# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1874 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1875 --- ## [Very basic starter D&D during COVID lockdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-starter-d-d-during-covid-lockdown/853250)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-basic-starter-d-d-during-covid-lockdown/853250 "2020-05-16T23:06:46Z")
We are struggling to keep going during the social distancing. The Cub has asked if there’s any basic way to start D&D while it’s just the three of us in isolation? Any thoughts / suggestions? --- ## [Whats the reason the us has a politisized supreme court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-reason-the-us-has-a-politisized-supreme-court/853947)
**Author:** [@Loggins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loggins)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-reason-the-us-has-a-politisized-supreme-court/853947 "2020-05-16T23:05:04Z")
I am not american, as you can hear from my accent, but ive seen alot of politics in my 50 yo life. How come the court sytem in the US is based on politics? It seems completely un-democratic snf i donty know any other co… --- ## [Miller, a word about what you consider my "doxxing" of right-wingers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miller-a-word-about-what-you-consider-my-doxxing-of-right-wingers/853740)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miller-a-word-about-what-you-consider-my-doxxing-of-right-wingers/853740 "2020-05-16T22:53:39Z")
Miller: In the Pit thread “Fucking idiot coronavirus-loving rednecks in Michigan,” you edited a post of mine, claiming I was a little too close to doxxing people. I wholeheartedly disagree with your assessment. Severa… --- ## [Posting as a poster, or a moderator, or a spokes-moderator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-as-a-poster-or-a-moderator-or-a-spokes-moderator/853945)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/posting-as-a-poster-or-a-moderator-or-a-spokes-moderator/853945 "2020-05-16T22:47:59Z")
I rise to a point of order. When this thread was closed, Colibri wrote that Engineer\_Comp\_Geek had provided the moderators’ answer in post 49. Here is the part that Colibri quoted. When ECG speaks of why he did not mo… --- ## [explain this police activity at the George Washington bridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-police-activity-at-the-george-washington-bridge/853934)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-police-activity-at-the-george-washington-bridge/853934 "2020-05-16T22:12:24Z")
I was approaching the toll booth of the bridge into Manhattan. Just before I get there two cops cars park across the road way with their lights on blocking me. But across the divider the road is not blocked and cars are… --- ## [Google Maps question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-question/853942)
**Author:** [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-maps-question/853942 "2020-05-16T22:07:06Z")
Below are links to two different screen shots of the exact same area. They are both Google Maps. The first one is from the Geocaching website. The second one is taken from the Google Maps site directly. I live in the ar… --- ## [Does anyone still build harpsichords?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-build-harpsichords/853850)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Finn)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-still-build-harpsichords/853850 "2020-05-16T21:40:01Z")
With electronic keyboards everywhere able to synthesize almost any sound, is there any demand for new harpsichords? Can piano builders make them, or is it a special art which only trained individuals could do - upon req… --- ## [Can a single blood sugar prick done at a hospital emergency department definitely rule out diabetes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-single-blood-sugar-prick-done-at-a-hospital-emergency-department-definitely-rule-out-diabetes/853906)
**Author:** [@greenpurple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenpurple)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-a-single-blood-sugar-prick-done-at-a-hospital-emergency-department-definitely-rule-out-diabetes/853906 "2020-05-16T21:37:34Z")
Thanks. --- ## [Are drive-in movies open?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-drive-in-movies-open/853691)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-drive-in-movies-open/853691 "2020-05-16T21:02:49Z")
I know they’re not as common as they used to be, but there are still some in business. Have they been allowed to operate during the lockdown? The people watching the movie are all in their own car, which seems like adeq… --- ## [Homophobia on the Dope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homophobia-on-the-dope/852855)
**Author:** [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homophobia-on-the-dope/852855 "2020-05-16T21:01:09Z")
Apologies for the title. I’m not quite sure about the term “homophobia”. What I am getting at is unthinking stereotypes and the privilege to punch down on full display. In this thread, a question is posed about good nam… --- ## [Bonkers plot to overthrow the Venezuelan government](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonkers-plot-to-overthrow-the-venezuelan-government/853594)
**Author:** [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bonkers-plot-to-overthrow-the-venezuelan-government/853594 "2020-05-16T20:14:24Z")
The recent news about a ridiculously stupid plot to kidnap the Venezuelan president has been somewhat overshadowed by things like pandemics, but it deserves attention (even if it’s just schadenfreude). The complete stor… --- ## [A question about Long Tall Sally](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-long-tall-sally/853624)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-long-tall-sally/853624 "2020-05-16T19:41:17Z")
Do you think she was built pretty sweet or built for speed? --- ## [explain this police activity at the George Washington bridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-police-activity-at-the-george-washington-bridge/853935)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-police-activity-at-the-george-washington-bridge/853935 "2020-05-16T19:01:30Z")
I was approaching the toll booth of the bridge into Manhattan. Just before I get there two cops cars park across the road way with their lights on blocking me. But across the divider the road is not blocked and cars are… --- ## [How do they keep the "average" IQ 100?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-keep-the-average-iq-100/852272)
**Author:** [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-they-keep-the-average-iq-100/852272 "2020-05-16T17:05:56Z")
What if there is some sort of intelligence drift that makes people progressively dumber like Idiocracy? Or smarter? The “average” IQ would not be fixed then. Wouldn’t you have to tweak tests so the average score was 100… --- ## [Sigh...well, this isn't going as planned, cheez pleez?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-well-this-isnt-going-as-planned-cheez-pleez/853902)
**Author:** [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sigh-well-this-isnt-going-as-planned-cheez-pleez/853902 "2020-05-16T17:03:42Z")
More than one thing actually. I’ve been trying to stay away from this place for a while, because reasons. Yet, here I am. I think my job is at risk(and I’m not the only one in this boat) because office politics (grrrr… --- ## [Trevor Noah is killing it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-noah-is-killing-it/853835)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trevor-noah-is-killing-it/853835 "2020-05-16T17:02:03Z")
No one can replace Jon Stewart. Trevor Noah is really, really good though. His delivery from home is fantastic. I am really enjoying his show lately. I was concerned about him replacing Jon, but no longer. Trevor is rea… --- ## [Are police officers being more lenient on armed protesters sending the wrong message](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-police-officers-being-more-lenient-on-armed-protesters-sending-the-wrong-message/853746)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-police-officers-being-more-lenient-on-armed-protesters-sending-the-wrong-message/853746 "2020-05-16T16:59:39Z")
Imagine if all the occupy wallstreet protesters had had semi auto rifles, body armor and pistols. The cops probably wouldn’t have beaten the shit out of them as often. Seems like a recipe for disaster. If cops are going… --- ## [Yet another “left it out is it ok” question: salsa, 4-5 hours](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-left-it-out-is-it-ok-question-salsa-4-5-hours/853917)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yet-another-left-it-out-is-it-ok-question-salsa-4-5-hours/853917 "2020-05-16T16:48:54Z")
I have no problem consuming it myself, but for the sake of my wife and kids I want to make sure. I made a batch of salsa the day before yesterday, “garden fresh” style- all raw ingredients: jalapeño, habanero, bell pepp… --- ## [So long, Red](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-red/754207)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-red/754207 "2020-05-16T16:27:21Z")
That’s the nickname bestowed upon him by his mother, who refused to call her children by their given names when visiting them in the children’s home. Dad was “Red”, his brother was “Buddy”, sisters were “Pee Wee” and “To… --- ## [Has the US Armed Forces ever come close to mutiny against their Commender-In\_Chief? Could it happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-armed-forces-ever-come-close-to-mutiny-against-their-commender-in_chief-could-it-happen/853522)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-armed-forces-ever-come-close-to-mutiny-against-their-commender-in_chief-could-it-happen/853522 "2020-05-16T15:49:50Z")
Hi Has the US Armed Forces ever come close to mutiny against their Commender-In\_Chief? Could it happen? I look forward to your feedback --- ## [How much talking to yourself is TOO much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-talking-to-yourself-is-too-much/853838)
**Author:** [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-talking-to-yourself-is-too-much/853838 "2020-05-16T15:49:03Z")
I mean, we all have to consult with an expert from time to time. (I stole that from someone here, I think, and use it whenever I get caught by someone else and can’t play it off like I was talking to them instead.) But a… --- ## [Who/What is your favorite small god?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-what-is-your-favorite-small-god/853590)
**Author:** [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-what-is-your-favorite-small-god/853590 "2020-05-16T15:41:01Z")
The small gods don’t get taught in basic humanities classes the way that the big hitters do. My favorite deitini is Cardea, the Roman goddess of hinges - specifically of pivot hinges. According to wikipedia, she was “as… --- ## [Identify this movie? Old dark house genre.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-movie-old-dark-house-genre/853829)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/identify-this-movie-old-dark-house-genre/853829 "2020-05-16T15:11:58Z")
I saw this some time ago and it has made a home in my head. I want to watch it again to exorcise it. This cheap and cheesy movie is from the 40’s probably, and I don’t think there is anyone of note in the cast, except po… --- ## [Roku Device Connects To My Network, But Not The Internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-device-connects-to-my-network-but-not-the-internet/853818)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-device-connects-to-my-network-but-not-the-internet/853818 "2020-05-16T15:03:07Z")
I just brought home a new wireless router from my ISP. All of my devices have successfully connected to my network, and thus to the internet. Except my Roku- I run the connection test, and it connects to my network, but … --- ## [Arrest and Prosecution of Supervillains](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrest-and-prosecution-of-supervillains/853901)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arrest-and-prosecution-of-supervillains/853901 "2020-05-16T14:45:54Z")
Some villains like The Penguin are merely human…without superpowers. Some, like Doomsday, are mindless monsters…not even considered “persons” under the law. But how about Reverse-Flash, Sinestro, Sabertooth, etc? Obvi… --- ## [Could the 1993-94 Bulls fourpeated without Michael?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-1993-94-bulls-fourpeated-without-michael/853620)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-1993-94-bulls-fourpeated-without-michael/853620 "2020-05-16T13:54:44Z")
Think about it. In the fall of 1993, the world was shocked when NBA king Michael Jordan announced his retirement after winning 3 titles, and a historic 1992 US basketball Olympics campaign! Many people feared that the … --- ## [Saturday morning rags](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saturday-morning-rags/853915)
**Author:** [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saturday-morning-rags/853915 "2020-05-16T12:43:19Z")
Something Doing - Joplin Mississippi Rag - Krell Cantina Band - Williams --- ## [Colditz (1972-1974)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colditz-1972-1974/853771)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colditz-1972-1974/853771 "2020-05-16T12:30:31Z")
BBC series I had never heard of that I discovered today. Features American actors as well such as Robert Wagner and Dan O Herlihy (Who apparently is actually Irish). Filmed on videotape, so it doesn’t look so great. I f… --- ## [What makes a Supreme Court Justice? How about John Roberts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-supreme-court-justice-how-about-john-roberts/853781)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-supreme-court-justice-how-about-john-roberts/853781 "2020-05-16T12:11:12Z")
What are great people like when they’re young? Great musicians were often child prodigies when they were young, and so on; but what about future Presidents? Can you look at a man in his 30’s and guess whether he might … --- ## [Lamenting the Loss of Museum Bookstores](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lamenting-the-loss-of-museum-bookstores/853787)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2020, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lamenting-the-loss-of-museum-bookstores/853787 "2020-05-16T10:47:10Z")
I know it’s an old topic, but I really do miss bookstores. We currently have Barnes and Noble and a few Books A Million/BAM stores, and a handful of independents and used bookstores (often the same thing), but it’s a far… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1873) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1875)