# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1788 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1789 --- ## [I didn’t realize Joe Biden was flying quite THIS low under the radar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didn-t-realize-joe-biden-was-flying-quite-this-low-under-the-radar/915374)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-didn-t-realize-joe-biden-was-flying-quite-this-low-under-the-radar/915374 "2020-07-17T06:17:21Z")
On Slate’s podcast The Gist, host Mike Pesca noticed he had not been talking about Joe Biden very much, so he checked and found that he had not mentioned his name since June 30 (this episode was recorded and released Jul… --- ## [Fingersmith novel by Sarah Waters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fingersmith-novel-by-sarah-waters/915528)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fingersmith-novel-by-sarah-waters/915528 "2020-07-17T05:45:58Z")
I have a question about a plot twist, do spolier tags work here? I here there is a book-dropping plot twist in the novel but I don’t know what it is yet and do not want to know. Maybe I don’t need spoiler tags. I have r… --- ## [Life Lessons from the Physical Sciences](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-lessons-from-the-physical-sciences/915493)
**Author:** [@Ynnad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ynnad)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-lessons-from-the-physical-sciences/915493 "2020-07-17T04:16:31Z")
Have you ever been reading about the physical sciences and come across a statement that is relevant to the subject at hand but also has a far-reaching lesson on how you should live your life? I’ll start. Long ago I was… --- ## [How can someone be a bad cook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-someone-be-a-bad-cook/458222)
**Author:** [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-someone-be-a-bad-cook/458222 "2020-07-17T02:56:32Z")
I was chatting with someone the other night and he mentioned that his mother is a bad cook. It got me to wondering, as I have on and off in the past, how is this possible? Assuming that one is able to follow simple instr… --- ## [Has Newsweek fired all their editors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-newsweek-fired-all-their-editors/914753)
**Author:** [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-newsweek-fired-all-their-editors/914753 "2020-07-17T02:54:24Z")
I was reading an article about a gel-like substance discovered on the Moon, and came across this sentence: The gel sample was a patch measuring 20 inches by 6 inches and resemble impact melt breccia, a type of rock tha… --- ## [Playing with dice (test)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-with-dice-test/913697)
**Author:** [@Fiendish\_Astronaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiendish_Astronaut)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-with-dice-test/913697 "2020-07-17T02:51:34Z")
Just testing the dice roll function… @discobot roll 2d6 --- ## [Is the prevalence of right/left handedness correlated with reading/writing direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-prevalence-of-right-left-handedness-correlated-with-reading-writing-direction/915400)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-prevalence-of-right-left-handedness-correlated-with-reading-writing-direction/915400 "2020-07-17T02:46:00Z")
Does handedness have anything to do with the direction we read and write? Since English and European languages are read and written from left to right, are speakers of those languages more likely to be right handed tha… --- ## [Headon Collision in the Great Lakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headon-collision-in-the-great-lakes/915269)
**Author:** [@Paul\_was\_in\_Saudi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_was_in_Saudi)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/headon-collision-in-the-great-lakes/915269 "2020-07-17T02:43:24Z")
No word on injuries, but a darn fine video. Here. --- ## [Why can I not view Public Profiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-not-view-public-profiles/338824)
**Author:** [@Grey\_Mauser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grey_Mauser)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-not-view-public-profiles/338824 "2020-07-17T01:52:14Z")
After all, they’re “public” - or have I misunderstood what that means? When I try to view them (either directly or using the “http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/member.php?action=getinfo&username=” address) I get a mes… --- ## [So, Uh, What do you do with an upside down elephant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-uh-what-do-you-do-with-an-upside-down-elephant/915499)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-uh-what-do-you-do-with-an-upside-down-elephant/915499 "2020-07-17T01:09:18Z")
Put pajamas on him.:sweat\_smile: But first you have to turn him right side up! Poor guy… That’s a such a strange sight. I’m glad the villagers saved it. --- ## [Pay off my mortgage or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-off-my-mortgage-or-no/915239)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pay-off-my-mortgage-or-no/915239 "2020-07-17T00:59:28Z")
I could pay off my mortgage right now - I have enough left over from Bob’s life insurance to cover over half, and enough in my IRA to cover the rest without completely and still have maybe 100K left. That’s not a lot, b… --- ## [tRump pardons Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-stone/914991)
**Author:** [@Turki-lurki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turki-lurki)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-pardons-stone/914991 "2020-07-17T00:59:22Z")
The rule of law is dead in the U.S. --- ## [The kinetic energy of an atom vs the KE of its electrons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kinetic-energy-of-an-atom-vs-the-ke-of-its-electrons/915503)
**Author:** [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kinetic-energy-of-an-atom-vs-the-ke-of-its-electrons/915503 "2020-07-17T00:48:33Z")
How is the KE driving translational movement of an atom related (If at all) to the KE of that atom’s electrons surrounding the nucleus? When two atoms collide, can some of the kinetic energy imparted to an atom create … --- ## [What are the mechanisms for picking a non-Trump Republican nominee?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-mechanisms-for-picking-a-non-trump-republican-nominee/913607)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-mechanisms-for-picking-a-non-trump-republican-nominee/913607 "2020-07-17T00:45:57Z")
If the big Cheeto decides that for whatever reasons he cannot run for a second term, what rules, etc. are in place that would permit the selection of a different nominee? Don’t some people, e.g. William Wald, have some … --- ## [At what angle would a crashing rocket be most efficient in deflecting an asteroid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-angle-would-a-crashing-rocket-be-most-efficient-in-deflecting-an-asteroid/915099)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2020, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-angle-would-a-crashing-rocket-be-most-efficient-in-deflecting-an-asteroid/915099 "2020-07-17T00:07:26Z")
After hearing about NASA’s intent to test this maneuver, I was wondering whether there is a preferable angle under which the rocket should crash into the space rock. Here’s what the news said: DART, NASA’s first planetar… --- ## [Pill ID Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pill-id-please/914440)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pill-id-please/914440 "2020-07-16T23:56:30Z")
I found this pill in a child’s backpack, have no clue what is is. White round on one side it says ATLOL 50 on the other side nothing. --- ## [Plant ID help](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-id-help/915524)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plant-id-help/915524 "2020-07-16T23:24:07Z")
I wonder if I can call upon the collective genius of the community here to help ID a plant I found growing locally… Pictures are here: Microsoft OneDrive - Access files anywhere. Create docs with free Office Online. NB… --- ## [Have we numbers of excess deaths, regardless of causes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-numbers-of-excess-deaths-regardless-of-causes/851311)
**Author:** [@RioRico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RioRico)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-numbers-of-excess-deaths-regardless-of-causes/851311 "2020-07-16T23:02:25Z")
Have we numbers of excess deaths, regardless of causes? ISTM that as we really don’t know how many deaths are directly caused by COVID, comparing current death statistics to prior years should give a more inclusive pictu… --- ## [Bad, bad, bad Beckdawrek leaves the house. Oh, my!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beckdawrek-leaves-the-house-oh-my/915342)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-bad-bad-beckdawrek-leaves-the-house-oh-my/915342 "2020-07-16T22:53:41Z")
I had prescriptions to pick up. I made an order for Walmart. And, wait for it…quit pushing…give me room…. Now that was fun. The lil’wrekker drove. We never got out of the car. We were scared to death. Keep in mind w… --- ## [Long-haul flights: how much idle time does the cabin crew have?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-haul-flights-how-much-idle-time-does-the-cabin-crew-have/915397)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-haul-flights-how-much-idle-time-does-the-cabin-crew-have/915397 "2020-07-16T22:47:33Z")
Thinking of long international flights, like Detroit to Japan. I know that duty hours within a 24-hour period are limited, and while one crew is flying the plane at departure, there is a stand-by crew chilling in crew r… --- ## [Can anyone recommend some role-playing solitaire adventure books?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-recommend-some-role-playing-solitaire-adventure-books/855212)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-recommend-some-role-playing-solitaire-adventure-books/855212 "2020-07-16T22:04:27Z")
Wikipedia tells me they were called role-playing solitaire adventures. Basically, they were advanced choose-your-own-adventure books. My son, who is 9, is now reading the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books from when I was … --- ## [This Japanese university offers a master’s degree in ninja studies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-japanese-university-offers-a-master-s-degree-in-ninja-studies/915441)
**Author:** [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-japanese-university-offers-a-master-s-degree-in-ninja-studies/915441 "2020-07-16T22:03:15Z")
I just had to share this because how cool would it be to be able to tell people you have a degree in Ninja Studies? --- ## [Caffeine tolerance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-tolerance/915526)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/caffeine-tolerance/915526 "2020-07-16T21:53:10Z")
I read that it takes about two weeks of drinking coffee every morning to start developing a dependency/tolerance. If you only drink coffee five days out of seven, does that break or delay the cycle? What about four days … --- ## [McConnell has filled the last circuit-court vacancy (first time in 40 years)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcconnell-has-filled-the-last-circuit-court-vacancy-first-time-in-40-years/912926)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcconnell-has-filled-the-last-circuit-court-vacancy-first-time-in-40-years/912926 "2020-07-16T21:24:58Z")
For the first time in 40+ years, there are no longer any circuit-court vacancies. --- ## [WTH? Chuck Woolery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wth-chuck-woolery/915259)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wth-chuck-woolery/915259 "2020-07-16T20:24:28Z")
Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in years. POTUS retweets his blatherings and conspiracy theories. I’d laugh but it’s kinda scary. I hope Bozo the Clown is not tweeting any theories Trump may get behind. --- ## [What's the straight dope on taking showers without soap or scrubbing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-taking-showers-without-soap-or-scrubbing/915355)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-taking-showers-without-soap-or-scrubbing/915355 "2020-07-16T19:59:24Z")
I normally take a full hot shower right when I get up from bed and do the full scrubbing and shampoo then. Then when I get back from work I will just take a quick 3 minute cold shower without any soap or shampoo, just ha… --- ## [It turns out I judge books by their covers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-turns-out-i-judge-books-by-their-covers/915337)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-turns-out-i-judge-books-by-their-covers/915337 "2020-07-16T19:56:58Z")
The local libraries offer ebook borrowing through Overdrive, a digital distribution company. Starting this week, book cover illustrations have not been showing up in search results. Just solid blue rectangles with the bo… --- ## [What do you think will actually (stay) shut down until a vaccine is found?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-will-actually-stay-shut-down-until-a-vaccine-is-found/915230)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-will-actually-stay-shut-down-until-a-vaccine-is-found/915230 "2020-07-16T19:52:22Z")
Businesses, events, regions, however micro or macro you want to get with this. Inspired in part by a post I was reminded of recently that claimed that Chicagoans would have no complaints with lockdowns lasting into next… --- ## [Obvious word etymologies you realise after the millionth time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obvious-word-etymologies-you-realise-after-the-millionth-time/711958)
**Author:** [@BOOM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BOOM)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obvious-word-etymologies-you-realise-after-the-millionth-time/711958 "2020-07-16T19:17:42Z")
Prompted by watching Wolf Hall on the BBC (Henry VIII, etc) I suddenly twigged – after 50 years! – that the origin of ‘protestant’ is … wait for it … protest. Can’t believe it. How could I not join those dots up: 50 y… --- ## [Poor NFL. Will the NFL exist in 10 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-nfl-will-the-nfl-exist-in-10-years/915000)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/poor-nfl-will-the-nfl-exist-in-10-years/915000 "2020-07-16T18:25:06Z")
CTE? Will CTE end the sport? What will America watch? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1787) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1789)