# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=183&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 184 --- ## [Why Hitler “succeeded” and Trump has already failed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hitler-succeeded-and-trump-has-already-failed/1019533)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 311\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hitler-succeeded-and-trump-has-already-failed/1019533 "2025-12-14T03:22:43Z")
First, some caveats: Hitler was one of the most evil and destructive persons in human history, yet he also had some qualities and behaviors that allowed him to “succeed” under his own twisted terms in taking power in Ge… --- ## [Mattel, you are very special](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattel-you-are-very-special/1025613 "2025-12-14T02:06:05Z")
To me. Not sure I know anything about your corporate mis-deeds or not. I hope it’s good enough. God knows I spent many dollars on their products over the years. In July 2025, Mattel dropped the Type 1 diabetic Barbie.… --- ## [ACA goes away, health insurance company has nothing to say?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-goes-away-health-insurance-company-has-nothing-to-say/1025649)
**Author:** [@Mortimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mortimus)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-goes-away-health-insurance-company-has-nothing-to-say/1025649 "2025-12-13T21:52:33Z")
I’m surprised insurance companies don’t seem to be trying to get ahead of what will certainly be backlash directed at them. I get that the situation may still be considered too fluid for them to comment on. OTOH the ACA… --- ## [Annoyance about the ignore feature and the OP of a thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoyance-about-the-ignore-feature-and-the-op-of-a-thread/1009214)
**Author:** [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annoyance-about-the-ignore-feature-and-the-op-of-a-thread/1009214 "2025-12-13T21:34:17Z")
So, I have a (thankfully) short list of ignored posters. I do like the fact that I have the option to see ignored content, which I don’t take advantage of often (I’m ignoring people for a reason after all). But, someti… --- ## [How can this billboard be legal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-this-billboard-be-legal/1025592)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-this-billboard-be-legal/1025592 "2025-12-13T20:25:41Z")
Last night, I was driving on Interstate 35 northbound in Kyle, Texas (a suburb of Austin). I observed the following billboard: “Venmo me: @\[notarealuser\] Person who sends most money wins half of all money collected” … --- ## [Post Presidential Trump: Will justice prevail or will we still have to deal with him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-presidential-trump-will-justice-prevail-or-will-we-still-have-to-deal-with-him/923542)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-presidential-trump-will-justice-prevail-or-will-we-still-have-to-deal-with-him/923542 "2025-12-13T18:22:48Z")
There are similar threads that have you all speculating, but I thought we needed one cohesive thread about post-presidential Trump. What will happen…? I feel certain if he loses to Biden, he will have to do some maneuv… --- ## [Could the GOP break Gerrymandering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-gop-break-gerrymandering/1024214)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-gop-break-gerrymandering/1024214 "2025-12-13T18:19:46Z")
Is it possible that the current Republican party could overreach so far and become so unpopular that even Gerrymandering won’t fully save their hold on power? This of course assumes we continue to have fire and fair ele… --- ## [What songs best portray botanist journaling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-songs-best-portray-botanist-journaling/1025637)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-songs-best-portray-botanist-journaling/1025637 "2025-12-13T17:15:52Z")
What song encaptures the vibes? :3 My personal songs for it Oblivion Genesis Insomniac by memo boy and chakra efendi Feel the melody and Dandelion by Gabbie hannah --- ## [GCHQ Christmas Challenge 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gchq-christmas-challenge-2025/1025668)
**Author:** [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gchq-christmas-challenge-2025/1025668 "2025-12-13T16:47:47Z")
Quite a bit of fun. I’ve solved the main puzzle, but have given up on trying to crack Santa’s password. --- ## [Odd recommendations to reduce stess and anxiety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-recommendations-to-reduce-stess-and-anxiety/1025648)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odd-recommendations-to-reduce-stess-and-anxiety/1025648 "2025-12-13T16:40:03Z")
I’ve been insane for like 4 days. Erratic behavior, weird evil(?)thoughts. Interrupted sleep. This is due to my conditions that I really cannot control. Stress and anxiety just adds a nice cherry on top. I know I’ve be… --- ## [Blowing up boats off So. America - war crime or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blowing-up-boats-off-so-america-war-crime-or-not/1024479)
**Author:** [@Fir\_na\_tine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fir_na_tine)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blowing-up-boats-off-so-america-war-crime-or-not/1024479 "2025-12-13T16:29:19Z")
I’ve read a few threads that vaguely explain the concept of “illegal orders” and that those orders should not be obeyed. I’ve read a few threads that imply the blowing up of boats without some justification (declaration… --- ## [Lewdle, like Wordle, but dirty! NSFW](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lewdle-like-wordle-but-dirty-nsfw/1025396)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lewdle-like-wordle-but-dirty-nsfw/1025396 "2025-12-13T15:47:19Z")
Lewdle :eggplant::sweat\_droplets: 1416 3/6 :black\_large\_square::black\_large\_square::black\_large\_square::yellow\_square::black\_large\_square: :green\_square::black\_large\_square::yellow\_square::black\_large\_square:… --- ## [Security of encrypted messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-of-encrypted-messaging-apps-e-g-whatsapp-signal/1025622)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-of-encrypted-messaging-apps-e-g-whatsapp-signal/1025622 "2025-12-13T15:27:15Z")
These apps encrypt data for transmission. But how common is, really, it to attempt to intercept data in motion? Even if the messages were in plain text, how commonly has that occurred? All the hacking I’ve ever heard of … --- ## [Receiving political texts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/receiving-political-texts/1025636)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/receiving-political-texts/1025636 "2025-12-13T13:28:26Z")
I sent money to two political candidates and receive dozens of texts per day from candidates I never heard of in other states begging for money. The organization that intercedes with candidates and donors, ActBlue says t… --- ## [What makes a good university good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-good-university-good/1025428)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-good-university-good/1025428 "2025-12-13T11:42:38Z")
I know there are some “famous” universities, like the Ivy Leagues and a few other ones. What is it about them that makes them better than others? Is it only their legacy and fame, or do they have measurably better pedago… --- ## [The Death of Bookstores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-bookstores/1025614)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-bookstores/1025614 "2025-12-13T11:08:04Z")
It was pretty hard to miss the mass die-off of major bookstore chains, indie bookstores, and even used bookstores after about 2000. Even in Boston and Cambridge, the sudden disappearance of scads of the used bookshops th… --- ## [Sauropod dinosaurs may have been more colorful than we previously thought](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sauropod-dinosaurs-may-have-been-more-colorful-than-we-previously-thought/1025655)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sauropod-dinosaurs-may-have-been-more-colorful-than-we-previously-thought/1025655 "2025-12-13T00:41:13Z")
I just watched a podcast interview with one of the scientists behind this study. They looked at diplodocus scales that were incredibly well preserved and they were able to identify a variety of melanosomes. They were o… --- ## [ID a TV episode about fantasy sports and desk poop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-a-tv-episode-about-fantasy-sports-and-desk-poop/1025647)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2025, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/id-a-tv-episode-about-fantasy-sports-and-desk-poop/1025647 "2025-12-13T00:37:39Z")
This recently came to mind and has been driving me crazy trying to figure it out. I saw it within the last couple of years but it could be older. Somebody who screws up a lot is trying to make up to / bond with somebod… --- ## [Every blue eye from a single individual mutation? Really?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-blue-eye-from-a-single-individual-mutation-really/1025603)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/every-blue-eye-from-a-single-individual-mutation-really/1025603 "2025-12-12T22:33:31Z")
I’m sure you’ve heard the assertion that everyone who has blue eyes is descended from the same person. Wouldn’t that mean that the mutation occurred only once in all of human history? How likely is that? Every blue-eyed… --- ## [John Lennon was murdered 45 years ago today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-lennon-was-murdered-45-years-ago-today/1025527)
**Author:** [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-lennon-was-murdered-45-years-ago-today/1025527 "2025-12-12T22:28:15Z")
It doesn’t seem possible that it’s been so long. Like today, December 8th, 1980 was a Monday. I was 15 years old, and was watching Monday Night Football – like a lot of people, I learned about Lennon’s death from his u… --- ## [Control is one of the best games I've ever played](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-is-one-of-the-best-games-ive-ever-played/937616)
**Author:** [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/control-is-one-of-the-best-games-ive-ever-played/937616 "2025-12-12T21:55:31Z")
I just finished the main story and I just had to gush about this game. The plot is like a really great X-Files or Fringe season, involving shady government bureaucracy and the paranormal. The graphics are incredible. I p… --- ## [What are these metal things on concrete benches](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-metal-things-on-concrete-benches/1025500)
**Author:** [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-these-metal-things-on-concrete-benches/1025500 "2025-12-12T20:01:50Z")
In a number of places, I’ve seen concrete benches (or low walls that might be used as benches) with metal objects attached at intervals, like this: Sometimes they are decorative, sha… --- ## [Time Person of the Year 2025](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2025/1025386)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-person-of-the-year-2025/1025386 "2025-12-12T19:22:55Z")
I knew I forgot to do something this year, what with my move from San Francisco to Las Vegas…it’s time for my annual Time Person of the Year thread. I was about to claim that “nobody really stood out” - then I did a lit… --- ## [Sleep apnea - don't sleep on your back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-apnea-dont-sleep-on-your-back/1018890)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sleep-apnea-dont-sleep-on-your-back/1018890 "2025-12-12T19:17:36Z")
Who knew?!? If you didn’t, then try not sleeping on your back. :rofl: I had a home sleep study done a dozen years ago or so. Diagnosed as mild apnea, got a CPAP, and no longer felt like I had permanent jet lag every aft… --- ## [Scanning large documents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanning-large-documents/1025055)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scanning-large-documents/1025055 "2025-12-12T18:29:26Z")
I have a bunch of paper wiring diagrams for an old car I own. The size is 17 inches X 31 inches. I would like them scanned using a high-resolution scanner. Are there companies that do this? I have a regular scanner, an… --- ## [Is there a photographer in the house? (simple question about framing/cropping)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-photographer-in-the-house-simple-question-about-framing-cropping/1025170)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-photographer-in-the-house-simple-question-about-framing-cropping/1025170 "2025-12-12T17:26:30Z")
Which is better (when using a DSLR): Should I take as wide a picture as possible (or reasonable) and then crop the picture to bring attention to the subject? -or- Frame the subject as well as possible when snapping t… --- ## [The Mandela effect on YOU](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandela-effect-on-you/1024254)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mandela-effect-on-you/1024254 "2025-12-12T17:17:24Z")
What are some of the mandela effects that really confused you? I’ll go first! Monopoly man Monocle berenstein bears --- ## [How do you guys make a Minecraft texture pack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-guys-make-a-minecraft-texture-pack/1025638)
**Author:** [@IMadeLem0nade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMadeLem0nade)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-guys-make-a-minecraft-texture-pack/1025638 "2025-12-12T17:11:56Z")
okay, so i’ve been trying something for a while now, making a Minecraft texture pack. I don’t really know what i’m doing, and i’ve been using itsme64’s texture pack editor. I use MCPE, and I would like some tips for mak… --- ## [Words you mis-said](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-you-mis-said/1024059)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-you-mis-said/1024059 "2025-12-12T17:10:52Z")
What are some words you’ve accidently said? what did you actually mean? I’ll go first, Frain bog I mean Brain fog --- ## [Another pronunciation vexation - crudites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-pronunciation-vexation-crudites/1025618)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2025, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-pronunciation-vexation-crudites/1025618 "2025-12-12T15:22:45Z")
Carrots and celery with a nice dip. Love em. Always been just veggies to me. But I do realize it is properly (smugly) called “crudites”. In 79 years I have never heard anyone pronounce crudites although I have puzzled ov… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=182&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=184&state=muted)