# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1857 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1858 --- ## [Question about an Ant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-ant/854603)
**Author:** [@Mr.Bobcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Bobcat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-an-ant/854603 "2020-05-28T14:32:42Z")
I noticed these tiny ants in my house. They are so small you can hardly see them, they are super fast. They can see you when you try to kill them with your finger, they dodge your finger. When I kill them they smell li… --- ## [Do Spanish speakers do anything to Spanish words to make them sound more English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spanish-speakers-do-anything-to-spanish-words-to-make-them-sound-more-english/854073)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-spanish-speakers-do-anything-to-spanish-words-to-make-them-sound-more-english/854073 "2020-05-28T14:25:01Z")
I’m thinking of the opposite of what is common in English to make words sound more Spanish. Usually, this is done by adding an “o” to the end of a word or prefixing the word with an “el” or “la”. Among Spanish speakers,… --- ## [Can I back up AutoCAD from a 32 bit version of Windows 10 and restore it to a 64 bit version?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-back-up-autocad-from-a-32-bit-version-of-windows-10-and-restore-it-to-a-64-bit-version/854477)
**Author:** [@Ficer67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ficer67)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-back-up-autocad-from-a-32-bit-version-of-windows-10-and-restore-it-to-a-64-bit-version/854477 "2020-05-28T12:42:49Z")
I have an old copy of AutoCAD that I would like to run again. It works fine on the 32 bit version of windows. But - we are all moving to 64 bit versions of windows - and beyond. So, I am thinking I could backup my Aut… --- ## [Can ISS (space station) operate with nobody on board?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-iss-space-station-operate-with-nobody-on-board/854575)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-iss-space-station-operate-with-nobody-on-board/854575 "2020-05-28T12:18:57Z")
In the remote case someone got CV up there would they bring everyone back? Or do they have to leave 1 person there at all times? --- ## [Do the Germans have a word for wabi-sabi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-germans-have-a-word-for-wabi-sabi/854328)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-germans-have-a-word-for-wabi-sabi/854328 "2020-05-28T12:08:56Z")
I’ve often heard that German has a word or expression for everything. The term “wabi-sabi” (a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, an aesthetic sometimes described as one of beauty that … --- ## [Movies/TV Shows/etc moments that seem really dated now...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-tv-shows-etc-moments-that-seem-really-dated-now/128226)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-tv-shows-etc-moments-that-seem-really-dated-now/128226 "2020-05-28T10:49:43Z")
The cell phone thread got me to thinking about a comment my mom once made about “Seinfeld”- where Jerry is kvetching about a baseball player not having the time to call him- something that wouldn’t really happen in this … --- ## ["997 American soldiers died fighting in Vietnam on their first day in the country"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/997-american-soldiers-died-fighting-in-vietnam-on-their-first-day-in-the-country/854550)
**Author:** [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/997-american-soldiers-died-fighting-in-vietnam-on-their-first-day-in-the-country/854550 "2020-05-28T09:49:08Z")
Saw this on the internet (so it must be true!), but is this even possible? Were soldiers sent in harm’s way on day one? It doesn’t say they were killed in combat with the VC, maybe it was a helicopter crash or even a jee… --- ## [Does GPS speed takes altitude into account and finding the slope of a hill ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-gps-speed-takes-altitude-into-account-and-finding-the-slope-of-a-hill/854446)
**Author:** [@am77494](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/am77494)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-gps-speed-takes-altitude-into-account-and-finding-the-slope-of-a-hill/854446 "2020-05-28T09:28:18Z")
I have seen the car speedometer and the GPS speed (Waze) differ when going up or down a steep hill. Is this real ? If it’s real, can you estimate the slope of a straight road that goes up a hill by : Theta (angle of in… --- ## [Trying to identify a mechanical device – ratchet for nylon rope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-identify-a-mechanical-device-ratchet-for-nylon-rope/854541)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 6:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trying-to-identify-a-mechanical-device-ratchet-for-nylon-rope/854541 "2020-05-28T06:18:01Z")
When I was growing up we did a lot of land-clearing, including tons of small trees. One safety device we used was to run a long nylon rope higher up around the tree, anchor it to something nearby (often another, larger t… --- ## [Will the pandemic end cash only businesses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-pandemic-end-cash-only-businesses/849953)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-pandemic-end-cash-only-businesses/849953 "2020-05-28T04:02:21Z")
In the United States there are a small number of business that are cash-only or prefer cash. Usually they are small family-owned delicatessens or convenience stores (bodegas). I understand that in Germany, for example, … --- ## [So ... But ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-but/663656)
**Author:** [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Replies:** 508\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-but/663656 "2020-05-28T03:36:56Z")
Rules: Person #1 gives a statement of what someone has done, starting with “So …” Person #2 gives a statement of a reaction, of the consequences, starting with “But …” Person #3 carries on with a statement of the reac… --- ## [Movies that were released incomplete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-were-released-incomplete/853977)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/movies-that-were-released-incomplete/853977 "2020-05-28T03:07:01Z")
The obvious joke is to list a bunch of terrible movies, but that isn’t my point. What movies were released that were apparently not totally finished? Some examples: \*\*London Has Fallen \*\*- I don’t know if you have seen … --- ## [Guitar on Suzanne Vega's "Left of Center"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-on-suzanne-vegas-left-of-center/791581)
**Author:** [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-on-suzanne-vegas-left-of-center/791581 "2020-05-28T02:57:19Z")
Who played guitar on Suzanne Vega’s “Left of Center”. I find lots of references to Joe Jackson playing piano, but no mention of the guitar. --- ## [Aviation Inquiry: Pilot and Co-pilot Required?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aviation-inquiry-pilot-and-co-pilot-required/854542)
**Author:** [@ASGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASGuy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aviation-inquiry-pilot-and-co-pilot-required/854542 "2020-05-28T02:18:37Z")
A good friend is a small aircraft pilot. Small aircraft are commonly piloted by one person with no co-pilot. We got into a discussion about business jets. During the discussion I offered the opinion that if I owned a Gul… --- ## [Bluecare Express?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluecare-express/854070)
**Author:** [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bluecare-express/854070 "2020-05-28T02:17:49Z")
Anyone ever successfully gotten a package delivery through this company? Hell, anyone ever even HEARD of it before? I bought something through eBay - and just got a shipment notice from eBay. The tracking says it’s bei… --- ## [Pork Slow-Cooker Recipe question -- Need answer fast . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pork-slow-cooker-recipe-question-need-answer-fast/854504)
**Author:** [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pork-slow-cooker-recipe-question-need-answer-fast/854504 "2020-05-28T02:07:48Z")
I’m cooking up a batch of stew with beans, cubed pork, other ingredients. I need to know if I’m cooking the pork long enough to be safe. I think so, but I’d like some independent opinions. Need answer fairly quickly b… --- ## [Comics: Did Superman ever have to deal with a corrupt US government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comics-did-superman-ever-have-to-deal-with-a-corrupt-us-government/854520)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comics-did-superman-ever-have-to-deal-with-a-corrupt-us-government/854520 "2020-05-28T01:13:16Z")
If so, what did he do, if anything? I believe there were time/plotlines where he collaborated with such (got corrupted himself Knight Templar style). --- ## [Household radiator boiler controls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-radiator-boiler-controls/854463)
**Author:** [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/household-radiator-boiler-controls/854463 "2020-05-28T01:09:20Z")
I had to have a new boiler installed this past winter. It was expensive but I’m glad it’s out of the way. However, now that warm weather has arrived, there’s a problem. The boiler keeps kicking on\*, even thought the u… --- ## [Home Depot doesn't seem to understand the point of curbside pickup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-depot-doesnt-seem-to-understand-the-point-of-curbside-pickup/854355)
**Author:** [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2020, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-depot-doesnt-seem-to-understand-the-point-of-curbside-pickup/854355 "2020-05-28T00:22:48Z")
So I ordered some compost from Home Depot using their should–be-handy and safe curbside pickup option. They text that it’s ready two days after I ordered it. It generally takes Target about an hour to get a similar order… --- ## [What percentage of a man's genes comes from each grandparent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-a-mans-genes-comes-from-each-grandparent/854510)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-percentage-of-a-mans-genes-comes-from-each-grandparent/854510 "2020-05-27T23:58:37Z")
Especially the ones which could influence the mind, personality. Do I understand correctly that a man would have no X chromosome elements from his paternal grandmother? --- ## [What have the survivalists been up to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-the-survivalists-been-up-to/854561)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-the-survivalists-been-up-to/854561 "2020-05-27T23:13:08Z")
One thing I haven’t heard much about during all of this is the survivalists… particularly the hard core types with “bug out bags” and so forth. Anyone know any? Did they head off to their secret bunkers back in March? Or… --- ## [Have Read the Bob Murray V. John Oliver Legal Papers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-read-the-bob-murray-v-john-oliver-legal-papers/854535)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-read-the-bob-murray-v-john-oliver-legal-papers/854535 "2020-05-27T23:10:43Z")
You know how it is. There is no explanation how you come across something on the internet. Some source called the ACLU filing in this case the snarkiest legal brief ever. It is. Especially the photos. Please enjoy. htt… --- ## [What happens to the second stage in a Falcon 9 crewed launch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-the-second-stage-in-a-falcon-9-crewed-launch/854522)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-the-second-stage-in-a-falcon-9-crewed-launch/854522 "2020-05-27T22:53:43Z")
I assume it burns up, but I’m having trouble finding the information. I know at one time they looked into returning that as well as the first stage for reuse, but I think they gave up on it. So, my assumption is that i… --- ## [Grammar question about possessives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-about-possessives/854499)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grammar-question-about-possessives/854499 "2020-05-27T22:50:25Z")
I just came across this caption (more or less) in an Atlantic Magazine article about Philip Roth: A sketch drawn by a friend of the artist’s It’s hard to believe such an august publication would let a blatant error sli… --- ## [Do you like the Brady-Jordan-Kobe-Jeter mentality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-the-brady-jordan-kobe-jeter-mentality/854304)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-the-brady-jordan-kobe-jeter-mentality/854304 "2020-05-27T22:32:41Z")
All of these athletes are world champions. They won championships. They expect to be in championship series. Tom Brady and Derek Jeter don’t want watch Super Bowls and World Series if they and their teams are not in it. … --- ## [Can a 1 amp trickle charger fully charge a car battery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-1-amp-trickle-charger-fully-charge-a-car-battery/854560)
**Author:** [@Squallous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squallous)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-1-amp-trickle-charger-fully-charge-a-car-battery/854560 "2020-05-27T21:39:25Z")
Presuming that the car battery is otherwise good, functional, holds a charge, etc. , in theory a 1 amp trickle charger (battery tender, drip charger) intended for a motorcycle battery should be able to fully charge a car… --- ## [NASA removes top guy a week before first US based astronaut launch since 2011](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-removes-top-guy-a-week-before-first-us-based-astronaut-launch-since-2011/854139)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-removes-top-guy-a-week-before-first-us-based-astronaut-launch-since-2011/854139 "2020-05-27T21:23:44Z")
He was only hired in October. He is the guy who would have the final no/no go for a launch with humans. Trying to find more on this. https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-administrator-selects-douglas-loverro-as… --- ## [Why doesn't VW build it's own luxury cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-vw-build-its-own-luxury-cars/854186)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-vw-build-its-own-luxury-cars/854186 "2020-05-27T21:10:41Z")
VW as a group does own Audi, Bentley, Porsche and so on, some of these cars like the Audi A8 are always in the top 5 most luxury cars with the most modern and advanced equipment and features, with it’s rivals being Merce… --- ## [Graduating high school a year early?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graduating-high-school-a-year-early/854543)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graduating-high-school-a-year-early/854543 "2020-05-27T21:02:14Z")
I see some top BB recruits graduate HS a year early. How does that happen? Extra classes online? I can see graduating in Dec. if the school uses the block system where each class is 1 semester. But 2 semeste… --- ## [What effect will Covid-19 have on social security and Medicare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-will-covid-19-have-on-social-security-and-medicare/854363)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2020, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-will-covid-19-have-on-social-security-and-medicare/854363 "2020-05-27T20:55:32Z")
Has anyone modelled what the long term effects of of the corona virus will be on U S entitlements? Is this part of the reason that Republicans want to get rid of lock downs? If this would do better in GD, feel free to … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1856) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1858)