# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1811 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1812 --- ## [Recommend a good ukulele, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-ukulele-please/825632)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 8:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-good-ukulele-please/825632 "2020-06-29T08:48:57Z")
My grandson is learning to play in school and wants one of his own for Christmas. I know next to nothing about ukes or their makers, so I told my daughter I’d ask you mother pluckers for some help. :smiley: --- ## [American culture is by far the No. 1 reason we got infected so badly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-culture-is-by-far-the-no-1-reason-we-got-infected-so-badly/855857)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-culture-is-by-far-the-no-1-reason-we-got-infected-so-badly/855857 "2020-06-29T06:38:11Z")
I’ve been pondering something pretty disheartening of late: There is no reason to believe that the next pandemic will be handled any better. Sure, the government may stockpile a lot more masks or PPE, etc. in advance in… --- ## [How will Biden and a Democratic Congress approach Covid relief/stimulus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-biden-and-a-democratic-congress-approach-covid-relief-stimulus/913501)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-biden-and-a-democratic-congress-approach-covid-relief-stimulus/913501 "2020-06-29T05:09:29Z")
Come what may next January 20, the coronavirus is certain to still be here with us, and the economy still just as shot to pieces as it is right now. And the Covid recession will last for years. A Biden presidency + Demo… --- ## [The only thing that hasn't changed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-thing-that-hasnt-changed/913015)
**Author:** [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-thing-that-hasnt-changed/913015 "2020-06-29T04:25:50Z")
After lurking \> joining the SDMB for 20+ years, I’ve now spent at least 45 minutes with this new layout and I’m still not used to it. Read My Lips: BFD The only thing that has ever really mattered remains unchanged: … --- ## [Can you read Chinese characters? Help with inkstone and label](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-read-chinese-characters-help-with-inkstone-and-label/913194)
**Author:** [@muckalusha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muckalusha)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-read-chinese-characters-help-with-inkstone-and-label/913194 "2020-06-29T04:11:33Z")
If you can read Chinese, Chinese cursive or shorthand, I would appreciate you having a look at this Duan inkstone and old label: https://imgur.com/gallery/w1qz3u1 I would love to know what’s written on both. Thanks. --- ## [Putting India flag on my patio, am I being dumb?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-india-flag-on-my-patio-am-i-being-dumb/912133)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putting-india-flag-on-my-patio-am-i-being-dumb/912133 "2020-06-29T03:10:32Z")
I live in a Texas neighborhood where perhaps 40% of the local residents are Indian, and also some Nepalis (and perhaps Pakistanis/Bangladeshis as well.) I like national flags, and used to collect several of them. I have… --- ## [Political correctness - allowing China to dictate what we (Western nations) do or say.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-allowing-china-to-dictate-what-we-western-nations-do-or-say/841478)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-allowing-china-to-dictate-what-we-western-nations-do-or-say/841478 "2020-06-29T01:34:57Z")
Recently, the NBA issued an apology to China because one of its execs, Daryl Morey, issued a tweet that said, “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” James Harden, star player for the Houston Rockets, also issued an … --- ## [Dish detergents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-detergents/913117)
**Author:** [@Oldbutcurious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldbutcurious)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dish-detergents/913117 "2020-06-29T01:32:45Z")
Do dish detergents contain toxic ingredients? --- ## [Social distancing + Returning to school = challenging math problem?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-distancing-returning-to-school-challenging-math-problem/913212)
**Author:** [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-distancing-returning-to-school-challenging-math-problem/913212 "2020-06-29T01:21:13Z")
Social distancing dictates that people stay six feet apart. And, people are talking about a possible return to school. How many people could you fit in a classroom while obeying that six feet? I have to try to calcul… --- ## [Would you ever want to purchase a sports club?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-ever-want-to-purchase-a-sports-club/855682)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-ever-want-to-purchase-a-sports-club/855682 "2020-06-29T01:18:22Z")
Imagine you being the owner, or president of a sports club. You have your own office. You issue orders, etc, sign free agents, etc. Would you? --- ## [A question about Seasoning Cast Iron](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-seasoning-cast-iron/855344)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-seasoning-cast-iron/855344 "2020-06-29T01:07:57Z")
So, I bought a cheapo house brand cast iron pan a couple weeks ago. I’ve been coating it and the Lodge pan I use for camping with a thin layer of oil and then baking to get them properly seasoned. This last round, the … --- ## [Had your use of facebook changed since covid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-your-use-of-facebook-changed-since-covid/912361)
**Author:** [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2020, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-your-use-of-facebook-changed-since-covid/912361 "2020-06-29T00:55:40Z")
Not sure if this belongs in this forum or what, but I’ll try. and I’m going to put in a poll if I can. my facebook use has skyrocketed and I really need to dial it back. my work hours have fluxuated badly for the last … --- ## [What is consciousness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-consciousness/851389)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-consciousness/851389 "2020-06-28T23:49:40Z")
Original column: What is consciousness? Well, I feel mean making comments about this column, since it’s not like he was going to solve the question. But anyway, it’s just a couple of friendly notes: How humans are tr… --- ## [Making a list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-list/913420)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-list/913420 "2020-06-28T21:51:20Z")
A problem with making a list. (And checking it twice) (a) yadda yadda (b) blah blah © talk talk (d) jibber jabber see the problem? When you put a c in brackets, the board substitutes a copyright symbol. Can this be… --- ## [1950's kids series (possibly Disney)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1950s-kids-series-possibly-disney/913578)
**Author:** [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1950s-kids-series-possibly-disney/913578 "2020-06-28T21:47:17Z")
Okay, this has been driving me nuts for the past two days, and my Google-fu and Wiki-fu has completely failed me. I clearly remember watching a show which featured two, or possibly three, boys traveling down a river in … --- ## [Rhode Island changing the state name](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rhode-island-changing-the-state-name/912769)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rhode-island-changing-the-state-name/912769 "2020-06-28T21:36:42Z")
I only found out the official name a few years back --- ## [What are the best metal albums of the past 10 years(2010-2020)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-metal-albums-of-the-past-10-years-2010-2020/848372)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-best-metal-albums-of-the-past-10-years-2010-2020/848372 "2020-06-28T21:19:32Z")
Yeah, I’ll include 2020 in the list since I actually have one I want to add. I think people should not have to be limited to any specific genre of metal. Any band from any genre of metal can be included. Really just what… --- ## [FWD self propelled walk behind lawnmower on hill, how much does it suck? (also RWD on flat)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fwd-self-propelled-walk-behind-lawnmower-on-hill-how-much-does-it-suck-also-rwd-on-flat/913218)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fwd-self-propelled-walk-behind-lawnmower-on-hill-how-much-does-it-suck-also-rwd-on-flat/913218 "2020-06-28T21:04:45Z")
I’ve heard that for self propelled walk behind mowers, if you have a flat lawn get FWD , if on a slope get RWD. I’m curious about 2 things here, why the difference especially on flat ground as it wouldn’t seem to matte… --- ## [The Westworld score competition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-westworld-score-competition/913444)
**Author:** [@Hoops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hoops)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-westworld-score-competition/913444 "2020-06-28T20:51:06Z")
So HBO, in conjunction with Spitfire Audio, recently held a competition inviting composers to submit a score for a provided clip from Westworld season 3 (It’s from the fifth episode of the season, and is a scene involvin… --- ## [Are Company Towns the Libertarian Ideal of Free Market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-company-towns-the-libertarian-ideal-of-free-market/913388)
**Author:** [@Gats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gats)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-company-towns-the-libertarian-ideal-of-free-market/913388 "2020-06-28T20:32:24Z")
Was just listening to a podcast on the uprising of coal miners who basically fought a civil war to be allowed to unionize around the turn of the 20th century. This got me to thinking: You work for the company, live in … --- ## [What's the "ratio" for a good beef stew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-ratio-for-a-good-beef-stew/913213)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-ratio-for-a-good-beef-stew/913213 "2020-06-28T19:49:58Z")
So I’m looking at what’s left of this pot of stew I made a couple of days ago. It’s like 90% beef and few veggies left. This is obviously easy enough to remedy (Although, I don’t think I can be bothered to cut up and bo… --- ## [Keynesian economics is a poor theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics-is-a-poor-theory/913571)
**Author:** [@Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obama)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keynesian-economics-is-a-poor-theory/913571 "2020-06-28T19:33:05Z")
First, it doesnt work with negative rates. Real rates have been negative for a long time because of subprime (loans they expect to lose). Second, deflation only occurs when the Money multiplier is high. When velocity in… --- ## [Feelin' optimistic about sdmb …](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feelin-optimistic-about-sdmb/913375)
**Author:** [@albino\_manatee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/albino_manatee)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feelin-optimistic-about-sdmb/913375 "2020-06-28T19:26:38Z")
quite a bit different, the upgraded website … nice to see those posts which had been active are still active … and not archived. also, nice to see the staff is still working on things that … --- ## [Not all heroes wear capes, some of them don’t even wear bikini tops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-all-heroes-wear-capes-some-of-them-don-t-even-wear-bikini-tops/913246)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/not-all-heroes-wear-capes-some-of-them-don-t-even-wear-bikini-tops/913246 "2020-06-28T19:24:52Z")
Awesome woman saves family of three from drowning while sunbathing. Thank you Cornwall Live for a little bit of fun in the midst of disaster. And who knew that more than pirates lived in Penzance. --- ## [Post date format](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-date-format/913341)
**Author:** [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-date-format/913341 "2020-06-28T19:15:38Z")
Could we change the date format on posts, please. It should show full day month and year. Preferably time, too. Here’s an example of the problem. This recently resurrected thread Someone explain Kent Hovind originally f… --- ## [A banana with a pulse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-banana-with-a-pulse/912959)
**Author:** [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-banana-with-a-pulse/912959 "2020-06-28T19:01:15Z")
I saw a gif online of someone holding what looked like an Apple watch against the skin of a banana and it registering a pulse. I’ve tried it with my Fitbit Versa and got the same result, it showed a pulse of 70 bpm. What… --- ## [I feel criticized when the Site tells me I've posted "too often" to a certain thread and should "invite others to join"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-criticized-when-the-site-tells-me-ive-posted-too-often-to-a-certain-thread-and-should-invite-others-to-join/912484)
**Author:** [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-feel-criticized-when-the-site-tells-me-ive-posted-too-often-to-a-certain-thread-and-should-invite-others-to-join/912484 "2020-06-28T17:58:49Z")
I don’t know how to “invite others to join”, and I don’t think I’m doing anything to prevent them from posting to the threads I like the most. In case anyone else does want to “help”, please comment on Books A-Z, Speak … --- ## [This is a Test - Make it so!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-a-test-make-it-so/913337)
**Author:** [@Marine\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marine_One)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-a-test-make-it-so/913337 "2020-06-28T17:56:55Z")
“Mr. Watson, come here – I want to see you.” :bell: poll 2020-06-26T05:00:00Z (UTC) “I’m Marine\_One and I approved this message.” --- ## [LiveJournal (Yeah, not Dead yet)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/livejournal-yeah-not-dead-yet/912868)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/livejournal-yeah-not-dead-yet/912868 "2020-06-28T17:48:16Z")
Why’s it in disrepute, aside from “no one blogs there any more because no one blogs there any more”? Just curious. I have a Wordpress mirror and a Blogger mirror. The environments don’t seem to be any better for bloggin… --- ## [IWW birthday today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iww-birthday-today/913457)
**Author:** [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iww-birthday-today/913457 "2020-06-28T16:39:08Z")
Happy 115th birthday to the Industrial Workers of the World and Doper Wobbly sympathizers! “We can bring to earth a new world from the ashes of the old, When the Union makes us strong” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1810) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1812)