-ridiculous-heat-in-the-mmp/916481)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 398\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-like-ridiculous-heat-in-the-mmp/916481 "2020-08-03T21:28:43Z")
You know who you are. I, personally, think you’re out of your evel-lovin’ mind(s) but it’s our differences that make the world interesting. Right? So this MMP is in honor of those misguided souls who think the heat of s… --- ## [What Is This Garment (Worn By King George III In 'Hamilton')?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-garment-worn-by-king-george-iii-in-hamilton/916853)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-garment-worn-by-king-george-iii-in-hamilton/916853 "2020-08-03T21:27:51Z")
Here I’m referring white animal fur-looking thing with black spots, worn as a sort of shawl. First of all, what animal is that even? Like a spotted snow leopard or something? Was that garment common among Men of Impor… --- ## [Norsemen, aka Darkest Sitcom Ever Filmed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norsemen-aka-darkest-sitcom-ever-filmed/823341)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/norsemen-aka-darkest-sitcom-ever-filmed/823341 "2020-08-03T20:57:14Z")
My wife and I just started watching Norsemen, a Norwegian comedy (sort of a sitcom) set in the age of Vikings. Season 2 just came out on Netflix. Holy shit. So far, big laffs have been wrought from: -Old people throwi… --- ## [I’m reading all the Clarke Odyssey series](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-m-reading-all-the-clarke-odyssey-series/916055)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-m-reading-all-the-clarke-odyssey-series/916055 "2020-08-03T20:24:36Z")
So, tonight I’m starting the book version of 2001. I’ve read it before, but it’s been years. I’ve seen the film a few times recently. I read 2010 back in high school and think I’ve seen the movie but don’t remember a thi… --- ## [Dollars to Donuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollars-to-donuts/917094)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dollars-to-donuts/917094 "2020-08-03T20:22:57Z")
How much did donuts cost when this phrase became vogue? Cuz now they cost a dollar, at any bakery chain, with a slight discount for multiples. Sort of defeating the purpose of the phrase. --- ## [Derail Using Education](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/derail-using-education/917028)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/derail-using-education/917028 "2020-08-03T20:16:49Z")
Dear Straight Dope Message Board, Our friend SmartAleq recently linked to a very interesting website called “Derailing for Dummies: A Guide to Derailing Conversations”. The particular chapter she linked to is titled “De… --- ## [How did we end up with two nickle/nickels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-end-up-with-two-nickle-nickels/917015)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-end-up-with-two-nickle-nickels/917015 "2020-08-03T19:52:32Z")
Seems like I get them wrong about half the time when I spell them. And what if there was a Nichol’s Nickel Nickle company, what would they make? --- ## [CCL Tear (Dog)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ccl-tear-dog/917168)
**Author:** [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ccl-tear-dog/917168 "2020-08-03T19:50:46Z")
Luca, our French mastiff/boxer mix has a torn CCL in his right, hind leg. He’s 7 yo and weighs about 105#. When the vet diagnosed it earlier this summer he quoted me a price of $3000-$5000 (we’d have to go to an orthoped… --- ## [Can I do this jewelry alteration myself?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-do-this-jewelry-alteration-myself/917181)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-do-this-jewelry-alteration-myself/917181 "2020-08-03T19:48:36Z")
Just because I’m bored and sort of stuck at home. I have a fairly large gold ring with squared-off edges both inside and outside. I would like to round over both the inside edges to make the ring easier to get on and of… --- ## [So when Earth loses its gravity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-earth-loses-its-gravity/916990)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-earth-loses-its-gravity/916990 "2020-08-03T19:10:54Z")
Assume we reach a time in the future when Earth loses its gravitational pull on all matter on its surface and not tied down. Forget for a moment that life would have been extinguished in phases much before the end game o… --- ## [My new Nintendo Switch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-nintendo-switch/916783)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-nintendo-switch/916783 "2020-08-03T18:23:39Z")
Well, really, I bought it for my kid. We only have two games - Animal Crossing and Just Dance - but I’m already just blown away. It’s so different, so innovative, and soooo much friendlier and more flexible than the Pl… --- ## [New home, new kitchen - what's on your move-in shopping list?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-home-new-kitchen-whats-on-your-move-in-shopping-list/916500)
**Author:** [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-home-new-kitchen-whats-on-your-move-in-shopping-list/916500 "2020-08-03T17:41:51Z")
My daughter just had the offer on her first house accepted. She and her husband have been living with us, and while they have some items for their pantry, mostly they’ve been using ours. I’ve googled “pantry basics” and … --- ## [DVD drives on laptops disappearing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-drives-on-laptops-disappearing/916651)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dvd-drives-on-laptops-disappearing/916651 "2020-08-03T17:29:21Z")
I"m in the market for a new laptop and my preliminary searches seem to reveal that DVD-R drives are going the way of the Washington Redskins. I really only need the drive to install some Microsoft Office discs that I am… --- ## [Why is the 2nd wave leveling off?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-2nd-wave-leveling-off/916864)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-2nd-wave-leveling-off/916864 "2020-08-03T16:58:07Z")
Just from checking various dashboards (NY Times, state health departments, CDC, etc) it looks like the 2nd wave of COVID case counts is now flattening across many states. As expected, we have a rising trend of fataliti… --- ## [What the heck was that mini movie fad in the late 70's of:](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-was-that-mini-movie-fad-in-the-late-70s-of/917020)
**Author:** [@Pavelb1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pavelb1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-heck-was-that-mini-movie-fad-in-the-late-70s-of/917020 "2020-08-03T15:49:48Z")
Casting a male slightly shorter then the leading lady, in a comedy and slapping on a saccharine (yet touchingly catchy) movie theme??? See: Tootsie The Goodbye Girl Arthur Have I missed any? Had Tom Cruise been 10 y… --- ## [Some Cats Are Just Born Bad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-cats-are-just-born-bad/917171)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-cats-are-just-born-bad/917171 "2020-08-03T15:42:17Z")
This shady fellow escaped from a Sri Lankan prison. He was smuggling drugs and sim cards. If you see him do not approach, call the police. He is clawed and dangerous. :cat: :syringe: :dagger: --- ## [What software was used to make this video to sync the lips so perfectly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-software-was-used-to-make-this-video-to-sync-the-lips-so-perfectly/917148)
**Author:** [@teddybound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teddybound)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-software-was-used-to-make-this-video-to-sync-the-lips-so-perfectly/917148 "2020-08-03T15:41:32Z")
I asked the original author but seems like he does not want to share his secret… any dopers have any idea? --- ## [Lightning strike artifacts in video footage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-strike-artifacts-in-video-footage/916629)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lightning-strike-artifacts-in-video-footage/916629 "2020-08-03T14:45:45Z")
Here are two videos of lightning strikes. First, a Russian soccer player survives a hit (strike at t=4 seconds): Second, a cow in Idaho maybe (or maybe didn’t) survive a hit (strike at t=22 seconds): … --- ## [New house has strong chemical odor in tap water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-house-has-strong-chemical-odor-in-tap-water/917121)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2020, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-house-has-strong-chemical-odor-in-tap-water/917121 "2020-08-03T14:23:50Z")
My family just bought a newly built house in Austin. Everything seems great, except that the tap water has an intensely strong chemical PVC odor, so much so that I don’t dare cook, wash, drink or bathe with it. Is this c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1765) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1767)