# Latest **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=204&state=muted [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 205 --- ## [Is the AGI risk getting a bit overstated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-agi-risk-getting-a-bit-overstated/1023871)
**Author:** [@Saffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saffer)\ **Replies:** 197\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-agi-risk-getting-a-bit-overstated/1023871 "2025-11-11T22:34:52Z")
I recently watched this video: https://youtu.be/5KVDDfAkRgc?si=QtWhoQS1mZXTXw8o A common plot point in these sorts of discussions is exponential increases in capability. In this video, exponential improvement is contras… --- ## [An interesting unit of measurment - the denier](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-unit-of-measurment-the-denier/1024674)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-interesting-unit-of-measurment-the-denier/1024674 "2025-11-11T21:42:26Z")
I bought something made of 600D cloth and searched to see exactly what that meant. It is the abbreviation for 600 denier fabric, a rather tough outdoor rated cloth. A denier unit means each strand of yarn weighs 1 gram p… --- ## [A deli sandwich?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-deli-sandwich/1024784)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-deli-sandwich/1024784 "2025-11-11T18:57:08Z")
Is there a deli either in NYC or LA or both that names their sandwiches after stars that offers a mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich called a Billy Crystal or Miracle Max? --- ## [What's going on with the local street renovations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-local-street-renovations/1024665)
**Author:** [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-with-the-local-street-renovations/1024665 "2025-11-11T17:59:55Z")
I spent most of my life in the construction world, but not much with road construction. A local project here is repaving and upgrading the underground utilities with new manholes, cabling, etc. There is presently a compa… --- ## [Would you consider this SciFi scenario a form of rape? (TW)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-this-scifi-scenario-a-form-of-rape-tw/1024506)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-consider-this-scifi-scenario-a-form-of-rape-tw/1024506 "2025-11-11T17:45:23Z")
An alien sentient species has external fertilization. They do a full lay-the-eggs-in-a-pool-then-leave-the-fertilized-eggs-to grow-in-the-wild cycle as if they were salmon or similar. The female chooses which males she a… --- ## [Help me think up a good story for my new scar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-think-up-a-good-story-for-my-new-scar/1024448)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-think-up-a-good-story-for-my-new-scar/1024448 "2025-11-11T17:38:55Z")
I had a minor hand surgery yesterday. A small (almost certainly benign) growth removed just below the bottom knuckle of the pointer finger. So it’s probably going to look like I punched a window or something. Trouble … --- ## [leonid meteor shower](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonid-meteor-shower/275189)
**Author:** [@Rock\_n\_Roach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rock_n_Roach)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leonid-meteor-shower/275189 "2025-11-11T16:17:09Z")
The shower is this week Though it may not be as spectacular as in years past I still wanted to send out a notice for those who may be interested. Unfortunately it’s cloudy here in my neck of the woods and probably will… --- ## [Schrödinger's Cat Jokes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schrodingers-cat-jokes/1024677)
**Author:** [@IridiumIodineSulfur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IridiumIodineSulfur)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schrodingers-cat-jokes/1024677 "2025-11-11T14:42:39Z")
Who here has good Schrödinger’s Cat jokes (or related jokes that come to mind)? I’ll list a couple. Schrödinger, Heisenberg, and Ohm are all in a car. A police officer pulls them over and says, “Do you know how fast yo… --- ## [What's a Filibuster, or Can the Senate really just "change the rules"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-filibuster-or-can-the-senate-really-just-change-the-rules/1024629)
**Author:** [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-a-filibuster-or-can-the-senate-really-just-change-the-rules/1024629 "2025-11-11T14:41:28Z")
Seeing a lot of talk about how a simple majority in the Senate can just “change the rules” to get rid of the 60 vote requirement to end a filibuster. Is it really that easy? Yes and No. What does the Senate do? Basic… --- ## [A Sponge question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sponge-question/1024698)
**Author:** [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sponge-question/1024698 "2025-11-11T13:15:41Z")
How gross is my shower sponge? I know kitchen sponges get really filthy and moldy and need to be tossed pretty quickly. This is not pouf, not a natural sea sponge. A cheapy I found on a hook at Walmart for less that $3… --- ## [What bands with strange names made it big?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bands-with-strange-names-made-it-big/1024637)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-bands-with-strange-names-made-it-big/1024637 "2025-11-11T10:52:28Z")
I saw a flyer for The Dead Milkmen that made me think about it. Bare Naked Ladies comes to mind, not sure how big they got. The Bangles changed their name from The Bangs to be more acceptable. --- ## [I pit Zionism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-zionism/1018840)
**Author:** [@natureboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/natureboy)\ **Replies:** 288\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-zionism/1018840 "2025-11-11T06:36:19Z")
Because Zionism is responsible for the very crimes it fled Europe from, and also because it is hijacking American politics. --- ## [A Larry King quote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-larry-king-quote/1024744)
**Author:** [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-larry-king-quote/1024744 "2025-11-11T04:41:34Z")
King was interviewing Tip O’Neill, who was an old man at the time. I don’t know how I remember this quote verbatim, but it just struck me as an odd thing to ask somebody. He asked: “how does it feel to be so close to mee… --- ## [Who has ever been a stooge/in on the magic trick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-ever-been-a-stooge-in-on-the-magic-trick/1024644)
**Author:** [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-ever-been-a-stooge-in-on-the-magic-trick/1024644 "2025-11-11T04:16:45Z")
I have read some of the numerous threads here about how magic tricks are accomplished. Most threads of that sort contain answers with the assumption that the live audience was in on the trick to fool the TV audience. I… --- ## [Evidence that Universe’s Expansion is Decelerating](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-that-universe-s-expansion-is-decelerating/1024755)
**Author:** [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evidence-that-universe-s-expansion-is-decelerating/1024755 "2025-11-11T04:11:22Z")
Surprised that this isn’t bigger news, so not sure how seriously I should take it. Wouldn’t it upend alot of current prevailing astronomical theories? --- ## [Is there a way to take a picture and prove later it was taken on a specific day??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-take-a-picture-and-prove-later-it-was-taken-on-a-specific-day/46729)
**Author:** [@Hokienautic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hokienautic)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-take-a-picture-and-prove-later-it-was-taken-on-a-specific-day/46729 "2025-11-11T00:34:08Z")
Here’s the background. My father works for the INS, and we talked yesterday about a problem they’re encountering. A new law is probably going to be enacted that would allow certain benefits to immigrants assuming they’re… --- ## [Mars impact lunar origin theory: How does the Moon reach a stable, nearly circular orbit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-impact-lunar-origin-theory-how-does-the-moon-reach-a-stable-nearly-circular-orbit/1024701)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2025, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-impact-lunar-origin-theory-how-does-the-moon-reach-a-stable-nearly-circular-orbit/1024701 "2025-11-11T00:00:39Z")
I’ve read a few (brief) articles online that suggest the Moon was formed very early in the solar system’s development when Mars, or what would one day become Mars, struck the Earth a glancing blow and knocked the future … --- ## [Kayaker runs Tahquamenon Falls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kayaker-runs-tahquamenon-falls/1024739)
**Author:** [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kayaker-runs-tahquamenon-falls/1024739 "2025-11-10T23:53:33Z")
Just south of Whitefish Point discussed in the Edmund Fitzgerald thread is Tahquamenon Falls which is ~50 feet tall and ~200 feet wide. A kayaker went over it and survived “The kayaker did not seek park medical attentio… --- ## [A couple of new moon wallopings caught on video](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-new-moon-wallopings-caught-on-video/1024699)
**Author:** [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-new-moon-wallopings-caught-on-video/1024699 "2025-11-10T23:02:28Z")
Transient lunar phenomenon events recorded on October 30th and November 1st. --- ## [WTH happened to frozen hamburger pizza?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wth-happened-to-frozen-hamburger-pizza/999673)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wth-happened-to-frozen-hamburger-pizza/999673 "2025-11-10T22:09:29Z")
I understand that beef is more expensive than pork and that sausage and pepperoni are bigger sellers. But most brands of frozen pizza had one in hamburger. Now I can’t find one to save my life. Not at any store I’ve be… --- ## [Wisecracks or Sayings that Improve your Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisecracks-or-sayings-that-improve-your-day/1024543)
**Author:** [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisecracks-or-sayings-that-improve-your-day/1024543 "2025-11-10T21:40:40Z")
Mood is a weird thing. You can have a great day and something comes out of left field and ruins it. We have a lot of threads about that. But sometimes, you’re wandering around in your usual/default mood and you’re sud… --- ## [Which Nov 4, 2025 elections are you watching?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-nov-4-2025-elections-are-you-watching/1024505)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-nov-4-2025-elections-are-you-watching/1024505 "2025-11-10T21:38:52Z")
Not seeing much movement WRT the federal shutdown. In another thread, someone mentioned the upcoming elections as potentially encouraging some movement, by suggesting voter sympathies. Do you expect that to be the case… --- ## [How have you betrayed your younger self? (Please read criteria in OP before posting!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-betrayed-your-younger-self-please-read-criteria-in-op-before-posting/1024230)
**Author:** [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-have-you-betrayed-your-younger-self-please-read-criteria-in-op-before-posting/1024230 "2025-11-10T19:40:03Z")
How have you betrayed your younger self? By which I mean not merely changes in your tastes or preferences, e.g., you used to read fantasy books, and now prefer sci-fi, or you only listened to heavy metal in high school,… --- ## [Yay, I'm gonna see Richard Thompson for the first time in May! \[fixed title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yay-im-gonna-see-richard-thompson-for-the-first-time-in-may-fixed-title/1010919)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/yay-im-gonna-see-richard-thompson-for-the-first-time-in-may-fixed-title/1010919 "2025-11-10T19:13:28Z")
I got into Richard Thompson relatively late, about 20 years ago a coworker lent me his sampler “Action Packed: The Best Of The Capitol Years”. I had known his stellar reputation, but nonetheless was blown away by that al… --- ## [Comptroller of the Currency. Two for two](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comptroller-of-the-currency-two-for-two/1024734)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comptroller-of-the-currency-two-for-two/1024734 "2025-11-10T18:42:38Z")
Thankfully the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has not been affected by the shutdown; the only other time I had to use them they were. The first time, a bank manager for BofA kept refusing to seen a cashiers c… --- ## [Cat allergies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-allergies/1014358)
**Author:** [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cat-allergies/1014358 "2025-11-10T17:13:54Z")
We have three cats: Irving, Ophelia, and Mario. Irving and Ophelia are eight years old, and they came to us as a bonded pair when they were around seven months old. The rescue that we adopted them from told us they were … --- ## [Gardeners - what flowers give you the biggest bang for the buck?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardeners-what-flowers-give-you-the-biggest-bang-for-the-buck/1024529)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gardeners-what-flowers-give-you-the-biggest-bang-for-the-buck/1024529 "2025-11-10T17:12:04Z")
Here in Zone 5 around Chicago, we are cleaning things up for winter. Most of the blooms are gone other than Russian Sage and some lavender. But the nasturtiums we started from seed back in May are still going strong! … --- ## [Some gaps in my musical knowledge (and what to do about it.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-gaps-in-my-musical-knowledge-and-what-to-do-about-it/997943)
**Author:** [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Replies:** 164\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-gaps-in-my-musical-knowledge-and-what-to-do-about-it/997943 "2025-11-10T17:08:49Z")
(Post prompted by @Mean\_Mr.Mustard latest “Songs beginning with …” threads; and encouraged by @EinsteinsHund) Ahem. A confession. Shockingly, until a few weeks ago, I had never listened to an album by…The Rolling Stones.… --- ## [I've been admitted to psychiatric wards in Virginia about 20 times in 18 years: AMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-been-admitted-to-psychiatric-wards-in-virginia-about-20-times-in-18-years-ama/1024638)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-been-admitted-to-psychiatric-wards-in-virginia-about-20-times-in-18-years-ama/1024638 "2025-11-10T16:58:19Z")
On Saturday, October 25, I went to Obici Memorial Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia for psychiatric treatment. They eventually found a bed for me at Virginia Commonwealth University hospital in Richmond, where I was from the… --- ## [What kind of trouble is this lawyer facing (hides damning evidence that would sink his firm's client, bigly)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-trouble-is-this-lawyer-facing-hides-damning-evidence-that-would-sink-his-firms-client-bigly/1024692)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2025, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-trouble-is-this-lawyer-facing-hides-damning-evidence-that-would-sink-his-firms-client-bigly/1024692 "2025-11-10T16:39:52Z")
On a TV show I watch, a lawyer withheld evidence from Discovery, on the orders of the senior partner (who is also his father, if it matters), and locked it up in a safe deposit box. The evidence would have sunk his clien… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=203&state=muted) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md?page=205&state=muted)