# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=185&state=tracking [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 186 --- ## [Duolingo chess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duolingo-chess/1024835)
**Author:** [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duolingo-chess/1024835 "2025-12-15T15:04:33Z")
Hi, everyone. I’ve been learning chess with Duolingo for about a month now. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the pros and cons about it. Let me start by saying that I’ve never had any formal training or teaching in c… --- ## [(Old) It's Gonna Snow? Oh No! Oh No! Oh No!- A Winter MMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-gonna-snow-oh-no-oh-no-oh-no-a-winter-mmp/1025513)
**Author:** [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Replies:** 258\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-its-gonna-snow-oh-no-oh-no-oh-no-a-winter-mmp/1025513 "2025-12-15T14:36:59Z")
Slush! Fog! Black ice! Dogs and cat living together! Mass Hysteria! And it’s Aldi run day, so that will be fun. How’s your weather? I’m up. caffeinated, and shoveled. Off to heave. It’s currently 32 degrees Ferret … --- ## [Rittenhouse writes a book and may enter politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rittenhouse-writes-a-book-and-may-enter-politics/993585)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rittenhouse-writes-a-book-and-may-enter-politics/993585 "2025-12-15T13:55:01Z")
Kyle Rittenhouse has a book - almost. It can be pre-ordered. According to the link, Rittenhouse has fund raising potential and is being considered as a candidate for office in Texas. What is Rittenhouse potential appeal… --- ## [Let's build a Straight Dope Christmas Spotify list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-build-a-straight-dope-christmas-spotify-list/975749)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-build-a-straight-dope-christmas-spotify-list/975749 "2025-12-15T10:28:39Z")
If this is like all the other Spotify threads I’ve started, it will go nowhere. I’m going to build a Christmas playlist for the Straight Dope and need your help to build it. You can pick at most 3 songs to add. “Chri… --- ## [Why would physical therapists refuse to treat a former cancer patient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-physical-therapists-refuse-to-treat-a-former-cancer-patient/1025696)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-physical-therapists-refuse-to-treat-a-former-cancer-patient/1025696 "2025-12-15T04:25:01Z")
My wife has had breast cancer in the same breast twice: in 2010 she had a mastectomy and reconstruction of her left breast, and ten years later there was a recurrence in the chest wall of the same area. A second surgery … --- ## [Police investigating homicide at home of Rob Reiner and his wife](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-investigating-homicide-at-home-of-rob-reiner-and-his-wife/1025713)
**Author:** [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 15, 2025, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-investigating-homicide-at-home-of-rob-reiner-and-his-wife/1025713 "2025-12-15T04:15:34Z")
Apparently there has been a double homicide at the L.A. home of director/actor Rob Reiner and his wife. Reports are a 78 year old male and 68 year old woman have been found dead in this home. These are the ages of Rein… --- ## [Sayings, idioms, and acronyms which seem to indicate the OPPOSITE of what is intended](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sayings-idioms-and-acronyms-which-seem-to-indicate-the-opposite-of-what-is-intended/1024599)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sayings-idioms-and-acronyms-which-seem-to-indicate-the-opposite-of-what-is-intended/1024599 "2025-12-14T23:48:34Z")
On another site I was taken a bit aback yesterday when I read that a political ad had been “dropped”–so I immediately wondered who canceled it and why-was it DFT-enabled censorship at work again? A cowardly news service … --- ## [Non-US Dopers: Does your culture have an equivalent to "calling dibs"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-does-your-culture-have-an-equivalent-to-calling-dibs/1025666)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-us-dopers-does-your-culture-have-an-equivalent-to-calling-dibs/1025666 "2025-12-14T22:39:17Z")
“Calling dibs” is like an informal declaration that you (the person calling dibs) are claiming something for yourself before it’s actually available. Dad’s bringing home Indian food? You “call dibs” on the samosas (meani… --- ## [Help Setting Up Dual Monitors w/Work Laptop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-setting-up-dual-monitors-w-work-laptop/1025623)
**Author:** [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-setting-up-dual-monitors-w-work-laptop/1025623 "2025-12-14T20:11:43Z")
Hi. So, I’m getting dual monitors for my home office. It’s mostly because the dated Dell laptop my work provided does not work properly with the ultra-wide monitor I bought, and I need serious real estate to do my job. … --- ## [Have I been hacked? (strange message that came through my car speakers)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-i-been-hacked-strange-message-that-came-through-my-car-speakers/1025672)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-i-been-hacked-strange-message-that-came-through-my-car-speakers/1025672 "2025-12-14T18:23:32Z")
I came home from an errand just now. I had been listening to a podcast through the car speakers from my phone connected via Bluetooth / Apple CarPlay. After I had parked in the garage, stopped the podcast, but before I t… --- ## [Evolution of pole arms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-pole-arms/1025517)
**Author:** [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-pole-arms/1025517 "2025-12-14T16:12:38Z")
What drives the evolution of these weapons? Consider the fauchard, for example. Around 1300, you have your basic convex blade, while by 1400 a useful hook had been added. … --- ## [You can't watch Pornhub in Texas (for the time being)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-watch-pornhub-in-texas-for-the-time-being/998866)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-cant-watch-pornhub-in-texas-for-the-time-being/998866 "2025-12-14T16:00:51Z")
Pornhub says that Texas laws don’t keep children safe, so if you’re in the Lone Star State, you’ll have to go elsewhere to get some relief by looking at feet or hot moms/dads or whatever floats your boat. Texas says they… --- ## [Did anyone else have a class in college that "Everyone flunked the first time"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-have-a-class-in-college-that-everyone-flunked-the-first-time/1025447)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-else-have-a-class-in-college-that-everyone-flunked-the-first-time/1025447 "2025-12-14T14:55:51Z")
I know it’s not just me because I remember seeing it in college based sitcoms too. But I remember there was a first year Earth Science or something similar class that was a prerequisite for something else important so a… --- ## [Identify a song based on a three-note riff from a commercial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-a-song-based-on-a-three-note-riff-from-a-commercial/1025654)
**Author:** [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-a-song-based-on-a-three-note-riff-from-a-commercial/1025654 "2025-12-14T14:49:06Z")
The commercial in question is for Native deodorant. You can see it here, and the riff is at the very end (“It’s Native…”) Delete the space between the C and the Q at the end for the link since it won’t let me post it. h… --- ## [Where the F\*\*\*\* have I been?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-f-have-i-been/1025635)
**Author:** [@melaniethewitch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/melaniethewitch)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-f-have-i-been/1025635 "2025-12-14T11:51:55Z")
Short answer is doing high school. long answer is, Chronically I’ll suffering while my parent says they will not make me food until all my homework is done. uh yeah.. hi. I’m back ig. I have been managing my POTs and dea… --- ## [Playing the Game "Sorry" With Dice and A Bell](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-the-game-sorry-with-dice-and-a-bell/502384)
**Author:** [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playing-the-game-sorry-with-dice-and-a-bell/502384 "2025-12-14T05:19:17Z")
I was watching a rerun of Carol Burnett and it was a “Eunice” sketch, and Ed, Eunice and Mama were playing the game “Sorry.” Now whenever I played it we had cards. But our favourite trio were playing “Sorry” with a pai… --- ## [What was the first instance of using a record scratch as comic punctuation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-instance-of-using-a-record-scratch-as-comic-punctuation/487708)
**Author:** [@jefusan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jefusan)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-the-first-instance-of-using-a-record-scratch-as-comic-punctuation/487708 "2025-12-14T03:53:34Z")
You know the deal… someone in a movie says something at a party, or enters the wrong bar, and everyone stops talking as the music stops and the needle scratches across the record. In what movie or TV show did that first… --- ## ["Christmas" Specials ... that aren't Chrismassy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-specials-that-arent-chrismassy/1012145)
**Author:** [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 14, 2025, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christmas-specials-that-arent-chrismassy/1012145 "2025-12-14T03:45:33Z")
Has anyone noticed this? I’ve noticed 2. Motown Christmas and Christmas at Graceland. They’ll dress every one in red have Christmas decorations and do a couple of Christmas songs. Motown did very few xmas songs, and b… --- ## [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:… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=184&state=tracking) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=186&state=tracking)