# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1994 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 1995 --- ## [Geographic anomaly (any others like this?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geographic-anomaly-any-others-like-this/845413)
**Author:** [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/geographic-anomaly-any-others-like-this/845413 "2020-03-02T16:06:33Z")
Due (I believe) to boundaries being redrawn after the fall of the Soviet Union, there is an area of Russia that is not “attached” to the main country. It sits on the Baltic sea, between Poland and Lithuania. I hadn’t bee… --- ## [Terminal cuteness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminal-cuteness/848719)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terminal-cuteness/848719 "2020-03-02T14:40:03Z")
In dinky little vehicles: Citroën and, even worse, Microlino. I guess they have to make them too cute or no one would buy them. Or something like that. --- ## [What explains the stunning successes of the Six Day and Yom Kippur wars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-stunning-successes-of-the-six-day-and-yom-kippur-wars/795580)
**Author:** [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-explains-the-stunning-successes-of-the-six-day-and-yom-kippur-wars/795580 "2020-03-02T14:37:58Z")
Israel was able to prevail over several larger opponents in a very short amount of time. Even in the Yom Kippur war, Israel got caught with its tallit down and turn it around in less than 3 weeks. It doesn’t seem like I… --- ## [When did iced tea become the standard at conferences and such?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-iced-tea-become-the-standard-at-conferences-and-such/848662)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-iced-tea-become-the-standard-at-conferences-and-such/848662 "2020-03-02T14:33:51Z")
When I was growing up in Ohio, iced tea was something that was only available if someone who really liked iced tea went out and got the ingredients or instant or whatever. You would never see it as an option in a run-of… --- ## [Leap Year? More like CREEP Year! February minirants.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leap-year-more-like-creep-year-february-minirants/847325)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leap-year-more-like-creep-year-february-minirants/847325 "2020-03-02T14:24:27Z")
What’s the deal with a flaky Google Minihome Hub that won’t consistently shut up when I tell it to? I was getting used to having a voice activated web-radio/alarm clock, but now when it feels like, it hears me say “Hey … --- ## [The effectiveness of an air conditioner in dehumidifying](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-an-air-conditioner-in-dehumidifying/848768)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effectiveness-of-an-air-conditioner-in-dehumidifying/848768 "2020-03-02T14:03:38Z")
Is an A/C almost as good as an actual dehumidifier machine itself, or is it only a small fraction as good when it comes to removing moisture from air? --- ## [Recommended plywood thickness for interior wall covering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommended-plywood-thickness-for-interior-wall-covering/843505)
**Author:** [@Disheavel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disheavel)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommended-plywood-thickness-for-interior-wall-covering/843505 "2020-03-02T13:01:42Z")
I have a cabin being built- and of course we are over budget, and the next big component (walls, roof, exterior, windows, and spray-foam insulation are complete) is the interior wall coverings. While we would love drywal… --- ## [Why didn't hot dogs catch on like hamburgers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hot-dogs-catch-on-like-hamburgers/848447)
**Author:** [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-hot-dogs-catch-on-like-hamburgers/848447 "2020-03-02T12:46:01Z")
I decided to have hot dogs for lunch today, and a thought occured to me: why aren’t hot dogs as ubiquitous as hamburgers in the US? Hot dogs are not an unpopular food item by any stretch, but their success pales beside t… --- ## [Joker gets 11 Oscar Nominations. I still say it sucked.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joker-gets-11-oscar-nominations-i-still-say-it-sucked/846372)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joker-gets-11-oscar-nominations-i-still-say-it-sucked/846372 "2020-03-02T11:34:05Z")
I just thought the screenplay was pretentious garbo. But I want this to be a general thread about it’s number of nominations. So, even if you liked it, (which you likely did :roll\_eyes:,) you can participate as well! --- ## [grid sampled virus database?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grid-sampled-virus-database/848656)
**Author:** [@Jim\_Peebles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_Peebles)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grid-sampled-virus-database/848656 "2020-03-02T10:02:00Z")
So a dog just tested positive for the coronavirus: I’m beginning to think this particular coronavirus is already everywhere, and not the real culprit. (In another thread, which I admit didn’t go over well, I voiced my … --- ## [How to sell a 1911 Britannica?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sell-a-1911-britannica/571533)
**Author:** [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-sell-a-1911-britannica/571533 "2020-03-02T05:36:39Z")
I have a full set of the Encyclopedia Britannica 11th edition of 1911 (plus three supplementary volumes that update it to 1922) that I am considering selling, and I would like to ask people’s opinions about the best way … --- ## [help me portray cocaine use in a movie](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-portray-cocaine-use-in-a-movie/848561)
**Author:** [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-portray-cocaine-use-in-a-movie/848561 "2020-03-02T03:10:44Z")
This weekend and next, I have an acting gig where I will be required to do two lines of “cocaine” (lactose powder). I do the lines off a stripper’s body, as one does, and then get stabbed to death. It should be good fun. … --- ## [Couple's new home has a snake den underneath it.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couples-new-home-has-a-snake-den-underneath-it/848653)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/couples-new-home-has-a-snake-den-underneath-it/848653 "2020-03-02T02:43:40Z")
Ah, home sweet home. You, your partner, pets, and a snake den. I’d have to find another place to live until they were gone. :eek: Glad the snakes weren’t killed. Relocating is a better option. But, will more snakes vis… --- ## [Issuing $5 of debt for every $1 of GDP growth. How sustainable is this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issuing-5-of-debt-for-every-1-of-gdp-growth-how-sustainable-is-this/848712)
**Author:** [@Marcus\_Flavius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marcus_Flavius)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/issuing-5-of-debt-for-every-1-of-gdp-growth-how-sustainable-is-this/848712 "2020-03-02T02:42:48Z")
According to USdebtclock.org, US total debt is increasing at 5x the rate of GDP growth. How long can this last? Why does no one care about this? None of the politicians even pretend to care anymore. Trump says we have a … --- ## [Loading issue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loading-issue/848688)
**Author:** [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loading-issue/848688 "2020-03-02T01:34:22Z")
Has anyone else had an issue getting pages to load? I thought it was the iPad at first, but I don’t have a problem with any other websites. --- ## [South Carolina Primary Discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-primary-discussion/847733)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-carolina-primary-discussion/847733 "2020-03-02T01:11:23Z")
I know it’s early to start this but I saw this article in Politico. I think the also-rans will be done after South Carolina. Steyer may get a lot of delegates in SC but what is that worth if he doesn’t get delegates an… --- ## [Let's talk about pluralities vs. majorities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-pluralities-vs-majorities/848271)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-pluralities-vs-majorities/848271 "2020-03-02T00:58:04Z")
When asked at the Nevada debate, only Bernie Sanders said the candidate with a non-majority plurality of support should be made the nominee, period. The other candidates said the process should play out as per DNC rules… --- ## [Jambalaya recipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jambalaya-recipe/848318)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jambalaya-recipe/848318 "2020-03-02T00:46:24Z")
With Mardi Gras just a few days away, it’s time to prep for jambalaya. Unfortunately, the link to the recipe I use is dead. While I can just make it from memory, I fortunately have the recipe on a backup disc from my o… --- ## [NHL 103 - February 2020](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-103-february-2020/847319)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2020, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-103-february-2020/847319 "2020-03-02T00:42:22Z")
Opening new thread for February. Still quite a few “bubble teams.” --- ## [COVID-19 (new Coronavirus) and the common cold.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-new-coronavirus-and-the-common-cold/848697)
**Author:** [@Unreconstructed\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unreconstructed_Man)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/covid-19-new-coronavirus-and-the-common-cold/848697 "2020-03-01T23:57:31Z")
As I understand it, COVID-19 belongs to the same family of viruses as the common cold. Every year we get new flu vaccines, but because the flu mutates so fast the vaccines are based on what the experts think the flu wil… --- ## [The best Philly style soft pretzel recipe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-philly-style-soft-pretzel-recipe/848597)
**Author:** [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-philly-style-soft-pretzel-recipe/848597 "2020-03-01T23:04:30Z")
Growing up in Maryland and living near Philadelphia when I was first married, I was lucky enough to have easy access to soft pretzels. The perfect snack food. Now I live far from anything like that. I have 2 options. Fro… --- ## [Email's homophone](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emails-homophone/848610)
**Author:** [@Mithril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mithril)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/emails-homophone/848610 "2020-03-01T21:50:42Z")
Hi, all- I was reading a grammar and usage manual from a pedant in my industry, and came across this: “(By the way, note that email (pronounced “ay-my”) is a color.)” Imagine trying to google “what color is email?” It … --- ## [Are 'heathen' and 'pagan' synonymous? If not, what's the difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-heathen-and-pagan-synonymous-if-not-whats-the-difference/848520)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-heathen-and-pagan-synonymous-if-not-whats-the-difference/848520 "2020-03-01T21:46:08Z")
Both ‘heathen’ and ‘pagan’ ususally translate to the single word ‘Heide’ in my native German. Now ‘Heide’ generally means “a non-Christian person”, be it someone of another faith or an atheist (not that we use the word v… --- ## [Warner cartoon trivia question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warner-cartoon-trivia-question/848755)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warner-cartoon-trivia-question/848755 "2020-03-01T20:02:01Z")
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xhm7d3 In Backalley Oproar, what is the song the orange cat sings at 3:37? --- ## [Do people with more life experiences offer better advice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-with-more-life-experiences-offer-better-advice/848724)
**Author:** [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-with-more-life-experiences-offer-better-advice/848724 "2020-03-01T18:39:23Z")
IMO, it all depends on the person and what advice is needed. --- ## [Is Brent Phillips a fraud or legit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-brent-phillips-a-fraud-or-legit/652683)
**Author:** [@Vitalis\_Kissmeoff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vitalis_Kissmeoff)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-brent-phillips-a-fraud-or-legit/652683 "2020-03-01T18:11:13Z")
Won’t link to his site, but wonder if anyone has thoughts or insight or anything on this guy. Heard him on the radio today, claims he graduated tops at MIT. He was pegging my BS meter. Google and WolframAlpha didn’t show… --- ## [Opinions on a couple of watches - Tag/IWC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-a-couple-of-watches-tag-iwc/848751)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opinions-on-a-couple-of-watches-tag-iwc/848751 "2020-03-01T17:42:46Z")
I don’t know much about watches. I wear an old Seikpo my wife bought me when we were poor, and a Timex Ironman. I gave my son my grabdfather’s Elgin pocketwatch, my daughter my dad’s old Seamaster, and have an old rect… --- ## [What is your favorite household tip or technique?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-household-tip-or-technique/847041)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-favorite-household-tip-or-technique/847041 "2020-03-01T17:02:38Z")
I recently had an invasion of tiny flying insects and I started a thread asking for help how to get rid of them. Sure enough, you Dopers proved to be a great source of knowledge and I am especially grateful to Davidm for… --- ## [Spotify glitchy with Echo devices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-glitchy-with-echo-devices/848750)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spotify-glitchy-with-echo-devices/848750 "2020-03-01T16:43:51Z")
I use Spotify premium and have 5 Echo device from which I listen to Spotified music. Is it me or is this combo glitchy as all get-out? My “available devices” list seems random - names of devices change, some disappear … --- ## [The Hobbit and LOTR back in theaters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hobbit-and-lotr-back-in-theaters/848355)
**Author:** [@Bijou\_Drains](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bijou_Drains)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2020, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-hobbit-and-lotr-back-in-theaters/848355 "2020-03-01T16:40:50Z")
My local IMAX is showing the 3 hobbit movies now and next week they are going to show all 3 of the LOTR movies. I assume this is the same all over the US. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1993) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=1995)