# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1948 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1949 --- ## [Pope Francis in empty St. Peter's Square](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-francis-in-empty-st-peters-square/850740)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pope-francis-in-empty-st-peters-square/850740 "2020-03-31T20:18:06Z")
I do have to admire the Pontiff. He kept up his job, even shaking hands with people until after what I would think prudent, and delivering prayers in public, even though they had to effectively close St. Peter’s Square. … --- ## [Reading Shakespeare in the time of coronavirus. Anyone interested in discussing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-shakespeare-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-anyone-interested-in-discussing/850590)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-shakespeare-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-anyone-interested-in-discussing/850590 "2020-03-31T20:10:07Z")
Our library shut down before I could restock, so I surveyed what I wanted to read/reread from my shelves. I decided upon a beautiful leatherbound Complete Works of Shakespeare. Back in college I read (I think) 23 of hi… --- ## [Were people in Britain who voted to leave the EU selfish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-people-in-britain-who-voted-to-leave-the-eu-selfish/850270)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-people-in-britain-who-voted-to-leave-the-eu-selfish/850270 "2020-03-31T20:09:45Z")
Well in Britain there is an idea that some people had that people who voted in the Brexit referendum to leave were selfish. They didn’t care about the impact on the economy or travel to different countries. They said Thi… --- ## [Toothpick in the mouth. A cinema trope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpick-in-the-mouth-a-cinema-trope/850606)
**Author:** [@Nansbread1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nansbread1)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toothpick-in-the-mouth-a-cinema-trope/850606 "2020-03-31T20:04:29Z")
When did a toothpick in the mouth become a thing in movies and TV. What was it trying to signify. That somehow it looks cool? I find it annoying to see an actor doing it on the screen. So a few questions What is the te… --- ## [Maple sap! a nice refreshing beverage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maple-sap-a-nice-refreshing-beverage/850348)
**Author:** [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maple-sap-a-nice-refreshing-beverage/850348 "2020-03-31T20:02:44Z")
The Mrs. and I began tapping a few of our maple trees a couple of years ago, to supply ourselves with a personal stock of maple syrup. it’s been a fun hobby for the both of us, and makes us popular with friends and neig… --- ## [Karma's a bitch: Harvey Weinstein tests positive for corona virus!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karmas-a-bitch-harvey-weinstein-tests-positive-for-corona-virus/850077)
**Author:** [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karmas-a-bitch-harvey-weinstein-tests-positive-for-corona-virus/850077 "2020-03-31T19:50:47Z")
At least one good thing is coming out of this whole mess :smiley: --- ## [Interesting - COVID-19 predictions by state (U of Washington study)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-covid-19-predictions-by-state-u-of-washington-study/850751)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-covid-19-predictions-by-state-u-of-washington-study/850751 "2020-03-31T19:45:34Z")
Basically it forecasts hospital bed needs, icu bed needs and ventilator needs, as well as cases and deaths by state and by day. So you can look at say… New York and see that they predict 336 deaths today, as well as t… --- ## [What time should a 15 year old be out of bed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-time-should-a-15-year-old-be-out-of-bed/850202)
**Author:** [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-time-should-a-15-year-old-be-out-of-bed/850202 "2020-03-31T19:39:35Z")
I am having an ongoing argument with my 15 year old daughter It is now 11:15 am, and she is refusing to get out of bed, saying things like It doesn’t matter Why do you care EVERY other kid is allowed to sleep as long … --- ## [Self Made - Netflix miniseries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-made-netflix-miniseries/850746)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-made-netflix-miniseries/850746 "2020-03-31T19:22:24Z")
Has anyone else checked this out yet? It’s based on the life of “Madam” C.J. Walker, a black entrepreneur who made a fortune making and selling products specifically for African Americans. It stars Octavia Spencer, who s… --- ## [Another Tipping Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/847960)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-thread/847960 "2020-03-31T19:20:35Z")
Why has the tipping rate gone up from 15% to 20-25% for in restaurant dining? Why is 20% starting to become an expected tip for deliveries? Why is 20% starting to become an expected tip for pick up orders? --- ## [Can you fight Nihilism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fight-nihilism/849561)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-fight-nihilism/849561 "2020-03-31T17:52:33Z")
Because when it comes to Nihilism one can’t really deny that it is right. All those “no’s” are the truth of our existence and the problem is being able to cope with that or not. Camus says that suicide is the affirmation… --- ## [My new funky tuba video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-funky-tuba-video/850366)
**Author:** [@Jumpbass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jumpbass)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-new-funky-tuba-video/850366 "2020-03-31T17:52:04Z")
I got a new tuba recently, as some of you may know. (previous thread) Then my gigs dried up. So, what’s a guy to do when he’s stuck in the house? Make a video, of course! In my previous thread, some folks asked if I wou… --- ## [My Awesome New Robot Book](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-awesome-new-robot-book/837571)
**Author:** [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-awesome-new-robot-book/837571 "2020-03-31T17:22:43Z")
The biggest and best book of my career is finally out in public where people can see it, read it, and even buy it. Robots in American Popular Culture (by someone named Steve Carper) is the first comprehensive history of … --- ## [Over 60 dopers, are you staying home??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-60-dopers-are-you-staying-home/849247)
**Author:** [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/over-60-dopers-are-you-staying-home/849247 "2020-03-31T17:20:56Z")
We pretty much do anyway, maybe venturing out a couple times a week for appts. or shopping. But I know a LOT of over 60’s are working, so how are you handling that? --- ## [Should I be mad at my husband?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-mad-at-my-husband/810419)
**Author:** [@Blue\_Mood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blue_Mood)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-be-mad-at-my-husband/810419 "2020-03-31T17:11:59Z")
We let our 13 year old son choose our last car rental - it was a Camaro SS. All was fine but my husband took him for a little spin on the interstate and exceeded 90 mph several times, topping out at 103 mph at one point.… --- ## [Accidentally hilarious NY Times Illustration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidentally-hilarious-ny-times-illustration/850424)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/accidentally-hilarious-ny-times-illustration/850424 "2020-03-31T16:51:20Z")
This is an poem with an illustration from the NY Times. I can’t believe it got past the editors (spoilered, because it’s potentially NSFW). I’m told it’s a globe with a mask, but I really can’t see the mask, I only se… --- ## [Blackbeard the pirate case makes Supreme Court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackbeard-the-pirate-case-makes-supreme-court/850222)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackbeard-the-pirate-case-makes-supreme-court/850222 "2020-03-31T16:31:04Z")
It’s a copyright case about images of his ship that was sunk over 300 years ago. 9-0 said that the guy who took the pictures and videos cannot sue the state of NC --- ## [The Yankees have won 1 World Series since 2001. Think about that](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-yankees-have-won-1-world-series-since-2001-think-about-that/850489)
**Author:** [@Yankees\_1996\_Champs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yankees_1996_Champs)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-yankees-have-won-1-world-series-since-2001-think-about-that/850489 "2020-03-31T16:01:54Z")
That’s alarming in Yankeeland, where Yankees must win the World Series every year or the season is a failure. 1 World Series since 2001, in 2009. Think about that. --- ## [Tingly, uncomfortable feeling when people talk about blood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tingly-uncomfortable-feeling-when-people-talk-about-blood/849935)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tingly-uncomfortable-feeling-when-people-talk-about-blood/849935 "2020-03-31T15:56:03Z")
Not sure if this fits better in GQ, IMHO, or MPSIMS – mods, feel free to move as appropriate. I can’t explain this feeling I get, but it’s unpleasant and very occasionally I’ve come close to fainting (or at least felt l… --- ## [The Census is underway!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-is-underway/849313)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-census-is-underway/849313 "2020-03-31T15:50:52Z")
I have a retired friend who applied for one of the census jobs back in November, and was hired in December. The job was supposed to start at the beginning of this month, but she didn’t hear anything until today. Stupidl… --- ## [Oldest business in your area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-business-in-your-area/850535)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oldest-business-in-your-area/850535 "2020-03-31T15:37:58Z")
Looking for a place that has never shut down but might have changed names or merged. I live a mile from Oxford University press office. Founded in 1586. It’s an office with a warehouse which I think might be the… --- ## [What is the best time to visit the laundromat during COVID lockdowns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-time-to-visit-the-laundromat-during-covid-lockdowns/850697)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-time-to-visit-the-laundromat-during-covid-lockdowns/850697 "2020-03-31T15:33:13Z")
I normally do my laundry at my parents since I don’t have W/D hookups, but I don’t want to visit them since they’re 70 with various comorbid conditions. So I want to go to the laundromat, but don’t know when the best ti… --- ## [Remote control with different Windows versions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-control-with-different-windows-versions/850739)
**Author:** [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/remote-control-with-different-windows-versions/850739 "2020-03-31T15:23:16Z")
What is a remote control program that can use different Windows versions? We have several Win XP laptops that we would like to remotely use to control Windows 7 desktops. Thanks! --- ## [Playstation Fallout 4 GOTY Edition + Skyrim Special Edition: Only 30 bucks (ends 3-31)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playstation-fallout-4-goty-edition-skyrim-special-edition-only-30-bucks-ends-3-31/850679)
**Author:** [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/playstation-fallout-4-goty-edition-skyrim-special-edition-only-30-bucks-ends-3-31/850679 "2020-03-31T14:49:20Z")
Was looking for a new game to play as I’ll certainly have the time for the next month and stumbled across this deal. This is like 80+ hours of gameplay for cheap! Unfortunately it ends tomorrow, but I figured I’d pass … --- ## [Back to school](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-school/695819)
**Author:** [@Tremblay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tremblay)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/back-to-school/695819 "2020-03-31T14:33:36Z")
Summers winding down and schools starting back in session. Grrr… Just want to wish all going back (including teachers and parents) have a successful journey this year! Make the most of it! --- ## [How did the world economy recover from the 1918 Spanish Flu?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-world-economy-recover-from-the-1918-spanish-flu/850646)
**Author:** [@Mrdeals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrdeals)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-world-economy-recover-from-the-1918-spanish-flu/850646 "2020-03-31T14:27:36Z")
Apart from the massive human cost of Covid-19, a lot of discussion has happened on the economic impacts. The 1918 Spanish Flu was arguably worse than Covid-19, and presumably, brought much of the world economy to a halt… --- ## [Does spraying the streets clean do any good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-spraying-the-streets-clean-do-any-good/850737)
**Author:** [@zimaane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zimaane)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-spraying-the-streets-clean-do-any-good/850737 "2020-03-31T14:10:11Z")
On the news I see images from Europe of crews using trucks with pumps to spray the streets clean, in an effort to fight COVID 19. I haven’t seen this in the United States. Is there any evidence that this is helpful? Pr… --- ## [Television Tax/Fee/whatever it's called in Britain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/television-tax-fee-whatever-its-called-in-britain/849158)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/television-tax-fee-whatever-its-called-in-britain/849158 "2020-03-31T13:12:37Z")
I’ve seen passing mentions over the years of a television tax/fee/something of the sort in Britain, but they always assume the reader OF COURSE knows what’s going on and don’t bother to explain. So enlighten this ignora… --- ## [How to find a person](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-a-person/849425)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-find-a-person/849425 "2020-03-31T12:40:37Z")
I’m trying to find a person who I knew 40 years ago and who I think I saw recently in a public place. I have the person’s full name, date/place of birth, and a 40-year-old address. I’ve tried all the usual ways to sear… --- ## [I just coined a term - SUCK-ceed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-coined-a-term-suck-ceed/850496)
**Author:** [@Mike\_Mabes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Mabes)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2020, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-coined-a-term-suck-ceed/850496 "2020-03-31T12:20:08Z")
I am adding another definition to succeed. SUCK-ceed. That is when the person succeeding another in a position is the worst person that could have possibly nominated to do so, but who is still better than the alternati… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1947) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1949)